Siobhan was still groggy and did not move. She simply sat there staring at the floor ignoring him.
Bones creaked as the man crouched in front of the diminutive female. Placing a wrinkled index finger under her chin he lifted her head up.
“How could something this cute and delicate be guilty of such heinous crimes?” There was something creepy about how he stared at her face, how he spoke to her.
In her mind Siobhan acted quickly, much like she did with Shaun. Lunging forward she bit down hard on the finger that propped up her chin. Slicing her teeth down hard she locked her jaw on the digit, the crunch of bone telling her she had severed the finger clean off. Blood spurted into her mouth gushing everywhere.
“Desertion, now that’s a bad one isn’t it. Hmmmm....” Dug his fingernail into her skin. “How about murder, that’s pretty bad too don’t you think?”
Too weak to act on her impulse Siobhan replied with a scowl. Twitched her head slightly and snapped her teeth together in the direction of his finger. Her tormentor immediately stumbled backwards in fright and thrust his hand in front of his eyes examining it for bite marks. His face turned as white as a ghost.
Siobhan smiled. It hurt, but it was worth the pain.
Humiliated and embarrassed he brushed off the two burly men came to his aid acting as if nothing had happened. Incensed he stormed back to his desk where he stood by his chair. Took one more look at his hand before turning back to the prisoners, singling Siobhan out with his intense glare. Slowly, with controlled aggression he made a fist in anger.
Staring straight back at him Siobhan’s memory came flooding back, recognizing him as the man responsible for the creation of the 4Horsemen clan. This withered old man had coaxed Martin and Holly into believing that the Apocalypse was at their doorstep and that they had to act. His name was Lucas, the one who adopted the religious beliefs which the 4Horsemen now believed so fanatically in. He was also the one who oversaw the administering of punishments to non-believers. Siobhan was convinced that he was the epitome of evil; despite his faith he was manipulative and cruel. Lucas’ name appeared near the top of her revenge list.
“I have seen enough!” croaked Lucas. “Siobhan, you and your friends here will face trial for your crimes and will be punished with the full force of the law.” His tone had changed markedly.
Colin raised his head. “Whose law?” he asked, angry and confused.
“Our law!” came the stern reply. “God’s law!”
“Who fucking died and made you Sheriff you creep!”
“Oh, haven’t you heard?” Lucas’ sarcasm quickly turned serious. “The end of the world is coming. The purge has begun and we are merely God’s servants, here to do his bidding. We are God’s Sheriff’s, as you so nicely put it.”
Rolling his eyes Colin scoffed.
“Take them out of my sight!” demanded Lucas, waving his hand to two of his henchmen. “Lock them in the pound, separate cages.”
As the prisoners were manhandled and taken away Lucas took his seat. He stared down at his hand once again thankful that his finger was still intact.
Raj pushed his head back on the headrest adjusted his buttocks on the seat and placed his hands on the steering wheel. Sighed. “It is getting dark Mr. Tyler,” he said, dejectedly. “I think we should start thinking about heading home. We can come back out at first light tomorrow.”
Reluctantly Tyler agreed. “As much as I want to keep looking, we could end up getting lost or in a whole world of shit if we kept driving around all night.”
“Or dead,” Stuart added.
They all sat in silence for a brief moment, thinking. The SUV was parked in the middle of a large, open intersection, idling quietly with a gently hum. For the past few hours they had been meandering through the streets and laneways surrounding the bank in search of the others. Despite their determined efforts they had come up empty-handed, in this wasteland of a city they were something of a needle in a haystack. Their only clue had been the blood at the rear of the bank, but that was not enough to go on and they were all starting to become quite frustrated not knowing where to look.
“I was thinking,” said Tyler, “rather than go straight home why don’t we head to the 4Horsemen Bar & Grill and crash there.”
Raj and Stuart just stared at him. They had been expecting him to put up an argument to stay out for the night to look for his brother and it had come as a surprise that he had agreed to suspend the search. They were also gob-smacked that he actually came up with a feasible alternative as well.
“I mean it seems crazy to go all the way home tonight given that we are out here already. The bar is secure and there is food and drink there,” Tyler smiled, “plus beer. Man I really need a drink after today. So, what do you guys think?”
After a brief discussion they all agreed. Tyler called it in on the walkie, got the ok from Jon before informing the second group to follow. Raj clicked the SUV into drive and headed for the bar.
Days end found the prisoners crammed inside a dank enclosure. Cages that were not intended or designed for humans had proved to be ideal prison cells, they were cramped, secure and foreboding. Each contained a makeshift bed of rolled up blankets, a toilet bucket and bowl of water which provided a crude semblance of humanity. It was obvious that these were holding cells and prisoners held here were not incarcerated for long periods of time.
Josh sat uncomfortably on his blanket, thankful that his hands had been untied. Rubbed the rope burns on his wrists which ached from being bound so tightly. Glancing around he took note of his surroundings, dirt floor, wire netting walls, padlocked steel door, low ceiling. He knew where he was, what he wasn’t quite sure of was which enclosure he was in.
