The Incubus, Succubus and Son of Perdition Box Set: The Len du Randt Bundle

by Len du Randt

  ‘Blind?’

  ‘Physically, yes. I couldn’t see a thing.’

  ‘But you can see now, right?’ the Pastor asked and felt foolish even as the words parted from his mouth. Assumption was never a good thing in his business, so he felt compelled to rather just confirm.

  ‘I can, yes.’

  ‘Interesting. What happened? Was it a short-term blindness?’

  ‘To tell you the honest truth, Pastor, I’m not quite sure myself. All I know is that my mother came into the room, rubbed some sort of liquid on my eyes, and prayed for me.’

  Pastor Jacobs leaned forward, clearly interested in the part that came next.

  ‘When I opened my eyes,’ Jared said. ‘I could see.’

  ‘Amazing,’ the Pastor said and shook his head in disbelief. He smiled broadly. ‘It’s wonderful how powerful simple faith and prayer can be.’

  ‘Indeed,’ Jared said. ‘I must admit that I’m not a Christian and therefore don’t really believe in the things you do. But what I do know is that my mother prayed for me to be able to see again, and when I opened my eyes, I could. The problem is that I’ve received more than I bargained for.’

  ‘Why?’ Pastor Jacobs asked. ‘What do you mean?’

  For a moment Jared thought of shrugging off the subject and changing the topic. But he wanted answers and he would rather talk to someone about it than no one at all. Something made him come to this Church, so this might be where he would get the answers he so desperately needed. ‘Since the moment I opened my eyes,’ he said and took a deep breath. ‘I’ve been seeing strange things.’

  ‘Oh? What kind of things?’

  ‘I’m not sure how to explain it,’ Jared said and downed the last half of his coffee. ‘As I said before, I’m not a Christian, although I’m not ignorant of the things that you believe. My parents made sure of that. Growing up, I was taught about angels and demons, heaven and hell...’

  A knock on the door made the Pastor look up. Jared caught the slightest hint of irritation in his facial expression. ‘Yes?’

  The door opened and a young woman stuck her head through the gap. ‘Sorry to interrupt,’ she said. ‘I just wanted to remind you of the meeting at four.’

  Pastor Jacobs nodded, and after she closed the door again, turned his attention toward Jared. ‘I do apologize for that, Mister Greene. Please continue.’

  ‘Please, call me Jared.’

  ‘All right, Jared. Please call me Peter.’

  Jared smiled. He finished his coffee before he spoke again. ‘Angels and demons,’ he said. ‘I think that’s what I’ve been seeing.’

  ‘Angels?’ the Pastor asked. ‘You see angels?’

  Jared nodded. ‘At least I think that’s what they are. Like the four you’ve got outside this building.’

  The Pastor leaned back and looked out the window. ‘We have angels outside?’ he asked. He merely saw the tree and the patch of grass that was his limited office view. In the distance was the lake, but there were no people outside, nor angels.

  ‘They’re massive,’ Jared said. ‘One at each corner of the building. I thought that they were statues at first, but when they moved, I was forced to consider the alternative.’

  ‘You saw angels outside?’ the Pastor asked again. ‘As in actually saw them?’

  Jared nodded.

  Pastor Jacobs could only laugh out in delight. ‘Praise the Lord,’ he said and finished his coffee. His facial expression then changed from cheerful to stern and he stole another glance outside before he spoke again. ‘You said that you can see demons too?’

  Jared nodded. ‘But there are none here. I can assure you of that.’

  The Pastor sat back and rubbed his chin. ‘And these angels and demons,’ he said. ‘What do they look like?’

  ‘It’s still hard to determine which ones are angels,’ Jared said. ‘Some have white robes while others wear armour and have swords. Some are huge like the ones outside this building, and some are normal. Sometimes I don’t know if I’m looking at a normal human being or not.’

  ‘And the demons?’

  ‘Hideous,’ Jared said. ‘They look like burnt or disfigured people and mostly wear black robes. Some have fangs and forked tongues, although I never stick around to look more closely.’

  ‘How often do you see them?’

