by Ahadi, Kion
“Will we be safe?” Veronica, Henry’s wife, asked.
“Yes, you were caught up in something that had nothing to do with you. For that I am sorry,” I said.
I wanted to go with them, but the cavern called me. I had unfinished work. I watched as the van drove away. I stood in the wilderness for a few minutes smelling the air as the rays of the early morning sun beamed down on me. Then I ran back to the base.
“I have freed the captives, but I won’t join you yet. I am heading underground again to settle an old score,” that was the telepathic message I sent to my beloved wife.
“Ok we are near Sedona now and we are safe. Be careful. I love you,” was her reply. I sighed deeply and re-entered the base.
***
A solitary tear emerged from Nadia’s eye and trickled down her delicate cheek as Cyrus’s message drifted into her mind. She was glad he had been successful in rescuing those abducted, but she knew unfathomable danger awaited him if he ventured deeper into the nest of darkness. She could not intervene. He had to fulfil his destiny.
They were nearing the city of Sedona. Peter had been driving giving Nadia time to rest. Cheveyo had phoned Nadia after the earthquake and told her to go to Matterhorn Inn. He had booked them all rooms there so they could rest. The plan was for Cheveyo to meet them all later in the afternoon.
Nadia’s mobile rang, she answered.
“Darling are you all ok? On the afternoon news there have been reports of a large earthquake in Los Angeles,” her mother Susanne asked with anxiety in her voice. The UK was eight hours ahead.
“Yes Mum we are all safe. We left last night before it struck. We are somewhere in Arizona, nowhere near the earthquake. We will try to fly back to London tomorrow if there are any tickets,” Nadia said.
“I am so relieved I was worried sick about you all.”
“Don’t worry we are fine. Let Megan know we are ok. We have been unable to contact her,” Nadia added.
“I have had the same trouble. The last time I spoke with her she was going to see your father’s boss at his house. Paymon is doing a job there. I will try her again and let her know that you are all safe.”
“Thanks, I will contact you when I have flight details, bye for now,” Nadia said ending the call.
They finally arrived at Matterhorn Inn. Peter parked the SUV and they went inside to check into their rooms. The television was on in the communal lobby showing fresh images of the destruction caused by the massive earthquake that had rocked California. The devastation was extensive. Peter gave the receptionist their details and took the room keys. He handed one to Nadia. He also made arrangements for their bags to be taken up to the rooms. Nadia was in a haze.
“Go to bed sweetheart you look shattered,” Mary said stroking Nadia’s hair.
“Yes child, rest,” Peter said agreeing with his wife.
“Will you two be ok for a few hours while I get some sleep?” Nadia asked, her voice a murmur.
“Of course, we both need a bath and may sleep a little as well. Then we will be having a large breakfast or lunch depending on how long we have napped. We can discuss and worry about our ruined lives afterwards,” Peter said with a grin. Mary chuckled. Nadia managed a faint smile. She walked to the elevator in a daze and found her room. Inside she washed her hands and face in the bathroom. She removed her clothes, folded them, and put them on a chair. She got into bed. It felt so welcoming and the sheets smelt fresh and clean. The window in the room was open and through it Nadia could hear the chatter of birds. She tried to block out thoughts about Cyrus, but was he tired? Had he rested? Had he eaten? She pressed her face in the soft pillow and eventually sleep took her.
***
Cheveyo walked in the desert near Sedona alone. Sedona was home to a number of powerful energy vortexes. The Galactic Federation of Light had used the area for millions of years to perform their service to earth. The Federation consisted of an alliance of planets encompassing numerous species, some human, others of alien forms that had chosen light as the guiding energy for their civilisations. The Council of Light oversaw the affairs of the Federation. The Council was comprised of positive energy beings, as ancient as the Dark Gods of the Black Circle, but the polar opposite in purpose. Jibreel was their highest representative on Earth. On Jibreel’s instructions, Cheveyo was in the desert to make preparations for the ending of the cycle. At the end of every cycle the Sun increased its solar activity. An intensification of solar flares and storms caused huge plumes of radiation to be released. These storms had a potentially catastrophic effect for Earth civilisation as they had the power to destroy power grids, which support numerous services across the globe. A major flare from the Sun could bring civilisation on Earth to a standstill, and damage infrastructure for years to come. Cheveyo had come to the desert in an attempt to bolster the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. This would help it withstand the rising solar bombardment originating from the Sun.
