Battle Lines (The Ethereal War Book 2)

by Greg Ballan

  "Lord Molec, we don't have the demonpower to sustain a blockade of such magnitude. The forces of Light will overrun us for attempting to sack a sacred shrine of God."

  Molec steepled his massive onyx fingers. "No but Lucifer does. Perhaps I can reach an arrangement with my nemesis, by offering him Rome as a prize."

  The face on the large display frowned. "Lord Molec, Lucifer has sworn oaths to kill you on sight. I implore you not to reveal yourself to him. All we have worked for will be lost."

  Molec nodded his massive head. "Wise council. It was merely a muse, I will not tarnish my victory by aligning with him. Perhaps there is another way. Bartholomew is his puppet. Erik Knight throttled him awhile back. Perhaps I can use his pride and vanity for my purposes. He has significant resources at his disposal. I believe we can cut a deal that will benefit both of us. The demon's ego is vast and an opportunity to crush Knight may be enough to garner his support and his forces."

  "Bartholomew will not be easily swayed. He has served Lucifer for eons. How do you know he will not simply report your contact to his master and set you up for a fall?"

  The archdemon frowned. "Bartholomew serves out of fear, not loyalty. He is a mercenary at best and an opportunist. I will, as the human movie exclaimed, make him an offer he can't refuse." Molec turned directly toward the large screen. "We'll raise havoc on Vatican City and Knight will come running to save his family. Lucifer will take note and move in as will the forces of Light. The final battle will play out and both sides will fight a war of mutual extinction. And when Rome lies in ruin, forces on both sides battle worn and depleted, I will intervene and crush Erik Knight with my bare hands and take this world as my own. Then I'll ransom it back to God for a high price. I will be the lord of the underworld and I will control the forces of darkness. I will fight the eternal war as a new General and begin taking worlds one by one and establishing my rule over Light." Molec slammed his fist on the nearby table smashing it to kindling. "Find Bartholomew and arrange a meeting. Make sure there are at least six bottles of Armand De Brignac champagne and plenty of caviar on hand. The demon is fond of those human luxuries. Perhaps he'll be more amenable to a joint venture after he's plied with enough alcohol."

  ◆◆◆

  Vatican City

  Shanda sat on the wooden bench watching EJ play with several young clerics. The courtyard was alive with the sound of innocent laughter as the boy chased a large red ball, throwing it back to his much older companions.

  "The child is full of joy, a blessing of God to be sure."

  Shanda jumped slightly,

  "I apologize. I didn't mean to give you a fright." An elder nun handed her a steaming mug. "Fresh ground French roast coffee with heavy cream and a touch of vanilla and cinnamon. One of my few guilty pleasures and vices."

  Shanda took a sip, her brow rose. "Oh my! This is amazing!"

  "You look like you have the weight of the world upon you, child. Sometimes it helps to vent and let it out. I have been told that listening is what I do best."

  Shanda blushed. "Thanks." She looked back over at her son. "'I'm wondering if he really knows what's going on, what his destiny is, and the level of danger he's in. With all this divine attention and circumstance, will he still need his mother?"

  The old woman laughed and gently embraced her. "A boy always will need his mother. Jesus needed Mary throughout his life and EJ will need you."

  Shanda sipped her coffee. "It didn't end well for Jesus. He was nailed to cross and betrayed by those he trusted most."

  The nun gave a wistful sigh as she sat back, keeping her arm around Shanda's shoulder. "But Child, that was not the end. He rose again, conquered death, and is now eternal. The Son of God gave his life so we could all be eternal. I don't think God is expecting that from EJ."

  Shanda's voice broke. "Then what? What does HE want from my baby boy? Why would he do this to my family?"

  The nun gently tightened her grip on her shoulder. "Because He knows you're a lioness and your husband a warrior. God trusted you with a great gift above all others. Listen to your heart Shanda and you won't go wrong. Your son is a very lucky boy and we are blessed to have you here among us."

