by Marc Lindsay
‘I don’t know if I can keep this up,’ Wendy gasped.
‘Get on my back,’ Jason instructed, Wendy didn’t have the energy to argue, she simply nodded and hovered onto him as per his instructions, grasping tightly around his neck, her face a picture of tired contentment something that didn’t go unnoticed by Selene who bit back the urge to say something pointed.
‘There up ahead,’ Jason yelled, the two girls looked up and both had to resist the urge to cheer. ‘Give it everything you’ve got.’
The final hundred metres seemed like a thousand as all three were nearly running on empty. Selene was the first to clear the fence followed closely by Jason and Wendy, they must have run an additional hundred just to be sure before collapsing onto the soft grass. Jason changed back to his human form, the stress of the moment making him lose concentration, which also contributed to him failing to engage his alien clothing rendering him naked, which wouldn’t have been a problem if you didn’t equate Wendy into the mix who was still clinging to his neck. Selene was the first to her feet as she looked back towards the orchard and the teeming masses of scarecrows that were congregated along the boundary fence, their demonic howls and screaming at their lost prey.
‘They can’t pass the fence, I’m pretty sure we’re safe,’ Selene said. Then as an afterthought she looked towards Jason and realised that he was lying naked with Wendy, both unaware of his appearance.
‘Wendy,’ she shrieked.
Wendy was startled by Selene’s tone then looking down she realised the urgency of the older girl’s voice.
‘OhmyGod,’ Wendy cried, turning pink with embarrassment she tried to climb off Jason, the speed of which resulted in her falling over twice and landing atop him each time. Jason’s reaction was even more comical not that anyone present thought it funny at the time. It took Jason several long seconds to concentrate enough to engage the appropriate amount of clothing to cover his modesty. Wendy eventually got to her feet but by now her apologies didn’t seem to outweigh the cheeky look she tried to get rid of.
‘Are we ready to go now?’ Selene asked sullenly.
‘YES,’ was their combined response?
Chapter 44
Because of their fatigue it took them another hour to reach the library. Much to Jason’s relief Ulysses was nowhere in sight, however a highly agitated Ms Jax was waiting for them.
‘What’s the matter?’ Jason asked.
Ulysses left a couple of hours ago,’ Ms Jax said.
‘So, what’s the problem?’ Selene asked. Ms Jax sighed and told them everything about Ulysses’ suspicions.
They were now all sitting quietly in the library staff room, digesting the details of Amelia’s tale.
‘That would explain a lot,’ Jason said
‘Who does he think he really is?’ Selene asked.
‘I don’t think he knows, or at least he didn’t say,’ Amelia replied.
‘Well at least I don’t feel bad about what we’ve done,’ Jason said relieved. Selene gave him a sharp kick under the table making Jason jump.
‘Why are you three not in school and more importantly? What have you done? Amelia asked. There was a long pause. And then the three of them told a highly animated tale about everything that had happened since Kava’s arrival.
‘And that’s everything we know,’ Selene finished. Ms Jax shook her head.
‘You kids are attracted to trouble like a moth to a flame,’ Amelia said.
‘We did it under the best of intentions,’ Wendy added.
‘I know. I just wish you hadn’t been placed into this predicament,’ Amelia said.
‘But, at least we’re all on the same page now, we have an opportunity to deal with Kava,’ Jason said. Ms Jax immediately went quiet. ‘What’s the matter?’
‘If Kava believes that we’re suddenly a threat to him…’
‘We’ll deal with him, if that arises,’ Selene said.
‘It’s not Kava, I’m currently concerned about, but rather your mum,’ Amelia reminded them.
Jason was half way up the library’s staircase before Selene was finally able to stop him.
‘Where do you think you’re going?’ Selene asked sternly.
‘You can’t possibly think that I’m going to hang around here waiting for news?’ Jason growled. Amelia and Wendy were following behind.
‘At the moment, we know absolutely nothing of his intentions towards her. It may be nothing,’ Amelia said, both Wendy and Selene nodded.
‘And it could be my worst fears,’ Jason said.
‘The fact is, you don’t know where they are, or if she is in any kind trouble,’ Selene said bluntly.
