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The Archangel ChroniclesAC II Chapter 10 The King of Aksum and League of Star BearersSend us a textThe narrative now shifts to Bazen, now known as Balthazar, King of Aksum. He recounts the mystical and prophetic journey that led him to join a gathering of extraordinary individuals, all drawn by a miraculous star heralding the birth of a divine child.Balthazar, descended from the House of Solomon and Sheba, recalls his youth steeped in learning, martial skill, and spiritual wisdom. A vision of a pulsing star awakens a deep calling in him. Shortly afterward, a mysterious fleet arrives at the port of Adulis carrying a diverse and mysterious g...2025-07-171h 11
The Archangel ChroniclesAC II Chapter 9 PilgrimSend us a textGondophares, King of a great empire, is plagued by recurring, vivid dreams of a tiger in the jungle and a glowing child who calls to him. Despite returning home to peace and prosperity, he feels restless—haunted by a divine longing that no earthly success can soothe.In the palace gardens, he hears a young girl, Loukia, sing a haunting song of Orpheus and Eurydice. Her sorrowful music stirs his soul. She speaks of visions—a child bathed in light, beckoning her and her mother to follow a star. Gondophares realizes they...2025-04-0753 minThe Archangel ChroniclesAC II Chapter 3. GondopharesSend us a textThe narrative now shifts to Gondophares, also known as Gaspar, the Indo-Parthian King of Kings, powerful overlord of all the mighty, rich and populous lands of the great river Indus, stretching from the shores of the Erythrean Sea to the Hindu Kush. While mounting a siege of the great port city of Barbaricum, he has a strange dream, that he is stalking in the forest in the body of a tiger. He sees a strange light, but awakes to the surprising news that Azes, a petty rebel king, has abandoned the city and...2025-03-0853 minThe Archangel ChroniclesAC II Chapter 8. TaxilaSend us a textAdam and his companions arrive in the grand city of Taxila, a thriving metropolis with diverse cultural influences, including Buddhist, Greek, and Zoroastrian elements. The city's splendor and advanced infrastructure amaze the travellers.Upon arrival, the group is met by Commander Adashir, who welcomes them on behalf of the Great King Gondophares. It is revealed that the king is in the south, involved in conflicts and forming alliances with a mysterious fleet. The group settles in the palace, enjoying the city's hospitality while awaiting further developments.Meanwhile, Axia, the...2025-02-2753 minThe Archangel ChroniclesAC II Chapter 7 The PassageSend us a textThe travellers escaping the Kushans, come to Alexandria in the Caucasus, another of the lost cities of Alexander, which has not yet fallen to the Kushans. The arrival of Loukia, a descendant of Roxanna, causes a stir amongst the Greeks in this distant city. Besieged on all sides, Euthydemus, the last King of the farthest Greeks, hails her as a harbinger of hope for his kingdom. But will Euthydemus and his people let this girl depart? Axia promises to aid the Farthest Greeks in exchange for help in making the difficult transit over t...2025-01-0545 minThe Archangel ChroniclesAC II Chapter 5 Death MaidenSend us a textThe mysterious monk now tells the story of the green-eyed Loukia, child of light and descendant of daughters of ancient Greek kings in the far east. The travellers are captivated by her tragic tale. It begins with the fate of the cities built by Alexander centuries before in Bactria, Gandhara, and at the very steps of the Hindu Kush. These Greek cities fall one by one to the Yuezhi, nomads from the east, who establish a new empire, the Kushan, under their warlord, Heraeus. This tyrant takes an interest in Loukia, and has...2024-12-0839 minThe Archangel ChroniclesAC II Chapter 5 Treasure of BukharaSend us a textOur narrative shifts back again to Adam. Axia, Arsalion and their party together with Adam, Scarus and Targitus, Master of Eagles, depart from the Massagetae, leaving her brothers Protothyes and Skumaxa as co-regents of the nation. At first the party is guided by a pillar of light from the Archangels, and travels down a mighty river. But the light of the angels fades as they travel through strange and unknown lands far to the east and south. A council is held to discuss their situation. A plan is worked out. Theron, Adam, and S...2024-12-0255 minThe Archangel ChroniclesAC II Chapter 4 MonsoonSend us a textThe Great King Gondophares, the philosophia, and the rest of the party return to the palace. On the way, the great transformation of the Monsoons transforms the land. But, before the rains return, the Romans and the Indo-Parthian army must make plans. Forces are