“Josh,” came a voice from the cage to his left. “Are you ok?”
“Yeah mate,” he said, turning to face Colin. “All good. You?”
“Same.”
Movement in the third cell.
“I’m fine too,” mumbled Siobhan, “thanks for asking.” Sarcasm.
“You are one tough cookie,” complimented Colin, shaking his head slowly. “You took one hell of a beating back there.”
“Meh,” said the Irish girl, “I’ve had worse.” She was lying.
“You must have really pissed this group off to cop a hiding like that.”
Licked her swollen lip. “Killing someone will do that.” Siobhan reflected once again on the kick that she delivered to take Shaun’s life before her thoughts turned to Lisette. Emotion took her, but she refused to show it.
“So, what now?” Colin threw his hands in the air, inviting inspiration.
Josh took a moment, he had been pondering that very point since they had been thrown into the cells. “Well, let’s start with the obvious. As silly as it must seem we are locked up at the zoo. I’m not sure which enclosure we are in, but...”
“Lions,” interrupted Colin.
“What?”
“Lions,” Colin repeated. “We’re in the lion enclosure. I know because I used to bring my son here when he was little and I remember this place, vaguely though.” Memories came rushing back and he fought hard to hold back the flood of emotion. “Lions were Robert’s favorite animal and we spent a lot of time in here. He was even allowed to help mucking out the cages a few times.” The burly butcher sighed heavily, missing his son.
“Righto then, lions it is. As for why we are here, I think we can put two and two together to answer that can’t we.”
Siobhan coughed. Spat blood.
Josh gave her a wry smile as she took a long drink of water from her bowl. “After what you did back at the bank, isn’t it ironic that we’re here now about to be thrown to the lions. Funny as if you as me.”
“Listen,” she said, unflustered by Josh’s comments. “We would still be here in this predicament no matter what I did back there.” Her voice slowed. “I’m glad I did what I did, that bastard deserved what he got. One day, you might get to feel what retribution and absolute re
venge is like, especially when it is for someone you truly loved.”
“I don’t disagree with you in the slightest.”
“Don’t, or are you too scared to?” asked Colin cheekily.
Josh daren’t answer.
Siobhan ignored Colin’s comment. “Remember when I was telling you about this group and how their leader, Martin led them away to grow an army of followers?”
Both men nodded.
“Well, he was looking for somewhere to do...,” she accentuated the next two words with air parenthesis, “God’s work.”
Colin sniggered.
“Well, this looks like where he set up camp and it’s kinda got that Christian to the lions feel about it don’t you think, now that we’re all here at the zoo.” It still hurt, but she managed a giggle, before coughing up blood again.
“I’m glad you can see the funny side,” Josh said. “We are miles away from home on the other side of the city. There is no way for the others to know where we are and there is no chance of a rescue party. We are on our own here.”
“Fuck!” Colin stretched out his legs in front of him. “What now then?”
“What now?” came a voice from outside their cages. Lucas, the wrinkled old man who greeted them when they arrived stepped through the darkness and appeared at the door. Two oafs flanked him as he approached. “What now, is that the three of you will face trial tomorrow night.” Glanced down at his finger then lifted his head once again sporting an evil grin. “Once you are found guilty you will fight for your lives in the arena.”
Josh stood in protest, hitting his head on the low ceiling causing him to fall back down to a sitting position. Rubbing his head he questioned Lucas, “And if we are found not guilty?”
“Like I said, tomorrow night you will meet your fate. God will decide.” Maintaining his evil glare, he turned to Siobhan. “Now, his eminence has requested your presence, you are coming with us missy.”
Siobhan stumbled behind her captors struggling to keep up as she was hurriedly escorted her to a building at the center of the zoo. Stepping inside she could not believe her eyes. The interior was extravagant and ostentatious, arrogantly so with huge, once expensive painting adorning the walls, ornate statues and ornaments filling every space on the floor. Gold glittered everywhere. It looked giving it the feel of storybook treasure cave.
Large strong hands released her and she fell in a crumpled heap to the floor. Hands clapped together at the back of the room. A woman’s voice shrilled.
“Get her off my carpet!”
A boot collected Siobhan flush on the shoulder sending her reeling across the floor off the rug.
Holly emerged dressed in a long flowing white gown. Her brown hair was pulled back in a long braid behind her head, which narrowed her already slender face. She wore excessive makeup in an attempt to make herself appear younger. It was obvious that even in this setting amidst the end of the world she still found the time to for pomp and pretense.
Martin appeared next to his wife wearing a full-length black robe that covered him from head to toe, his silver silk slippers scuffed the floor as he walked. He was early fifties, average height and normal looking, there was nothing special about him that would make him stand out in a crowd, aside from his status.
Gritting her teeth Siobhan stared at the man she despised more than anything in the world. He occupied top billing on her hit-list of those who needed to pay in order for her to fully avenge Lisette. There were none on the list she wanted more to cross off than this prick, Martin Webber.
