By Chuck Richardson
This fictional narrative provides the backstory of Benotenn, a secondary character in my
novel, True Status.
There was a day when the angels presented themselves before God, and Benotenn and Dahlia
attempted entry to the heavenly temple. Fearsome gatekeepers in gleaming white garments
blocked the doorway of the temple’s crystalline outer walls. The guards said, “The human dead
must wait until the procession of ministering spirits is complete.”
The pair knelt in front of the altar outside the temple, and lightning flashed above the
celestial dwelling against a pale blue sky. A dizzying stream of angels entered the temple doors
and departed the same way, each angel traveled swiftly on heavenly winds.
Newly martyred dead arrived from the four corners of Earth and took their place under
the altar.
Dahlia said, “Look at all the human souls joining the crowd already resting.”
Benotenn’s eyes widened. “So many martyrs, cruelly abused in life.”
Before long, the new martyrs clamored to the Lord. “How long, O Lord, holy one, will
you delay judging and avenging our blood on those who murdered us on earth?” The martyrs
were given white robes and told to rest until the full number of those destined to die for the word
of God was complete.
Benotenn jumped up and shouted. “Is the injustice done to us any less grievous than what
the martyrs suffered?” Benotenn beat his chest. “Oh Lord, I would have been as faithful to you as
these holy ones, but I was denied a single breath. My life snuffed out while I thrived in the
womb. I demand vengeance for my blood.”
Dahlia also stood. “I want justice too, but it isn’t very satisfying.”
“The crime your father committed is only partially paid for and I suppose my parents
have paid nothing at all.”
“What would you have their punishment be?”
“Their lives stink like open graves, so curse the day of their birth.” With motions of a
torturer Benotenn thrust his hands through the air. “Pierce their eyes and cut off their limbs while
they live. Deny proper burial, and let the birds tear their bodies. Burn them, and let their wicked
souls see it while they roast in eternal fire.”
Dahlia backed away with her hand over her mouth. “Is it right for one blessed with
heaven’s glory to desire such vengeance?”
“Is it wrong to demand justice? The holy martyrs, blessed with heaven, also weep for
revenge.”
A great gust beat against the pair, and the shadow of a giant warrior angel engulfed them.
He rumbled like a drum. “What do you know of the affairs of the living?” The angel leaned close
with piercing dark eyes. “The dead know nothing.”
Benotenn flapped his arms and sputtered. “Our souls know the wrong done to us. Our
blood cries out from the earth for justice.” He pointed to Dahlia. “And she knows her father has
been partially punished.”
The mighty angel turned his gaze upon Dahlia. “How do you know?”
“While Father Abraham comforted me a tortured, repentant cry came across the great
chasm. An accomplice of my father, a fellow drunkard, screeched out of the flames and pleaded
for mercy. Avontos was his name, and he died in the same prison where my father serves time for
assault and my homicide. He said my mother loved me and intended to raise me alone, but I died
when my father knifed her belly. Abraham said to Avontos, ‘Child, repentance is for the living.
It’s too late for you.’” Dahlia shuttered and her faced turned pale. “It was awful. Avontos
screamed bitterly, but he received no relief.”
The angel placed a white robe on Dahlia. “Go, daughter, rest with the rest of the blessed
dead.” Dahlia departed, and the angel fixed his stare upon Benotenn. “Would you be pleased for
your parents to suffer the fate of Avontos?”
Benotenn backed away from the angel but he raised a fist. “Who are you, angel?”
“I am Alexander, guardian of your father.”
Benotenn gritted his teeth and drew close to Alexander. “Does he not deserve the flames
of hell? Am I wrong to desire vengeance? If I am wrong, then so are all these righteous dead.”
“You are not wrong. Justice must be served.”
“Say it, Alexander, say what my parents deserve.”
Alexander bowed his head. “They deserve hell, as you say.”
“Dahlia’s father was punished for her murder because she was wanted. Tell me,
Alexander, were my parents punished for murdering me?”
Alexander shook his head.
“Dahlia was precious. I was unwanted. Unloved. So it was alright to kill me?”
“No. To God every human life is priceless. Those who ended your life had no right to do
so. God treasured your life and his plans for how you would glorify him on Earth.” Alexander
looked imploringly into Benotenn’s eyes. “With God mercy and justice are possible. “Would you
be willing to help save your father, if you could?”
Benotenn pinched his lips and his expression soured. “I am dead. I can do nothing. Had
my life not been snatched from me I would have been his best friend.” Benotenn trembled with
rage. “He gave me death, not life.”
