Sixth Seal

by Thornbrugh, Josh

  As she stepped out of the bathroom, Lee was busy packing the guns into the duffel bag. He turned when she approached. His smile relayed his approval.

  Ana twirled around, giving him a complete view. “How do I look?”

  “Ravishing. You’re only missing one thing.”

  She put her hands on her hips. “And what is that, may I ask?”

  “A beautiful flower for a beautiful lady.” Lee held up a small, golden chrysanthemum on a double looped, silver chain.”

  “It’s stunning, Lee.” She turned around and lowered her head. “Would you put it on me?”

  “Of course, my love.” He placed the chain around her neck, letting the brilliant flower settle just above her breasts. “May it bring you luck.”

  She grabbed his hand and pressed it to her chest. “You are my luck.”

  He kissed her on the back of the neck and pulled his hand away.

  “We need to get going. There’s a pair of boots for you on the chair.”

  Ana picked up the low-cut boots and sat down in the chair. She slipped her right foot in and was surprised to find it fit perfectly.

  “How did you manage to get just the right size?”

  Lee chuckled. “I’ve been studying you for a while, besides, no matter what you look like, you always seem to be about the same size.”

  “Why is that?”

  He shrugged. “Just the way it has always been.” He went back to packing the bag.

  “So, where are we anyway? I don’t even remember getting here.”

  “You were pretty tired. Probably something to do with rolling a van and shooting down a helicopter.” He laughed at his own joke. “We’re in a little town south of Baltimore, not far from the airport.”

  Lee turned to face her, the duffel bag in his hand.

  “I know you said we’re going to Germany, but exactly where in Germany are we headed?”

  Lee walked to the window and pulled the curtain back just enough to peek through. He studied the scene outside of their room before answering.

  “We’ll be landing in Frankfurt. From there, we’ll be heading toward Berlin.” He continued surveying the parking lot.

  “What’s in Berlin? The book?” Ana stood up, testing her new boots. She joined Lee next to the window.

  “I’m not sure, but I’ve seen evidence of quite a bit of activity from the Horsemen in the area. Their agents anyway.” He let the curtain fall back in place and regarded her.

  “Anything outside to be concerned about?”

  He shook his head. “Not yet. Let’s get this stuff out to the car, and get on the road.”

  ***

  The short drive to the airport was uneventful, giving Ana time to reflect. She marveled at how at ease she was with her current situation, despite so many unknowns. Perhaps it was her new-found freedom, or perhaps it was the mysterious man at her side. She knew her connection to him was as real as her connection to the book, but beyond that, all she had were faint memories of lives past.

  “Have we found each other in every life?” Ana leaned toward Lee.

  “Nearly.”

  “How about the other protectors?”

  Lee gripped the steering wheel tighter. “Usually I’m able to seek them out, but I’ve not been able to this time.”

  “Why is that?” Ana sat back up in her seat.

  “I don’t know, but it must have something to do with the Horsemen.” He loosened his grip, and Ana noticed his posture ease. “Of course, I’ve never found all of the protectors on my own. I’ve always had help.”

  “Help?”

  “Yes. Just like the protectors, there are other gatherers. We find protectors, and then find each other.”

  “Have you found any gatherers in this life?”

  “No, but that doesn’t really surprise me. More and more of them have been turned by the Horsemen.”

  Ana shifted in her seat. “Turned?”

  “Don’t ask how they do it. Probably a mix of mind control and promises of immortality.” Lee slowed the car and turned off of the highway.

  “Immortality?”

  Lee sighed. “Just another myth about the book.”

  “Myth—“

  “We’re almost there. Here’s the situation. Our passports are for a mister and misses Omura. We’ll need to check in and get through security, so the guns will have to stay in the trunk. I’ve packed a couple of bags for us with enough clothes and toiletries to make us look like legitimate travelers.”

  They stopped at an intersection, and Ana could see the sprawling airport complex in the distance. A roar overhead also announced they were nearing their destination.

  “What will we do if any of the Horsemen approach us?”

  “They’re unlikely to do so in a place with so much security and so many witnesses.” Lee looked in the rearview mirror, and then eased the car forward through the intersection. “They’ll want to take you on their own terms with as few witnesses as possible.”

  “Why do they want me so badly?”

  “They probably still don’t know the exact location of the book, and since you’re the strongest link to it, they want to get their hands on you.” Lee looked over at her. “But, as long as I’m alive, that won’t happen.”

  ***

  Ana sat in one of the black, vinyl chairs in Terminal C, pretending to read a magazine. Their check in and pass through security went much smoother than Ana anticipated. The forged documents Lee had obtained must have been quite good.

