Chapter Five
Forgotten Orders
Eliezer drew his sword, the blade blazing with the white fire of Heaven that shattered the darkness, and rushed at the vampire lurking outside Nic’s house. He had guarded Nic since the boy’s mother died and he wasn’t about to let an infuriating leech bother the boy now.
The lanky red-headed vampire leaped with fright and sped away without looking back. Eliezer started to chase after him, furious such vermin would hang around so close to Nic, when someone grabbed his arm and pulled him back.
Eliezer struggled to break free, but whatever held him was strong. Livid at seeing the enemy escape, an event he seldom experienced, he twisted to swing at what held him back. He only just had time to register it was a fellow angel restraining him before he stopped his punch.
One of us!
The other angel let him go. “Put your sword up,” the angel ordered, his jet-black hair falling into his eyes.
Eliezer glanced down at the sword sparking with heavenly light that was hidden to most humans. “Why not take care of that pest?”
“We’re to remain in hiding.” The words were tense and short. “Now put it up before every demon in this place knows you are here!”
Eliezer stumbled back a step. He remembered his orders and felt a flash of embarrassment. Seeing that leech drooling over Nic was more than he could bear. He slammed his sword into its sheath with force, angry at his own slip in judgment, and the furious look on the other angel’s face solidified the horror of what he had almost done.
This isn’t the time to make a mistake. There’s far too much at stake, and I almost blew it by trying to dispatch that wretched creature to the Abyss.
“Sorry. I forgot.” Eliezer grinned slightly. “I just couldn’t bear that rat. I’m Eli. I take it you’re Chasdiel. I was told to meet with you for our orders.”
“I understand your conflict.” The other angel lost his fierce look and worked up a small smile. “But you’re going to have to learn to deal with the vampires and the demons. Yes, I am Chasdiel. To answer your question, Eliezer, Malkiel didn’t tell me why we should remain hidden from them.”
Eli noticed Chasdiel hadn’t dropped the second half of his name as was custom with friends. It seemed they were going to maintain formalities. He wondered if Chasdiel was always this somber.
The lights in the house flipped off, and Eli heard Nic settle down in his bed. His heart ached for the boy, but until Nic called on God for help, there wasn’t much Eli was allowed to do.
He knew he wasn’t supposed to move objects around, but Nic had enough to handle without losing the last memento of his mother. Eli decided to retrieve the picture and return it as his housewarming present.
Chasdiel leaned against a tree and crossed his arms. “I’ve been here for a while. It’s been a constant struggle not to strike, especially with the enemies being so cocky.”
Eli studied Chasdiel. Many stories revolved around this warrior who had chosen an Asian appearance to match the fighting style he preferred. Eli had heard of his short build and slim physique fooling many enemies into thinking he was easy prey. But his speed and agility won him many battles. He wore simple dark clothes with a sword hanging off his hip.
What a pair we make! Eli grinned as he realized he was at least two feet taller than his companion. Eli’s ash blonde hair and hazel eyes, like the Vikings of long ago, further marked the difference. He wiped the grin off his face as he regarded Chasdiel’s seriousness.
Chasdiel toyed with the hilt of his sword like he was ready to draw it. “I spend my time dodging them instead of helping the Forgiven. We are vastly outnumbered. This brood has grown strong while our attention has been elsewhere. How’s the boy?”
“The same.”
“Has he seen you or anyone?” Chasdiel pushed.
“No.” Eli sighed. “I’ve been with him since his mother died. He sees the enemy almost daily, but his fear overpowers him. He’d rather be blind than see the truth. If only he’d look at what’s around him, then he wouldn’t be so afraid.”
Eli was surprised at the frustrated tone in his words. But there hadn’t been anyone to share the burden with for a long time. He had missed fellowship with the other angels more than he realized.
“Is Malkiel here?” he asked. “I have not met him. What’s he like?”
