by Lynn Landes
Two men approach Elsbeth, sensing her danger. Their auras surround her protecting and shielding her. The protection of his shield blocks out Elsbeth’s light and one by one, the demons fade back to shadow. Surprised when Elsbeth falls, she follows close behind as they head to the medical tent. Elina stays back against the wall. Waiting to see who else is being tracked by the demons. She watches closely as they arrive. They are all clear. Time to get some answers Elina decides.
Fading back, she sends a pulse of energy hoping to attract a few demons to her. Cautiously she moves to the alley behind one of the buildings and waits. When the first demon appears, she smiles in the dark. Fading into the wall, she waits, sending another small pulse behind it. It turns slowly looking for the source, just as another shadow bigger than the first enters the alley. Slipping higher up the wall towards the roof, she sends a pulse of energy where she once stood. She watches as the smaller demon lunges toward the wall looking for the cause, while the larger demon lifts its head and pierces Elina with its red stare. He leaps, hissing at her, only to find to his surprise that she has vanished.
Coming up straight behind the smaller demon, Elina uses as little energy as possible and whispers in his ear, “Be gone, skia.” Watching it explode to mist, Elina turns facing the larger demon. With a screech, he dives at her, only to scream in horror when her sword pins him to the alley wall. “This is my skia sword. That’s shadow in Latin, demon. I can make this quick or painful, you decide,” she says giving the sword a twist.
With a roar of rage he tries to pull free, but is unable to move. A slow burn begins and his shapeless face looks at her. The black blade begins to glow red. “He is hungry for your soul, demon. Let’s not make him wait. Why were you following the girl? What drew you to her?” she demands.
His face shifts suddenly into focus. He is unable to hold the shadow form any longer. This demon is in multiple stages of rot. His face is half covered in stretched and graying skin. Half his nasal cartilage shows through, along with the bones in his neck, and jaw. His decaying flesh dangles loosely. Delighted at the disgust he sees in her face, he snarls, “She bares the mark.”
Displaying a black, jagged edged dagger similar to the sword, she aims for his only eye. Cocking her head, she shoves the black edge through his eye socket and pins his skull to the wall. His scream echoes through the alley and Elina feels the vibrations. More demons are coming.
“What mark, demon?” she questions.
Desperately he swipes at her with his free arms trying to grab her, “They are coming for you. I don’t have to tell you anything!”
“Oh, but you will tell me, demon.” Elina backs up and reaches for her power; creating a web similar to the web of a spider. She covers him completely, sealing him against the brick wall. Fading to shadow, she smiles leaning on the wall next to him. “This web is special, it hides you from detection. They won’t hear you, see you or smell you. I can wait.”
The demon stuck to the alley wall begins to spasm, in a weak attempt to break his arms and legs free. Going completely still, he feels his brothers near. He screams, rages, wails, and blusters to no avail. “What are you?” he whispers as the shadow demons creep by.
“I am the Keeper, demon,” she whispers into the cavity where his ear used to be.
In a panic, he tells her, “She is marked by a son of the One! Free me now, I have told you everything I know!” he says struggling to get free.
“How do we free her?” Elina asks, stepping from the shadow, cutting the web free, but leaving him pinned to the wall with her sword.
Sensing his freedom, he tells her “Only the one who marked her can remove it, or a Son of the Light.”
“Thank you,” she says. Elina starts to walk away, thinking about how she will help free Elsbeth. “Wait, Keeper, free me!” he roars.
“Oh right,” she says, and showers him in light. Glistening in the golden light, he begins to scream as it soaks in. Suddenly his screams turn garbled and he begins to melt like dripping wax. Elina watches as the muddy shadow swirls amongst the liquid light on the alley floor, then she pulls her skia free and walks away.
Elina waits patiently outside the medical hut for the others. They will come out soon. How to tell Elsbeth she has been marked? Hearing them return, she sighs, deciding to hold off for now. Until she knows how to cure her, she will wait.
