Everyone mumbled an agreement like scolded children — which technically one of them was.
“Glad you agree. Right, well tonight is supposed to be a celebration so…” she disappeared into the kitchen and re-appeared armed with the second bottle of Heidsieck and four more glasses, “…let’s celebrate.”
I followed the team downstairs carrying a warm, light-headed feeling courtesy of two and a half glasses of champagne.
The change was immediately noticeable. Whereas earlier, the base had been swarming with people, now it was pretty much deserted. Only Agent Green and another female agent I’d never seen before stood either side of the Feasting Hall doors. They nodded at us and swung them open.
I drew in a sharp breath. It was worthy of a King’s Court. Walls decorated with numerous elegant shields and swords arched up into a domed ceiling, where dozens of crystal chandeliers dangled. On a raised stage at the far end, a group of musicians played a soft piece of classical music. Running almost the full length of the hall was the largest table I’d ever seen. There were easily over a hundred places. All of them — save the six closest to the entrance — were occupied. Some of the guests looked human, others far from it. Using the tell-tale signs from the guide, I identified Vampires, Succubi, Incubi, Skinshifters, Oni and all manner of Fae. Many wore uniforms just like mine. Others were dressed in ceremonial armour and capes. I spied Tyler and Dakin seated halfway down the table, but couldn’t see Scarlett anywhere. Even more people stood around the edges of the room, including agents in their pressed black suits and doctors in their crinkled white coats. I even saw Iralia in the mix.
As we entered, everyone stood up and began to clap. I could feel my face glowing with embarrassment. I stood on the spot, not knowing what to do — no doubt sporting the mortified expression of an emo at a surprise birthday party.
“Stay here,” whispered Gabriella, giving my side a reassuring squeeze as she and the rest of Orion took their positions at the table, clapping as did.
The applause ebbed away, but everyone remained standing. I watched Faru dodder his way over to me, using his cane to prod his way forward. When he reached me, he settled his cane against the table and crossed his arms over his chest and extended his arms towards me. I copied the salute.
“Alexander Eden, you have more than proven your worthiness to become a Guardian of the HASEA. You have behaved with courage, bravery and selflessness, even though what you have already faced would be too much for many. I can only ask now that you take your final step and pledge allegiance to the HASEA. Will you do so?”
I looked around at the sea of faces watching me. At Gabriella.
“I will.”
Faru nodded and gestured behind him. Two agents hurried over to where we stood. One carried a silver dish full of what could only be blood. The other balanced an emblem and dagger on top of a plush cushion.
“Please kneel,” commanded Faru.
Once again his voice took on the acoustics it had in the Temple. It boomed around the room, coming from everywhere and nowhere all at once. I lowered myself onto one knee.
“Extend your left arm.”
Faru took the dagger, which had a hilt resembling a Dragon’s mouth swallowing the blade. He dipped the tip into the liquid.
“I mark you now with the fortified blood of Leviathan, the last Dragon to walk the Earth and slain by Saint George. Whilst you wear this, no matter where you are in the world, you will always walk with the full support of the HASEA.”
He brought the blade down on my wrist and I had to bite my tongue as the coated steel seared my skin. Black steam curled up from the wound as he drew a cross on my wrist, followed by two semi circles either side. As soon as he had finished, the wound flashed red and then disappeared completely.
“It shall only appear when you need it,” he answered before I could ask. He placed the dagger back on the pillow and picked up the emblem. It reminded me of a police badge. Just like with the blade, he dipped the back part into the dragon’s blood. He grabbed his cane and used it to stable himself as he stooped down to my level.
“Whilst today you gain a new family, any that you have will be looked after as though they were one of us. You will never want for anything again, but in return, whenever you are needed you will stand and fight with your brothers and sisters to your final breath. Do you agree?”
I had to swallow before I could answer. “I do.”
