Michael, listening with rapt attention to the words of the Samael, turned to the small group behind him. “Rick—Julian—get Christoff and the others out of here now. Don’t stop for anything and don’t look back.”
The small group was galvanized into action. Julian and Eva placed Thomas very gently onto Christoff’s leather coat. They each took hold of an end while Kate placed her hand beneath the middle of the injured man’s body. This way there was the least amount of movement to Thomas’ back as they made their way up the stairs and under the archway. Rick, with Christoff resting in his arms, followed close behind them.
When Michael was certain they were all through the arch and into the room beyond he turned, focusing all of his attention on Lucifer and Lilith. “Brother, I will not raise my sword against you for I made a promise to Him ions ago when I cast you out of Heaven.”
“Promise—what promise?” Lucifer asked.
“That you would not come to harm by any act of mine for He loved you even then.”
The anger in Lucifer’s red eyes was replaced by confusion—but only for a moment. Not one to appear weak in front of his brothers, the demon lord turned away from the Avenger, sparks flying from beneath his cloven hoofs as he stomped towards the great pit. “I’ve grown tired of this conversation—of this entire mess. Sometimes you can be such a killjoy, Michael. Rasputin—come—before my brother decides to deprive me of you, too.”
The white hound walked slowly behind his master, followed closely by Lilith. Samael glanced first at the she demon then at Michael. “Michael, she can’t—you promised, brother. You…” but his angry words were halted as the Avenger held up his hand.
Raising his weapon once again, Michael called out, “Lucifer, I promised I would not harm you. However, I did not promise that I wouldn’t punish you—or those that follow you— committing heinous acts in your name.”
Lucifer stopped near the rim of the pit. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He wouldn’t dare challenge me? He thought to himself. Very slowly the Dark Lord turned his massive head just in time to see Michael raise the gleaming sword, pointing it in Lilith’s direction. “Noooo!” The word was barely uttered before a flash of light erupted from the tip of the weapon, striking the she-devil in the shoulder.
Lilith screamed in agony as her arm was severed from her body. The detached limb fell to the ground in a bloody heap but not before another bolt slammed into her other shoulder with the same results. The harpies’ cries filled the room, shocked and frightened by the attack on their queen. Lucifer desperately tried to maneuver his cumbersome body, turning to face the angel. “Damn you to Hell, Michael—she is mine!”
“And you’ve taught her well, brother, but she is nothing now and she belongs to no-one. She was pure evil. A being that had no regard for rules or regulations of any kind so— she must forfeit everything. Watch as she receives the punishment she has earned.”
“I—said—no!” Lucifer lunged at the angel. Lifting his left hand, Michael flicked it in the direction of the oncoming demon. Lucifer’s massive form stopped in mid-stride— held immobile as the angel turned his attention back to Lilith. “Hold fast, brother, and witness what your treachery has wrought!”
Michael raised his weapon again, the bolt of light striking Lilith in the leg this time. Her mutilated body pivoted to the left, falling to the ground with a crash. The harpies circled above her maimed body, gnashing their teeth as Lilith struggled to crawl her way across the cold floor of the cavern.
“Lu—help me!” She screamed. The serpentine form slithered and snaked its way across the ground as bolt after bolt of searing white light stripped away the flesh of her human façade to reveal the reptilian skin beneath. Her shrieks of agony echoed throughout the cavern until, finally, all was silent.
Michael, sheathing the silver blade, stared down at the grotesque form lying at his feet. Raising his eyes towards heaven, the Avenger whispered a few words before finishing what he’d started. “You, above all, are cursed among the beasts. From this day forward you shall crawl on your belly and eat the dust of man.”
“No—stop!” screamed Lucifer as he beat his fist against the grey muscled flesh of his chest. His cloven hooves scraped against the floor as sparks flew across the granite. His horns grazed the ceiling of the cave, the friction igniting a flame that quickly spread its entire length. Tongues of flame dropped to the floor consuming the bodies of the fallen scattered throughout the room. “Noooo!” Lucifer cried out again as he gouged at his own flesh, shredding huge chunks of muscle from his torso. The ground began to crack with lava shooting forth from every crevice as Lucifer roared at Michael. “Stop, damn you—stop!”
But Michael continued to pray as Lilith’s body was cocooned in a white light. “Your head shall be crushed under the heel of those you despise the most. You shall not die but suffer as you have made others suffer for all eternity.” The angel’s voice fell silent as he watched the cocoon of light shimmer and shrink until, with a blinding flash, it disappeared completely.
Michael stared down at the long, thin form coiled at his feet. Once the world was awed—and deceived by Lilith’s beauty. Now they would flee in fear and disgust from the snake that now housed the demon’s essence. Hissing angrily, Lilith’s new form slithered across the floor of the cave disappearing into the depths of the darkened pit which would become its new home.
