The Seventh Age: Dawn

by Rick Heinz

  More soldiers filed down and checked their dying member, administering what first aid they could. Teams went each way through the sewer, passing them by inches. Boots landed so close to Mike’s ear that he could hear the squeak of leather and feel ripples of water when they walked past him. Yet they never noticed him or Akira, because neither needed to breathe. The fear never left. The weight of the daytime activity was unbearable. Every nerve in his body was still on fire. Yet he could not move through the entire day. He had to trust Akira.

  CHAPTER 39

  The three apprentices walked along the torch-lit corridors beneath the Twin Cities. The walls were made of rough, porous stone and smelled of damp mold. Gabriel thought Vryce could use some air fresheners and a few maids.

  The torches and stone slab served a purpose. Within these walls, the gargoyles they created blended in, serving as the deadliest last line of defense. Stone creatures made from blooded humans and magic intertwined to make the perfect guardians, even if their creativity was rather limited.

  Deep below the city, in Primus Vryce’s personal sanctum, many magical experiments were conducted. Gabriel understood next to nothing about them. Cael, the druid limping by Gabriel’s side, was down here more frequently as the highest ritual master. Slade preferred combat operations and population control, so he tended to avoid the underground unless he was summoned.

  Each brick of this entire place had more magical wards inside than even the Unification’s headquarters in the Vatican. Every stone in the facade had been dipped in demon blood. Arcane glyphs would serve to ward against demons, angels, and unwanted trespassers.

  He ran his finger along the hilt of his cavalry sabre, reminding himself that the knowledge he had came from the deceased Visago, residing in the blade. Having the magic of ten apprentices was intoxicating, but Gabriel wished he could cut down some of the dignitaries that had been around for a thousand years.

  It was six at night. Gabriel had spent most of the day in bed, planning instead of getting his beauty sleep. Tonight they were to start crossing names off a list.

  The master wanted to see them after his return. Despite the need for the special rock that made up these walls, Gabriel decided that you could still provide camouflage and spice the place up some. He resolved that he would be installing a throw rug, picture, or perhaps even a nice suit of armor and a coat-rack the moment he had free time.

  He paused outside the door to the lab and looked at his two companions. Cael seemed bored, his hair wild and unkempt. Parts of his beard were singed and tangled from his nightly ritual routine. Slade had his hands in his leather jacket and an unlit smoke dangling from his lips. Gabriel wrinkled his nose at the smell of brandy wafting from him.

  “The three of us don’t exactly look like we’re going to be meeting our master,” Gabriel said. He kneeled to tie his shoe.

  “Meh,” was all Cael said as he shrugged. He plucked something from his beard and ate it with a crunch.

  “Last I checked, only the army of vamps had a dress code. Vryce only cares about results. Besides, I don’t see you in robes that look like drapes either.” Slade gestured to Gabriel’s jeans.

  “Robes get in the way actually. I prefer functional clothes.” He reached for the knocker on the door and gave it three raps. “We have a lot to do tonight. Let’s get started.”

  The door opened on its own, scraping the ground with a grating sound. Primus Vryce was inside, shirtless, with tattoos running along his arms and back. Strands of blood-red silk were woven through his fingers as he operated on a translucent green body in the corner of the room.

  A massive eight-foot-tall creature made from solid obsidian stood over him, holding a golden bowl that Vryce would dip the strings into before resuming the stitching of the jade body. In the middle of the room, another being that looked as if it were made of pure shadow lurched and waited with an anticipatory edge, like a father waiting for the birth of his child.

  Also present on a slab on the far side of the room was a monster larger than the lithe jade body that Vryce worked on. Made of a shiny black metal that gleamed in the torchlight, it had spines and spikes protruding from it at odd angles, as if it was meant to inspire terror.

  “You’re late,” Vryce said as he continued his work.

  “Apologies. Dignitaries have been diving nonstop ever since we were placed on reserve energy. Putting the final notes on what they found took time,” Gabriel said. While true, he had also drifted asleep. He elected to leave that part out. “Are you finished with all your bindings?” The door closed behind them as they walked into the room.

