“You knew my dad?” I asked, surprised at this revelation.
“Very well in fact. He was a very strong Pack leader.” She answered.
“So it is true, you never knew of his past, interesting.” She said, judging by my question and expression that I was genuinely curious.
She turned her head quickly, as if she heard a sound far off in the distance. I turned to follow her gaze and sensed nothing, only the deep dark wood surrounding us.
I turned back only to find she was gone. I heard off in the distance as her exotic accent drifted to me, “Good night Eric. It was a pleasure meeting you.”
I was amazed at her ability to move so stealthily. She had snuck up on me almost unawares and had disappeared as effectively. If she was as adept at using her sword as she was at moving undetected she was deadly indeed.
Only after leaving the lake and following the path that would lead me back to the car did I realize she had never answered my question. She had easily maneuvered the conversation away from her and distracted me from my inquiry. Apparently, I had a lot to learn.
The way back was uneventful. I thought about what she had said and if I was going to tell Abaddon. I decided to keep the encounter to myself. If he was going to keep secrets, I was too. I don’t think the information about the Rite of Ascension was groundbreaking but it was mine.
When I arrived at the rest stop there was a fresh pile of clothes on the ground and some shoes. I had forgotten in all the excitement that I was practically naked. Changing form from a human to a werewolf wrecked havoc on a wardrobe.
Abaddon sat in the driver’s seat and after I dressed I got in with him.
“Feel better?” He asked.
“Yeah, I do actually.” I answered.
“Good, try to get some rest we have a long drive ahead.” He said. He turned on the ignition and we drove away from the rest stop towards my new home.
Chapter 12
We drove all night and into the next day before we arrived. We were near the industrial district and Abaddon pulled into a garage door attached to a large building that looked like it used to be a factory of some sort.
I got out and we walked out of the small garage area and went up a flight of steps that led to a large metallic door.
Abaddon unlocked it and we went in. The area was huge.
It was an open space with large columns spaced throughout to support the roof. It had the feel of an abandoned workshop. The smell of metal and grease permeated everything. Most of the area was empty of anything but concrete floor and steel beams. I saw an area marked out in a square with paint that reminded me of a boxers ring.
Behind the squared off area was a large expansive weapons rack that housed everything from bows and arrows to katanas to large double bladed axes.
Opposite of the “battle area” was a small living space. It housed a worn out couch, a small T.V. and a desk with a lamp and a computer. Behind the living space a partition separated the sleeping areas and the bathroom from the rest of the loft.
To the right of the living area up against one wall was the kitchen. Stainless steel cabinets housed a refrigerator, a double oven and a cooktop. In between the cabinets and living area was a modest island made of metal. It had a sink and prep station.
I stood and took it all in, dropping my bag on the floor and sending echoes through the area.
Pointing towards the kitchen Abaddon began a rundown of the space, reiterating what I already gathered at first glance.
“That is the kitchen. You will make your own meals and earn money to buy food, which you will get for yourself. Over here is the living room. Next to it is your desk where you will further your studies and continue on with college.” He said, pointing to each area as he gave me the grand tour.
“Behind the living room is where you will be sleeping, there is also a bathroom on the far back wall. Over here is the training area. This is where I will teach you to control your beast and to defend yourself against those that wish to do you harm.” He said, finished.
“Home sweet home.” I said sarcastically.
“It is sufficient. Go put up your things, meet me in the training area in ten minutes. We will begin the selection of your weapon.” He said.
I really didn’t know what he was talking about but to be honest I didn’t know what the hell’s been going on ever since that fateful night.
I went to my bedroom and found a surprisingly comfortable mattress. There was a small night stand with an alarm clock next to my bed and a small dresser. At the foot of my bed was a bar suspended from two chains that attached to the support for the roof. Empty clothes hangers hung from the bar.
I didn’t bother with putting up my things. I just sat on the bed trying not to freak out. This was all so sudden. Two months ago all I could worry about was making sure I got my homework in on time and now I was minutes away from choosing my weapon? What the hell did that mean? I guess it was time to find out.
I went over to the training area and found Abaddon standing in the squared arena. He wore only his shirt and jeans. His frame was thick with muscle that his large coat had hidden. In his hand he carried the same sword he had used against me last night. Its sting would hurt, but it was not fatal, perfect for chopping me up during training without doing permanent damage, great.
I walked up and stood opposite him, like a boxer would.
“The Descended are very hard to kill, the most effective method is decapitation. Only the strongest among us are capable of that. When the first Pack was formed it was discovered that the gift of silver handed down from a family member was lethal to our kind. It is believed that the link between the bloodline of those who are capable of freeing the Beast is reflected in silver that has been passed down. The act of giving the silver is akin to the Beast being given by the blood and gives it its power.”
