by Tara Ellis
The full scope of this revelation dawns on me. “You mean the Mudameere have been in contact with the Nephilim and are helping orchestrate the invasion?”
“Yes, that’s what we suspect,” Zane confirms.
“What in the world do I have to do with all of this?” I demand, my goal to be patient forgotten.
“Alex, the reason you’re having these memories isn’t because of the virus,” he finally tells me. “It’s because you’re a Nephume, like Seth.”
Feeling numb, I am vaguely aware of Chris putting an arm around me, and Missy takes hold of my other elbow.
“How is that possible?” Mom asks, tears filling her eyes.
“You realize your Grandpa Mubarak’s family was a part of the Khufu Bast,” Zane explains. “He was a rather highly placed figure, Alex, and responsible for many people. When the Mudameere went on a killing spree of its members, your grandfather led a raid on the complex where they were holding one captive. The Khufu Bast always tries to avoid violence, but in this situation there was no other way. The Mudameere opened fire and it was returned. When it was over with, several people lost their lives. A sweep of the Mudameere headquarters was made, and you were found, only weeks old. We believe both of your parents were killed in the shootout. Your father was the grandson of their current leader.”
I take a moment to digest this. “That would make my great grandfather a Nephilim? How is that possible? I don’t look anything like Seth or the other Nephume.”
“Because you are three times removed. Your great grandma was a human Egyptian and so was your biological mother. Seth is twice removed and his mom was not Egyptian. I don’t know as much about him, except that he and his family are devoted and dangerous.
“Your grandpa Mubarak saved you, Alex,” he explains, coming back to sit close to me again. “He knew you were important. Your adoptive father, Adam, was a good friend of mine. He loved you as much as any dad could love their child and he would have done anything to protect you. I’m sorry that he’s gone.”
The mention of my dad stirs up even more emotions, and I bite at my lip to keep it from quivering. This is too much to absorb. I do my best to keep focused on the most important issues. “What can we do about RA? Aren’t there any Nephilim left within the Khufu Bast that can talk to him when he comes back? Try to convince him to leave us alone?”
“The Nephilim have never been a part of the Khufu Bast. Not since they first created it and then disappeared. Almost all knowledge of them had been erased until they resurfaced to eventually form the Mudameere. For whatever reason, they have chosen to stay hidden and separate from the human plight. There’s speculation as to whether they even still exist and there’s little evidence to contradict it.”
The thought that we might be completely alone in facing RA and the other Nephilim is daunting.
“You said ‘little evidence’,” Nate suddenly adds from the other side of the room. “So you still have hope that they’re around?”
Turning, Zane nods slowly before walking over to one of the wooden shelves. In the middle is a glassed-in portion, which he opens and removes a large piece of a weird pink colored quartz.
“I didn’t just happen to build my ranch here by chance,” he explains, coming back to me. “Have you ever heard of the Vortex?”
It sounds familiar, and I consider it for a minute. “Yes!” I exclaim, remembering now. “The Mountain Vortex. It’s a tourist trap right up the road from here, right? Dad talked about it when we were here camping. I wanted to go, but Mom refused. She thought it was a waste of money and time. We went white-water rafting instead, which seemed like a good alternative.”
“The vortex itself is very real,” he informs me, sitting back down, holding the rock carefully in his lap. “There are several locations in the world where there are unexplained sources of magnetic energy. It causes quite a few anomalies that no one has ever been able to define. We believe that these are generated by some sort of ancient Nephilim technology. Large chunks of this rare rose quartz have been found in each of the vortexes, but we have no idea what role it plays. The Khufu Bast has kept our knowledge of it carefully hidden.
“I built my home here so I could be close enough to monitor it and measure any changes. In the past weeks, the energy flux emanating from it has increased dramatically. I’ve exhausted all of my ideas though on how this could be used to possibly communicate with the missing Nephilim, but maybe you’ll have better luck.”
Not sure what he expects, I reach out to take the crystal he is offering to me. As my hands close around it, they are filled with an intense heat and my surroundings immediately change to a dimly lit cavern. This time, I embrace the vision and this causes me to catapult into the experience. Unlike before, I seem to be able to maintain my own presence, and am aware of both Nator and myself at the same time.
“There are Ley Lines that intersect in various points on this world,” I am telling a Nephume I don’t recognize. We’re gathered in what appears to be a cave, with several others standing behind us dressed in plain, woven tunics.
“These spots are portals, for lack of a better word. We can use them as a matrix to move and speak amongst ourselves, but only when absolutely necessary. We have done all we can for the people of this planet. They must now continue on their own, without our influence. If they are to evolve into a caring, loving race it must be on their own merit, not because they are forced. I have eliminated nearly all traces of our existence.”
Turning, I walk forward to a flattened area of dirt and carefully place the large quartz at my feet. “I have created these to mimic the local strata as much as possible. Use them as markers, but be mindful not to expose their true nature.”
Kneeling down, I put both of my hands on its cool surface and a light emits from it, coalescing until I’m blinded. When it subsides, the cave has disappeared and I’m in the woods. Gasping, I pull my hands away and fall back against Chris, who wraps me up, ready for another fight.
