Stones of Power- Hellstone & Maelstrom

by Jenna Grey

She could stop all this right now, with just one short sentence.

  I’ll do it.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  When the knock came at the door, Polly knew that it was Bert; she'd recognise that shuffling gait anywhere, his old worn down carpet slippers scuffing across the stair carpet. She went and opened the door and let him in, not saying hello, hardly acknowledging him at all. He sat on the bed next to her and gave her the sweetest smile.

  “I thought it was time we had a little chat,” he said. Polly didn’t want to chat, and that must have been more than obvious to him. She sat hunched over with her hands clamped between her knees, her mouth a pinched line and her eyes narrowed.

  "Not much to chat about is there?" Polly said, not looking at him. She didn't want platitudes, sympathy, hope. She just wanted to be left alone to wallow in her misery. "I think I just need time on my own, please.” She hadn’t intended for it to come out as quite such a desperate plea.

  Bert put his hand to her wrist and extricated one of her hands, entwining his fingers with hers. He was sitting close to her, so close that she could feel his warmth as his arm pressed against hers. 5

  “I know what you’re thinking, sweetheart, that you want to give in and let Hel take your place here on the earth because you can’t bear to see any more people suffer.” His words were so kind, so gentle; she knew she was going to start blubbing any minute if he carried on.

  “Of course that’s what I’m thinking, but I know very well that you won’t let me do it,” she snapped.

  Polly had expected an instant confirmation from him, but instead, there was a worrying silence. She glanced up, and when she saw the look on Bert’s face, she knew she had never been more mistaken in her life.

  “As much as it hurts me to say it, dearest, I think that you don’t have any choice. It’s the only way we can ever end this.”

  Polly just stared at him for a moment, sure she must have misheard him.

  “You can’t mean that,” she said, studying his face to see if this was some kind of ill-timed joke or reverse psychology.

  Bert gave a little sigh, and when she looked into his eyes, Polly could see that he was deadly serious.

  “Polly, Hel isn't going to stop, and we both know that her and her monstrous brood are only going to step this up and intensify their campaign. What will be next? More cities, more lives lost? They have the power to destroy the whole world if they want to, and might just be insane enough to do it.” He spoke with such calm acceptance, a surety of purpose that made it all sound so reasonable. Of course, she should sacrifice herself; it was the only sensible thing to do.

  Polly didn’t want to hear this. She wanted Bert to tell her that she could never surrender, that she was foolish to even think of giving in.

  “But you said that if Hel’s released out into the world it will be even worse. Think of the damage she can do if she’s free,” she protested.

  “It’s a gamble, yes, but the circumstances have changed. Can Hel really do any more damage than she is capable of already if she is totally free? Gaunt’s spells have given her as much freedom as she needs for now to do her evil deeds.”

  Polly suddenly felt affronted. It was all right for Bert to volunteer her to swap places with Hel; he wasn't the one that was going to have to spend eternity in Helheim, lost in that dreadful barren waste, running from demons and getting her soul sucked out or trapped in an endless nightmare.

  “So I just let them sacrifice me,” she said, not even trying to hide her indignation.

  Bert patted the back of her hand, and she pulled it away, giving him a tight-lipped scowl.

  “Oh, I know how hard this must be for you,” Bert said. “I know it’s asking more than anyone should ever ask of anyone, but think what’s at stake.”

  Polly was thinking, it was all she had thought about, and she knew in her heart that she had no choice, as much as she railed against it. But she would never see Finn and Liam again; she would be trapped in that terrible place alone, with no-one to comfort her. How could she bear that? If someone had told her a few weeks ago that she was going to be asked to sacrifice everything to save the world, she would have thought they were mad. She was just Polly Nightingale, a non-entity that spent her time reading children’s books and playing Farmville. And now she was being asked to sacrifice everything to save the world. She wondered what her grandmother would think of all this? Perhaps she even knew. And then Polly realised that all hope of ever seeing her grandmother again was gone as well if she did this awful thing. Hell did not touch Heaven. But the image of those bodies forced their way in and she could see nothing else; there were so many innocents lost in that battle, and they could never come back. It had to stop, and it had to stop now.

  She drew in a breath and held it for a moment, terrified to say the words she knew she must say.

  “I’ll do it,” she finally said. “How do we set it up?”

  Bert put his arm around her shoulder and hugged her, pressing his lips to her forehead in a tender kiss.

  “I knew you would agree, knew that your courage wouldn’t fail you, so I took the liberty of setting things in motion,” Bert continued, his voice rolling over her and barely registering. “It would be cruel to prolong the agony – you need to get this over and done as soon as possible.”

  Polly gave a slightly hysterical laugh.

  “Of course, I mean what’s the point in delaying the inevitable?”

  “I’ve set it up for tonight,” Bert said. Polly turned and gawped at him.

  “You’ve already set it up?” she asked, incredulous. “Boy, anyone would think you can’t wait to get rid of me. You don’t have to worry; I’m not going to change my mind.”

  “I don’t think that for one moment, but you aren’t going to be able to hide this from Liam and Finn for long. One look at you and they will guess your intentions. I’m sure you don’t want that to happen. I knew you would agree to this. I knew because I can read your heart.”