“He has not arrived yet,” Chasdiel said. “He’s a good leader, a mighty warrior, and he obeys orders.”
Eli couldn’t stop the wince. Obviously, he wasn’t making friends after chasing that vampire. There was no good in constantly defending his actions. He glanced back at the quiet house.
“If you could watch Nic, I’ll make a very visible and obvious departure.” Eli sighed. He didn’t want to leave the boy, but he knew Chasdiel would watch over him as well as he could. “Once they’re convinced I’m gone, I’ll sneak in and stay undercover.”
“Do you think he’s the one?” Chasdiel ignored Eli’s words.
Eli hesitated. The signs were there, but Nic showed no promise. The boy allowed terror to control him until it became a trap that held him tightly, and Eli had seen nothing to give him any hope that Nic would break out of it. He wasn’t even reaching for the Creator anymore.
“I hope he is,” Eli said. “If not, we will pay heavily for our actions.”
“It will mean many people will die and numerous angels will be dispatched to Heaven if the enemy wins him,” Chasdiel pointed out. “He must wake up and join our side.”
Eli agreed but once again felt a wave of frustration sweep over him. They could only prepare for the battle and wait to see what decision the boy made.
“Go,” Chasdiel said. “I’ll watch him until you return.”
Eli nodded and leaped into flight. As he spiraled into the night sky, he drew his sword and flourished it so a trail of sparks and light visible only demons and angels marked his path away from Grangeville.
Eli’s heart broke once again for Nic. The boy desperately needed God’s love but refused to free himself from the snare of fear and know true freedom. As he flew through the night sky, he communed with the King for the boy and longed for the day when Nic broke free.
Chapter Six
Begging
Blaise flew out of Goddard’s castle in a foul mood. He hated being a messenger boy to the vampires who incessantly tried to claw their way to a higher demon level. The bloodsucking creatures may have escaped death, but he would not lower himself any more than absolutely necessary when dealing with them.
As the tall demon warrior landed in the courtyard by the iron gates, Ashtar swooped down from his perch and blocked Blaise from taking another step.
Blaise forced down his anger, attempting to appear calm and cool, but the very sight of the sleek warrior drove him crazy. Ashtar had fought in as many wars as Blaise, and yet somehow the blonde-haired demon had managed to escape the scars that marred Blaise.
“Blaise,” Ashtar jeered. “You just got here. What news is so important that you wouldn’t stop to visit me?”
“Busy on a special mission for our master,” Blaise said to make Ashtar envious.
“Messages to the vampires.” Ashtar nodded nonchalantly. “I used to do that, too. Now Goddard has more important jobs for me.”
Blaise stopped on the steps and scrutinized the contempt in Ashtar’s brown eyes. He despises me. Is he aiming for my place as Goddard’s right hand?
Blaise remembered the throngs who followed Ashtar around. Is he working on gathering soldiers loyal only to him?
“All our work is important,” Blaise said. “But some messages can’t be trusted to any of the common chattel.”
He almost grinned when Ashtar lost his confident, mocking grin. Before the cocky upstart could reply, Blaise flew through the large iron gates. The guards at the gate snapped a salute as he sailed toward the surface.
About halfway to Florence, the passageway split. The left side led to a mining tunnel by the small log cabin with
old scaffolding next to it. Blaise bore right to the home of vampires that sat just beyond Florence.
He made his way up the tunnel until it grew wider, and the red light of the cavern faded as daylight overcame it. When he neared the surface, he passed chained men digging for gold while vampires stood over them with long whips.
Blaise ignored them and continued to the mine entrance. His eyes burned with the bright light of the sun. He squinted and strode into a small meadow where a large house sat on the far side.
The camouflaged house disgusted him. The arrogant vampires were so proud of their immortality, and yet they still reeked of humanity. They were neither demon nor human, but they fought to become equal with the creatures of darkness.
Blaise snarled at one of the vampires supervising the work in the mine. “Tell Henry I am here.”
