by Ron Francis
"I'm John, you should already know that," he replied. "Thomas hasn't even woken up yet. His wound was very infected and it sapped his strength. My mother would be quite unhappy if someone were to disturb his rest."
"So, you admit he's here, then."
"I've admitted no such thing. The Fitzpatrick family has a lot of property, he could be anywhere." "Are you refusing an order from the head of our clan, John?" His emphasis on the name let John know he wasn't going away."
"Our clan leader has no right to insist on entering our property." He replied. "And even if he did, he did not issue the order. My father was in the meeting where the council agreed to four days. Thomas will come before the council at the appointed time. Until then, he's not to be disturbed. Your father knows this, which is how I know he did not order you to search our home."
"You will be sorry if you do not let me pass, John."
"That intimidation might work with the smaller families in the clan, but not ours. We're not afraid of you, or your family."
"Enough," Malachi shouted. He then drew his sword and marched towards John. "We will speak to Archer now, whether we have to fight our way to him or not." Malachi's men began to spread out on the short grass in front of the house, each one with their hand on the hilt of their sword.
"That's always your first instinct, Malachi, as soon as you don't get your way, the sword comes out. Well, I've got news for you," he placed his hand on the hilt of his own sword. "I'm not afraid of you, either, never was. Come at me with that sword, and you will die."
By this time, all of Abby's brothers were standing behind their father, hands on their weapons. Abby was still stalking around the room and Thomas had heard enough. He could not let Abby's family go to war with their own clan to defend him. He gathered his strength and began to stand. He made it to his feet by the time Abby saw him. She growled which he took as an indication that she wanted him to lie back down, but he just shook his head.
"I'm going out there, Abby, before blood is spilled. You can either help me walk or get out of my way. Asa will not hurt me. I do not want your family to fight for nothing." He began stumbling towards the door and Abby relented. She shifted back to her human form, put her clothes back on, and put his arm around her shoulder to help him walk. They came out of the room to the surprise of Abby's brothers. Thomas' face was a mask of pain as he trudged towards the door. The Fitzpatricks parted in front of him while he took each agonizing step.
Asa smiled at the sight, and he called past Abby's family, "You're a hard man to find, Archer."
"It's Hunter, actually, but I believe you already know that. Why are you here threatening my family?"
"They are not your family yet," he said. "Come, let us talk."
"Not until all of your men are off the property. You are not welcome in the Fitzpatricks' home. Once your men are gone, then Abby, John and I will sit with you on the porch."
"No, you'll come now or I'll make you come now," Malachi interrupted.
Thomas looked at the man with utter disdain and replied, "Shut up, Malachi. If you want your boss to talk to me, you go wait in the car or I turn around and get back in bed."
"We will meet in battle, Archer, and when that day comes, I will relish your death."
"Yeah, keep thinking that, Malachi, but until that day comes, go wait in the car." He poured steel into his voice and pointed to the car with an unsteady hand. Malachi made as if to move on him, but Asa restrained him and nodded for him to go. He beat an angry retreat with the rest of Asa's men and Thomas kept his word and sat on a chair on the front porch to talk to him. The Fitzpatricks might not have admitted it, but he could tell by the breath Connor let out that they were all thankful the situation hadn't degenerated further.
"How is it you know how to use a sword so well, Thomas?"
"That's what you want to know? You caused that whole unnecessary scene so that you could ask me who trained me! Really? I have no idea! I don't even remember using a sword." Thomas couldn't hide his shock and he saw Abby stifle her laugh to keep Asa from getting angry again. John just stood behind his daughter, his face betraying no emotion.
"No," Asa replied. "I have a string of questions designed to try and find the cause for why your secondary powers emerged. This can be important research into bringing that ability back to our race, Thomas. Look, I'm sorry about how things went in Texas. Malachi has a bad habit of letting his anger get the better of him, but I never meant you or Abby any harm. If your memories have returned, you must remember that your father trusted me."
"He sort of trusted you, which is why I came out. He didn't approve of the way you did things, and, neither do I, but he did believe you would try to protect me."
