The Lie (The Seekers Book 2)

by L R Clarke

  Winston was so engrossed he had not noticed that Quark had left their cubicle. He knew he was preparing to enter Diabolicus but that is all they would tell him. Winston had agreed to stay on board during the confrontation. He had an angelic escort, but he kept disappearing more often than Quark did. Winston sighed. He missed the twins. He had to get them home, he just had to.

  Michael was in the sanctuary and was also not to be disturbed unless absolutely necessary. Honestly this whole mess was turning everybody into recluses. How on earth could he be expected to know what was “absolutely necessary”? Just then one of the eyes looked in his direction and Winston lowered in his seat. He felt as though his whole mind had just been scanned – perhaps it had. He was just planning on asking about food, as all these heavenly beings kept forgetting he was in need of constant nourishment, when Michael hurried in. He rushed over to Winston and towered over him, “Millie is alone. We have heard from Oliver and I have despatched a legion of angels to assist him. We must return him to his body quickly as they are preparing to operate. Two angels will escort him and remain on watch. The doctor will need their help, for what they are trying to do has never been done before.”

  Winston’s rumbling belly suddenly became queasy, “Will he be alright?”

  Michael stared out the window. His vast army was impressive and he loved taking the fight to the enemy, but he knew he did not have the answer to such a question. He sat down next to Winston, “My friend, we must trust that One who is greater than us knows what is best. Often the tapestry of our lives is too confusing for us to understand, but one day we will see the bigger picture and then we will comprehend.”

  Winston huffed. He liked Michael but that wasn’t the answer he wanted. “So you have no idea then.”

  Michael laughed good naturedly, “I have placed it in the hands of another who I know I can trust. That is sufficient. Come, it is time to say farewell to Quark.”

  Winston hopped down and tried to keep up with the huge strides of his friend as he raced down the corridor. Eventually they entered a brilliantly-lit bubble of glass. It was like honeycomb and the structure was obviously on the outer rim as all he could see was space. He looked for Quark but there was nothing there except a tiny metal sphere in the middle of the room. Michael smiled at his bewilderment, “I think it is time.” He spoke gently.

  Winston watched open mouthed as the sphere began to vibrate and increase in size. When it was the size of a small car a silver door slid back and Quark stepped nimbly out. He bowed to Michael then turned to Winston, “Greetings. I am that which is not, so that that which is can be.”

  For once Winston was so impressed he couldn’t think of anything grumpy to say so Quark continued, “Obviously Millie cannot travel at the speed I shall enter, as I shall be so miniscule they will not detect me. This is for Millie’s return journey to the safety of the Merkabah.”

  Winston found his voice at last, “Well, at least someone around here is sure of getting one of the twins back.”

  Michael threw up his hands but said nothing; he walked over to Quark and knelt down next to him, placing his hand on his shoulder. “God speed my Companion, we will be in their territory soon.”

  Winston suddenly caught on, “What, you mean he’s going to get Millie on his own? What about all these angels?”

  Michael stood, “It is agreed. Stealth is the best plan. They do not know we are coming and such a great force will keep them occupied. Quark is well equipped to do the job. He and Millie are linked remember.”

  “But he is no warrior.”

  Quark hesitated then turned to go, but Winston scuttled after him, “Er... tell Millie I am waiting for her. And good luck.”

  Quark was about to reply, then thought better of it; he nodded and entered the orb without looking back. In a matter of seconds the orb started to spin furiously and reduced rapidly in size. A portal opened and he was gone. The room was still as bright but Winston was cold. Everyone he cared most about was somewhere else and he was still hungry.

  Chapter 26

  “N o. I won’t do it.” Oliver was adamant; he ran his hands through his hair and paced up and down in front of his two visitors. Adam and Eve watched nervously. The escort had arrived just after breakfast and they could see Oliver was agitated but they did not dare to intervene.

