Apotheosis of the Immortal

by Joshua A. Chaudry

  “Elijah!” It was Emira’s voice and it sounded like she was in pain. He lost all thoughts of Solomon as he wheeled around to see the horror before him. His father was holding Emira over the rail of the catwalk by the back of the neck. She was clawing at his hand as she screamed.

  Elijah’s chest tightened and he was stricken with terror. He tried to run to her but was stopped cold by his brother’s tight grip around the neck and abdomen.

  “I’m sorry, but I warned you, Brother. I will do whatever I must, no matter how unspeakable, to save Malaki,” Solomon whispered.

  “Make a move and she’s dead.” His father’s voice echoed down from above, monotone and completely devoid of emotion.

  “I still don’t know how I’m alive Father, but I now know why. I know my purpose, and it will end with you.” Elijah’s voice rumbled from behind clenched teeth.

  “Perhaps it will end with me, but not in the way you would like.” His tone was patronizing. “We have seen how this ends more than once, Elijah. You are only alive because I have allowed it. So listen carefully. I will not allow your petty lust for vengeance to get in the way of what I mean to achieve. For your brother’s sake, I will leave you be. But you must leave this place immediately. If I find you anywhere near here after tonight I will kill you and the girl.” William looked at the frail creature he was holding suspended over a deep drop. “Come, Solomon. Leave him,” William commanded.

  The rigid grip around Elijah’s neck released and was gone as the two escaped into the darkness. He wanted to go after them, but his intent was shattered by Emira’s screams. As he raced to stop her fall, all thoughts of his father and the revenge that could be his withered and died.

  He dashed across the parking lot and made it just in time to feel her small frame land against his outstretched arms. She was safe, and although he didn’t have his revenge, she still had her life. He could feel it beating strong and fast within her chest. Looking down upon her beautiful face and feeling her soft skin pressed against his, he was happy with the choice he had made.

  He stared into her eyes for so long, he thought he might never let her go, and her soft eyes made him think she might be glad of it. Finally, he gently placed her on her feet and looked off into the darkness where his brother and father seemed to have vanished.

  Emira looked at his eager gaze and her heart clenched with sorrow. She had heard most of Elijah’s conversation with Solomon and understood him much better now—his rage, his passion—but more than anything, she understood his pain and his need for vengeance.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

  “For what?” Elijah continued to stare off into the vastness of the night.

  “For coming between you and your revenge. If you hadn’t been worried about me, you could have gone after them,” she said, her voice almost a whimper. Elijah turned to face her. He was completely surprised by her demeanor and tone of voice. She really was sorry… not afraid, and not judgmental, but sorry.

  What has happened to this girl, that she understands the value of vengeance? The thought made his heart ache, and he hoped, for once, his instinct was wrong.

  “Don’t feel bad.” Elijah stepped close and took her hand. “I didn’t stay for you; I had to get my bracelet back.” By the time he finished speaking it was back on his wrist. “How much did you hear?” he asked, feeling uneasy.

  “Everything.” Her voice carried hints of guilt.

  “And you believe all that?” He spoke mockingly, but secretly hoped she did. He wanted to let someone in.

  “Yes,” she said. “I saw it with my own eyes.” Her voice was resolute.

  “Come on, we need to get your things. You need to get out of town tonight.” Elijah grabbed her by the wrist and started for the stairs.

  “Wait.” As Elijah turned around she slipped her arm around his neck and then fell into his arms. Her touch was gentle and comforting; it brought to mind every good memory Elijah hadn’t realized still lurked somewhere within him. Elijah was strong-willed, and his passion was fervent, but it was becoming harder and harder not to need anyone, especially now, with all the new hopes and emotions jumbled together with uncertainty, and Emira’s nearly magical attraction, to cloud his mind.

  In her arms he was hopeless. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t muster an ounce of enthusiasm for the hateful purpose which had driven him for so long. He cupped his big hand along the side of her face and pressed it against his chest as he stroked his fingers through her silky dark hair. He was once again intoxicated by her scent.

