by Alan Baxter
Gavin’s eyes widened. ‘That’s not possible...’
‘Not possible?’ The policeman was on his feet again, leaning over the desk, his face inches from Gavin’s own. He smelled of alcohol and cigarettes. ‘I’ll tell you what’s not possible, you scumbag. It’s not possible that you won’t avoid jail. It’s not possible for you to see the outside of a cell for at least twenty years. It’s not possible that anyone, inside or out, will ever take any pity on you.’
‘But my little girl. My wife and my little girl...’
‘You should have thought of that before! You think anybody that you nearly killed today has a wife and a little girl? Or sons and husbands? Parents and brothers and sisters and friends? The only way you can reduce your sentence and see your little girl before she’s a grown adult is to tell us what we need to know. Who do you work for? Who put you up to this?’
Gavin stared, his mind turning over itself frantically. He couldn’t go to jail for twenty years, but something about the copper’s attitude made him feel as though that was the truth. With the way terrorism legislation had been going crazy lately, perhaps it was possible to get twenty years. How had he been so stupid? How had he got caught so easily? Was he really so useless? Karen would be left without anyone to earn money for her. His beautiful little Hayley would grow up without a father to protect her. He couldn’t allow it. He had to come clean. ‘If I tell you things, will you keep me out of jail?’
‘It depends what you tell us. Why don’t you tell us everything and I’ll see how much time I can knock off a sentence for you.’
Gavin swallowed hard. His Optimates would be so disappointed, but he didn’t have a little girl to worry about. Yath-vados would be angry, but there were others all over the world to worship Him, right? Gavin’s mind felt as though it was going to burst. ‘I have to know if I’ll stay out of jail,’ he wailed. ‘I’ve never done anything wrong before, I’ve never been in trouble!’
‘You think that has any bearing on this? On what you tried to do today?’ The rage was back in the policeman’s face. ‘Tell me everything and you might see your daughter again before she leaves high school!’
Gavin squirmed in his seat. He felt physical pain at his intention to spill the beans, nausea tore at him. He was going to have to break the single most fundamental rule of the ONC. ‘I’m part of an organisation,’ he began, but the words came out wrong. His eyes widened in surprise at the gibberish, nonsense sounds that he made. The policeman looked at him like he had just grown a second head. He tried again. ‘There’s this society of anarchy...’ He stopped again, eyes and mouth agape at the stream of incoherent sounds he was making. He felt a pressure in his brain and he felt, somehow, the presence of his Optimates. He felt a magic working on him that he had never felt before. From somewhere very far away he was sure he could hear thick, heavy laughter.
‘What the fuck are you doing?’ The policeman’s face was angrier than ever. ‘Are you fucking with me, kid, is that it?’
Gavin shook his head desperately. ‘I’m trying to tell you the truth!’ Again the burbling, random noises came and the policeman was further infuriated. Without any intention or will Gavin began to laugh maniacally. His bladder let go and he began to shake violently.
The policeman stepped back from the desk. ‘Jesus Christ!’ He looked up to the constable standing by the door, the man’s expression one of confusion and more than a little bit of fear. ‘Get the FME in here. This man is having some kind of fit!’
As the constable hurried gratefully from the room the policeman opposite Gavin moved away and stood by the far wall. Gavin foamed and convulsed in his piss-soaked chair. Heavy, thick laughter boomed in a Realm running with blood.
10
‘I need to go and see a few people before we go to Sydney.’
Petra looked at Isiah as he stood by the window, staring out across endless peaks. ‘Who do you need to see?’
‘I have a bad feeling about this. I just want to let a few friends know what’s going down.’
‘You’re scared aren’t you.’ He said nothing but Petra saw his shoulders stiffen. ‘It’s okay to be scared. This is a big deal. But why are you so concerned? What is it that bothers you so much?’
He turned from the window. His eyes were hard, an edge of anger in his face, but it softened the moment he looked on Petra, saw her worried expression. He exhaled loudly. ‘I don’t know. There’s just something wrong about all this and I feel like I’m being played.’ Petra nodded, remaining silent to let him continue. ‘I play people all the time and it pisses me off to feel like all of a sudden the tables are turned.’