  “Those are our orders, we must leave immediately.” The two angels were calm but insistent; their piercing amber eyes never left Oliver.

  “But I must return to Millie, she needs me.” Oliver felt helpless against these two giants, at over ten foot each they were very imposing. They looked like men, but their facial features were just too strong and their shoulder length golden hair radiated in the sunlight.

  The other one spoke more gently, “Millie has the Captain of the Host, ten thousand legions of angels and Quark. What more could you do?”

  Oliver’s shoulders slumped, “I know, but...”

  “But you want to be there. We understand that, but if you are not returned soon, you may not be there when Millie arrives home.”

  That did it. Oliver knew he was beaten. “Give me a minute.”

  He walked over to his hosts and held out his hand, “I have to go, but I will always remember you. Thank you for telling me about ...about...things.”

  Adam embraced him warmly and Eve kissed him on the cheek, “Will you be okay? Are you in trouble?” she asked.

  Oliver smiled, “No, no, but my sister is in a terrible place and I have to go back to my, er...”

  One of the angels stepped forward and took his arm, he nodded at Adam and then in an instant all three of them were gone. Eve looked at her husband but before he could say anything the baby expressed his usual urgent call for attention. Adam watched her go, just the three of them again then.

  M illie had searched every square inch of her cell and found nothing useful. Poor Amanaki was still propped up in the corner but at least he looked peaceful. She had looked at all the crazy stuff on the shelves, but hadn’t a clue what any of it was for. She wondered if Oliver would know what to do with any of it. Being alone for hours had given her more time to think of him. He was stressed, she knew that much, their instinct for each other’s feelings was as strong as ever. Millie was trying to keep her fear in check, but the words “dissect the female” refused to stop doing the rounds in her head. She could feel Oliver’s concern too and at least that was some comfort.

  She stopped rummaging and flopped on the bed; she was tired but did not think she could sleep again. When they came for her she was going to feign illness. It was the only thing she could think of. She tucked her knees up and put her hands under her chin. Despite her anxiety her eyes became heavy; she yawned and started to drift off. Her eyes flew open, however, as soon as she detected movement. Right in front of her a portal was opening! It was very brief and the swirling motion stopped almost as suddenly as it had begun, but there he was at last. Quark gave his funny little bow and grinned at her, “Greetings, Your Highness, I am sorry I am a little late, please forgive me.”

  Millie leapt up, and as she flung her arms around him, she was surprised to find herself crying. She had no words and he seemed to understand. After a minute she let him go and wiped her tears away, using her good arm, “This place is horrible,” she said simply.

  Quark tapped his fingers together, “That is something of an understatement, Your Highness. I have only been here a brief time and I can already feel my energy being sapped by evil. We must leave straightaway.” He caught sight of her wounded arm for the first time, “What has happened?”

  Millie shrugged, “They plunged a knife into it.”

  “What? Why?” Quark moved towards her and unwrapped the dressing, and Millie winced as the bright red flesh opened up again. It was starting to smell. Quark placed his hand upon it and immediately the wound was closed and the arm was as good as new.

  “Thank you.”

  Quark bowed, “I am that which is not, so that that which is can be.r />
  “Where’s Oliver? Is he with you?”

  Quark shook his head, “They have gone to get him. He is quite safe now, but how he got to Eden I will never know, this whole situation has me somewhat baffled.”

  “Thank God.” Millie relaxed for a second and then ran to the corner. “Amanaki!”

  “Excuse me?” Quark spun around to see what she was doing.

  “You have to fix him. I promised.” Millie pleaded.

  “But we have to leave Your Highness, I have only made a miniscule energy implant so far, but the longer I am here the more danger we are in. Michael will distract them for as long as we need, but they will find us if we stay.”

  Millie wasn’t listening, “He’s from Kalos and they took out his control panel. He’s my friend and I promised to return him to his home.” She was lifting his head gently.

  Quark was firm but gentle, “He is a machine, Your Highness, there is no point ...”

