by Lee Watts
"I don't know if he did or not," answered the abbot.
"He?" puzzled one of the investigators. "Oh, yes, you said one of the students made the discovery. We'll need to speak with him?"
"I'm afraid that's not permitted," the abbot replied. "His caregiver has made it quite clear he is not to be interviewed."
"But, he might have valuable information," one of the researchers protested.
"I'm sorry," the abbot responded, "but the instructions were quite clear. Now, I will leave you to continue your work, there are some matters I must attend to."
Undetected in the shadows, Alexander watched the abbot leave, and the foreigners resume their scans of the artifact.
"I'm picking up a signal," one of the scientists announced excitedly. "No, wait, two signals. Trying to hone in on them."
As the scientists adjusted their scanning devices, the obelisk began to change color. This caused a collective gasp from those in the room.
"I wonder if our scans caused that or if it changed color before."
Alexander knew if he spoke up, he would be disobeying Caedmon's rule, but the scientists needed answers, and he wanted them to know he made the discovery. Considering the trouble he would face, he reminded himself it was only by disobeying instructions to not explore the catacombs that led to the discovery in the first place.
"No, it hadn't changed color," came his voice. The scientists turned to see who spoke as Alexander stepped into the light.
"Who are you?"
"I'm Alexander Lyons - the one who found the obelisk."
They asked him multiple questions about the device, but for every one they asked he had five questions for them. After nearly an hour, scans and questions concluded, one researcher asked to take a picture with Alexander in front of the obelisk. The idea excited the youth as he had never had his picture taken.
When the alien researchers returned home, one posted an article about the device with a picture and name of the youth who made the discovery. By doing that simple act, it set in motion a series of events that would end Alexander's life and dramatically alter the history of the entire galaxy.
CHAPTER 5
"But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia." – Daniel 10:13
Streaking through the night sky, an elongated, incandescent tail draped behind the fiery object entering the upper atmosphere of Mitsrayim. Unlike a meteorite, the falling item did not dissipate as it burned across the clear, star-filled night. The scent of ionized air followed half a second after the high-pitched whiz of the speeding object could be heard. Colliding with the surface, the ball of light splashed upward as water disturbed by a plunging rock. However, the surrounding area evidenced no effect of the terrestrial impact. As the energy arced and fell again, it collapsed on itself, peacefully coalescing into the basic form of a humanoid. Ethereal, the luminous being was anything but human; its purpose for visiting the planet far from peaceful.
Wasting no time, he set to the hunt by reaching out to sense the direction of his quarry. Detecting his target, he transformed back into a sphere of light and sped forward in a desperate race against the nemesis.
In the city's center, unseen by mortal eyes, a massive creature from the spirit realm again blew the curved horn-like trumpet. With two bull-like horns jutting forward from its chiseled head, the beast stood six meters high with muscles bulging under its dark gray skin. Sounding the trumpet again, the call resounded up the mountain, beckoning the boy to him.
"ARE YOU CERTAIN?" the beast demanded angrily of the lesser demonic form beside him.
"Yes, Ka Tchar, it was the Bachiyr. I assure you," the gaunt imp answered. "I saw the picture myself. He dwells in the mountain monastery, but there is a hedge of protection about it. We cannot enter without one to take us."
"I know," answered the gargantuan creature of dark energy. "So we must bring him to us to ensure he is not the one to end the age."
Curling his long hand with talon-like craws around the trumpet, he sounded it again. As the noise landed upon the heart but not the ears of those of the mountain-side retreat, it summoned them to the city.
Hearing the evil spirit's call, Hikari reformed to humanoid shape but remained undetectable by natural senses. As the luminous being crested the hill, he saw the city beneath and noticed the mortally unperceivable white glowing ring of protection encircling the remote monastery. Hikari knew if the beast still sounded the horn, it must not yet have the Bachiyr. There was still a chance. He hesitated, considering whether he should go to the monastery to deliver the warning, or head for the beast in case it was close to capturing the boy. Another blast from the horn was suddenly cut short. Hikari knew it could only mean the monster's prey was within its grasp.
