“As you well know Elijah, the longer you live, the more you learn to pick up on subtle things. I have been around for a long, long time. Your father and brother are not the first immortals who’ve come to me looking for the ancient wisdom known simply as the ME. When you’ve seen enough of them, you learn to recognize certain things. An immortal’s entire demeanor is different from a human’s; there are subtle differences in the way they carry themselves, how they stand and move. All that power is hard to hide from someone who knows what to look for, and for me, knowing what to look for can be a matter of life and death.” Khalid pulled a glass fitting from the top of an expensive-looking whiskey bottle and poured two glasses as he explained. He took a sip from one glass and handed the other to Elijah.
Elijah was impressed with Khalid’s knowledge and once again wondered if perhaps Khalid and Ayda were cut from the same immortal twine as was he, or if the color of his eyes truly eliminated that possibility, as Ayda had suggested.
He threw back the whiskey. “What is this ME? Why does my father want it so much?” he asked. His voice rose with his curiosity.
“It’s smooth, isn’t it?” Khalid noted with pride. “It’s thirty-year-old single malt.”
“I prefer bourbon, but it is good,” Elijah nodded. He could see Khalid swell with contempt and was immediately sorry. He had no idea the lion of a man would be so sensitive about his scotch.
“Like I said,” Khalid continued. “Over the years, many immortals have come looking for this knowledge, but no one has ever found it, because it doesn’t exist.” Khalid rubbed his eyes and took a deep breath as if he was about to give a long, rehearsed speech.
“The legend of the ME comes from Assyrian mythology. There is no real description of exactly what it is, no consensus, only various beliefs and opinions. Some so-called experts believe it is a collection of actual stone tablets, similar to the Ten Commandments in Judeo-Christian and Islamic mythology. Others believe it is a collection of glyphs, scrolls, or books; some even believe it is a single piece of parchment. There are also various beliefs surrounding the number and makeup of the rite or rites. Some people believe there are many different tablets scattered across the earth, each conferring a different supernatural gift, while others believe there is just one sacred writing, providing one sacred gift.” Khalid paused to take a deep breath as he poured another helping of whiskey.
“The mythology is quite simple. It states that in the beginning there were three gods, existing beyond time, in a state of perfect unity. The gods acted as one; having a unified will and purpose caused a perfect synchronicity and harmony to exist throughout the universe. The three brothers, if you will, ruled in this manner until the creation of mankind. Mankind was the jewel in their crown, the pinnacle of all of their achievements; never before had a life form been created with such a capacity and thirst for knowledge. Although greatly lacking in power, humans had an intelligence and will to rival even the gods. They were the first creations to question the world around them; they even questioned their creators.” Khalid took another drink from his glass and then topped it off. Elijah could see he was conflicted regarding the audacity of man. The story seemed to mean a great deal to him, as if the telling of it exacted a toll.
“Man’s questions and opinions brought light to the fact the brothers were uniquely specialized in their powers, and this provoked pride and envy between two of them, who both desired to prove the superiority of their power,” Khalid continued, before finishing the last drop of whiskey in his glass and then leaning forward to stare intently at Elijah.
Elijah straightened and returned Khalid’s stare. “I don’t believe in fairytales,” he said, “or gods, but Ayda did take something from the House of Wisdom. She said it was imperative my father not get his hands on it. So, tell me the truth; what did she take? And why is it so important? Why would so many immortals believe the ME does exist?” Elijah was tired of secrets; he was determined to get what he could from Khalid, and although the big man was beginning to open up, it wasn’t hard to tell he was being purposely vague and trying to throw Elijah off track with his sarcastic tone.
“Is that true?” Emira asked. Her tone and expression were sharp and condemning. Khalid became noticeably uncomfortable; the incorrigibly proud man was suddenly softened by Emira’s accusing stare.
“Just listen. Let me finish telling you the myth, and then I’ll tell you what I know.” Khalid’s voice was nearly a whisper; Elijah was vividly aware of his deep reluctance.
