Hunter of the Damned

by Jennifer Martucci

  The sound of enormous wings beating overhead directs my attention heavenward. The winged beast returns, nose-diving with a bloodcurdling caw as it plummets to the earth with its clawed feet open. He’s headed straight for Lillian. I cry out to her to look out, but my words do not leave me in time. Long talons arced like deadly scythes gleam just before they burrow into Lillian’s clothing, lifting her off her feet. The beast dips long enough to grab her then ascends and disappears into the evening sky. “Lillian!” I scream. “No!” The only sound that returns my own is Crocell’s vicious laughter. And suddenly I am a bottomless wellspring of rage.

  Turning, I glare at him, my eyes locking on his blood-red gaze. My muscles twitch. Adrenaline floods my system, saturating my cells as a rush of energy so potent and foreign it shocks me pounds in time with my heart. A tremor racks my body, beginning somewhere in the vicinity of the back of my neck and continuing down to the soles of my feet. I reign over it, harnessing every ounce of it as never before. And then I attack.

  Driving my elbow into Crocell’s jaw, a cracking sound rips from his mouth and I watch as the lower half of one of his elongated canine teeth shatters. A small victory, but still a victory nonetheless, I do not have a moment to waste. I spin and launch my foot into his torso. The force of my blow lands him on the ground. He tries to scuttle to his feet but I leap, springing into the air then freefalling onto him. My booted heel comes crashing down on Crocell’s head, evoking a wail from him and generating a loud snap. He collapses to his knees writhing in pain, but I do not relent, and I do not feel mercy. Instead, I position myself behind him and grip either side of his gargantuan head. Then, twisting it sharply and with all my might to the right in one swift motion, I jerk his head hard. A snapping sound fills the space between us followed by several pops and cracks. Any and all resistance Crocell possessed leaves him. Activity of any kind ceases and I feel every muscle within him relax. His lifeless body crumples so that he’s face-first in the dirt. His body immediately convulses and sooty forms shaped like tongues and slithering sinuously before being caught on a slight breeze that quickly grows to a gale force wind. The shapes that emerged from the vicinity of the man’s torso are met by a gust of flames that flare, winding and slinking like snakes of fire. Hot air whooshes in my face, the air just above him quickening before it explodes in a supernova of dark colors swirling in a cyclonic pattern. The fetid stench of brimstone, decay and blood hangs in the air. A ghostly moan howls, a doleful bay that claws at my eardrums until they feel as if they will bleed. I cup my hands over my ears. Just when I think I can no longer withstand the sound, the whirlpool of malevolent energy is absorbed by the atmosphere. Silence dominates, but only for a moment. Within seconds, the flap of wings beating above me returns my attention to the heavens.

  The winged beast has returned. It has dropped from the sky in the space of a breath and now has Scarlett pinned to the ground, its mouth open bearing fangs poised just above her throat. Seeing this causes my heart to lurch to my throat. “No!” I scream and charge toward them. It turns at the sound of my voice and looks at me as I launch myself at it. In the seconds before impact, it rockets up into the sky, causing me to dive and fall flat on the ground next to Luke’s unconscious form. Scarlett is on the other side of me, awake and trying to stand. My fellow Hunters, my friends, are injured. I gnash my teeth and roll onto my side then rip a dagger from Luke’s belt. I cast my gaze skyward, watching the flying monster, and envision myself there with it, sitting between its wings. I focus all my energy and feel myself merge with the atmosphere. I disappear from my spot between Luke and Scarlett, only to reappear in the sky and mounted on the beast’s back. Leathery skin and rippling arches trace the length of its spine. Inasmuch as I want to marvel at the beast up close as I am in all its horrific glory, I can’t. I’m here with a single purpose. Grabbing the beast’s skull, I yank it back hard and drag the blade of the dagger across its throat. The beast roars and bucks, the sound ferocious for a split-second before it turns to little more than a wet gurgle. Warmth gushes over my hand as I bury the blade to its hilt, ensuring that I hit arteries and inflict a mortal wound. It tries to soar, higher and higher, straining, but with each beat of its wings, each exertion, its blood pumps harder, rushing from the gaping wound. Its wings stop. And within the space of a breath, the beast explodes in a supernova of angst-ridden sound, fury and the stink of fetid flesh and rot. A black tornado manifests in its wake, dark, swirling clouds that screech and herald doom. The tornado is absorbed by the ether and I am falling, plummeting to the ground below. Squeezing my eyes shut, I try to envision myself safely on the earth below but cannot concentrate. I am hurling toward the earth, unable to stop. I flail but panic grips me. Before I know it, tree branches lash and scratch at my skin, the cuts caused by them like razor blade slashes. The ground rushes at me and all I feel is my body crash to an unyielding, merciless patch of land. Pain explodes and vibrates through my bones, snaking in every direction. I lay still for a moment, every part of me throbbing.