Flashing again into a sphere of light, Hikari raced toward the city. Rushing through the forest, he reached the town's outskirts and sped toward the center where the sound last emanated. Zooming around a skyscraper, he entered the large open plaza, but the beast was gone. Awaiting Hikari, however, was a gloating, lesser spirit.
"You're too late, Guardian," triumphantly sneered the lean imp. "The Ka Tchar has already succeeded."
"Where is the body?" Hikari asked.
"… Destroyed, we left nothing to chance. He is obliterated."
Hikari studied the eyes of his bony enemy for a moment.
"You lie and are of the father of lies. But the Ka Tchar is gone, so where is the boy?"
"It's too late to stop him," spat the devilish creature. "You'll never get there in time."
"Get where?"
Realizing he had revealed too much, the dark spirit only gave the Guardian a toothy, arrogant smile.
"It has possessed someone and is heading to the mountain isn't it?" Hikari deduced.
"It doesn't matter," the unholy one spat. "He's too far ahead. You'll arrive only to behold our victory. Take that back to your precious Paradise."
Looking toward the monastery, Hikari calculated the time he heard the trumpet call against how long it would take a mortal to ascend up the mountain. Though the evil ones could not pass through the Elder's hedge of protection, if the beast indwelt a human, it could go wherever the mortal took it.
Hikari knew quitting wasn't an option, and what would befall with failure was unthinkable. Flashing again, he became a glowing sphere and sped up the mount.
Passing through the smaller, side gate of the monastery, was Grot. He was one of the orphan boys being raised by the monks. Grot often got into trouble for sneaking out and going to the city. The body of Grot smiled, the Ka Tchar completely controlling the youth. It delighted at how easily it passed through the glowing hedge that was usually impenetrable by his kind. Target finally within reach, it searched Grot's mind. Finding the sought information, Grot headed straight toward the dormitory.
The middle of the night, all was silent as the possessed Grot stalked through the outer courtyard. Pausing, the young man turned his head to the side. Seeing a tool in a gardening shed, he diverted toward it. A small feline-type animal near the wall roused from sleep at Grot's approach. It sighted the human but sensed the dark creature within and hissed, hair standing up on its back. Looking at the animal, the pupils of Grot's eyes grew larger, eventually taking up his entire eye-opening. The haunted boy bared his blackening teeth and growled at the animal, which tucked tail and scurried away. Smiling deliciously, Grot grasped a tool from the shed; it was a short piece of wood with a section of metal attached on the end. One side was sharpened for cutting, and the other was wide and blunt for hammering. Clutching the implement, the beast directed its host toward the dormitory.
Reaching the monastery, Hikari transformed again into human shape and easily passed through the ring of protection surrounding the complex. Reaching out to detect the dark one, he hurried inside one of the buildings. Down the dimly lit hall was a crumpled body on the floor. A pool of blo
od lay beside the lifeless form. Fearing the worst, Hikari hurried forward and knelt beside the corpse. It was a Pelerite. Not the target, the unfortunate person had inadvertently crossed the hunter's path. Continuing, Hikari rounded a corner and saw the silhouette of a person at the other end.
Sensing the presence of its nemesis, the dark spirit turned to look at Hikari. The glowing form of the Guardian was unmistakable.
"You can't stop me," the demon mocked. "I'm in this body, and you can't cast me out. You're helpless. The new age will dawn for the glory of Prince Roq-mordak."
"Roq-mordak is no prince," Hikari retorted. "He is a pauper who has bankrupted you and all your kind for eternity."
The possessed Grot hissed at nothing visible then turned to complete his murderous task. Hikari knew the dark one was correct that he did not have the power to remove the beast from the human nor affect the mortal while he was possessed. Mind racing for an alternative, Hikari struck on an idea, again formed into a light, and sprinted down the other direction of the hall.
