by Han, George
Gwyneth was insistent. “You are not answering me.”
“I don’t owe you an explanation.”
The sounds of hisses heralded the arrival of Seraphina’s assistants. Down through the alley, Gwyneth saw countless serpents slithering towards her. The venomous creations of Seraphina were notorious for their lethal nature.
Gwyneth shut her eyes in deep prayer. Instantly, a blanket of ice spread across the alley and froze the snakes. The seductress meanwhile had fled through the alley and headed for the sky. Gwyneth darted across the space and followed, and soon found Seraphina on a rooftop.
The White Angel extended her right hand and unleashed a bolt of white energy that hit the ground and formed a layer of ice over Seraphina’s feet.
“You are not going anywhere until I get a satisfactory answer.”
Seraphina blinked rapidly. Trembling she complained “Do you have to be so rude? You will spoil my boots! ”
“I want my answer.” Gwyneth crackled her knuckles and flashed her fist.
“Always so keen for a fight,” Seraphina sniggered. “Fist fights are not always the best solution to disagreements.
“Fancy a complaint and plea for peace from a Demon.”
“You will get the fight you want, Gwyneth, when the time comes.”
Gwyneth froze. She unrolled her fist. The voice was not Seraphina’s. The answer, robust as a Roman spear, had come from behind her. As the memory tunnel revived, she felt weakness snuffle her limbs.
Her pulse had increased as she fought her slide into sentimentality. The snow had returned. She noticed the sinister gleam of satisfaction on Seraphina’s face. The seductress has been buying time.
Inhaling deeply, she turned to face the new arrival. Gwyneth eyed the swaggering figure, seven feet tall, the epitome of all things sinister and twisted. The arrogant countenance, the hands on the hips, and the vintage scalding gaze that set lesser beings on fire are all so familiar.
The memories gushed into Gwyneth’s consciousness, beyond her control, like an angry stream of cold water and brought on a shudder.
The Demon Lord still possessed that innate suaveness, although Gwyneth detected a stronger ring of dark power around him; an aura of evil that had augmented since their last encounter. His presence was venom to the innocent and stifling even for an Angel. The dark robes lent an air of unquestioned authority and domination.
“Darius,” she said in firm voice and the snow stopped falling.
“Lord Barbatos, please.”
“That name is a badge of infamy.”
“I am proud of that name, my friend.”
“This is the sort of treatment you reserve for friends.” Gwyneth looked around her.
The dark lord uttered a deep-throated chuckle, generating a ripple of energy that beat on Gwyneth’s face.
She wished Maganus were there. He would love a fist-fight with Barbatos.
“Gwyneth, you are always in my thoughts.”
Gwyneth clenched her fists. “Your sentimentality is not appreciated.”
“I’d expected a better reception.”
“Explain your purpose on Earth, in New York.”
The Demon Lord grinned, a look of confidence on his square-jawed face. Within a split of second, Barbatos has unleashed a bolt of dark energies from his gloved-palm. It came swiftly, so swiftly that Gwyneth barely leapt out of harm’s way. The powerful bolt hit the ground. Debris hit Gwyneth and sent her into the skyward, like a baby thrown into the air by a ruthless marauder.
Gwyneth tried to land but the rippling darkness was too great, and she had to execute a series of somersaults to mitigate the impact. She brought her wild projection to a halt with sparks of light created by the fiction with the particles in the air.
When Gwyneth regained equilibrium, she found herself staring at the quilt of lights that was New York, Manhattan, Bronx, and Queens. Barbatos has blown her nearly into space.
She circled in the chilly stratospheric heights, gathering her strength. Barbatos’s powers had improved beyond her wildest imagination. Gwyneth sped towards the rooftop, her heart beating erratically.
But Barbatos and Seraphina were nowhere in sight; all she found was the carnage of a damaged rooftop. There was chaos on the streets with crowds in panic and shock, wailing sirens in the background. There were bodies lying around, crushed by the fallen debris. Gwyneth crossed her heart and said a silent prayer.
