by Aratare, X.
“I am not stopping you,” Johnson said, though he did not get out of Gabriel’s way.
Gabriel circled around Johnson and strode into the temple. He had failed with the former military man, but he wouldn’t fail his friends. His heart was in his throat as he looked for Casillus and the others. When he saw them, he realized that he was right to have been worried. The four of them were all bound and gagged. That explained why none of them had called out to him while he was arguing outside with Johnson. They also were all injured.
They were lying against the back wall of the temple, feet jutting straight out in front of them, bound at the ankles with black zip ties, with their wrists evidently fastened behind their backs as well. White cloth had been used to gag them. Yet another goon, this one black-haired and dead-eyed, was standing to the side of them with his AK-47 unslung and pointed vaguely in their direction.
Greta was leaning her head against Roger’s shoulder. There was a cut across her left temple, as if she had been struck. Roger had a few scrapes along his legs. His eyes blazed with anger and fear. Corey, though, looked the worst. The sweatpants he had borrowed from Gabriel were ripped and dirty. There was sand in his hair and beard. His right ankle was visible, and Gabriel could see that it was already swelling. Gabriel made an inarticulate sound of anger at this. Corey’s bright brown eyes looked pleadingly into Gabriel’s and then darted towards Casillus.
Gabriel’s gaze slid over to the Mer. He could sense from their still hazy bond that Casillus was still groggy. Casillus was still lying on his side. For a terrible minute, Gabriel was reminded of that fish out of water he had found on the beach as a child, straining for breath just before it died. Casillus’ blue-green gaze found his and the Mer’s eyes widened in shock and dismay.
Gabriel, you should not be here! Casillus said, his voice slurred.
Don’t worry. Aemrys and I have a plan, Gabriel said as he rushed forward, intent on helping all of them. He would pull those gags off, get Casillus sitting upright, and have those bonds removed. But the moment he took that first frantic step forward, the black-haired goon’s AK-47 swung around and pointed directly at the center of his chest. Gabriel froze.
“Point that someplace else!” Gabriel growled at the goon.
Gabriel, get out of here! Casillus pleaded.
No! I told you, Aemrys and I have a plan. It’ll work! Gabriel cried.
Johnson is lost to madness. He may seem normal, but he—
I know, Gabriel responded bleakly. The plan takes advantage of that.
“Johnson, tell your goon to lower his weapon!” Gabriel snapped when the goon still did not move.
He had felt Johnson’s presence come into the temple behind him. He sensed the connection between them and the statue in the next room. The statue perched evilly in the inner sanctum. Gabriel fought not to stare at it. It didn’t look like Roger and Greta had even had the chance to put it in a pot to take it out of the temple at all.
Best laid plans, Gabriel thought. He hoped the same didn’t apply to his and Aemrys’ plan. He really needed it to work. All of humanity did.
“It’s all right, Greer. He can go to them,” Johnson said finally.
Greer slowly lowered his weapon, though his dark eyes still expressed distrust. Gabriel didn’t care. He immediately ran over and dropped down among his friends. His hands flew between all of them taking off the gags, which had exclamations of delight and relief coming from all of them. Even Casillus let out a sigh. He then gently pulled the Mer up to a seated position and positioned him so that he could rest his back against the wall.
“Gabriel, what are you doing here?” Greta asked, her voice raspy but high with fright. Her eyes, though, were full of determination as they flickered over to Johnson and then back to him.
“Yeah, Gabe, you shouldn’t be here,” Corey echoed earnestly.
“It’s okay. Johnson and I have come to a deal,” Gabriel explained.
“What deal?” Corey rasped out, his brown eyes full of suspicion and worry.
Yes, Gabriel, what is all this? Casillus sounded much more alert now, and he was staring hard at Gabriel’s face.
Gabriel allowed Casillus to simply access the memories of his conversations with both Aemrys and Johnson instead of summarizing it for him. The Mer’s eyes widened hugely before a troubled look came into them.
This is too great a risk, Casillus said.
It’s the only way. Believe me. I tried everything I could with Johnson, Gabriel said.
