Exclusive: book Online #4

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This novel is available in print, and was a finalist in Operation First Novel 2007,

sponsored by Tyndale House Publishers.

Copyright © 2010 Amlin Publishing. All rights reserved.

Your comments are appreciated. Enjoy!

CHAPTER 4

THE FACE OF THE ENEMY

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The morning sun heated the curtains as fingers of light pierced through the gaps between. The dust particles. They did not swirl about as expected, but merely hovered there, motionless, as if their presence was only for the visual effect. Even when I blew at them, they didn't move. What IS this place?

I stared. And the questions filtered through my mind for the hundredth time. If Gaza was all-powerful, then why did he need Rath’s help? And why would Gaza destroy his own creation? Did I need to contact Sajin? Would it help or hurt for him to know that Gaza’s solution to the problem was not a viable option? Although dissolving the planet would invariably stop the conflict between Rath and Armadon, there would be no one left to appreciate it... Kitaya’s words echoed in my mind. "He is looking for a perfect match." What did this mean?

Though the long night had brought me no closer to a solution, my path at least seemed clearer. I needed to find out what Gaza was looking for, and why. If I could find the solution to this mystery, perhaps it would bring me one step closer to solving my own.

It became obvious that I could no longer deny the pain in my back. I had been crouching in the corner far too long. I stood, stretched, and shuffled across to the full-length mirror. A bath would have been pleasurable but was unnecessary. I could alter my appearance in any way I chose. I brought up the web and molded clothing similar to those of the townsmen, simple and comfortable. Pleased with the result I headed down to bid good morning to my lovely hostess.

She was on the terrace overlooking the ocean. A warm breeze pushed in as I opened the glass doors. She looked up at me with a lovely smile, her face so young and perfect. Her spirits had apparently lifted a bit since the evening before. "Good morning, Sam." Her smile brightened. "Do you mind if I call you Sam?"

"You know." I furrowed my brow. "I thought about it last night and I think I’d like to be called Jason, Jason Tardin. Back at the mansion I was addressed as Lord Tardin and I saw the name engraved on a trophy in the study."

"Hmm, Jason," she said, trying it out. "Yes, that is nice. It does seem to fit."

"Good. Then it's settled. Jason it is." I sat down and lifted my face to the morning sunshine. "Beautiful day."

She nodded her agreement. "Did you come up with any solutions?"

"Nothing earth shattering."

She looked thoughtful. "What I cannot figure is, if the event we witnessed last night took place some time ago, then-- why are we still here?"

"I don’t know. Maybe he’s still looking."

"It is possible, but he sounded like he was at the end of his rope."

"I guess he found more rope. What do you think we should do?"

"I do not know. I have kept pretty much to myself here. I am not familiar with what is going on in the rest of the world. I would not know where to start looking for answers."

"Is there someone close to Gaza, someone who knows him better than anyone?"

"Well-- there is Humphrey. He was the second. Gaza was still active when Humphrey came to Vrin."

"Where can we find this Humphrey?"

"Good question. He has chosen to live as a hermit. All I know is that he lives in the woods somewhere outside of Ristol, and that he refuses to use the power. I saw him in an event cell once. What was it he said to Gaza? Oh yes." She made a stout grumpy face. "I have no interest in playing God," she said in a deep gruff voice.

I found her impersonation amusing. "So he chooses to live like a regular person?"

"Yes, he lives off the land as much as possible."

"Independent, I like that."

 The door opened and a woman stepped out onto the terrace. Kitaya looked up, her eyes brightened. "Corel!" she squealed. The woman smiled back with brilliant enthusiasm as Kitaya jumped up and gripped her friend in a warm embrace.

Corel looked to be middle aged but she wore her years well. Her wavy brown hair was swept back in a long ponytail. She was wearing an outfit much like that of a climber, very sleek, and very feminine. Her muscular arms gripped Kitaya around her tiny waist as she lifted her off the floor.

"I have missed you! Where did you go off to?" probed Kitaya.

Corel drew away. "I’ve been exploring again. This time in the Adilian Mountains. The people there have a fascinating culture, and you know me. Besides, I needed a little break from all the crap Tiko was shoveling. Come see what I brought you." Kitaya shot me a smile as she followed her friend back into the palace.

I sat there, unsure of what to do. I didn’t want to be left out, but I didn’t want to tag along uninvited and appear overly eager. So I decided to create another cup of tea. If they wanted to talk with me, they would call.

Corel had the blue fire in her eyes. It was obvious she was one of us. Was Tiko as well? Apparently there was some friction between them. I hoped it wasn’t as bad as the blood between Rath and Armadon. With this thought I was brought me back to the problems at hand. From what I could piece together, Gaza was very powerful and extremely resourceful. After all, he created this entire world. I doubted I could do the same. If we were going to confront him we would need to enlist the help of the others.

First we needed to know what he was looking for and why. If we knew that we would have a better chance of finding a peaceful solution, if there was one. We also needed to know why he hadn’t let anyone besides Rath know about the search. And why Rath?