Reaching Alexander's chamber, Grot opened the door. The dull squeak caused the sleeping seventeen-year-old to turn over but not awaken. Tightly gripping the tool, the assassin gave a wicked smile as he silently moved forward. Great would be his reward for destroying the Bachiyr. He relished the thought of the favor he would gain with Roq-mordak and how he would use his elevated position to further his own glory. Stalking to the bedside, he twisted the tool toward the blunt end, preparing to bludgeon Alexander to death. He hissed wickedly as he raised the weapon for the death blow. The noise roused Alexander who opened his eyes to the shock of seeing Grot about to murder him.
"Grot?" he called out questioningly.
Roaring, the possessed teen brought the weapon slamming down. Alexander rolled to the side as the hammering blow barely missed. Springing to his feet, Alexander grabbed a wooden chair for defense. The murderer moved in, turning the weapon to the cutting edge, he raised it to stab his victim. Alexander brought the chair crashing down on his assailant. Unfazed, the possessed attacker came at Alexander again. Suddenly there came a booming voice from behind Grot.
"BY THE SACRIFICE OF ELKANAH, LEAVE HIM!"
As if pierced from behind, Grot's body arched back sharply. This allowed Alexander to see who issued the command. It was his mentor and surrogate father, Caedmon. The old man was dressed in his regular loose-fitting dark trousers and a grey tunic. Grot collapsed and began convulsing as the spirit unwillingly departed from its host. With a scream of many voices, it was torn from Grot who at last went limp and lay unconscious. The dark spirit lifted from the mortal then being bolted from the room with an audible demonic shout of rage.
"WHAT'S GOING ON?" Alexander asked between panting breaths.
"They found us," Caedmon answered, his ever-present walking staff in hand.
"Who?"
"A Ka Tchar," answered the voice of a glowing, translucent man that slowly faded into existence.
"WHOA," was all Alexander could say at the sight of the luminescent apparition.
"Fear not, young one," Hikari explained. "It is for your protection that I am sent."
"Who… or what art thou?" Alexander asked in wide-eyed trepidation of the answer.
"I am Hikari, a Guardian sent by the Elder."
"A Guardian," Alexander whispered in astonishment. He looked to his mentor for verification that he wasn't dreaming. Caedmon nodded.
"Why is Grot trying to kill me?"
"He is not," Caedmon answered.
"Sure seems like it to me," Alexander emphasized.
"No," Hikari corrected. "It was not the boy in control of his actions, but a Ka Tchar."
Noting Alexander's bewildered look, Hikari translated the term. "Soul Seeker."
"Soul Seeker? But why is it after me?"
"Because you are the Bachiyr," answered the semi-transparent figure.
"Ba- what?"
"No time to explain," Hikari dismissed. "You, both of you must flee, now."
"Flee?" Alexander questioned. "Isn't it gone?"
"Only for the moment. It's left the room but remains close. However, that is not the only concern; the invasion will soon begin."
"Invasion?" Caedmon asked.
"Yes. The planet Mitsrayim will be invaded before the dawn. You must leave this world before it's too late. Once they are in place then escape will be nearly impossible." Turning to the bearded man, Hikari added, "The Bachiyr must survive."
"I understand," Caedmon responded.
"I don't," Alexander protested. "Who's invading? How can we get off-world tonight? It will take at least a day to go to the spaceport and book passage."
"It shan't be a problem," Caedmon dismissed then turned to the Guardian. "How long till the invasion comes to pass?"
"Within the hour. I will engage the Ka Tchar as you make your escape, but you must hasten. I will not be able to keep it at bay indefinitely."
"Is it going to try to kill me again?" Alexander asked with great concern.
"The spirit cannot directly strike at you in its true form but can indwell things it can control," Hikari answered.
"Like Grot," Alexander deduced.
"Yes."
"Will he be alright?"
"He will recover, but you must go, quickly!"
Hikari entered the hall, checking for signs of the Ka Tchar. With a signal that it was clear, Caedmon and Alexander exited the room. Indicating the direction to go with his walking staff, Caedmon led them through the corridor. An incensed howl came from the night air as the window beside them exploded sending shards of glass into the hall. Ducking, they quickened their pace and hurried down the passageway with each successive window exploding as they passed. They rushed down the stairs and into the central courtyard. The invisible beast awaited them and screamed in rage at the fleeing humans.
