Fallen

by R C Knight

  Zane sighed with defeat, knowing that Keira was right. “Fine,” he muttered as he looked around the camp. He knelt next to Kai and gently woke him up. “Hey,” he whispered as Kai looked up at him. “You mind taking over the watch for a little?”

  “Not a problem.” Kai responded as he slowly sat up. “Just give me a minute.” He rubbed his eyes as he stood up. “I need to piss.” He quickly walked away from the camp.

  “I told you.” Keira smiled smugly. Kai returned, wrapping his cloak around his body for warmth.

  “Wake me up as soon as Riley gets back.” Zane ordered as he walked over to Keira.

  “Not a problem.” Kai replied with a smile as he began to walk around the camp. Zane laid down next to Keira, quickly pulling the blanket around them. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

  Why is it so damn cold here? Kai wondered as he walked around the camp, trying to keep himself warm. He had been walking for two hours now and still couldn’t stay warm. He stopped to look out at the city. It sure is beautiful, he thought as he watched the lights twinkle against the dark sky. He turned around and walked back towards the fire, kneeling next to it for warmth. He rubbed his hands as he leaned closer to the flames.

  A snapping twig caught his attention, he turned his head towards the wood line. Kai stood up and pulled out his sword, gripping it with both hands. The silver blade shimmered in the light of the fire. He slowly walked towards the wood line, his eyes alert for any disturbances. A soft chuckle sounded next to Kai. He turned quickly, but no one was there. Kai sighed loudly as he sheathed his sword.

  “Seriously, Riley?” He said quietly into the night. “Do you want to get yourself killed?” Riley laughed as he appeared a few feet away from Kai.

  “The look on your face!” He laughed. “It was definitely worth it!” Kai chuckled as Riley almost fell over.

  “I’m glad you’re back,” Kai said seriously. “How did it go?”

  “Great.” Riley responded with a smile.

  “I suppose I should wake up Zane.” Kai walked over towards Keira and Zane. He knelt and gently shook him awake. “Riley is back,” he said quietly. Zane smiled as he looked up, noticing Riley standing behind Kai.

  “Told you it would be fine.” He smiled as he slowly moved away from Keira, careful not to wake her up. Zane walked over to the fire and huddled closely to it, Kai and Riley followed suit.

  “So, how was it?” Zane asked quietly.

  “It went great.” Riley responded enthusiastically. “You’ll never guess who I ran into!”

  “Ugh,” Zane sighed as he rubbed his neck. “I’m too tired for guessing games.”

  “Cain.” Riley said quickly.

  “Wait. What?” He paused as he looked over at Riley. “Our Cain? I thought he was dead!”

  “That’s the one.” Riley smiled as he picked up a stick and poked at the fire. “Although, he wasn’t too thrilled to hear that you were here.”

  “No, I don’t imagine he would be.” Zane sighed wearily. “Did you see anyone else?”

  “Nope. But there were only a few people staying in the same building as him.” Riley paused as he stared at the flames. “Although, he did say that Abel is still alive.”

  “No shit?” Zane smiled at the news. “I never would’ve guessed that.”

  “None of us would’ve.” Riley responded with a smile. “Anyway, I let him know that I’ll be stashing weapons for them tomorrow night. He’s going to work on convincing the slaves to rebel.” Riley looked over at Zane, a serious expression on his face. “Now, all I need to know is when we’re going to attack.”

  Zane looked over at Kai, who just shrugged his shoulders. “I’m cool with whatever,” he responded nonchalantly. Zane sighed as he looked around at the sleeping forms.

  “That’s something we’ll have to discuss in the morning,” he replied as he looked at Riley. “Now get some sleep, you need it.” Riley nodded wearily as a yawn escaped his lips.