  “Daniel, are you ok?” Scarlett’s voice caresses my ear and grows closer. I open my eyes and see her image, blurry and running toward me.

  I try to raise up onto all fours and glance down, thankful that I fell on grass and not concrete.

  “Daniel, oh my gosh!” Scarlett is at my side and throws her arms around me. “You saved my life.” She hugs me tightly. I inhale, feeling warmth diffuse through my chest and smelling the heady scent of roses in her flame-red tendrils.

  I return her hug and feel her pull away slightly. But I resist her movement. I drop my arms and cup her face in my hands, staring into her amber eyes. My heart pounds and my belly flutters. I’m lightheaded and exhilarated, nauseated and terrified. But none of that matters. All I can think about is what my lips would feel like pressed against hers. And though it evokes an odd ache in my chest and makes me feel as though I’m being disloyal to Sarah, I’m powerless to stop it. I lean forward with infinitesimal slowness, all the while watching as Scarlett’s eyes flicker between my eyes and my mouth. She inches toward me, meeting me halfway and our lips brush against each other. And for the first time in more than a year, the insistent sadness, the loneliness that’s been my constant companion, subsides. I feel joy. I feel happiness. I feel peace.

  But all too soon, Scarlett jerks her head back. “We can’t,” she says, her eyes hard and her tone firm.

  “I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to,” I stammer. There’s more I want to say. More I need to say, but can’t. Lillian returns, bruised and battered. She searches our faces as if she knows what just transpired. Luke shambles up behind her.

  “We need to assemble every Hunter available and go to Agares and save my family,” I say, ignoring Lillian’s reprimanding gaze.

  “You’re right,” she agrees and stuns me when her expression transforms from accusing to fiercely determined. “We need to end this once and for all.”

  Her words ring with truth, with resolve. The fate of mankind rests on us and what happens in the coming hours. I only hope to not only save my family, but live up to the prophecy of Gideon.

  Chapter 18

  ̴ Daniel ̴

  Reappearing, I find myself standing upon dew coated grass blanched to a pale hue by stony moonlight. My head spins and my eyes adjust to night, a stark contrast to the explosion of color I just witnessed seconds ago when I defied the bounds of time and space to arrive at my current destination. All that I do, all that I’ve done up to this point, is a mystery to me. Each day, my abilities are surpassed. Never in my wildest imaginings did I think it possible to change my location at the speed of thought. But standing here as I am after being in Patterson just minutes ago, is enough proof that my wildest imaginings didn’t even scratch the surface of what’s possible. I’ve returned to the place where I met Lillian. Blinking rapidly, I notice that to my right is the Gothic Victoria. Within seconds, Lillian, Luke and Scarlett appear beside me. All of us are bloody and bruised, our clothes tattered. We look as
though we’ve been through exactly what we’ve survived: a sneak attack of epic proportions. I’m about to ask as if everyone is alright when a voice beats me to the punch.

  “What happened? Are you ok?” Tall and solid and with the presence of a mountain, a Hunter approaches from the shadows, his bow in one hand and a quiver filled with arrows slung over his shoulder. From the look of him, I’m inclined to believe he’s capable of doing far more damage with his hands than his bow and arrows. His stubble-covered jaw, strong and square, is set and his brow is low. He addresses Lillian directly then allows his gaze to roam the rest of us. Dozens of Hunters step out of hiding, out of the concealment of trees and shrubs, as well as from the house.

