by Tara Ellis
“How do you know so much if you are cut off from the outside world?” I ask. Before Nator can answer, a young man steps forward from the crowd.
“My name is Benuk,” he says, extending a hand. While he is very tall by human standards, he is much shorter than Nator. I’m guessing he’s at least 6’5”. But rather than being lanky he is proportionate, so that he’s just big. He has broad shoulders like Seth, but is even more muscular. Shaking his hand, I can’t help but notice the characteristic, striking blue eyes and blonde hair. It’s no wonder they were mistaken as gods in ancient times.
“Benuk is your cousin and one of a few Nephume who are specially trained to walk among you and report back to us. That is what the portals were created for. He is half Nephilim, so while he is large and will live for over three hundred years, he can still pass as a human.”
“Will I live that long?” I ask, realizing how little I understand about myself.
“Unfortunately, no. Most third generation Nephume don’t live longer than a hundred and fifty years, while Seth may make it to two hundred. You both enjoy a much stronger immune system and heal very quickly. There’s no way to be sure, Alex, how the virus might influence those traits.”
Thinking about this, I pull at the neck of my t-shirt and then the bandage covering my stab wound. Sure enough, it’s almost gone with only a faint pink line remaining. However, I’m forced to acknowledge that this isn’t why we’re here. Time to get to the point. “We need your help,” I say simply, letting my shirt fall back into place.
“Of course you do,” Nator replies. “But as much as I would like to help you, Alex, it has been decided that we will remain isolated. It isn’t our fight. We recognized our role in the last battle between our worlds and we did what we thought was right to help rectify it. What happened beyond that, however, doesn’t involve us anymore. We haven’t been a part of the Nephilim society for five thousand years. We have no desire to go back, or to join the human race.”
“How can you say that?” I ask, incredulous. “It was your people … our people that did this! You can’t hide under the ocean and wipe your hands of it! ‘United we stand, divided we fall’. Do you remember that?”
“Oh, Alex. We fell a long time ago,” Nator says calmly, ignoring my outburst. “Join us here, both of you. You’re right that we are family, Alex. The human plight isn’t our concern. They created the world that they now live in, not us. We gave them a huge advantage with the antivirus and there isn’t anything more that we can do.”
Taking a deep breath, I decide to try a different tactic. I silence Seth with a look before he verbally assaults Nator. It’s clear to me that nothing we say is going to change his mind. We’re on our own.
“Thank you, but my family is going to be attacked and I have no intention of abandoning them. Is there anything you can tell us about RA that might help? What to expect?”
Watching me silently for more than a full minute, my great-great-grandfather finally folds his hands in his lap. Gesturing to Benuk to come closer, he then stands and places a hand on his shoulder.
“I had a feeling that would be your response,” he says without any angst. “Benuk has offered to return with you to help as an advisor. He knows your world better than any other Nephilim or Nephume. In addition to that, he is aware of the activity of the Mudameere leaders.”
Benuk comes around the bench to stand near us and it takes me a moment to process this turn of events. He could be a huge advantage in the fight, if he has any critical information, such as what the Mudameere have been discussing with RA and what their plans of attack are. He might even work as a liaison for possible negotiations with the returning Nephilim. My hopes rising, I ask the first question that comes to mind.
“Do you understand your ancient language, Benuk?”
“Yes. I am fluent in six languages, including that of our ancestors.”
I like him more already.
“What kind of weapons do you think RA might have?” Seth asks Nator, apparently not as impressed with my cousin as I am.
“We have no way of knowing what pathway RA chose for his people. If he decided to develop weapons of destruction, it is possible that they may possess the ability to wipe out this planet.” This stark reality is one I really hadn’t considered. There would be nothing we could do.
“However,” Nator continues. “Even if he has weapons, he would be very careful how he uses them. The only reason he is interested in earth is for the gold. He needs the people in order to mine it, so while he may not hesitate to kill a certain percentage, it would be counterproductive to destroy you all.”
“Well, that’s a relief,” Seth says sarcastically. “At least some of us would get to live long enough to die a slow death by slavery.”
“The communications I have heard gave no indication of a war plan,” Benuk adds, regarding Seth with some trepidation.
“We’ve learned that RA is still in power and that they expect the population to already be controlled by the time they get here,” Nator adds. “It would stand to reason that if he had the ability now to mine this world without the help of the virus, then he would have already returned.
“His greatest weakness may be that he sees himself as a god. Because of this, he will fail to acknowledge his limitations or another’s ability to defeat him. He was the Nephilim’s youngest ruler, at only one thousand years old when placed into power. He was born on our ship Nibiru and was viewed as heralding in a new era of Nephilim.
“But earth was unlike anything ever seen before in our history. He was unprepared for the intoxicating power he experienced when treated as a god by the Egyptians. Many of the other Elders and leaders at the time were young friends of RA and they too quickly fell into the same trap.