  “You don’t need to tell me twice,” he replied as he walked to the empty sleeping mat. He laid down and wrapped the blankets around his body, quickly falling asleep.

  ~~~~

  That morning everyone gathered around the fire, eating some scrambled eggs and toast. Zane had briefly filled them in on the events of the night before. “I’m glad everything went well last night.” Aria commented between mouthfuls of eggs. Riley was still passed out, sleeping peacefully in his blankets.

  “Yea.” Zane responded with a smile. “But now we need to make plans for the attack.”

  “We should attack tonight,” she replied enthusiastically. “Hit them hard and fast before they know we are here.” Zane shook his head in disapproval.

  “Riley needs time to hide the weapons within the city for Cain and his men.” Zane looked over at Aria, making eye contact. “Plus, it would be good to have Riley do more surveillance, so we know what we are getting into. This battle will get ugly; I don’t want any surprises.”

  “So, the human does have a brain!” Ryder chuckled as he turned towards Aria. “Sorry, but he has a point. The more information we can gather the better.” Aria sighed in defeat as she threw a stick into the fire.

  “Fine,” she mumbled. “I’m just ready to get out of this cold. Its freezing at night.” She crossed her arms, hugging her cloak tightly to her chest. “I don’t know how you humans have survived this every year.” Aria pouted as she glanced around the group, watching everyone huddle into their cloaks.

  “Very well. Riley will take multiple trips bringing weapons down to the city tonight. A few of us can help bring the bags closer to the wall so he doesn’t have to climb that damn hill all night.” Zane looked over at Ryder. “We’ll get half of the weapons in tonight and the rest tomorrow night. That will give Riley plenty of time to explore the city.”

  “I like it.” Ryder smiled at Zane. “There’s hope for you yet, human.” Zane chuckled as he set his plate on the ground.

  “Now.” Zane scanned the angels. “Have you had a chance to look at that symbol Riley saw on the wall?” Aria nodded, a triumphant smile on her face.

  “They’re the same ones we saw in New York. They block angels from creating a portal into the city, but it won’t stop us from walking in.” Worry crossed her face as she looked at the fire. “I wonder if they even know the true meaning of the symbols they use. It’s odd they wouldn’t have something blocking us from entering the city.”

  “It is weird,” Zane replied. “Let’s hope there aren’t any surprises waiting for us farther in the city. Riley was only able to stay in the outskirts; the Horseman’s temple was too heavily guarded for him.”

  “If there are any other symbols out there, your team would be able to break them with their weapons. It’ll slow us down, but it won’t be a problem.” Aria responded confidently.

  “Alright, anything else?” he asked, as he made eye contact with each member of the group. “Perfect. Ryder, Kai, and I will help Riley with the weapons tonight. I want the rest of you to prepare for the battle. Make sure someone is on guard all night, we don’t need to get caught this close to our objective.”

  “It’ll be easy enough to create a rotation.” Ryder responded as he looked around the group. “I’m sure no one here will object to taking a shift after how far we’ve come.” The group mumbled in agreement as they finished their breakfast.

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Earth

  Riley, Zane, Ryder, and Kai slowly made their way down the hill, bags of weapons slung over their shoulders. Riley led the way, keeping them far away from the main gate. The eerie red glow from the black vines on the wall illuminated the dark night. “Here we are,” Riley whispered to the others. They quietly set the bags down next to the wall. Ryder and Kai were staring at the black vines.

  “This isn’t good,” Ryder commented as he examined the vine.

  “What is it now?” Zane sighed.

  “These vines.” Ryder paused as he pulled out his backup dagger and sli
ced one of the vines. He watched as the vine knit itself back together. “They are corruption vines. They can’t be destroyed, you can cut them, but they’ll just knit back together. These vines will wrap around anything they see as a threat. And this.” Ryder pointed at some of the black liquid that had leaked out of the vine. “Will corrupt anyone who is in contact with it for an extended period.”

  “Well then, we better get through these vines quickly.” Zane replied darkly. “You ready Riley?”

  “Yea,” Riley responded as he strapped on a bag of weapons.

  “Alright. We’ll wait in the tree line until you get the last bag of weapons.” Zane nodded at Ryder and Kai. “Stay safe.”

