The Sceptre of Power [The Peacekeeper Journals Book 3]

by CJ England

  She swallowed. “Aye ... let us finish this."

  They crept across the empty car park; the other's trailing close behind. Halfway across, Brianna gasped. “We won't know they're coming this time."

  Danolas glanced at her. “What?"

  Brianna's voice trembled. “The banshee. They killed her. Sure, and we won't know when they are going to attack, will we?"

  His finger's tightened around hers. “Don't worry. I won't let anyone harm you. You have my word."

  But not your love. The whispered thought ran through her mind as they left the parking lot and started down the narrow steps to the mouth of the cave. She shivered. That wasn't something she could allow herself to dwell on. Later ... when she was alone and in her bed back at Dunguaire, then she would have herself a good cry.

  The only sound was the echo of their footsteps as they continued on. Tall, moss covered trees lined the path on one side, with the carved rocky side of the mountain on the other. Ferns and lush green plants could be seen, even in the gloom of the darkened gorge. The sound of trickling water was loud as the stream they'd followed earlier, made its way out from where it had been imprisoned by human means and now moved lazily into the darkened cavern below. The trail led deeper into the unseen cave, blocked against trespassers by a large metal gate.

  "Damn,” growled Lucas, his voice echoing against the walls of the narrow valley. “This is fuckin’ spooky."

  "It'll be worse inside,” muttered Jorad who followed close on Danolas’ heels. “It will be like the very bowels of hell."

  "Not quite,” came Kira's ghostly voice, a quiver of amusement lighting it. “But perhaps, close."

  "There it is,” hissed Brianna. Her eyes went wide at the sight. “Merciful heavens! Will you look at that!"

  The mouth of the cavern yawned before them, a good twelve feet high and twice again as wide. Steps had been built down into the grotto and a railing could be seen for several yards before it too disappeared into blackness. The smell of water, earth and decay tickled their nostrils.

  "Just a moment.” Danolas touched his staff to the lock on the gate and it opened with a loud creak. “I hope there isn't security."

  Patrick shook his head. “A guard house at the main entrance, but nothing here."

  The gate swung wide and the company stealthily made its way inside. “So far so good,” Benjamin whispered. “Maybe we got lucky."

  Gallegar shook his head. A whisper of power crept out from under his shielding and his fangs lengthened. He pulled Kira closer. “I don't think so. In fact, I have the feeling we have walked into—"

  A loud scream interrupted him and spinning around, the company saw the path blocked by a score of pookas. Then, creeping like rats out from the rocks came more cluricauns than they could count. A new creature, this one with the wizened face of an old man, covered in mangy tangled fur, followed them. The stench that preceded them made the company want to retch in reaction.

  "A trap,” the vampire finished grimly.

  "How the hell did they know we were here?” Patrick floated closer to Kira. “And who are these new monsters?"

  "Grogoch,” gasped Brianna. “Another faerie. Mischief-makers all of them, but rarely cruel. They've been spelled, I'm thinking. They usually mean no harm."

  "It does not matter what they were,” Koran stated, as his hands glowed amber in reaction to the intruders. “But what they are."

  "Give us the witch.” One of the cluricauns came forward and pointed a sharp talon at Brianna, who stood in Danolas’ arms. “Give us the witch and you may go free."

  "Fuck that!” Lucas gave a menacing growl. He tensed his shoulders and changed into his half-beast form. Huge and hulking, his appearance made several of the creatures scrabble for cover. “You ain't gettin’ anybody!"

  The little man hopped up and down. “Give us the witch. Now! Now, or all die!"

  "We'll take that chance,” stated Benjamin. He changed into the same half-wolf form as Lucas, before turning to Danolas, sending him a quick mind-speak. “You know what to do."

  The witch nodded and grabbed Brianna by the hand. “I'm ready."

  "Do it!"

  Danolas lifted his staff into the air, sending power streaming through its sapphire crystal. He spoke only two words.

  "Shol saes!"

  The blinding light he'd called for suddenly filled the room. The company, recognizing the tactic, covered their eyes, but the monsters were caught unawares. Literally blinded by the light, the creatures screeched and cowered, lashing out impotently at anything they sensed nearby. More of their own were torn by the sharp claws and hooves, than were the company. In the confusion, Danolas lifted Brianna into his arms and disappeared down the steps, deeper into the tunnel. It might be the only chance they had at putting some distance between them and the monsters above.

  Running down the slippery path, Danolas used his magick to make sure his footing was sound. Slick pools of water and narrow passages made traversing the cave difficult.

  "Please.” Brianna squeezed his arm. “I'm slowing you down this way. I can run."

  Knowing she was right, he dropped her legs, but held on until she was running easily beside him. The glow of his staff lit their way, but the closed in feeling of the place made Danolas want to shudder.

  "Cyric's trail ... it leads straight down through...” Brianna's voice trailed off. “Damn me. Now what?"