  Jared folded his arms. ‘It started with one, but gradually became more frequent as I grasped what I was potentially seeing and realised what to look out for.’ He sighed. ‘I know that this sounds insane, Pastor, but it feels like I’m losing my mind here. How do I know that it’s not all just in my head, a figment of my over-active imagination? Perhaps it could be the result of damage to my brain due to the accident and coma?’

  Pastor Jacobs opened his desk drawer and pulled out a black leather-bound Bible. He ignored Jared’s question as he paged through the book. Finally he stopped and tapped his finger on a specific verse. ‘When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning,’ he read aloud, ‘an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked.

  ‘“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open their eyes so they may see.”

  ‘Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.’

  Only when the Pastor finished reading from the Bible did Jared become aware of how tightly he was clutching the mug.

  ‘Two Kings six verse fifteen to seventeen. One of my favourite pieces in the Bible.’

  Jared weighed the words he just heard before he asked the question. ‘So I might not be losing my mind?’

  ‘I don’t think so, no,’ said Pastor Jacobs. ‘I believe that this ability of yours is directly from God.’

  ‘Yeah? How can you be so sure?’

  The elder man smiled warmly. ‘Because I had a vision about you, Jared.’

  Jared stood up and walked to the window, where he stared out. For a moment he imagined that he was back in his own office, staring out over Kelwick before making important business decisions. ‘What am I to do with this, Pastor Jacobs?’ he asked without taking his eyes off the sparkling water in the distance. ‘Why would He choose me, a non-believer?’

  ‘Well,’ the Pastor said. ‘I’m thinking that if this gift is indeed from God, that you should make things right with Him so that you can use it for His cause.’

  Jared turned and frowned. ‘What makes Him think that I wanted this “gift” to begin with? I never asked for it. Why don’t I have a choice in the matter?’ Jared took a breath to calm himself. ‘Whatever happened to free will?’

  ‘Receiving the gift is not really a matter of free will. Tomorrow you could lose your arm in an accident. That has nothing to do with free will. What you do with that which you receive is where the free will comes in. How you respond after you’ve lost your arm, that’s free will. You can decide to let it get you down and ruin your life, or you can stand up and overcome the situation you’re faced with. You don’t have to convert, no. But if you do, you’d be able to do so much more with what you have.’

  ‘And if I decide to do nothing?’

  ‘That is your choice too. Although, before you plan to do anything at all, go and think about what we’ve discussed. You were led here by the Holy Spirit. I had a vision about you. There’s no doubt in my mind that the Lord has a plan with all of this. You’re a smart man, Mister Greene. I’m pretty sure you’ll figure out what to do.’

  ‘I’ll think about it, Pastor,’ Jared said and stood up. ‘Thank you so much for your time.’ Pastor Jacobs stood up and followed Jared to the door. Before stepping out of the office the younger man paused. ‘I didn’t ask for this, you know?’ Jared said.

  ‘I know,’ the Pastor said and smiled. ‘Neither did Moses.’

  Jared forced a chuckle and shook the Pastor
’s hand. ‘Thanks again for your time, Pastor Jacobs,’ he said and left.

  When Jared was gone, Pastor Peter Jacobs closed the door and let out a heavy sigh. ‘Please be with him, Lord,’ he prayed softly. ‘Please guide Jared through whatever lies ahead.’

  * - - - *

  Jared’s heart was beating as fast as the thoughts that raced through his mind. He walked as quickly as his aching legs could carry him, not looking back at the Church or the giant angels. Only when he reached the lake did he stop to catch his breath. He sat down on the soft grass and looked up at the clouds that glided so gently high above Kelwick.

  What you do with that which you receive is where the free will comes in.

  A cool breeze ruffled the leaves in the nearby trees as it passed through them before gently tugging at Jared’s hair. Jared picked up a flat stone that was lying near his hand and tossed it through the air. It whirled before hitting the water, patting the surface twice before disappearing with a plonk.

  ‘What do I do?’ Jared whispered.

  Don’t be afraid, the Pastor’s words echoed in his mind. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.

  ‘Right,’ Jared said and stood up. He flipped open his cell phone and pressed the speed dial button for Tanya’s home number as he walked back to the car.