  “Apparently, the Unification discovered our true goals and took action without going through Walsh first. We need more time. I’ll finish my bindings later when I’m fully ready.” He finished the last stitch and ripped the thread off, throwing the remains in the golden bowl. The obsidian assistant set about cleaning up the rest of the components.

  “What happened with the Unification? Does it affect our mission tonight?” Gabriel asked.

  “After they got what they needed from Delilah and put us on a clock, they mobilized a strike force from Chicago. Ridari Bollard escaped and allowed a daytime assault on their makeshift base of operations,” Vryce replied.

  “Fancy.” Slade chimed in. “So we won, right? That was easier than I thought.”

  Vryce smiled. “In a manner, yes. I present to you the former officers Winters and Matsen of the Unification. I’m going to call him Onyx.” He gestured over to the shiny black creature. “And she is Jade. Their souls have been bound into these new gargoyles, which will help us. An old pastime of mine, the creation of such things. This is why I say that people are always more useful alive than dead. The rest of the group is currently undergoing the brainwashing required for integration into the army. We will turn our enemy against our enemy.” Vryce bowed slightly with a sense of triumph about him.

  “How do we know these things are loyal?” Gabriel asked.

  “They will obey your commands. My magic binds them, so be careful of the way you phrase your orders. It takes time, perhaps decades, for them to understand intention.”

  “Commands we give them, sir?” Slade asked.

  “With only nights left, expect a full-scale assault. I’m giving each of you one of these gargoyles. I will take Obsidian. He has been with me the longest and was my first creation,” he said. The assistant holding the bowl nodded in acknowledgment.

  With a snap of Vryce’s finger, the form made of shadow slithered into the middle of the room. “Cael, you will take Epsilon. He is a shadow walker and thus suits you best.”

  Cael bowed low, holding his gaze to the floor. “My master, I thank you. I will ensure that your vision, the return of magic and wonder to the world, will be defended.” Cael slammed his cane to the floor and gestured for Epsilon to take his side.

  Vryce poured a swirling green-and-red vial of liquid into each of the two dormant bodies. They seized for a moment before waking, rock and earth given life with human sentience. “Slade, you will take Jade. I’ve given her the ability of speed at the expense of strength, but since you have enough guns, a scout will help,” Vryce said as he lifted his creation’s head up.

  Slade knelt as if he were a knight in front of a king. “Boss, with your gift, I will ensure that your enemies are destroyed. Who wouldn’t want a hot jade statue standing by their side? Roger is going to be jealous.” He smiled and lit his cigarette. A small ring of fire appeared in his hand, and he walked over to Jade and placed it around her finger.

  Vryce continued. “Lastly, Gabriel, you will take Onyx. You still need a shield to guard you. Onyx is the most durable of the set. As the youngest of us, Onyx’s assistance will help you against creatures that have been around for centuries.”

  “I do not approve of the methods you use to bind them. I would rather have somebody who will fight for the cause willingly than a walking risk that might crush my head in,” Gabriel said.

  The room remai
ned silent for a moment as Vryce looked upon his apprentice. Slade and Cael seemed to distance themselves as much as possible without being obvious. A wry grin slowly crept along Vryce’s face, revealing fangs. “Very well. If you must be insolent, order him to stand in a broom closet. Finish the task before dawn if you are so brazen to do it alone.”

  Cael stepped forward, breaking the tension. He placed his cane under Epsilon’s chin. “Follow me.” The shadowy figure moved like a panther behind the druid.

  “Fair enough,” Gabriel said. He snapped his fingers to capture the attention of Onyx. The eyes looked stoic, like they were aware, yet not of who he once was. “Let’s go.” He gestured back to the door. Onyx simply stood there and looked at Gabriel as he walked away.

  “Go where?” A grating, deep voice came out.

  “To kill people. I don’t know. Let’s go,” Gabriel replied.

  “Kill people. Okay.” Onyx crouched and started moving over to Slade, who raised an eyebrow and took steps back.

