Ah’Anon cocked his head and held up a hand. “Let us take each in turn, shall we. First, I was not. Second, Mircalla is fine and little Maggie thrives. They both are safely in Eden, but Mircalla is not my wife.”
“Yeah she is,” lilted Kellan.
The vampire ignored him and said, “Third, I could not help you with flight until Atropos bestowed her gift upon you. Since she has, now I may.”
“Well, that’s convenient,” said Kellan and was about to press Ah’Anon for more details when he heard an enthusiastic whoop that sounded like Ares come from within the house. The young Sentinel looked to Merlin who merely shrugged then opened the doors leading back into the library.
Meghan had her back to Kellan and was fully engaged in hugging a very happy Shannon McLeod. The Soulborn looked up from Meghan’s shoulder and saw Kellan’s bemused expression. Her smile broadened and she released the Nephilim, then took a step to the side.
“Look what my new best friend had made for me, Kellan Thorne. This is fantastic. No more cracking wise about my looking like Black Widow. Meghan even got the tartan pattern exactly right, and there must be a dozen lashings for knives.”
“Twenty,” corrected Meghan
“Twenty!” cried Shannon then moved to hug the former Marine again.
Kellan found himself smiling for the first time in hours as he took in the sight. Shannon wore an entirely new set of ballistic body armor that had been fashioned to look like a cross between traditional Scottish warrior garb and the carbon-black outfit Meghan wore. It had a slightly anachronistic quality to it with the chest and shoulders giving the impression of having been made of boiled leather, though Kellan knew better. Meghan would have ensured this body armor was meticulously crafted of the strongest combination of both Kevlar and carbon fiber with ceramic plates strategically placed over all vital organs as well. At the elbows and hips were what appeared to be chainmail, but as Kellan reached out and touched it, he confirmed it was of the same strong, but flexible material as the rest. Shannon shifted her weight rapidly from side to side and the tartan skirt flowed with her movement, exposing additional Kevlar protection down her legs. Finally, she stomped her right foot which resulted in a satisfying thunk and looked up at Kellan.
“It’s got reinforced steel toed boots, and watch,” Shannon clicked her heels together which caused twin daggers to extend from both the tip and exterior side of both boots. She gave them another click and the daggers vanished as quickly as they had appeared.
“Very nice, Highlander,” said Kellan, then added, “What’s the kilt part do?”
She lifted the green and blue tartan fabric and glanced down at it a moment before answering. “Well, it makes me look deadly and,” she looked toward Meghan.
“And stylish,” offered the Nephilim
Shannon nodded at Kellan, “And stylish, Kellan Thorne. A lady should look her best when killing things, don’t you think Meghan.”
“No doubt about it,” Meghan said with a grin as Shannon spun around and gave her another hug.
“This might be the most useful and attractive present anyone has ever given me, thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I’m just sorry it’s going to get covered in blood and gore later tonight.”
Shannon looked back over her shoulder and Kellan saw her expression darken, “Oh, I’m not, Meghan. I’m not at all. There’s no better way to break this in than saving my little sister from that bastard. I want his blood all over my nice new skirt.”
The former Marine nodded in appreciation, but then said, “The blood’ll wash out. I had the tartan fabric made with nano-fibers that prevent any liquid from penetrating.”
“I don’t think you’ll be getting much of a chance to stain it with Maurius’ blood,” said Kellan as he walked past the two women and sat heavily in one of the leather chairs. “I’m going to the workroom alone, just like he said. I’m not risking Juliet’s life on some ill fated, all-out, assault. He’d be expecting it anyway.”
Meghan walked over to him and looked down, “What are you saying, Kellan? You couldn’t possibly think we’d let you go there alone. Are you insane?” She looked back to Ares but he wouldn’t meet her eyes. “Sera? What the hell?” she yelled.
The god of war spread his hands. “I don’t know what to tell you, Meghan. Maurius has us at an extreme tactical disadvantage. He has correctly assessed Kellan’s pressure point and exploited it. I have known the Sentinel of Chaos for centuries and he will not hesitate to kill young Juliet if Kellan arrives with any of us.”