put into motion, and the new roman fleet and Gondophares’ army sweep down upon the enemy. Gondophares and the Indo-Parthians now find themselves at peace after generations of war. He is restless and searches for a new purpose, his thoughts turning to Sophia. The allies are stricken with...2024-09-1356 minThe Archangel ChroniclesAC II Chapter 3 GondopharesSend us a textThe narrative now shifts to Gondophares, also known as Gaspar, the Indo-Parthian King of Kings, powerful overlord of all the mighty, rich and populous lands of the great river Indus, stretching from the shores of the Erythrean Sea to the Hindu Kush. While mounting a siege of the great port city of Barbaricum, he has a strange dream, that he is stalking in the forest in the body of a tiger. He sees a strange light, but awakes to the surprising news that Azes, a petty rebel king, has abandoned the city and...2024-09-0539 minThe Archangel ChroniclesAC II Chapter 2 The PeriplusSend us a textThe 10-ship roman trade fleet has crossed the Indian Ocean and approaches the end of its journey to the lands of the Indus. But little is known about the port city of Barbaricum, and what awaits them there. With all the uncertainty, plans are set in motion to deal with the expected danger of a pirate fleet. Honourius’ fears are well founded as the merchant ships encounter a squadron of hostile war galleys. His plans are executed with devastating results, as the 10 trade ships safely anchor in the harbour. Sophia confronts Honorius with th...2024-06-0639 minThe Archangel ChroniclesAC II Chapter 1 The Tomb of SorrowsSend us a textCamilla, Sophia’s guardian, the retired Vestalis Maxima, , takes up the narrative. While preparations for the voyage of the departing Roman fleet for India are reaching their conclusion, Sophia grieves the absence of Adam. Honourius deflects her questions, accuses Adam and Scarus of running off with the Scythian Queen, and counsels her to forget about them. The expedition departs and Sophia turns to Camilla for comfort. Now that the voyage has begun, Camilla is no longer bound by her oath of secrecy. She tells Sophia about her past, and the tragic story of he...2024-06-0238 minThe Archangel ChroniclesArchangel Chronicles II: The Second PrologueSend us a textThe epilogue to Archangel Chronicles I ended the first part of the saga with a mystery: a strange hermit, in a desert monastery high up a mountainside, where an Archaeologist, Havelock, and his assistant, Hassan have come to find answers. Archangel Chronicles II begins with another mystery, on another mountain shrouded in legends. Havelock pursues his quest to discern the story of the strange hermit through the centuries by finding the scrolls where it has all been written down. But who is the lady in the tomb?Send your co...2024-05-2615 minThe Archangel ChroniclesA Word From Me, the StorytellerSend us a textI thought I would take a few minutes to explain where this story came from before continuing with Archangel Chronicles II Triumph of Innocence. There is a lot more adventures coming as we unroll the next part of the saga. The podcast is such an intimate medium. This story comes directly from me to you, dear listeners, wherever in the world you may be. No ancient bard ever had such access one on one on such an intimate level. I hope this story has meaning for you. Text me on fan mail at b...2024-05-1123 minThe Archangel ChroniclesEpilogueSend us a textBook One of the Archangel Chronicles ends where it began, in what seems like a prison at the top of a mountain. But is it really a prison, or a place of safety and strength? Some travellers are urgently seeking the man in this place, in a desert wasteland. But is it really a wasteland, or a place where one story ends and others have yet to be told?Send your comments to raymond@raydiantlightstudios.com2023-11-2824 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 25 The KurganSend us a textAxia is brought back to the Massagetae camp, her wound festering, and in grave condition. She is surrounded by her priestesses, who kneel around her, chanting day and night and offering sacrifices. Arsalion never leaves Axia’s side. Adam realizes that he is helpless to stem the tide of her infection. While Axia and her brothers have taken their revenge on Artaxes, there is no joy in it. After some days, Axia regains enough strength to summons her people to raise a great burial mound, a Kurgan in which to bury her father the...2023-11-1939 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 24 The Lord of SlaughterSend us a textAxia and her brothers gather the commanders of the Scythian warriors for a council of war. The Massagetae host is organized into companies and divisions. The whole camp feverishly