by Lynn Landes
Landing in front of the villagers with a smile, he claps his hands together and says in his deep voice “Why so sad? Do you not like my gift? Is it not an honor to be buried like a king?”
Some of the villagers fall to their knees in reverence, mistaking the dark demon in front of them as a messenger from God. Others try to run only to stare in horror at what is surrounding them, Shadow demons with glowing red eyes and rows of shark like teeth. Each one stands eight feet tall; they are hairless with skin the color of liquid silver. Each ape like muscular arm ends with curved talon like nails on its four fingers. They move as if unable to stay still swaying from left to right, like a dog pulling against its leash.
Micah steps forward saying loudly, “YOU are Not Welcome here, demon!” Pointing he says, “Leave us in the name of our fa---“. Raphaim smiles as Micah clutches his throat struggling to breath.
“That’s been tried before.” He reaches out and places his now taloned hand in the center of Micah’s chest and starts to push his claws in. He is interrupted by a screaming from behind him as AnnaLi rushes at him swinging a blazing log she has torn from the fire. She hits one of his massive black wings and sets it on fire, just before Raphaim backhands her. Dropping the wounded medicine man to the ground, he picks AnnaLi up and tosses her toward one of the demons.
“Here, Brothers a toy for you.” Like rabid dogs being tossed a bone, three of the demons attack her. They swing their ape like arms, slicing at her, trying to each get a piece. The village erupts in chaos; people begin running, screaming trying to get away. The sudden activity sets the demons off and they fall to all fours to take up the chase. Laughing Raphaim takes it all in. Stretching his stunning black wings, he gives a shake spreading the fire to his other wing, closing his eyes in orgasmic pleasure. A silent whisper catches his attention and his eyes are drawn to a small figure staring at him.
Elina stands in shock, watching her people die around her. From far away she hears the sounds of her mother’s screams, and she starts to feel a burning inside her. The pressure in her chest grows, with tears streaming down her cheeks her only thought is to save her people and stop the massacre. Walking toward the dark angel she softly says, “I see you, demon.” Instantly he falls to his knees unable to move while silence falls over the village. All the chaos in the village stops; suspended in time. No one moves, no one breathes, the shadow demons are frozen, even the blood and flesh dripping from their teeth pauses.
Only Elina moves, with each step she takes, she glows brighter. Her eyes begin to glow, she spreads out her arms, and bringing them together forms a ball of pure light. The pressure in her chest eases as she pours all her energy and thought into the light. Elina tosses the orb of light high into the sky above the village and it begins to spin. She releases time, and as the village scene unfolds in front of her she sends one more beam towards the ball. Raphaim watches from his knees, unable to believe what he is seeing. As the beam reaches the spinning globe, it shoots rays of light out, piercing the skull of each Shadow Demon, incinerating them.
Raphaim takes to the sky, trying to escape the girl as Elina turns and walks toward him he hears her say in a child’s voice: “I Rebuke you, demon in the name of our Father, GOD!” Screaming as he is covered in white flames he falls to the trees below.
Dropping to her knees Elina surveys the scene around her. To her right Verena holds her father, crying trying to stop the bleeding from his chest. While scattered around her lay the dead and wounded. Elina realizes that the color seems to be fading. She watches as some of the elders rush to her, but she no longer hears them, and she collapses into blessed darkness.
“Elina”, a sharp voice says to her from the dark “Are you Shadow or Light?” Turning her head she searches for the owner of the voice, and once again hears “Are you Shadow or are you Light?!” louder this time.
“Papi?” she calls out. Again the voice asks “Are you Shadow or are you Light?!!” Struggling to move, she realizes she cannot move her arms or legs. “I don’t know,” she says, “I don’t know.”
In the medicine mans hut, Elina wakes up, heart pounding. In another cot in the corner, lays Micah the medicine man, with his daughter Verena sitting by his side.
“Easy now” Daya, one of the elders, says as she helps Elina sit up. “You need to regain your strength, drink this”, and hands Elina a cup of water. “Where’s my Mother?” Elina asks looking around the hut. Her hands begin to shake, and tears start to flow. Verena walks over and sits beside her, holding her hand.