“He committed the ultimate atrocity when he used some of his own DNA to create the Holocene virus. It was strictly forbidden by our forefathers. Rules were implemented after our own purification so long ago. God was not happy with us, as was made evident by our troubles with conception. But RA was of a younger generation and part of a new religion. They believed the Nephilim were genetically pure and on equal footing with our Creator. When he presented himself as a god to the natives, I think he really believed it.
“It is likely that he will view all of those who are infected as his personal accomplishment or, even to a certain extent, his descendants. But to RA, you will be an abomination, Alex. Not only are you a Nephume, but you are carrying his DNA while still able to stand in defiance of him. This ability might ultimately be your greatest weapon against him and his kind.”
“So our best chance is to get the antiviral medication dispersed to as many people as possible before the invasion,” I conclude, looking back and forth between Nator and Benuk.
“Yes,” Benuk agrees. “And I will help you do it.”
THIRTY SEVEN
Apparently, the Nephilim aren’t into long goodbyes. While I’m curious to learn what the rest of the biodome holds, it’s with some relief that I follow Benuk and Seth back to the quartz. I hesitate though as I kneel down, wishing I could talk more with Nator. But according to Benuk, RA could be here at any time.
“We will see each other again,” Nator assures me, recognizing the longing in my eyes.
Before I change my mind, I place my hands on the flat contours of the crystal, bracing myself for the experience. Seth and Benuk do the same and once again the air explodes with light. It’s even more intense this time and I’m left gasping as the walls of the cave form around me.
Falling back, I shake my burning hands, which feel like hundreds of hot needles are poking them. Chris is immediately there to catch me and wraps me up in a tight hug.
“Are you okay?” he demands. “What happened?”
Seth is cursing from the other side of the room, letting everyone know he’s in pain. “So remind me not to take that trip with you ever again,” he’s saying angrily to Benuk. He’s probably right in that Benuk’s stronger lineage cause
d a greater reaction from the portal.
The sensation is already fading though and I gratefully return Chris’s embrace. “I’m fine,” I reassure him. Standing back, I motion to our extra traveling partner.
“This is my cousin, Benuk. He’s half Nephilim and has been spending time out here to update Nator on what’s been going on in the world. He knows a lot about the Mudameere and volunteered to come back and help us.”
“Well, that’s great,” Kyle says, lowering his rifle. “So you talked to Nator? What did he say? Are they going to help us too?”
Seth and I look at each other, unsure how to answer the question. “No one else is coming,” Chris concludes, catching the exchange.
“No,” I confirm. “There are less than two thousand of them down there. Oh, they’re in a biodome under the ocean. Anyway, they’re like farmers now and don’t use any other technology other than the dome. The reality of it is that they don’t consider themselves part of the problem. While they wish us well, they won’t have anything to do with RA or mankind. Honestly, other than Benuk here, there isn’t much they could do anyway, other than try and talk with RA.”
“He won’t even do that?” Missy says incredulously.
“Nope!” Seth bellows, still holding his hands out gingerly. “We’re on our own, kids.”
Benuk has stood silently, observing everyone with his piercing eyes. To my surprise, he chooses to address Baxter first. Kneeling down, he pats at the ground near his foot. Baxter immediately responds, running to him without hesitation. “You and I will be good friends,” He says, grasping him under the chin. Baxter whines excitedly, not pulling away.
“Great, just what we need,” Seth complains. “A dog whisperer.”
I introduce everyone to Benuk as Seth makes his way up the ramp, claiming to need fresh air. I still think he might be a bit claustrophobic, but decide it wouldn’t be a good idea to point it out. Everyone appears to have come to the tentative decision that he may not be an enemy anymore. I hope we won’t regret it.
I fill them all in on my experience, including the biodome and what Nator said. Nate seems very interested in the comment about Tesla, although I’m not familiar with the inventor. But the fact that there has been Nephume scattered throughout earth’s history, working as the Mudameere, is a disturbing discovery. It makes me wonder how deep their influence runs.
“Why didn’t you stay?” Chris’s question surprises me. Doesn’t he know how much he means to me? Stepping towards him, I rest a hand on the back of his neck, pulling him down close to me.
“I would never leave you,” I say fiercely, my violet eyes blazing. “You are my family, Chris.”
“I hate to break up this reunion,” Seth calls from above, peering over the edge. “But I think you all are going to want to see this.”
Reluctantly, I let Chris go and we rush to follow the rest of our friends. I hear an odd sound in the distance, almost like the ocean waves rolling to shore.
When we reach the grove of trees, I find that the throbbing is louder. I know Baxter can hear it, because he is whimpering and sniffing the air, but I don’t think anyone else does. What Seth was referring to was the sky.
Above us, what I can see of it has changed from the clear blue of a sunny summer day, to a strange greenish color high up in the atmosphere. Weird, boiling clouds are starting to form in the center, spreading out at an alarming rate.