I must locate Barbatos. His presence meant only one thing, a larger scheme of evil.
Questions crowded her mind as she struggled to make sense of Barbatos’s presence on Earth. If Barbatos had orchestrated the wave of killings, what will be his next step?
As sirens blared as ambulances and police arrived, the heavy snowfall returned.
#
The governor put down his mug of coffee and asserted, “Jin, I am not a jelly-spined and honey-toothed politician. I made tough decisions and I am ready to make this one as well. I have had such moments in my life, and they were never easy to make. However, I passed those tests.”
“Walter, nobody doubts the strength of your character.”
“I know this is an incredible opportunity to make history,” the governor said. However I need to be sure I deserve that opportunity.”
Jin could see the halo of light forming over Walter Johnson. This was the moment of Suscitatio—awareness and awakening that comes to all Kings who grasp the value of their existence and understand the ultimate destiny. The light was weak but it will grow with the strengthening faith.
The conviction in the governor, his posture, the strut and the tone of the voice, spoke of an inner reservoir of strength that belied the grey hair, wrinkled brows, and slight slump in the shoulders. Even that caution and thoughtfulness for the family was part of a kingly disposition. The perchance to think twice before a major decision denotes a caution that is much desired in the Kings. There are sometimes too much at stake to tolerate a modicum of recklessness.
It was worth making this trip.
He had ordained a King.
“This battle will be tougher than the rest you have experienced so far, Walter.”
“Then I can only be stronger,” he replied. “The only thing is whether I am truly ready for this role…”
Jin smiled at the intelligent reply and had wanted to follow up but was distracted by an unwelcomed shrill.
“A fresh attack?” Walter asked.
“This is a friendly, but it seems to be in distress.”
Then, like a white arrow, a huge bird circled over them before landing on a boulder next to Jin.
“Pologus, my friend!”
The bird flexed its wings and released a forlorn shrill.
“My friend is in trouble and they need me.” Jin asked?
“Anything I could do to help?” Walter asked.
“Walter. Make your decision wisely. I will leave Eugene to protect you. It is necessary in such circumstances.”
Jin nodded at Eugene.
Walter asked “We shall meet again?”
Jin was silent and simply whistled for his steed. He mounted in a suave motion and roused his steed into the skies, leaving a trail of fire.
Chapter 26
The Grinding
Daylight arrived, coated in suspicious shades of grey. The usual warmth of the sun was missing and day was like a pale cousin of the night. The phenomenon planted a seed of worry in Maganus. The forests were beginning to look like the untamed medieval forests of the 1st century, bogs and peats with patches of ominous fens.
Stroking his beard, he looked to the sky, hoping to glimpse Pologus, who might bring assistance. Maganus did not feel good. He had been weakened by the exertions of healing Mathew, whose life force, the powers of sustenance of all humans, had been gravely depleted. Foolhardy behaviour can hardly be counted as valour, but he owed Mathew a favour for saving his life.
That was and would always be an enduring quality of humans, their spontaneity and altruism, that n
atural desire to help. What else could spur Mathew into a foolish act of attacking a supernatural being? Death was a step away for him.
When Mathew began to stir, Maganus felt the weight was lifted off his heart.
“What happened?” were Mathew’s first words.
“You saved the world,” Maganus quipped.
The young man strained as he recollected. “Did I …” He sat up and eventually said, “I remembered now. I dashed out and slain the monster, and saved you.”
“Yes, credit is yours but at a very heavy price.” Maganus grimaced.
“I was in total darkness, drifting and about to drown.”
“Discretion on your part is much appreciated, Mathew. Rashness is an unwanted quality in a man, much less for such a quality to reside in a King.”
“Is my sister fine?”