Faru pressed the emblem into the space on my uniform. It sizzled and more black steam curled around the edges as it sealed itself into place. “Dilecti Surgemus, Socii Pollemus!” boomed Faru. Everyone in the room repeated the words in a thunderous echo. I knew without him saying what I had to say in return. “Dilecti Surgemus, Socii Pollemus” I replied in a voice that surprised even me. “Now rise Alexander, as a Guardian of the Alliance.” I stood up.
PART III
EYE OF THE ABYSS
21
Every single person in the room saluted me. I returned the gesture, widening my arms at the end to incorporate the entire room. I caught Gabriella’s eye and she gave a quick smile.
The two agents returned to the side of the room. Faru gave a nod and then another agent disappeared through a door in the middle of the room. He returned a few seconds later, carrying a long, blood red box with a silver trim. There were low murmurs as people noticed what was in his arms. Gabriella’s expression became one of shocked confusion. Dakin had a scowl so deep etched on his face that it looked like a permanent carving.
Faru raised his hands and the voices fell into a charged silence. The Sage took the box from the agent, who then slipped quietly back to his original position.
What on Earth is inside that can have this much effect on so many people? I wondered as Faru turned to face me.
“It is customary,” Faru began, “for the Sage of any base to offer a new Guardian a customary gift at this point.” The murmurs began again, like a rising wave. “Alexander, my gift to you is the gift that I myself received when I joined the Warren many centuries ago.” The voices grew even louder, people exchanged looks of disbelief. Faru clicked the gilded, silver latches. “I present to you the Crimson Twins.”
He flipped open the lid at the same time that the room erupted into a storm of noise. Some Guardians gasped, shouted and even cheered. Others stood up to try and get a better look at the contents of the box. The whole of Orion had a universal expression of utter shock on their faces. Faru turned a head towards the room and everyone fell silent once more.
I drew in a sharp breath as I stared at the savage beauty contained within the box.
The Crimson Twins were a pair of identical samurai swords. A meticulously carved black dragon crouched on the base of each one. Both dragons had two tails — made from a rich material — which snaked their way around the entire length of the hilt. Each guard was a circular wall of black flame that seemed to shimmer in the dim light. The blades themselves were the colour of fresh blood. A complicated pattern of etchings had been made along the length of each one. They were utterly stunning.
Faru seemed to know what I wanted to do. He gave a single nod of his head.
I realised my palms were soaking with sweat. I had wipe them dry on my trouser legs before I stepped forward and gingerly picked one of the swords out of the box. It felt perfect. Not too light that it felt flimsy and not too heavy that I would struggle to wield it properly. The material of the hilt felt smooth against my palms, but simultaneously had enough grip so that I felt confident it wouldn’t fall out of my hands. The blade edge looked capable of cutting you in two if you stared for too long.
“The Crimson Twins were forged from the fangs of Ryujin, the long dead Dragon God of Pandemonia. It is believed that they alone have the power to destroy any living creature on both sides of the Veil. Trust them with your life, for one day they may save it.”
He gestured the box towards me. I lay the sword gently back in the box. Faru flipped the lid closed and the agent ran forward to
collect it.
“I shall have them delivered to your quarters immediately.”
“I–I don’t know what to say,” I stammered.
Faru gave a warm smile. “I believe the normal reply is thank you.” The weak joke had the effect of dissolving the tense atmosphere in the room. Several Guardians laughed and I could feel myself starting to relax again.
“Thank you Faru.”
The Seelian nodded and gestured a frail hand towards the seat. I stood behind the chair, now looking just like everyone else, except for the fact that I was at the head of the table. Faru made his way back over to the other end of the Hall. At the same time, the people who had been stood at the sides started to file out of the doors behind me. Iralia caught my eye and gave me a subtle wink as she passed.
When they had all gone Faru took his place at the opposite head of the table and raised his arms.
“Now that business has concluded, I believe that it is time we began the feast. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am famished!”