  Polly wanted to stay angry with Bert, but she couldn’t.

  “How do I get out of here without them knowing anyway?” she asked.

  “That won’t be a problem. A small sleeping draft will keep the boys out of commission for hours.”

  Polly finally realised that Bert was serious. He really wanted her to go through with it. Up until that moment, it had just been words. Now it had suddenly become reality.

  “Well, you do have it all worked out, don’t you?” she said. Her sarcasm seemed lost on Bert, who just rambled on, regardless.

  “We won’t be able to use the warehouse, of course. I’m pretty certain that the police will still be keeping their eye on it. The cellar under your house will have to do. A willing sacrifice is worth far more than a forced one anyway, so that will give the ritual more power wherever it takes place.”

  “Wow, you really do seem to have it all well under control,” Polly said, and this time there was no mistaking the acid in her voice. Bert’s face reddened as he finally got the message.

  “I know that you must hate me for letting you do this, but you know in your heart that it’s not a matter of choice. I’m trying to make it as easy for you as possible,” he said.

  Polly relented with a sigh.

  "I know. It's all right; I know that you're only doing what has to be done. I'm grateful to you for helping me." She reached down and found the half-empty bottle of cognac that Liam had left with them that night under the bed. That night seemed so far away now, almost another life. For one foolish moment, Polly had truly believed that things might actually work out, that she Finn and Liam could even be happy together. She was going to restock the shop and build it into a thriving business, had so many plans, and now... She opened up the bottle and took a slug, choking as it hit her throat. Bert reached across and took the bottle from her, helped himself to a large mouthful and handed it back to her.

  “I will do everything in my power to make it easier for you,” he whispered.

  “
How will Hel and Gaunt know to meet me there?” she asked.

  “I sent a psychic message out, knowing that Hel would pick it up. I’ve told her what she needs to know. We’ll go to your house at half past two tonight. I’m certain that your uncle and the others will already be there when we arrive.”

  Polly grunted a laugh.

  “I don’t even know what my uncle looks like now – so strange. I feel like Alice trying to find her way through a scary Wonderland. Down the rabbit hole I go – the only difference being, I know what’s at the other end.” She hesitated, the full realisation of what was happening finally sinking in. “It is the only way, isn’t it?”

  “Indeed. But Hel must agree to certain terms," Bert said. "If she gives you her word, she will be bound to keep it, or the ritual will become null and void, the contract broken. You will need to think of what demands you wish to make."

  Polly just nodded. She could barely hear what Bert was saying, overwhelmed by the enormity of the decision she’d just made, her brain addled by the cognac.

  “Oh, I will make her pay for her prize,” she said.

  “Trust me, my dear, you are doing the right thing. The Powers That Be will bless you for it.”

  “I’m so glad,” Polly said. “I’ll remember that when I’m stuck down in that place for the rest of forever. It will make such a difference.” She turned to Bert and looked him hard in the eyes. “There is one thing I need to know, and please tell me the truth. When I go there, what will I be? I mean, Hel is the Queen of Hell, she has powers, and she can force whatever is there to obey her. Will I be taking over her role, or will I just be one more soul, lost in that darkness with no more rights than any of the other wretched creatures there?”

  Bert looked down at his lap, and Polly knew what the answer was before he said a word.

  “I am sorry to tell you this, truly I am, but Hel is a god, you are human...”

  “So I’m going to become one of those pathetic creatures trapped in endless dreams or nightmares, or forever running from demons, with no chance of ever getting out.”

  “I wish it could be otherwise,” Bert said. “But you do have power, far more power than you realise, and I truly believe that you will be able to tap into that power to take control of the situation.”

  “You mean that if I do become one of the sleepers, I might be able to create a reality that I can bear? A world where you and Nana, Finn and Liam are there and I’m happy?”

  “It’s not such an outrageous idea, you know. Those sleepers mostly dream the dreams they deserve. If that’s the case, your dreams should be blissful.”

  She managed a smile at that. It was cold comfort, but it was comfort.

  Then Polly realised something else, something that almost made her change her mind. Winchard would be there, waiting for her. Oh, joy.

  Bert took her hand in his and held it just a little too tightly.

  “I can come with you and stay with you until the end if you like; I’m no danger to them now because they know that we can’t renege on the deal if we want to prevent more loss of life.”

  Polly could only nod and say:

  “I’d like that, thank you. It will help a lot.”

  Bert kissed her on the forehead and left her to her misery.

  Polly stayed in her room for the rest of the day. She couldn’t face Finn or Liam, because she was sure that they would see through her masquerade and try to talk her out of doing what she knew she had to do. She gave the excuse that she was exhausted and needed to rest, and Bert backed her up on it. If they did suspect anything, they never let on.

  “It’s okay, take as long as you need,” Finn said. He stood in the doorway not venturing in too far, and Polly was glad that he kept his distance. She tried not to look at him, because she knew that this might be the last time she ever saw him. Probably would be the last time, and she couldn't bear to look into his eyes, knowing that she was going to be leaving him forever. But then she did look up and gave him her best smile. She wanted him to remember her smile, remember her like this so that he could keep that memory with him for always. He smiled back, his wonderful, sweet smile and she locked it in her memory because down in that darkness she was going to need all the comfort she could get, and that would be the one thing that would bring comfort – the memory of his face and the love she saw in his eyes.