  Someone picked up, fumbled with the receiver, and then answered faintly, ‘Hello?’

  ‘Who’s this?’ Jared asked.

  ‘You’re speaking to Rebecca Greene, but this is the residence of Tanya Sinclair.’

  Jared smiled. ‘Hi mom,’ he said. ‘It didn’t sound like you.’

  ‘Oh hi, sweetie. How are you?’

  ‘I’m okay,’ he lied. ‘But I would like to talk to you. I really need your opinion and advice about something.’

  ‘Sure,’ she said. ‘When would you like to talk?’

  ‘As soon as possible.’

  ‘Should I come through?’

  ‘No,’ he said. ‘I’m on my way to you now. I just called to find out whether you were there or not.’

  ‘You shouldn’t drive yet, Jared. Don’t worry, it’s no problem to come to you instead.’

  ‘It’s fine mom, really. I’m halfway there already.’

  Finally she gave in. ‘Okay, but drive safe, please.’

  ‘Will do,’ he said and clipped the phone shut. He leaned against the car to rest his aching legs while he examined the billowing clouds in the distance. A storm was brewing. Jared shook his head, got into the car, and for a long moment just stared at the dashboard. ‘This is ludicrous,’ he whispered. ‘If this “gift” is real, if what I’m seeing really exists; then I don’t want it.’ He turned the key and the engine growled to life. ‘If mom gave this to me,’ he said and shifted the car into gear, ‘she can take it away.’

  * - - - *

  By the time the Chevrolet Metro crunched up the gravel road leading to Tanya’s house, the sky was covered in thick and heavy clouds. In the distance, parts of the clouds lit up at random. Jared could smell the coming rain. The wind kicked dust into the air which cast a dark brownish-purple filter all around. Jared protected his face from the tiny sand particles stinging him like thousands of microscopic bees. As he approached the door, it opened and Rebecca ushered him inside.

  ‘Looks like you got here just in time,’ she said as they entered the living room.

  ‘Yeah,’ he said and sat down on the soft leather sofa that he had helped Tanya pick out a few years earlier. He raked his hands through his hair to restore what damage the wind had instilled on his hairstyle. ‘Close call.’ He looked around the room, slowly scanning the familiar paintings and furniture. Nothing had changed in the month and a half since he’d last been there. ‘Where’s Tanya?’

  ‘Oh, she’ll be right with us,’ Rebecca said. ‘She’s just boiling the water for some coffee.’

  Jared nodded. He didn’t really want another cup so close after the one he just had with Pastor Jacobs, but knew that Tanya and his mother would not take no for an answer. ‘I just came from Church,’ he said, trying to steer the conversation in the direction he wanted it to go.

  ‘Church?’ Rebecca asked, ‘Why were you there?’

  ‘I needed some answers,’ he said.

  ‘Oh?’ she asked. ‘What about?’

  Jared sighed and leaned forward. For a moment he didn’t say anything as he tried to construct his feelings into words. ‘I can see things, mother,’ he said softly and rubbed at the stubble that was forming around his cheeks. ‘Since that day that you prayed for my sight to return, I can see things that no one else can.’

  ‘See things? What kind of things, Jay?’

  Jared hesitated.

  Now or never.

  ‘I see what I think are angels and demons.’

  He waited for her to laugh. She didn’t.

  ‘Do you think I’m crazy?’ he asked. ‘Am I losing my mind?’

  Rebecca walked over to him and knelt down beside him. She took his hands in her own and stared at them for a while. ‘No,’ she finally said. ‘I don’t think that you are ill. Your father and I have been waiting for this day for quite some time now.’

  Jared pulled his hands back. ‘What do you mean?’ he asked.

  Rebecca shook her head. ‘We didn’t know about you seeing angels and demons, or any of the particular details,’ she said, ‘but we did know that God planned on doing great things to many people through you, Jared.’

  ‘And you never told me?’ Jared asked and stood up. He failed at keeping the emotion from seeping through his voice.

  ‘We wanted you to discover your destiny on your own,’ she said. ‘We wanted you to choose your own future without influencing it in any way.’