I devoured the last mouthful of my main course — a slice of succulent meat from an animal called a Jackalope. It had a peppery taste that left a tingling sensation on the tongue. I washed it down with a sparkling glass of blue liquid that tasted even better than the Quinberry juice had. Wiping my mouth, I settled back into my chair and sighed.
“I think I might actually burst if I eat anything else.”
Faru hadn’t been lying when he had said it would be a feast. Every time I finished one of the flamboyant meals in front of me, the plate was whisked away and something else set down in its place. Everyone got food which appeared to have been specifically created for their particular species. Vampires received some kind of circular reddish meat which looked like black pudding, and a regular supply of blood in crystal glasses. Luminar had bizarre looking dishes, including what I guessed was a mixed salad consisting of pink leaves that moved and numerous bright vegetables, including little orange orbs with knobbles. Skinshifters and Oni received hulking slabs of raw meat, which they tore into using their bare hands and teeth. Shortly after the first courses had been served, the chandeliers had been dimmed and the band had started playing again. The whole table had descended into a comfortable buzz of conversation.
“I still can’t get over the fact that Faru gave you the Crimson Twins,” said Delagio, pushing his empty plate as far away from him as he could. “Yeah, why does new kid get special treatment?” added Midnight. “You know, I do have a name steroid boy,” I barked. Midnights lips drew together into a tight line. Rachel rolled her eyes. “Will you two stop the alpha male dance please; you’re putting me off my food.”
“She’s right, this is a celebration,” agreed Gabriella. “Besides, I don’t think it was special treatment at all. It was common sense. The Crimson Twins have been sat in Faru’s quarters for years just gathering dust. Why not pass them on to someone who can put them to use? It also means Alex only needs to carry those, a few Apotropes and a gun if he wants one. It makes sense.” The rest of the team nodded, sans Midnight. “Well I still think that Faru should have given them to someone with more experience,” he grunted, folding his arms. “Jealousy don’t suit you big guy,” smiled Delagio, patting Midnight’s shoulder.
A tinkling sound came from the far end of the table. The conversation slowed to a halt and the musicians stopped playing. Faru was standing once more, tapping the end of a spoon against his glass. He cleared his throat and spoke.
“Tonight it gives me great pleasure to welcome all the Sages to the Warren. They have come from the four corners of Earth to share in a truly momentous occasion. The Awakening of a new Chosen is a beacon of hope in an otherwise dark time.” There were shouts of ‘hear hear’ and glasses were raised.
“We want to show every Guardian that we are united in this fight. I know that the Alliance is suffering and that our allies in Pandemonia suffer even further, but we must have faith. The arrival of Alexander Eden is testament to the fact that all is not lost. We will continue to battle against the threat of the Soldiers of Sorrow and we will win!” His words rolled through the hall. There was a raucous response from the table. I couldn’t help but join in; Faru definitely knew his way around a speech. He raised his glass up. “So let us toast to the HASEA, and new beginnings.” Sages and Guardians echoed his final words and drank. “Now if you would all like to proceed into the library where deserts and further drinks will be served. I shall join you shortly.”
Everyone got up and began to filter through a large set of double doors halfway down the side of the hall. I tapped Gabriella’s arm as we stood. “Err…are there any bathrooms down here? Bit too much champagne.”
She stifled a laugh. “Sure, just head out the way we came in, past the stairs on the right, turn left and follow the corridor all the way to the end. Be quick though, I’m sure people are going to want to chat to you.”
I pushed through the main doors, which groaned their way open. The entrance hall was deathly quiet. My footsteps echoed as I walked across the marble.
After spending several bladder straining minutes navigating identical corridors and opening doors into sitting rooms and storage cupboards, I finally admitted to myself that I had no clue where the bathrooms were. So I threaded my way back and used the toilet in my apartment.
As I came back out onto the balcony I heard someone say Faru’s name. Instinctively I hunkered down and peered through the railings.
Faru was descending a set of glass steps that came right out of an opening in the heart of the giant painting. As he stepped off, they retracted like a tongue. The hole shrank until it disappeared completely. Then the paint swirled around and reformed as a solid portrait once more.