  “I was just kidding before; I wouldn’t have let them hurt you,” he said quietly. His chin rested sideways against the top of her head; his words were just a whisper.

  “I know. I’ve known you my entire life. I’ve been waiting for you,” she replied. Elijah didn’t understand, but he didn’t question her. He also didn’t understand why she trusted him, or why he wanted so desperately to let her into his world, but in that moment he didn’t care. It felt good; she felt good.

  “You know I’m not going anywhere. I’m not going to leave Khalid, or you,” she said firmly as she pulled away and looked into Elijah’s eyes.

  “I will take care of him. I just want to know you are someplace safe first.”

  Elijah’s knew she could tell he was sincere; he could tell she trusted him, but he could also see her mind was made up.

  “Let’s just get to the room; we will talk there.” Without hesitation, Elijah turned and started up the stairs, Emira right behind him.

  “I’m sorry, but I have nowhere to go. Besides, I am safest here, with you and Khalid.” Elijah could see it was pointless, but he had to try.

  “Emira, they will kill you,” he warned.

  “They would have to kill you first,” she replied immediately, with complete confidence.

  Elijah didn’t know what to say. He had just met this girl, but the connection, which had begun with a couple of coins, was winding its way around his heart. Still, killing his father had to be his first priority, especially since there was a chance Malaki might be alive somewhere.

  “I am not the great man you seem to believe I am. I might not drink human blood like my brother, but if you knew some of the things I have done, you wouldn’t be so quick to trust me, especially with your life.” The conflicts now eating away at him, the new information about his brothers, left him open to human connection as never before, but he still wanted to be careful not to mislead her, or to fall helplessly into her web.

  “Are you the spider?” Elijah asked.

  “Are you?” she responded.

  Elijah took a deep breath and tried to clear his mind. This light-hearted conversation was a nice change.

  “I am the spider and the fly. I weave the very web that entraps me.” Elijah smiled. “My father was right,” Elijah said, circling back on point. “I have never been strong enough to defeat him, and if he believes I care for you, or that you are something unique, that places you in a great deal of danger.” He wanted to know more about the girl and her light, but decided this wasn’t the time.

  “I do know the things you have done. You told me, remember ? I’m not afraid of you.” Emira turned the conversation back where she wanted it.

  Elijah took a deep breath and poured another shot of bourbon.

  “And it doesn’t matter how strong your father is. You are not like him, Elijah, as much as you seem to think you are. Your power comes from somewhere else. It’s nothing supernatural. A hero’s strength always comes from the wells of passion and reserves of strength in his mortal mind. It’s your will and dedication, your grit and determination. Your tenacity will get us through this.” She spoke with fervor. Elijah couldn’t help but smile. The girl was spirited, but had obviously watched a few too many movies.

  “This isn’t a storybook,” he laughed.

  “My father, he was a tenacious man, too. He believed a person’s loyalty and his determination revealed more about his character than all other
things combined.” She smiled and then sighed as she poured her own glass of bourbon.

  “What are you doing?” Elijah quickly grabbed the bottle before she set it down.

  “I’m not a child.” She huffed before choking on the bourbon; it quickly made her eyes water and her lips purse as she coughed and asked for something to wash it down.

  Elijah didn’t have anything else, so he ran a glass of tap water.

  “Are you serious?” she croaked. She looked like she was about to throw up.

  “It’s all I’ve got.”

  Emira snatched the water and chugged the entire glass. Clearing her throat, she tried a wobbly smile. “Wow! Remind me not to do that again.”

  “If you’re not going to leave, then we need to warn Khalid.” Elijah reached for his phone.

  “I already called him, when I heard your brother talking, but I promise you, he will not leave town either.”

  Elijah had figured as much.

  Chapter 76

  Emira ran to the door, completely unintimidated by the ominous thudding from outside, and swung it open. It was Khalid. He bouldered through and grabbed Elijah by the neck.

  “I told you to stay away from her; now look what you’ve done.” His eyes were blazing.

  “Stop!” Emira shouted. “He saved me,” she proclaimed.