  Millie’s eyes flared with temper now, “There’s every point. We have to go back for Miss Elliot and Dominik anyway and I promised the Professor you would relocate all the children.”

  Quark was logical, “Perhaps you should not promise things you cannot do.”

  Millie retaliated, “Well you sent them, isn’t it your job to get them back?”

  Quark smiled at her reasoning, “The two Children of the Promise are to be rescued as part of the offensive. We know where they are.”

  “Will they take the Professor and the others?”

  Quark hesitated, “How many are there?” he asked eventually.

  “About thirty I would guess.”

  “The decision is out of my hands, but the sooner we get back the sooner I can ask. Where do they want to go?”

  Millie huffed, “Does it matter? The Higher Planes or something...”

  He laughed at her innocence, “Ah, then we shall see.”

  “And Amanaki?” She gave him her best -“usually works on dad”- smile.

  Quark bustled over reluctantly, “He is a hybrid, I am not completely familiar with his creation, but I could probably input an inferior over-ride for now.”

  “Right.” Millie threw out her arms and gestured for him to get on with it.

  “I will have to enter the unit directly.”

  Millie waved her arms some more. Quark took the hint and immediately turned into something that looked like liquid gold and poured himself into the lifeless framework.

  Fifteen minutes later she was still waiting. Why did so much of life consist of waiting? She was just about to call his name when the door swung open again. There were no armed guards this time but the man who entered knew what he wanted, searching the room with his eyes, “Hello Millie. Where is he?”

  Millie steeled herself not to look at Amanaki, she recognised this man as the one who had come into the room when she had first met Lucifer. He closed the door behind him. “Do you remember me now? How is Oliver by the way? Still hanging out with my old friend Michael is he?”

  Millie was shocked; he looked so different here. Still as menacing, but older and more worn somehow, “Samael?” she whispered.

  He lifted his chin haughtily as if the mention of his name on her lips was a victory somehow; his cruel eyes searched her face and his long, jet black hair rippled as he walked towards her. “Where is he?” he repeated.

  Millie backed away trying to keep as much distance between them as possible, but eventually she backed onto the shelves on the rear wall. She could go no further.

  “Where. Is. He?”

  Millie shook her head. He sneered and grabbed her by the throat, lifting her off the floor; he was so strong he was able to do this with only one hand. “No matter. I am sure he will show himself unless he prefers to watch you die from the shadows.”

  Millie tried to tear his fingers away and she kicked violently but it was no use, she began to lose consciousness and she found herself relieved by this. The choking was much worse.

  “Put her down.”

  Samael turned and let Millie fall to the floor. He laughed at Quark, “A Companion- hah! I knew Michael did not have the fortitude to face me here. Oh well, you will have to do. You are going to return the Scroll to me and tell Michael he can only have the girl in exchange, if he reveals to me the secret of the seed.”

  Quark was half his height but he could move rapidly when required. He ran past him to Millie’s side and checked she was breathing. Samael turned back to face them both, “How dare you?” he snapped and he kicked Quark with such force he ended up sprawled on the floor next to Millie. He sat up with some difficulty. “We are leaving,” he stated simply.

  Samael was beside himself with fury, “You are no match for me and you know it. I could kill you both in an instant. Return the Scroll – now!”

  Quark shook his head, “Even if I had it I would not hand it over to you.”

  Millie regained enough breath to speak, “What scroll, what are you talking about?

  Samael’s eyes narrowed “Don’t play all innocent with me. It disappeared when you arrived.”

  Millie got unsteadily to her feet and moved to her right, forcing more distance between them, instinctively he followed her, “I don’t know where it is,” she said.

  He grabbed her again, “Maybe not, but your little Companion here can certainly find out and he can’t stop me holding you in the meantime.”

  “No, but I can.”

  Samael tried to spin away but it was too late. Amanaki struck him from behind with a large piece of metal tubing from off the shelf. It was a mighty blow to the head and Samael fell like a sack of potatoes.