“I’m sorry, your mother died Elina,” Daya’s kind blue eyes show the truth. Elina’s hangs her head as her sobs overcome her. First her father and brother and now her mother; “This can’t be happening!” she says through her tears.
“We do not have much time. I need to go get the other elders. Stay with her Verena,” Daya says rushing out of the hut. Verena sits close and cries with her friend, silent tears. They all had lost loved ones that day. Two of her own brothers died protecting her mother. From across the room Micah struggles to sit up. Rushing to his side, Verena helps him.
“I need to talk to Elina”, he says in a hoarse voice. “We don’t have much time! Help me Rena!” With her arms around his waist, leaning heavily on his daughter he crosses to her side.
Dropping down to his knees in front of Elina he puts his hands on hers and says “Your Papi came to me just before the attack, he instructed me to protect the light?” he tells her.
In a whispered reply, “I didn’t understand; I still don’t. What is happening?”
“No matter what Elina, I want you to remember that what I tell you is for your protection. Do what the elders are telling you, and go to the light. You can’t stay with us, for the sake of the village. This is not over yet, the demon is not finished. He will be back, and destroy us all trying to get to you. I know you are scared and confused but it will be explained to you, when the time is right. I failed you today; I hope one day you can forgive me,” he says lowering his head letting the tears flow, he struggles to stand.
Looking at him Elina’s mind was spinning. “There is nothing to forgive. Where is Hemana? Where is my baby brother?” Micah and Verena’s eyes meet just as Daya returns with three Elders. Looking at Micah’s injuries Daya says “I’m sorry but we need help with the dead. Can you help?” Micah nods saying “Of course”. Verena hugs Elina quickly and follows her father out the door and into the dawning light.
Turning to look at the four elders before her Elina asks “Can someone please tell me, what is going on here? Wisigi started to, before they came for her.”
Daya turns to the elders saying, “I need one of you to go to the river and find the group of warriors there, and bring them back. Also one of you go to the caves and see if the other party is still there. We will need them here soon.”
Watching the two elders leave Daya turns saying “Let’s sit and you tell us exactly what Wisigi told you, and what happened to her.” Sitting on her cot, in a shaking voice she recounts her talk with Wisigi, and tells of the shadow demons that came for her.
Daya and the elder sit in silence as Elina talks. The shock shows on their faces when they hear what Wisigi had to say. Looking at each other they now know what is happening. "She said I am the Keeper of the Light, what does that mean?" Elina asks.
Daya begins, "On the night you were born Wisigi went to the birthing hut to bless the newest member of our village, you. The moment she touched you she received a vision. At the precise moment of your birth the deep in the ceremonial cave the ketuwah lit. It is a light which stands as a symbol of our maker’s protection."
The other elder speaks saying, "legend tells of the vessel of light that will protect our people during the darkest time. We were not positive that you were the keeper until today. It is our failure, we knew you were special because of your abilities, but it was our lack of faith that failed us all."
Placing a hand on his shoulder Daya continues, "Elina, our calling as the chosen peop
le has been to watch and guide, but your abilities are unlike anything we have ever seen. We thought we had more time to complete your training." Daya turns to the other elder as he hands her a rolled up scroll, "You are to take this with you. It is a critical part of our history and it will be safest with you.”
Elina takes the scroll tightly in her hand, looking young and lost. Daya feels guilty for the burden she will carry, but they had all seen what she was capable of. There is no doubt that she is the Keeper. Daya stoops down and looking into Elina’s tear filled eyes she says “Right now you feel scared and lost but I have faith in you! You hold onto the memory of your family and the people who love you and trust in your gifts." Wiping her eyes Elina whispers, "Where am I going?"
"To the guardian of the Ketuwah, you will be safe with him and he will help you find a sister tribe to instruct you," Daya stands. "Wisigi told you to picture the Ketuwah in your mind, but you must also feel it in your heart. Imagine the beauty of the blue light, feel its peaceful illumination. Wipe your mind of all else except the safety of the light."
Outside an inhuman scream echoes through the night. Elina jumps to her feet and they all look around in fear. Elina knows that sound. He will come for her and they will not be safe as long as she is with them. Turning Elina whispers, "I have to go now."
