Raising Hell

by L W Rogers

  I shake the debris off and drag myself to my feet. Silence has blanketed the confines of the compound. Sadly it’s not to last.

  “Blaine?” It’s his royal evilness again. I really don’t want to listen to him, but I don’t think I have a choice at this point. There’s no sound from Lailah, through either channel that she uses. Until, eventually, she begins to whimper. She may be hurting, but at least I know that she survived the birth of her new wings.

  “Blaine, I’m talking to you. I need you to listen. Can you do that for me at least?” he grumbles. I have no choice but to do just that.

  “Okay.”

  “You need to go. Now. You need to leave Hell and go seek out Valeria. She’ll fit you out with a skin suit, whatever you want. Then for the love of all things evil, go find this Cadence that Lailah speaks of and find my child. Once you’re gone you cannot return. They’ll be onto you and your life won’t be worth living if you attempt it. LEAVE!”

  “But what if I don’t want to go? I’m quite happy where I am right now. Why should I displace myself for you? I may just stay here. I’ll let someone else take the assignment...”

  I trail off when I realise I’m being catapulted through the air. My ass meets grass as the ground breaks my fall. Well, the indignity of it all! Clearly Satan has tired of my questions and if I’ve got my bearings right, I am now somewhere outside of the prison walls chewing on the prickly branches of the underworld’s finest gorse and spitting yellow buds.

  Oh well. I guess I have nothing better to do with my time. Life has been boring of late anyway. An adventure sounds like a nice break from the norm, and it will give me the chance to catch up with that ice-eyed vixen, Cadence. Hopefully her welcome will be suitably warm.

  Satisfied with my decision (like I really had a choice), I head back towards the upper levels of this fiery cage.

  ***

  I’ve been walking for a while now, and although I was initially unperturbed by the thought of bumping into anyone, I am now beginning to wonder what will happen if I do meet somebody along the way. This doesn’t seem like an escape at the moment as I don’t feel as though I’m fleeing anything. That could all change if I see anyone between here and my office. If I should pass anyone and they try to engage me in conversation in the caves between there and the Hell mouth I’m going to have a real problem. There’s a reason I don’t gamble. My poker face is shocking for a daemon. I know, I know...I’m a rubbish devil’s spawn.

  It’s not long before I come across the Styx. Unfortunately I have arrived at a point where the river is widest. Apparently, I have veered off course and missed the ferry port. At least there I could have tried to blag a lift across with Charron on his return journey to collect fresh souls.

  One thing I do know is that I haven’t got time for this. I cannot back track and find the port as I need to leave Hell sometime this century. If I don’t, I’m pretty sure that the humans I need to contact will be meeting me here rather than me seeking them out. I will myself across to the other side of the river and snort at the metallic taste the fumes leave in my mouth. I’d rather not have used the energy to skip the river, but sometimes there is no choice but to use my powers. I’d rather use them as a tool to amuse myself when I’m bored than rely on them for things I can quite easily do for myself under normal circumstances. But needs must in this instance.

  I guess the boss finally dragged himself from his pit when in the distance I hear the angry sounds of the battlefield, interspersed with the tinny sound of The Satan’s voice providing his usual unhelpful hints. He should write a book and provide the best techniques on how to get yourself killed quickly...or maybe the most gruesome ways. Either way, he won’t as he’s way too lazy for that. Maybe a ghost writer would be useful to him. No ghosts here though; only souls. Anyway, if he’s over there being as idle as he usually is, it means he’s distracted and this works in my favour. It also means that everyone else should be occupied with doing his bidding. Another bonus for me.

  I travel onwards, bored shitless and counting carrion. Those crows are black leaves on the charred trees. It feels like they are watching me, heads twisted at disturbing angles, all single-eyed stares and silent judgment. It’s just as well that they have nothing more to share than hoarse caws when they can be bothered, otherwise they would be exposing my subterfuge, of that I have no doubt. I feel as though every living thing within this pit is alert to my escape plan and I don’t like it or the uneasy feeling it gives me, which is probably why I’m ill-prepared for what happens next.