“The god Mikal, known as the god of light and creation,” Khalid continued, “was proud of his power to bring life into the world. It is said he has spent ages making all different kinds of creatures and beasts, including man. His brother, Adol, is known as the god of darkness and death. He despises his brother’s power; he is envious of him, and spends his time taking away all his brother creates, turning light into darkness and life into death.” Khalid paused for a moment and once again poured more whiskey. Emira shot him a disapproving look, but he tossed it down anyway and then continued.
“This is where your father comes in,” he said. “Adol is the god who creates those like him, these immortal blood-letters, vampires as they have come to be known. He empowers them with death; the more life they consume, the stronger they become.” Khalid’s voice was now a monotone. His guise of imperturbability surrounded him once again.
“Wait, I thought you said it was all just a myth,” Elijah interrupted, sure Khalid was still hiding something.
“I said the ME was a myth, not the entire story.” Elijah caught him backtracking and wasn’t going to let him off the hook. “Anyway, will you let me finish?” Khalid’s imperturbability hadn’t lasted long, and he was becoming noticeably frustrated by Elijah’s questions. “The third brother god is named Odam; he is also known as the breath of man and the spirit of the earth. It is said he took notice of man’s plight and was compelled towards compassion.
“He didn’t like the way his brothers played with life and death, and he wanted to help man in his struggle. It is said, in his anger and compassion, an immense power was birthed in the form of knowledge. He wrote this knowledge down, and it is believed by many that these tablets, glyphs, or tombs contain knowledge that can give humans or immortals god-like power. They are said to be able to empower even the gods.” Khalid’s voice began to rise. His passion for the subject was now bursting forth, flooding his voice with hints of excitement.
“The most popular theory is, whether there is only one or many tablets, there is only one rite, or ritual, either inscribed on one tablet, or perhaps scattered throughout multiple tablets. The rite is known as the Apotheosis. Adol apparently charges his immortals with the task of finding it. He believes he must keep it out of his brother’s hands. He believes the rite will give him the power to create life and make him the most powerful of the gods.
“However, if one of his immortals, like your father,” Khalid frowned in Elijah’s direction, “were to find the rite, be able to decipher it, and dared to defy Adol, he could perform it himself and become extremely powerful. At least, that is what some believe.” The excitement in Khalid’s voice had quickly transformed to sarcasm. He obviously wanted Elijah to believe he wasn’t convinced.
“But that still doesn’t explain what Ayda took or why they would come here, to you.” Elijah’s curiosity caused him to continue pressing the big man.
“Well, it is said, when Odam created these tablets, he also created an order of immortals to see to their protection, to be their guardians. The rite is only to be used by a member of that order, and only in the direst of circumstances, like if Odam himself were somehow killed, and mankind had no other option. I spent much time as a professor trying to help people understand these myths and, unfortunately, I got a name for myself. Because blood-letters can tell I am not human, the ones who know of the ME and the order automatically assume I am involved, that I am one of Odam’s immortals,” Khalid explained while he tugged his ear.
“As far as Ayda is concerned, she can be naïve; she might believe in such things. For all I know, she might have thought she had found it.” Khalid chuckled, probably trying to sound condescending, but, as far as Elijah was concerned, he had already given himself away. Still, Elijah knew there was more to be revealed.
Khalid’s secretive nature was beginning to remind Elijah of his own past. Over the years of their friendship, Ayda had been persistently vague and secretive about anything to do with her past. It sounded crazy, but maybe this was why; maybe this was all true.
“Are you one of Odam’s immortals, a guardian of the ME?” Elijah didn’t know exactly what to think and was becoming more and more intrigued. He had experienced many things in his life which most people would think impossible, so he saw no reason to rule this out.
“I told you, the ME is just a myth,” Khalid declared. He seemed guarded once again.