Asa shot Thomas quizzical look. He wondered about just how much of Thomas' memory had returned and how much he had seen and heard when he was a child. John interrupted his musing when he said, "Thomas might be quick to forgive you, Asa, but you will find no such forgiveness among the Fitzpatricks. You messed with Abby's mind when she was seven, instead of showing us the respect we deserved and letting us keep our daughter in line with the clan's plan. It was always about the easy way with you, and we cannot condone your actions." He walked away, but Thomas could sense his rage was simmering just below the surface. A light of understanding hit Asa's eyes. He looked at Thomas and began again. He could see how much pain Thomas was in and didn't think there was any way he could stand before the council in two days. He gleaned all of the information he could from Thomas shaky memory and thanked him for his time. He believed he had enough information to form a solid thesis for his research. He left the safe house and went back to the car. Malachi was still glaring at Thomas who held his gaze with an unnerving smile.
"Come on, Thomas, let's get you back to bed before Grams sees you, and we all suffer." John said. "Thanks for coming out, but you didn't have to. We're more than happy to take on Asa for what he did to Abby."
"And, no one likes Malachi," Connor added with a scowl while helping a still unsteady Thomas walk. They were making light of it, but Thomas knew they were thankful he had defused the situation and kept anyone from getting hurt.
"Thomas, we're family. It won't be too long now before you finally marry our daughter and get her out of our hair," he joked, and Abby gave him a playful 'how dare you' stare. "I want you to know, your parents were our closest friends, and we will be there for you whenever you need us, no matter what." Thomas nodded his thanks, he knew he would have to take them up on it sooner rather than later.
Chapter twenty-one
The uniting of the Shadow Assembly was not progressing as well as Devlin had hoped it would. Four days had passed since he had sent Antonio to unite the clans and the only clan to pledge fealty to him thus far had been the smallest of the dark clans; the Cranara clan. It looked as though he were going to have to kill several of the leaders of the other clans before he could assume control. That sort of thing took time, and Devlin was ready to begin his plans now. Maybe if I can get another clan to my cause fast enough, the rest of the council will capitulate and cede leadership of the dark clans to me. He had already picked out his next conquest, the Xinara clan. Xinara was the second most powerful clan behind his Satarra clan, and the sight of them aligned would cause at least one if not two of the remaining clans to join them without a fight. As he was reviewing the rest of his plan, Antonio called in from Xinara territory.
"Devlin, it does not go well. The Xinara clan has rejected your offer, and killed your envoy. They are attacking my men as we speak. We need backup or we will have to withdraw."
"I am already on my way," Devlin replied. I cannot afford too much bloodshed among the dark clans. His entire plan hinged on being able to bring overwhelming force to bear. He had to act before things got out of hand. "Antonio, pull your men back, I'll be there soon. Focus your efforts on making sure Smythe doesn't leave his compound."
"As you wish, Devlin." The connection terminated and Devlin reveled in anticipation. It had
been too long since he showed his strength, and maybe that was the problem. He would arrive in fifteen minutes with his elite warriors. Then, the real fun would begin.
Devlin knew Smythe must have been paranoid by nature in order to purchase so big a chunk of land. His clan's headquarters was located about an two hours south of DC. He had built the compound square in the middle of the property and the lone path in or out was by gravel road. They were insulated from the rest of the world by miles of land in each direction. The land the Xinara clan owned was beautiful, and aside from a large clearing around the complex, untouched. Trees grew, animals roamed, water flowed gently down streams and it looked much like what Devlin thought Virginia would have looked like hundreds of years ago. Even the grassy areas were growing high and the only trimming they ever received was from the grazing of animals. Berry bushes sat close to a flowing stream, and he saw three deer drinking from the stream. He would be able to hunt here as often as he liked, as soon as he had control of the Xinara clan.
