The Last Rogue Soul

by S E Brower

  “We are in the B’s,” she told him, “what are you searching for?”

  “I am searching for information concerning her offspring.”

  “It is still quite a walk,” she added, “but you shall have your knowledge.” She was helping him but seemed very unhappy about it.

  “Thank you, Aalonray,” he smiled. She did not smile back. They walked along the hall in silence, for what seemed a long time even by celestial standards. Aalonray stopped in front of a tall shelf.

  With deft hands, she rifled through stacks of books until finding what she was looking for. “Be quick about it,” she warned, as she handed Faith’s book over to him. He nodded as he took the book from her. Scanning page after page he searched, stopping when he found the birth of Jessie’s brother, Travis John. Next to his name, was the name of the Guardian assigned to watch over him.

  Drummondax read the name, ‘Jordondey’. Skipping ahead he searched for the birth of Jessica, and to his utter amazement, there was no record of her being born. He did not understand. Jessie was nowhere in the book. He realized her absence from Faith’s Life book explained why The Author did not seek him out the day she was born. It was because he wasn’t aware of her birth. It still begs the question; Why The Author noticed Jessie five years ago, and why he wanted her dead now?

  He turned again to Aalonray. “What do you know of The Rogue Souls?” Her eyes flew open wide. Gasping, she brought her hand to her mouth. Grabbing the book from him, she returned it to its place on the shelf.

  “You must go,” she stated, pointing to the opposite end of the hall. Realizing her tone was one of fear, not anger, confused him even more.

  “Please, I’ve only just arrived. I need more information. Aalonray, I beg of you, tell me what you know.”

  “Please, leave now.” He could hear the desperation in her voice. It did not deter Drummondax from his aim but convinced him she would be of no further help. Learning a few things by risk of coming, he was not ready to give up. He intended to find this ‘Jordondey’ perhaps he would know something more.

  Drummondax and Aalonray walked in silence back through the long corridor. She opened the doorway once again peeking into the main Library. There seemed to be no one around. Looking back over her shoulder at him, she motioned for him to move.

  “Leave the Library,” she told him, “and Drummondax… know there will be eyes and ears all around you. Sing your praises with care.” Her choice of words was puzzling.

  “Thank you, Aalonray, I shall.” He was polite, but his frustration showed. She had issued him a warning, which he did not yet understand. She stood there, still not smiling, as he disappeared through the door exiting the Guardian Library, speeding his way towards Earth. He knew where to find Travis, and wherever Travis was, Jordondey, his Guardian would be close by.

  As soon as Drummondax exited the Library, Aalonray returned to the Hall, where Faith’s Life Book stood on a shelf. She ran down the corridor as quickly as her legs would carry her. Retrieving the book, she rifled through its pages searching for this daughter, whom he’d spoken of, without success. There was no mention of her existence.

  “That means just one thing,” Aalonray said, aloud.

  She turned her attention to the other child, a son. This time she found what she was looking for. There, in the pages next to Faith’s son’s name, Travis John Barrett, was the name of his Guardian, ‘Jordondey’. A smile brightened her face as she looked up, “Perhaps there is hope,” she whispered to herself.

  When Drummondax arrived at Travis’ house, the sun was setting into a brilliant orange. It would be dark soon, but Travis was still in the backyard playing with his three little girls. The night air was chilling, but the twins and little Bells didn’t mind it. Their dad chased after them, as they squealed with delight.

  Drummondax did not appear to Travis, but made his presence known to his Guardian, by saying his name. “Jordondey, please forgive the intrusion, I wish to speak with you.” Guardians rarely interacted with one another. It was not protocol. Only by addressing them by name, would they show themselves. Jordondey remained invisible to him.

  “Jordondey, please may I speak with you?” he asked again. The other Guardian did not reciprocate immediately.

  There was a low stone wall running across the back portion of the property. When Drummondax first laid eyes on him, Jordondey was seated on that wall, one foot planted atop the stone, his arm resting on his knee watching his charge. Jordondey looked up and saw him standing there.