  I hear Lychester before I see him and curse myself for what my lapse in concentration is about to cost me. What I don’t need is to be held up or questioned. If I could hide I would, but this plain is barren and there is no escape. He’s standing between me and the cave I must enter to continue my journey. I don’t have time for small talk.

  “Blaine, my friend, you’re a bit far out from your usual haunts. What’ve you been up to?”

  “Nothing. Nothing at all. Just fancied myself a stroll.”

  He regards me with curiosity for far longer than I feel comfortable with.

  “I’d say it’s nice weather for it, but this is Hell and it’s really not.”

  “You’re right of course. I should have left the jacket at home.”

  His eyes travel a slow path down my body, and I inwardly shudder. Lychester is a sadist with a big black hole in his chest, and I am no pain junkie. He places a hand on my shoulder and slithers in closer.

  “For someone who has taken a relaxing walk, you sure are looking dishevelled, Blaine. I have other ways that could help you unwind more successfully.”

  “Now, that’s a very kind offer, Lychester, but I’m going to have to pass on that I’m afraid.”

  “But why? Every time it’s a no from you. What, am I not good enough for you? I know you’re The Satan’s favourite, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not worthy of you! You’re nothing more than a snivelling, little haemo-phobe who caught the Master’s eye.”

  I snort a laugh. I can see I’m going to have to think on my feet here if I plan to leave anytime soon. After all, time is of the essence. So of course, I step into his space and run my hand down his tie before yanking hard and half strangling him. He begins to choke.

  “Listen to me, and listen well. The reason I can’t is not because of any involvement with The Satan, but because I am already involved with Darius.” I shove him to the ground, and cough at the dust cloud that rises in his wake. Yeah, I’m a real tough guy, aren’t I?

  Lychester looks hilarious. His rumpled suit is coated in a cracked beige skin and he looks utterly confused.

  “Darius? But isn’t he seeing..?”

  “Sadie? Why yes he is.”

  “But she’s your mother!”

  “What is a mother really? Down here the name merely signifies a guardian. I have no loyalty to her. Besides, she’s cosying up with half of The Satan’s army. I hardly think she’d be bothered that I’m keeping Darius out of trouble for her.” Fuck it, I’m either going big or going home here. Well actually, I won’t be going home anytime ever, because once I’ve finished with this joker I’ll be leaving Hell for good. What Sadie doesn’t know won’t hurt her. Although, I’m pretty sure she’ll know soon enough due to Lychester’s frequently flapping mouth.

  “But he’s so...”

  “Big? Violent? Handsome? Why yes, yes he is. I’m a very lucky guy, what can I say?”

  “He’s also a very jealous guy...” I add as a delicious after thought. I grin at Lychester’s ashen face.

  “Well, yeah, I’d better go.” He doesn’t even bother with platitudes, merely scrambles backwards before disappearing in an extremely clichéd puff of smoke. Shocking manners, that boy.

  I carry on my way, more than aware of the time I now do not have. There’s no point in going to my quarters at this stage, I will only get side-tracked again, and if I know Lychester (and I really do) the gossip mill is going to be operating at full steamr />
  any

  minute

  now...

  “BLAINE!”

  The sound is half shriek, half roar, the perfect combination of two voices that I know extremely well. I now have a situation where I have no choice but to resort to using magic to aid my escape. With both Sadie and Darius’s quarters lying between me and my destination, my chances of slipping past unnoticed have disappeared entirely. I wanted to do this covertly. Magic would only draw unwanted attention to me if I opted to use it. Now I have no choice.

  So, cracking my neck and rolling my shoulders, I say the words and move into the Earthly realm, my exit music an overture of Sadie’s screams and Darius’s snarls.

  Awesome.