prepares for the coming battle. Scarus comes up with a plan to deal with the enemy war elephants. The sacred fires are lit, and companies of scouts are set out to disrupt the approaching enemy army. With wind and fire, the enemy is checked, and prisoners are brought forward. Axia gives the captives a message to take back to the enemy. But the army...2023-11-0450 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 23 The NergeSend us a textAbu takes up the narrative. His Eagle Master Aduthuma, Abu’s eagle Zephyria and Abu begin their long journey back to the Massagetae camp to join the great hunt, or Nerge. They travel at night along the edges of the steppes, sticking to high places, avoiding towns and cities along the way. Abu’s attachment to Zephyria grows, and he can see through her eyes while in a trance as Zephyria hunts and guides them forward. One day, they discern a cloud of dust in the distance, and Zephyria is sent to find out t...2023-10-1046 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 22 The Three Manly SportsSend us a textAdam takes up the narrative again. Abu has gone with his new mentor, the Master of the Eagles far away from the Massagetae camp. Adam is lonely, and feeling Abu’s absence, so he keeps himself busy. Queen Axia is determined to wed Adam, and he is running out of excuses, so he plots with Theron and Scarus to press the Roxolani (Sarmatian) Prince Arsalion to pursue a match with the Queen. Theron is enthusiastic, and he enlists the Queen’s brothers to help him propose a grand tournament of the three manly sport...2023-09-241h 09The Archangel ChroniclesChapter 21 The BalapanSend us a textAbubakar tells us his tearful parting from Adam, his first mentor. He discovers the mystical threads that binds him to the eagles and Aduthuma, the Master of the Eales takes him on as his apprentice. Together they take a long journey to the Sacred Mountains, where Aduthuma begins to pass his knowledge on to Abu. He learns to hunt with the Eagles, and comes to understand the love and respect that must be given to them, and all creatures. Abu learns a valuable lesson when the day comes for Zephros to be taken to t...2023-09-1639 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 20 Through the Eagle's EyeSend us a textThe eastward migration of the Massagetae continues, until, late into the waning summer, and cool nights, a place for a winter camp is chosen where the ancient Oxus River, now known as the Amu Darya, reaches the Aral Sea. Adam is visited again by Raphael of the Gray Eyes, who tells him that a solution to his dilemma with the Scythian Queen may present itself. Adam learns from Arsalion, Prince of the Roxolani, that mythical heroic epics about Adam’s exploits are being sung amongst the people. Adam sees an opportunity to play the...2023-04-0234 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 19 Moses of the MassagetaeSend us a textAfter turning the tables on Thraxsus and his cutthroat band of gladiators and thieves, it is time for a feast. The Queen is at the head of an ever growing host of warriors. It is time to dispense justice to the Thraxsus’ remaining followers, but justice is harsh on the steppes. The great migration of Axia and her people continues, and the host grows more day by day, until they come to the great river Volga, and must cross it to enter the heartland of the Massagetae. Theron appears out of the mists with...2023-03-2632 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 18. BartatuaSend us a textAxia’s party, slowed down by the Scythian treasure wagons, have attracted a lot of unwanted attention passing through the farthest reaches of the Empire after leaving Baku. They are warned by the commander of the cohort guarding the Gates of Alexander, the last outpost of civilization, but do not heed his advice. The party presses on, but many of the Scythian horsemen have melted away, leaving the Queen’s party and her treasure waggons guarded only by the dubious Thraxsus and his gladiators. Scarus senses the coming confrontation. Preparations are made. Now isol...2023-03-1835 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 17 Baku and BeyondSend us a text Adam, Abu and Scarus are now placed in the custody of Axia, Queen of the Red Scythians, and they begin a relentless journey on horseback with her warband across the Eastern Empire, headed for Baku, on the shores of the Caspian Sea, the empire’s farthest outpost. The band meets up again on the shores of the Black Sea with Theron, who has recruited a dubious band of former gladiators to guard the wagons bearing the Queen’s treasure. Scarus, Adam and Abu are suspicious of the gladiators, and their leader, Thraxus...2023-03-1138 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 