  Shanda smiled. "Thank you. I feel safe here. I'm glad we decided to come." Shanda frowned, looked over at her host. "I spoke to Erik a few hours ago. He was less than forthcoming about the progress he was making. I know something's wrong. Something's upset him. I can feel it through our link. I don't like secrets. Sometimes my dear husband decides it's better to keep me in the dark for my own safety." Shanda looked at the nun. "Do you know what's going on? I suspect you're connected with most things that happen inside these walls. I gather that's why they have you here babysitting me."

  The nun blushed. "You are intuitive. I'm here to see to your comfort, yes. But you don't need a babysitter." The old woman wrinkled her nose. "I overheard some of the talk after Mr. Denton checked in. There was an incident in a place called the Soul Market." She took a deep breath. "Your husband engaged several forces there. He eradicated beings of immense power and upset the keepers of that realm as well as the Prince of Darkness. We have learned from your husband and Mr. Denton that innocent human souls bound for Eternity were intercepted and abducted. These souls were trapped and sold for profit to aliens and demons alike. This is a strict violation of the Rules and the forces of Light are enraged. The Soul Market will be invaded and the human souls released."

  Shanda nodded. "Well, that's a good thing. Why would Erik be upset?"

  The nun took a deep breath. "These actions escalate an already tense situation. Lucifer is enraged at the damage caused to his market. We are enraged at the abductions of innocent souls harvested for sustenance. Each side claims violations of the Rules laid out in the beginning. Both grievances have merit and are enough to escalate into an Ethereal War. Tensions are high enough without this new discovery to add fuel to an already raging inferno. It would have been better served if your husband had not interfered, but as it stands, that was beyond anyone's control. His reason for action was pure and even the Father understood."

  "My God. Pardon the expression. What happened?"

  The old woman leaned forward. "I must swear you to secrecy. You must say nothing if I tell you. Do you promise? I only say this because he will need your comfort."

  Shanda nodded. "I promise. Whatever you say goes no further."

  "Your husband stumbled upon his mother's soul trapped by a merchant. He freed her soul and in doing so unleashed the wrath of the security sentinels. He destroyed four sentinels and freed his mother's soul. His heart relives old wounds and now he grieves for that which he lost so long ago."

  Shanda fought back her own tears. "Oh my God! Poor Erik. This is just beyond crazy! Why didn't he tell me?"

  The nun smiled. "My child, he is a man. He grieves, child-like, for his mother. He does not want to appear weak in your eyes. You look to him for strength and he strives to be that pillar for you at this time."

  Shanda wept. "I don't want him to have to carry that burden alone. He knows he can lean on me too. How can anyone carry that kind of pain?"

  "When this is passed—and I believe God will prevail—you can give him comfort. Until then, this is our secret."

  Shanda took a deep breath, composed herself, and nodded. "Agreed."

  A loud burst of laughter broke the somber mood.

  "EJ looks quite content and there are four guards keeping watch." The nun pointed to the nearby Vatican Police. "Why don't you and I take a quick stroll? There's a bakery by the chapel that makes muffins that are sinfully delicious. I know Brother Brian always has something delectable at this time of day."

  Shanda nodded. "That sounds heavenly." She blushed as they both laughed.

  ◆◆◆

  The abandoned mill. Hopedale MA

  "The Hopedale PD was pretty miffed we raided this place without checking in," Martin mumbled as he rifled through a file cabinet.

  "They should be used to the b
rush off by now. I can picture me going to the chief. Uhm, yes, a demon is living in an abandoned mill in the middle of your town. I'm going to summon a few angels and we're gonna raid the joint… Want in?"

  Denton burst out laughing and Erik joined in. It was the first time in days either man cracked a smile. Erik walked down the carpeted foyer still amazed at the elegant carpentry hidden inside the run down structure. "I'm gonna go through this desk. It seems abnormally large as does the chair. Just how big is this thing anyway?"

