The angels enjoyed his misery as he was borne high over the jungles; there was no doubt about it. Their names were Angen, Teren and Vorin; they teased and taunted him whenever he flagged in his pleading for his life.

"But we have a bet going." Vorin said at last, for the fiftieth time in a row.

Ivan realized that there was nothing he could say or do to these creatures that would prevent them from having their fun, whatever it turned out to be. Begging wasn't in his nature. There was a price to pay too high even for life itself.

"I don't care anymore." he said dully at last. "Go ahead with your bet and let me drop."

"As you wish." said Teren and let go of him.

Angen hadn't let go, but the sudden weight must have been too much in the surprise, for his grip wasn't enough; Ivan's arm slipped out of the clutch and he plummeted toward the ground.

His loincloth flapped for a time, to be untied and whisked away in the winds, falling slower than he did.

Ivan groaned in fear and dared to look down. Jungle and rocks; he would fall onto the rocks and be dashed to a bloody smear.

Ivan was a brave man, but there is a time when bravery is no good at all. He shut his eyes and prayed.

He felt and heard the beating of wings, and two arms laced under his armpits and pulled hard. His fall slowed, ended, and Ivan dared to look behind, into the eyes of Angen.

"Easy, fellow, I've got you." Angen said.

Ivan gave a timid smile, but didn't dare say a word. Angen may tire of the game, or take offense, and let him go again.

In silence they rose. Ivan looked for the others, but they were nowhere in sight. Ivan and Angen climbed back into the air to rest among the clouds, Angen's wings catching the mass of air and coasted like a big bird.

"I need to shift your weight." Angen said. "I'll have to let go for a time. When I do, turn over onto your back and face me. That's all you have to do. Do you understand?"

Ivan tensed up in fear. "You're going to let me fall!" he protested.

"Nonsense. Not all angels play the sick games like my brothers." Angen said. "I only came along to make sure they didn't hurt anyone. Like they were going to hurt you."

"You're sure?" Ivan knew he sounded like a craven coward, but when your life depends on another's whim, it's hard to sound strong.

"I'm sure. Get ready, and don't be afraid. I won't let you fall any longer than I have to."

"All right." Ivan gulped. "I understand."

And Angen let go of him, and Ivan was falling once more.

Perhaps ten seconds passed in time, but to Ivan it was an eternity, an eternity of falling through space. Then Angen was in front of him and clutching him around his arms again.

"Now, hold onto me with your arms and legs, too. Clutch me like I was your father and you were my baby."

Ivan had no choice; he obeyed, wrapping his body around Angen like a child. He interlocked his arms around Angen's back, feeling the wings beating at him furiously, his legs clutched each other at his ankles. Angen flapped hard, and they were airborne once again, Ivan holding onto his angel like a baby monkey clutches its mother.

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