  “I always do,” Riley responded quickly. He pulled out his daggers and concentrated, quickly disappearing. Riley turned from his friends and made his way towards the gate. He sighed with relief as he saw the lesser demons from the night before still guarding the gate. He readjusted the bag, making sure it was strapped as tight as possible. He quickly climbed over the gate and back down, sighing with relief as he silently ran away from the guards.

  Riley made his way through the town, quickly finding the first drop-off location for the weapons. One down, three more to go, he thought as he made his way back to the gate. It took him an hour to retrieve the other three bags and drop them off. Once he was done, he ran to Cain’s building, his adrenaline making him anxious. He quietly opened the door and slipped into the building. Cain was standing in the center of the room, surrounded by a small group of slaves. He smiled as Riley made himself appear next to him.

  “Glad you could make it,” he commented, his voice rough.

  “I wouldn’t miss this.” Riley replied, looking around the small group. He recognized Abel standing off in the corner.

  “So, what’s the plan?” Cain asked impatiently.

  “They’re going to start the attack tomorrow at midnight. Keira will shoot an arrow of holy light into the city. That will be our signal to start the rebellion.”

  “Well then. Looks like we’ve got plenty of time to relax.” Cain looked around the small group. “You heard him, spread the word then find yourselves a whore for the night. This might be your last night on Earth men, enjoy yourselves!” The men nodded, then turned and quietly exited the building.

  “So, did you get me an ax?” Cain asked, his face serious.

  “Of course.” Riley smiled as he swung his bag around, pulling out a two-handed ax. “I wouldn’t want to leave you empty handed.”

  “What about me?” Abel asked as he moved out of the corner. He was tall and lanky; his brown ragged hair fell in waves across his face. “You didn’t forget about me, did you?” His voice was quiet and menacing.

  “I could never forget about you.” Riley responded quickly as he fumbled in his bag. He pulled out two maces, their iron heads glinting in the firelight. Abel’s face lit up with a smile as he reached for the maces.

  “I’ve missed these.” He grabbed the maces, his hand tracing along the metal. “I guess I’ll let you live, for now.” Abel chuckled darkly as he tucked the maces into his sleeping bag. He pulled out a ragged shirt and loose pants, tossing them to Riley. “Put these on. I want to show you around without people thinking I’m crazy for talking into thin air.” Riley nodded as he quickly changed into the worn clothing. He tucked his daggers into his bag and looked at Cain and Abel.

  “Alright, let’s go.” Abel pulled open the door, gesturing for Riley and Cain to go through. Riley fell in next to Cain, Abel joined them after he closed the door to their hut. They walked down the street, turning onto one empty road after another.

  “Most of the slaves tend to stay inside at night, which has caused the demons to become lax on security in these parts.” Abel turned down another road, lanterns lined this road, their flames casting shadows on the pavement. “This will be the fastest way to the temple,” Abel whispered as he pointed down the road.

  A tall spire rose from the darkness of the night. Its black marble reflected the light of the lanterns, creating an eerie glow in the night sky. Riley shuttered as he stared at the tower, a sense of fear spreading through his body. In front of the spire was a golden temple. A small courtyard surrounded the temple, statues of war horses and gods and goddesses of old were scattered throughout the courtyard.

  “Is there anything else you need to see?” Cain asked as he nervously glanced around the road. “If not, I’d like to get away from here. Nothing good happens to those who linger by the temple.”

  “This is good, thanks,” Riley responded, his eyes examining the courtyard. “Let’s go.” The group turned and made their way back to the outskirts of the city. Abel stopped them in front of a worn-down oak door. Cain sighed as Abel stared at Riley, a mischievous glint in his eye.

  “You’re going to love this.” Abel smiled as he knocked on the door. A small rectangle of wood slid open, bright blue eyes filled the peep hole.

  “Ah, Abel.” The man’s voice was deep as his eyes looked at the group. “And I see you brought some friends tonight.” The rectangular opening was quickly covered as the door opened. A man with blonde hair was holding the door open, his muscular body created a menacing presence. “Come in, enjoy yourselves!” The man stepped aside, gesturing for them to enter. Riley fell in behind Abel while Cain reluctantly followed.

  They walked into a long hallway, doors lining the walls. Moans of ecstasy mixed with screams of pain filled the air. Riley looked back at Cain, who was studiously watching the back of Abel’s head. “What the hell is this place?” Riley asked quietly.

