Sacred Bloodlines (The Guardians)

by Wendy Owens

  Gabe read on, impressed by the information gathered in the book. The pages were filled with the rankings of Satan’s armies, and descriptions of the creatures of Hell that had been discovered throughout the years like trolls and goblins. Monster after monster of folklore were explained in this one book.

  As Gabe feverishly studied the content, part of him was astonished that his logical mind was accepting of the information. He thought about all the fairytales his mother had told him as a small child and wondered if the creatures in those books had been in fact based, on demons.

  He read about all the minions of Satan as well as his top leaders, the princes of hell. Their loyalty for Lucifer had twisted their hearts over the years and filled them with a dark and putrid hate. As he read about the princes, each one seemed more terrifying than the last. Gabe caught himself actually shivering. They preyed on weakness of men, seeking to bring them misery and pain.

  Gabe stood and walked over to the fire, placing another log onto the dulling embers. He watched as the flames slowly engulfed the log and placed another one on top, careful not to smother the fire.

  Gabe glanced at the small but ornate clock just above his head on the mantel and realized he had missed dinner. After his sizable breakfast feast that morning, Gabe wasn’t surprised that he was just now feeling the pains of hunger in his stomach. He was surprised that Uri and Michael had allowed him to completely miss the meal.

  Gabe began to wonder exactly what important business had drawn Michael away that morning.

  Gabe decided to make his way to Michael’s office. He thought he should at least be respectful and let him know he hadn’t meant to be rude by missing dinner, but had gotten wrapped up in the book Michael had left for him.

  Gabe placed the book back on the table, not yet ready to part with it. He stepped into the hall, hesitating for a moment. He stood trying to decide if he should first go and grab a snack or go straight to see Michael. Gabe finally decided it would be best to visit Michael first, before the hour grew too late.

  At Michael’s door, Gabe saw a sliver of light peeking out and heard muffled voices from inside. He froze where he stood, unsure what to do. At last, curiosity overwhelmed him.

  Gabe tiptoed to the doors and peered inside. Much to his dismay, he saw the floor littered with bloody rags. His eyes scanned upward to a leg that was dangling over the back of Michael’s couch. It was covered in worn, dirty, tattered pants, spattered with blood.

  Gabe watched through the cracked door, his concern for Michael growing by the minute. The room had at least a dozen people buzzing around it. The men swarmed the injured man who was on the couch near the fire. Gabe rose onto the tips of his toes in an effort to catch a glimpse of the victim, but had no luck.

  Gabe continued staring. Finally Michael came into view. With a very solemn look on his face, Michael knelt on the other side of the couch with all but his head disappearing.

  “Anthony, tell us what happened?” Gabe heard Michael mutter.

  A flash of light and movement in the corner caught Gabe’s eye. Looking for the source, he saw a mirror. In it was the injured man’s reflection. He was a younger man. Gabe thought he looked to be in his mid-twenties but with the screwed up aging in this place, who knew. He had a weaker chin but that could have been due to the way he was slumped onto the couch. The man’s hair was sandy in color and looked coated in greasy sweat. Gabe wondered for a moment who the man, Michael called Anthony, might be, if he might also be a Guardian.

  Gabe cringed as he caught site of Anthony’s mangled hip and leg. The pants he wore were torn away and the exposed leg wrapped in bandages; deep red blood seeping through. He saw Michael was holding Anthony’s hand. There were bloody scratches trailing all the way up the poor injured man’s shoulder. Gabe felt his empty stomach twist at the site of the injuries. What horrors had occurred to leave him in such a state?

  Anthony was staring into the fire. Gabe could see the terror of what the man had seen replaying in his eyes. “They know Michael,” Anthony repeated over and over again in a soft trembling voice. As he continued to repeat the words, his voice grew in volume until suddenly he began to shake violently. Michael grabbed his hand tighter, trying to steady him.

  At last, after calming Anthony, Michael asked, “What do you mean they know?”

  Anthony sat quiet for a moment. The entire room was hushed as they waited in anticipation.

