No one was more shocked at Sodom’s request than Trubic. The demon, who looked like a budding adolescent compared to his two gigantic counterparts, choked with rage. “What?” Trubic shook his bald head in anger. “No, the Horseman of War must pay for what he did to me. I will see him drown in his own blood. There must be payme—”
The look Sodom gave Trubic was enough to turn someone into stone. Trubic’s voice trailed off ever lower until his words were inaudible. Appeased, Sodom turned his gaze to Alan. “My nephew would see a fight with you and a battle to restore his pride. I, being a reasonable man, see no benefit from this. As I stated before, give me the girl and we will go about our way. No one has to die today.”
Alan wasn’t sure if it was his place to speak or not but he couldn’t contain his rage. The idea that these demons would even think they would give up Kassidy was beyond him. “No.”
Sodom did a double-take first at Alan then Esther. “You are going to throw hundreds of lives away? Without the edge of Celestial Blades, your advantage is gone. My forces are more than enough to seriously contest your own. You must see that.”
Esther took a long moment to respond. In the interim, Alan could feel the anger continuing to build from deep within him. He forced the idea of battle out of his mind struggling to keep his racing heart in check. When Esther finally did respond, her tone was even and calm, something Alan admired. “We will not give her up. That decision is final.”
Her words were so firm Sodom immediately realized trying to argue otherwise would be a waste of time. Rage boiled over inside the demon. He took all three of them in with a sneer, “You did this. When your forces lay bleeding around you, remember this could have been avoided.” With a quick turn he stalked back towards his army.
Trubic smiled and licked his lips as he followed his uncle. “You’ll live just long enough to regret your decision, Horseman.”
The third demon, who still had not said a word, stepped forward and fixed Alan with a stare close to admiration. Something in the man’s eyes turned Alan’s blood to ice. “It has been a millennium since I tested my metal against a Horseman. I will be looking forward to finding you on the battlefield.” Whoever the demon was, he didn’t wait for an answer. With a sincere smile he turned and followed Sodom and Trubic back to the enemy lines.
“We must hurry,” Esther said already making her way back to their encampment. “Sodom is not known for his patience.”
Chapter 10
Ardat caught Michael before he hit the floor, cradling his head in her arm as if he were a newborn baby. She ran her fingers through his dark hair to make sure she hadn’t broken his skin. He was fine. Waking was sure to bring a headache but his rhythmic breathing told Ardat no permanent damage was done. “I’m so sorry, my love. But it has to be this way. Forgive me.”
Unwillingly, she allowed Michael’s body to rest on the ground. “You are doing what needs to be done,” the Shaman said from his still, seated position. “He must see that when he awakes.”
Ardat ignored the man’s reassurance. “What would you have of me? I need passage to Gabriel and to insure Michael will not be injured while I am gone.”
The old man raised both hands and shook his head. “I am a noncombatant in all of this. I would never lift a finger to harm an Archangel. Michael will be fine while you are gone.”
Ardat lifted an eyebrow, “If it was only so easy to trust a stranger. I’m going to need more than your reassurance if I am to leave him in your care.”
The Shaman shrugged. “If nothing else, I am a businessman. Let us strike a bargain fit to satiate your distrust. You would like passage to Gabriel, where I sent the two before you, as well as safety for Michael while you are gone.”
“That is correct, and what would you have of me?”
“I am a simple man, Ardat. I have few desires I cannot fulfill on my own. The only thing I would ask of you is a favor when the time comes.”
Ardat was no fool. She took a moment to think though of all the repercussions such a deal could bring. Not for the first time, the idea of forcing the Shaman to send her where she asked presented itself. The idea was easily dismissed. If she used any kind of force, the Shaman could extract his retribution on Michael who was as helpless as a lamb. Still she had to go. Gabriel needed to be dealt with and in a way that would keep Michael out of the fight. She loved Michael and she knew he would stand his ground no matter what the odds. Against a Fallen Archangel with double the strength, he would not survive. This Ardat could not allow no matter the consequences, she couldn’t bear the thought. “You have a deal,” Ardat said.