Jake sees Elina and walks to her quickly with Elsbeth following, both clearly upset. “Elsbeth was attacked, where were you?” Jake angrily asks her.
In surprise she look as Jake, “I followed the shadows to see what I could find out, Jake but only after I knew Elsbeth was safe.”
“What did you see?” Elsbeth asks.
As he exits the medical tent, Ronnie walks over with Ruby behind him and says, “Why don’t we all meet at Polly’s and discuss this. Elsbeth should be resting after her scare.”
Elina looks at them and realizes they are drawing unwanted attention. “Good idea, I’ll ride with you Dad.” She heads to the car.
Quiet on the ride back, she says to no one, “I won’t be able to stay much longer. I have to move on soon.” Not seeing the scenery pass by, she wonders what will happen to them when she is gone. They must be able to protect themselves. In frustration, she lays her head back on the seat and rests.
After they park Elina jumps from the vehicle, “I need some air, I will be back soon” she calls to Ronnie while heading off into the woods. Not far into the trees she finds the small creek and follows it deeper. As she listens to the sound of the water rushing over the rocks, she smiles and takes a deep breath. Everything in her wants to reach for him, Malach. Her heart, her body, her spirit, but she knows she can’t. She won’t risk his soul. Elina begins to pace and mutter, “I have to find the second part of the book, but how? Maybe the connection will be with the other watchers. I have to find them!” Hearing a movement in the trees, Elina goes still. Drawing on the energy around her, she waits preparing to fight when she hears him stomping and grumbling under his breath. Sighing with relief, she turns to greet Jake.
Irritated Jake stomps through the woods. He is pissed. Every time they need her she is gone! Where was she? Seeing her smiling eyes, he walks up to her and realizes she has no idea how scared he was for her. He has seen her fight a horde or demons and do things not humanly possible, but that does not change his feelings. Damn her! Meaning only to scare her a little, Jake grabs her by her arms and jerks her body to his. Looking down into her blue eyes with his mouth only inches from hers, “I can’t wait any longer Elina.” Grabbing her hair, he jerks her head back and tastes her.
Elina is stunned, but he feels so alive, real and vital. His tongue explores her mouth while his hands seek her hips, pulling her closer. Heat for heat, pressing her body into his, Jake takes and Elina feels. Releasing her mouth for a moment, he pulls back to look at her and seeing the lust in his eyes snaps Elina back to reality. Putting both hands against his chest, she drops her forehead to his chest. “Give me a minute, Jake,” she says breathing fast.
“No. I want you and it feels like you want me, too. Look at me.”
Looking up at him, she is afraid, afraid she will hurt him, and hurt them all.
“Jake, you have to understand there is more at stake here than us. I can’t be what you need,” and she pauses stepping away, “You are not who I want.”
Dropping his grip on her, he runs his hands through his blond hair, frustrated and hurt. “Who is he, Elina, this man who has such a hold on you? Where is he when you need him?”
Silent, she stares at him. “I know it’s hard for you to understand, Jake but right now I have to focus on the job I have been given. I never meant to hurt or tease you. You are everything I would ask for …” she stutters.
“Just not who you want,” he finishes for her. “It is okay, Elina. If you change your mind, let me know.” He touches her swollen lips with his fingertips and whispers, “Sometimes reality is better than any dream.” With a turn, he heads back
to the house.
Malach reaches for Elina and feels her frustration, anger and fear. He needs to go to her, be with her, but knows it is impossible. The feelings growing between them have no voice, and he will not give it one.
Pacing nearby, Malach tries not to feel what she is feeling, the humanity of the passion erupting between them. He is furious that Jake has her in his arms when it should be him! The heat rolls off the couple and finds its way to Malach wrapping around his body, driving him crazy. Unable to contain his fury, he hears her voice in his soul say, “Are you Shadow or Light? He is not who I want. You are mine, and I am yours, Malach.” Closing his eyes, he feels her hand press against the cross tattoo on his chest in his mind, she whispers, “Be at peace.” He lifts his face to the sky and soars away.