“You had no right, Angel—she was mine! I will make you pay for this. If it’s a war you want I will bring it gladly!” The Lord of Darkness screamed at Michael as the floor of the cavern began to shake violently. Huge chucks of rock fell from the ceiling exploding onto the burning floor. With great effort, the demon pulled his arm free of Michael’s invisible hold, slamming his fist against the granite wall which caused a gaping fissure to run from floor to ceiling.
Samael, who had been standing behind Michael the entire time, rushed forward, his large black wings spread wide. Reaching his brother, he wrapped the angel in one steel plated wing while using the other as a shield just as a massive ball of fire burst forth from the center of the pit. Everything in its path, harpies, dead werewolves—everything— was reduced to molten ash. When the flame and heat had receded Samael lowered his wings.
“Michael—it’s finished. I think it’s time we left this god forsaken place.”
The two figures turned to dash up the staircase, Lucifer’s angry voice reaching their ears over the chaos reigning in the cavern, “Look over your shoulder, brother, for I promise you I will have my revenge!”
Michael and Samael stared at each other as they ran up the stairs and into the reception area. They hurried through the broken doorway and down the passage way until they found the others a short distance ahead of them.
“Julian—Rick—wait.” Michael called to them. When he and Samael reached the others, the angel said, “Gather round—that’s it, get as close as you can. You’ll never make it out of here alive on foot. Lucifer is destroying the entire place. This whole level will soon be nothing but lava and stone. The only good thing about that…” he told them, “…is that there will be one less entrance to Hell when he’s through. We’ll have to travel my way. It’s the only way to get out of here in one piece and get the injured back safely. Come on, each of you grab onto me—and hold on tightly to Thomas and Christoff.
“This is where I leave you, brother.” Samael told Michael.
Michael nodded, turning to face the Angel of Death, “Thank you for your help, Samael—I owe you.”
“And I will collect from you—someday.” The two angels clasped hands then, as Samael disappeared in a dark cloud, Michael turned back to the others, “Everyone ready—good—let’s leave this place.”
Chapter 26
Branches swayed, trees bent, splitting down the middle as a rush of wind touched down in the center of the woods near Julian’s home. Bits of swirling leaves
and grass settled upon the ground as seven figures appeared out of the white mist. All but one were somewhat disoriented as Michael bent down to check the injured man lying upon the makeshift cot of black leather.
“Did he survive the trip?” came a voice from behind the angel. Julian, shaking his head to clear the vertigo, knelt down next to Michael.
“Yes—but just barely. We have to get him to a hospital.” Rising, the Avenger looked at the others, “Rick—how’s Christoff?”
“He’s coming around but he’s weak.” Rick replied as he helped to steady the vampire who was struggling to stand up on his own. “He’s lost a lot of blood and it needs to be replaced soon.”
“I agree…” Michael said, “…and not just any blood will do after what he’s been through. He needs ancient blood—from a powerful source. Do you have someone at the house who can handle this, Julian?”
“Yes, there are a number of vampires who are as old as I am—or was—and others that are older. But the strongest among them is Sonya and, believe me, she won’t hesitate to do what has to be done to help Christoff. But, I think I’d better warn you, Avenger—she won’t be happy to see him in this condition—especially after the last time.”
“I’m well aware of that fact but we still need to find her. Let’s get everyone inside and we’ll go from there.” Michael said but, as he and Julian prepared to lift Thomas, Rick stopped them.
“Michael—before you go I—have a request.” The angel turned to face the vampire. Rick’s eyes went from Michael to Julian and back again before he said, “I can’t let Adrianna see me like this.” He passed his hand down over his battered body. His clothing was shredded and covered in blood and gore. The many injuries he’d received during his captivity and the subsequent battle were healing but many still remained. “The last time she saw me I looked much the same—having been newly created. If I face her now the memory of the whole Dragone incident will come flooding back to her and I don’t want to remind her of—everything that happened then.” Eva approached him, wrapping her arm around his waist. He squeezed her hand, placing a gentle kiss on the top of her head.
“Rick—she doesn’t care what you look like. She just wants to see you to…” Julian began.
“I know Julian; she just wants to see for herself that I’m alright. I understand that but that’s not good enough for me. I want her to see me at my best—so she knows without a shadow of a doubt that I’ve finally come to grips with my situation—that I no longer blame anyone…” he said looking directly at Julian, “…and that I’m happy—finally—because I’ve found someone that’s made it all worthwhile,” he said, looking down at Eva.
She moved in closer, hugging him tightly. “Michael—can you send Eva and me back to Red Rock? We need a little time to heal and take care of a few things. The only reason I didn’t make this request earlier was because I needed to know that Thomas, Christoff and everyone else was safe before I left them. They risked their lives to help me and that’s something I’ll never forget. But—I just—I can’t face Addie looking like this”
“It’s been a long hard journey for you, my friend—so I will do as you ask.” Michael told him, “But you must promise me that you will return. You—all of you —have been through so much together. You need each other—now more than ever.”
“I promise that I’ll come back, Michael, when the time is right for Adrianna and me to talk— about everything. Besides, I’ll want to see for myself that Christoff and Thomas are healing from their injuries.”