Daya turns to her brother elder and says to him, "Go get Micah and bring her baby brother to her quickly!" Turning to Elina she says, "Okay it's time, I know that this is all happening quickly Elina but you must do as Wisigi said.”
Micah walks in carrying a sleeping Hemana. Elina can't stop her hands from shaking as she reaches for the baby. Holding him gently in her arms she weeps silently as she looks down at his tiny face. She leans down and presses a kiss to his forehead. "Be strong little brother," she whispers. "Who will take care of him now?" She asks looking at the faces of those around her. Micah steps forward saying, "We will raise him Elina; he will be loved and protected." Gently Elina returns her brother to Micah, and turning to Daya states, "I'm ready now." The two elders and Micah form a circle around Elina and clasp hands. "We would like to say a prayer for a safe journey.”
"Father, be Elina's guide and her protector on the journey she is about to take. Watch over Her. Protect her from harm to body and soul.
Father, support her with your grace when she grows weary. Help her be patient in any trouble which may come her way.
Keep her always mindful of your presence and love. Amen.
May God in heaven protect you on the way… and may His angel accompany you."
Silently, Elina closes her eyes and pictures a blue flame. She fills her mind with the peace and serenity of the blue light. Opening her eyes she no longer sees the village or people around her.
Three
Falling to the earth, covered in Holy flames Rephaim’s screams can be heard for miles. Exploding through the dense trees, the weight of his body hitting the ground scorches a steaming groove deep into the dirt. Disoriented and in searing pain, he looks at the still smoldering spots on his body. Listening he hears the sound of a river nearby, stumbling to his feet he runs toward it and falls forward into it. The rush of the cool water momentarily soothes his pain. Rising up out of the water he tries to extend his wings.
Stretching out his wings he screams in agony. They are burned beyond recognition. His formerly lush ebony wings are hideously scarred reminders of what they once were. Now they are only leathery bones with tattered, charred skin remains. Standing waist deep in the slow moving river Raphaim looks at his reflection. The hideous beast mirrored in the rippling water roars in rage. Gone is the porcelain skin and ageless beauty. His melted face looks aged; the holes that held his beautiful eyes are lidless and full of horror. The skin on his body has hardened to a deep red. Cracked and covered in blisters, his angelic face is hairless, and disfigured. Beating at the water with his burnt fists he struggles to calm himself.
As an immortal, he heals but this was no normal fire. Holy Fire is pure fire. The burning in his skin is nothing compared to the burning thirst for revenge. Who is the girl? How does she have that kind of power? Slowly turning toward the shore, he steps out of the water and falls to his knees weak and exhausted. Stepping into the clearing a group of eight warriors fan out in front of him, weapons drawn.
Sighing heavily Raphaim looks up at them and lifting his hands up as if in surrender, he is not surprised when two of the warriors move closer. The eldest of the group speaks first.
"Stand Demon, you must pay for your crimes against our people!" Surveying the clearing Raphaim notes that three of the group hold torches and swords, while two further back have crossbows trained on him. With a burst of unholy speed he snaps his wings open and lunges forward, ripping the heads from the two warrior’s bodies. Twisting around he launches himself toward the warrior holding a crossbow he tears out his throat with a clawed hand. The man with the torch moves to attack him from the left. Now dripping with blood, Raphaim turns as the sword glances off his wing and kicks the soldier into the elder. As they fall to the ground, another warrior launches an arrow at the demon, sinking deep into his shoulder.
Shaking with rage, Raphaim is distracted by a sweet smell of the blood surrounding him. Raising a bloody hand, he stares at it and is surprised by his desire to taste it. Two more warriors holding torches attack with sword and flame. Laughing now, Raphaim turns his evil gaze on the soldiers and watches as they explode in flames screaming.
Attacking from behind with a growl, a warrior flings his tomahawk toward Raphaim’s face. Fear fills the warrior’s eyes as the demon catches it with a clawed hand. His fear quickly turns to horror as the weapon is engulfed in flames turning to black ash, sifting through his demonic fingers.
