“Been to see Matthew?’ Roy asked, falling in beside him.
“I wasn’t permitted to see him,” Nathan said angrily. “I could hear him hollering beyond the closed doors.”
Roy shook his head and said, “Quabin still has too much influence over him. He won’t be reasonable for a while.” Nathan had to agree, remembering how many of the Host it had taken to apprehend Matthew after Julia had wounded him. Even then, he had put up a considerable fight as he was transported to the Prison Hall. It would take some time for Quabin's influence to wear off before the Purifiers would be able to get close enough to Matthew to cleanse him of the False god’s taint. That is, if Matthew had regained enough of his own senses to even allow their help.
Nathan hoped that somewhere beneath the hulking demon-skin encasement, the real Matthew he knew and loved was inside fighting to come out. If only he could get in to see Matthew so he could talk his brother out. If he failed, then the Purifier’s would have no choice but to turn him over to the Warden and be locked away till Judgment Day. If that happened then Matthew would probably have no chance at all to redeem himself. Ever.
Nathan quickened his pace. “I’m not going to give up on him.”
“Wouldn’t expect you too,” Roy answered. “But maybe you’d be more help to him by capturing Quabin first.”
“Like finding a needle in a haystack,” Nathan retorted.
“She’s been spotted just outside of Torrey near Pectol’s Pyramid.” Roy stated, and took Nathan’s arm, pulling him to a stop. “We can strike now before she grows any stronger.”
Nathan considered only a moment. “No.” he said quickly. “I have to help Matthew first.” He turned to leave, but Roy held on tight, “Matt can wait. Quabin is growing stronger by the day. Torrey and all the surrounding areas are in danger. Quabin is pulling in demons and their ilk from as far away as California!”
Nathan jerked his arm out of Roy’s grasp. “She’s not going anywhere and her brood of weaklings is nothing that we can’t handle. We practically decimated most of her force just yesterday. It can wait a few more days until I get my brother back from her evil. Matthew needs my help now. I won’t abandon him. You don’t abandon your brother,” Nathan said with enough emotion, that he could feel tears threaten to close off his throat. He turned and without waiting for Roy’s response, strode down the hallway more determined than ever to get his brother out of incarceration.
“What about Julia?” Roy called after him.
The mention of her name stopped Nathan. Why would Roy question him about Julia? She was safe for now, especially now that she was living in the Bed and Breakfast as its new manager. A place that Nathan himself had dedicated as a place of sanctuary, like the Parker Ranch was. Even though Nephilims were not granted Guardian Angels, Julia had one in her Grandfather, although it wasn’t clear for how long he would be able to stay with her. But perhaps Roy knew something that he didn’t. “What about Julia?’ Nathan turned sideways to look at Roy.
“Do you seriously believe she is safe in Torrey? With Quabin’s mark on her? You were supposed to encourage her to return to Los Angeles where she’d be safer.” Roy said. Nathan reflected on Roy’s words. Los Angeles was Drogo’s territory and he was fiercely protective of it. No Fallen in his or her right mind would invade another’s territory to prey on the mortals there. Quabin wouldn’t be able to get within a hundred miles of Los Angeles without bringing down Drogo’s considerable force upon her head.
Nathan rubbed the back of his neck. Roy was right. But he just couldn’t bear to let her go, let her return to California where he might never see her again. It wasn’t his territory either and he wasn’t allowed to leave the county.
“Don’t let your feelings for her cloud your judgment, man.” Roy offered softly as he strode forward and gripped Nathan’s shoulder. Nathan shook his head and lifted his eyes to stare intently into Roy’s.
“I’m not. I think Julia should stay in Torrey. She’s the one we’ve been waiting for and the one who can deal with Quabin,” Nathan replied.
“We don’t know for sure she is Quariel,” Roy reminded him. “For all we know, she is an imposter.”
Nathan shook his head, “She is Quariel. I feel it. Quabin wouldn’t have marked her if she wasn’t.”
“Quabin could have marked her and is using her as an imposter to get what she wants in order to pursue her agenda, Nathan,” Roy said with heat. “Until Julia shows up with that missing broken sword, I wouldn’t trust her.”