‘Is that it?’ Petra asked. ‘Is it guilt?’
‘Guilt?’
‘Sure. You don’t really like the way you treat people, the things you have to do.’
He stared at her big, beautiful eyes for a long time. She didn’t look away. ‘Maybe,’ he said eventually.
They were quiet for a while. Petra approached him, looking up into his eyes. She placed a palm against his cheek again, like she had on the cold terrace before. Her hand was full of power and full of care. Isiah covered her hand with his own again. With his other hand he gently stroked her hair, his palm following the line of her neck, down over her shoulder. They relaxed in each others presence and the energy in the room grew, the power between the two of them rising and mingling, conjoining. Petra’s eyes closed and he leaned forward, his lips meeting hers with electric passion. Their kiss was long and deep, the kiss of two people that yearned for the touch of another, yet had not known it for far too long. Their kiss seemed eternal. Then Petra pulled back.
‘Not now,’ she whispered, her breath taken. ‘It’s not the time.’
Isiah stood, his hands still in place, holding onto the moment. His eyes widened, his expression that of a confused teenager. ‘Not the time?’ He lowered his hands.
Petra smiled, dipping her eyes. Her sexuality was palpable. ‘We have more important things to do.’
Isiah ached for her. ‘Right now I can’t think of anything more important.’ He paused, putting one finger to his lips. ‘No,’ he said eventually. ‘Not a thing.’
She laughed and kissed him quickly, moving back before he could react to it. ‘Come on. You said you have to see some friends.’
He slumped, resigned to her decision. Sometimes there were things that even someone as powerful as Isiah had no control over. Men throughout the aeons had learned that a woman’s mind was always going to be one of them. ‘There is a lot of power in belief and, sometimes, that gives a lot of power to believers. I’ve made friends with some powerful believers in my time. If this ONC is raising a new god then I think it only fair that a few of the existing gods know all about it. They’d appreciate the heads up.’
Petra smiled. ‘The things you consider normal! I’m not sure that we should delay too long.’
‘I know. It won’t take long. You know how people are for gossip. I just have to see a few key players and the word will spread.’
‘Who’s first?’
Isiah paused in thought for a moment. ‘Actually, the easiest place to start would be with Gabe.’
‘Who’s that? What faith is he?’
‘You’ll see. Close your eyes and beware of a very bright light.’
Suspiciously, Petra obeyed. Isiah stepped close and kissed her, her lips parting in surprise as he did. She stepped back, laughing through the outrage she tried to express. ‘Hey!’
Isiah laughed. ‘Sorry. I couldn’t help myself.’ Petra stared at him through narrow eyes, the pressed line of her mouth twitching at the corners. Their need for each other was overwhelming. ‘Sorry,’ Isiah said again, impishly.
Petra shook her head. ‘All men are the same. Such juveniles. Even at your age!’
He pulled himself together. ‘Okay. Sorry, really. We should get on. Close your eyes.’
‘No!’
‘No, you have to. It’ll get really bright in here.’
‘
You’re not fooling anyone.’
Isiah grinned, unsure what to do. ‘I’ll go over here, all right? Several yards away. Now, close your eyes.’
‘I’ve seen how fast you can move.’
They stood smiling at each other, exasperated and amused in equal measure. Isiah put his hand over his heart. ‘I promise. No more monkey business. Really.’
She looked at him across the room. A smile still on her face, she slowly closed her eyes. Isiah stared at her, his eyes tracing the lines of her face, her neck, the swell of her breasts, down over her waist. ‘Stop that and get on with it!’ Petra snapped, her eyes still closed and her lips still curled in a smile.
‘Okay, right.’ Isiah physically shook himself. This woman had him all over the place. He needed to get his shit together. Gathering his own will, he called out to his old friend. There was a familiar intense flash of light, like the biggest ever bolt of lightning, and a sense of divinity flooded the room. Isiah heard Petra make a small sound of surprise. ‘You can open your eyes now,’ he called to her.