“No more time to play, I’m afraid,” he says leaping forward wrapping the man in his demonic embrace. The temptation is too much for him and he sinks his teeth deep into the man’s throat. He groans in ecstasy as his mouth fills with the sweet metallic taste of the others life force. With every swallow, he feels his strength returning, and he is shocked to find the man’s memories filling his mind. Amazed he drinks the man dry, and watches as his wings begin to fill out again. His beautiful ebony feathers are returning, the burns begin to fade and his mind is clear. Tossing the body down, he looks for more.
With a quick turn Raphaim stalks the two remaining men. The elder is being helped up by one lone warrior and he hears him tell the man to run. Placing his body between the old man and demon he reaches behind him and pulls two smaller daggers readying for a fight. Running as fast as he can, the elder has reached the trees. Raphaim rips the lodged arrow from his shoulder and launches it toward him, striking him through his calf. Pleased he watches as the old man falls to the ground.
Running toward the other man, Raphaim shifts into wolf form hitting him full force. He wraps his jaws around the man’s head savoring the pop as his canines sink deep, crushing his prey. Shaking and growling he tosses the dead man to the ground, advancing on the elder he shifts back to his demon form.
Crouching down in front of the trembling elder, Raphaim reaches out and grasps the arrow lodged in his lower leg. "I have questions for you old man; tell me who the girl is!"
"You will get nothing from me!" he says swinging a rock towards his enemies skull, only to have his arm stopped mid way by a clawed hand. With a quick twist Raphaim snaps his arm. Ripping the arrow out of the man’s leg he stabs it through his other arm, and waits for the screaming to subside. "I can do this all night, my friend. Just answer my question and tell me who she is.” Weeping and broken the man looks into the eyes of death and says, "I will never help you demon."
"So be it" Raphaim replies and shoves a clawed hand straight into his chest grasping his still beating heart. With a slow twist he leans close and whispers "I will get my answers another way." Gently pulling out his prize, he is rewarded as the screaming stops suddenly. Rising from the ground he steps away from the twitching man and lifts the heart to his mouth. Ta
king a bite his mind is filled instantly with images.
His eyes glass over and the blood runs unchecked down his face. It is difficult to separate the instant ecstasy of the blood feeding his damaged body; from the information he is being fed. He sees flashes of a girl child being born, a blue flame flaring bright over a stone, the girl practicing with the elders. Other images of her growing and being taught the history of her people. A scroll being unrolled before a young girl and to be taught from it. It is written in ancient language. The images begin to move faster filling his mind, and he drops to his knees. Throwing back his head he stares unbelieving at the night sky.
The scroll can only be the Book of Watchers! Jumping to his feet, he stretches his wings and is thrilled to see them fully feathered again. Sucking the heart dry, he drops the dried up shell to the ground and walks to the river to wash the blood from his body and wings.
Thinking fast he realizes the importance of what he has found. The book holds the name of the fallen watchers, some call them angels. With the true names of the fallen he would control an army strong enough to make all who hear his name quake with fear. Not only does it hold the names but it also tells the location of where their maker entombed them on earth.
Rising from the river at full strength once more, he launches into the air toward the village. The girl is the key; she is the Keeper of the Light!
Four
Icy cold tendrils snake around her bare ankles, wrapping her in its chilly embrace. She does not notice, for her mind is focused on the ethereal beauty of the blue flame. She wonders as it flickers, if she reached out could she touch it? Would it burn hot, or freeze her?
"Ketuwah" she sighs as she reaches for it. Startled Elina watches as the flame leans toward her hand as if attracted to her. Drawing her hand away, the flame snaps back. Staring into the beauty of the blue flame she longs for peace. Sorrow cloaks her soul, and she begins to weep. Will she ever feel safe again? With every misty breath she takes the flame glows brighter, stronger. Dropping to the chilly floor she lifts her tear stained face and watches as it moves toward her. Shivering from the glacial cold, the warmth emanating from the flame beckons to her. Rising to her feet, Elina hears a voice calling to her from inside the brilliant flame. Shaking she takes a frosty breath and steps toward it. Surging toward her the comforting flame enfolds her and the warmth seeps in.