  “I’m fine,” Lilian replies. Even though her dress is torn and streaks of blood and dirt mar her cheeks, she still manages to be regal and exude calm. Thank you for asking Ronin.

  Ronin dips his head reverently, closing his eyes briefly as he does. But when he lifts it and his eyes open, his features harden. Eyes narrowing, he’s voice is gravelly. “Who did this?”

  “Crocell and Balam, Agares’s generals,” Lillian replies. Though she’s been battled and bears the markings of her struggle, her posture remains ramrod straight and her demeanor radiates peace and calm. “Gideon killed them both.” She turns to me and I see the pride flash in her silver irises.

  Seeing the glimmer imparts me with strength and courage unlike any I’ve ever felt. And I sense it, sense the transformation occurring within me as readily as one recognizes his own reflection. I feel Gideon. I feel his energy infuse me, melding with my own and overtaking me more and more each day. And that energy takes hold of me. The need to address the group burgeons. A voice that is almost foreign to my ears booms from my lungs. “Fellow Hunters, we need to go now. We need to leave here.” All chatter ceases and all who’ve left the house and their posts in the wood assemble around me. “At this moment, Agares and a legion of his kind are on a farm in Catamount. We need to strike first, attack them there now.” A hush so complete befalls the group I swear that if a pin were dropped it could be heard. “We are seriously outnumbered. Many of you won’t return.” My voice is somber as I look from face to face and weigh the grave risk most will undertake. Not one among my fellow Hunters flinches. Each set of eyes is fixed on me. “This moment in which we exist, this very moment is why all of us are here. We are here to battle Agares.” I ripple of nods sweeps through the group. “If we fail and he wins, our centuries-long fight against him will have been for nothing, countless lives lost in vain.” I look to Ronin. The small muscles around his jaw flex but the rest of him is still, ready. The demeanor of each Hunter resembles his. “Agares may have his legion, but looking out at you, I’m certain I’d take fifty of you over all of his.” I pause a moment to allow what I’ve said to sink in then decide the simple truth will be what closes my address. “We cannot fail. The fate of every man, woman and child on this planet depends on us.” Thunderous applause erupts. They cheer and hoist their weapons into the air.

  Over the roar, Lillian’s voice is heard in my ear. “I need your help, brother.”

  I turn and meet her gaze. “Anything,” I reply.

  “If we are to leave here as one, I need you to help me transport them.” Her left eyebrow lifts almost imperceptibly.

  “I’m not sure I know how,” I admit and feel a bit foolish saying that, especially after rallying every other Hunter to follow me possibly to their deaths.

  “You did it back at the police station,” she reminds me with confidence.

  “Yes, but that was just me, and it happened by accident.” My admission causes shame to blaze brightly across my cheeks.

  Twin pools of molten silver study my face. “Gideon, you have more power than you can possibly fathom right now. All you need to do is tap into it, allow it to flow through you.”

  Her words ring through the hollows of my being and all I can do is offer a small nod. At my gesture, Lillian signals for all of our brethren to join us. Everyone replies, gathering around us and each placing an arm on the shoulder of the person nearest. Though no one looks at me expectantly, their interlocking arms makes plain their expectation.

  Heart thudding a frantic rhythm, I inhale deeply to calm my nerves then squeeze my eyes shut. I concentrate on shifting our group to the farm I Catamount as hard as I can. I envision Agares, the land around it. I concentrate so hard my head begins to hurt.

  “Just relax.” Lillian’s voice whispers through my mind. I open my eyes and see that she’s watching me, her features serene. “You can do this.” Her lips do not move but her words are crystal clear, and it seems as though only I hear them.