  “Forgive me,” Drummondax began, “I know this is… unusual, but I have urgent business, requiring your help if you are willing.”

  Jordondey said nothing. He seemed much older, his face weather worn. His eyes were a deep aqua, stark against such raven black hair. Although he was not standing, Drummondax could tell he was muscular, and tall. His face bore a design tattooed in blue. Drummondax also noticed a black tattoo of a dragon inside his right forearm.

  Jordondey’s wings were enormous, half again the size of his own, a powerful looking black with a rich blue design, like the one on his face ran through them. He appeared unusual, bordering on exotic. Dressed in black leather pants, his boots cuffed with fur. Around his waist, a belt of blue and green plaid. His thick biceps looked carved of marble, complete with prominent veining. He wore an open vest of black leather, also trimmed with fur. Splayed upon his chest, another blue tattooed design. Unlike any Guardian Drummondax ever encountered, he looked savage, and fierce, like a warrior. Jordondey stared at him without blinking.

  “I am in need of information. What can you tell me about the Rogue Souls?”

  “Who are you, and why do you inquire about the Rogue Souls?” Jordondey asked, his eyes narrowing.

  The strange lilt to his voice puzzled Drummondax. It was an accent he had not heard before. “My apologies my brother, I am Drummondax,” and he bowed out of respect. “I am… was the Guardian of your charge’s mother. It is… complicated.” Jordondey said nothing more. He just stared at him, unimpressed.

  Drummondax got the message loud and clear. This Guardian was not big on conversation and would not be easily convinced to help him. He knew he had to keep his communication to a minimum.

  “For the sake of expediency, it is because I believe your charge’s sibling may be a Rogue Soul but have not determined it.” Drummondax stood staring back at the staunch figure before him. Jordondey arose from his seat on the wall, clearing his throat.

  “Well, that is quite a revelation. What circumstances have brought you to such a conclusion?”

  “I know little of the Rogue Souls. I have not encountered one.”

  “Until now,” Jordondey interjected, surprising Drummondax when he spoke.

  “Yes, until now. What I know is what is written. Beyond that, I know nothing.” Jordondey seemed unmoved, so he continued. “I have been to the Library. I have spoken with Aalonray, and–”

  “Aalonray?” Once again, Jordondey interrupted, his interest piqued. “You… talked to Aalonray?”

  “Yes,” Drummondax nodded, “it wasn’t a scheduled visit. I believe my reception to be… shall I say, less than enthusiastic.”

  Jordondey coughed. “That’s putting it mildly I am sure,” he said as half a smile stole across his lips. “No matter,” Jordondey sighed, sitting down offering a seat beside him. “The girl in question, her name is Jessica Elaine, correct?” Jordondey looked at him for confirmation.

  “Yes, when I was at the Library,” Drummondax added, “Aalonray helped me find the Book of Life for my charge, their mother,” he looked out at Travis as he said it. “Your name was there as the assigned Guardian, when Travis was born. However, Jessica Elaine’s name did not appear in the book.” Again, Jordondey said nothing, but his eyebrow rose. “There is something else,” Drummondax was on his feet again, “there is something peculiar about her.”

  “Peculiar how?” the strange Guardian asked.

  “I could sense her soul, but I could not
see it.” Drummondax had never encountered such a thing. He didn’t know what to think and wasn’t even sure if he should have shared this information. He had taken a chance on Jordondey and waited for a reaction.

  “Go on.”

  “And she knows things. Things of the celestial realm, things she shouldn’t know.” He seemed intrigued, but not bothered or impressed. “So, you have seen Rogue Souls before?” Drummondax was direct. Jordondey’s answer neither confirmed nor denied the question.

  “It is not common, but it happens. What of it?”

  “Can you tell me, is she a Rogue Soul?”

  “It would seem so, my brother,” Jordondey replied.

  In that instant, Jordondey confirmed his worst fear, and his heart sank. So, Jessie was a Rogue Soul. Still, it did not explain why The Author would want him to eliminate her, and it wrote confusion on his face.