16 On Eagle's WingSend us a textOur story now moves a land far away from the civilized cities of Roman AEgypt, out onto the vast Steppes of Central Asia, where a party gathers on a vast Scythian burial ground. A mysterious winged being makes it presence known. Adams companions are alarmed by strange lights in the sky, but Adam has seen them before. Adam recalls events of the last several years, when he was kidnapped from the comfort of his home in Alexandria, and spirited away from his life with Sophia. Adam finds that he was betrayed by those clos...2023-03-0659 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 15. Herod's VisitorsSend us a textWhile our reluctant prophet is drawn far, away from Alexandria on an uncertain adventure, our narrative now shifts to the darkened halls of Herod the Great’s palace in Jerusalem. There, brooding deeply in the gloom of night, he receives a series of visitors from the past that remind him of many things he would rather forget. Herod is forced to confront the blackness of his own soul, before he is awakened by a strange light.Send your comments to raymond@raydiantlightstudios.com2022-09-1651 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 14. A Bold PlanSend us a textAdam reflects on a past memory of Axia, who now speaks to the secret assembly. She vows to return to her people and retake her throne. The scholars at Alexandria reveal knowledge of the sea routes to the east, which have since become blocked by pirates. Another invitation by a powerful Indo-Parthian King is revealed. Honorius seeks to recruit Axia and her peoples to restore the trade routes and offers aid from the Emperor himself. Axia and the Scythians consider the offer, but she has conditions that must be met before she will ac...2022-09-0434 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 13 Eyes to the EastSend us a textIn the aftermath of the great race, Adam's fame as healer of the Queen of the Red Scythians threatens his security. Scarus, the centurion, is assigned by the prefect to become Adam’s bodyguard, and becomes a reliable friend. Adam’s comfortable existence is interrupted by a summons to a secret meeting of notables, assembled by Honorius. Great plans with an eye to the east are revealed. To Adam’s surprise, Axia is at the very centre of it all.Send your comments to raymond@raydiantlightstudios.com2022-09-0142 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 12 Rise of the PhoenixSend us a textThe day of the great race comes. During the opening spectacle, Axia's funeral fire is ignited. But the crowd is astonished when a red phoenix flies up from the ashes, followed by the re-appearance of the Red Scythian Queen to lead her faction's teams. The Race is close, but Axia needs to survive yet another disaster to win it.Send your comments to raymond@raydiantlightstudios.com2022-08-2849 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 11 Before the Great RaceSend us a textAxia’s recovery is kept secret. Adam assembles a group of scholars together with Theron and his guards. Adam reveals what he knows about the likely cause of Axia’s seizures. A secret plot is unmasked. Theron ponders an unpleasant surprise for the conspirators.Send your comments to raymond@raydiantlightstudios.com2022-08-0126 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 10 The Philosopher and the Scythian QueenSend us a textAxia recovers with Adam’s help, but he is alarmed by the bold expression of her intentions towards him. Sofia recites the tragic history of the Massagetae and asks Adam to introduce her to Axia. Sophia and Axia come from different worlds, and Axia does not hesitate to express her claims to Adam, but at the end she is disarmed by Sophia's graciousness. Axia makes a dark vow to seek revenge for the murder of her father. Send your comments to raymond@raydiantlightstudios.com2022-07-3144 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 9 Theron and the Red ScythiansSend us a textAdam’s fame as a physician in ancient Alexandria continues to grow, and his medical practice thrives. An evil shadow from the past makes its presence known, but Raphael is close by. Adam’s fame attracts a Greek merchant and impresario, Theron Simonides, accompanied by two extraordinary warriors from the steppes, Red Scythians of the Massagentae tribe to Adam’s clinic. Theron recites a compelling tale of blood and treachery, and begs Adam to help the Scythian Queen, Axia Panoplias, "She who is Worthy of Armour" who is gravely ill. Adam hastens to her cha...2022-07-0646 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 8 Venom and VisionsSend us a textEvil invades Adam and Abu's home, leaving Adam stricken, but Atlas and Calliope come to the