The angel shook his head. “There is much you don’t know.”
At that moment, a bright light shone and dispelled Alexander’s shadow. “Greetings,
brother.” Another angel with a shining face as bright as lightning slapped Alexander shoulder.
“It’s been a long time since our paths have crossed.”
Alexander flinched. “Satan, you imposter and deceiver.”
Satan ignored Alexander and spoke to Benotenn. “You’re right to condemn your parents.
I’m working to bring about justice for you, my friend.”
Benotenn recoiled and shielded his eyes from Satan’s brightness. “Get away from me,
Satan, I only want God’s justice, not yours.”
“Don’t speak to him,” Alexander said. “He will only deceive you with lies.”
Satan grinned and said, “Boy, don’t you know I’m an instrument of God’s justice?”
“You pervert justice.” Alexander scoffed.
“You would have been a terrible burden on your family.” Satan pointed a crooked finger
at Benotenn. “Only a fool whines when he should be delighting in the joys of heaven.”
Benotenn clinched his fists and screamed. “Calling for God’s vengeance is right.”
“Is it? I see your wickedness.” Satan cackled. “After a few years of life you would have
been on your way to eternal flames just like your daddy. Be happy you died before birth.” In a
fiery flash Satan disappeared.
“Do not listen to him,” Alexander said. “Satan is the fool who rejected his glorious
purpose and led myriad angels to damnation.” The angel tilted his head and made eye contact
with Benotenn. “I go now to stand before the Lord to request a special blessing for your father. If
the Lord grants permission, will you be part of the mission to save your father?”
“I will not.”
“I will still speak to the Lord.” Alexander placed his hands on his hips and leaned back.
“We’ll see what the Lord says. I hope you won’t reject what the Lord approves.” Alexander
stepped on the wind and continued into the presence of God.
Alexander knelt before God’s throne and offered a silent psalm of praise and a petition on behalf
of Benotenn’s father.
The Lord said, “If this man will not listen to my word, will he be persuaded by your special
revelations?”
“Lord, you know all things.”
Alexander’s heart sank. He was certain the request would be denied, but after a long silence
the Lord agreed to allow it. The Lord said, “How often I have longed for this man to come home
to me, but he has not been willing.”
“Lord, what about Benotenn? He’s a part of my plan, but he’s unwilling.”
“If he refuses, do what you can for the boy’s father. I have granted Benotenn new insight
which may result in a change of heart.”
Alexander found Benotenn seated on the temple steps with his head resting on his hands and
tears filling his eyes. “What is it, son?”
“I still want justice, but my words were too harsh. I’m unable to render judgment.”
Benotenn looked away from the angel. “My mother … she regrets her decision every day. She
loves me and still grieves over me, even after twenty-five years.”
“How do you know?”
Benotenn looked over his shoulder at the temple. “I don’t know how, but since you
entered the temple I’ve seen my parents’ lives since before my conception.”
“It’s the gift of God to empathize with those who hurt you. Are you willing now to help
save your father from his sins?”
“What about my mother?”
“My mission is to your father, but they both have free choice. With God there will be
wrath for many and mercy for some.” Alexander grasped Benotenn’s shoulders. “I ask you to do
what you can to save his soul.”
“I will do my best to be a friend to my father.”
“Thank you.” Alexander held out a white robe to Benotenn and helped him put it on.
“Rest now with the blessed dead until the time I call you forth.”
Benotenn pulled the robe tight around himself and rubbed his face against the soothing
fabric. “I can rest knowing the love of my mother. Soon, I will look into my father’s eyes for the
first time. I will dream of it.”
THE END
About the Author:
Chuck Richardson writes speculative fiction with a Christian worldview for people who question everything and seek truth, and he blogs about the Bible. Chuck is a former engineer, technical writer and freelance newspaper writer.
Chuck’s debut novel, True Status (2023), was a 2024 Next Generation Indie Book Award finalist. Chuck believes the most important thing for everyone to learn is what God thinks about them. His writing explores questions about sin, redemption, sanctification, and the battle between good and evil. Chuck’s second novel, Paradise Unfallen (Fall 2025), imagines a world where the first parents did not sin.
Chuck is a native of Rome, New York, and he currently lives in Louisville, Kentucky with his wife, Ruby. He earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Education degree.
Read his novel, True Status, to learn the story of Benotenn, his parents, and the spiritual battle of
humans, angels, and demons.
Links:
Chucks website: www.chuckrichardsonstories.com
True Status on Amazon.
Chuck’s Amazon author page.