”What are you, then?” Elijah asked him straight out, hoping to rattle him enough to get something.
“Why would I go to mosque if I truly believed in all of this? That wouldn’t make any sense,” Khalid finally said, and then stared blankly down at the coffee table.
“It would be a good cover,” Elijah prodded. “Besides, you already admitted to believing in these three gods.” Khalid didn’t reply; he just continued staring. After a long silence, Elijah realized Khalid wasn’t going to discuss the subject with him any further, so he decided to give up, at least for now.
He wanted to ask Khalid about his own eyes and if he thought they might be of a similar kind, something he thought Ayda had dismissed too easily. But after noticing Emira had wandered into another room, Elijah took the opportunity to pry into another subject in which he was deeply interested. “How long have you known Emira?” he asked.
“How did I know that’s what you would want to discuss? Death and danger all around us, and you can’t get your mind off of her, can you?” Khalid raised his voice; he seemed threatened.
“Death and danger I’m used to; death and danger are my life. Emira is a welcome change,” Elijah responded unapologetically.
“You know you are not good for her.” Khalid was like stone.
“Well, I’m sure you’re right.” Elijah was leaning calmly back on the huge couch. “Besides, I’ve got more urgent things to worry about right now. You just keep her here and keep her safe; I’ll take care of my brother and my father,” Elijah assured him.
“Are you boys talking about me?” Hearing Emira’s voice, Elijah looked up to see two beautiful bare legs stretching down from a familiar T-shirt. “I stole this shirt from your bag; I hope you don’t mind.” Her voice was melodic.
Talking to Khalid had made Elijah tense, and he was glad to feel the warm tenderness of Emira’s presence. He looked over at Khalid and could see he was also grateful for the beautiful interruption.
“I don’t mind. It looks better on you anyway,” Elijah laughed. He loved to see her smile; it seemed to make everything else disappear. Elijah stood up and took her hands in his. Looking into her eyes, he was sad to see her smile had disappeared and she looked worried, as if she already knew exactly what he was about to say.
“Emira, I have to go,” he explained. Her expression didn’t change. “I need to know for sure if my little brother is alive. Khalid will be here to protect you.” He glanced back at the big man on the couch, who was now writing in a notebook.
“Don’t worry, I will be back, and I will make sure no one can hurt you.” Elijah stood there gazing into her eyes for a moment, almost waiting for permission. He wanted her to understand.
“I know. Please, just don’t die.” She fell into him as she spoke and hugged him with all the warmth in the world. Being immersed in her light gave him a strange, overpowering feeling, as if it were suddenly fueling him, strengthening him. With her blessing, he was ready.
“Where will you go? How will you find them?” Khalid’s deep voice rose behind Elijah.
“I guess I will start with the masjid. Hopefully they’ll find me.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he realized he actually didn’t have much of a plan.
“Here.” Khalid stood up and handed him the piece of paper he had just been scribbling on. “That is directions back to the masjid and to my home from there.”
Elijah accepted the scrap of paper and thanked him, then said his goodbyes and took off up the stairs. He could still hear Emira’s muffled sobs as he slid the fireplace shut behind him.
Chapter 84
Using the directions Khalid had provided, Elijah was easily able to follow the path that had brought them in. As he passed the pond, he gave fleeting thought to the red sports car resting forever at the bottom. Within seconds he was at the road, and then the masjid.
The night air was cool as he walked around the building; he could almost see his breath. The lights were off inside and the parking lot was deserted. This wasn’t where he needed to be.
The other address and directions Khalid had given him were easy to follow, and it didn’t take him long to find his way to Khalid’s front lawn. When he checked around the house he could tell someone had been there not long ago, but there was no sign of anyone now.
Inside, the house was a wreck. They had turned the place upside down looking for their prize. The drawers were all turned over; everything was scattered on the floor. Walls were busted in, couches torn apart. It looked as if wild animals had been locked in there for weeks.