  Jordondey recognized a conundrum when he saw one. “You mask that which troubles you.”

  “How can I trust you?” Drummondax stared hard at this unknown celestial being.

  “You can’t,” was the simple reply, “but understand this, I am the Guardian of Travis John Barrett. If your Rogue Soul is of importance to him, then to me, she is as well.”

  His answer sufficed. Drummondax had trusted Aalonray. He would place his trust in this Angel as well. Besides, what choice did he have? The aid of this particular Guardian might prove advantageous.

  “There is one more thing. Her life is in danger,” Drummondax stated.

  “And… you perceive this how?”

  “I am certain, because… because someone has ordered me to kill her.”

  Jordondey stood up at once. “Now my brother, you hold my attention.”

  Drummondax backed up. “Forgive me, but I cannot divulge more. I will leave to find the answers I seek.” Jordondey frowned saying nothing. “I will return to you Jordondey, with any news concerning this matter. Soon, I may require your assistance.”

  With a furrowed brow Jordondey told him, “I shall not aid you in taking the life of any mortal.” His voice showing his concern.

  “And I keep no intention of asking you to do so.” Drummondax replied. Turning away, disappearing to find Jessie.

  Chapter 10

  A Rogue Soul

  When he found Jessie, her kids were in bed, and she was with her father, Harrison, on the deck sipping coffee. The two of them gazing at the stars and swapping stories about Faith. Drummondax listened from the shadows, when Harrison yawned. “Sweetheart, I’m exhausted, I think I will go in now.”

  “Okay, Dad,” she smiled at him as he got up. He leaned over, kissing the top of her head.

  “Good night.”

  “Good night Dad, I love you.”

  “I love you too, Jess.” He opened the kitchen door, disappearing into the darkened hallway to his bedroom.

  Once he was inside, she realized he had mentioned nothing about Dax in a day and a half. It seemed in his grief he abandoned the search for the little dog. Just as well, Jessie mused. One less worry for him, for her as well. Soon, she would return to Chesapeake.

  Though the kids needed to resume school, their absence coincided with the annual ‘Spring Break’. Jessie relaxed knowing missed schoolwork would not be a problem.

  Drummondax stood watching Jessie, still sitting on the bench. She reminded him so much of her mother, Faith, which alone was heartbreaking. Now his heart broke for Jessica, her future less than certain.

  He recounted the events leading to her birth. “She wouldn’t even be here if not for my interference. Now, The Author wants me to eliminate her.” The thought was painful, followed by another agonizing consideration. “Upon discovery, are Rogue Souls eliminated because The Father considers them an abomination?”

  It was a question he hadn’t asked himself until now. “Perhaps in this way, it has nothing to do with Jessica as a person, but Jessica as a Rogue Soul. If this is the will of The Father, who am I to go against His wishes? I have already disobeyed. Should I not carry out the orders of The Author; What then? Do I eliminate her, or do I protect her?” He didn’t know the right answer.

  Wanting to pray for guidance in this matter, he could not. Through the veiled warning Aalonray issued him, it became clear all prayers were being somehow intercepted. He hadn’t understood until now. The Father would hear his prayer, but so too would those who listened. Word would get back to The Author that he was considering disobeying. This dilemma belonged to him and him alone. However, regardless of his conduct, he knew he now had a possible ally within the Guardian Library.

  And so, it went… round and round the impossible decision swirled in his mind. He deliberated a heinous act in the name of piety versus a calculated disobedience. The choices sickened him, and he shook his head. “No, no, I cannot accept this directive. The Father is a Deity of love, and forgiveness, and would not order such a thing… would he?” Drummondax didn’t know anymore.

  Jessie was looking at the sky, her back to him. The simple act of extinguishing her life, as ordered, would be an easy thing to carry out. Drummondax knew he could make it quick, and painless. Feeling he owed her that at least, he waited until Harrison went inside. It would devastate Drummondax, for he had grown fond of her.

  Watching, he stood in agonizing torment, his mind still wrestling which action to take. “Perhaps there is a broader truth to which I have no knowledge. I have confirmed it, she is a Rogue Soul, of that there is no doubt. Her fate is not for me to decide.” He made his move towards her, when he heard Jessica’s voice, soft and sweet.