  Chapter 17

  Cadence

  I only stir when I feel the jolt from the plane’s unceremonious landing. Not the best of landings, but I suppose that could have something to do with the dreary weather out there. From my window I can see the rain lashing down and the trees in the distance battling with the wind. Welcome to England, where sunny is optional! I miss home already. I’ve always found England’s weather to be so draining and depressing. How anyone would want to willingly live here is beyond me. I suppose it’s the perfect place, however, to banish a witch. The weather is punishment enough.

  My connecting flight is on time and so am I, this I’m thankful for. I scoot through the hordes of people, and board the plane. I head to my seat and wait for the plane to take off. It’s only a small plane, so I’m in coach this time, rammed with people in all the seats. I miss first class. I look out the window, ignoring the chatter going on beside me. A family man I’m guessing from the conversation he’s having with someone I presume is his wife. Marriage and kids (I can only assume) has drained this poor man. He looks worn and dishevelled. Dark circles have formed under his eyes, his hair a mismatch of auburn and grey lies un-brushed. If this is what having a family does to you, count me out!

  The plane soon takes off. With only an hour until I hit my destination it seems pointless watching whatever is classed as popular or new on the big screen, so I close my eyes and try to drown out the chatter from within the confined space of the plane.

  At least when I reach the other end of my destination the sun is peering through the grey clouds. Not a rain drop in sight.

  It doesn’t take too long to go through the all too familiar routine of a traveller. I find my rental car parked outside the airport as requested, with a member of their staff waiting with keys and paperwork. He kindly places my small carry-on in the trunk whilst I sign the documents. I hand him the forms, he hands me the keys, even trade.

  I get in and bring up the car’s sat nav. I only have the last known address for her, so I hope it’s the right one. It’s only an hour away, thank the Goddess.

  The drive is actually pleasant, with stunning scenery and gorgeous views of the ocean. It’s been a long time since I have witnessed this kind of scenery. I stop off in one of the main car parks to the small town and get out a map. Luckily, I have a personal object of hers which should make scrying for her easier. I also have a lock of her hair. Now that may sound creepy, but as she is a banished witch if we want to check up on her we need to know how to find her, and this is it. I place the map on the seat next to me and with her hair and pendant in hand I begin to scry. It doesn’t take me long to find her. She’s on the outskirts of the town, away from the crowds of people that come to this quaint village as holiday makers.

  I continue on towards her. It’s odd that as I get closer, there are no signs of energy from a former witch at all. Surely, she couldn’t have died? I calculate in my head how old she was when I last saw her…Nah, she’s got to be still alive and kicking.

  I make my way down a private, overgrown path, brambles bashing the windscreen and sides of the car. I just pray there are no scratches on it. About a mile down the road opens out, and I can see a small, thatched cottage covered in ivy. Christ, if she still lives here she seriously needs to get a gardener in or pull out a pair of shears herself. I park up outside and take a look around. Silence, I can’t even sense any energy here. Before leaving the car I quickly do a little glamour spell, hiding my newly acquired marks of darkness. I definitely do not want a former witch who was banished for practising dark magic seeing that I have inadvertently dabbled myself. I watch in the rear-view mirror as they vanish in plain sight. Got to love a glamour.

  I head up towards the house, ducking under the overgrown, planted pots that hang over the veranda. I knock. Nothing. I try again. Nothing. I may not be able to sense the energy of a witch, but I can sense there is someone living in the house and they’re being downright rude!

  “Hello? Valeria? I know you’re in there!” I yell out through the closed door.

  The door swings open, “Cadence. So nice to see you.” Valeria grabs me in a tight, uncomfortable hug. She releases me from the embrace, holding me at arm’s length, giving me the once over. “Oh, how you’ve grown,” she tells me with a smile. “Come in.” She offers her hand in a gesture to move ahead. I enter the quaint cottage. It’s surprisingly bright inside compared with what the outside led me to believe.