‘Thanks,’ Jason said sarcastically.
‘You’re forgetting one thing?’ Wendy piped in.
‘What’s that?’ Jason asked.
‘We have something that he desperately wants. The mace,’ Wendy said helpfully.
‘That and time, we can prepare for his return,’ Ms Jax said.
‘I suppose. But that’s if he does,’ Jason said miserably.
They used the afternoon to conduct a search for any information on the man they knew as Kava, all earthbound immortals kept a very low profile, for obvious reasons, so any information they were able to glean was centuries old. Even with the extensive database available to them in Perigord they were still unable to get anything tangible. Jason spent most of his time ringing around in the hope that they may have been spotted, but this too drew a dead end. As the sun began to depart for the day and the shadows turned long Jason became more agitated and withdrawn.
Ms Jax pulled Selene to one side, careful not to let Jason see.
‘I’m a bit concerned about Jason,’ Amelia whispered.
‘Me too. I know that we’ve done all that we can but this waiting around is killing me, I can only imagine what it’s doing to him… You don’t think Ms Page is in any danger do you?’ Selene asked hopefully.
‘Just stay with him and try to keep his mind off of things,’ Amelia said.
‘I think Wendy is doing a good job of keeping him occupied,’ Selene mumbled. Ms Jax ignored Selene’s comment as something seemed to take root in her thoughts.
‘Selene, I have an idea,’ Amelia said.
‘What, what is it?’ Selene enquired.
‘I don’t want to say too much. It may be nothing. Can you hold the fort for a little bit?’ Amelia asked placing a comforting hand on the teenage girl. ‘Please.’
‘I’ll do my best,’ Selene replied and managed to flash a reassuring smile her way.
‘That’s my girl,’ Amelia said and made ready to depart.
‘What should I tell Jason?’ Selene called out. Ms Jax was at the front staircase and turned to Selene.
‘Tell him I’m running an errand.’
Selene let her self-back into the staff room where young Wendy was doing her best to keep Jason’s mind off his woes.
‘So, how are you holding up slugger,’ Selene did her best to try and sound casual.
‘Great, just great,’ Jason replied. ‘Hey, have you and Ms Jax been able to find out anything?’
‘Nothing,’ Selene said.
‘Oh,’ Jason replied dejectedly.
‘But Ms Jax just left, she said she had a lead,’ Selene added quickly, then regretted it instantly. Jason sat up his interest piqued.
‘Really, what did she say?’ Jason asked.
‘She just said that she had an idea, then left. We’re just going to have to be patient,’ Selene said.
‘Yeah, I know.’
‘How about we check out the display again. Maybe there’s something that we’ve missed,’ Wendy brightened.
‘Sure, what else have we got to do,’ Jason said.
They had spent an hour going over every piece on the Persian mythology exhibit, during which time day had turned into night outside. Jason was standing next to the empty display case that had previously held the Helmet of Rostam, staring intently into its glass confines.
‘Where is the Helmet and why did he want the thirteenth parchment so badly?’ Jason asked.
‘I’m sure that if it were in the library, we would have found it,’ Selene said. At that moment the door to the library flew open and Kava entered standing imposingly at the top of the stairs, the Helmet of Rostam tucked under one arm.
‘Ah Master Jason and his young friends. What a pleasant surprise,’ Kava said slowly descending the stairs.
‘Where is she?’ Jason growled.
‘Where is who?’ Kava replied, enjoying the boy’s discomfort.
‘My mother, Kava or whoever your name is?’ Jason said.
‘Ah, my charade is over,’ Kava said his lost secret clearly not bothering him.
‘I said, where is she?’ Jason screamed in fury.
‘That’s right, Helen Page, your mummy, I forgot what a mama’s boy you were,’ Kava said in a clear attempt to goad the younger boy.
‘She’s safe for the moment. But that depends on whether you have the mace?’ Kava said. The three of them struggled to conceal their surprise. ‘I know about your little break-in at the Vert homestead and I must say, well done. After all my hard earned time trying to negotiate for the weapon, that two bit sorcerer wasn’t going to sell me that bastard’s mace,’ Kava said his voice rising.