The man who had spoken was standing at the base of the main staircase. He had a Viking look about him. Long blond hair and a thick beard platted at the end. He wore ceremonial plate armour and a long red cape which flowed down to his legs. I could tell he was a Vampire. When he spoke again, I realised he was speaking in Norwegian.
“Sage Faru, I’ve been looking for you.”
“Sage Asmund, I do apologise. How may I help?” Faru answered in the same language.
“Nice speech back there. But we all know it’s got absolutely nothing to do with our presence here. One new Awakening does not warrant the gathering of every Sage on the planet. You and I go back a long way Faru, so I don’t appreciate you keeping me in the dark on this. What’s the real reason we were summoned?”
Faru nodded. “I am sorry for the deception Asmund. With the number of SOS rogues hiding in our bases, I could not afford to take any chances. Sage Etorre has provided me with some deeply unsettling news. I have gathered everyone here so that we may discuss our next steps. You will be escorted to the Temple of the Divine Elements within the next hour.”
The Seelian moved down the stairs and headed towards the Feasting Hall doors. Sage Asmund strode over to it and placed a large hand on the ornate handle. Before opening it, he turned to the other leader. “Does this have something to do with the boy?” I felt my blood turn cold. Faru nodded. “Yes, I believe it may.” Sage Asmund returned the nod and yanked the door open. Together they disappeared inside.
I sat on the balcony for a few more minutes, trying to return my breathing to normal and running through what I’d learned. Something so big was happening that Faru felt it necessary to gather every Sage from every HASEA base in the world to agree on a course of action. And it could involve me. All manner of scenarios ran through my head. Was it to do with my gift? Or maybe something to do with the swords? Do they think that I’m an SOS or something? The last thought filled me with a blind panic. What if they kill me? I shook the idea away. What possible reason could they have for thinking that I’m SOS? They brought me in! But what’s going on? The solution was simple.
I have to find out.
I made my way back down the stairs and into the Feasting Hall. Two Agents were stood either side of the entrance to the Library. I
recognised Agent Green. “Mr Eden, we were about to come and look for you,” he said. “Sorry, I got lost trying to find the bathroom,” I replied, forcing a laugh. The agent smiled. “No problem sir, please head inside and enjoy yourself.”
The library was like something out of a Dickens novel. A crackling fireplace stood in the centre of a world of books. Novels and tomes of all shapes and sizes were squeezed onto towering shelves. At the end, an iron staircase corkscrewed up to a U-shaped balcony where the devotion to all things literature continued. Several comfy looking armchairs and a few worn looking leather sofas were dotted about. Some Guardians and Sages were sat on them, others stood in large circles, chatting and laughing amongst themselves. Several waitresses moved about, balancing flutes of champagne and other strange looking drinks on silver platters. Outside, the heavy rain had started again, which seemed to make the room feel even cosier. Gabriella excused herself from the petite fairy she was talking to and rushed over. “Did you fall down the toilet or something? I’ve had to hold off like a million people who wanted to talk to you.” “Sorry I-“ “Doesn’t matter. Come with me, there’s someone I want you to meet.”
Leading me by the hand, Gabriella led me to where a tall, robed man who looked a little like an older version of Delagio stood speaking with a Chosen about my age. “Alex, this is Sage Etorre, leader of Castello.” The man smiled, causing little wrinkles to appear at the corners of his eyes. He extended a hand. “A pleasure to meet you Alexander,” he said in Italian. “You too sir. You’re the leader of the base that Gabriella moved from?”
“I certainly am.” Etorre gestured a hand near his waist. “I knew Gabriella when she was this big. I watched her grow from an awkward child into a strong, beautiful woman. She was a fantastic Guardian and we were all sorry to see her go.” His gaze fell to Gabriella’s hand — which was still holding mine. “I see it’s unlikely we’ll get her back now,” he added with a grin.
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