  “Go straight ahead and turn to the right when you get to the kitchen doorway,” she tells me from behind. I do as she directs and find myself in a cosy living space, which is bright and fresh. There is a small sofa along the back wall along with a little wooden rocking chair, both facing out towards the landscape. My guess is this is her usual spot, which she confirms when she slides in behind me with a freshly brewed pot of tea and takes her seat in said chair, turning it inward to face me.

  “Tea?” she asks as she pours, not giving me chance to decline. I force a smile as she passes it to me.

  “What can I do for you Cadence? You’re a long way from home! Does the coven know you’re here?”

  “No!” I answer quicker than I’d have liked. “You know how they are. This is an unofficial visit.”

  “I understand,” she tells me, smiling as she sips her tea. I take a closer look at her and she is just as I remember. She doesn’t look like she’s aged at all, other than a couple of grey streaks running through the mass of dark red, frizzy, unkempt hair. A hair scarf holds back the strands in an attempt to tame them. She still wears outdated, flowing hippy-style dresses and tie-dyed tops. She looks like the same Valeria I was caught with by my mother, doing spells that we shouldn’t have been doing; the same Valeria who taught me to harness my fire power. I never truly forgave my mother or the coven for banishing her. She was the only one who understood and helped me when I was struggling to get control over my powers.

  “How is your mother?”

  I look at her, a little startled by the question. Then the pain and grief I am burying resurfaces and tears threaten again.

  “That’s why I am here, Valeria. My mother is dead.” I hate how I sound, so cold and emotionless.

  “Oh, my dear. I am so sorry for your loss. She was a great woman.” She places her hand on mine as a way of showing sympathy.

  “I don’t see how I can help though, my dear. I haven’t seen your mother since - well, you remember.” She removes her hand from mine, a hint of sourness creeping into her tone and her body language becoming closed off.

  “I’m well aware of that, Valeria,” I snap at her, “My mother was murdered by someone using dark magic.” Valeria gasps.

  “I still don’t see how I can help you, Cadence,” she tells me as she stands, “I don’t know what you may be implying.” Her guard is up. “If you remember, it was your mother that stripped me of my powers before banishing me, for helping you no less.” I can see that I have pissed her off.

  “I didn’t come here to accuse you, Valeria. I came because you are the only witch I know that has knowledge of those powers. You may be able to help me find who did it.”

  She turns to face me, her arms crossed; guarded.

  “Please, Valeria?” I plead as I stand, grabbing her arm, “I don’t know who else t
o turn to. I wouldn’t ask if I had any other way.” She places a hand on my arm and smiles.

  “Of course, Cadence. I will do whatever I can, not that I feel I will be much help. Come, let’s walk.” She pats my arm and I release my grip. I follow her as she leads me through to the back of the house and into the garden. She slips her boots on and we make our way towards a gorgeous woodland haven that borders her land. Neither of us says anything as we enter the woods. I feel the energy of this magical place vibrating beneath me, warmth radiating from the branches of the trees as I brush my finger tips across them. I’ve never felt anything like it. I wonder if Valeria feels it too, or did my mother and the coven stripped her of even her basic Wicca birth rights? We come to a small clearing with a dead patch of grass in the centre. Surrounding it is four candles and one in the centre. Well I suppose that answers my question. I look at her with guarded concern. She lets out a small laugh. I’m not sure what’s so funny.

  “Don’t look so worried, Cadence. I can only do the most basic of spells. Your mother allowed me to keep my given gifts. I can’t do any spells that have a negative consequence. I mainly come here to try and be one with nature and get close to our Goddess once again. I feel very connected to her here. Don’t you feel it too?” At this point she has taken a seat in front of a green candle. After all, earth was where it all started for her. I take a seat opposite in front of a red candle; my fire element.

  “What are we doing here, Valeria? I have no time for party tricks.” My patience is wearing thin at this point.

  “Meow! You haven’t lost that sarcastic spark now have you, Cadence?” She smirks. “That’s the girl I remember.” I roll my eyes, unimpressed. I don’t have time for this crap. I’m about to stand and leave when she quiets me down with a wave of her hands.