“We’ll return.” Eva chimed in. “Julian, will you explain to Shaniqua what Rick and I are doing and ask her to wait for me here?” Julian nodded in agreement. “Thanks—and tell her I’ll call her as soon as I can find another phone.”
“Alright Rick…” Michael said, “… if you’re both ready, let’s do this? Time is growing short and the injured need attending too.”
“Okay, Michael, and thank you…” Rick said as he held out his hand to the angel. “…thank all of you.” He shook Julian’s hand as well and took Kate in his arms. Her tears flowed freely and Rick knew her emotions were a mixture of joy for her old friend’s safety and worry over what was to happen to the man she loved. “It’ll be fine, Kate—Thomas will be fine. Never doubt that and tell him—tell him I have no words for what you two did for me. I love you, Kate and I’ll see you soon.”
He kissed her hair as she sobbed quietly. Then, turning to Michael he said, “We’re ready.”
The angel nodded and then turned to the man beside him. “Julian, help Christoff into the house. The rest of you, please— stand back.” Michael raised his arms and a bright light flowed from his hands engulfing the couple before him as they clung to each other. One minute Rick and Eva were there and the next they were gone only to reappear miles away on the front lawn of Jaclyn’s cabin where it had all began.
“Michael…” Julian’s voice sounded urgent as Thomas began to moan in pain, “…we need to get Thomas to a hospital.”
Kate, realizing the extent of the angel’s power, began to plead for Thomas, “Michael, please—you can help him—you can do anything,” she cried as she grabbed him by the arm. “It would be nothing for you to fix his back so he can walk again. He has to walk, Michael, he has too. He won’t be able to cope if you don’t help him.”
The angel stared at Kate for a long moment. “I’m sorry, Kate. It’s true that under certain circumstance it is within my power to heal—but this is not one of them. Thomas is alive and, to a certain extent, his body will recover. For now we must accept that. Trust me, Kate…” the angel told her when he saw the desperate look in her eyes, there is a plan for Thom… ”
“No—no—please, Michael—pleaseee!” Kate interrupted, pleading with Michael until Julian wrapped his free arm around her from behind, whispering softly in her ear.
“Kate—come on, honey, come here to me.” It was clear to Julian that Kate was on the verge of hysterics.
“He has to help Thomas, Julian—he has too!”
“We’re going to do all we can for Thomas, Kate—I promise you. Now— you have to listen to me. You have to stay focused. Thomas isn’t the only one injured here so I need you to pull yourself together. You can do it, Kate—I know you can.” Julian told the grieving woman, trying hard to mask his own doubt. “Alright Kate—are you with us?”
Kate nodded, wiping away a tear as it rolled down her cheek, “What—what do you want me to do?”
“Michael and I have to carry Thomas into the house so you’re going to have to help Christoff. He can walk but he’s very weak. Do you think you can do that for me, Kate? Do you think you can help Christoff?” Julian asked, trying desperately to divert Kate’s attention away from Thomas.
Kate stood still for a moment then, wiping her eyes with the sleeve of her dress, she moved to take Christoff from Julian. “Good girl, now just follow us slowly until we get to the house. I’ll call for help as soon as we’ve reached the porch.” Julian walked over to pick up one side of the leather coat Thomas was lying on while Michael reached for the other. As they moved slowly forward he whispered to Michael. “You’re going to have to explain something to me, Avenger.”
“Oh…”Michael said, casting a questioning look in Julian’s direction, “…and what is that?
“I’ve seen the power that you wield. I know what you can do. Fr Joseph was at death’s door in Rome and you healed him completely. Why can’t you do the same for this man?”
“This man is alive, Julian, and he’ll be able to live a long and fruitful life if he so chooses. He will adapt to any changes that may affect that life. Fr. Joseph didn’t have that choice. He would have died if I hadn’t intervened. Since it was I who dragged him into the whole Dragone affair—I who nearly got him killed for helping us, He…” the angel said, pointing to the heavens, “… granted me the power to heal that good prie
st. Look, Julian—I know this is hard—on all of you— but there’s a bigger plan in the whole scheme of things. Thomas has a certain path to follow. He will have an important choice to make in the not too distant future. Any action on my part at this time could jeopardize his decision—with grave consequences. I’m sorry I cannot tell you more right now. All I can ask is that you trust me. You know I would not let this poor man follow such a hard path if there weren’t a very good reason for it. You will all understand in time—now, let’s get the injured inside and do what we can to help them.”
* * * * *
Rick and Evangeline came out of the whirlwind, tired and disoriented, but happy to finally be home when they arrived on the front lawn of the tiny cabin.
“Let’s get you inside and cleaned up.” Rick told her. Desire was raging inside of the vampire as he stared at the woman beside him still dressed only in the jacket he’d given her back at the Hell mouth. Her arm was wrapped tightly around his waist and her scent was driving him slowly insane.
It seemed like an eternity since he’d fed—really fed—so, as he pushed her body gently away from him, he told her, “I have to go, Eva. I—need to hunt.”
A Soul in Torment Page 51
