“ We know that scenario will come and you have closed your insight to that damnation when you sacrificed your soul in exchange for his prosperity. You must be crazy Swanson. Stop using drugs that continuously darken your mind. You have said that the time is near and yet, you’re leading many to the pit of death. Wake up before it’s too late.” Dunhill said.
“ I have no recourse, or I shall be killed for nothing” Swanson said.
“ You still have time , Swanson. Be brave enough to fight for your creed. Get back to your faith and you might have a chance to be saved on that day.” Dunhill said.
Swanson remained silent and mulled over his thoughts.
“ Lucianus is Satan’s advocate whose mission is to dominate the world and bring mankind to hell. He’s been hunting Elijah to stop winning mankind from him. Don’t you know that Lucianus had stopped all cults in the world and compelled leaders to join him for his mission?” Dunhill explained.
“ I know and I was one who had been compelled for his mesmerizing offer and some who did not yield were executed.” Swanson said.
“ Exactly. That’s the same faith we are facing now but we’re fighting for nothing because we believe in the salvation in what you said is the last day.” Dunhill explained.
“ Stop using drugs, Swanson. Make up your mind.” He added.
“ I know I’ve sinned a lot when I joined Lucianus. Now, I realized that everything will come to a futile end for me.” Swanson sighed.
“ It’s not yet over Swanson. There is still time for you to change and return to your faith. You’ll have a chance to be saved on that day. And that day is fast approaching.” Dunhill insinuated.
“ But, how can I do it when I am already under his authority. I will get killed for sure.” Swanson said.
“ Everyone of us will come to that point of death. But death is inevitable. What is important is that you’ve repented and your contrite heart may give you a chance to be saved. You have two choices, die under sin and die by returning to your faith in God” Dunhill urged.
“ The savor of good life is temporal but the glory of salvation is everlasting. You are overwhelmed by the dark thoughts of his creed. It’s time to see the light, Swanson.” Dunhill said.
While it took them time to confer, one of Lucianus’ warriors approached them and urged Swanson to adjourn their discussion. They went back to Vathikan tower.
“ What has happened to your talks, Swanson ?” Lucianus asked.
“ He’s not giving up, yet. I’ve told him so and warned him the consequences of his actions.” He explained.
“ How long ?” Lucianus asked.
“ Let’s give him twenty-four hours “ Swanson replied.
“ If not ?”
“ Then, it’s up to you to decide for their fate” Swanson added.
“ You will lead the dispersal if it happens and eliminate Dunhill.” Lucianus said.
Swanson was moved and never expected Lucianus’ connotation would put him on the edge of a critical situation. He had to take more dosages of drugs to rid off his anxiety and restlessness to ponder the proper insight for the situation. His restive mind drove him to Dunhill alone that night.
“ I am giving up Lucianus. I am a dead meat now.” Swanson said.
“ That’s making you a good man now. You die with us fighting.” Dunhill said.
“ Listen, there’s one great thing you can do now before Lucianus and his cohorts get you. Get back to him and kill him. “ Dunhill urged.
“ What ? Are you crazy ? How can I do that to an invincible man? I will get killed first before I attempt to do it.” Swanson said.
“ That’s the noble thing you could do. To stop Satan’s emissary on earth.” Dunhill said.
“ No. That’s impossible. Nobody has ever attempted to slain the evil man because he is invincible. No amount of bullet shall ever kill a dead man.” Swanson said.
“ What do you mean dead man ?” Dunhill asked.
“ Lucianus is not human. Don’t you know his story ?” Swanson asked.
“ What about ?” Dunhill asked.
“ Lucianus is a living dead. He is Satan’s creation already. He resurrected from the dead more than a hundred years ago since the time of his death.” Swanson continued.