  I allow the tension in my muscles to ease, allowing my eyelids to close gently. I focus not on moving the fifty or so Hunters waiting on me but on the breeze, the faint scent of earth and pine, of grass and evening dew, on the moon and stars above. I begin to feel a stir of energy ignite within me. Subtle at first, it grows stronger with every beat of my heart. I picture the farm where Agares waits and the stir grows. The power coursing through my veins multiplies. I place all of us there, lining the perimeter of the property, waiting on the outskirts and ready to attack. I picture my sister and my mother.

  The world around me flickers. Light flashes behind my closed eyes. I imagine we are traveling on a single cord, racing through a flat dimension of space, defying time as it marches on unaware, and defying all that is known of physics. Within seconds, my body becomes one with the elements. And I’m not alone.

  Chapter 19

  ̴ Agares ̴

  Anger rages through Agares like wildfire as he walks through the living room of the farmhouse. Images flash through his mind, crystal clear and undeniable. Gideon killed Crocell and Balam. And he did so with relative ease. That acknowledgement lands like a blow to his temple and causes him to realize circumstances have changed. Two of his best were vanquished by one. Agares felt their souls as they were absorbed by the ether and destroyed, felt them vanish into nothingness. A thousand years of service apiece from Crocell and Balam, and now both are gone forever.

  Gideon is far stronger than he imagined. That much is obvious. He managed to topple two of his most powerful allies. But because he still retains so much humanity, he’ll come for his mother and sister. The part of him that is Daniel Callahan will demand it.

  Agares gazes out into a field beyond the window pane at the front of the house to where at one time animals grazed and field hands worked. Neither humans nor animals roam the plains now. Beings summoned from the depths of darkness have set up camp. Closing his eyes, he senses thousands of his kind gathered there, feels the collective buzz of their energy thrum in time with his own. Like a dark heart, it beats with a unified purpose: slay Gideon and every other Hunter. They are prepared for battle, each waiting as anxiously as a bull ready to charge. All they need is to scuff a hoof at the grass and snort. Though some of them actually do that in their underworld form, most do not. Regardless, all of them are ready. Ready for a war waged against the entirety of humanity.

  As soon as he took the Callahan women from their home in Patterson, he quickly amassed as many Servants of the Underworld to his lair. He drew them, using his power as a beacon that tugged them as if they were caught in a magnetic field. Now they are here, servants of darkness, prepared to strike at a moment’s notice.

  Inhaling deeply so that his lungs fill and his chest puffs, Agares feels confident he’ll triumph. He turns from the window and walks to the door to the basement. He makes his way down the stairs and finds the two Callahan women huddled together and sobbing. The look up startled when they see him. “Please just let us go! Daniel isn’t coming here!” the older Callahan woman cries. “He wouldn’t even know we’re here. I don’t even know where we are.” Her words are muffled by her blubbering, a fact that makes him aggravated and nauseated at the same time. He fans his hand in front of his face in annoyance then his eyes drop to Arnie and his wife, dead on the floor.

 
; “Please, take them away at least,” the younger Callahan woman says and points to the bodies. Snot pours from her nostrils and mingles with her tears and saliva. She is an absolute mess, sickening and pathetic in every way.

  “Shut up,” Agares growls. “Both of you are sheep. You disgust me.” He glares at them, drilling them with such concentrated hatred they recoil as if in pain. Of course, he could initiate pain for them. It would bring him unimaginable pleasure to do so. But at the moment any energy used on them would be wasted. Instead, he drains his voice of all emotion and says, “Make no mistake about it, very soon, Daniel will come and you will be staring at his dead body along with these.”

  “No! Please, Danny is a good boy. He didn’t do what you said he did!” Kathy says.

  “Oh don’t worry, you won’t be forced to stare at his body for long,” he assures them then stalks toward them. He hooks a finger under Kiera’s chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. In a voice as calm and controlled as a coiled snake, he says, “As soon as he is dead, I will kill the two of you as well.” He allows the gravity of his words to settle, piercing her very soul with irises devoid of pupils, the color so black it rivals the night sky. Immediately, both Kathy and Kiera’s features fall slack. Their eyes widen and well with tears that quickly overflow. “You will both receive long, slow deaths befitting the sister and mother of Gideon.”