  "Molec is a category 5 demon, onyx armored shell with overlapping scale plates. The demon breathes a fire capable of igniting wood, paper, or any other flammable substance on contact. The archdemon is said to be between seven and a half to nine feet tall with two eighteen-inch ram-like horns on its head." Denton never looked up from the file he was reading.

  Erik's brow raised. "Well, someone's read up on their demonology."

  "Know thy enemy," Martin recited, digging through the file cabinet. The old man held up a ledger. "Demons keep records. Go figure." The old man leafed through the pages while Erik examined the large safe carefully.

  "They also appear to like currency. There's easily ten grand in large bills here." The detective partially closed the heavy safe door. "Not to mention diamonds and some gold jewelry. I didn't realize these beings placed value on material things. Perhaps they're not as far above us as we're supposed to believe."

  Denton frowned. "Let's check the other rooms."

  Erik and Martin entered a nearby chamber. The room had several empty glass globes identical to the one that imprisoned his mother. Martin picked up one of the objects and studied it. He looked over at all the other empty ones. "Dear Lord in Heaven. Did each one of these contain a human soul?"

  Erik's jaw clenched. "Yes. They did. Look at that symbol stamped into the golden plate holding the filament. It's the same as the globe that held my mother." Erik picked up two more empty vessels. "They all have the same mark and come from the same merchant. We inadvertently stumbled into Molec's supplier. I suspect these were all human souls that fed his nosferatu forces."

  Martin studied the purple goo that filled a shallow pool. "I'm guessing this is some sort of resting pool or bed."

  "Possibly. Let's keep moving, Counselor. This room is disturbing my calm."

  Martin nodded. "Truly."

  They moved through five other chambers, each one furnished to the needs of a particular strain of demon. The two men made their way back to Molec's large office, Erik examined the safe again. The residual energy was fading and there was nothing more to be learned. Another Starlight Bistro business card sat on Molec's desk.

  "Molec seems to like chess."

  Erik turned. Martin studied an intricate chess board with large mahogany and ivory pieces. Erik again marveled at the human qualities these creatures possessed. "All the black pawns are on the white king. I don't think our friend understands the game too well."

  "I wonder if our ethereal friend was able to get any intel from the creature we found here?"

  Erik shrugged his shoulders. "I hope so. We're not getting any leads here. We may have to head back to DC and snoop some more. I don't know how we'll be able to get back into the Starlight though. We were made the instant we went inside. After the Soul Market incident I can't imagine our presence will be tolerated there." Erik frowned. "I don't get it, this place was a psychic hurricane less than forty-eight hours ago and now there's barely a trace of anything here. It's almost as if the place was wiped clean of residual energies." Erik pointed toward the safe. "But why leave behind the cash and jewelry? If someone came in here to wipe the place, why leave valuables still in the safe?"

  "Not all dark forces value human commodity, hybrid."

  Martin jumped a foot and Erik turned toward the voice he recognized. The blond warrior stood, as if he'd been there all along.

  "You're like a genie," the elder man grumbled. "We mention you and poof! There you are." Denton picked up an ivory chess piece, studied it for a moment, then tossed it back on the large playing surface.

  Erik nodded toward the being. "I take it you have news."

  The being nodded. "And none of it good. The demon we captured knew very little of Molec's plan. Despite our robust interrogation, we could only glean that Molec had fled to the Soul Market with the intent to acquire another containment vessel. We also learned that human souls were illegally harvested and trafficked across the galaxy."

  Martin cleared his throat uncomfortably and rolled his eyes. The ethereal frowned.

  "Yes human, we are aware of the discovery you made and are taking action. Raphael is leading his forces into the market now to shut it down and confiscate the remaining souls trapped in that realm."

  "I don't understand, just confiscate and not free?"