  Now she tried to appear calm, awaiting Lee’s return, as he went to the restroom. She had told him a man seemed to be following them, and Lee thought it would be best to leave her alone to see if the man attempted to move closer.

  The man was now sitting a couple of rows in front of her. Every now and then, she caught a glimpse of him looking her way. When he noticed that she had spotted him, he looked down and rummaged through a briefcase. There was nothing overtly threatening about the man, in fact, he fit in perfectly with his surroundings. He looked like any of the other hundreds of businessmen waiting on their flights, but Ana knew he was there for her.

  “Coffee?”

  Lee’s question nearly made her fall out of the chair. She had been so intent on her newly found stalker, that she hadn’t heard Lee come up behind her. He offered her an apologetic look and handed her a steaming cup of coffee.

  She took the cup and motioned toward the man with her eyes. “I think he’s definitely following me.”

  Lee sat down next to her. “I think you’re right. I watched him from the bathroom door. When you sat down he slowed, circled back and then found a seat close, but not too close, to you. He’s good.”

  “So what do we do?” Ana blew on her coffee and took a tentative sip. Just the aroma of it warmed her.

  “Nothing for now. He’ll probably be on our flight, but I have a feeling he’s just the scout.” Lee picked up a newspaper and opened it up.

  “Scout?”

  “More than likely he’s in communication with a ground team in Frankfurt. We’ll have to move quickly once we land to lose them. Luckily I have just the thing waiting for us.” He smiled and turned a page in his newspaper.

  “How do they know we’re headed to Frankfurt?”

  Lee kept looking through his paper. “The Horsemen have agents everywhere.”

  Grace

  One of the large green doors opened just enough for a thin line of candlelight to escape from within. Hannah heard the squealing of tires as if a vehicle was rounding the corner at great speed.

  “Come in quickly, my child, lest you fall under the eyes of the Horsemen.”

  Hannah pulled the door open wider and squeezed through the opening. As soon as she was inside, she turned and pulled the door closed. She listened to the familiar roar of the Citroen’s engine, standing still until she was satisfied it had continued down the street.

  “I’m sorry, child, but one
cannot be too cautious in these troubled times. I had to be certain you weren’t one of them.”

  Hannah turned to face the Bishop. From the look he was giving her, she wondered whether he was entirely convinced. His brows were furrowed and an undeniable concern danced behind his gray eyes. Eyes which were only a shade lighter than his well-worn cassock. He held a candle in his right hand and offered his other hand to Hannah. She accepted it.

  “No need to apologize, Your Grace.” The warmth from his hand was in stark contrast to her ice-cold fingers. “I let my fears get the better of me, and I nearly forgot our pass phrase.”

  The Bishop kept hold of her hand and guided her through another set of doors leading into the nave. She felt the immensity of the interior. As they walked past rows of dark pews, Hannah’s eyes traced the arched columns that supported the exquisite edifice. A faint glow of moonlight passed through the stained glass windows and haloed the crucifix above the altar. Even though Hannah was neither Catholic nor Christian, she knelt with the Bishop as he kneeled and made the sign of the cross on his chest.

  “Please sit, my child. You look weary.” He gestured toward the pew behind Hannah.

  She slid in, leaving enough room for the Bishop on the end. She glanced down the opposite end, tracing a line of escape should the need arise.

  “Thank you. So I gather you’ve heard from my brother, Andrew?”

  He studied her for a moment. “Yes, but only indirectly.”

  “So he’s not inside the city?” Hannah watched the Bishop as he set the candle down on the stone floor.

  “I do not believe so.” He rested an arm over the back of the pew and leaned closer to Hannah in a conspiratorial manner. “Jacques usually sends one of the young boys to bring me word. The Nazi’s think they are delivering food to the church.”

  Hannah nodded. “Jacques sounds like a smart man.”

  “I fear what would happen to the Resistance and the children without him.” He looked down, a slight frown beginning to form.

  “Children?” Hannah knew she should be focused on matters pertaining only to the book, but she couldn’t resist hearing about the children.

  “Yes, dear. The children.” He looked up at her. “Your people…Jews…you are Jewish, aren’t you? I just assumed that your brother is.”

  She smiled to put him at ease. “Yes. I am Jewish.”

  “So you have come to help us save your people? Jacques gave me no details about your visit, other than the phrase.” He furrowed his brow again. “You’re a day early.”

  “Yes. I’m afraid matters were out of my control in that regard.”

  “No matter. Now, will you be helping us smuggle the children out of the city.”

  Hannah shifted on the hard pew. “Well, of course I’ll do anything I can, but I came here for another reason.”

  “Oh?” He leaned closer.

