“So, you see?”
I nodded, feeling my arm with my other hand, just to make sure it was still firmly attached.
I must not have been enthusiastic enough because she muttered something under her breath. “By the way, your sword will not normally appear in its scabbard until you are close to a dark immortal. That is often our first warning that danger lurks nearby.”
I remembered how I’d felt the sword during the fight between Griffin and the vampire. “Okay, I get it. If the blade shows up, I’m in big trouble.”
“Exactly. And do not swing it carelessly. It will slice through any non-living object in its path.”
Diana walked over to a wooden table and grabbed one end of a thick, round, metal pole leaning against the table. She carried the pole into the center of the room, and she slashed at it with her sword.
The blade crackled and hissed as it slipped through the metal, cutting it as easily as if it had been made of smoke. The free end of the pole clanged as it hit the marble floor. She held the other end toward me. The pole had been made from solid metal an inch in diameter.
A shudder ran through me. “Wow! That’s…impressive.”
Diana nodded. “If you are not careful, you can bring a building down upon yourself. That is remarkably embarrassing, by the way. You will be forced to wait until someone comes by and extracts you from the ruins.”
She smiled ruefully, apparently speaking from personal experience. “Of course, your sword is equally sharp. Handle it with extreme care.”
She didn’t have to tell me twice. “Super-sharp and white-hot. Got it.”
She looked at me askance. “Let’s hope so. Reach behind your head. I will cause your sword to appear for training purposes. Grasp the hilt firmly and pull it up and forward.”
I reached back, and as I did, I felt something solid press against my spine. My hand touched a hard, cold handle, and I grasped it. When I tried to pull it up, though, the motion was too awkward.
“Keep pulling,” Diana said, “but more forward. Think about it being soft, like a young sapling. It will bend easily until it pulls free.”
I worried about the flames lighting up my wavy brown hair. I’d let it grow long since getting laid off in Boise. No fire started, though.
Once my weapon was free, I held it outstretched from my body. Almost weightless, it pulsed in my hand, like a beating heart. The intricately carved handle was made of gleaming gold long enough for me to grasp with one hand. An image carved on the handle showed my mom’s smiling face. Someone had customized this sword for me.
“You’re welcome,” Diana said.
I grinned like a little kid. The blade was covered with flames, like I’d dipped it in oil and lit it. Except this fire was pure white, so it burned hotter than most.
Diana’s broadsword was longer, and she could use both hands to grip it. I didn’t mind; mine was probably more than I could manage anyway. Her handle showed an image of her temple on the part I could see.
I swung my weapon back and forth, and it whooshed as it moved through the air.
“Oh, this is sweet. What do I do with it?”
“You dance.”
I laughed, but she wasn’t kidding.
Diana turned away from me and sang a song in a language I didn’t recognize, and she performed a ballet with the sword as her partner. Her low, gravelly voice echoed in the room, and a deep drumbeat filled the air.
Diana’s movements were hypnotic, much more like a dancer’s than a fighter’s. I continued to watch, enchanted, and I finally realized each movement had a specific purpose. She was fighting a series of imaginary opponents, but she did it with such grace it took me a while to catch on.
When she stopped, the spell she’d cast over me ended. No wonder she taught sword fighting for the legion. If I lived a million years, I couldn’t imagine seeing anything more beautiful than Diana spinning and gliding through this temple built in her honor.
By comparison, I was going to look pathetic. “I should warn you, I was born clumsy, and I’ve gotten worse with practice.”
She shook her head. “No excuses. Anyone can dance. Today, we will begin with the fundamentals, including how you can protect yourself with your blade. It’s your main defense to a demon’s attack and their dark magic.”
I examined my sword, still pulsing in my hand like a living thing. “Are their weapons as powerful as ours?”
“In general, but their swordsmith skills vary tremendously. If a demonic blade cuts a sentient being,” she said, “the pain is usually so intense, the victim is driven to the edge of sanity. And if a demon runs his weapon through an angel, or if he severs an angel’s head, that soul will be extinguished forever.”
My heart ached for the angels already sent into the great void. “Yes, ma’am, I’m a believer.”
No wonder she, Honah, and Milton were so damned gloomy all the time. One mistake would be enough to end it all…permanently.
Chapter 11
FOR WHAT SEEMED like an hour, Diana coached me on the basics of sword fighting. She began by demonstrating the classic movements for attacking and defending. Next, she focused on each part of my body, showing me how to move efficiently instead of thrashing around like a swashbuckling movie star. All the while, she emphasized that I needed to maintain my balance.
After she wore me out, she said, “Time to learn how to block deadly spells with your blade. That is something you can do standing still.”
“Great news!”
She shook her head, probably disgusted at my weakness.
“Your sword can deflect any incantation, if you are paying attention when the curse is cast. First, you hold the flat side of your blade between you and the demon. To test your defense, I will conjure a stinging spell.”
That got my attention. She wasn’t about to cut me any slack, so I watched carefully as she showed me how to hold my sword upright with the flat part of the blade facing my opponent. “I’m with you, so far.”
She pointed a finger at me, and a pulse of electricity shot out of her hand.