  ‘Choose?’ Jared’s eyes reflected the betrayal and hurt he felt in his heart. ‘I don’t have a choice with regards to the things I see, mother,’ he said. ‘You should have told me.’

  ‘I know and I’m sorry that I didn’t. I wanted to leave that discussion between you and your father.’

  ‘Well, take it back,’ he said. ‘I don’t want this...this gift.’

  Rebecca bit her lip. ‘You don’t want it...?’

  ‘No,’ Jared said. ‘So whatever you did when you prayed for me, I want you to undo it. I don’t want to see these creatures anymore.’

  ‘I didn’t know that you were going to see strange things,’ she said. ‘I only wanted you to see. But still, you’re stronger than you think, Jared. You’re a brilliant leader and would make a powerful spiritual warrior. All you need to do is realise your place in Jesus Christ and ask Him for guidance to walk in His word and light.’

  Jared took a few deep breaths to calm his nerves before he said something that he might regret later. ‘I—do—not—want—this,’ he hissed. ‘Understood?’

  ‘Okay,’ Rebecca said and nodded. ‘I will pray—’

  ‘Sorry to keep you two waiting,’ Tanya said as she entered the living room with a tray. She put the tray down on the table and gave Jared a long hug. ‘It’s so good to see you again,’ she said. ‘You really had us all worried there for a minute.’

  Jared merely nodded. He had told his mother what he came to say and didn’t want to stay longer than was absolutely necessary. ‘Well,’ he said. ‘I was actually just on my way...’ His words trailed off when he saw the cloaked figure standing in the far corner of the room, watching them. Another half-scorched creature slithered in next to Tanya, folding its arms around her shoulders.

  ‘You were saying?’ Tanya asked him, oblivious to the thing whispering into her ear.

  Jared closed his eyes and shook his head. When he opened them again, five more creatures stood between the three of them. One of the creatures folded its hands over Rebecca’s eyes while another wrapped its arms around her shoulders, while also whispering its poison into her subconscious. Jared looked around the room and his stomach pulled into a knot. There were about twenty of these creatures now and more piled in through the doors like
a plague of roaches.

  ‘Sweetie?’ Rebecca asked. ‘Is something wrong?’

  Jared took a few steps back to distance himself from the advancing horde of demonic beings. ‘I...I’m fine,’ he said. With swift movements that he didn’t expect, one of the cloaked figures ran towards him, its head cocked as it advanced upon him. It stood next to Jared before he could react and hissed at him. Another creature jumped high into the air and landed right in front of Jared, glaring at him through burning eyes. Jared tried his best not to finch as the creature slashed its bony claws at him.

  ‘Jared?’ Rebecca asked. ‘What’s the matter, honey?’

  He looked at his mother, pretending not to see the creatures. His heart thumped wildly in his chest and his head felt faint. ‘I’m fine,’ he said, but his voice sounded far and faded. ‘I...I have a few things to go and do...few errands...’

  ‘Nonsense!’ Tanya said. ‘Have your coffee first. I insist.’

  ‘It’s fine,’ he said, trying to fight the nausea welling up inside him. ‘I have to go.’ He looked at Rebecca. Her eyes were still covered and more demons were whispering into her ear. ‘Want to join me, mom?’

  ‘It’s okay, baby,’ Rebecca said. ‘I think I’m going to bed with a good book.’

  The demons enticing her looked up at Jared with spiteful grins. Although Jared couldn’t hear them, he could see that they were laughing at him.

  ‘You could always read later tonight,’ he said, trying to convince her to leave with him. ‘I’d really appreciate it if you came with me.’

  Rebecca smiled. ‘Maybe another time,’ she said. ‘Tomorrow perhaps?’

  At once all the demons stopped with what they were busy with and looked up. Jared followed their gazes and a sudden flush numbed his legs when he saw Natasha standing in the doorway. The demons parted a path for her as she made her way to Jared, singing as she semi-floated toward him with a glass of Scotch in her hand. At the sound of her voice Jared wanted to fall down on his knees and cry out to her, but he focussed on the demons instead.

  ‘Oh, here’s Natasha,’ Rebecca said; the demons’ claws still wrapped around her eyes. ‘Doesn’t she look absolutely stunning?’