I gazed out over the ocean and considered going to find out what Kitaya and her friend were up to, but decided against it. It frustrated me that under more casual circumstances I would have been thoroughly enjoying this place. I wanted to spend more time experimenting with my new powers. I couldn’t wait to fly again, but I couldn't afford to let my guard down. There was no telling what might happen next or what danger lurked around the next corner. I imagined the worst, me, strapped helplessly to a rock in the desert, birds pecking at my face. I shuddered at the thought.

A small movement on my left pinkie made me look down. My ring-- was moving! I let out an involuntary yelp and almost fell over backwards in my chair. I jumped up flailing, desperately trying to shake the ring from my hand. After several seconds of this ridiculous behavior I stopped and held my arm out straight. Reluctantly I moved my hand in to get a closer look. It was still moving. I stared wide-eyed as the little ring unwound itself from my finger and began rubbing its tiny head against my knuckle. I reached out with my other hand to touch it. It was a cute little thing. It wiggled around. I let it into my palm.

"Well, hello," I said softly.

It responded by lifting its head in acknowledgment.

"Do you understand what I’m saying?" I asked, incredulous.

It nodded in the affirmative.

I couldn’t help smiling. "Do you have a name?"

It paused for a moment then twisted its tiny body into a shape and held the position.

"I don’t understand."

It repositioned slightly.

"N? Are you making the letter N?"

It looked up and nodded, then outlined another letter.

"O?"

It nodded again.

Next was a T and then what looked like an L. "L?"

It shook its head no.

Then it hit me. "Ohh! One?"

It nodded feverishly.

"N, O, T, One, Not One? That’s your name?"

It shook no.

I was puzzled. "Are you trying to tell me-- it’s not just one name?"

It nodded happily.

"Then what should I call you?"

It appeared to go into deep thought then rubbed its head hard against my palm.

"You want to be called palm?" I smiled.

It shook no madly.

"I don’t know, poke, itch, rub, scratch?"

The last one got a response. It began to wiggle around happily.

"You want to be called Scratch?"

The little creature nodded.

"O-kay. Scratch it is."

My tiny new friend seemed satisfied but the exertion must have tuckered him out, because he began to slow down.

"You okay?"

He nodded once, then slowly wiggled over to my pinkie and wrapped himself around it. His skin became hard and it was once again, a tiny gold ring.

I pulled the ring off my pinkie and examined it. I never would have known there was anything special about it; it looked just like a regular old ring. As I replaced it on my finger the two women strolled back out onto the balcony.

I stood politely and Kitaya addressed me first. "I am sorry, Sam, I mean, Jason. I should have introduced you. This is my friend Corel. She has been away for awhile. She likes to travel."

"Good to meet you." I offered my hand. "I’m the new guy on the block." I took note that Corel wore a similar ring, and that Kitaya, did not.

"Good to meet you as well." Corel shook my hand firmly. "Kit has informed me of Gaza’s plan. I find it to be very disturbing."

"I would have to agree with you."

"She says you want to try to find Humphrey. I doubt he’ll be very helpful. If you do manage to find him, there’s a good chance he won’t even talk to you. He is very stubborn."

"In light of the alternative, don’t you think he would at least give us some information?"

"I doubt it." She looked thoughtful. "I think we need to speak with Armadon. No one knows Rath’s movements better than he."

"But isn’t he as dangerous as Rath?" I asked.

"He can be but he is a strategist at heart. I’m sure he will at least listen to what we have to say. He understands that information is the strongest weapon."

"Then let us waste no time," I asserted.

Corel looked at Kitaya then to me. "We’ll have to join hands."

As she grasped my hand I felt her power bleed into my body and mingle with my own. With a burst of blue energy we rose in a flash, high above our surroundings, until the world was nothing more than a wire globe far beneath us. The sphere turned until our destination was visible, then, as quickly as we had departed we were once again standing firm footed.

Before us stood a magnificent castle, the architecture unique in its design. The outside was encased not in stone, but in a smooth flawless metal which shone in the mid-day sun. It hurt my eyes to look directly at it. Corel stepped up. "Shall we knock and see if he’s home?" she said smartly.

A deep wide chasm filled with thick mist surrounded the castle. I stared down into the darkness but could not see the bottom. Corel touched something near the edge of the pit and the ground shook as a bridge of land pushed its way across. In no time the way was passable.

We continued on toward the towering entrance and as we approached, there came a voice from the battlement. "Open the gate!" The massive barrier made a tremendous noise as its iron structure slowly lifted to allow us passage. A man scurried out to greet us. I guessed he was from the royal court as he was wearing an outfit of ruby red with bands of gold metal. His head was cocked to the side and he appeared to be talking into his wrist. "Corel, Kitaya, and an unknown sir."

Corel spoke with authority. "We wish a meeting with your lord."

The man bowed slightly. "It is my esteemed honor to welcome you, Lady Corel. The Holy One awaits you in his throne room."

"Thank you. Lead the way please."

He turned and we followed him through the massive gates. Several soldiers moved about performing various tasks, but I saw no civilians. We traveled up an immense set of black slate stairs and through an enormous set of doors. Cracks between the large stone floor tiles let off a yellow glow, filling the room with a mystical ambiance. To the rear was a magnificent throne like nothing I’d ever seen or imagined. Exotic jewels embedded in its design glimmered brightly in the soft lighting. --I was impressed.