“ His father was Bajal. Satan’s emissary who died during the Middle Age Europe. He begot a son, named Lucien with Queen Moraiza of France. Lucien became a priest and entered the papacy of St John’s Square de Basilica when Satan disturbed him. Since then Lucien was possessed by the spirit of Satan until he was captured and detained in the dungeon. He died in captivity and the government of Italy shackled him inside the casket which was drifted into the river when the convoy of soldiers that were bringing him back to France were ambushed by the enemy.
Since then, the casket that sunk into the river was never found. The strong current took it to the deep sea and winter clothed the durable casket with ice that preserved his body. In the sunny day, the current drifted it afar and was caught by a group of adventurer in the sea. They opened the casket and the quirky body of Lucien was still intact as Satan’s spirit touched him to be resurrected. Since then the group of buccaneers that found him became his first disciples. “ Swanson narrated.
“ If that is the case, there is one alternative solution to destroy him. “ Dunhill said.
“ What is it ?” Swanson asked.
“ Get a silver bullet that will destroy his heart.” Dunhill suggested.
“ My time is running out. I’ve told him that I just gave you twenty -four hours to yield. “ he added.
“ There is still time. We’ll find it here. Go back to him and tell that I would be yielding for an extended time. Go back to me and I will give you the pistol and the silver bullets to finish him off.” Dunhill said.
“ Do you think it will work? “ Swanson asked.
“ Precisely. We only need a little time” Dunhill said.
Immediately, Dunhill along with his followers seek the help of a tinsmith in a locality while Swanson’s persuasive words would hardly forego Lucianus’ temper.
“ Master, the man would confer his people about his thoughts of yielding since belligerent followers would most likely impede his decision. If possible let’s give him a little time to settle his issue.” Swanson explained.
Lucianus’ facial gesture was not that pleasant but was overwhelmed by the cloud of doubts. He stared eyeball at Swanson who began to feel the tension of his guilt that would almost shrink him at his position.
“ Alright, get back to him and tell him not to loiter in the metropolis. Keep themselves away from the city. I will send troops to secure the area. “ Lucianus ordered.
“ Yes, Master.” He replied.
Swanson found a leeway to consummate their plans while Dunhill was fabricating the killer silver bullets that would destroy Lucianus.
“ We got the pistol and the extraordinary silver bullets designed to destroy his body. “ Dunhill said.
“ Just in time. He wants you to keep away from here as the troops are on their way to wipe out the streets. “ Swanson said.
“ I won’t spend much time. I have to go.” Swanson said.
“ Extra careful, Swanson. “ Dunhill said.
“ Yes. I hope to get him off.” Swanson replied.
Swanson left in a hurry as Dunhill and his followers quickly abandoned the city heeding the instruction of Lucianus to clean up. When the troops arrived the city, they had all gone to a nearby rural area.
On that day, Swanson went back to the Vathikan Tower to see Lucianus who was waiting for his report. Swanson set the six rounds - bullets into the gun and concealed it inside his dark suit.
He stayed cool first in his dressing room and for some time he would take stimulants to be more active. Later, he took himself out to the elevator while shunning the warrior guards posted in
The protocol would meet him before he came nearer at the entrance of the Lucianus’ office.
“ What�
��s up, Swanson ?” the protocol asked.
“ Reporting to the Master” he replied.
“ He’s not around. He went out.” The protocol said.
“ Where ?” he asked.
“ 45 floor. Conference center. “ the protocol replied.
Swanson stepped back to proceed to the said floor. The warrior guard stopped him when he reached the level.
“ You cannot proceed, Swanson.” the security said.
“ Why ?” he asked.
“ The Master is conferring with his Chief of Staff.”
At the closed-circuit television, Lucianus and his Chief of Staff could see Swanson’s arrival.
“ Let him in. “ Lucianus commanded.
“ Yes, Master.” the security replied.
Swanson opened the door and remained standing behind the door waiting for the signal of Lucianus who was talking to his Chief of Staff. He slowly pushed to lock the thick wooden door.
“ Come on in, Swanson. “ Lucianus asked.