“I’m okay,” I tell him, relaxing against him to prove I’m not going to resist. When he lets me go, I stand up, excited.
“I know how to find the Nephilim,” I tell the senator, rubbing my hands together. “I think I can talk to Nator, but we have to go to the Vortex.”
THIRTY THREE
I quickly explain my experience to the others and ask Zane how far it is to the Vortex.
“It’s a good twenty miles from here,” he estimates. “You could take some horses, if you’re able to handle them. I can give you a few shortcuts through fields where you can lope. The rest of the way is blacktop though, so at best you might make it in three hours.”
“You wouldn’t go with them?” Mom asks, clearly concerned.
“You have to understand my position, Katie,” he says to her, walking back to replace the quartz.
“My first obligation was getting that formula secured, which by the grace of God we accomplished. My second obligation is to the people of this fine state. I may have been put into this position for ulterior motives, but I have come to love this land. A hell is being unleashed on these people and I need to step up as their Senator and help them. I’m not sure what exactly it is I’m going to do, but I have to get to the Capitol building in Helena where I can start getting some sort of resistance organized.
“Most people don’t realize what type of military installations there are in this State. One of them is an Air force base that houses a Global Strike Command and is one of only three bases in the Country to operate Minuteman III Intercontinental ballistic missiles. If this fight comes down to an all-out war, these facilities could prove critical to our victory.
“Our National Guard forces are housed near the capital, and it can serve as a military command center. I need to flush out the traitors and do everything in my power to shut down the RML lab. I consider its operation a personal failure on my part. I called in several key personnel while you were out waiting for your friends, Alex. We’re meeting late this afternoo
n and I have to be there.”
Turning back to my mom, he swings his arm wide, to include the rest of our group. “I can bring five of you with me this trip, Katie. The plane should be back in another five hours. After dropping me off in Helena, I’ll have it continue on to the lab where you are sure to be vaccinated and safe, and then it’ll return for the rest of you,” he explains to me. “Hopefully you’ll be back by the time he gets here. Let’s see, that would be roughly twelve hours from now, so let’s call it ten tonight. I’ll have him wait until midnight, but we can’t risk that plane, Alex. I’m counting on it to bring a batch of the antiviral meds to me. It’ll be my first line of defense.”
I guess I’d forgotten that the title of Senator was real, and it casts the man in a new light for me. He’s absolutely right. He might end up being a key figure in our fight with the Nephilim and every minute he’s here with us, the Nephi outbreak spreads further and the military becomes more compromised.
Mom walks over to me and takes my hand. “Alex, you’re finally safe. Haven’t you done enough already? You don’t even know if Nator is still alive, or that this vortex will do anything. Why risk being stuck here?”
In response, I hug her because I realize that she wants this to all be over. So do I, but we can’t give up now. “Mom, we won’t all fit on the plane anyway,” I say, stepping back so I can see her face. “We’ll be back by the time it returns. I have to try. This is so much bigger than me. If there’s even a remote chance that we’ll be able to talk with the Nephilim who helped us escape RA before, how can I not try?”
“I know, Alex, I know you’re right. I just don’t want to lose you again.”
“You won’t, Mom. We’ll go there, see if we can talk to them and then come back and get on that plane. I promise.”
Realizing there isn’t a reasonable argument against it, she turns to address Lisa and Cindy. “Cindy, you obviously need to take Natalie. I think Jake and Lisa should also go. I’ll stay behind and wait.”
“There’s no need for that,” Zane replies. “Natalie is small enough that she can sit on her mother’s lap. You come with us, Katie. That would then leave enough room for all five of the kids to fit on the next flight.”
I can tell that Jacob wants to protest, but is intimidated enough by the senator that he keeps it to himself. I make eye contact with him and try to give him a reassuring smile, but he looks away. He’ll get over it, but I feel the first tugs of guilt at the thought of being separated from the rest of my family.
Natalie has already fallen asleep on Cindy’s lap, and Zane suggests the rest of them try and sleep before the plane gets back. Missy goes over to have a whispered conversation with her mom. I imagine it involves a debate over her going with me. Chris simply hugs his mom and Lisa appears genuinely moved.
“Alex,” Zane calls, and motions for me to follow him. Stepping out onto the adjoining back deck, we walk to the far side of it and gaze out over the open fields. “I have four horses aside from my own mount that are shoed and capable of the trip. What’s your level of training with a horse?”
“Missy and I went to a horse camp two summers in a row,” I explain, and it’s obvious he isn’t very impressed. “It was actually a very professional setting. We spent hours learning how to first walk, then trot, gallop and canter. We can put a saddle and bridle on and off and all that stuff. In between camps, we had friends in Omak with horses that we helped take care of. I have no idea though about the guys.”
The door behind us opens and I turn to see Kyle and Nate walking out with Chris. “I’m half Omak Indian,” Chris says with a smirk on his face. “Of course I can ride a horse.”
“Sure,” Nate jests. “And I have a pot of gold under my bed.”