“Our duty as Ascended is to protect the Pack and to ensure that any Descended are dealt with swiftly and cleanly. Everyone has a responsibility in this so everyone must find his or her weapon. Each person is unique and their particular weapon is different. It has been my job as weapons master to help new members find their weapon and gain mastery of it. As in all groups or organizations rivalries and desires for dominance emerge. An astute weapon wielder will also benefit when dealing with political matters and inter social disputes.” He said.
“So we learn how to use a weapon that is infused with silver in order to kill any Descended, but also to protect ourselves from other Pack members?” I asked.
Abaddon smiled slightly, “Yes, that is the basic idea.”
“Great, not only do I have to deal with being a werewolf, I have to learn how to fight with a sword or whatever and deal with Pack politics. Oh, and get a degree from Georgetown in the process.” I complained.
“There is another option.” Abaddon said gravely.
“What? I have to learn how to ballroom dance?” I asked sarcastically.
“You can stay rogue, in which case the Pack will hunt you down and kill you.” He answered matter of factly.
“Wow, so many choices.” I answered.
“Are you done pouting? Many others paths were much harder than yours. You have a difficult road, sure. But I would expect your father’s son to have more backbone.” He chided me.
Thinking that my father would disapprove of my behavior stung. I was thrust into this crazy situation without any warning. My entire life turned upside down and things were happening that I didn’t fully understand, yet knew if I screwed up there was a good chance it would kill me. I thought about my mom and how she would probably say something about lemonade and it made me smile.
Fine, if this was my life’s path then at least I was going to walk it with my head held high.
“Alright, what do you want me to do?” I asked, eager to get on with it.
Abaddon noticed the change in me and accepted it, he walked over to the weapons racks, “We need to find your weapon style. Some prefer a blade, while others pre
fer more blunt objects.” He said as he waved his hand at a large hammer.
“You have a tall frame and your body has yet to fill out. You will be strong and fast. A mid-size sword may fit you best. Here take this and meet me in the arena.” He said handing me a double-edged straight sword.
Its blade was almost four feet with a wide base that slowly tapered to a sharp point. The hand guard was a tee above the handle. There was a small metal ball attacked to the bottom of the handle to act as a counter balance.
I held it in one hand and followed Abaddon to the arena. He turned on me as I was testing the weight of the sword and came in hard and fast. I had no idea what to do and before I knew it pain radiated from my arm where Abaddon had sliced it.
I looked down and saw blood well up from a deep gash in my upper forearm. The wound quickly began to heal, leaving a small amount of blood behind.
“What the hell? Aren’t we supposed to use wooden swords or something?” I asked, anger rising after being cut.
“Those are for the weak who do not heal like us. You will be using your weapon in matters of life and death. The kiss of pain in failure only drives the lessons home. There is no time for half measures. You need to learn and fast. As long as we use normal weapons and not ones forged from familial silver you will heal.” He answered.
Well, shit. It looked like I was gonna get my ass cut up real good until I could find my weapon.
Again he came in, only this time I was ready. It mattered little.
I tried to swing the sword into position but Abaddons skill made me seem infantile, again I was cut and again it healed. This went on for about ten minutes.
Abaddon attacked from different angles and different positions and I tried to stop him from hurting me. It never worked. No matter what I tried, I was just too slow and too clumsy.
“This is not your weapon.” Abaddon said after slicing and dicing me.
“No shit.” I said, upset at my failure.
Abaddon saw my disappointment and said, “Do not feel bad, even when you do find your weapon you will not be able to stop me. I don’t expect you to become proficient overnight. I am looking for other signs in your balance and movements that tell me what your particular weapon will be.”
“Great, so even if I do find it, I’m still going to be ginsued.” I said.
Abaddon smiled and handed me a smaller sword. A katana I think. It was one sided and had a slight curve that ended in and angled tip. The handle was wrapped in a tight cloth and a square hand guard protected them from attack.
The grip was long enough for both of my hands and I held it this way and faced Abaddon again. The result was no different than earlier.
We went through many different weapons. We tried many sword variations then moved on to heavier items like axes. I fared no better with these.
Finally, after three hours I stood in the arena sweating and panting.
“That is good for today. Tomorrow we will continue, eat and get some rest. We start bright and early in the morning.” Abaddon said.
I couldn’t wait.
Chapter 13
My alarm clock began bleating and I swiped at it, turning it off. I rolled over hoping my mom was going to make a big breakfast when I remembered where I was.
“Get up, we have work to do.” Abaddon growled as he walked past my bedroom.
“I guess he’s not a morning person.” I mumbled to myself.
I went into the kitchen and ate a bowl of cereal while Abaddon went to the weapons racks looking them over. I finished my breakfast then met him in the arena. He handed me a long wooden pole that had a blade attached to the end of it. I took it and we began where we left off yesterday, him cutting me and me bleeding.
He quickly determined that the knife pole wasn’t my thing. The same went for the double headed axe, the mace, bow and arrow, small knives, scimitars, a weird chain thing with a metal claw on the end and many more, and that was all before lunch.
Well after noon Abaddon walked over to the kitchen and said, “We can stop for now. Take this money and go into town. Get some groceries; meet me back here in a few hours.”