Cheveyo chanted ancient words and wove an intricate pattern in the sand with his stick. Anyone watching the Red Indian mystic would have thought he was insane. Cheveyo moved gracefully to the rhythm of his own words until he became transparent. A cloud formed rapidly in the clear blue morning sky, then another, and soon there were scores of clouds but these were not ordinary rain clouds. Cheveyo danced calling to the Sitari for assistance. The Sitari could hear his song reverberating through the atmosphere where they resided. A brilliant ball of blue light appeared within one of the clouds. Lightning sounded and thunder clapped. The ball of blue light freed itself from the cloud and then darted around in the sky. Still Cheveyo chanted. The ball of blue light came hurtling down towards the ground where Cheveyo moved in flow with the waves of the universe. It slowed its rapid descent and rested gently on the sand. Other spheres of blue- and green – coloured lights descended from the magical clouds, until Cheveyo was surrounded by them. The lights around him radiated and dazzled, still Cheveyo chanted. The spheres pulsed intensely and gradually began to dematerialise revealing huge folded wings. The balls of light had been mere cocoons. Then all the wings opened and spread simultaneously. The radiant Sitari stood around Cheveyo.
“Why have you awakened us?” a deep rich voice asked.
“The Sun burns with fury, the cycle is ending. We need your protection once again,” Cheveyo replied.
“We will answer your need child of light. We will soar across the heavens and shield the lands from the rage of the Sun once again.”
Cheveyo admired the beauty of the Sitari. They were androgynous beings, each standing well over twelve feet tall, giants with slender bodies and enormous wings of multi-coloured feathers. They were the elementals of the atmosphere. Their purpose was to protect physical life from complete extinction caused by the excesses of the Sun.
“We of the light thank you for your service,” Cheveyo said bowing.
“You are welcome great mage,” the Sitari replied in unison.
Cheveyo watched mesmerised as the Sitari took the form of spheres of light again and shot off into the blue sky. Cheveyo regarded the coming of the Sitari as a hopeful sign. It meant the balance of energy on the planet between light and dark was not conclusive yet. The Federation had sent spaceships to California to assist those in need after the earthquake. They had even engaged in sporadic space battles with the Ari-an starships. As long as a planet’s fate stood in the balance, they could fight, but if it tilted either way then the losing side would be banished. Those of light indigenous to the planet would be annihilated. In the annals of history Clyses had tilted to the darkness and had been conquered by the Ari-an. Nadia should have perished with her home planet, but she had been spared. Cheveyo knew that meant she played a key part in the fate of Earth.
Chapter 10
“Revenge: A Double-edged Sword”
It was late afternoon and the sky was overcast. Rain had been coming down heavily most of the day. Luckily there was a short reprieve as Megan sat waiting in the car. She was near
a gated entrance with the car window rolled down. It had been a taxing four hour drive from Godalming, Surrey to reach Mr Aleintchev’s residence on the outskirts of Telford. The property was surrounded with green lawns and protected by high walls. There was an air of creepy seclusion about the place.
“Come in and park your car, then make your way on foot to the front door,” a voice instructed from the intercom adjacent to the car window.
“Ok thank you,” Megan replied.
The heavy gate slid silently open. Megan drove through and uphill along a wide driveway.
“This guy is loaded,” Aiyana observed cheekily sitting in the passenger seat.
Megan nodded in agreement. They reached an extensive area clearly designated for parking. Megan noticed her husband’s modest car parked amongst half a dozen far more stylish vehicles. She pulled up next to it and switched off the engine. Getting out the car Megan looked in astonishment at the mansion further up the hill. It had an imposing gothic grandeur.
“What are those strange statues,” Aiyana asked pointing to some winged creatures carved from black stone, standing like guardians along the winding path to the front of the mansion.
“I believe they are dragons,” Megan replied feeling strangely uneasy. Without consciously thinking, she took Aiyana’s hand. Aiyana looked across at her mother in surprise; Megan had not held her hand for years and so Aiyana found it a rather unusual gesture. They continued up the path quietly passing the big stone forms. The effigies loomed menacingly over the route like stark warnings to unwary visitors. It started raining again. Megan quickened her pace forcing Aiyana to follow suit. A few moments later they reached shelter provided by the front porch to the house. The porch was supported by six black marble pillars, three on either side of the entrance. The door to the house was made from a heavy brown wood. Megan pressed the bell, which was encased in brass.