  “Stop,” Gabriel said. “You are a flaming idiot, aren’t you? Stand behind me and follow me until I point at someone for you to kill. Seven steps behind me. Understand?” He snapped his fingers and rolled his eyes with frustration. This guy is going in a broom closet for sure.

  “Yes.” Onyx followed exactly as he was told, his large frame casting a shadow over Gabriel once he took his position. “I desire free will,” he said. Even Vryce stopped what he was doing and looked back. Obsidian dropped the bowl, dashed over to Onyx, and looked up into his eyes.

  “I want him, Vryce. This one is mine,” Obsidian said.

  “It is rare that they maintain knowledge of their condition.” Vryce pondered, his lips curled in a smile like a fascinated scientist. “Officer Winters must have been the strong, silent type. I will give him to you, Obsidian, after Gabriel is done with him. It will be a good lesson in leadership for Gabriel, a test for Onyx, and a lesson in patience for you.”

  “Let’s go, sweet cakes. Follow me,” Slade said as he tapped Jade’s shoulder. “So, off to the murder fest, are we now? All geared up and ready to end the world?”

  Vryce cleaned off his hands with a rag. “Yes, let’s.” He smiled and admired his handiwork. “There is one more thing. Some of them escaped. One of them has eaten the heart of an arch demon known as Golgoroth. The one with the green-and-black trench coat. He would make a perfect addition to our forces. Bring him in alive. We have Bollard to thank for tipping the tide of war in our favor. I wish for him to see dawn.”

  CHAPTER 40

  Slade, Cael, and Gabriel had just left the sanctum, walking through the geofront back to the elevators. It had been quiet for days since they managed to cleanse the area of both angels and demons that poked their ugly heads through the tear in the Innocence.

  Gabriel pulled out his Book of Expendables, filled with more notes after his terrible negotiations. He wasn’t sure what bothered him more, the fact that Vryce hadn’t spoken of it or the haunting thought that he was really just going to be discarded because of it. He wasn’t going to be caught unprepared this time.

  “The Society of Deus is a vital stronghold we have to protect,” he said to Onyx, looking up and shaking his head at the large creature who couldn’t care less. “Do you follow?” Gabriel said.

  “I am following,” said Onyx as he walked exactly seven steps behind Gabriel.

  Gabriel spun around and held out his hand. “Okay, stop following. Just stand there and listen.”

  “Okay,” Onyx replied.

  Gabriel bent the end of his pen in frustration. “You want free will, and I want someone who knows why they are fighting. So pay attention.”

  “Listen for how long?” Onyx asked.

  Gabriel put his hand on his forehead and let out a deep sigh. Slade leaned on a nearby wall and let out a cackle. Cael only shook his head.

  “Until I am done!” Gabriel said. “Cancer, aging, disease. All of these things can be cured with magic. We don’t want to turn the world back to the dark ages, just bring back the power that humans had when there were fewer of them around.” Gabriel paused as he flipped through his binder to look something up.

  “Are you done?” Onyx asked.

  “What part of listen do you not understand?”

  “I understand listen. I do not know when you will be done.”

  “Were you this annoying in life?”

  “A friend taught me.”

  “I’m going to knock his teeth out. What friend?”

  “I don’t remember.”

  “Fine, I will wave my left hand above my head when I’m done. Don’t speak until then.”

  Gabriel shifted his stance to ensure he had his attention. “Roger assigned me to go through the list of all sixty-three actively diving dignitaries.” Gabriel flipped to his own hand-written section of the binder. “Comparing them to Roger and Delilah’s notes, I’ve narrowed the list down to thirty-four members who will not attend the library opening tonight. We know that they will instead make a dive of their own. Their goal, we assume, are three dive sights that we’ve declared restricted, because each will bring them close to Lazarus. We’ve named them Mather’s Church, Succubus Alley, and the Clinic. We need to kill them before they get to the underworld, where pursuit is impossible.”

  “What about the others?” asked Slade. “Aren’t we getting rid of everybody?”