The Shaman smiled and began reciting incantations. Ardat lifted a hand and silenced him before he could continue. “I do have a condition.”
“Please,” the Shaman said fighting back the annoyance in his voice, “continue.”
“I don’t trust you with, Michael. I will take him back to the surface and wake him just outside the stone. I’ll shut the entrance behind me and then you will lead me to Gabriel.”
The Shaman shrugged. “Have it your way. I do not have any interest in him. However, it seems you are not the trusting type. Go, take him to the surface and return.” The Shaman cocked his head to the side with a twinkle in his eyes. “Or shall we seal this deal with a spell? It will be unbinding and not allow either of us to back out of our responsibilities on pain of death.”
Ardat hated the idea of continuing business with the untrustworthy Shaman. The fact that she had no memory of him bothered her in a way she had never known. However, the clock was ticking. Michael would wake soon. She needed to be off. “Fine. Hurry then.”
The Shaman bobbed his head as he began waving his right hand through the air announcing a spell Ardat had never heard before. The incantation made no sense to her. The language the spell was recited in was also foreign to Ardat’s ears. As the Shaman chanted and waived his hand, a dull red light trailed after the motions of his palm.
The red light grew in power until it hurt to look at the Shaman’s hand. Ardat winced from the light as the spellbinder’s voice rose in the air. Nearly at a shout, the Shaman recited a verse over and over again. Then it all came to a stop. The Shaman lowered his hand with the red light disappearing and then he smiled, “It is complete.”
There was whoosh of air, a feeling of a million goosebumps prickling at Ardat’s skin. In a tenth of a second, she was teleported from the underground lair of the Shaman to the base of a mountain. Cold air swirled around her digging beneath her clothes and skin to sink its teeth into her very bones. The frigid air took her breath away but none of this compared to the scene before her.
Ardat stood at the base of a mountain. A winding dirt path zigzagged up the mount until it was lost in the darkness. The moon competed against the dark clouds, showing its silver light on the world in sporadic pulses. But the light was enough for Ardat to see the black castle that stood at the peak of the mountain.
---
A million scenarios of what the future held came to her as she walked up the winding path to meet Gabriel. Flight presented itself as an alternative to walking for only a moment, Ardat needed time to think. Now, as her sandals brought her closer to the top of the mount, her brain sped through and connected the events.
Gabriel had made his home at the same location as the Usurper. Why? Why would he choose such an obvious place? Why would he choose such a place that carried so much history and so many memories for them all? Even more pressing, was how she was going to bargain for Michael’s life. How was she going to save the man she loved?
These questions and more piled on top of one another as Ardat made her ascent. The entire time she walked she expected to be met with opposition. But none came. There were no sentries along the path or lookouts hiding in the bushes. Before Ardat could think to slow down her pace and give herself more time to draw a conclusion to at least one of the many questions that plagued her, she reached the top.
The trail ended at a pair of gigantic woo
den doors. In the irregular light, she could only just catch a glimpse of the top of the battlements. Memories of the many battles and struggles over the course of the Usurper’s campaign at this very spot washed over her. Ash filed her mouth as she remembered the countless slain on both sides. The number of deaths it took to secure this location for the Light was in the thousands. This was where the Usurper’s reign had come to an end.
Ardat was torn from her vigil of the past as the doors creaked and groaned. Ardat immediately expected an attack and readied herself for the onslaught. The ancient wood protested against the hinges as it was forced inward. Like two massive buildings being shifted from their spots, they creaked with every inch given. But no one was inside.
Shadows layered shadows in the monolithic courtyard. Smaller structures used for housing guards and supplies lined either side of a path that led to the castle’s keep. Ardat steeled herself and began the journey inside. She had never been known for her fear and she wouldn’t start now. Michael needed her more than ever whether he liked it or not.