Siobhan watched as the couple made their way towards two large chairs that were positioned next to each other atop a large square plinth covered in colorful expensive rugs. Emblazoned across the heart of each robe was the unmistakable logo of the 4Horsemen. Siobhan recognized it as the bar she once served drinks at, Martin and his followers clearly saw it as something completely different.
“Well,” Martin said, “nice of you to join us. We have missed you.”
Snarl.
“Not really,” he said with bitter sarcasm, “but I am very glad you are here now. To say that you have caused us much angst, is a huge understatement. As you can see... a lot has changed since you left.” Martin leaned back on his throne, palms up in an expansive gesture. “We’ve grown, become wiser, stronger, more focused and dedicated. There is so much belief amongst the flock now.”
“Flock?” Siobhan blurted out, hurled herself to her feet. “Tell me you sick fuck, just how does a lion shepherd lambs?”
Martin smiled, chuckled loudly. It was deep, full of bass. “That was actually quite funny. However, I prefer you on your knees before me, before God.” Arrogantly he waved a hand to one of his henchmen.
The boot hit hard again taking her legs out from under her.
“Now!” Martin got down to business, “we are both weary and certainly tired of you so you will not occupy any more of our time than is necessary. You know why you are here, you know what you have done and know that you must pay.”
Siobhan lay on the floor staring, waiting.
“An eye for an eye young lady, an eye for an eye. For taking a life, a special life, one of the flock you now owe your own life to God almighty. I just wanted to tell you in person that tomorrow night you will indeed be giving your life to him.” He stood, Holly joined him. “That is all. Take her out of my sight,” he said in disgust.
Twenty-four long tedious hours passed.
Burning torches flickered brightly, sending glowing embers dancing high into the night sky. The sun had long since set and there was a slight chill in the early evening air. Illuminated faces warmed by the flames waited expectantly for the events to unfold. This however, was not the first time those who gathered at the arena had attended a spectacle such as this.
Once upon a time hundreds of spectators visited here every day to catch a glimpse of caged wild animals. Whilst the beasts had long since disappeared the excitement had been reborn with a new attraction which was very well received by survivors at the zoo. Every vantage point and viewing platform was now filled with onlookers lining the perimeter.
In the middle of the arena in full view of the burgeoning crowd seven large poles stood tall, like totems. They were all of approximately the same height and had been spaced out evenly in a straight line. Rusted heavy chains were affixed to rings at the base of each pole.
Seven individuals stood alone in the arena, nervously facing the crowd. Siobhan had been tied securely to the center pylon, chained to a metal ankle bracelet. Josh was to her left, Colin to her right and each of them were wearing similar shackles. Four others, three men and a woman were also bound to poles, they were wearing distinct looks of despair on their faces.
Everywhere she looked Siobhan found herself staring at people. All around, they stared back at her, yelling and chanting. She had not seen this big a crowd for what seemed like an eternity, not survivors anyway. She had been drunk at a concert the last time, crammed in tight in the mosh pit raging hard all night amongst hundreds of others. Since then she had seen many large herds of the undead and contrastingly only handfuls of survivors and she was somewhat shocked by the numbers that had turned out this evening.
Suddenly a large gong resonated loudly. All eyes immediately turned to the large viewing platform that jutted out over the arena. Murmur and chatter subsided as a hush settled over the congregation.
From the shadows Martin emerged striding forward arrogantly with his hands clasped together in front of him. He was wearing a long white robe with a large hood that was pulled back. Holly walked beside him wearing an identical robe, the 4Horsemen logo emblazoned clearly over their hearts.
Siobhan snarled. She had recovered somewhat from her beating, resting for the most part of the day in her cell. Blackish bruises covered her body, lips were swollen and sore and she ached all over. She was not too sore to hate him with every ounce of her being though and she willed the caged fury trapped inside her to course through her veins.
Throwing his arms in the air Martin demanded silence. It came, descending quickly. The leader of the 4Horsemen stood there, arms outstretched ready to address his flock.
“Welcome brothers and sisters, children of God, to judgement night!”
The crowd roared their approval.
14
Lamb of God
“I am the Lamb of God, your brother!” There was a pause for effect. “We are the Four Horsemen and the Apocalypse is upon us!”
The crowd roared and cheered once more, it did not take much to whip them into a frenzy. The man who referred to himself as the Lamb of God excelled at this, for he was a master manipulator. Fanatical in his beliefs he was convinced that he and his followers were indeed facing the end of the world.
In many of his sermons he had told his congregation that he had been anointed by God to pave the way for what was to follow. He spoke of angels, demons, plagues and death all of which, like his entire belief was loaned from the Book of Revelations. Most of his biblical references were poorly misquoted, spoken out of context and had been crudely mashed together to serve his own purpose. He had succeeded in creating an army of loyal and devoted followers who would now follow him anywhere.
There was a buzz around the zoo, a fervor like no other. On this cool evening his judgement day sermon was about ready to heat up.
Martin, aka the Lamb of God lifted his head from his bible and readied himself to recite an excerpt of scripture to inspire his people. It was however, like always a well-rehearsed and pre-planned delivery.
Dark of Dawn 4Horsemen: Book one in the Dark of Dawn Series Page 16