  Khalid seemed not to hear her, as his grip around Elijah’s neck only tightened. Elijah remained still, not wishing to further inflame the man’s rage. He needed him.

  Emira stepped closer and placed her hand on the beastly man’s shoulder. Immediately, Elijah felt Khalid’s grip loosen and saw his eyes dim to normal. Elijah stepped back and Emira darted past Khalid to tuck herself beneath Elijah’s arm, grasping him tightly around the waist.

  “What were you thinking, Emira? That could have been anyone,” Elijah scolded as he stood awkwardly before Khalid with the man’s tiny progeny clinging to him like an adorable little leech, sucking out all of Elijah’s hate, all of his pain and his guilt.

  “Sorry.” Emira shrank deeper into his grasp. Khalid’s head cocked to the right, his face looking confused; he had obviously missed a lot. Elijah could see his anger. Clearly he didn’t like that his “little sister” was so taken with Elijah.

  “Let’s go, now.” Khalid demanded. “Solomon and William are at my house, but it won’t take them long to realize they are looking in the wrong place. Emira, you ride with me, Elijah will follow us. I know a safe place.”

  Emira looked up at Elijah as if for guidance, or even permission.

  Elijah knew Khalid was strong, but no match for his father. So, if she was going to stay in the area, Elijah preferred to watch over her himself. He didn’t hide his disapproval.

  “Why don’t we just ride together and leave Elijah’s car here? I think it’s safer if we stay together,” Emira suggested.

  “The only way you will be safe is if they think I left town. My car needs to disappear,” Elijah replied. Khalid nodded his agreement. “And we need to find Ayda,” Elijah added.

  “You know Ayda?” Emira pulled away in protest. “Why did you not tell me?” She was obviously upset.

  “It doesn’t matter.” Khalid cut in. “She is fine. I talked to her just moments ago,” Khalid assured him.

  Elijah closed his eyes as a rush of relief cascaded upon him like a waterfall of peace and hope. “Where is she?”

  “Somewhere safe,” Khalid replied and then turned his attention to Emira. “If what you told me on the phone is correct, then they want this man you’re clinging to gone, and they’ll use you to make sure it happens. I’ve dealt with these types of creatures before and, believe me, they’ll do absolutely anything to get what they want.” Khalid’s face was expressionless as he spoke.

  “I’m sure you have seen a lot, but not like this. My father is the most powerful individual I have ever encountered. Just ask Ayda; do not underestimate him,” Elijah warned before turning to Emira.

  “Right now they are after Khalid and whatever they think he knows. The more distance I can put between you and him, the better I will feel.” Elijah didn’t want to force anything, but he knew he was right, at least as far as Emira was concerned. Emira looked at Khalid, hoping to find some kind of consensus and he reluctantly nodded. He obviously knew Elijah was right.

  “Okay, you ride with him, but follow closely; I’ll be moving fast. It’s not far away, but nobody can connect me to it.” As Khalid finished speaking, Elijah grabbed his duffle bag and followed them out the door.

  Chapter 77

  They made a left out of the motel parking lot, but after that there were too many rights and lefts in the dark for Elijah to remember exactly how to get back. Then the white truck in front of him veered unexpectedly off the road to the left.

  Elijah couldn’t see a road, or a trail. He wasn’t sure his little rear-wheel drive car would make the climb up the slick, grassy hill, but it did, and finally the truck came to a stop in front of a huge pond. Khalid got out of the truck and motioned Elijah to pull beside him.

  “This is it?” he asked, parking his car where Khalid indicated.

  “This is as far as your car goes, I’m afraid.” Khalid pointed to the pond in front of them that stretched far out into the darkness. Elijah realized Khalid was right. Emira and Elijah climbed out the car and the three of them took a moment to look around.

  “Will you do the honors, or shall I?” Khalid smiled broadly. It reminded Elijah of the first time they met.

  “You know, you were right,” Elijah said.

  “Yeah, about what?”