The Nephilim growled as her eyes began to luminesce, “Then he won’t have his hostage and we would rend him limb from limb. Killing her would be a grave tactical mistake.”
Ares rose and placed his hands on Meghan’s shoulders. “Trust me, my valkyrie, he has anticipated this and will have an escape plan ready. Juliet will be dead and he will live to fight another day.”
Her black shadow-wings manifested and batted Ares’ hands away in anger. “Don’t valkyrie me, Seramai. We are not sending Kellan to his death, especially with no guarantee for Juliet’s safety.”
“You aren’t sending me anywhere, Meghan,” said Kellan in a soft voice. “I’m going. I’m going alone and I have an idea how to ensure Maurius keeps his end of the bargain.”
“Really, and just how do you plan on doing that?” asked the former Marine.
“I’m going to hold open my portal until he allows Juliet to go through it.”
Meghan sniffed, “I don’t see how that helps. He’s already got you there. What’s to stop him from just killing her?”
“Because,” said Ares, “then we would all come through the open portal and, how did you put it, rend him limb from limb.”
Kellan was nodding as the god of war spoke, then added, “I am going to need all of you to be conspicuous and look very threatening.”
“That won’t be hard,” murmured Meghan. She turned to Shannon and said, “I can’t believe you are ok with this.”
“I’m not ok with it at all, but I see he won’t be dissuaded. I just have to trust he will be able to overcome Maurius once we have Juliet safe.”
“Screw that,” hissed Meghan, “I say once we have her safe, we just storm the place rip off Maurius’ arms and beat him with them.”
“And how do you suggest we get there?” asked Shannon.
Meghan opened her mouth to answer. Closed it, then opened it again and spat, “God damnit! Can no one else open a portal to that place?”
Kellan shook his head, “Only a Sentinel of Creation or an Archangel.”
“Well, that’s your answer then, call Raphael up on the bat phone or whatever you use and have him open it up once you’re there.”
“He can’t do that,” said Shannon softly.
“What? Well, why the hell not?” yelled Meghan.
“None of the angels are permitted to actively intercede in my exercising of freewill,” said Kellan, “If they tried directly, they would be stopped. I’ve seen it before. What you described would be indirect interference, and I already suggested it to Raphael. He was quite clear that it would most certainly cause such an angel to fall from grace. It’s simply not an option.”
Meghan looked from Kellan to Shannon, then said, “I can’t believe you are going to let him do this. He’s going to die. I hope you know that.” Ares leaned over and whispered something to her. The former Marine pushed him away and wiped at her eyes as she stormed from the room yelling back over her shoulder, “I don’t care if I’m not helping, Sera. I couldn’t give a shit less.”
Precisely at three, a blood red portal rotated into view and a winged demon stepped through.
“Morpheus,” said Kellan.
The demon inclined his head, “Sentinel of Order.” He folded his wings tightly against his back and gazed imperiously at the small assemblage, then said, “Maurius is prepared to receive you now.”
“What does he have on you?” asked Kellan. “Are you being compelled by a S
eal? I released Vassago from that compulsion. I can do it for you as well.”
The demon stared down at Kellan with onyx black eyes. “My freewill remains as it always was, Sentinel.”
“Then why?” asked Kellan.
“Because I want you to suffer. When Maurius ascends this night infused with both Order and Chaos, I will be standing by his side and I will do so knowing that I have caused you to suffer in a way none has ever done or will do again.”
“What the hell did I ever do to you,” growled Kellan.
“Not you, Micah,” spat the demon. “He destroyed my physical form and it has taken a millennia of torment for me to reconstitute it. He is beyond my reach but you are not. Perhaps you should revisit the many mentions in your bible about how the sins of the father are visited upon their sons.” The demon smiled. “You have five minutes, Sentinel of Order and at the sixth minute, I will send the girl’s body back to you without a head.”
Morpheus stepped backwards through his portal while never taking his eyes from those of the Sentinel. The portal winked out and the assembled group all turned to Kellan.