He arrived fifteen minutes later with his elite warriors and enough explosives to bring down the whole Xinara compound. The authorities might be alerted to the altercation if Devlin was forced to use the explosives. Although, they were far enough away from anyone else that they might not. Devlin strode with confidence to the main entrance of the compound, deflecting gunfire with his sword as he moved. Antonio and the elite warriors covered him while he was advancing. He placed a large explosive charge at the main gate and then retreated just far enough to blow it. He knew they would have been expecting a more subtle approach, but this resistance had gone on long enough. The compound looked like a fortress. Behind the gate was an open courtyard covered on three sides by the U shaped structure. Devlin pressed the detonator and the gate went up in a loud explosion as plumes of smoke billowed into the evening sky. The Shadow Mages kept the fire contained to prevent it from spreading to the forest around it. He knew he had to end this fast. The longer this went on, the higher the chance of the authorities being alerted, even in this remote location. Devlin and his warriors rushed into the compound followed by Antonio and his group.
Devlin was a blur, cutting through the enemy faster than his men could keep up with him. He knew that he was the most powerful Ethereal on the planet. By this time, Smythe had seen enough.
"You dare invade our compound, usurper?" Smythe bellowed. "The rest of the council might be scared of you, but I know you are not the destroyer. You will die by my hand tonight and then it is I that shall rule your clan." Smythe unsheathed a sword that looked like it was forged a thousand years ago, somewhere in Europe. It shone like a star as the sun glinted off of his blade while he fought his way to Devlin. He slashed his way through Devlin's elite warriors with ease while Devlin hacked his way towards him. When their swords finally met, it was as if lightning had struck the compound, and the meeting of their swords were claps of thunder. It seemed as though the Titans themselves were battling in Virginia.
"You shall not live to regret your foolish decision to reject my offer, Smythe. I will kill you and unite your clan to mine." Most of the smoke had been cleared from the compound by the Shadow Mages, but the smell of smoke still hung heavy in the air.
"Are you insane? If you break the Covenant, you will be the cause of another purge, and I will not allow it. We don't need to rule the world." Their swords met once again. Smythe had the size advantage, and probably the strength advantage as well. Devlin, however, had the edge in quickness and agility. The fighting slowed and everyone seemed interested to see how this played out. Smythe was considered by many to be the greatest dark Paladin that had ever lived, but Devlin was supposed to be the prophesied destroyer.
The battle raged back and forth, and now all of the other fighting had ceased. The clans were waiting on this epic struggle of titans to give them a clue as to how to proceed. Swing, backswing, block, parry, neither man could gain an advantage. Devlin faked high and came low, but Smythe was ready. He parried Devlin's attempt and launched his own, leaving a gash in Devlin's arm. Devlin winced, but did not cry out. He rolled through another Smythe attack, scoring a backslash on his opponent's calf. The two opponents separated and checked their wounds. Smythe scowled and launched into another attack. Three overhands were blocked by Devlin before Smythe started his forth with one hand while producing a throwing knife with the other. Smythe's knife found its mark in Devlin's side. The color left Devlin's face and he stumbled backwards. Smythe hammered blows down on Devlin until Devlin dropped to one knee, blood dripping from his side. Smythe slashed at his sword hand causing Devlin to drop his sword and fall before him. Smythe's eyes lit up with the bloodlust of the kill as he brought his sword high above his head to end Devlin's claim to power, and his life.
He began to bring the sword down, and Devlin thrust his left hand out, stopping him in mid swing. He then lifted Smythe into the air without touching him. He continued to hold him in an invisible grasp as he bent over, picked up his own sword, and said, "Everything I have ever heard about your skill as a warrior is true, Smythe. I admit you are a better swordsman than me." As Devlin spoke, Smythe tried to wriggle free from the invisible grasp. He had not known until it was too late that Devlin had powerful secondary powers. No one alive had ever seen him use them before. "I would hate to lose a Zdrada as skilled and powerful as you. If I let you live, will you swear the Xinara Clan's fealty to me?"