  “There were so many of them. I tried to get away, but they were everywhere. Michael, I tried to fight them but I...” Anthony’s eyes grew larger as his story unfolded. He pulled Michael’s hand up to his chest and looked into his eyes intensely. “I thought they were going to kill me, but they wanted me to live. They told me to come back and tell you they know the chosen one is here and they’re coming for him.” With that, all of the bystanders erupted in panicked tones.

  Gabe heard his name murmured repeatedly throughout the room in hushed but panicked tones.

  “How can they know of the prophecy?” One of the men cried out.

  “Do you think they know where we are?” Another man asked, his voice cracking. Michael stood, he patted Anthony’s hand before releasing it. Then he began to pace. He didn’t say anything for a moment, just continually paced, clearly thinking hard about what he had just heard.

  A moment later, Michael froze and turning to face the small gathering of people raised his hands. The room fell silent as he looked to the men who were waiting for his wise words. “Clearly they have found out about Gabe’s destiny somehow. It’s not important how.” Michael began. Gabe’s stomach sank as when heard Michael say his name. “However, I don’t believe they know where the manor is. If they did, they would be upon us now. I think they released Anthony in an effort to track him or in hopes we would try and evacuate Gabe, giving them an opportunity to attack.”

  A few of the men mumbled some words, agreeing with Michael. Another asked what they were going to do. A man closer to Gabe shouted that it wasn’t safe to keep Gabe on the grounds. Gabe listened, his head swirling with all of the information.

  A day ago he was safe, miserable and unhappy, but safe. Now, horrors worse than he could have ever imagined wanted him dead.

  “Quiet,” Michael bellowed raising his hand and again a hush fell over the room. Even in his fear, Gabe couldn’t help but be impressed by the respect Michael commanded. “The safest place for Gabe to be is among us. Who better to protect him?” Michael looked down at the ground for a moment, a solemn look on his face.

  “My brothers,” Michael continued. “I am not concerned about being discovered. We are well hidden and I have faith in our clerics. What I do fear, however, is who I believe is leading the charge.” Michael looked up and around the room. “The Oracle asked to speak with me earlier. I have spent some time with her today. I fear the news is not good.”

  “Tell us Michael, what did she say?” A silvered haired man in the corner requested respectfully.

  “Yes, Michael, tell us.” A younger man across from him parroted.

  Michael’s face grew quite grim and in a somber voice he said, “It’s Mammon.” Just those two words resulted in shrieks and gasps. Gabe thought back to the book he had been reading earlier. The name was familiar but Gabe could not place it. He wished now he had brought the book with him so could look up this villain who had a man as great as Michael concerned.

  “I know, I know,” Michael said raising his hands again. “Please, everyone calm down. I know it’s frightening but this is no time to panic. Mammon’s minions are about a two day’s hike from the manor, but even with their proximity there is no indication they have been able to penetrate the incantations.”

  Gabe watched the men as Michael spoke. When he looked back at him, he realized Michael was staring at where he was perched behind the door.

  Gabe feared Michael knew of his presence. He thought he should try and sneak away before being caught, then Michael continued speaking. Gabe couldn’t resist the urge to stay and see wha
t else might be revealed.

  “If I am correct and they don’t know where we are, time is all they need. We must prepare. We need to make sure each of the students are aware of what’s coming.”

  “What of Gabe?” one of the men asked.

  Michael looked at the men; they were nodding, anxious of what the plans were for the newest arrival.

  “Why don’t we ask him?” With those words, Michael motioned to the door and the men once again erupted.

  “Gabe, won’t you join us?” Michael said raising his voice above the chattering room.

  Gabe froze. He debated if he should turn and run. He could act like he hadn’t heard anything, like he had never been there. Clearly Michael knew of his presence. He decided he would feel like a fool running at this point.

  Taking a deep breath, Gabe stood and stepped into the room, every eye closing in on him in an instant. At first a silence fell over the room as the men watched him. Though a few steps in, Gabe began to hear whispers around the room. As he came to stand in the middle of the room, he was enveloped by the mutterings of the men and He felt his legs grow weak.