Ardat took a deep breath and lifted herself from the stone floor that made up the ground of the courtyard. Enacting her ability over gravity she floated to the castle keep’s open doors. Light pooled through the keep’s windows giving Ardat a view of the interior. A long hall with stone pillars led to a raised throne. From her vantage point she could see a figure sitting on the oversized chair.
Ardat continued to float forward until she was only yards away from the figure. Gabriel, or what looked like what had once been Gabriel, stared back at her. The man was wrinkled with white hair and so many lines it was hard to see where one crease ended and the other began.
“You have come,” Gabriel said in a tired voice. “I should have known the Shaman could not be trusted.”
For a moment, the reason for her presence evaded her. All Ardat could fixate on was determining had happened to the powerful Gabriel she had seen only days before. Gabriel chuckled in his seat. He grimaced as he shifted his weight. “Not quite what you were expecting?”
At once the puzzle pieces began to fit. In the folds of Gabriel’s black cloak, Ardat could see the thin chain around his neck. A small, circular emblem fell from the necklace. Ardat knew what the emblem meant. It was the ability to cast only the most powerful of spells. If the person evoking the emblem’s spells was powerful enough, there was no limit as to what the person could accomplish. “It seems even with the control of two Archangels, the power to enact the Shaman’s spell was too harsh for you to endure.”
Gabriel smiled through perfectly straight teeth. “You’ve gathered information quickly. But that was too be expected. I imagine the entire force of Michael’s army is searching for me. Gathering any information they can. If the fools would have just opened their eyes, they would see I’ve been hiding right under their nose.”
“I too am surprised they didn’t search this castle for you.”
“Oh, they did,” Gabriel said with a what started as a chuckle then turned into a hacking cough. “And I would have killed all he sent to search for me here if I had the strength. I had to settle for hiding instead of strangling them with their own entrails.”
Ardat raised an eyebrow. “Harsh words for a man who looks to be struggling to breath. I wonder,” Ardat said talking a step forward as she spoke, “what is to keep me from killing you now?”
Gabriel shook his head with a tight slow twist, “Please, do you think I would not have taken measures before my powers were drained with the weight of the incantation?”
Ardat took another step and walked into what felt like a wall. She pressed against the invisible barrier with both her hands then called on her manipulation of gravity for assistance. Straining she heaved against the magic although it was no use. “I placed wards that will hold until I have gathered my strength,” Gabriel said. “In days I will recover and be free to either use the spell again or maybe I’ll start checking off lives from my list. Seraphim got away much too easily. I want to see her face when I kill each and every one of her Death Angels.”
Ardat relaxed her stance conceding the fact she would not be able to finish Gabriel here and now. Other means would have to be procured. “I assume you know why I have come?”
“I can guess,” Gabriel said. “You’re here to see what I want in exchange for Michael’s life?”
Ardat nodded.
“Predictable,” Gabriel rolled his eyes. “When will you learn the man cannot be saved from himself? He will die on the side of the Light like a fool. You should have learned this during the Usurper’s rise to power. He cannot be turned.”
“I understand that,” Ardat said. “However, he can be spared. I’m here to broker a deal for his life. We both know that with the power of the spell in the emblem you hold fate and our lives in your hands. This battle is already over. Michael won’t—he can’t—stop fighting. Do whatever you please, just spare his life. When the Usurper comes back—”
“The Usurper?” Gabriel asked with a hint of menace in his eyes.
Ardat kicked herself for not grasping the entirety of Gabriel’s plan. He was truly mad. “You don’t intend to use the Horsemen to bring about the Usurper’s reign…do you? This has all been a ruse.”
Gabriel straightened his hunched form as much as he could in his seat. “The Usurper had his chance. We where both there throughout his campaign and at this same castle when he was defeated. His reign has come to an end. It’s time I make my claim over heaven and earth.”
Ardat couldn’t believe her ears. How had she not seen it before? “You don’t care about the Horsemen. You don’t need them. You don’t even want them to bring about the Apocalypse and the Usurper’s rule. You want it all for yourself.”