He slowly lifted his feet to step forward to them.
“ Be seated. A minute. “ Lucianus said.
“ Yes, Master.” He replied.
Lucianus and his Chief of Staff paused for a while Swanson cleverly held by his right arm the gun concealed in his suit.
“ What has happened ?” Lucianus asked.
“ Ah, yeah. Dunhill was never willing to give up this time” Swanson said.
“ What !? “ Lucianus exclaimed.
“ We cannot force them anymore as they are ready to die fighting.” Swanson added.
“ Swanson, what are you talking about ?” Lucianus asked.
“ Master, he looks like he has turned to them.” the Chief of Staff sighed.
25
Swanson promptly took out his gun and aimed at them that stunned the Chief while Lucianus stood still unmoved.
“ What is the meaning of this, Swanson?” Lucianus asked.
“ I have made up my mind Lucianus. I am putting a period to your diabolic rule. “ Swanson said.
“ I have given you everything that you need and yet you can afford to turn around.” Lucianus said.
“ I have realized that no amount of wealth and earthly things would equate my salvation.” He said.
“ Then, what do you think will save you now ? Heaven ? I tell you there’s no heaven. Heaven is here on earth. In my kingdom and dominion.” Lucianus said.
“ That’s a lie ! I know that your time is coming to an end and days are counted for this mankind’s agony. You have deceived and pushed many to death.” Swanson exclaimed.
“ You don’t know what you’re talking about, Swanson. You have betrayed yourself !” Lucianus said.
“ It’s not too late for me Lucianus. It doesn’t make any difference between bitter life beyond and living under your realm today for everything will come to a fiery hell. So, I would rather choose death and be saved than live a good life with you but resurrecting into an everlasting lake of fire.” Swanson explained.
The Chief of Staff made a drastic attempt to grab Swanson’s hand gun that the latter prompted with astonishment to pull the trigger as the barrel emitted the burning silver bullet that hit the former’s chest. The bleeding Chief of Staff fell dead on the floor and quickly as his finger could pull the trigger, the second bullet was emitted from the barrel of the gun towards Lucianus who was hit in his right shoulder. But Lucianus’ wonder was manifested when he shunned subsequent salvos of the gun that perplexed the highly tensed Swanson. Lucianus away from him and concealed himself behind the back door leading to the heliport. Swanson slipped out of the room and was met by the security whom he shot dead.
He quickly proceeded to the heliport by the stairs where he spotted Lucianus who was heading to his private helicopter. Swanson shot him at a distant but failed to hit him until all the rounds were consumed. Lucianus upon seeing that Swanson has no more bullets stood before him and walked towards him. His bleeding wound had ceased to flow and literally healed.
“ He-he, Swanson, I told you. Nobody shall ever conquer me.” Lucianus said.
Swanson was scared and stood still in front of Lucianus. Lucianus got his collar and lifted him up in the air. He cast him a distant. Swanson was injured and cried out. Lucianus approached him and again collared him while Swanson struggled enough to hold the stiff arm of the strong man. But Swanson failed to grab and stop the stiff arm of the ruler. Lucianus hurled him to the corner and like a shaken black berry fruit, Swanson was injured and exhausted.
“ Finish me now, Lucianus.” Swanson asked.
“ As you wish, Swanson. The prize for treachery. He-he.” Lucianus replied.
With his right hand, the strong arm of Lucianus lifted Swanson over head and cast him down to the ground. Swanson fell from heliport to the ground lifeless while Lucianus returned to his office and commanded his troops to arrest Dunhill and all his followers. Dunhill sensing that Swanson did not make it, immediately prepared his people for the worst scenario they would suffer.
“ We shall fight to the end. We have to stop the atrocities of Lucianus or die in vain.” Dunhill exclaimed.
“ We shall be with you. We will fight to the last drop of our blood.” One follower said.
They got some assault rifles with them ready to repel any arrest and hostile approach.