  "Not all the captured souls and the ones freed during your ruckus are human. Some are quite alien and quite evil. We will examine each soul and determine which are worthy of Light and which," the angel sighed, "are not so worthy. Souls of savage alien beings, trapped entities and poltergeists from across the universe were caged in that tiny realm. Fortunately the majority of the souls freed during the battle with the security demons were benign. Raphael will recover and capture the less desirable and imprison them anew." The being gave him a hard look. "Had you freed all the souls as your heart desired, you would have unleashed a calamity upon the universe. Some of the captured souls would have been able to escape the realm aboard ships and wreak untold havoc on several populated worlds." The angel's tone dropped to a gentle whisper. "You did a noble thing freeing your mother. I cannot fault your reasoning or your actions, but I implore you to tread carefully going forward. You do not fully comprehend the dangers and the ramifications of your actions. It is imperative that you tread lightly."

  "I am sorry, Michael." Erik waited to see if he guessed right. The ethereal being's eyes widened.

  "You know my earthly name?"

  Erik nodded. "I've suspected. You resemble the pictures in the Vatican chapels and in many of the churches I went to as a child. I wasn't completely sure until you mentioned Raphael. You're one of the three archangels, the third trinity of ethereal power. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, then Jesus, Mary and Joseph, then you, Gabriel and Raphael. Three threes according to the Scroll of Parinthia."

  Michael tilted his head. "That scroll is secret. How is it that you know of the writings of Parinthia?"

  Erik shrugged. "I didn't but Jakor did. It was his Esper knowledge I tapped for that tidbit."

  Michael approached, his face set in stone. "Jakor! You house the memory and knowledge of the Esper warrior, Jakor?" For the first time the ethereal seemed excited.

  Erik nodded. "I also bear his weapon, though now it's bonded to me."

  "May I please see it?"

  Erik held out his hand and the weapon materialized.

  "It is! I felt it earlier but wasn't sure. It is Jakor's Sentient Staff. You carry his genetics." Michael reached out and touched Erik's temple, probing his mind. Erik didn't resist and allowed Jakor's essence to come to the surface.

  It was an odd sensation having the archangel engage the genetically added Esper intellect while he was just a sidelined observer. The angel broke contact and took a step back, appraising him anew. "That was odd, I don't want to do that again." Erik rubbed his temple.

  "You are truly an Esper Warrior. I had thought you were just altered but you truly have his genetics and his persona locked inside your subconscious. The essence is Jakor."

  Erik nodded. "I gather you know him."

  Michael looked nostalgic. "We fought side by side on the Esper home world thousands of years ago." The archangel frowned. "Too many were lost when the world expired." The divine being sighed. "Another casualty of our conflict."

  "There's an Esper trapped in the Soul Market. Maybe you could have your forces track her down and free her. It looks like she was sold into slavery."

  Michael raised an eyebrow. "I will inf
orm Raphael. But right now our focus must return to the problems we are facing here, in this realm."

  "Agreed." Denton nodded as he studied some papers on the desk. "This whole place was cleaned. I can't find a print or anything else that would be of use."

  Erik turned toward Michael. "What about Lucifer? He must have eyes all over the place. Can't his people get a lead on Molec? This archdemon is a huge threat to him and his control over..." Erik frowned. "Whatever evil empire he controls."

  The archangel managed a smile. "Lucifer is most vexed right now. You are high on his hate list and he still has desires upon your child. He had hoped to keep his little black market operation a secret. Our forced alliance has been strained. I don't think my renegade brother will offer us anything in the way of assistance with Molec. In fact, I fear we have only driven the wedge further toward war. Lucifer is not one to forget those who cross him."

  Erik winced uncomfortably. As Michael said, his actions did have consequences. The detective flexed his forearm. Agitated ions of bioenergy surged and burned around his powerful flesh. "Neither do I."

  Michael studied Erik's glowing arm. "You are powerful, hybrid; strong beyond any mortal being He has created. But you are mortal and not invincible. Lucifer is not without power. You have already earned his wrath. I implore you not to cause him more angst or he will lash out blindly at you and those around you he can reach."

  Denton looked over, his face pale. "Yes, hybrid, please don't piss off Satan any further. I always seem to be in the line of fire when you aggravate someone." The old man imitated Michael's voice and manner perfectly.