Nathan swallowed and then fixed Roy with a firm look, “Julia is Quariel. I’d lay my life on it. Quabin wants her, true. Wants her badly enough to mark her. I think that is worth finding out why and if Julia goes back to L.A. we could lose that opportunity and Julia won’t have a chance to use the key to stop Quabin. She needs to stay here.”
Roy frowned. “Those demon marks don’t stick if the wearer isn’t already bearing a hidden mark to bind the Fallen’s claim on her. Julia’s hiding something, and she’ll become just as much as a magnet for demons as Quabin is. Our territory is going to be overrun soon with shadow people. Yehala knows this, and he’ll order you to make Julia go back to LA and bring Quabin in with or without the broken sword.”
“Let me talk to Yehala first. Go see to your family’s safety. I’ll meet you at the ranch soon.” Nathan walked away. He heard Roy grumble, but didn’t turn back to discover what his friend had said.
Chapter 4
Heavy, wet, dirty snow still lingered in the shadows and crevasses in the box canyon Quabin had claimed. Winter was reluctant to release its claim in the heart of the desert highland as the western sun slid beyond the horizon like a ball of fire and anger, setting alight the passing clouds that were ripped in tatter’s across against its flaming decent.
Hooded and cloaked against the fading light, Quabin turned her back on the dying day as she stood on the precipice of a cliff overlooking the hordes of the shadow people gathered below, mingling amongst themselves, unaware of her presence above. Though her numbers had been decimated a few nights earlier, it was worth the loss for what she was able to gain – a connection to the young woman called Julia
A biting cold wind whipped through the canyon flaring her cloak open like gigantic wings, revealing a slender woman who appeared to be in her early thirties. Long waves of thick black hair fell over her bare shoulders and to her waist. A tight sheath of dark red material wrapped her body from under her long thin white arms, to just above her ankles. Her feet were bare and her ankles clamped by wide ornate gold bands. Matching bands were at her wrist and around her throat.
The cold did not reach her; it could not make her feel any colder than she already was. No blood coursed through her veins, for her heart no longer kept the rhythm of life. She had forsaken mortality long ago for the promise of the One who ruled these desert wastelands before her. Quabin lifted her eyes, skyward, watching the darkness rush in from the east, unfolding a blanket of stars above her as her fathomless black eyes absorbed the energies of vast darkness.
“Where are you?” Quabin whispered to the winds, wishing in vain that they could carry her words to the cosmos. “I’m waiting.” These were the very words her mother had spoken to the skies hundreds of years before – cradling her as a young child in arms wasted thin from starvation. In her mind’s eye, Quabin could see her mother, kneeling on the edge of a cliff, neck craned to peer up at the expanse of the cosmos, yearning in vain for help. When no answer was forthcoming, mother would turn her head towards the child in her arms and whisper to Quabin, “We will find a home with the Star People when they return, little one.”
Quabin buried her mother on the cliff under a pile of stones during her twelfth winter. As a child of an outcast, she traveled the wastelands and learned the lay of the land, every hiding place, every cave, every home of every creature, and every waterway her mother’s people travelled along.
One day, the Star People did return, riding on the heels of an army of her people’s
enemies, bringing destruction and death to her mother’s people. Quabin watched from a hilltop and listened to the death cries of the battle below. When the destruction was complete, Quabin walked calmly into the midst of the darkly shrouded beings and claimed her place amongst them. She absorbed their energy and made it her own. The Star People’s chief took her as consort, but because she was mortal, he battled the Angel of Death to keep her with him always. They had a son and when that child was still a babe in arms, a white man came and defeated the chief of the Star People. Quabin, fearing for her life, she fled with her son and hid in a cave. No one ever saw her again.
***
“And that is the legend of the Star Woman and her people,” Mrs. Blackwell finished as she set a carved black stone figure of a tall thin woman holding a baby in her arms back on the display shelf at the top of the third floor stairs.