Maganus nodded and called out to Sarah, who had been in the safe custody of her escort bear. She ran over, giggles aplenty and brimming with joy. Maganus shrugged as the siblings embraced. Humans can be so sweet at times, despite their inherent shallowness, sometimes.
Father Bellator brought them food and water, and they spent the next hour freshening up. Father Bellator had been busy over breakfast, and despite heavy fatigue, looked unflappable.
“Thomas, you are truly a warrior with a come-hell-or-high-water attitude,” Maganus said. “The mayhem around you had barely any effect. How’s your wound?”
“Nothing that matters,” the priest replied.
Maganus clasped his hands and prayed to create a congregation of light. The miasma had grown stronger and the dark vibes feed on human emotions like a swamp of locusts.
After finishing his meal, Mathew asked, “What should we do now?”
“Are you strong enough to travel?” Maganus asked.
Mathew winced. “I thought I had proven myself in the last twelve hours?”
Maganus gave a dismissive wave. “You are obviously ready.”
The group set out in deep silence. Sarah opted to walk with the brother, who trekked with the assistance of a Telum. Mathew carried a heavy grey on his forehead which indicated the lingering effects of his injury. His steps were firm, but the strained expression worried Maganus. He wished to cover much distance before nightfall.
Darkness was the ally of the Demons, whose prowess peaked when sunlight was forfeited. In particular, Demon Lords like Count Raum could cast the strongest of spells and curses which even a Guardian Angel finds it hard to undo. Human beings were especially vulnerable to demonic manipulation at such moments. Their hearts and minds were easy pickings for the demons, like ripe cabbage for hungry rodents.
Guilt sat on his heart to hurry Mathew. After two hours of continuous trek, Maganus decided to call for a respite, drinks and a moment to take stock.
“We have to head for the plains. We will be safer there,” He said with Thomas Bellator in nodding agreement.
“How does our itinerary look?” Mathew asked.
Father Bellator spoke. “I am afraid we have to move deeper into the woods before we can move out of it. The path ahead is about eight hundred yards of virgin woods. Then we should come to a hill, Emerson Grounds. Once we are over that, we will come to the northern perimeters of the reserve. Road 81 awaits us.”
The priest had stopped and seemed to be lost in his study of the coordinates.
“Go on, Father.”
Father Bellator muttered. “It is only 500 yards from the medical facility.”
Maganus smiled wryly. “If we get to leave the woods…” He shook his head in amazement. They were all along in the proximity of the hospital but the Demons turned the woods into a labyrinth filled with ambushes and traps. Those cunning Demons had earned his grudging respect for their elaborate scheme. From the illness of John Springs, to the road trip, from the encounter at the parish to whatever is to come in the woods, the Demons had a plan, a brilliant one.
The only point of doubt in his mind however, and that was shared with neither Mathew nor Thomas, was the plan to capture Mathew and Sarah Springs. Why do the Demons need to deploy such elaborate methods after the blatant assassinations? Unless of course, they had no intention to kill the Springs’ siblings at all. Are the children simply a chess piece in a larger plan?
He eyed a wary Mathew. “We will get out successfully. Fear nothing but fear itself, Father Bellator.”
“Do the Demons always get this bold?” Mathew asked
“We have our rules of engagement. Earth is for the humans and the Kings have overall responsibility. We do not cross the line, Mathew. However the Demons had trespasses. I don’t know where this new conflict is heading for but we will stick together.”
“It is a severe trial, Maganus.”
The Angel answered with calm
“When humans are faced a stern test, and I am talking about the one that will test you to the core, to the base of your soul, you will be driven to value the significance of your existence.”
“I am still young to understand what you had said.” Sarah quipped. “But it makes sense.”
“You are doing pretty well, my angel.” Maganus said.
“And so am I.” Mathew said “Hope we are coming to the end of these madness.”
Maganus patted Mathew on the arm. “Patience and faith, please. Your survival, and Sarah’s, might make or break the future of humanity.”
“I just wonder how you can stay calm and untouched under such circumstances.”