Eleven
When she returns to the house, Elina finds everyone on the deck, talking and planning. Stepping up the stairs, she is greeted by Hunter and Polly. “It is nice to meet you, Elina.”
She smiles and says a quiet “Hello.” Looking at the man in front of her, Elina notices a tattoo of a dream catcher on his right arm. As she walks closer to inspect it, she pauses when their voices begin to fade away. Hunter sees her stumble and reaches out to steady her just as Elina is struck by a vision stronger than anything she has ever felt. Looking into Hunter’s brown eyes, her eyes begin to glow and she no longer sees him.
Looking around, Elina hears laughter, and chanting. A flash of red runs along a cell wall and it begins to glow amber. Her heart stutters at the scene before her. The Fallen were brought to witness what would happen to them if they betrayed their King. Rough hard hands grab her arms and force her to the ground. Behind her, she feels hands pull her black, feathered wings out stretching them to their full length behind her back and a dark, unseen voice begins, “Brothers, once I lived and breathed to please our creator. I was a mindless drone who never questioned my orders. I made a choice and I paid the price. I promised my followers that we would be free again!” The roar of approval is deafening. Raising a hand, he gestures to his prisoner and says, “Today I show you the arrogant fool who betrayed us all! He chose his own vanity and pleasure over the greater good. I do this so you Do Not Forget the consequences of that choice! Follow me and we shall rule together, free and no longer at his mercy!” Elina struggles to break free, but she is stuck in the body of the tortured soul.
“I will show you the same mercy I was shown for my free choice and you shall thank me for it one day!” Feeling the hands tighten on her black wings, she feels a searing pain down her back. She arches away from the pain, screaming.
Ruby grabs Elina’s arm while Hunter holds the other arm. She tries to free Elina from the pain, calling to her. Linking her mind with Elina’s, she shares the vision with those who reach to touch her. Ronnie links with his wife and they all quickly form a circle, watching the horror unfold before them. Elina’s scream is almost too much for Ruby to bear. Hunter’s voice breaks through and softly he begins to chant.
Through the haze of pain, she hears a whispered question “Are you Shadow or light?” She whispers in a tortured voice “I am Shadow.” The walls suddenly go dark. Louder this time she whispers,” I am Shadow.” A sharp blow across her face splits her lip, and she smiles with a roar “I Am Shadow!” Dropped to the ground below, alone in darkness Elina screams one last time, “I AM SHADOW!!!”
Not sure how long she waits in the darkness, she smells them before they enter. Two strong, male angels with blood, rich and pure call to her. Her teeth begin to lengthen and her mouth waters. When they realize they are locked in with her, the smell of their panic causes her to smile. Seizing the moment; she attacks without a thought, going straight for the throat of the nearest angel. The blood so warm and rich pours into her mouth fueling her starving cells. Releasing her first victim, she launches an attack against the other. She shoves her clawed nails into her victim’s eyes, and blinds him. Laughing, she bites straight into his throat ripping out his jugular, releasing a river of angelic blood. Covering the gash with her mouth, she drinks her fill. Standing she sees, her naked reflection through the glowing amber walls and is stunned to see Raphaim staring back at her. Fully healed, rejuvenated, he says, “I am Shadow,” once more. “Free me now, Father! I can bring you the Keeper!”
The sounds of a steady chant fill her mind. Her heart begins to slow and she hears her Uncle Ronnie calling her.
“Come back, Elina. Release him!” he orders. With a snap she finds she is back in her body, and her knees give out. Still tasting the blood in her mouth, she bends over and empties her stomach. Ruby and Polly help Elina stand and get her to a chair. Elsbeth brings water and a cool rag, while the men stand back.
Ronnie goes to get a bucket of water to rinse the deck and realizes his hands are shaking. How will she fight the monster that he saw? Looking out on the deck at his girls, he realizes she already has faced him, and she was only a child then.
Hunter asks the question they all want to know, “Elina, who was the demon in your vision?”