"It is here in the courtyard," Hikari warned. "Go, I will hold him off as long as I can."
Flashing, he blinked from mortal sight and fully entered the spirit realm. Before him, the gargantuan, horned Dridmor stood in the middle of the courtyard, roaring in hatred. With a demonic shout, it plunged one of its mighty fists deep into the ground, shaking it.
The quake's violent vibrations caused large chunks of stone to loosen from the building and crash down toward Caedmon and Alexander. Avoiding the falling rocks, they pressed on through the thick dust cloud caused by the falling stones.
"Alexander, look out!" Caedmon shouted as a wall teetered and was about to collapse on his young companion. Seeing the danger, Alexander dove to the side as the entire structure came down in an avalanche of rock. The ground began to split into a deep cavern. The crack in the dirt wove toward Alexander, threatening to swallow him into the planet's core. Rolling to the side, he scrambled to his feet and ran from the embattled courtyard.
Hikari thrust an arm forward, an energy blast emanating from it. Hitting the target, the blast splashed against the horrid creature causing it to cry out and withdraw its arm from the ground. Infuriated, the unholy beast leaned forward and spewed venom at its opponent of light. With great force, the acidic, liquid energy gushed from the monster's mouth. Diving to the side, Hikari avoided the toxin and rolled back upright. Withdrawing the arm-length staff from the sheath on his back, he pulled it apart to form a pair of flaming swords.
"YOU ARE NOTHING," mocked the Ka Tchar. "I will destroy you then the Bachiyr. You can't stop me!"
"Wrong! You have failed, and he will escape to fulfill the prophecy. Roq-mordak will be quite displeased with you. Your punishment will doubtless be severe."
Shouting in a fury, the towering beast charged the Guardian. Three blasts of burning dark energy burst from its palm at the protecting spirit. Deflecting the attacks with his battlestaff, Hikari ran to meet the creature and swung at it. As his blades came down, the Ka Tchar evaporated into energy dust that quickly ascended to the clouds. Hikari followed suit and chased after it as he vaulted skyward.
"Where art we going?" Ale
xander asked as he followed Caedmon down the rocky mountainside path.
"There is a cave not far from here that hast the means of our escape. Make haste!"
Thunder rolled overhead as ominous dark clouds suddenly formed and blocked out the moonlight. Lightning cracked across the sky striking a nearby tree. The tree trunk exploded in millions of pieces, sending burning shards as daggers flying at them. One ripped across Alexander's right shoulder.
"Aaah!" he shouted in pain.
Caedmon looked back as another bolt slammed into the forest, igniting the trees.
"I CAN MAKE IT," Alexander shouted over thunder, and the two resumed their flight. With the moon blocked by the demonic-inhabited clouds, the forest fire at least provided some light, but the smoke was quickly thickening. Stinging Alexander's eyes, the smoke made him lose sight of Caedmon. Smoke filling his lungs, the younger man couldn't call out loud enough to let Caedmon know they were now separated. Streaks of lightning seared across the sky as the Ka Tchar reveled in its nearing triumph. Suddenly a mighty gust of cool wind from Hikari breezed through the dark clouds, causing the vapor to condense into pouring rain. Dousing the fires, the rain came down in sheets, transforming the mountain path into a muddy quagmire. Smoke clearing from the breeze, Alexander caught sight of his mentor and hurried after him. A whipping wind slowing their progress, the two mortals stumbled through the raging storm and muck. Reaching the cave, Alexander followed Caedmon inside, but the complete absence of light made him stop.
"Master Caedmon?" he called out. "Where are you?"
With a clank, a series of lights illuminated from the front to deeper parts of the tunnel.
"This way," the old man instructed as he hurried to the back of the cavern.
At the far end, Alexander saw a thick, dusty shroud concealing some unknown object. Caedmon began pulling on the heavy cover.
"Assist me," he instructed as Alexander approached. They both tugged on the canvas, and as it fell to the ground so did the young man's jaw.
"It's a ship," Alexander exclaimed in shock. "Whose is this?"