‘That bastard. Who exactly are you?’ Selene asked. Kava grinned a mean cruel smile.
‘Ah, we’re not that clever are we, but I have always been a bit of a showman and you deserve to know my true identity,’ Kava said with relish. He was now at the bottom of the stairs and slowly unbuttoning his long coat, letting it drop to the ground.
‘You’re going to be in for a real treat tonight, something not witnessed for nearly two hundred years.’ Kava said, as he started to unbutton his shirt as well.
‘Whatever you think you’re doing right now, isn’t that special. I can catch Magic Mike on cable,’ Selene said trying to sound cocky, but she was unnerved by the man’s confidence.
Bravo, Ms Jaeger, feisty, I love it,’ Kava said, now dropping his shirt to the ground. ‘As you have ascertained I am not that pathetic, mewling, mere blacksmith. Now don’t get me wrong, the man had talent, but those talents were always going to be wielded by those greater than him,’ Kava said.
‘You’re Rostam?’ Selene asked. This question elicited a cruel laugh from Kava.
‘You’re an idiot… I’ll give you one hint,’ Kava said and turned his back towards them. Two elaborate snake tattoos could be clearly seen. One blue and the other red, they looked as if they were ripping out of the skin on his upper shoulder blades then trailing down his spine intertwined like a spiral and finally displaying their fearsome heads. Jason had an immediate flashback to when they had first met, catching a glimpse and dismissing it. Now this imposter was suggesting it was an integral part of his identity.
‘Come now, surely this game isn’t too difficult, truly the magical aspect of this would be, if you could actually guess right,’ Kava taunted. Magical, Jason thought, why would he use that word. Then it clicked.
‘Don’t you see,’ Jason turned to Selene, but she shrugged. ‘The arrogance, his use of the word magical, the desire to attain those weapons and finally the snakes.’
‘Yes Jason, yes, say it,’ Kava urged now facing them.
‘I know who you are. He’s Zahhak,’ Jason announced, Selene and Wendy stared on uncomprehending. ‘Zahhak the Sorcerer.’
There was silence, then Selene nodded slowly.
‘I remember. But I thought he was dead,’ Selene said.
‘Keeping a low profile is all,’ Zahhak said ruefully. ‘But that will change.’
‘And why is that?’ Jason asked.
‘It obviously has something to do with the mace,’ Selene said.
‘And now she catches up. That’s right and when I get the mace.’
‘There’s your first problem. We have no intention of handing over the mace,’ Jason said firmly.
‘Good, because taking it from you will be so much more pleasurable,’ Zahhak said and slowly placed the helmet on his head. There was silence as no-one spoke or made a sound then Zahhak let out a scream that turned into a primal growl, Zahhak dropped to one knee and appeared in great pain, then the slow sound of tearing and ripping could be heard. They watched on in horror as the sorcerer began to grow, muscles, skin and flesh began to expand. The transformation appeared painful and grotesque, unlike the way Jason performed it making it seem natural. Zahhak’s growls deepened along with his size, then he let out a deep guttural chuckle and slowly got to his feet. In less than a minute Zahhak had gone from an average built male of just under six foot to an abnormally proportioned nine-foot monster, his face hidden under the runed demon skull helmet and muscles almost bursting with power.
‘I’m going to enjoy this,’ Zahhak growled. And as if his visage wasn’t already terrifying, two giant serpents appeared from over his shoulders, they rose up and stared at the three teenagers, their eyes hungry and focused.
‘You’ll never guess what they love to eat,’ Zahhak said.
‘I take it they’re not a rare vegetarian breed,’ Wendy whispered.
‘Braaaiiinnnsss,’ The two snakes hissed in unison.
‘As if you couldn’t get any creepier,’ Selene said and in one motion she pulled out her bow and fired an arrow off, her aim perfect it flew through the air with unerring accuracy hitting Zahhak in the temple but ricocheting off with a loud ping. Zahhak let out an inhuman roar.
‘MOVE,’ Jason yelled. The three of them scattering in different directions.
Selene continued to fire arrows as she leapt one of the displays. One of the serpents lashed out at Wendy, its fangs dripping in venom. Wendy stood transfixed unable to move and at the last second Jason tackled her, their bodies rolling and narrowly missing the deadly strike of the snake.