  “Gabe. Please, come.” Michael said, extending his arm. Gabe approached, with his head bowed and eyes on the floor. Michael reached out, wrapping his arm around Gabe’s shoulder. He pulled him in to stand next to him.

  “Gabe here has had quite an eventful first day with us.” Michael said addressing the room of gentlemen; a few responded with a nervous laugh.

  “Gabe,” Michael said as he motioned around the room. Gabe made an effort to count how many people were in the room. With all eyes fixed on him, he had trouble concentrating. He did notice that two women were present. “I would like you to meet the Elders of The Guardians.” Gabe smiled and nodded in polite recognition. He shifted his feet and did his best to focus on not passing out, which he thought might occur at any moment.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, Gabe and I have much to discuss.” Michael said to the large group, leaving Gabe’s side and opening the double doors wide. “Please give us time to discuss the situation. We will meet again shortly. In the meantime, I need you all to begin readying your students and start preparations for Operation Phoenix.”

  The elders scurried from the room. Some grasped Michael’s hand, muttering, “his will be done” or “blessings be on us” as they exited. Gabe watched as two of the younger gentlemen helped Anthony to his feet and he hobbled around the couch. Michael quickly crossed the room over to Anthony where they exchanged a few hushed words. Anthony frequently glanced over Michael’s shoulder in Gabe’s direction.

  Feeling light headed once again, Gabe stumbled a few steps back until he felt himself pressed against the large desk. Thankful for the support, Gabe rested his weight against the massive piece of furniture, bracing himself with one hand.

  Anthony gave the men helping him carefully worded instructions. Rather than exiting, they helped the injured man as he limped over to Gabe. When Anthony came to rest in front of Gabe, he stood as much as he could without assistance. He took in a deep breath as he pulled back his shoulders and lifted his chin.

  Gabe realized how misleading the reflection of Anthony had been. Anthony was a very large and fit man. His arms were muscular and well defined. For fear of becoming ill, Gabe gave every effort not to look at Anthony’s wounds, which at this point, had become thick from coagulated blood.

  “Gabe,” Anthony said with a slight wince as he extended a hand to shake. Gabe quickly responded with his hand, shuffling his feet and leaning forward in case Anthony needed assistance. “I just wanted to introduce myself and meet the great and powerful Gabe Harwood that we have been hearing so much about.”

  Gabe thought he detected some sarcasm in Anthony’s voice but decided that he was imagining things. After all the man had been severely injured.

  “I don’t know about powerful but I am Gabe.” He replied, continuing to shake Anthony’s hand and flashing a smile.

  “I guess we will see, won’t we?”

  Anthony’s words unnerved Gabe a little, almost as if he were threatening him in a way. Anthony quickly followed in a more pleasant tone.

  “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Anthony. I’m sure we will see more of each other soon, but for now I have a date with a healer.” Anthony smiled as the men at his sides quickly moved in, taking a tight hold of his arms and to help him to the door. Gabe just stood there as he walked away, unsure what to make of the meeting. Michael walked Anthony out. The two of them again whispered in hushed tones.

  When they reached the door, Michael stood up straight. Placing a hand on Anthony’s shoulder, he said clearly, “We’ll talk soon, be well.” With that, Anthony disappeared into the hall with his escorts.

  During Michael’s and Anthony’s exchange, Gabe found himself beginning to wonder what the name, Operation Phoenix meant. He was entranced by the impressiveness of it.

  Michael leaned into the hall and motioned for one of the nearby men to assist him. Michael grabbed his hand and held onto it for a moment. The man stumbled back and looked at Michael curiously in response. Gabe realized it was the unpleasant looking man he had seen outside Michael’s office.

  “Please send Uri in right away.” Michael whispered. The man looked back at Gabe, emotionless. He nodded to Michael as he left.

  “Shall we?” Michael asked motioning to the couch. Gabe shuffled his feet across the emblem in the floor as he followed Michael. “Now, I don’t encourage my students to eaves drop. Considering you are not yet a student, I suppose we can let that slide.” Michael added smiling ironically as he sat in one of the side leather chairs.

