Adversaries

Author’s Note

When we read a story, we enjoy temporarily believing it is true, so forgive me for beginning this section by saying that the Bible records no case of a demon directly physically attacking a human being. Physical animal-like attacks happen in fictional stories, but fictional stories (including mine) are fiction. Please don’t lie awake at night wondering if an evil spirit is going to spring at you. None will. Demons (fallen angels) do exist. The Bible records that Lucifer (Satan) rebelled against God. Based on symbolism in Revelation chapter 12, theologians speculate that one third of angels joined him. Demons are insane. They are created beings and no match for their creator. Satan is not God’s opposite. God is omniscient and omnipotent. No demon is remotely omniscient or omnipotent. You shouldn’t spend time worrying about them. If you find yourself worrying, ask God to stand spiritual watch over you, as Gwen and Jack did. He will. (Forgive me for citing fictional characters’ solutions in my entirely serious recommendation.)

Nevertheless, I did my best to create a world that could theoretically be real—a world that doesn’t altogether conflict with either the Bible or scientific understanding of our universe. Here are a few details about the demons in The Mirror and the Prism series:

Tiers: Demons are all of one nature, but differ in power, which they gain or lose by conflict, consumption, and influence.

Types: Demons are separated into different types by the power and survival strategies they choose.

Appearance: Human beings do not have the senses to see a demon’s actual appearance; however, a demon’s functions, attributes, and skills conjure visual impressions.

Top Tier (1% of all demons)

Prince (none encountered in Silhouette or Point of Refraction)

Kratarc (none encountered in Silhouette or Point of Refraction)

Dulophage – Officer/ slave driver (none encountered in Silhouette or Point of Refraction)

Mid Tier (35% of all demons)

Akathartos – Agent/ Infiltrator/ Saboteur/ Special Operations Leader

Pseustee – Propagandist/ Mouthpiece/ Con Artist/ Swindler/ Trickster/ Charlatan

Apok – Hidden Spy/ Scout/ Squad Leader

Machirai – Hunter/ Secret Police

Carnalot – Brawler/ Fighter/ Shock Troop

Pterothert – Swift Spy/ Scout/ Raider

Bottom Tier (64% of all demons)

Taraph - Slave (taraphs are like wounded animals and just as dangerous)

Food – Food (none encountered in Silhouette or Point of Refraction)