Maganus smiled as he worked on lighting his pipe.
“How do you feel being an Angel?” Mathew probed further. “The miseries, the hopelessness and having to deal with diehard cynics like me. I still find it hard to believe all this.”
Mathew threw up his arms as a brief moment of exasperation travelled across his brows.
“Don’t you feel tired? Saving troubled people all the time?”
Maganus chewed on his smoking pipe, playfully spewing tiny circles of smoke.
“I went too far,” Mathew said. “Apologies.”
“Don’t apologize, Mathew. Very perceptive of you. It was never easy dealing with such prevalence of cynicism and hopelessness of humanity. However the cry for our help has never diminished, and man keep repeating their mistakes, and the Demons kept trying. We just cannot let them succeed but we will win in the end. We make a difference. This was what kept me going.”
“You are very resilient.”
“It is a human strength, their resilience and unlimited capacity for love. I was once a human, I know. They recover from each disaster, each setback with tremendous success. Man has that resilience and perseverance, and free will. It was a freedom, that freedom, to determine their future. You can talk about the pressures and distractions, but that liberty always stays with man. Although, sometimes, they are plain foolish to throw that liberty away.”
“You ever thought of giving up?” Mathew quizzed.
Maganus mused and hesitated before nodding. “Yes, there were moments of despair.”
“I am surprised. I thought…”
“Thought I would hide that face and pretend to be strong? There has been challenging moments and I had thought of giving up my mandate but I held back. After seeing the sacrifices of so many generations of Angels and man, I cannot abandon them. I cannot give up. Never.”
“Tell me about your opponents, the Demons.”
“There are so many of the Demon Lords.”
“The one you fought.”
Maganus stroke his beard
“Ivan Raum, the Demon Lord who killed your grandparents, was the mastermind of catastrophes of mankind. He was largely the cause of Chernobyl.”
Mathew’s eyes widened “The nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl? That killed thousands.”
“And maimed many more.” Sarah added
“If you think he was bad, maybe you should hear me tell you about the big One?” Maganus extended his open palms.
“Big One?”
“Lucifer - the Overlord of Hell.”<
br />
Maganus stroke his beard.
“He was a first class general of his army, a marvelous leader but he chose the wrong side. He had never tolerated the thought of humans having sole control over their realm. He found humans unworthy of God. He must contest. He must fight. He has a case to prove to God and the best way to do that is to find the Achilles’ heel. He never fails to try, and he inculcates that same tirelessness in his commanders and soldiers.”
“The human race is vulnerable. We have too many weaknesses and most of the time, our responses are feeble.” Mathew lamented.
Bellator joined the dialogue. “Quite the opposite, Mathew. Demons can only tempt the hearts of man. It is the individual humans who decide their own destiny. There is no Demon who can corrupt an unwilling man. A man who has chosen to trust in the good of mankind has built an impregnable wall. Similarly, there is no way an Angel can save a man who has already chosen the dark side. Free will is supreme. Not an Angel or Demon can decide the destiny of mankind. That is why Lucifer can never claim complete victory over mankind.”
“The adversity you face now is the catalyst to transform you,” Maganus added with a wink. “Men respond to adversity in many ways. Some will view it with dismay and react with anger and fear. There will be a selected few who respond with different perspectives and give gumption, perseverance, and inspiration.” Maganus puffed hungrily before continuing. “Look at Edison, Walt Disney, and the whole bunch of them. If they had given up their pursuit of their dreams in the face of crushing odds, the state of human civilization would be vastly different today.”
“They responded differently,” Mathew murmured.
“You only saw the suffering but failed to realize there is an opportunity beneath every difficulty. Your response will determine your character and shape your ultimate destiny.” Maganus said.
“I am grateful for the different perspective, Maganus,” Mathew replied.
“It has not been easy for you and Sarah. You should see misfortunes as a blessing you have that rare opportunity to be somebody different.”