Smythe, still hovering in midair unable to move, seethed. Antonio looked as though he had never seen Shadow Mage powers so strong or focused. Devlin knew that many powerful Shadow Mages could use telekinesis to throw people, but he was the only being he knew of able to hold a warrior motionless. Smythe spat out the words, "I will never help you be the destruction of our—"
Before he finished his sentence, Devlin's sword had parted Smythe's head from his shoulders. The body hung in the air for an extra moment before Devlin released it and it crumpled, headless, to the ground. Everyone still standing knelt on one knee and bowed before Devlin. He knew no one in the Dark clans had seen secondary powers in over a hundred generations, and he knew they all now believed him to be the destroyer. Devlin was a little unsteady from his wounds, but dared not show it. His success depended on the perception of him being powerful beyond reckoning. He marched at a slow but steady pace through the courtyard, his face a mask and his emotions in check. He entered his truck with Antonio and they left. Devlin began using his Shadow Mage abilities to heal himself. It would be slow going and cause delays to his timetable, but he would recover. The only one that would ever even know he was hurting from his injuries would be Antonio.
"Devlin, you know I'm with you all the way, right?" Antonio began, choosing his words with care.
"Of course, why do you even need to ask?"
"I will do whatever it takes to help you accomplish your goal; I'm just unclear on the why. Why do so many have to die?"
Devlin looked at his second-in-command, maybe the closest thing he had to a true friend, and decided to be honest with him. If it were anyone else, he would chastise them and send them off on an impossible assignment, but Antonio deserved to know.
"People believe me to be a madman, Antonio. I know what they say about me. But what none of those people know is that I have a vision for this world. I've seen humanity at its worst and they will slaughter us given the opportunity."
"How can you be certain, Devlin, most humans seem content to run their little rat races and retire to a life of golf and doctors. Why do you think they're so evil?"
"Antonio, the same spirit that caused the purge is still alive and well today, I've seen it." He paused for a moment before continuing. "Do you ever hear me talk about my wife?" When Antonio indicated he hadn't, Devlin continued. "When my son was born, it was a difficult pregnancy. We, of course, shaped our son's ears so no one would know he was a Shadow Mage, but my wife continued to be sick. The time came when we knew we could only help her at a normal hospital. That decision turned out to be the biggest mistake I have e
ver made. They gave her some medication that reacted negatively in her, and it caused an involuntary shift. Just like that the normals had a live wolf in their hospital. After a few minutes, she shifted back, but it was too late. The authorities became involved, they started questioning and testing everyone we know and instead of continuing to treat my wife, they continued to test her and their tests killed her. They didn't stop there, they hunted down her family and imprisoned them and I had to kill eleven men to keep them from taking my son from me. At that point, I decided that for us to survive, they had to die, and my mind hasn't deviated from that goal at all in the last twenty-four years."
"I had no idea you even had a son, Devlin. I didn't know any of that.
"No one does! You are the only one I have ever trusted with this information." Antonio nodded, nothing more needed to be said, and he drove his boss home in silence.
*****
Lucas hadn't seen or heard from his best friend in over three weeks. He was worried, and more than a little bit miffed. He was certain that Darcy was a Shifter, but he didn't know whose side she was on. He was also certain Thomas had finally figured out that he was part of a different world. He knew Thomas didn't know that his best friend was an Ethereal. Although by this point, he could be suspecting everyone in his life was there to spy on him. After all, he was the child of prophecy, or destiny, or whatever other crap the Council of Light believed. What he couldn't figure out was why Thomas had not come to him with such a big revelation. Maybe he thought I was planted in his life as well. It was true, Lucas' father had sent him to UT to meet and get close to Thomas. It had worked, too. It might have been an assignment at first, but Thomas wound up becoming his best friend. It was ironic because they were so different. Lucas would have never picked Thomas for a friend, but it wound up being a perfect balance. Thomas didn't drink a whole lot, e wasn't really into sports, except baseball, and he had fallen in love for the first time a few weeks ago. Before that, Thomas romantic interests were few and far between. Lucas was the complete opposite. He loved all sports, drank as often as his liver would allow and usually took home the first willing blonde he met at each and every party. Yet somehow, they clicked as opposites. He knew Thomas had his back. He was ready to give his entire life savings to help me out. I'll never have another friend like that.
