The room is the size of a gymnasium. Hundreds of winged angels in tai chi pants, jackets, and belts stand in row after row, facing the front stage. On the platform stands a magnificent angel, nine feet in height, with glowing ebony skin and wearing a gown of deep blue. He commands the attention of everyone in the room. This includes two very bewildered teenage girls, huddling together, apart from him. Bessie and Ash are the only ones wearing yoga pants, T-shirts, and running shoes.
“Greetings, new angels,” the angel on the stage booms. “I am Grand Angel Gibran. I am the Commander-in-Chief of the Seventh Seal Flight Academy. On our program this semester, we have a very special assignment.” He turns to nod at Bessie and Ash. “We have two human souls who have expressed a desire to fly. Isn’t