“Wow!” Missy exclaimed. “That’s kind of freaky.” She looked over at Julia who shook herself from the near trance she was in as she listened to the older woman’s tale. Astounded that Quabin was an actual legend in these parts was a surprise to Julia, but that Mrs. Blackwell knew of the story and had no idea that the very False god she spoke of, had been hidden in her own Bed and Breakfast, was almost funny. Almost.
“Yes,” Mrs. Blackwell nodded. She smoothed back her short grey hair, looking at the figurine lovingly. “I just love anything to do with the Native American Folklore in this area. So mysterious and beautiful.”
“What happened to her, the Star woman?” Missy asked, unable to take her eyes off the figurine.
Mrs. Blackwell shrugged, “I don’t really know. Some of the locals here say she was captured by the legendary Butch Cassidy himself,” she said, then laughed. “But, there’s no proof of any of that. All that is known, is she disappeared. Maybe found a ride back to the Stars where she came from.” Mrs. Blackwell sighed as she cast a glance at the figurine. “Help yourselves to the food, we’ve got plenty. I’m going to go chat with the rest of our guests,” she said and walked away, waving down the mayor of Torrey.
Missy glanced at Julia when Mrs. Blackwell was out of range. “This place is cool. I wish we could hang out here longer. If Drogo didn’t have a gig in Vegas…” They strolled back to the main great room where the food and drinks were. Missy reached for a cheese topped cracker and gave Julia a quizzical look. “You really going to stay here and manage this place?” Missy asked around her mouthful.
Julia nodded. “This place has kind of grown on me.”
“You’re nuts,” Missy said as she shook her head. “I’d go crazy in a small town like this.” Then turning her head and glancing slyly at Julia. “But I have a feeling it’s more than just the small town atmosphere that’s got you hooked.” She gave Julia a soft punch in the arm.
“I’ve no idea what you’re talking about,” Julia said, feigning innocence. She walked away towards the front doors to avoid the topic of conversation Missy was threatening to broach. She was keeping Nathan a secret. How could she explain his role in her life for the past year? She didn’t even know when she was going to see him again.
“Whatever,” Missy exclaimed rather loudly. Then clapped a hand over her mouth and giggled as other guests glanced her way.
Missy hurried over to where Julia stood waiting at the doors. Missy leaned forward and in a loud whisper stated, “Your face is red, girl. The real reason you’re hanging around here wears tight jeans and a cowboy hat!” When she saw Julia’s cheeks redden further, Missy squealed. “You’re back with Matthew!”
At the mere mention of his name, Julia grew cold and her throat tightened. She stepped outside to get a fresh breath of air and looked up to check her tears, hoping they wouldn’t spill over onto her cheeks. Missy followed, alarmed. “Wait, I’m sorry! Did I say something bad? What’s wrong?” She wrapped her arms around Julia.
Julia shook her head, surprised, and confused at her reaction to Missy’s playful accusation. She was pretty sure she had purged herself of any feelings for Matthew since she had discovered what he was really after. But then, a small part of her knew that his actions had been heavily influenced by his allegiance to Quabin who had so much control over him that it literally changed his physical appearance.
“Nothing,” Julia said softly and smiled, hugging her friend back. “Just a little sensitive about that is all.” She was quiet for a few moments until she felt like she could continue without emotion affecting her voice. “I’m not here because of a guy,” she said, even though it was only a partial truth. “I just really want a break from construction is all. I want to try something else for a while.” Julia disengaged herself. Missy looked at her closely as if searching her friend for the rest of the truth that she knew was hidden. But, thankfully, Missy let it go with a shrug.
“Yeah, it’ll be good for you.” Missy nodded. They hugged again, before Missy withdrew and looked about.
“Where is Drogo? I swear, I have to put him on a leash or something. He’s always disappearing on me.” Missy skipped down the steps to the parking lot, walking on tip toe trying to see where he might have gone. Julia followed, not relishing a reencounter with the Fallen one again.
“Hey, is there any place around here to eat?” Missy called as she turned to face Julia walking backwards towards the parking lot. “I’m starving and I want real food!”
“You like rattlesnake?” Julia asked, a slow grin coming to her mouth as Missy’s eyes grew round with interest.