Gabriel stood looking from Isiah to Petra and back again, his beautiful countenance showing mischievous pleasure. ‘What are you smirking at?’ Isiah asked.
‘Nothing. Didn’t realise I was smirking.’ Gabriel reached out one hand towards Petra. ‘Gabriel,’ he said politely, bowing his head.
Petra was dumbfounded, her expression one of wonder and surprise. It was her turn to look like a stunned teenager. She gathered herself. ‘Petra,’ she said, taking the offered hand. ‘A pleasure, I’m sure.’
Gabriel smiled. ‘The pleasure’s all mine. Isiah rarely introduces me to his friends.’
Isiah tutted loudly. ‘Cut it out, you idiot. It’s interesting that she can know you, no? I wasn’t sure.’
‘Yes. You don’t really believe in me and my Lord, do you, Petra?’
Petra cleared her throat. ‘I’ve been around a fairly long time. I’ve learned not to disbelieve anything. But I hold no particular faith other than that of my clan here.’
‘Ah, yes,’ Isiah said. ‘Cai Wu said that the dragons are as gods to your people.’
Petra nodded. ‘We know they existed and we worship their memory. They were some of the only beings that ever came truly close to peace and ultimate knowledge. That’s why we revere them. It’s a shame that they’re gone now when so many warring, petty factions continue to destroy each other.’ She made a face of apology. ‘No offence,’ she said, smiling nervously at Gabriel.
Gabriel raised a placating hand. ‘None taken. We fight like children all the time, but don’t discount everything we stand for because of the bastardisation and corruption of so many humans in our ranks.’
‘Not just humans, either,’ Isiah added.
Gabriel shrugged. ‘Maybe not. What are you after, anyway?’
Isiah indicated for them all to sit. ‘You remember what I’ve been looking into.’
‘Yes. Have you learned more about this Yath-vados?’
‘Potentially a new god. Or an old one regaining power. But it’s a little more complicated than that. There are some prophecies around that are stirring the pot.’ Isiah went on to explain all that he had learned from the Umbra Magi. Occasionally Petra would offer clarification or consensus. Eventually, the story told, Isiah sat back in his chair. ‘So that’s where we stand right now. I wanted to bring you up to speed so that you know what’s happening. Perhaps you could spread the word a bit?’
Gabriel nodded. ‘Certainly. I don’t know how concerned you really need to be, my friend. It’s not like you haven’t seen a god rise before. Or fall, for that matter.’
‘I know. But there’s something about this that gives me the willies. I’ve been around long enough to trust my gut.’
‘Fair enough. I take it you’re going to tell others?’
‘Yes. I’ll visit a few people now before we get back on the trail. In fact, we’d better get on. We can’t really afford to waste too much time.’
‘No problem,’ the archangel said. ‘My dear, an absolute pleasure to meet you.’ He took Petra’s hand and kissed it. A golden glow spread across her skin as his lips moved away, causing her to shiver involuntarily.
Isiah slapped Gabriel playfully across the shoulder. ‘Cut that out!’
Gabriel turned, smiling. ‘Sorry. You feel left out?’ He leaned down and kissed Isiah too, firmly on the cheek. The golden glow spread, firing all of Isiah’s nerves at once, like an instant of orgasm.
Isiah pushed the angel away. ‘Androgynous freak! Get outta here.’
Gabriel laughed, filling the room with his mirth. ‘You humans are so much fun. See you later.’ He stared seriously at Isiah. ‘And take care.’
Isiah nodded. ‘I will. Thanks, mate.’
Gabriel winked at Petra. ‘Cover your eyes, kids.’
As the powerful flash and wave of RealmShift seeped away from the room, Isiah made a noise of disgust. ‘Kids! Only he could say something like that and get away with it.’
‘You two are good friends, aren’t you,’ Petra observed, looking at Isiah with a soft expression.
‘In my line of work it’s hard to know anyone for long.’