The Mer’s expression softened. I know. I just … I do not want you near Johnson, let alone with him and Cthulhu.
It’s always with me, Casillus, Gabriel confessed. Even now I can hear it’s thoughts and it can hear mine. It knows what I’m saying and doing. It knows what I’ve planned.
The Mer stilled. I … see. I did not know this.
Neither did I until a little earlier today, Gabriel explained. It is a connection that I will have to keep from you. Everything about it—
Be at ease, Casillus interrupted. I understand.
Yet the Mer prince looked so sad for Gabriel then. He obviously felt that it was a hard and heavy burden for Gabriel to bear on his own. Gabriel sensed the Mer make a silent promise that he would help Gabriel however he could with this.
Thank you, but just you being with me is enough, Gabriel assured him.
At that moment, Gabriel let out a snarl of annoyance as he found he was unable to break the zip tie bonds with his hands. He called over his shoulder, “Johnson, I need something to cut these bonds off of everyone.” His words were met with silence so Gabriel demanded, “Now, Johnson! Or do you want to delay your confrontation with it?”
“The Mer stays bound. He is coming with us,” Johnson said.
“No!” Gabriel spun around. His heart was in his throat and he felt rather wild. “Not happening!”
Johnson looked unconcerned by Gabriel’s menacing expression and replied mildly, “I need to ensure that you Call Cthulhu for me.”
“I’ve given you my word!” Gabriel cried. “I’m going to do it! I’ve tried to save you, Johnson, but you don’t want saving, so I’ll do what you ask to save everyone else.”
“I’m afraid that while I want to trust you, I cannot do so,” Johnson said, and he actually looked sad about it. “Your mind has undoubtedly been affected by the transition. This Mer can speak with you telepathically. And perhaps he can do more than just speak. Perhaps he can control you.”
“He can’t and he wouldn’t even if he could!” Gabriel yelled, but then he stopped himself. Johnson wasn’t going to believe him. The ex-military man was so full of suspicion and craziness that he wouldn’t be able to recognize the truth. “Casillus cannot come with us.”
“Why?” Johnson tilted his head to the side.
“Because if he does it’ll be worse for him than if I let you put a bullet in his head,” Gabriel said.
Silence fell over everyone in the temple.
“What does he mean, sir?” Greer asked.
“It’s simple. Facing it means madness and death for men and Mers,” Gabriel said.
“But not for you?” Johnson clarified.
“No, because I’m a Caller,” Gabriel said. “So if I bring Casillus on that boat with us, he’ll go mad or die or go mad and then die. It’s all the same. So he’s not going on the boat. Corey, Greta and Roger aren’t going either. You’re releasing them.”
There is a cost for you to face Cthulhu as well, Gabriel, Casillus said forlornly.
I’ll pay it to save you guys and the rest of humanity, Gabriel said.
Oh, my brave love, Casillus responded with passion, but his eyes were filled with pain.
“I told you that I have protection for us,” Johnson said.
“I don’t believe it will work,” Gabriel responded curtly.
“So you expect me to go mad and die then?” Johnson asked, eyebrows rising.
“I think I’ve made it crystal clear that that is exactly what I
believe,” Gabriel said. “So nobody else is going, but you and me and, I guess, whatever goons you want to bring.”
“Then the Mer stays here under guard with the others. All of them remain bound,” Johnson replied after a moment. “No one leaves here until I succeed.”
Gabriel gritted his teeth. Johnson wouldn’t believe that he would Call Cthulhu without the pressure of saving Casillus and his friends’ lives. But if—no, when—he came back to shore without Johnson? What would Greer do to them then?
A voice bubbled up in his mind, full of ancient malevolence, Do not be afraid—afraid—afraid. Do you think these little men—little—little—forlorn soldiers—can hurt you?
Not me, Gabriel answered Cthulhu. Casillus. Corey. Greta. Roger.
You and yours are safe. I protect them, the monstrous being responded.
You don’t have to make landfall to save them? Gabriel asked.