The figure upon the throne was no less impressive, an intimidating hulk of a man, at least nine feet of solid iron muscle. His face was like chiseled stone. Deep dark sockets encased burning blue eyes. Now this guy looked like a god!

As our party approached, Armadon’s voice boomed out. "WHY do you disturb me?"

Displaying cool confidence, Corel explained. "There is a matter of great importance developing. We wish to trade information."

"Are you in league with children?" he asked deeply.

"We are not."

"Then continue."

"We have news of a great darkness which is about to befall Vrin. Gaza is not the angel of peace described in the Marathil. He plans to destroy Vrin."

"WHAT!" bellowed Armadon, his voice filling the room.

"He is looking for something and has chosen Rath to help him. He told Rath he would send us back to the void if he does not find what he seeks. We have come to you because you know Rath better than any."

"Yes. I do. And your words explain much." Armadon brooded. "I thought Rath was a fool for dividing his resources, but it seems he had no choice. My informants tell me he is looking for a woman and a girl child."

"An exact match?" I blurted.

Corel shot me a warning glance as if to say I should not speak out of turn.

"Yes," said Armadon.

"Can you guess why he would go to Rath only, excluding the rest of us from the search?" Corel asked.

Armadon shifted in his throne. "He might not want us to know, should we decide to resist his efforts-- but that would mean his efforts are worthy of resistance." He brought his massive hand to his chin. "I do not see what harm a woman or girl child could do."

"Will you join with us against him," Corel asked boldly, "should we be forced to act?"

"Yes. But first we must find out what he is planning. It isn’t wise to go against an opponent unprepared. We need to be careful and move without his knowing."

"He already knows." Kitaya stepped forward.

Armadon leveled his gaze at her. "And how do you know this?"

"I witnessed his conversation with Rath in an event cell-- and he saw me."

"What?" Armadon stood up. "That’s not possible!"

"He saw me. I am sure of it. The question is, did he see me six months ago when the event took place, or twelve hours ago when I was in the event cell?"

Before anyone could comment, a loud siren filled the air. Armadon’s head cocked to the side. He jumped up and he bolted past us. "We are under attack!"

"May we join you?" Corel called after him.

Armadon was almost to the door. "If you wish!"

We had to race to keep up with him, through broad corridors, across enormous chambers, up immense stone stairways. Eventually we emerged onto the battlement overlooking the castle grounds. We joined Armadon at the edge of the wall. Far below several ghost-like beings were ramming one by one into the massive gate of the castle. Their actions were systematic, void of thought or reason.

"What are those?" I found myself saying.

Looking down on the eerie scene Armadon seemed genuinely puzzled. "I’ve never seen anything like them. I doubt they are agents of Rath. He has never come against me with anything but mundane troops."

The dark figures tore at the metal gate with phantom teeth. Sparks ignited around them at each impact. In the flurry, I tried to make a count. It looked like six, maybe seven. With a hideous scraping noise one of the creatures broke through.

I bolted to the other side of the battlement and peered down into the courtyard. Like a snake the ghastly specter weaved in and out of men and architecture. Its eyes glaring back and forth. Seeking its prey. Its tail trailing behind like a gossamer cloth.

It chewed into its first victim and my stomach wretched as the man let out an awful scream. I brought up the web and attempted to pull at the demon’s threads. --But they wouldn't move! In desperation I created a hole beneath the man. He fell and I sealed the hole with a flat piece of metal. The creature bit wildly at the barrier. I had prevailed for the moment but this was a small victory. More demons had broken through.

Kitaya reinforced the front gate while Armadon, Corel, and I fought hard to isolate the specters from the soldiers. After much effort they were finally contained. Three were trapped in the center of the courtyard, four outside the gate. They wailed and bit but the barriers stood.

"Why don’t they just fly over?" I wondered aloud.

Armadon answered. "They seem to be hovering by air propulsion. See the sand below them pushing away? It must not be strong enough to lift them any higher."

Troops moved into position above the courtyard with crossbows at the ready. The tips were set on fire and they waited. I looked at Armadon.

His face tightened. "Fire!"

A volley of burning wood descended into the trap. The demons’ wailing pierced my eardrums and increased in pitch until I found myself covering my ears-- yet the others seemed unaffected. Then it dawned on me, earplugs! I made some and quickly and stuffed them in. Unfortunately the humans did not have the same luxury. Screaming in pain, delirious from the excruciating noise, two soldiers fell to the ground from the battlements.

The wailing ceased and I looked down into the courtyard trap. Nothing remained of the creatures; the fire had consumed them utterly.

Corel made her way back over to the group. "Could these be Gaza’s?"

Armadon nodded. "That would be my guess."

Kitaya cried out, "They are gone! I only turned away for a second!" Her voice was shrill and panicked.

We gathered on the outside edge of the battlement and looked down. The trap outside the gate was empty.

Kitaya looked nervous.

Corel looked concerned. "Before this gets any better," she said in a low voice, "it will probably get a lot worse."

"Much worse," said Armadon. "We need to formulate a plan."