  Gabe sat on the couch, unsure what to say; ashamed he had been listening at the door. He felt his desire for answers made it understandable.

  On the table in front of them, Gabe spied an old metal bowl that was trimmed in decorative paintings of fruits. The water inside was a deep red and bloody rags draped over the side. When Michael saw where Gabe’s eyes where fixed, he quickly hopped to his feet, removing the bowl and bloody scraps. He deposited them out of sight on the far side of his desk.

  Walking back over, Michael tapped a kettle with his fingertips that was perched in the fireplace just above the flames. First checking the handle for temperature, Michael grabbed for a rag that was on the mantle and pulled the kettle out of the flames. Walking over to a nearby side table, he set the pot on a small towel that was folded on the table top. Also on the table there was a small stack of delicate tea cups, saucers and a mini crystal bowl overflowing with sugar cubes. “Tea?” Michael asked lifting the pot again and pouring the steaming liquid into the cup closest to him.

  Gabe wasn’t normally a tea drinker, but he wondered if it might calm his nerves. He nodded to Michael who poured a second cup.

  “Gabe, I’m not exactly sure how much you heard. We find ourselves in a situation.” Michael explained, walking slowly and carefully back to the seating area with the two cups. Placing one cup on the coffee table in front of Gabe, Michael turned and took his place in the other seat. Michael said nothing as he shifted his weight back into the chair and began sipping the hot beverage. Gabe mimicked his actions, taking a sip of the tea. Cringing at the bitterness, he remembered why he wasn’t a tea drinker.

  At last, Michael continued. “I know there has been a lot of whisperings around here. I’m sure you have heard your name mentioned.”

  Gabe nodded, “I am rather curious.”

  “I know we haven’t had as much time to talk as I would prefer. I’m sure you have a lot of unanswered questions. This morning I was called away to speak with someone very important.” Michael explained.

  Gabe sat listening carefully to Michael’s words, holding the cup of tea up to his lips. He allowed the steam to fill his nostrils.

  “Unfortunately we don’t have a lot of time, so I need to get to the point quickly.” Michael continued. “You’re a Guardian Gabe. That is the truth. We have been looking for you for a long time. We want you here with us no
matter what happens. I know it’s hard to understand but we view you as family. You’re a member of the Sacred Bloodlines. Nothing will ever change that.”

  Michael paused for a moment, staring into his cup until he finally added, “What I haven’t told you about Gabe, is your destiny.”

  Gabe laughed at Michael’s words a little. It was silly to hear someone speak about destiny when used in relation to him.

  “Yeah, destiny,” Gabe replied sarcastically.

  Michael hastily leaned forward, setting his cup on the table. He looked into Gabe’s eyes intensely.

  “Gabe, I’m serious. Our Oracle has shared a prophecy concerning you.”

  “Whoa! Wait a second. Oracle?” Gabe asked, feeling goofy repeating the word.

  “She is another weapon we have been given to fight the evil that plagues Earth.” Michael expanded. “Our Oracle has told of a day when a great prophet would be born’ a prophet that would guide countless souls. Upon the prophet’s death the end of days will be ushered in.”

  “What does that have to do with me? I can tell you, I am no prophet.” Gabe insisted.

  Michael chuckled, “No, you’re not.”

  Gabe was shocked and confused. He had expected Michael to try and convince him he was this person he knew he was not. Instead Michael just agreed with him.

  “But you are very important.” Michael continued with a smile. “There will be a great battle between good and evil to find this prophet. According to the Oracle you are destined to be his protector.”

  “Me? A protector?” Gabe questioned. “I am not a protector. I can barely take care of myself.”

  As Gabe set his cup down onto the table, Michael reached over and placed a hand on his. “Many of us are more than we realize.”

  In that moment as Michael spoke, Gabe was able to see the wisdom in Michael’s years. He commanded a presence of honor that was hard to put in words. Gabe found himself believing he could be several hundred years old.

  Michael sat up, pulling his hand away before continuing. “We have a good idea of what has happened. Mammon has never been able to even come close to finding our location in the past. We think that when Uri brought you and Sophie back, you were being tracked.”