by Billi Bell
Ling appeared outside the door. “Great Reaper, the search has been completed. Seven reapers have been found and eliminated upon your instructions. I have a list of their names here.”
She entered the room and handed a piece of paper to Death. There wasn’t a single notable reaper amongst the bunch. Not surprising, they’d want to keep low profiles. She handed the list back to Ling and turned back to Victor and Samir. “Tell me what happened during your capture. Did you see anyone else?”
“No, we would not have made it out alive if there were,” Samir explained. He was mostly unconscious during his time there but detailed their escape. The story baffled Death when she viewed inside the manor, she only saw War pacing back and forth. Victor described War talking into the flames and addressing his “Master.”
“Still using my tricks, ass,” said Death. “May, take Victor to a room so that he can change. We have only about an hour before midnight, he’ll need to be ready. Ling, I’ll meet you there.”
Dominic took the hint and left with the others. Before the door slammed shut, Death and Samir were already in each other arms once again.
CHAPTER 27
North Africa
Death opened her eyes to find an elderly woman looking down at her with a smile. Her brown eyes were oddly comforting. When she lifted her head slightly off the ground to check her surroundings, pain blinded her. She laid her head back on the floor and kept her eyes closed until the pain subsided.
She could tell that she was inside of a large hut made from the skin of several different animals. She had been tightly wrapped in a blanket made from a soft fur. This strange feeling of being weak and helpless angered her.
“How long have I been here?” asked Death impatiently. “Who are you?”
The woman did not respond. Instead, she held a small bowl of soup to Death’s lips. “Drink, it will help.”
“I do not need your remedies, I will heal on my own,” said Death, who mustered the strength to push the bowl from her face. “Answer my questions, please.”
The old woman looked toward the opening of the hut and back to Death. “My name is Ada, and you have been with me these past four nights. I saw an unearthly lightning strike not far from my hut and followed it. I found you near dead with a large scar spread across the right side of your back. You’ve been in and out for hours, speaking nonsense.”
Death managed to produce a small chuckle. “Ada, I assure you, I am as dead as one can be. Why are you helping me?”
Ada smiled, “I don’t know, but few people cross a desert without a purpose, and you were so close.”
Death was still untrusting of this strange woman and her generosity, but she was in no position to be ungrateful.
“Show me the scar, please," she said.
Ada helped her into a sitting position and pulled the blanket down to expose her back. Death gasped at the large blue and gold scar the ran down the right side of her torso. The shape resembled a wing and stretched nearly the entire right side of her body. For the first time since she’d awakened, she tried remembering how she got to the desert.
“...Cain. God?”
The memories of what occurred on the mountain came flooding back, and the last thing she could remember was the strike of lighting and then darkness. Her anger increased, and Ada saw the red slowly fill her eyes.
Death quickly stood and for a brief moment appeared to have regained her strength. After taking only a few steps toward the hut’s entrance, she collapsed again. This time Ada force fed the soup down her throat until the bowl was empty. Most of it ended up on the floor, but Ada was content with the amount that didn’t and left an unconscious Death to recover.
Four days later Death exited the hut with Ada close behind her. She’d been honest about who she was, but the Ada blamed it on the fever. Death draped the blanket across her body and surveyed the land before her. Ada’s home sat on the outskirts of a small village near the Nile River. She spotted two similar huts nearby, each with a set of curious eyes peeking out at her.
A large camel approached her slowly but abruptly stopped a few feet away. Ada attempted to ease the spooked beast, but it grew weary of Death and began putting some distance between it and her.
“You better hope he comes back or I’m sending you after him,” said Ada. “What do you think you’re doing?”
Death had begun walking into the desert, ignoring Ada’s objections. She was feeling much better and now wanted answers that only He could answer. After traveling nearly a mile in the desert heat, she’d seemingly failed to notice Ada still following with her staff in hand. Despite the woman’s apparent age, she’d managed to keep up with Death’s fast-paced stride.
Ada watched in awe as the blanket dropped to the ground and a black dress and cape began to form on her body. Death finally turned to acknowledge Ada for the first time since leaving the hut. “Thank you for everything, but your assistance is no longer needed.”
She picked up the blanket and carefully folded it. Ada took it and held it to her chest. Before she could blink, a scythe was now in Death’s hand. “Death, you have come for me after all these centuries, at last?”
“Centuries?” Death was confused. “How old are you?”
“I can’t remember, two thousand years or so I believe,” said Ada.
Death approached with Ada caution and placed her hands on each side of her temple. She looked through the years Ada had lived, noting how many times she should have died. Quick recoveries from deadly illness and injuries that healed within hours.
“What are you?” Death asked. She was bewildered at this impossible woman that stood before her.
“I wish I knew,” said Ada earnestly.
Death stretched Ada’s arm out and cut a gash with her scythe. To her astonishment, the wound began to heal before her eyes.
“You’re immortal,’ said Death shockingly. She then recalled the leering eyes. “The other huts, how many?”
“Two. We are the only of our kind,” Ada answered quietly. She was disappointed. “You cannot take me, can you?”
Death smiled. “No, I don’t think it’s my job to do so. I will, however, watch over your kind, as a show of gratitude. I’d like to meet the others in due time.”