“ Here they come ! “ Dunhill shouted.
“ Commence firing ! “ the militant leader shouted.
Without giving them any chance to appear from their vehicles the rebel members commenced firing desultorily causing them to strike back at those visible along their way. Apparently, the troops on wheels suffered casualties in their bewildering encounter with the hostile groups along the streets.
“ Send in reinforcements ! They’re advancing and have toppled a number of vehicles along our way!” one warrior said.
“ Keep firing ! They’re coming ! “ the second warrior shouted.
The rebel members took advantage of their overwhelming force by seizing their firearms and damaged vehicles to equip themselves for the anticipated troops reinforcements. Meantime, Lucianus and his staff had been monitoring the situation in the war zone and became anxious upon seeing his force being overpowered.
“ Send in more heavily-armed troops.” Lucianus commanded.
“ Yes, Master. APC’s are on the way now “ his military aide said.
“ What’s the status ? How many are down?” Lucianus asked.
“ Ten vehicles were damaged and seized by the enemy. Four cars were burned. About fifty were killed and ten were injured.” the aide confirmed.
“ Send gunships to finish them all.” Lucianus commanded.
“ Any trace for Dunhill ?” he asked.
“ None, Master. Mostly rebel members are visibly hostile. No signs for Dunhill.” the aide continued.
“ Tell the command post to search for Dunhill and bring him to me dead or alive.” He ordered.
In the war zone, rebel members of Dunhill were found to be injured and killed as armed-reinforcements were coming into the scene.
“ Minister, APCs and more armed-troops are coming in ! We are most likely to be overpowered” One rebel member said.
“ Back-off to the woods.” Dunhill said.
With their remaining seized weapons and ammunitions they escaped to the woods as the foes’ blazing bullets kept raining everywhere hitting desultory anyone struggling to reach for safety. Grown trees and thick leaves of the plants concealed them from the scouring flying machines that kept firing aimlessly causing some to be harmed and killed and some escaped narrowly.Meantime, the government of South Afrika thru Prime Minister Edward Bradley appealed to Lucianus to spare the lives of their people and settle dispute amicably and peacefully.
“ They have committed a blatant crime that is against the law of Vathikan States and its inhabitants. They have invaded our peaceful land and commenced terroristic acts. They shall finish what they have started. They are accountable to their own action
s. “ Lucianus pronounced.
“ We deeply mourn the ruthless killings of our people in your land. While you have been adamant to pursue your unforgiving and violent moves against our people, it is our consensus to respond the same way you wish us to do the way you want it to be. “ Bradley pronounced.
With these pronouncements of the two leaders, declaration of war was implied. Lucianus and the Armed Forces were alerted all command posts and military headquarters in the country. Military troops were deployed to strategic locations of the country. Meanwhile, somewhere in the woods…
“ Our government has declared war against Lucianus. Any time from now, our invading forces will swarm this land.” Dunhill announced.
“ APC’s are hanging around waiting for us to be visible.” A rebel officer said.
“ Deploy our snipers and surround them while they’re waiting unruffled rest.” Dunhill instructed.
“ Exactly, when the invading forces arrive they will be caught in bewilderment.” The officer added.
“ When firing in the air commenced we will attack them in all sides that may cause them to be driven away, or if they are so unfortunate enough, they get killed.” Dunhill said.
Lucianus’ forces seemed to be so confident to repel and topple the invading forces of South Afrika when he guaranteed the back up armed forces of the Vathikan States member-nations. Simultaneously, the South Afrikan President and the military high command assessed their capability but determined to go their war mission against the Vathikan States.
By surprise, Prime Minister Monroe of Britannia contacted Prime Minister Bradley and expressed his intention to join him in his daring invasion of the Vathikan States of Lucianus.
“ We had been prepared to this kind of war engagement for a long time against Lucianus and think that this is the right time to strike to our arch enemy of long ago.” Monroe said.
War of the Holies Page 17