The vampire scurried across the meadow and shot into the house. Blaise watched him hurry to escape his wrath. They would do well to fear me more.
It was about time these creatures learned some respect, and it would be his pleasure to teach them a lesson or two.
* * *
“Blaise is here, Henry!”
Henry looked up from his desk, annoyed with the uninvited outburst into his office. He pulled back on his temper just long enough to see if such an interruption was merited.
“What does he want?” Henry snapped.
“To talk to you, I guess. I didn’t ask,” Frank said.
Henry slammed his fist on his desk. That’s all I need right now! He leaped from the chair and rushed for the door.
Anger swept over him as he realized he was responding like a servant. He was an equal, not subject to Blaise. He growled with rage and pounded down the stairs.
Henry fumed at the sight of the tall spirit with his fierce appearance and black wings. Those wings were a constant reminder that while he had achieved immortality, he would never be accepted as more than a minion to them.
The demons commanded Henry and his vampires, threatening to dispatch them to Hell if they didn’t obey. He was sick of it and fed up with doing everything the demons didn’t want to do.
He took his time to get to Blaise, walking in the shade of the trees. If the bully mentioned it, Henry would point out the sting of the blazing sun.
He approached the demon but refused to say a word. It was time to show the demons that the vampires were equals and should be treated as such.
“Goddard has heard about your actions the other night,” Blaise sneered. “Did you think such direct disobedience would go unnoticed?”
“What do you mean?” Henry answered in confusion. “No one has killed any humans.”
“Are you dumb, or have you lost control of your parasites?” Blaise growled, barely holding on to his rage. “I’m sure a bunch of humans sitting in hot springs all alone in the dark is a bit much for you to resist. But if you can’t force the others to obey, then you will find yourself in Hell.”
“No! Wait...I...I...” Henry stumbled over his words and hated himself for it.
“Five humans!” Blaise roared. “Five drained of blood and then torn apart! You were told to not kill! You have your supply that your Master gives you freely.”
“It’s not as good,” Henry shot back. “The blood is weak and...”
“It sustains!” Blaise bellowed. “Don’t you know what stands in the balance here? We’ve battled for decades to create this! A realm where the humans forget about the spiritual battles and where they pray once in a while on Sunday mornings. We have grown stronger than ever. We are on the edge of seizing control if you don’t botch it up!”
“Don’t blame us for your mistakes!” Henry ordered. “Besides, it’s only natural that we drink blood.”
“Natural?” Blaise snapped. “Nothing about you is natural. You’re an abomination. Heaven denies you entrance because you gave up your soul. The only reason we put up with you is to use you against the enemy. The moment you stop being useful, we’ll destroy you.”
Henry shifted on his feet, unable to hide how nervous Blaise’s words made him. Henry knew there were laws about what the demons could do on Earth. If the vampires were cast down to Hell, the torment would be unrestrained. He couldn’t stop the shudder that coursed through his body.
“You will obey your orders,” Blaise commanded. “No killing and drinking of fresh human blood. Use your supply.”
“But it’s getting stale,” Henry said. “It doesn’t satisfy us like it used to.”
“Then find a few that won’t be missed,” Blaise snarled. “Use your contacts in town to gather them. But don’t touch the boy we saw the other night. Leave him alone.”
“That boy in the car?” Henry asked. When Blaise nodded, Henry continued. “What’s so special about him?”
“He is not your concern,” Blaise glared. “I will not repeat myself again. Leave him alone.”
“Tell me why you care about him,” Henry pressed. “We’re the ones taking all the risks and doing the work. You don’t know how we sacrifice and suffer.”
“You! Suffer!” Blaise shouted. “We are the lords of this earth, and yet we cower in caverns, waiting for the angels to attack. We scheme and fight for what is rightfully ours, and yet you whine for more!”
Blaise strode up to Henry and put a threatening finger in the dark vampire’s face. “Break these rules again, and you will know what it is like to suffer.”