Ada smiled and nodded. Death turned to the sky and spoke to the heavens, “Now, I deserve an explanation from you!”
The skies darkened, and dark storm clouds covered the desert. Heavy rains beat upon the arid desert sand. One cloud slightly parted to reveal a serene blue sky. The two women watched as a ray of light shined down and crossed the desert, eventually landing on Ada.
Ada’s eyes turned blue, and the blanket fell from her hands. She turned to Death and approached her.
“I owe you nothing,” said Ada defiantly. She crossed her arms as she stared Death down.
“Oh yes, you do,” Dead said boldly. “I am Death, and my duties are not to be interfered with, by anyone. So, why did you strike me and how was Cain still alive?”
The two were now in a standoff. Death approached and placed her scythe to Ada’s neck. “There is a village nearby, and I will take my rage out on every soul in it. Don’t tempt me.”
“Fine,” she replied quickly. “I was not aiming for you. Hades interfered and took Abel’s soul by way of forced fratricide. Cain was supposed to die, so I assured it. You should be thanking me.”
This infuriated Death, and she threw her scythe to ground. “I was there to do my job, on time. I owe you nothing.”
Death was not surprised to find out Hades was involved. In fact, quite the opposite.
Ada stepped forward again. “I was not aiming for you, but when I realized you were hurt, I put you in Ada’s path. I knew she would help.”
“Speaking of your vessel, why was I not made aware of immortals?” Death asked, almost suspiciously. “This woman has been around for two millennia, and I don’t believe for a second I failed to notice out of negligence.”
Ada turned and picked up th
e blanket, shaking the sand off. “I kept them hidden until you were at their mercy. I knew if you found a human that couldn’t die, you’d try to find a way.”
“True,” thought Death.
“Why did you create them?” she asked. “Are they what I think they are?”
“They are not a creation of mine,” said Ada defiantly. “And yes, I believe they are. These are a kind and gentle people, you of all people should want to keep them safe. I cannot interfere with their safety, but you can.”
“I suppose I should,” she said quietly. “Is there anything else I should know?”
Ada began to speak but paused. “Yes, but not now. In due time.”
Before Death could ask her why Ada collapsed onto the hard sand. Death rushed to her side and found her eyes were still blue.
By the time Ada had awaken, she was in her hut and wrapped securely in the blanket. She was surrounded by her fellow immortals and Death was nowhere to be found.
***
When Death arrived at her destination, she opted to climb up the mountainside slowly, hoping to sense something she missed the last time. Nothing. It was almost too clean. She couldn’t even tell a death had recently occurred nearby.
As she turned the bend, she could hear someone weeping. She saw a woman facing away from her, kneeling. It took her only a brief moment to realize who it was, Eve. A mother mourning the death of two children.
“I’m almost done, Adam,” said Eve without looking back. “Just a few more moments, please?”
“I’m not Adam,” said Death. “Have as much time as you need.”
Eve jolted up and turned to face Death. “It’s you?”
This was not the reaction Death had expected. She had never revealed herself in her current vessel to a human, and there was no plausible reason for Eve to know her. She looked her over and noted Abel was his mother’s twin. Her long dark hair and light brown skin were the same shades as both of her boys. “Who do you think I am?”
“I don’t know, but I saw you here when my precious Cain was taken,” Eve said, her voice filled with emotion. Her eyes were now bloodshot from crying. “I felt my son was in danger and came to check on him. I saw you with him shortly before the lightning strike. My poor boy, he was thrown miles, and it took days to find him.”
“Abel’s dead too,” said Death shrewdly. Although her intent was not malicious, she couldn’t help but gage Eve’s reaction.
“I know,” Eve said, showing no emotion. “We buried him two nights ago. Adam insisted a special sarcophagus be made for his son, while Cain was buried in a plain...box!”
It seemed that Eve was rid of the son she despised, but at the cost of the one, she loved.
“What else did you see?”
Eve shook her head. “Nothing, the lightning strike blinded me for a brief moment. When I could finally see again, I ran here and found—”
“Abel,” said Death. It seemed she had hit a dead end, but Eve was not done.
“Yes, but there was something else,” Eve said. “A note for someone called Persephone. It lay near Abel’s head.”
“That’s me,” said Death. Eve reached into a hidden pocket inside her shawl and handed it to her.
“I assure you, I did not read it or show Adam,” Eve said as she watched Death read the letter. Whatever it said, the message pleased Death so immensely, she smiled.
“Who are you?” Eve asked cautiously.
Death grabbed the hood of her cape and placed it upon her head. Eve fell to the ground when the mysterious woman disappeared before her eyes.
CHAPTER 28
In her library, Death briefed Victor on what to expect from Hades while Ling and Samir observed nearby. If Victor and Samir’s observations were sound, the absence of other reapers in the manor was a red flag.
“If he tries to rise, he won’t be alone,” said Death. “He will rise from the flames with his army, The Jaded Knights, in an attempt to usurp me. He knows he will fail, but the last time he tried, I had to kill thousands to keep him down. This time it will be millions, and the consequences of that many untimely deaths will cause a ripple that could destroy this world. That is his ultimate goal. Everyone and everything will die, forever. Do you understand how important this fight will be?”