There was a shaking, echoing sound, which was Cthulhu’s now-familiar laughter. Did I have to be on land to destroy Henry and so many more—destroy more—destroy more—destroy all? When Gabriel remained quiet, Cthulhu said, Bring the forlorn soldier to me and I will save you and yours. A promise—promise—promise, my Caller.
Gabriel leaned in and kissed Casillus hard on the mouth and then he rose to his feet. All eyes were on him. He found that he could only look at the Mer as he said, “All right, Johnson. I agree to your terms. Get your boat.”
“Now? You wish to Call it to me now?” Johnson asked. He sounded surprised.
Oh, Gabriel, the Mer breathed sadly.
“Yes, Johnson, I will Call it for you now,” Gabriel answered.
Cthulhu let out more terrible, echoing laughter as it said, I knew you would change your mind.
8
THE POWER OF STONE
The ocean’s spray peppered Gabriel’s face as the speed boat headed to where his parents’ sailboat had gone down. He closed his eyes and relished the cool wetness. He felt Casillus doing the same through their bond. The Mer was suffering from lack of water. Through Casillus’ senses, Gabriel could smell the dry dusty scent of the interior of the temple. Despite their liquid blue appearance the stone seemed to soak up moisture, leaving everything else desiccated.
Other than being thirsty, though, the Mer was mostly unharmed. Johnson had grudgingly allowed their bonds to be cut off since Greer had the gun. Being freed had allowed Casillus to help the others, especially Corey, whose ankle had turned a deeper shade of purple. Gabriel’s best friend likely wouldn’t be able to walk for a week or more. Greta’s face was pale as milk. Roger hugged her tighter to him, but his touch didn’t seem to soothe her. Whenever Casillus looked at her she was glancing nervously at Greer. Though the goon appeared relaxed, his gun was more often pointed at them than the ground. Gabriel’s jaw clenched. He had to save them.
You swam by yourself, the Mer suddenly said proudly. Gabriel knew Casillus was trying to take his mind off of where they were going and what was going to happen.
I would do anything for you, Casillus, Gabriel responded. His lips curled into a smile and a warm flame of happiness that not even this direst of moments could extinguish bloomed in his chest. I’m not scared of the water anymore.
No, you are not. Such wonders we shall see together beneath the waves, my love! I promise you splendors the likes of which you have never imagined, Casillus said, his voice going lyrical. The dry as dust feeling in the Mer’s mouth undoubtedly made him crave those wonders more than ever.
Gabriel, who had feared leaving the land so much, now was wishing with all his heart that he and Casillus were on their way to Emralis, because that would mean this terrible thing with Johnson was done and everyone was safe.
After this I’m not sure I’ll be afraid of anything else ever again, Gabriel found himself saying. He immediately wished he had not. He did not want to weigh down Casillus with his fears.
What will happen is not your fault, Casillus said, his voice deepening with emotion. Concern, love, the desire to be there, holding him, protecting him, flowed over their bond. Johnson has chosen his path.
I tried to talk him out of it, didn’t I? I did all I could to stop this, right? Gabriel found himself asking more than believing.
Yes, you did all that anyone could, Casillus replied loyally.
We’re not there yet, though. Could I do more? Gabriel paused and measured the distance between them and Cthulhu. Still half a mile away. If he closed his eyes he could actually see Cthulhu floating only fifty feet below the surface. And if he followed its tentacles down, down, down he knew he would find some of them caressing a barnacle-encrusted vessel. He swallowed deeply. We’re about ten minutes away.
It will be all right, Casillus promised, and his certainty wrapped around Gabriel.
One life for the safety of the entire East Coast. Actually, three lives. Marko and Jax had joined him and Johnson on the boat. Marko was behind the wheel while Jax and Johnson were going over what looked like old parchments. They thought words would stop Cthulhu. Words and stones.
“He has stones from a place called Ecthelian. Supposedly they have magical spells cast upon them to keep away darkness,” Greta had explained in hushed tones while Marko had brought the boat around. Evidently, Johnson had explained the entire plan to them before Gabriel had arrived.
“Stones? Magic stones? That’s what he thinks is going to save him?” Gabriel had asked and then shook his head.
“That and an incantation,” Roger had whispered. “Supposedly it will send Cthulhu back to the Outer Dark where it came from.”