I deflected the first one, which I suspect she aimed straight at my sword, but then she fired pulses at one side of my torso then the other.
I had to keep moving the blade back and forth to deflect each ball of lightning, and several of them got past my blade. Soon, I felt like I’d been attacked by a thousand bees.
Satanic magic was the biggest threat to my survival, and I obviously wasn’t ready for prime time.
Eventually, she stopped, and the threads of pain coursing through me faded.
“So,” she said, “I assume you now understand the importance of keeping your weapon positioned between you and your opponent.”
“Yep, you made your point, and then some,” I replied. My skin still stung.
“Let us end your training for today,” she said.
“Good idea. Lots to remember.”
This was going to be one of those beauty and the beast things. She would play the graceful beauty, and I’d be the clumsy beast who got sliced to shreds. Ellen and I had played those roles all our lives.
Diana towered over me. “Your primary problem is a failure to concentrate.”
I tried to ignore my many wounds from an hour sparring with her. “Obviously, I’m out of my league. Any progress I make is going to be incredibly slow. Worst of all, my strength has dropped to where I can hardly stand steady.”
She showed me how to replace my sword by laying it along my spine. When I followed her example, my weapon vanished, and even better, it didn’t leave a long scorch mark down my back that I’d have to explain to someone.
Diana shook her finger at me. “I know you’re tired, but I expect you to make a greater effort the next time. Until you fully commit yourself to this training, you will not be safe among Satan’s hordes.”
I shook my head wearily. “I really am trying. I’ve hiked in high mountains for days without feeling this exhausted. You, on the other hand, look as fresh as
when I first saw you.”
“Magical fighting takes considerable energy,” she said. “You’ve exhausted most of the power Milton and Honah have given you. One of them will restore your strength when they find the time. That does not excuse your lack of focus.”
In other words, I was as dumb as dirt, as my sister loved to say when we were kids. Poor Diana. “I’ll look forward to dancing with you again, ma’am. It’s been a pleasure.”
She rolled her eyes at my empty words. “You have far to go, Gabriel. At least you have taken the first steps. Welcome to our world.”
The room vanished, and I found myself back in the main tent outside of Fraser. When I checked the clock, it said I’d left only an instant before. One of the many things I needed to understand better was how time slowed for immortals.
-o-o-o-
WHEN THE SUN rose, my mood brightened. In transporting me back, Milton or Honah had restored my strength. I hadn’t even had to ask.
I wasn’t destined to be a powerful warrior, but at least I could be a detective. I prayed to God for a moment, thanking Him for His many blessings.
The day flew by as we dealt with the steady stream of injured wildlife and abandoned pets brought in by firefighters. Everybody who came by said they were thrilled to know someone was willing to help the critters suffering from the merciless flames.
That evening, Raj and I fed a custom baby formula to two newborn black bear cubs.
“I’m thrilled to see you working so hard to help these guys,” I said.
He beamed at me in reply.
The cubs never seemed to stop eating. We sat on a long bench and cradled the babies like human infants. At this stage of their lives, they weren’t much different.
Without warning, Scarlet stuck her head in the tent, quickly followed by the rest of herself and a cameraman.
I started, and the cub in my arms dug his needle-sharp claws into one arm.
Yeah, buddy, I don’t like her either.
Scarlet wore an ear-to-ear grin. “The rumors are true! They’re cuter than words.”
I hadn’t forgotten how pissed Milton had been about her earlier video story describing my rescue project. I needed to stay under the radar.
“Sorry, ma’am,” I said in my sternest voice, “we’re not open to the public. No news here.”
Her face softened as her gaze locked onto the cub in my lap. She genuinely seemed to love critters, but I wasn’t running a zoo.
When she waved at Raj, I refused to introduce him. Instead, I renewed my determination to get rid of her. “I hate to be pushy, ma’am, but you’re trespassing. You have to leave now.”
She pretended not to hear me, even though I’d spoken clearly, and English was my native tongue. The woman was as stubborn as all get-out.
She introduced herself to Raj then petted his cub.
“No!” I stood with a baby bear still in my arms. “No reporters. No videos.”
Scarlet blew out a deep breath and shook her head at the cameraman. “Fine, no interview, but tell me about your furry friends, handsome.”
How quickly the mighty could fall. Earlier in the day, I’d trained as a messenger of God with a sword that could slice through solid steel. But at that moment, I had almost no power against a pushy woman. I wasn’t about to manhandle her—could just imagine the news headline—Angry Young Man Assaults Scarlet Davidson, America’s sweetheart. That story might even make the national cable news shows. Milton and Honah would love that.
But I had to say something back. “You can forget using your feminine wiles. That won’t work.”
Anger flashed in her eyes for an instant, but then she cooed over Raj’s cub. “Don’t make me dial 911,” I told her.
She burst out laughing. “I’m pretty sure this tent is on the national forest, Gabriel. I just met the district ranger and forest supervisor yesterday. Two of the nicest people ever. Do you really think they’re going to tell one of their rangers to drag me away? Not a chance!”
Yeah, you are getting real annoying.
“Give me a few minutes of video starring these darling twins,” she said, “and I’ll go away for a full day.”