  “Yes. There is an artifact, a book of great and terrible power—“

  The Bishop placed a hand on hers. “There is a book of great power here as well.” He smiled. “Don’t be afraid to call upon it.”

  She shook her head. “I mean no disrespect, Your Grace, but your book was written by men who cavorted with angels before the Book of Destruction and the Council of Protectors were scattered to the corners of the Earth.”

  The Bishop pulled his hand back and sat up. “I don’t think you know of what you speak. There is no greater book—“

  This time Hannah placed a hand on his. “Please, Your Grace, I did not come here to upset you, or argue over religion. All we cherish will certainly be lost if the Nazis unleash the power of the book they now hold in their possession.”

  “I don’t understand.” He pulled his hand from hers.

  Hannah was worried she had been too forward. The book was so much a part of her that she often forgot most of the world had no idea of its existence.

  “It’s of no consequence. Please, just tell Jacques that I am in great need of his help. Whatever force he can spare. Some of us will surely die, but as you know, tomorrow is promised to no man.”

  The Bishop shook his head. “I don’t know. I rely on Jacques and his men to help me with the children.”

  “Arrange a meeting with Jacques for me, and I give you my word I will help you to get as many children out of the city as possible.” She met his gaze and did her best to look confident, despite the fact she had no idea how she was going to keep that promise.

  He hesitated before answering. “Very well.”

  “Thank you, Your Grace.”

  The Bishop nodded and stood. He stooped and picked up the candle, then moved out of Hannah’s way so she could stand. When she was at the end of the pew, he put a hand on her shoulder.

  “What brought you to this place? I mean to Toulouse.”

  “The book. I am drawn to it like the moth to flame.” She looked him squarely in the eyes.

  “It seems both of our books have guided us down a perilous path. Remember, He is always there for you.”

  “Let him look after the children. I’m afraid I may be beyond redemption.” She averted her gaze and walked around him.

  As she walked toward the doors of the vestibule, he called to her. “It is not too late for you, Hannah. Be careful in the den of the enemy.”

  “I’ll do my best. Tell Jacques to send one of his boys to give me his answer. I’m staying in the old school near the capitol building.”

  Hannah left the Bishop alone in the nave. She hoped he was able to find comfort in the church, as for her; there would be no comfort. She knew all too well what would become of humanity if the Nazis succeeded, and she knew she was one of only a handful of people who could stop them.

  ***

  Hannah slid the wooden panel back to get a view of the street. She pressed her face close in an attempt to see further. Her limited view showed no signs of activity. She slid the panel back in place and opened the door just enough to squeeze through.

  The night air was moist, tinged with the slight scent of decay from the river. She no longer heard the clamor of the Citroen’s engine bullying its way down the street. She kept herself close to the wall while she surveyed her path back to the bridge. A few quick strides and she would be able to take cover.

  She took in a deep breath and steadied her nerves as best she could. Another listen. Nothing. She sprang from her position on the wall, keeping her eyes locked on the bridge.

  “Halt!”

  Hannah froze in the middle of the street, her escape route mere feet in front of her. She turned slowly and raised her arms up to her sides.

  “Don’t move!”

  Hannah noted that the approaching soldier had an MP38 tucked under his arm. He wouldn’t need to be a marksman to take her out at this distance. She put her palms up, doing her best to look conciliatory.

  “What’s the problem, sir?”

  He didn’t answer. Instead, he motioned toward the sidewalk with his gun. Hannah walked slowly to the curb. Before she could step onto the sidewalk, the soldier grabbed her shoulder and turned her around.

  “Keep still.” He let his gun hang by a shoulder strap while he patted her down.

  Hannah thought he was spending a bit too much time patting her breasts. “I’m not armed.”

  He glared at her, but stopped his search, taking up his previous stance with gun in hand.

  “What are you doing on the streets after dark? Don’t you know there is a curfew?”

  “I needed some air. It’s a beautiful night. Wouldn’t you agree?”

  He didn’t seem to agree.

  “Do you have papers?”

  Hannah shook her head. She had left her security badge in her room, not that it would do her much good now.

  The soldier glanced back to the church. “What was your business in the church?”

  “I wasn’t in the church—“

  “Don’t lie to me. I watched you come out of the church.” He grabbed her arm. Hannah thought he was about to strike her.
<
br />   The familiar sound of the Citroen intruded on the moment. His grip loosened and the soldier stood at attention. The big black car pulled up next to the curb. Hannah watched as the back window rolled down, revealing the officer within. It was Lieutenant Wozniak.

  “What seems to be the trouble here, soldier?” The Lieutenant’s tone was firm, but his voice faltered for a second when his eyes caught Hannah’s.