“There it is,” Gabriel said clapping his hands. “The Horsemen are a moot point. Of course, I would love to have their power to control and use but whether they side with me or not is not a turning point in this war. I will rise to power with or without them and I will see my own reign last a millennia.”
Ardat’s mind raced with the new information. Her task stilled remained despite the news. She needed to strike an agreement with the mad Archangel or Michael would fall. “What do you want for Michael’s life?”
The question echoed in the otherwise silent chamber. Stillness settled between the two as Gabriel looked her up and down. Ardat’s skin crawled as the Gabriel’s eyes traveled across her body. “Nothing,” he finally said.
Ardat couldn’t believe her ears. “Nothing?” she repeated still unbelieving.
“That’s right,” Gabriel said. “The look on his face after I defeat him will be plenty. I will strip him of his power and reveal your deception to him. The emotional carnage that will rip through him as he realizes the woman he loves has deceived him not once, but twice, will be enough. He will be free to live out his days regretting ever trusting you.”
Ardat’s stomach twisted. A feeling of nausea washed over her, followed by a bout of rage. What was she supposed to do? This was the only way to save Michael.
“Well, now that, this is settled, you can show your allegiance to my cause by helping me torture my new plaything.”
Discontent swept over Ardat’s face as she was still struggling with the idea of betraying Michael’s trust. She would do anything for him, even if it meant her weathering his hate for a time. He would see. He had to see that she was doing this for him, for them.
Ardat was again interrupted from her myriad of emotions as two figures walked into the chamber. Ardat immediately recognized them both. Triana was leading Kyle, more like dragging him, across the large room. There was no fight in Kyle as he stumbled along tethered to a chain that began in Triana’s hands and ended with being attached to both of his.
“Apparently, he was going to lead Michael and Seraphim here. He was going to act as if he’d turned sides.” Gabriel let out a loud exhale. “Instead, this poor mislead Nephilim has doomed himself to a life of torture.”
Ardat had s
een the horrors of war. She had inflicted grievous wounds through the battlefield and when the time called for it, she had even tortured others. Still the shadow she saw across Kyle’s face shook her to the core. Physically, he was untouched. No cuts or bruises crossed his face or arms. However, a look of torment veiled his eyes. Ardat could only guess the cruel methods of mental suffering being used. Demons had mastered the art of tearing apart someone’s very soul.
Triana smiled at Ardat as she yanked down hard on the chain. Kyle stumbled to his knees. The motion brought forth a scream from his raw throat. But no shattering cry broke from his throat. Kyle was making every indication of yelling in pain yet no sound uttered. “I thought hearing him scream would get on our nerves,” Triana explained with a wicked smile.
“Please,” Gabriel said motioning to his victim. “As you can see, we’ve been saving physical pain for a later time. To show me your sincerity for our agreement, I would like it if you were to take the first stab at him.”
Ardat ignored the pun and turned her attention to Kyle. More than anything, she wanted to get back to Michael. She needed to explain to him why she had struck him. However, she knew Gabriel would not be satisfied until she caused Kyle pain. Ardat steeled herself. She looked past Kyle’s bloodshot eyes and focused on the best way to get out of the situation. With harsh thud, her fist collided with Kyle’s left temple. He went crumpled in on himself and fell to the ground immediately.
“Oh,” Gabriel said from his throne. “Does Ardat have a heart after all? If I had to guess, I’d think there was pity in that punch.”
Ardat walked for the exit. Over her shoulder she offered one last reply, “Think what you like. But I was only here for Michael. I have better things to do than torture a Nephilim.”
Chapter 11
“Horseman,” the angels on the frontlines nodded in respect. “War,” others greeted him with hard looks. Alan nodded back and grunted with his own replies as Danielle helped him with his armor.
Alan Price and the Statue of Zeus (The Nephilim Chronicles Book 3) Page 8