  “Perfect timing” said Quark and added a little bow to Amanaki.

  The boy grinned. Millie had never seen him so animated. Quark smiled at her, “I added a few extra touches,” he said by way of explanation.

  Amanaki dropped the pipe and nudged the stricken body with his boot, “I don’t know how long he’s going to be out for, I’ve never done that before.”

  “Well it was a brilliant time to start,” said Millie, “Quark, can we go now?”

  Amanaki was confused, “But what about your brother? Is he here or not?”

  Quark gestured to the portal that was opening up, “He is being transported to Earth as we speak. As for you two, your carriage awaits.”

  Chapter 27

  W inston was like a dog with two tails, he had not left Millie’s side since they had been reunited. Millie had a large cabin of her own and Winston prowled around it constantly. They had thought of everything, even installing a private bathroom and kitchen. Mind you she didn’t actually have to cook anything, she simply pressed a button and something amazing arrived. The machine monitored her nutritional needs and provided exactly what she required. It did the same for Winston too and he loved it, but it was a bit stingy with treats!

  Having rested and explored Millie was now impatient for news of the rescue. Quark had gone immediately to be with Michael after dropping them off. Amanaki had toured the Merkabah and was having an upgrade somewhere. I rest, he upgrades ... Millie smiled every time she thought of the differences in their lives.

  She searched the room for something to do but there was no interface to tell her what was happening. Oh well – more waiting then. She settled herself on a soft armchair by the window and watched the eyes. They were fascinating if somewhat intimidating. Winston hopped up next to her; he was still worried about Oliver. “When is he having the operation?” he asked for the second time.

  Millie sighed, absently stroking his fur but continuing to look out of the window, “You know the time thing is weird here, Winston, but Quark did say he had to return as soon as possible, so I guess it could be happening right now.”

  Winston rolled over to get a better tickle on the tummy, “Hmm ... well they seem to have things in hand, I guess we can trust them.”

  Millie had never really trusted anybody before. Oh, she knew she could rely on her family for help when she needed it, but all t
his faith stuff was beginning to get to her. She was still mulling over what had happened and all that talk about seeds and promises. Winston had told her all he knew and she was piecing stuff together. Here she was hurtling through space in a Heavenly craft and the angels on board had treated her with the utmost respect and deference and Quark still insisted on calling her “Your Highness”. She knew she was a Child of God, but was she a Child of the Promise like Miss Elliot and Dominik? And did she want to be one?

  A knock on the door intruded upon her thoughts, “Yes, come in,” she shouted. They were always so polite; she didn’t like to keep them waiting. But it wasn’t a messenger, instead she had three special visitors. Miss Elliot led the way, followed by Dominik and the Professor, still deep in conversation as usual. Millie was so pleased to see them she practically tipped Winston off the chair in her haste.

  Christina Elliot was equally moved and ran to give her a hug. The men stood back and looked a little sheepish. Eventually Christina let her go and spun around like a child, “Millie, can you believe where we are? I’ve read about chariots of fire hundreds of times and now I’ve actually been in one, and this of course is straight out of Ezekiel!”

  “Where?” Millie had never seen her teacher like this and she was secretly enjoying being treated as an equal.

  “One step at a time Chrissie,” said Dominik rolling his eyes, “Good to see you again Millie.”

  Millie smiled at the two men, they could be father and son she thought, they had similar mannerisms and both were quietly spoken, but a firm resolve was embedded deep within. The Professor’s eyes twinkled with glee, “They are all here Millie, the children are safe and your Mr. Quark has arranged passage for us all. We are promised safe haven on the Higher Planes. Apparently we will not need all that stuff we packed – we are permanently restored!”

  Millie was delighted, “I don’t think I can call him my Mr. Quark, but he has certainly never let me down. I’m so glad you are all here. Have you spoken to Amanaki?”