  They'd come to an abrupt halt at the side of a river. There was no more path. It was obvious, tourists were forced to use the flat bottom boats tied up at a nearby dock. She looked at Danolas. “Do we use the boat? Or do we fly?"

  He hesitated only for a moment. Who knew how long the water would go? If it went for miles, it would be a great drain on their magick, power they would need to protect themselves. “The boat, but we can use magick to pilot her."

  They scrambled into the closest boat just as one of the pookas came racing around the corner. It gave a shrill neigh as it overcompensated and slid into the freezing cold water. It thrashed and screamed, but Danolas ignored it, and sent their boat streaming away from the dock and down the black icy river.

  "The others?” Brianna managed.

  He looked grim. “I disabled the motors, when I put a spell on the other boats. Magick that will make the boat move on its own. Only the company will be aware of it. If the enemy uses one, they will have to row."

  They were silent then, peering around cautiously as the boat slid through the still water. Time had no meaning in the darkened cave. Sometimes, Danolas thought he could hear the sounds of battle behind him, but then, they would be cut off as they went around a corner.

  Suddenly, they came to another dock. Brianna scrambled out and watched behind them as Danolas climbed onto the wooden platform. “Where are we?” she whispered.

  Danolas gazed around quickly. “End of the river, perhaps?” He shook his head. “The sign says, Junction Jetty, so I'd figure it's where the river and the walking path meet."

  Brianna touched his chest gently. “The trail goes that way ... along the path. Can you see it?"

  He nodded. “Yes, let's go."

  * * * *

  Back at the entrance, the company fought to keep the rest of the creatures from following Danolas and Brianna. “Behind you,” shouted Lucas, as he tore the throat out of a cluricaun who'd ventured too close. His shout to Gallegar was heeded as the vampire snatched a pooka out of mid gallop and tore it apart with his bare hands. Beside him, Kira's golden power shone brightly as she used it against the hapless grogoches who tried over and over, to leap upon her and drag her to the ground.

  Patrick and Benjamin struggled with more of the beasts. “Did they get away?” the shade mind-spoke Gallegar.

  "Aye ... they have gone below, but some of the evil ones have followed them."

  "Then, we better, as well.” The Ethereal turned to his men. “Cover us.” He turned and gave a shout at the protectors. “All of you, protect your leaders."

  As one,
the brave protectors moved to cover the Chosen and Kira. Koran sent another flash of light at the creatures, and that, along with the fierce fighting by their men, gave the Chosen and the Peacekeeper time to disappear into the inky darkness. Koran conjured a faerie light and they all followed him down the tunnel. All that could be heard were the sounds of their breathing as they sped along the cave passage. Once they got to the river's edge, they all stared in anger at what was left of the boats. The pookas and cluricauns who'd come before them had utterly destroyed the two vessels they'd left behind. One psychic touch showed the company the creatures had split them in two with a single blow of their strong hooves.

  "Now what the hell do we do?” growled Lucas. He bent and grabbed one of the boat halves, then dropped it when he felt the magick burn through him like lightning. “Koran! Come here. What do you make of this?"

  The faerie had barely touched it, when a grin lit his handsome face. “Danolas spelled it to follow him. It doesn't matter if it is whole or in pieces. This boat will take us to him."

  "King Gallegar!"

  They all turned at the call. Jorad raced into the room, his eyes wide with fear. Gallegar frowned. “Why are you here, witch? You were to stay up above and fight with the others."

  "He is my High Priest. I must go to him.” The acolyte's ashen face looked sickly in the pale faerie light. “He ... uhhh ... I know he needs me."

  After a moment, the vampire nodded. “Then let us go.” He lifted Kira into his arms and stepped into part of the ruined boat. “They are going to need us."

  "Will we be in time?” Kira fretted as she watched the others climb aboard the destroyed crafts and carefully find a place to sit.

  Benjamin pushed the boat out into the water. “We have to be."

  * * * *

  Using Danolas’ staff for light, the two witches made their way carefully through the dark, following Cyric's glowing trail. It was brighter now, making Brianna believe they were close to the Sceptre. She held on to Danolas, telling herself it was for the seeing of the vision, but she knew it was more than that. Their time was coming to an end, and even if they made it out of this passageway alive, she would lose him anyway. She would take whatever contact she could.

  They didn't speak as they wound their way through different chambers of the cave. The humans had named them ... The Castle, The Porridge Pot, The Guardian Angel, and if you looked closely, you could see the name's image in the rocky formations. They were all beautifully carved stones, unique and intriguing sculptures that made her gaze in awe at nature's grandeur.

  The place the humans called The Moses Walk, was particularly intriguing. A man-made catwalk stretched out across the width of the slowly flowing river. Liquid sprinkled down upon their heads from high above, baptizing them in pure, fresh water. Their faces glowed wetly in the pale azure glow of Danolas’ staff. Brianna wished she could come back and visit longer ... someday when she wasn't afraid for her very life.