‘Keep moving,’ Jason instructed and Wendy nodded, remaining low she crawled as fast as she was able under a series of tables at the same time trying to consult her book for help. Zahhak picked up a book trolley and tossed it with ease, the trolley’s massive bulk and momentum struck Jason and sent him sailing through the air, across the room and into a bookshelf, the impact causing it to topple resulting in a domino effect, bookshelves fell in a series of loud crashes.
‘Where is the mace?’ Zahhak bellowed. As he was pelted with arrows from Selene’s bow, all of them causing only minor damage. Zahhak’s serpents lashed out at the blurred figure of Selene their fangs narrowly missing her fleeting form.
‘Get the mace!’ Selene yelled out to Wendy.
‘Where,’ Wendy screamed back. Just then the book trolley that had struck Jason was hefted into the air and thrown at Zahhak missing the engorged sorcerer by inches and exploding against the far wall. Jason staggered to his feet, still feeling groggy from the earlier blow, he looked around the room in an attempt to see what was transpiring. Jason saw Zahhak in pursuit of Wendy, he transformed into the hulking figure of a were-sabretooth tiger, a striped tan pattern adorned his coat and powerful muscles rippled throughout his body but the most frightening aspect of his appearance was the fearsome feline head complete with blazing eyes and the famously long canine teeth. Jason let out an ear-splitting roar and rushed Zahhak, he leapt and struck the sorcerer on the side of the head. Zahhak stumbled but didn’t fall, Jason landed like the proverbial cat ready to strike again.
‘I’ve got it. I’ve got the mace,’ Wendy screamed triumphantly. Zahhak turned towards the younger girl, the mace in her hands now his sole focus.
‘Yeeesss,’ the snakes hissed. Flinging a heavy table aside as if it were nothing the sorcerer strode towards the young girl.
‘Wendy. Run!’ Selene yelled as she fired a volley of arrows at Zahhak who swatted them as if they were flies. Jason leapt onto his exposed back and instantly regretted that decision as the two serpents turned their attentions upon him, Jason slashed at Zahhak’s back as the two serpents coiled around him, their s
trength was magically enhanced as they pinned his arms, Jason struggled against the snakes as they pulled him from Zahhak’s back and into the sorcerer’s arms.
‘Wendy hand me the mace or I’ll twist the boy’s head off,’ Zahhak said, his voice had a metallic ring from under the helmet. Wendy stopped and turned towards Zahhak and his captive.
‘Selene what do I do,’ Wendy pleaded. Selene had an arrow aimed at the sorcerer, she watched helplessly as Jason struggled against Zahhak.
‘Give him the mace,’ Selene said reluctantly. Wendy hesitated a moment before laying the mace near Zahhak.
‘You have what you want, now let Jason go,’ Selene demanded. Zahhak chuckled and tossed Jason to one side.
‘I might yet reward your obedience,’ Zahhak said as he approached his prize.
‘No!’ Jason groaned as he watched the sorcerer. Zahhak turned to Jason and smirked.
‘I will make you my lap dog.’ Zahhak sneered. Picking up the mace he gazed at it longingly. ‘I have waited a long time for this moment and I have you three to thank for it.’
Wendy scrambled to Jason’s side helping him to his feet, they watched as Zahhak strode to the centre of his display.
‘Now watch as I ascend to heights undreamt of by any mortal,’ Zahhak announced, holding the mace above his head he uttered something in ancient Arabic and a large spark of pure energy burst from the mace and jumped to the surrounding display cases, creating a connecting pattern of energy. Selene had moved in quietly and positioned herself behind the sorcerer in the hope she could maybe snatch the mace, as she crouched near the empty display case the energy leapt and encapsulated the teenage girl. Selene screamed in agony as the energy held her frozen to the spot.
‘I knew you were lying about having the thirteenth parchment,’ Zahhak said.
‘But we don’t,’ Wendy said. Selene screamed again.
‘No!’ Jason yelled in white hot fury, he prepared to attack.
‘Make one move and I guarantee you’ll kill her,’ Zahhak said.
‘You’re lying?’ Jason growled.