“What, you mean you don’t?” Kyle asks with mock surprise. “You telling me you aren’t a real ginger?”
Nate punches Kyle’s arm. “I told you to stop calling me that.”
“Uh-hmm,” Zane clears his throat loudly and it has the desired effect. The guys stop harassing each other and Chris moves over to stand by me. “Seriously though sir - I mean, Zane. I’ve been around horses most of my life. I can handle one. I’m not so sure about these two jokers.”
“I’ve been on one a couple times,” Kyle admits.
“Ha! loser. My dad had a few at his place for a while, so I know enough to ride one okay.” Kyle glares at Nate, but refrains from making a smart retort.
“Okay, then.” Zane seems to come to a decision. Pushing away from the railing, he starts down the back stairs. “Say your good-byes, get some bottled water and meet me over at the barn.”
***
It’s a beautiful sunny day under the big sky, and if it weren’t for the fate of the world being in the balance, I would have really been enjoying myself. The five of us are spread out across a wheat field at a full gallop. Zane’s horses are all magnificent and manage the terrain with what seems like little effort.
Baxter was intent on coming with us, and is now struggling several hundred feet behind. It’s hot out and I’m sure he’s got to be burning up. We’ll meet back up with the freeway shortly though and will be forced to walk the horses again. He’ll catch up and I’ll give him some water.
There was a brief debate before we left over whether or not Kyle and Nate should swap out with two of Zane’s armed men. It was decided ultimately that they were needed more at the ranch, to help get things closed down and the neighbors all contacted. We aren’t expecting a gunfight with these particular Nephilim anyway. It might serve us better to go in without any henchmen, but rather some unimposing teens.
As we emerge from the field, I slow my horse and turn in the saddle. The other four horses follow suit and then finally I spot Baxter, tongue lolling. Sliding down to the pavement, I call him over and give him his fill of water. “You okay, buddy?” I ask, a little concerned. He barks once, as if insulted and licks me on the chin. Scratching him for a moment behind his big ears, I straighten and stretch out my legs.
It’s close to one in the afternoon and we’ve been riding for over two hours already. This kind of pace would be trying for even a practiced horseman. This is really going to hurt later.
“I think we’re getting close,” Chris informs me, coming up alongside us. He’s got the worn map in his hand, marked up in red ink from the senator’s shortcuts. “It should be right up this road, maybe a mile?” Encouraged by this, I jump back on my horse and head out at a steady walk.
Since we got past Bigfork, there haven’t been any other buildings for miles. It was impossible to avoid going through, because of the mountainous landscape and water. Fortunately, Bigfork is very small and largely unscathed by looting. Zane told us that the townsfolk formed their own sort of police force and were protecting each other and their property. The results of that are evident. The few people we encountered were friendly, but warned us of violence further up the road.
I understand now what they were talking about. On one side of the road, a gas station and restaurant are in shambles: the windows broken out, debris from inside scattered in the parking lots. On the other side, some sort of minimart and coffee stand suffered the same fate.
There’s another span of open space that we ride through and then a couple of more buildings, one of which looks like it nearly burned down. I’m not feeling good about this. I see a sign that announces the vortex is just ahead and I’m hoping we avoid encountering anyone before we reach it. These horses would be considered very valuable to anyone seeking transportation.
We make it without incident, and I’m surprised to find that the site is marked by what looks like a big souvenir shop. I don’t know what I expected, but I suppose maybe something less … commercialized.
“Are you sure about this?” Nate asks, staring at all the corny signs advertising the mysteries within.
“No,” I answer honestly. “I’m not real sure about anything anymore. But we’re here, so we might as well check it out.”
As I approach
the building, I notice that it was obviously well maintained at some point and that a lot of pride went into it. I wish now that we had come here that summer, so I could have experienced what it was like before it was destroyed.
Stepping in through the broken out glass front doors, I take in the gloomy interior. It would have been a huge gift shop by anyone’s standards. There are postcards, polished rocks, Indian dolls and all sorts of huckleberry goodies that are so popular in this part of the state. Walking deeper into the store, I learn that it went beyond the cliché and there are all sorts of unique jewelry and stone artifacts. Most of it’s spilled out onto the floor, the shelves knocked over and trampled.
Turning towards the front counter, I see that a hand-written sign has been left lying on top. It reads: Sorry, but we are closed. My parents are dead and I can’t do this anymore. Take what you want. Peace.
For some reason, this really saddens me and I can almost picture a young girl bent over, writing as tears spilled onto it. I’m pretty sure there are dried smudges on the paper and I turn away before I think too much about it. Everyone has suffered loss.
I search around for some indication of where the vortex is, and, on the far side, I notice another door, painted in multiple colors. It invites you to step through into another world. Bingo.
Heading in that direction, something crunches under my foot and I look down to inspect what I’ve walked on. A broken, hand painted coffee mug is scattered in pieces and I do my best to avoid it. Stepping wide, I spot something else that is so unimposing that it feels out of place. Bending over to get a better look at it, I find that it’s a simple parchment colored scroll that’s been laminated. Curious, I pick it up.