rescue. While unconscious, Adam has a mysterious vision, and Raphael reveals himself again.Send your comments to raymond@raydiantlightstudios.com2022-06-2823 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 7 SophiaSend us a textAdam and Abu settle into the great city of Alexandria. Adam uses his skills and knowledge to build an ancient medical practice, and their household begins to thrive. Adam is drawn to the Great Library and the Museion, the seat of all knowledge in the ancient world, and seeks out the famous lady philosopher Sophia he had been told about. He presents himself to her, and she is intrigued by this mysterious wanderer. Sophia arranges for Adam to study at the Museon, and he discovers the ancient texts on medicine stored there. As...2022-06-271h 02The Archangel ChroniclesChapter 6 Secrets from the PastSend us a textChapter 6 Secrets from the Past Episode SummaryThe narrative in our story now shifts to Camilla, the retired Vestal Virgin, who we first met in the prologue, 25 years before. As instructed by a highly placed confidant of the Emperor, Paulus Honorius Fabius, Camilla had been conscripted to take the newly born baby Sophia, from her mother, Tullia, at birth and spirit her away across the Mare Nostrum (Mediterranean Sea). Camilla is re-united with Honorius, and tells him about Julia’s childhood, and her growth to maturity as a scholar and philosopher in a...2022-05-1336 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 6 Secrets From the PastThe narrative in our story now shifts to Camilla, the retired Vestal Virgin, who we first met in the prologue, 25 years before. As instructed by a highly placed confidant of the Emperor, Paulus Honorius Fabius, Camilla had been conscripted to take the newly born baby Sophia, from her mother, Tullia, at birth and spirit her away across the Mare Nostrum (Mediterranean Sea). Camilla is re-united with Honorius, and tells him about Julia’s childhood, and her growth to maturity as a scholar and philosopher in ancient Alexandria. Honorius reveals a state secret, but takes great interest in the details of S...2022-05-0636 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 4 Hippos in the NightSend us a textAbu and Adam begin their memorable trip down the ancient Nile, bound for the great City of Alexandria. Adam discovers too late that they have been followed, and are betrayed back into the hands of Drago. But there is a violent reckoning, and the creatures of the Nile unexpectedly come to Adam and Abu's aid, but with tragic consequences.Send your comments to raymond@raydiantlightstudios.com2021-08-1623 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 5. From the Land of the DeadSend us a textAbu and Adam are at a loss about what to do with their travelling companions, until they come again upon Raphael. Adam is given a powerful vision, and there is an awakening from the land of the dead. Adam and Abu finally reach the great City of Alexandria.Send your comments to raymond@raydiantlightstudios.com2021-08-1634 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 2 The Centurion and the TribuneSend us a textOur reluctant prophet sets out in the ancient world of Greco-Roman Egypt to begin his quest, armed with the gifts he has been given. Adam begins to discern how he must cope with his new surroundings and identity, and he befriends a local Centurion and his commanding officer with a few ad hoc tricks.Send your comments to raymond@raydiantlightstudios.com2021-08-0141 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 3 Abu and the DragonSend us a textAdam meets a young slave, Abu, who is impressed by Adam's magic tricks and agrees to help him. Adam must first deal with Abu's piratical master, Draco, who is reluctant to give up his captive. Adam comes up with a plan to outwit this thief and free Abu. Together, Adam and Abu begin their trip up the ancient Nile.Send your comments to raymond@raydiantlightstudios.com2021-08-0131 minThe Archangel ChroniclesChapter 1 Unexpected GiftsSend us a textOur reluctant prophet, Adam, is transported back in time 2,000 years and finds himself on the Banks of the Nile in ancient Egypt. Adam is not at all convinced that this is real. He meets a mysterious stranger, who presents Adam with a choice and a test.Send your comments to raymond@raydiantlightstudios.com2021-07-0742 minThe Archangel ChroniclesPrologueSend us a textIn this introduction, the messenger, Archangel Gabriel, is sent to rescue a reluctant Dr. Adam Aliquis, from his captivity and send him on a quest. We are told of the birth of a baby in mysterious circumstances, and encounter Herod, the proud client King of Judea, who knows the way to power.Send your comments to raymond@raydiantlightstudios.com2021-06-2646 min