Blaise turned his back on Henry and disappeared into the mine. Henry balled up his fists in anger. Liam, the lanky, red-haired vampire, sauntered out of the trees and came to stand next to him.
“A bit touchy, eh?” the lanky red-haired vampire commented.
“I’m sick of it,” Henry snapped. “We’ve evolved from human to immortal. We’re on the same plane as them! And yet they think they’re superior because they’re demons.” Henry spat on the ground. “It’s time to show them that we are the superior beings.”
“Their numbers are greater.” Liam pointed out the obvious fact and leaned against a tree. “What can we do?”
Henry snarled before answering. “We used to have a whole town in our hands before they took over to oppress us. Before they grew strong, we had all the blood we wanted at the internment camp down on the river. Now we beg for a taste of blood.”
Liam nodded. “Blood that is rightfully ours.”
“Exactly! The humans are ours to feed on when it suits us. We have an advantage over the slaves of Lucifer. We can walk among the humans.” Henry paused to think and then continued with a smirk. “The demons have to wait until the angel leaves the boy alone.”
Liam grinned. “But we can walk right up to him and do whatever we want.”
Henry nodded with a smile. “If we could break free of the demons, we could rule the humans. We have enough wealth to buy positions of power, become their kings, maybe their gods. We must escape the hold the demons have on us.”
“This boy?” Liam shoved off the tree. “Why’s he special? In our hundreds of years of slaving for the demons, they have never cared what human we touch.”
Henry considered the possibilities. “I don’t know. We lack too much information. We will research his background and find out all we can about him and his family. When we’re done, we’ll know more about him than he does. If this boy is so special, we need to make him ours. Perhaps he’s the key to defeating them and seizing our own kingdom.”
“Kill him?” Liam leered.
“No.” Henry grinned. “We’ll do something much more permanent.”
Chapter Seven
Headquarters
Despite seeing that demon when we arrived here, nothing much happens for four days. I haven’t even had to deal with the darkness threatening to control my thoughts and actions.
Maybe it will stay this way. Maybe I can be normal again.
Aunt Kate keeps me busy. As soon as Ryan hurries off to work, she begins unpacking. We would finish a lot sooner if she’d make a decision. But instead, she makes m
e move the furniture ten times before she likes where it was when we started.
Only her office needs to be unpacked. I don’t get it. The house is big enough for our bedrooms, plus offices for both her and Ryan, but she leaves her boxes unpacked and turns her attention outside the house.
I don’t tell them, but I’m fascinated by everything I see. It looks like a scene from some western movie. The view from the living room windows overlooks rolling hills dotted with fields and farm houses. The prairie stretches to the horizon where a line of massive mountains meets the sky. In the mornings, a bank of clouds gathers at the base of them.
Maybe Idaho isn’t all that bad after all.
Ryan caught me studying the view yesterday. He went into a lengthy discussion about the rivers in the area and how they connect. He mentioned the Lochsa, the Clearwater, and the South Fork. I can’t remember which one flows where.
The mountains stretch behind us until they fade in the distance where only the wolves and bears wander. Covered with evergreens, the hills grow into giant mountains as the wild country grows stronger by each mile.
No matter which way I look, I’ve never seen anything like it. Even though I miss Chicago, this place makes me want to stand up, be a man, and be stronger, like it’s issuing me a challenge to be more.
Aunt Kate and I investigate the small barn and five acres that belong with the house. Ryan has already mentioned getting horses for us. I’m not sure why anyone would want poop factories.
Yee-haw.
We venture into Grangeville for some groceries. I’m relieved to find Cash and Carry does take debit cards. But I can’t stand how slow the cashier moves. She chats with us about nothing while she slowly slides each item across the scanner.
Most of the houses are small with peeling paint. Almost all of the back streets don’t have stop signs, so it’s a bit like a demolition derby.
How is the whole town not involved in constant fender benders?
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