Chapter 5
“Come in,” came a clear masculine voice from the other side of the ornately carved wooden door when Nathan tapped his knuckles on. The carvings depicted a large Tree of Life with flora and fauna intricately carved around it in poises of grace and beauty, but Nathan barely registered anything around him. His thoughts were heavy and turned inward. Nathan drew in a deep settling breath, before he put his hand to the brass knob and entered Yehala’s office.
Nathan had been to see the Principality only a few times previous, but always felt a sense of unease when he entered Yehala’s spacious office. Yehala rose from his wide long wooden desk, polished to a rich amber color. Yehala, a very tall broad shouldered man with dark skin and long shoulder length black hair smiled broadly at Nathan as he reached across the table to shake his hand.
“Welcome back, Nathan,” Yehala’s voice boomed.
“Thank you, sir,” Nathan said. His own voice sounded weak in comparison.
“Please sit,” Yehala motioned to the comfortable white fabric chair next to Nathan as he sat back down.
Nathan grabbed the arm of the chair and pulled it away from the desk and sat. He noticed a golden tablet the size of a sheet of paper lay on the desk between them. A beautiful Jasmine plant in a large golden container sat on the far corner of the desk, basking in a swath of light from the high arched windows. The Jasmine’s blooms were larger than what could be found on earth and its fragrance sweetly filled the room.
Before Nathan had a chance to say anything, the door to the office opened. A slender woman entered the room gracefully, carrying a golden tablet. She was tall and had long brown hair and dark skin as well. Nathan and Yehala rose again and Nathan bowed his head towards the woman.
“Greetings, Lady Nibilis,” Nathan said respectfully to Yehala’s consort. She smiled radiantly at him, “Greetings, Brother Nathan. It’s so nice to see you again. Your assignment in Torrey is complete?” Nathan hesitated to answer, glancing at Yehala. With the latest developments, Nathan was pretty sure Yehala would remove him from the assignment, and he’d lose his chance to redeem himself.
“That’s still to be determined, I think.” Nathan offered.
Nibilis glanced at Yehala as he nodded in agreement to Nathan’s statement. Nibillis tilted her head to the side, “I’ve been preoccupied with other matters,” she said apologetically, “but I’ve heard a little of the troubles in Torrey. I’m so sorry.” She gave Nathan a sympathetic look. He wondered how much she did know. His eyes flicked to her tablet, a
device that every leader in the Host carried. With a flick of her hand, the device rapidly shrunk and wrapped itself around her wrist like a narrow golden bracelet. He wasn’t of high enough rank to be issued such a divine instrument.
Nibilis came around the table and took her place next to Yehala. As soon as she sat down, the other two men followed suit.
“I’m glad you came to see us,” Yehala began. “It is good to see you. How are you?” He fixed Nathan with a searching look. Nibilis looked at her companion for a moment, until Nathan spoke, then she focused her attention on him.
“My heart is troubled for my brother,” Nathan said unnecessarily.
“As I would be,” Yehala agreed. Nibilis nodded. Nothing escaped the notice of the Principality Consort.
“I’ve come to request a visit with him. I think I can...help him see the error of his way,” Nathan said slowly.
“You care very deeply for your brother,” Nibilis said softly. Yehala nodded, pity gracing his features, and matching his companions. Nathan felt warmth settle around him like a light blanket of air and understood that it was a gift of peace and comfort Yehala and Nibilis offered him. He let it settle around him thankfully and it brought a measure of peace to his heart.
“You have done much for him, Nathan,” Yehala added. Nibilis cast a glance at her companion, then with a flick of her wrist the tablet appeared before her. She glanced down at her golden tablet. Yehala looked towards her, waiting.
“If only you could reach him, Nathan, but we feel he is too far gone to the darkness to be able to return to us. It will be up to the Purifiers to work with him and if they can’t reach him, we have no choice but to keep him confined until Judgement Day,” Nibilis said, raising her luminous brown eyes, glistening with the tears that Nathan felt himself.
If I Fall..._Will You Remember Me? Page 2