Taking a drink of water, she swishes it around in her mouth thankful for a moment to collect her thoughts. Elsbeth wraps her in a blanket she grabs from the couch. Elina smiles in thanks, grateful for her family and new friends. Jake moves near. Standing beside her chair, he rests a hand on her shoulder, needing the contact. Trembling all over, she pulls the blanket tighter around her shoulders, trying to slow her heart.
“You would know him as son of the Kalona Ayeliski,” she replies, closely watching Hunter for his reaction.
“Kalona,” he whispers, shocked. Staring closely at Elina he moves forward, “You are sure?”
Sorry to tell him the truth, for she sees her questions answered in his eyes. “You are the Gunskaliski?” she asks, already sure of the answer. Nodding yes, Hunter does not reply but looks instead at Polly.
“One of you needs to explain what is happening here” Polly demands.
He begins to grow angry, afraid for his son and all of human kind, Hunter moves closer to Elina, saying in a stronger voice, “What do you mean, son of the Kalona? Is the Kalona Ayeliski free?”
Jake steps forward, blocking him with his large body. Before Elina can reply, Jake snaps, “She is just the messenger, Hunter. Give her a minute. We are all together in this.” Reaching out, Elina takes Jake’s hand, squeezing it gently, tugging him to her side.
“I am sorry, Gunskaliski, the time has come. I do not have all the answers, but I can tell you we are out of time. His son was powerful enough to destroy almost an entire village of Watchers. What do you think the Kalona is capable of?” Hunter decides to calm down and walks away from the group.
“Why don’t we all take a minute here?” Uncle Ronnie suggests. “We’ve just had an experience that should be processed and I for one could use a drink.”
Jake walks away, saying, “I second that vote! Let’s move this inside.” Elsbeth follows Jake. Ruby and Ronnie go inside as well.
Polly moves to Hunter, “Are you alright?” Not sure what to say, he looks at Elina and says, “No.”
Standing on the deck with the blanket wrapped around her, she knows why he’s upset. His life has just altered course and they are all on a one way track, with no end in sight. Elina gets up with a sigh and moves inside, as the others follow.
Twelve
“Humankind has not woven the web of life
We are but one thread within it
Whatever we do to the web we do to ourselves
All things are bound together
All things connect.”
Chief Seattle, 1854
“I am a Gunskaliski, a demon hunter” Hunter begins softly. “My people are called the Children of the Sun. This demon you run from, he is the son of the Kalona, Are you sure?” He asks Elina once more.
“Yes,” she replies again.
“How can you be so sure?” he demands.
“I have been to the Ketuwah, and I have seen with my own eyes the moment he chose
to fall. I was shown the destruction that followed.” Hunter sits hard in the chair behind him as Jake pours a drink and offers it to him.
“Gunskaliski, I am the Keeper of the Light. I was chosen to reunite our people, but your task is different. Am I right?” Elina asks as he takes a sip.
“Yes,” he replies hoarsely. “I thought it was a legend, based on myth, not truth.” Resting his head in his hands for a moment, he replays the history of his people in his mind.
“Maybe you should fill the rest of us in, Elina.” Uncle Ronnie requests. Elina looks at Hunter and waits for him to begin.
His deep voice trembles as Hunter speaks, “The myth or legend has been changed many times in many cultures. The Cherokee call him Kalona Ayeliski or the Angel of Death. Some believed he was the first fallen archangel who became Shadow.” Taking another drink, he pauses and looks at the group around him.
Elina moves to the couch and sits next to her Uncle Ronnie, pulling the blanket closer. He wraps an arm around her shoulder to pull her to his side. Ruby sits in the chair next to the couch and glances at Polly. Elsbeth moves closer to Hunter, drawn in by the timbre of Hunters voice.
“At first, the Kalona found his pleasure by changing shapes and walking among humans. He was no longer welcome among the spirit world, and he could not belong to the human world. So he hunted those the Great Spirit protected. He would prey on the weakest, the sick, or the very young until he chose a soul he wanted. The young he would scare with nightmares, abusing them, pulling on them, attacking them, beating them, but leaving no marks.”