He walked over to Merlin and smiled sadly. “I’m sorry I haven’t gotten you that soul yet, Oren. Look, I promise as soon as I take care of this Juliet thing, it’s first on my list. I’ll have you fixed up in no time.”
The wizard mirrored Kellan’s expression and said, “I thought you had no idea how to procure it.”
“I don’t,” replied Kellan as his face split into a genuine grin, “but when has that ever stopped me?” He gave the wizard a slap on the shoulder, then turned to Ares. “Sera, it’s been real. You take good care of Satan’s great-granddaughter while I’m gone.” Kellan looked around. “Where is she anyway?”
“She will be here, my friend. There is yet time. She mourns for you and does not want your last moments with her to be filled with sadness.”
Kellan stared at the god for a long moment, then barked a laugh, “Jesus, Ares, I’m not dead yet. How in hell did you ever manage as a Roman general with that approach to motivational speech?”
The larger man seemed taken aback and glanced down as he ran a hand through his hair. He looked up and Kellan thought he saw a slight mistiness to Ares’ eyes. “Of course you are right, Kellan. My trade is death. It follows behind me like a constant companion and I fear that sometimes I’ve forgotten the true nature of its sting. You remind me that death is what happens to those one leaves behind and it has been a long time since I’ve experienced that.”
Kellan rested both hands on Ares’ shoulder pauldrons and stared into the slight amber glow of his yes. “Yeah, still bumming me out there, buddy. You are going to feel very foolish when I make my way out of this mess. Anyway, just promise me you will take care of Meghan, will ya? You know, just in case.”
Ares reached up and laid his hand on Kellan’s. “You have my solemn oath on that, young Sentinel.”
Kellan gave him a nod, moved over to Ah’Anon, and extended a hand. The vampire brushed it aside and opened both arms. “I was born long before the custom of grasping hands, Kellan Thorne. In my youth, when two men who shared a bond were parted for a time, they embraced, thusly.” Ah’Anon drew the Sentinel in and placed a kiss on both his cheeks then stepped back. “You will return from this my young friend. Atropos has taken the measure of your thread and knows it will not be cut this day.”
Kellan brightened at this and tilted his head toward Ares, “Well, tell him that. The big oaf has already measured me for a coffin.” He was still smiling when Shannon came up to him. She slipped her arms around his waist and went up on toes to give him a quick kiss.
“No long goodbyes, my love, you know how I hate them. You will come back to me, won’t you?”
Kellan nodded. “Of course I will.” He paused, “Well, unless I find someone braver, smarter, or better looking in that barren waste of a workroom.”
“I’ll take my chances then,” she said with a wry smile which fell away moments later. “Now, Mr. Sentinel, kiss me like you mean it and then be off with you. Go bring my little sister home safe and sound.”
Kellan did exactly as he was instructed and when finally he broke the kiss, the young Sentinel smiled down at his Soulborn and said, “I love you.”
She stared back at him, her face serious, and replied, “I know.”
Kellan paused a moment then laughed so hard that Shannon could no longer keep a straight face. She said, “I owed you one for the time you used that stupid Han Solo line on me in the Tomb of Horrors you got us into.”
Kellan shook his head in appreciation, “Fair enough, Highlander. Fair enough.” He turned and embraced his power, eyes coming to light, but Shannon reached out a restraining hand. Kellan’s eyes faded back to their natural blue and he looked at her questioningly.
She placed her hand softly on his chest and said, “In there beats one heart, my sweet Kellan. You may think it’s yours but you would be wrong. It is my heart you carry with you this night just has you have every night since we first met. Take good care of it, for I carry yours in me and will safeguard it well until you come home to me.” She leaned up and whispered so softly that none but he could hear. “True courage can only be found on the other side of fear. We both must find ours this night. I love you.”
Kellan took a deep breath as his eyes warmed again with the power. He gestured and a portal split the library’s gloom with it’s bright green glow. He could see Morpheus standing several feet beyond. The demon held Juliet in front of him with a dagger-like boney protrusion pressed to her neck.