  “Your sense of humor is shit.” Elijah said. He retrieved his duffle, put his car in neutral and sent it swimming to the depths of the pond. “All right, now it’s your turn.” Elijah smiled with satisfaction. Khalid quickly turned to Emira in protest, but she nodded her agreement.

  “Shit. You’re right.” Khalid shook his head ruefully as he opened the trunk and retrieved two large suitcases.

  “You travel light,” Elijah teased.

  “These are Emira’s.” Khalid laughed and dropped them at Elijah’s feet before walking around to the driver’s side of his truck and pulling out one small duffle bag. “I travel very light.” He grinned.

  Emira leaned over and kissed Elijah on the cheek, as if to say thank you, and skipped ahead to walk with Khalid.

  Kicking Khalid’s huge truck into the deep abyss of the pond, Elijah knew the big man had gotten the last laugh, but he didn’t care. Ayda was safe, and, for the moment, Emira was as well. The tide might not yet been turning, but it was at bay, and it was just good to be laughing at all. And after lifetimes of solitude, he was happy to part of something again.

  Elijah picked up the bags and the trio walked in silence around the side of the pond and over a large hill. They were halfway down the other side of the hill before the small cabin came into view. Elijah couldn’t wait to have a few moments alone with Khalid; he wanted answers.

  “And I thought we’d be roughing it.” A crooked smile broke across Elijah’s face.

  “Well, I’ve been around for a long time, and I’ve learned it is always handy to have a few good hiding places.” Khalid’s laugh was just a façade. Elijah was learning quickly not to underestimate the beast of a man. He wondered just how long Khalid had been around, how long he had been protecting these ancient secrets, if there were any.

  Walking into the dank and musty cabin, Elijah could hardly breathe. Emira sneezed as a breeze came in from the open door and blew dust everywhere. It was as if the door hadn’t been opened for months, or maybe years. Elijah thought for a moment it might be better to sleep outside on the grass.

  Khalid chuckled as he pushed past the pair and walked over to what looked like a huge granite fireplace. He pressed against the giant stone and moved it about three feet to the right with ease, revealing a large opening and a stone staircase that descended a full story beneath the earth.

  Chapter 78

  Khalid ushered them dow
n the stairs and pushed the huge stone back into place. The underground section of the cabin, which was actually more like a compound, was intricately decorated and fully furnished. The air was fresh and clean, as though there was a circulation system filtering the air and pumping it in.

  The place seemed to have every amenity. There was a large square stone in the center of the room that functioned as a coffee table. It was bracketed on two sides by antique-looking leather couches, both of them large enough to easily support Khalid’s massive frame.

  On both sides of the stairs were large, fully furnished bedrooms, with desks, end tables, and even bathrooms. Across from the stairs, the living room opened into an impressive library. It was complete with books, a ladder, and five huge bookcases. Elijah was impressed; he greatly enjoyed the smells of aged leather and parchment.

  “I’ll take the couch. The two of you can have the bedrooms… separate bedrooms.” Khalid glared threateningly at Elijah, who threw his duffle bag into one of the bedrooms and then very conspicuously placed Emira’s bags in the other. He threw up his hands to show his submission.

  The big man before him was fiercely guarded. Elijah could rarely tell what he was thinking, and he gave no hints about when he was joking or being serious. This man was careful. The only chink Elijah had seen in his armored guise was in the way he dealt with Emira. He was attached to her; he was her ferocious guardian.

  “Okay, Papa,” Emira smiled and laughed. Turning from Elijah, she looked at Khalid and pointed her finger at him as she narrowed her dark eyes at him playfully. He could be harsh at times, but it was easy to see how much he cared for the girl.

  Earlier she said she had lived with him for the last ten years, since Khalid’s sister had found her. Elijah wondered how exactly that had come about, and what they wanted with the girl.

  Elijah had heard her speak of her father; she remembered him as a man of principles. After losing him, Elijah imagined it had been easy for Emira to grow close to this beastly man, who also seemed to be principled. She had told Elijah he had been like a father to her since she had been under his care. Elijah imagined she would never have made it this far without him. It was obvious she loved him deeply.