“Remember to be on your best behaviour. We don’t want to let your father down,” Megan said as they waited for someone to answer the door.
“I will Mum, you can let go of my hand now,” Aiyana replied with an impish grin. The rain was coming down like a monsoon and was accompanied by the odd flash of lightning. In recent days the severity of the downpours had caused wide-scale flooding across various regions of the UK. Megan let go of Aiyana’s hand as the front door opened. Vlad’s bulky form greeted them. A feeling of relief washed over Megan, it was comforting to see a familiar and friendly face.
“Welcome,” Vlad said looking down at the visitors. “Come in, the weather is horrendous!” he stood to one side. Megan and Aiyana walked in. They entered a grand hallway. The floors were of polished marble and adorned with intricate hand-woven rugs. A set of majestic stairs led up on each side of the room to a landing, which overlooked the hallway. The décor was obviously expensive, French renaissance furniture was placed strategically around the hall. Priceless ornaments rested proudly on lavish tables and various paintings hung along the walls. An eye-catching crystal chandelier dangled above their heads casting its light over the room.
“Let me take your coats,” Vlad said closing the front door. Megan and Aiyana removed their damp things. Vlad chuckled at the expression of wonderment writ across Aiyana’s face as he took her jacket.
“Impressive, isn’t it?” he said, glancing around him.
“Not bad,” Aiyana replied trying to play down her awe.
“Wait here for a few moments while I put these coats somewhere safe,” Vlad said lifting the jackets in a gesture to emphasise what he meant. He turned and went towards a door.
Slowly, Megan looked around taking in the full scale of the house. She felt humbled by the blatant opulence on display.
Vlad returned, “Follow me ladies I will take you to meet Mr Aleintchev,” he said gently.
Megan and Aiyana followed his broad frame. Vlad led them across the hallway towards a double set of doors. He opened the doors and ushered them inside. The room was a large study with wall to wall bookcases. In a far corner there was a huge globe with the map of the world painted on it. A set of comfortable arm chairs arranged around an extravagant coffee table was the main feature. Mr Aleintchev sat in one of the chairs facing them. He was smoking a Cuban cigar.
“Welcome dear guests. Megan and Aiyana please take a seat,” he said, standing and indicating two empty chairs opposite his armchair. Megan was surprised at the youthful appearance of their host, she had expected her husband’s boss to be far older.
“Thank you,” Megan replied as both she and Aiyana sat down. Mr Aleintchev sat down again while Vlad remained standing.
As they exchanged pleasantries, Aiyana noticed a subtle change in Vlad’s demeanour to a far more stern posture. She privately found it rather amusing. To an outsider Vlad would come across as a very intimating presence, but Aiyana knew what a gentle giant he was at heart. Vlad winked at her as he noticed her observing him.
“Please call me Gregori. Your husband is busy at the moment, but he will join us soon,” Mr Aleintchev said to Megan while flicking his cigar into a gold-coloured ashtray.
“You have a beautiful house,” Megan said trying to continue polite conversation.
“Yes it is very nice, how much did it cost?” Aiyana suddenly added. Megan glanced at her daughter. She was alarmed by her direct question; she didn’t want Gregori thinking they were rude. She knew Aiyana just couldn’t help being inquisitive, but this was not the right time or place.
Mr Aleintchev chuckled, but it made Megan feel even more uncomfortable as it seemed to be a thinly disguised mocking laugh.
“Straight to the point; I like that in a woman. This house cost me close to £20m, but the things you see inside are worth ten times that amount. Any further questions young lady?” The way Mr Aleintchev looked at Aiyana as he spoke unsettled Megan, it was erring on lecherous.
Aiyana was too naïve to notice and asked another question, “You have so many paintings and ornaments here. What is the most expensive one in your house?”
“Gregori I am sorry, my daughter is very curious and can sometimes ask inappropriate questions,” Megan quickly said trying to avert any potential offence from Aiyana’s probing.
“No need to apologise, I am delighted to answer her question,” Gregori took a puff from his cigar. He looked at Aiyana thoughtfully for a time before speaking.