Kellan felt his muscles tense as he prepared to jump through when he heard his named called, sharp as a whip. “Kellan Caufield Thorne, do not even think you are stepping through that portal without me getting my say.”
“Meghan, I know what you—”
She brushed past him and stopped right at the portal’s threshold. The Nephilim stared into Morpheus’s onyx black eyes and said, “I am going to end you, demon.”
Morpheus smirked, “The little ape thinks she has claws. I am a prince of hell, little human and when I am done with your Sentinel, I will come and teach you what it means to insult one of such royal blood.”
“Oh, you won’t have to come to me,” snarled Meghan as her eyes blazed with amber fury. She shrugged and the black shadow-wings manifested, then curled in the demon’s direction. “Care to guess what kind of royal blood I have running through my veins, asshole?” With that, she slammed her wings together and a blazing red rune appeared between them. She flicked it and the complex enochian symbol twisted and tumbled through the portal to hover for a moment in front of the startled demon.
“Yeah, that’s right, seems my great-grandpa gave me your one, true, name. Sleep tight, Morpheus. I’m coming for you.” Meghan turned and rested her hand on Kellan’s for the barest of moments as she looked over to him and said, “Don’t die, Kel. Just don’t you die.”
He nodded then stepped through the portal and into the barren wasteland that was creation’s workroom.
Chapter 21
A Last Stand
“Close the portal,” yelled Morpheus. Kellan looked around but couldn’t see Maurius anywhere, however, four other demons stood nearby. One lounged in the broken throne while three others leaned casually against it. Kellan smiled inwardly that none of them saw fit to sit on the cracked stone bench. “Close the portal, or she dies,” Morpheus said again.
“Kill her and I kill you, then my friends come through the portal and we kill the junior flunkies by the throne. Then we all kill Maurius who I’m sure is skulking nearby. Let her go through the portal, then I will close it.”
“I am not so easy to kill, Sentinel of Order, even your master was unable to do so, now close the—”
Kellan recalled perfectly the glowing rune Meghan had sent forth and translated the enochian symbol into words that were not words. He breathed them out and as each syllable left his mouth it took on power, then washed over the winged demon of nightmar
es. “Micah did not know your one true name, Morpheus. Do you know what happened to the last prince of hell whose name I knew and spoke in this place?” Kellan gestured to the massive tree with its delicately interlocking violet bark and pentagram leaves. “I believe if you put your ear to that trunk, you might even hear him scream a bit? Now let her go!”
For his part Morpheus seemed truly shaken by the exchange and said, “How do I know you will close the portal once she is through?”
Kellan’s eyes blazed to life and he pulled on his Sentinel’s ring just as he had done with Lisa Robertson the week before. He tossed the duplicate and it rolled across the stony ground to stop just in front of Juliet. “Let her put that on. I will release the power and only her ring will be left to keep the portal open. The ring has but one purpose, keep its wearer safe. Once she passes through the portal, it will have done its work and the portal will collapse.”
Morpheus seemed unsure and glanced toward the tree. “He speaks the truth,” came a voice Kellan knew to be Maurius’. A moment later the Sentinel of Chaos emerged from behind the massive trunk and smiled past Kellan at all those arranged in Merlin’s library. “Girl, pick up the ring and put it on.” Morpheus loosened his hold enough to let Juliet bend down and place the glowing artifact on her right ring finger. It flared brightly and the startled demon released his grip on her. Maurius raised a hand to prevent Morpheus from grabbing her again and said, “Let her go, as soon as the Sentinel releases his power that is.”
Kellan’s eyes dimmed and the portal wavered a moment then steadied as tendrils of Ordered power streamed from Juliet’s ring and into the outer edges of the portal. Morpheus gave her a push and she stumbled forward, eyes wide with fear.
As she drew near, Kellan said, “It’ll be ok.” It was only when her eyes filled with tears that he realized it was not fear for herself that she’d been expressing but fear for him. “Oh, Juliet,” Kellan said and he reached for her.
“No!” yelled Maurius, “You may not touch her. Send her through the portal now or her death will be on your head, not mine.”
Sentinels of Creation: A Wizard's Soul Page 28