What a conniving woman. “Go means go! Please leave or I’ll have to shut my clinic. These poor animals will suffer because you’re so rude.”
She looked at me askance, but I wasn’t kidding. She seemed to realize that because she threw her hands up. Instead of stomping off in a huff, though, like any normal lunatic would, she motioned for the cameraman to take off.
Then she said, “Okay, he’s gone, but Gabriel, you’re being so childish. These babies are dying for their fifteen minutes of fame. And, for the love of God, if you don’t let me hold one, I’m going to scream.”
She opened her mouth wide like she was about to carry out her threat.
I had to cut some kind of a deal. “If I let you hold one for only a few minutes, do you promise to go quietly?”
She giggled. “Of course. I’m not the kind of girl who overstays her welcome.”
I knew that was BS, but I was out of options. So, I handed her the cub I was holding. She cradled it in her arms like an expert mama, and it sucked greedily at the bottle she took from me.
“Just like a newborn,” she said. “I’ve got three kids, you know. Nursed them all. Tell me this little darling’s story, Gabe. Can I call you Gabe?”
She spoke with that same coaxing lilt the girls back in Idaho used to get whatever they’d wanted to get from me. But it wasn’t going to work today. I didn’t respond.
“Gabe, ol’ buddy, ol’ pal, we ain’t got all day.” She grinned at Raj like they were sharing a joke.
He snickered like he’d lost his mind. Probably had. The woman was sexy and personable—a deadly combination.
“Scarlet, you’re making me nuts,” I said. “All I know is a couple of firefighters found these two near an empty den. No mom around.”
She tilted one ear toward me to encourage me to talk while she stroked her cub’s fur. “How badly were these little babes hurt?”
My heart softened. The woman did care for animals, so she wasn’t all bad. “Not much. We’ve washed them, and you can still see where burning embers scorched away patches of fur. Otherwise, they’re fine, just starving.”
I pointed at a couple of bare spots on the cubs I’d left when I healed them so they wouldn’t look too perfect. They’d also received several bad burns, but I’d fixed those.
The bears continued to drink, and Scarlet was content to watch and coo at her cub.
Eventually, the cubs topped off their tanks and they curled up in the laps they sat on and slept.
That was her cue to exit. “Okay, you need to go.”
Scarlet handed me her cub and asked with a broad smile while taking out her phone, “One shot for the road?”
“Absolutely not.”
She began to put it back in her pocket, but it beeped. She read some message. “Good Lord!”
“Is it something about the fire?” I asked.
She nodded. “Big news.”
“What?” Raj asked.
“The Forest Service’s investigators and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation have confirmed this fire was set by the same arsonist who started the first fire.”
He said, “Jesus Christ!”
I had expected that, thanks to Harriet.
“Incredible, isn’t it?” Scarlet asked with trembling lips. “Some monster caused all this suffering on purpose.”
That person, actually that demon, had killed me, Trixie, the five researchers, and so many sentient beings. I shook my head in disbelief at how evil that demon was, but then focused on Scarlet.
She cried openly. I sat next to her and patted her back, knowing that would heal her heart, too.
After a moment, she nodded at me with tears still on her cheeks. “Sorry, weak moment. We all have them. Part of being human.”
I remembered that my mom had always thought the best of people, and she hadn’
t believed in Satan or dark angels or Hell. Dad, on the other hand, was convinced all three tormented us every day. For once, he’d been right and she’d been wrong. “Whoever did this has to be absolutely evil.”
Scarlet reared back slightly and stared at me. “You’re right. He’s evil, and someone out there knows him. That Good Samaritan has to tell the police.” Then she stood and hurried away.
I hoped she had an idea for how to identify the arsonist, but it seemed like a long shot. No demon was going to spill his guts to a human, not unless she was ready to go to bed with him. That seemed very unlikely but not impossible.
-o-o-o-
ONCE RAJ AND Sophie had gone to bed for the night, I asked Griffin, who was roosting as a sparrow in the tent, “Do you know where Houston is staying?”
He dropped to the floor and changed into a man. “They work together in a recreational vehicle parked about a half-mile away.”
“Show me.”
We walked through the compound to the opposite side, where a dozen RVs were parked. Griffin pointed to a large black one.
“Are they both in there?” I asked.
He walked toward the RV, pausing between each step. After he’d moved forward about thirty yards, he stopped, turned, and strode back.
He told me, They are both inside, along with two minor demons. If I’d stayed where I was, Pierce would’ve sensed me soon.
How the hell was I going to separate those two so I could merge with Houston? Maybe we just wait, and one of them will leave.
We stood there in the darkness for over an hour, but neither demon left. At midnight, we returned to our tent. I let Milton and Honah know I could work for them.
-o-o-o-
Monday, June 19th
A FIRE CREW member I’d met before dropped by simply to visit a fawn he’d brought me. While he was checking up on his buddy, we chatted. He said they had the inferno mostly contained, which was great news.
He left, and I continued to wait for Milton or Honah to grab me.
Just as I finished restocking my case with clean towels, Honah popped out of nowhere.
Forged by Fire (Angels at the Edge Book 1) Page 11