“There are many costly items in this house, but the most unique is in the basement. Would you like to see it?”
“Yes please if it is not too much trouble,” Aiyana looked hesitantly across at Megan as she answered. She received a disapproving frown.
“Vlad could you please escort Megan to the lounge and provide her with any refreshments she would like. I will take Aiyana and show her what she has requested to see.” Mr Aleintchev stood.
“Of course, Megan would you like to come with me?” Vlad asked.
Megan felt unwilling to leave Aiyana alone with this stranger. He had been kind and hospitable, but a few mannerisms and gestures had triggered her intuition to be cautious.
“I would like to accompany you both if that is ok?” Megan said looking at their host. Mr Aleintchev looked rather inconvenienced. He was about to reply, but Aiyana beat him to it.
“Mum, I will be fine, go with Vlad and relax. You have been driving all day.” Aiyana wanted her mother to stop being so protective. Besides she knew if she was alone she could ask all the questions she desired. Aiyana loved art and was intrigued by Mr Aleintchev’s wealth. She was determined to find out how much he had paid for which objects and why. Her father had always teased her about her artistic inclinations. He said art was a waste of her time as there was little money to be made from being an artist. Aiyana wanted some evidence to suggest otherwise.
“Aiyana is right; you could do with some relaxation. Paymon will also be finished soon and he can join us,” Vlad said, Megan still felt reluctant to follow him. She gave Aiyana one last look and then turned and left the room with Vlad.
“Alone at
last,” Mr Aleintchev said, as the door closed. Aiyana looked at him with a puzzled expression on her face; she was unsure what to say in response.
***
I passed the oval room where I had fought and killed the Shetie warriors. I made my way down deeper into the base of the mountain. I had not yet encountered any opposition, which was making me increasingly suspicious. I continued through the tunnels further underground until I reached a ramp leading into a supply room. The area was home to floating platforms kept aloft by antigravity technology. Each had crates stored on them. At the end of the room was a cargo vessel, a sliver spaceship. It had probably entered the base from the ocean. I looked around cautiously as I approached the docked vessel. The coast seemed clear. The spaceship was over twenty metres long and clamped in place to the docking bay. It was made of a shiny silvery metal not found on Earth. The craft was extremely durable and cut from one seamless piece, which enabled it to withstand tremendous pressures and depths, as well as reach incredible velocities. I guessed it was one of many sent from Ari-an mother ships to supply the Shetie living beneath the Earth with super-advanced weapons. Any planet that had not determined its energy orientation could only be visited covertly. It was forbidden to make the indigenous species aware of superior beings and technology until they had chosen light or darkness. The period leading immediately up to the end of a cycle was an exception. The majority of the population would be killed in the upheavals. For any survivors, the destruction of their civilisation would be the primary concern. If no definitive choice was made, the limited lifespan of a species like humanity would ensure those that survived would soon forget about the visitors from space. Mankind had many stories of gods and visitors from space in the past. These were genuine memories of contact during prior cycles, which were generally dismissed as myths and fantasies.
I heard a mechanical noise as I climbed the steps to the entrance of the cargo vessel. There was a lift on the other side of the supply room. Someone had activated it and was travelling up. I leaped to one of the floating platforms and hid behind a crate. I waited. The lift came to a stop and the doors opened. Two Shetie warriors stepped out followed by Wren. The black-haired android was tentative; I could sense his fear. He must know I was somewhere nearby. Was this a trap? I watched as the warriors walked towards the ramp, holding sabres in their deadly claws. They were expecting me to come in that way. I moved my position. Wren was closer to me than the warriors so if I could disable him and take the plasma gun at his side, the confrontation with the Shetie would be far easier. Wren suddenly looked up towards the floating platforms. He took out his plasma gun and shouted to the Shetie. He knew I was hiding here. I jumped from behind the crate with my leg outstretched falling towards Wren like a guided missile. My foot hit the acolyte clean in the face sending him backwards onto the ground. His gun went flying from his hand. The impact would have killed a normal man, but the android was merely stunned. As I landed I flipped over and picked up the plasma gun. In a blink of an eye I swung and shot the two warriors as they charged towards me. A bullet fired from a gun travels at around 900mph; the plasma cannon emitted rounds at the speed of light. The Shetie, even with their sabres ready to block the onslaught, stood little chance.