  Looking up at the stars again, she whispered, “I love you, Mom. I need you more than ever.” Her words seared through him. The decision made. Jessica would live for as long as he could protect her.

  “Jessica,” he called to her. Even though she recognized the melodic voice behind her, she startled almost dropping her mug on the deck.

  “Geez,” she scolded him, “don’t do that. You scared me half to death,” she smiled, but his blank expression told her she lost the sarcasm on him. “Never mind,” she said, “just don’t sneak up behind me like that again.” Shaking her head, she frowned, “Are you all right? You don’t seem yourself tonight?”

  He did not answer, and his silence made her nervous. She always had the ability to read people, apparently that included angels. Just before he contemplated ending her life, the quick decision to spare her, overwhelmed him with an urgency to protect her instead. He erupted in a sudden outburst.

  “You must tell me what you know!” The uncharacteristic demand, combined with his odd behavior, led her to believe his allegiance towards her may have changed.

  Drummondax took a step towards her to convey comfort, but she withdrew from him, much like the night he first made himself visible to her. Although he had informed her of the elimination order, he had not shared his dilemma. However, she picked up on it.

  “You’re scaring me,” she was genuinely afraid.

  Now, he was ashamed of having considered taking her life. Her fear of him cut him to the quick, remorse written across his face. He did not look angry, only apologetic and sad. She saw it in his eyes as he spoke.

  “Jessica, I have much to tell you, and I feel that there is much you need to tell me.”

  Still apprehensive, but no longer of him, she now feared his words. She was not at all sure she wanted to hear what he had to say. “Dax, I don’t know what you mean?” she began, “if you are looking for information, I have none.” Shrugging her shoulders, trying to appear calm, she sat her cup down on the picnic table.

  “Jessica, you do know what I mean.”

  “No, I don’t,” she insisted, making him realize he would need to proceed with caution. He decided a different approach was in order.

  “Jessica, may I sit?”

  “Yes, yes of course. What’s wrong with me? Please, sit down.” She scooted over to make room. She couldn’t help admiring his beautiful wings, and wanting a lighter topic of conversat
ion, she commented on them. “They are so beautiful,” her words held a touch of envy. What she wouldn’t give to fly away right now. He glanced over his shoulder at his wings, nodding.

  “They have served me well.”

  She frowned, “That was a compliment.” He looked back at her, missing the point. Letting out a hiss of disapproval, she scowled. “Dax, when someone gives you a compliment, you thank them.”

  “I am… happy you find them… pleasant?”

  She squinted at him, “And?”

  “… and thank you,” he said.

  “You’re welcome. There, that wasn’t so hard, was it?” she glared at him.

  No matter how much small talk they engaged in, the fact remained, her life was being threatened. To save her, he would need her help. He knew when she was nervous, she talked… a lot. So, that was what he would do. Let her talk, hoping in the process he would learn what he wanted to know.

  He said nothing while Jessie chatted. He tried to listen, but all he could think of was getting back to the reason for this meeting.

  “What do you think, Dax?” The sound of her saying his name re-focused him. “Dax, you weren’t even paying attention, were you?” she scolded, “I guess men are the same everywhere, Angel or not,” she sighed. Once again, he didn’t understand the comment.

  Jessie relaxed, feeling more at ease, when ‘the stir’ in the heavens interrupted their conversation. They looked at one another in shock. “I know,” she told him, “that’s happening a lot. I wish I understood it.”

  “Yes, the frequency has increased tenfold.” He had hoped she knew a reason for the disturbances, but she didn’t. Every time ‘the stir’ happened, she was overwhelmed with feelings of loss and sadness, she didn’t understand. She did, however, comprehend the gravity of her own situation. She had worries aplenty without adding whatever he wanted to dump on her.

  He started to say something, but again was interrupted.

  “Another one,” Jessie exclaimed, “what is that?” Looking into his eyes, she searched for an answer.