  “This is how we relax.” Abel responded with a smile. He stopped as a door swung open in front of them. A lesser demon walked out of the room, dragging a half-naked woman behind him. He stopped and looked over at Abel.

  “Ah, Abel.” The demon smiled, his voice dark and scratchy. “It’s good to see you.”

  “And you, Ronwe.” Abel glanced at the woman. “Was she not to your liking?”

  “She was more than satisfying.” Ronwe chuckled darkly. “We’re just going to go find some friends.”

  “Ah, of course.” Abel smiled as Ronwe turned and dragged the woman down the hall and into another room. Riley frantically grabbed Abel’s arm.

  “What the hell are we doing here,” he hissed.

  “You’ll see.” Abel responded as he continued down the hallway. Riley reluctantly followed, his hands twitching towards his bag. Cain’s hand landed on Riley’s shoulder.

  “Don’t worry,” he whispered. “Nothing will happen while we are here. It’s amazing what sex and drugs does for relations between us and the demons here.” Riley frowned as he shook Cain’s hand off his shoulder.

  The hallway led into a great room, tables were scattered around, each filled with humans and demons alike. Abel walked to an empty table that was hidden in the corner. He sat down and called a waitress over. Riley and Cain sat across from him as the waitress reached the table.

  “What can I get for you?” she asked as she leaned towards Abel, her arms pushing her breasts up. “You want your usual?” Her voice was low and husky as she stared at him.

  “Not tonight Carrie, thanks.” Abel looked over at Cain and shrugged. “But I do have a special request.” Her face lit up as Abel beckoned her closer and whispered into her ear. She nodded as her eyes nervously darted to Cain and Riley.

  “I’ll see what I can do.” She looked around the great room, her eyes searching the crowd. Carrie’s eyes lit up with victory as she sauntered away from their table.

  “I’m gonna get us some beers.” Cain said as he stood up from the table and made his way to the bar at the back of the room.

  “Will you tell me what’s going on now?” Riley asked, his voice low with frustration.

  “Didn’t your mother tell you that patience is a virtue?” Abel asked dryly.

  “Just get on with it.” Riley sighed as he looked around the great room. “This place makes me uncomfortable.” Cain returned to the tab
le, setting down three wooden mugs full of beer.

  “Here we go.” He took a swig of his beer. “Alcohol is the only way you’ll find me in a place like this.”

  “Seriously guys, what’s going on?”

  Carrie returned to the table, a man wearing a black cloak followed her. She nodded at Abel then turned and walked away, leaving the man in the cloak. “I’m glad you could join us.” Abel nodded at the man and gestured for him to take a seat. The man glanced at Riley and Cain as he pulled out the chair next to Riley and sat down.

  “What can I do for you?” he asked, his voice rough.

  “I’ve been told that you oversee maintenance on the temple and spire.”

  “So, what if I do?” The man asked hesitantly.

  “If this is true.” Abel pulled out a drawstring bag and opened it. The man looked inside, his eyes falling on the uncut rubies that filled the bag. “Then we have a proposition for you.”

  “I’m listening.” The man leaned back in the chair, a smile on his face.

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Earth

  Aria paced around the camp, her nerves making her jittery. Riley had returned early in the morning and talked to Zane privately. Afterwards, he went to sleep, and Zane kept whatever they had talked about to himself. The day wore on as everyone prepared for the upcoming battle. They packed up the camp, their bags loaded in the wagon by the horses. Once Riley woke up, things really got moving. He ate a quick meal then packed up the rest of the weapons, hauling them down the hill towards the city.

  The rest of their group began to don their armor in preparation. Zane was wearing his plate carrier with Raphael’s angelic plates hidden inside of it. The rest of his team was wearing the angelic armor that Michael had brought for them. The group waited nervously, watching the city lights from their vantage point.

  Zane nodded at Keira. “It’s time,” he called out quietly. They moved as a group down the hill, the city lights growing brighter as they approached. Zane held out his hand, stopping them roughly a quarter mile from the city. Keira examined the city, as she brought up her bow and nocked an arrow. The arrow began to glow brightly as it was infused with holy light. Keira smiled as she aimed and drew back on the bow. She exhaled slowly, releasing the arrow with ease. They watched with bated breath as the arrow flew over the city wall and exploded, its beautiful white light illuminating the dark night.