  “I’m not sure. Roger has something planned for that. He asked me to make enemies of everyone days ago. I’m sure me murdering over half of them will go a long way with that. I don’t know his end game. How much do you two trust him?” Gabriel said.

  “Implicitly,” said Cael. “Social maneuvers are his specialty, and if it wasn’t for your birthright, he would be standing where you are now.”

  “That doesn’t mean it benefits me,” Gabriel said. He raised his left hand above his head and waved.

  “None of this helps,” said Onyx.

  “Quiet, you. Now are you going to do the same and stop these guys from trying to rule the world?”

  “Not by choice. The master commands I follow you.”

  Gabriel turned to Slade and Cael. The six of them stood in a hallway near the bottom of a very long elevator leading into Walsh Tower. “Do yours give you this kind of problem?”

  “You will learn how to command a creation. It’s less verbal than you think,” said Cael. With a flick of his wrist, Epsilon took a knee at his side.

  Gabriel ripped out a sheet of paper and handed it to Onyx. “Our first target is Vertovi. All three of us will be needed there as Vertovi is Alexandria of Ur’s prize helldiver. He’s got his own squad with him, and if Alexandria is lethal, so are they.”

  Gabriel handed envelopes to both Slade and Cael that contained their targets’ known powers and pictures. “The element of surprise will be key,” Gabriel said.

  “Why don’t we just put them all in one room and blow them all up?” Slade asked.

  Cael looked at him and rolled his eyes. “The old way is more fun. Their heads must be ripped off, stakes plunged through their hearts, and they must be buried in coffins of rosewood. Then they must be thrown into a stream of running water until sunrise.”

  Gabriel scoffed. “That’s a bit overkill, don’t you think?”

  “If you are going to do something, do it right,” Cael replied.

  “Faaaair enough.” Gabriel continued, “Let’s make a coffin maker happy right before Christmas. Vertovi and crew will be in St. Paul getting ready in a three-story building across from the church. We’ll ambush them there.”

  “We’ll let you run the show here, Boss. It’s cute watching the low-man plan,” Slade said.

  “Cute,” Onyx added, a slight smirk etched into his stone face.

  CHAPTER 41

  Their destination was nestled between square brick office buildings, built for function. Yet in St. Paul, it was these buildings that looked out of place with the backdrop of the cathedral across a large street. Flame-orange light
s lit up the cathedral from varying heights, while wooden planks for some sort of track were placed on scaffolding that stretched and winded through the streets. The construction for the Crashed Ice Festival had been abandoned due to recent events, and instead of being filled with citizens cheering a sport where Minnesotans fly on illuminated sheets of ice at breakneck speeds, it sat isolated and alone. Joy was just as absent from the air as heat. The smell of ozone had vanished days ago, and now the green aura that surrounded the city was barely visible.

  Zipping up his fleece to protect him from the biting wind, Gabriel wondered if anyone really had a plan about the death of their ritual and an alternative fuel source. They walked through scaffolding up to the freight elevator. His breath steamed in front of his face while he rubbed his hands together. All five of his companions, breathless, just stopped and stared at him.

  “What? It’s cold out?”

  Slade activated the elevator. “You know eating a demon heart makes you undead and a lot more resilient. You’re already banished from the sun anyway, so you might as well.”

  Gabriel pulled out his cavalry sabre and sliced his thumb along the blade, activating its power. The eye of Mammon glimmered with a dying green light that pulsed slowly as the elevator descended. Cael and Slade both readied their wooden staves embossed with glyphs. Slade’s was smaller, the size of a baseball bat, while Cael’s gnarled and twisted staff extended full-length.

  The elevator opened. The three of them looked at each other before Slade broke out laughing. “So much for looking cool before getting on. Remember this pose for when we get off.” They all agreed and boarded the elevator.

  The freight doors lifted up with a rattle on the top level of the empty loft. The floor was filled with planks of wood for the track being constructed outside. The light from the cathedral parapets shone like beacons through the windows, creating oddly long shadows on the floor. Iron lanterns, silver crosses, and other diving equipment lay piled along columns.