“Yes, Great Reaper,” said Victor almost immediately. “I have battled to the death before, I will not hesitate to do so again.”
“Good, survive this, and in three nights time you will wear the title: Horseman of War, permanently.”
Victor poorly fought back the smile forming on his lips. “Thank you, Great Reaper, for even considering me for such a prestigious position. I am truly grateful.”
“Don’t be yet,” said Ling. “You still have to make it out...dead?”
The Horsemen shared a much-needed laugh. It was difficult to do so in their present situation, but it helped lift some of the heaviness in the room.
Death took out her golden pocket watch and checked the time. “It’s nearly midnight, we should leave. Victor, ride with Ling to Ireland, and I will meet you all there shortly.”
Once, Ling, Samir, and Victor had departed the library, Death walked over to the large painting of the cemetery. The mysterious figure was in the same position, staring her down with dark eyes. A knock at the door freed her from the enchanting stare.
“Enter,” she said and turned her attention back to the painting. Dominic entered the room and joined her.
“Death, I saw the Horsemen leaving and hoped to have a chance to speak with you about—,” he suddenly stopped speaking and pointed to the painting. “Why did you move him?”
“What do you mean moved?” Death asked. “Moved from where?”
“The first time I entered this room, he was staring at you,” he said wearily, noticing the confused look on her face. “You didn’t paint him, did you?”
Death shook her head slowly and gently pushed Dominic away from the painting. She formed a small knife and carefully cut the figure out of the painting. As she held it in her hand, it smiled and winked before bursting into flames.
“Hades, you fucking bastard,” she whispered to herself. He had infiltrated her home, and this would not go unanswered. Death turned her attention back to Dominic. “I have to leave, what did you want?”
“I want to go with you,” he said. “I think whatever you need me for, it’s waiting there.”
Before she could respond, the manor began to shake, and May screamed for help. They both ran towards her screams and found her at the front door. May pointed outside the door, and they found the pond was bone dry.
“Hades?” Dominic asked.
Death shook her head and walked down to the bottom step. She looked up at the sky and said, “Is this your way of telling me to bring him?”
Suddenly lightning strikes the bottom of the empty pond. “I believe that means yes,” said May.
Dominic stifled a laugh as Death side-eyed May. “Well, I guess you were right Dominic. It appears our destiny awaits.”
Heavy rains began to shower down upon them, and in mere seconds the pond was filled with water. “May, if I don’t come back —”
“Don’t say that,” May interjected. “I know you will, both of you.”
Death gave a subtle nod and headed across the water. Dominic hugged May tightly and proceeded to follow Death. Nella met them at the path, and they rode off into a portal, landing just outside the barrier.
Death was surprised to find Flame attempting to cross it. She jumped from Nella and approached the horse slowly. Flame did not care if it was Death who stood before her, she wanted Robert Waterford’s trampled body beneath her hooves.
“You poor girl, I am so sorry you had to serve someone so undeserving,” said Death. She slowly placed her hand on Flame’s mane to soothe her. After a moment Flame had calmed down, and Death led her towards the cliff. She opened a portal over the water and Flame charged into it.
“Where will she go without a rider?” Dominic aske
d while approaching the steep cliff.
“I don’t know,” Death said solemnly. “I wish I did.”
Death turned and approached the barrier. Her scythe now in hand, she slammed it to the ground, and Dominic watched as hundreds of reapers appeared encircling the manor. Not one inch was unguarded, even the cliff side had reapers hovering in midair over the rocky waters.
Death gripped her scythe tightly and pointed the blade towards the manor. The reapers immediately closed in on the home. The sea of reapers consisted of men and women from all over the world. They all dressed in black and stared straight ahead as they held their scythe in the air, parting only for Death as she made her way through. The Horsemen and Adofo stood at the forefront of the crowd, awaiting their leader.
Dominic followed close behind, desperately holding on to his last ounce of bravery. He’d realized that if this was his purpose, he might not make it out alive whatever the outcome.
Death stared at the home but could only see the former Horseman pacing in circles. She now knew this was another ruse. At the same time, Samir and Victor were attempting to break down the door, she’d seen no one there.
“Dominic and I will search the bottom floor, Ling the second, and Samir the third,” she said. “Victor, I need you to lead the Collection. Can you do that for me?”
“It would be an honor, Great Reaper,” he said valiantly.
Death took one last look at the large group of reapers and entered the home with Dominic and two Horsemen in tow.
CHAPTER 29
After leaving Eve on the mountain, Death headed for the graves of Cain and Abel. The brothers had been buried not far from their home in the grassy plains where they once worked the land.
Something had been bothering her ever since she left the desert, where was Cain’s soul. She had confirmed with all of the Paladin that no one had reaped him; they’d all assumed she had already done so.
She stared down at the freshly dug holes in the ground and waited. Sure enough, a large antelope broke off from the herd, walked over to her and stood still. Almost immediately, a ray of light beamed down from the sky and landed on its large antlers. His eyes quickly turned to a familiar shade of blue, and he glared into her eyes.