Petra nodded ruefully. ‘I know what you mean. I’m thankful beyond words for my family here.’
‘I’ve never had anything like that. I wish I had. But I’ve learned to make what friends I can and Gabriel is one of my oldest and closest.’
Petra smiled. ‘I’m glad. Where next?’
‘We’d better hurry around and see a few people. Do you mind if I ‘Shift us both? It’s quicker that way.’
‘You’ve already proven that you have more than enough power to carry me.’
Isiah nodded, taking Petra’s hand. ‘First stop, a fairly new friend. The Voodoo priest!’ Before Petra could say anything, he Travelled.
The Sorcerer was alone and he was scared. So used was he to instilling fear in others that he suffered doubly from his own lonely dread. But he could not deny that current events were becoming overwhelming. The others had left, gathering up the ONC faithful and organising the great migration to Australia. Various places had been secured, hundreds of package tours booked for members to use, a mundane reason to be in the country. The Optimates would keep in touch with each other and each Optimates would be responsible for getting word to his members around the world and around Australia as they arrived. The final meeting place would remain a secret until the last possible moment. Then ONC members would flood in from every direction, swelling the greatest Gather the ONC had ever known.
And as difficult to organise and orchestrate as all that was, it was not the real concern in the Sorcerer’s mind. He knew his Optimates were loyal and he knew he could rely on them to do the right thing. The logistics were far from his main concern. His very being felt torn and stretched by the level of magic he was forced to employ. He had never anticipated that his efforts would lead to such a pass as this. He wondered if he could really pull it off, if he had the power. One thing he could do was continue to stack the odds in his favour.
There was a knock at the door. At last. After this he could finally leave this damp, cold house. ‘Come in.’
The door opened and a man in his late thirties or early forties stood at the threshold. He nodded nervously. ‘Dominus.’
‘Come in, come in, Darryl. Sit yourself down.’ The Sorcerer indicated a chair on the other side of the desk.
Darryl entered the room and sat. ‘All is done,’ he said, eager to please, his Irish accent broad. ‘Our Gather is organised and away. Most members have left and those that haven’t are well prepared to leave. It will be difficult, though, will it not? Getting everyone to the right place in time?’
‘Sadly we don’t have the luxury of leisure,’ the Sorcerer said. ‘We must move as forces beyond our control direct us. The best we can hope for is that the majority of members make it on time.’
Darryl nodded. ‘Fair enough. Most of ours should, at least. And Sean is a good Optimates
and already on his way. He’ll help me organise everyone there. Our Gather will be well represented.’
‘Well, I’m afraid that Sean will have to manage all of that on his own now.’
Darryl’s face grew concerned. ‘Why’s that now?’
‘I have other, greater plans for you, my son. You’ve been with me a long time now, have you not?’
‘I have, Dominus. Since I was a boy.’ His face glowed at the thought, his eyes full of love for his leader. ‘I’ve known nothing else, really.’
‘And your power has grown.’
‘It has. I command a power I would never have thought possible.’
‘And you realise that before us is a time of great change? A time of rebirth like the world has never seen?’
‘We have given rise to a power unknown in recent history. A true God favours us!’
‘And we must do whatever it takes to achieve our goal?’
Darryl paused, his smile becoming fixed, less natural. ‘Of course. What would you have me do?’
The Sorcerer interlocked his fingers, placed his elbows on the desk. ‘I need to introduce you to something that few in our Order are ever privy to. It is a great honour and one that is reserved only for those with power and control.’
Darryl’s smile became more natural again. ‘Is that so?’
‘Indeed.’ The Sorcerer drew a long breath in through his nose. ‘Our Order survives for one reason alone. Beyond the loyalty of our members, beyond the mysteries we have unlocked and the powers we command, one thing assures our longevity. Do you have any idea what that is?’
Darryl paused, thinking hard. ‘I’m not sure...’
‘Dictatorship, Darryl. In other words, me.’
‘Ah, right, I see what you mean. Of course. We would be nothing if not for you. This is your Society and no mistake.’