The idea of a respite from all the ass kicking I was receiving was inviting. Even with all my enhanced senses, speed and strength Abaddon humbled me with his skill.
I went over and took the small bundle of cash he put on the counter. As I eagerly turned to go outside Abaddon said, “Be careful, you most likely are not in any danger from attack, but that doesn’t mean some might not try to goad you into fighting. If you swing first then the rules of protection are waived and you are fair game. Remember, having power over the Beast is not just in the physical, you have to be smart and know when to fight.”
I nodded, indicating I heard him and left, wondering what he meant by “most likely”.
I walked back down the steps and outside. I realized I had no idea where to go. I had never been here before and was totally lost.
On instinct, I drew in a deep breath and tried to see if I could determine where to go by scent. Again, I was amazed at the clarity of information I received when I used my enhanced senses.
I made out all number of smells, some good, others bad. One among the many struck me as having promise.
It reminded me of when my mom would bring home groceries and she’d have a sack full of fruits and vegetables. There was an earthiness to it, a sweet and yet ripe smell that reminded me of nature and fresh food. I decided to follow it and see where it took me.
I walked for about thirty minutes, leaving the industrial district I came upon an area that was clearly old. The buildings had an aged brick look that told you they were built decades ago, before steel and glass took over. The trees growing along the sidewalk were large and full, denoting age.
I came to an open area that housed a bunch of tents full of vendors selling different produce and fresh meats. I realized I had found a food market.
People were milling about, shopping for food for dinner while others moved with a dedicated purpose. They were clearly loading up on goods for local restaurants.
I walked around and marveled at the different odors I picked up. I could tell so much about someone just by the way they smelled.
I walked by one lady who tried to cover the smell of cigarettes with perfume. She emitted a slightly tart odor that for some reason reminded me of guilt. I also could make out a medicine like smell and noticed a small nicotine patch when she reached for a banana. She was trying to quit smoking and failing, in doing so she felt guilty.
Another man was still hung over from last night. The faintest trace of alcohol lingered on him. His jaw worked furiously, chewing gum. He had eaten a large breakfast consisting of pancakes, sausage and eggs. He reeked of grease, people and a variety of other spices and ingredients. If I had to guess, I would say he was a chef.
I walked around picking an item here and there, engulfed in the many aromas and sounds that I now could hear and smell. I spent almost an hour getting some things for dinner and figured I would have to get back soon.
A feeling swept over me. I wasn’t sure where it was coming from, but I had the sensation that someone was looking at me. It was weird.
I looked around trying to spot anyone. I couldn’t pick out any one person that seemed to be staring at me.
I shrugged it off and started on my way back. As I left the urban section of the city behind and entered the industrial area the feeling of being watched dissipated.
I chalked it up to misunderstanding my newfound abilities and hurried on my way. I went up the steps and unlocked the door to the loft. I carried the food over to the kitchen and put them away. I looked around and the emptiness of the space pressed in on me. It was unnerving.
“Abaddon?” I asked tentatively.
I waited for a response and none came. I guess he was still out. I thought about watching T.V. but just wasn’t all that interested in it.
I went to my bedroom and began to finish unpacking when I had to go to the bat
hroom. I got up and walked past Abaddons room.
I turned looking in and was stopped by a flash of light coming from a bag lying on the floor next to his bed.
I don’t know why, but I was drawn into his room. I slowly walked towards the flash of light that came and went like a ray of sunshine off a glossy surface.
I knew it was wrong to go into his room but I couldn’t help myself.
I went to his bag and looked down. I could see, hidden under a pile of clothes, a small metallic object. I reached down and grabbed it, holding a small bracelet about an inch thick that had a green gem inlaid in it. Next to it was another one; this one was similar in design only it had a red gem. I held one in each hand marveling at them.
Something about their design pulled at me. They looked like they were constructed by locking together small plates of metal that still allowed the piece to move. It reminded me of armor.
Without thinking I put them on and was surprised at how well they fit. They felt warm on contact, not like metal that usually needs to be warmed by your own body heat.
I glanced back down into the bag and saw the edge of a faded picture poking out from under a folded pair of pants.
I pulled it out and noticed how worn it was, the edges were frayed and there were creases in the middle and side from being folded.
Abaddon stood next to a teenager. The boy was a smaller, less dangerous looking version of Abaddon, he had the same blonde hair and the faint traces of a budding beard showed on the youth’s face.
Abaddon stood next to him, his face weird looking as I realized he was smiling, grinning from ear to ear.
Every boy knows the smile Abaddon had; it was the smile they all wished they would see beaming from their own father’s face, pride.
The boy held a smaller version of Abaddon’s sword and he looked like he had just worked out, his tee shirt showed dark areas of gathered sweat.
The boy was glancing up at Abaddon, who wasn’t much taller, admiration and love radiated from him as he looked at Abaddon.
Gauntlet Rite of Ascension Page 8