“Stones and words. Isn’t there a nursery rhyme about that?” Gabriel had almost felt badly for Johnson then. It was all so pathetic.
“Be careful, Gabe. The things he’s bringing along may not be that impressive, but he’s—he’s crazy,” Corey warned.
“He’s a great man,” Greer had growled at them then. “He’s saving humanity.”
Gabriel had straightened up and stared at the man standing there with a gun and dead eyes. “The statue has affected Johnson. It affects everyone near it.”
“Meaning me? I don’t think so, kid. That ugly thing can’t affect me. You have to actually touch it for it to do anything and I haven’t so much as coughed on it. I’m surprised you think the statue’s so powerful. After all, weren’t you the one just scoffing at the power of stone?” Greer had responded with a sneer.
Gabriel had looked over at the squat statue of Cthulhu resting in the inner sanctum. It had glimmered at him. Maybe Greer had a point.
Johnson stepped up beside him at the boat’s rail, breaking him out of his memories. Unlike his parents’ sailboat, this vessel was made for speed. Gabriel tried to move away from the former soldier. His knee brushed against one of the pale knee-high white stones from Ecthelian in the process. There were four of them. Three of them had been put in the corners of the cabin. Johnson had said he would put the final stone, the one Gabriel had just touched, in the remaining corner once Gabriel Called Cthulhu. The stone was cold. Gabriel found himself jerking his bare skin away from it and rubbing the spot. Maybe Greer really had a point about the power of stone.
In order to be heard over the roar of the engine, Johnson spoke directly into the shell of Gabriel’s ear. “How much farther?”
Gabriel grimaced, but he reluctantly turned his mouth towards Johnson’s ear as well to tell him how far, but the former military man had not turned away. Gabriel and Johnson’s lips were only half an inch apart. Gabriel reared back and nearly toppled over. Johnson caught him around the waist. For one long moment, Gabriel froze in Johnson’s arms. The former military man’s gray eyes were unreadable. Gabriel tried in vain to break the unwanted intimacy by pushing at that rock hard chest, but it was like trying to move a mountain.
“Let me go, Johnson!” Gabriel cried, but his voice was robbed of all strength by the overpowering sounds of the engine and the sea.
“You’ll fall if I do,” Johnson said.
What
is he doing? Casillus’ voice was strained. What is he—he cannot touch you! He has no right to touch you!
“Let me fall! I don’t care!” Gabriel yelled.
“But I do,” Johnson said. “I’m doing this for you. Not just humanity, but for you, Gabriel. To save you.”
Gabriel stared at him with wide uncomprehending eyes, unable to follow the man’s abrupt shift in topic. “Save me? Johnson, I’m only in danger from you.”
“The Mers want to change your body and mind. I may not be able to fix your body, but I can save your mind,” Johnson said. “I believe delivering you from Cthulhu will help with that. Greatly.”
He is mad! Casillus snarled. He speaks of minds being affected, but it is only his own that is diseased! That and his desire for you has taken all reason from him!
Maybe that’s the key, then. Maybe I’m the key, Gabriel said.
What? Gabriel, no! Johnson cannot be reasoned with—
I have to try. One last time, Gabriel responded slowly.
No, Gabriel, he will not do what you want no matter what you offer him!
He’s going to die and die horribly in front of me, Casillus. I have to know I’ve done everything I can to stop that, Gabriel said.
“What do you want, Johnson?” Gabriel challenged. He stopped trying to push Johnson away from him even though he longed to do so.
“I’ve told you, Gabriel. To help you,” he said with an amused smile.
“Do you want me?” Gabriel asked.
Those dark eyes flickered over to the other men on the boat, but they either didn’t hear what Gabriel said or pretended not to. “I want to help you.”
“How? Exactly?” Gabriel asked. His hands were flush against Johnson’s chest.
Five minutes away. Just five minutes away. Then madness and death. Even if it was justified, it would mark him. He would have allowed three men to die.
“However you need to be,” Johnson rumbled.
“If you want to help me then you need to turn this boat around,” Gabriel said. “We can help each other.”