  “I’ll pop up in a bit and see if you need anything,” he said.

  “No, that’s fine. I think I’ll get some sleep, while I can.”

  “It’s quietened down out there for the time being and the more rest you can get the better. It’s bound to kick off again before too long.”

  “What is going on out there exactly?” Polly asked.

  Finn blew out his breath, and his expression was enough to tell her it was beyond awful even before he opened his mouth.

  “It’s bad. Blaine was right when he said that it would have repercussions. The pound has dropped through the floor, and the government have declared a state of emergency. The army is everywhere trying to stop riots and looting, but they’re fighting a losing battle. It’s madness out there; riots are kicking off in all the big cities. You would have thought they’d have enough on their plates without creating more trouble for themselves. We’re getting aid from overseas, but there’s no point in trying to put a brave face on it. It’s just fucked."

  “And we both know this isn't the end of it," she said. "Hel is going to keep attacking until I give in." She studied Finn's face, trying to gauge if he suspected anything. Surely he must have at least had an inkling that she was thinking of surrendering? He seemed oblivious; there wasn't even a hint of suspicion in his eyes.

  “Try not to think about it. We will get that bitch. You just rest and get yourself better,” he said.

  “Yes, I’ll be down later,” she lied. He gave her one last smile before he disappeared.

  She watched him go and almost rushed after him to pull him back, but stopped herself. She had to stay strong.

  She began to doze, so exhausted that sleep forced its way in whether she wanted it or not. She thought she heard the door open and close a couple of times, perhaps Finn or Liam looking in to make sure she was okay. She ignored them.

  She was in that half-state between waking and sleeping when she became aware of a weight on the bed beside her. She opened her eyes and tried to focus. It was Liam.

  “Thought I’d pop in and make sure you were okay, see if you needed anything. Sorry if I woke you.”

  Polly sat up and rubbed her eyes. One part of her was so happy to see him; the other half just wanted him to go away because it hurt too much.

  “No, it’s fine. I’m fine. I just need to rest,” she said, dragging a smile from somewhere.

  Liam gave her a smile back, and Polly accepted it gladly to add to her collection of good memories. She needed something to build her dreams with.

  “I think we both just lied, didn’t we? I know what you’re planning to do,” he said. Polly just stared at him, words lost for long moments.

  “What?” It was a bewildered question. Liam couldn’t possibly know, could he?

  “I know that you’re going to sacrifice yourself,” he said.

  She had no idea what to say to him. She was so confused, so afraid. She just sat staring at him, her resolve slipping away with every passing second.

  “I don’t want to do it,” she blurted and threw herself into his arms, letting him pull her to him and wrap his arms around her. He held her a little too tightly, as if he was terrified to let her go, pressing kisses to her hair.

  “I know, I know, but as much as I don’t want this to happen, I know it’s the right thing to do. Somehow I know it will all come right in the end.”

  Polly pulled back and frowned her bewilderment.

  “How can it? How can it possibly come right?” she asked, angry now.

  “We have to trust in the Powers That Be,” Liam said. “They can’t allow this injustice to happen.”


  She had to laugh at that.

  “Oh, you are kidding. You must have realised by now that the Powers That Be haven’t exactly busted a gut to help us so far. They’ve just stood by and watched that creature and her brood devastate our world. I don’t believe they are going to suddenly step in and wave a magic wand to make everything all right. Please don’t ask me to believe that.”

  “Then believe me,” Liam said, his voice earnest. “I did a reading for you just now, and it told me that everything was going to be all right. Polly, I’ve never been wrong, you know that. I told you all of this would happen before it did, all of it. If I tell you this now, you have to believe me.” Polly felt a sudden burst of hope, just the tiniest spark, the impossible possibility that she might even survive this.

  “How can it be all right, Liam? You haven’t seen the place I’m going to, I have. Once I get there, I have no chance. I have to accept that and come to terms with it.”

  Liam stroked her face, such a gentle touch. Polly pushed his hand away; she couldn’t bear it.

  “You’re exhausted, burnt out, and you can’t carry on the way you have been. You know that. You don’t have any choice but to stop fighting and take a different path. That doesn’t mean your fate is going to be what you imagine it will be. There’s always hope.”

  Polly had a sudden very unpleasant thought.

  “What’s going to happen to my body?” she asked.

  “I… we’ll take care of it,” Liam said, and he finally broke, his voice cracking and his expression dreadful.

  Polly grabbed his hand, a desperate grip.

  “Please don't leave me down in that bloody cellar, Liam. Make sure I get a decent burial, will you? Maybe Jack could help.”

  Liam’s face was wet with tears; he palmed them away.

  “I’ll make sure that you get...” He couldn’t finish, his voice breaking down completely. It took him long minutes to recover enough to speak again. “It’s not going to come to that anyway, I swear. Whether you know it or not you are being helped, I promise. You are not going to Hell.”