Benuk grabs the rose quartz from the forest floor and tosses it into the trees, causing the ramp to close as we all run for the entrance. The gift shop feels somehow more depressing when I sprint through it, trampling on several items in my haste.
Out front, I’m relieved to find our horses just like we left them, though skittish. I try to pat them reassuringly but they won’t calm down.
We now have an unobstructed view of the sky and even Seth is speechless. The clouds have taken on an angry red hue, as if fire is feeding their creation. The green has lowered so that most of the air above us is swallowed up by it. The humming sound has grown dramatically louder and there is no doubt that it’s obvious to everyone now.
Missy clings to me, her eyes wide with fear. I wish I had something encouraging to say, but I’m at a loss for words. My first thought is that we have to get back to the ranch, except that my feet are frozen to the ground.
Suddenly, there is a booming that we feel as much as hear, a concussive wave of sound. The clouds vibrate and then explode outwards, trailing streaks of fire that bend along the horizon. The echoing explosion fades to a cacophony of what can only be described as metal on metal. Like hundreds of trains braking all at once.
At the same time, the underside of a massive ship descends into the leading edge of the clouds. I recognize its smooth, shiny surface as the one from my original dream. Although it must be higher up than most commercial jets fly, it’s miles across in width and length. Because of its size, it looks much closer than it really is.
As the rest of its structure slams into the upper atmosphere and slows, burning gasses continue to react violently, mushrooming out and reaching down towards the earth’s surface. The metallic noise changes in tone until the air is filled with the cries of giant, tortured trumpets.
“The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky…” I look at Chris, his words resonating with me. “Book of Revelations,” he explains, shouting over the sound.
I think about the comparison as I watch my friends surround me in the gathering darkness.
“It is RA,” Benuk states with conviction. “He has returned.”
THE END
Alex’s story continues in book three of the Forgotten Origins Trilogy; DESCENT
KEEP READING!
To leave a review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B011TDFKNS/kindle/ref=sr_bookseries_null_B011TDFKNS
Follow this link to sign up for author Tara Ellis’s newsletter, and stay informed of her newest publications!
eepurl.com/bzdHA5
Author Tara Ellis lives in a small town in beautiful Washington State in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys the quiet lifestyle with her husband, two teenage kids and several dogs. Having been a firefighter/EMT and working in the medical field for many years, she now teaches CPR and concentrates on family, photography and writing young adult novels.
DESCENT
DESCENT
INTO THE DARKNESS
TARA ELLIS
-Book Three-
The Forgotten Origins Trilogy
DESCENT
Copyright © 2014 Tara Ellis
2nd Edition April 2016
Cover art design Copyright © Melchelle Designs
http://melchelle.designs.com/
Model: Megan Pless
Photographer: Tara Ellis Photography
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, Characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locals is entirely coincidental.
I have to dedicate Descent to my husband, Mike. Without his support and love, I would have never been able to accomplish the completion of this trilogy. I’ve reached a life-long goal and I feel very blessed. My kids, Brandon and Megan, were once again understanding and encouraging and my Mom, Linda, was there reading the rough draft with me one chapter at a time.
I would also like to give a special thank you to my cover designer, Mel at Melchelle Designs. She’s incredible!
This final copy wouldn’t be as polished without the help and input of my beta readers, so thanks to them for their input and feedback.
The Forgotten Origins Trilogy
Infected
Heritage
Descent
Find them all at: www.amazon.com/author/tarael
lis
PART ONE
The Fall
ONE
The motorcycle is going too fast. I hold on with all my strength, uncomfortable with the closeness of my body next to Seth’s. Increasingly aware of the muscles in his back pressing into me, I loosen my vice-like grip on his waist and scoot back in the seat as far as I dare. Revving the machine at the exact same time, it bucks under us as Seth expertly maneuvers it around a step curve. Gasping in fear, I scramble to stay on the bike, grabbing at his jacket and plastering myself against him again. My head turned into his back, I can feel him chuckling. I really do despise him.
Although I’m wearing the only helmet, I can still see the roiling clouds hanging over us. Looking up at the underbelly of the returning Nephilim ship, I quickly forget about any physical discomfort. There are much bigger things going on.
I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to deny the reality of this new turn of events. I’m fearful for Chris, Missy, and my other friends we left back at the vortex. But we decided that I have to get back to the ranch, where I can radio Senator Zane, as quickly as possible. Our horses are magnificent, but still slow by comparison to Seth’s motorcycle. Chris and Nate are the only other ones in our group with limited experience on a smaller dirt bike, and admitted to not being able to handle this one. Since Seth has also never been on a horse, it only makes sense for me to ride back with him, and for Benuk to take my horse. None of us like the arrangement (except maybe for Seth), but it seemed like the only option.