Maybe that’s all his brother was anymore, an animal. He had spent hundreds of years believing just that, but now he had reason to hope he might have been wrong. But where was Solomon? Elijah had one more idea.
He left the house and ran along the road, back to the first thing he had seen when he entered this small town. Walking into the gas station, the saw the same fat man sitting behind the counter, still punching away on his cash register with both hands. Elijah got in line behind a young man who seemed to be dressed up for a special occasion of some sort. He reeked of far too much cologne, but it was better than the stench of stale cigarette smoke that filled the small building.
“You’re back.” The fat little cash register puncher stated as Elijah stepped up to the counter.
“Yes. As a matter of fact, I need to ask for more directions.” Elijah spoke politely.
“Well, I can’t just give out directions if you don’t buy anything; didn’t you read the sign?” The man motioned to the front of the counter. “Hah!” he chortled as Elijah followed his finger. “I’m just joshin’ ya. What is it you need, buddy?” The man asked between belly laughs.
Elijah was still smiling, trying his best to be patient and friendly.
“You are funny,” he said, still managing to maintain a grin. “I was just wondering if there are any nearby churches.”
“Yeah, well, there’s lots of churches. What kind are you lookin’ for? I thought you were a Muslim, anyway.” The man looked confused and bored. He was eager for lengthy conversation, but Elijah didn’t have time.
“Is there a big church, one with stained glass windows or any elaborate religious décor?” he asked.
“Yes there is, but it’s a catholic church; I don’t think you want to go there. They don’t like Muslims much; they don’t even like me, and I ain’t nothin’.” The man’s slow speech and tendency to blather on and on was really nipping at Elijah’s nerves.
“Thanks for the warning. Now, just tell me where it is.” Elijah snapped, trying hard to hold in his frustration.
“Well, it ain’t far. It’s on the main highway, just a couple miles east.”
“Thanks.” Elijah could hear the man mumbling on, but he was out the door before he could hear enough to make any sense of it, if there was any sense to be made. It wasn’t long before he could see the steeple and the stained glass in the distance. His chest was welling with hope. It all seemed to make sense now, at least the part about Solomon.
Solomon was still his brother; a brother he loved dear
ly. He had simply been forced to do some horrible things for the sake of Malaki. If Elijah could just talk to him alone, they could figure something out together. Solomon had always been a reasonable person; he just needed to know there was another way to save Mali. Elijah didn’t know what that other way was, but was confidant there must be one, and he believed they could figure it out together.
He stopped just a few blocks from the church and stared up at the glass. This was the moment of truth. If Solomon was inside, Elijah would finally know for sure if he was still the brother he remembered or the monster he had been in Elijah’s mind for so long.
He walked the last two blocks slowly, remembering some of the best times he’d had with his big brother. He hoped that man was inside, and he hoped they wouldn’t have to kill each other.
Elijah walked up the steps to the big double doors at the front of the church. He took a deep breath and pulled on the enormous, elaborately carved handles.
Chapter 85
As the doors swung open, a gust of wind raced across Elijah’s face, carrying the scent of burning wicks and melting wax. The smell immediately drew Elijah’s attention, and he looked to his right. There were a number of candles still burning; pools of hot wax surrounded some, as if they had been burning for some time now. The main altar was opposite the entrance, directly in front of him. As he turned his head towards the front, he saw what he was looking for.
“Come and sit with me, Brother.” Solomon spoke before Elijah had taken even a step.
“You knew I would come?” Elijah asked. He was surprised. He had been one step behind his brother for so many years, it was a bit unsettling to find him waiting this time. Elijah walked forward, towards the answers he so desperately sought.
“I knew, after what I told you, your hope and curiosity would outweigh your hate.” Solomon was sitting on a pew in the front row on the right side of the main altar. He had been staring up at a vivid and gruesome portrayal of a crucified Christ since Elijah walked in; he hadn’t once looked back.
Apotheosis of the Immortal Page 34