  When they reached The Crystal Palace, she drew in a breath at the beauty of the place. The pale creamy look of the chamber made her think of toffee sweets at Christmas time. Stalactites by the hundreds hung from the ceiling of the cave, their dragon's teeth-like forms reflecting in the twilight water below. It was beautiful and unearthly, but Brianna felt an icy finger of recognition trail up her spine. Somewhere close by was the Sceptre; she knew it as well as she knew her own name.

  "We've come to the end.” Danolas’ voice echoed in the icy grotto. He pointed with his staff. “The only thing that lies before us is the lake."

  "What? That can't be! There has to be more."

  "This is as far as the path goes."

  "Aye ... the tour mayhaps, but not the trail, I'm thinking.” Brianna stomped her small foot. “It can't just stop here. Makes no sense."

  Danolas looked over his shoulder at the path behind them. “I hope it goes on. I don't think retracing our steps is the best option."

  She looked at him, noting the deep concern on his face. Guilt rose in her. “I'm sorry. I'm letting you down again."

  "Don't be an idiot.” He shot her a frustrated glare. “I saw the vision as clearly as you did. I know the trail came this way."

  "Cyric couldn't have disappeared through the rocks. It has to be here."

  "I agree, so let's start looking."

  They searched the cavern, always keeping an eye on the passageway behind them. Every crevice was checked, but they found nothing. Finally, Brianna's gaze swept over the black waters. Her heart almost stopped when she saw what she was looking for. She sent a quick thankful prayer up to heaven. “Saints be praised! I found it!"

  "Where?"

  "There ... you see? Across the lake. The trail continues on the other side."

  Holding his staff high, Danolas sent the light over the water. Its illumination revealed a small ledge tucked off to the side of the grotto. A small opening could be seen in the shadows behind a large boulder. “You did find it.” He cast a grin her way. “I assume Cyric's trail heads that way?"

  Already smiling, she touched his arm. There was a flash of crystal light as the trail appeared, but then before she could even blink ... it was gone. Frowning, she tried again, but nothing could be seen in the inky darkness. Her heart pounded as she fumbled for Danolas’ hand. Squeezing hard, she concentrated, using all her will to see.

  "Brianna ... stop.” Danolas’ hand squeezed hers back. “You're cutting off the blood to my fingers."

  "I can't see anything,” she said hoarsely, barely listening to him. “It's gone ... it just vanished."

  "I know ... I know.” His sapphire eyes gleamed in the light of his staff. “But why? That's the question we must ask."

  "Perhaps, I can answer it for you."

  Chapter 13

  Danolas instinctively pushed Brianna behind him, as the ghostly voice reverberated against the walls of the cavern. He held his staff at the ready and gazed around him. “Who are you?"

  The answer was a low evil chuckle that sent shivers up his spine. He pulled Brianna closer and watched as from the shadows, a figure appeared.

  "I wondered how long it would take you to find it for me.” The outline of a man could be seen in the staff's crystal glow. “You are strong ... stronger even than your grandfather was."

  Ignoring the mention of Brianna's ancestor, Danolas turned the light up higher. “I asked you who you are."

  "Come now, High Priest. You know exactly who I am.” The form stepped out of the shadows and smiled. “And you know all my names."

  Danolas couldn't help the shock that ran through him. A man stood there ... yet not a man at all. Eyes, dark as just this side of midnight, long black curling hair and features handsome enough to draw any woman's eyes. An evil smile touched the man's lips and he came into the full light.

  Labraic.

  "How can this be?” squeaked Brianna. “You're dead! My ancestor killed you!"

  "Stupid bitch!” Labraic's eyes shot hatred her way. “You are as weak and stupid as he was. He tried to kill me, but no mortal can destroy my kind. He had the anger and he had the weapon...” The demon laughed. “But he didn't have the knowledge."

  "He sent you to Hell,” growled Danolas. “That was all that was needed."

  "Don't be a fool,” Labraic hissed. “When Cyric O'Maoilduan tried that little ... exorcism, all he had the power to do was make me leave the body I'd possessed. Inconvenient, but not irreparable. I just found another host; though it did take me many centuries to regain the strength I needed to continue with my plans and speak to my followers."

  "So you've just been hiding? Waiting? For what?” Danolas wasn't buying any of it.

  "Labraic hides from no one, witchling.” The demon's eyes flashed red. “We all had our orders. When and where to strike. Timing is very important. Even though my time was cut short when that bastard son of a witch used the Sceptre on me, I had done much of what I set out to do. I turned people away from the truth.” He laughed. “But now ... now it is my time
, again. The war is begun and all soldiers are needed."

  Danolas went still. This was part of the war? He immediately shook his head at himself. Of course it was. Why should he believe San Francisco was the only place the war was being fought? In that instant, the problems facing the world at large took on a deeper meaning. Evil was patient and relentless. Without the truth setting them free, all the peoples of the earth were at risk. His face hardened. “We'll stop you."

  Labraic put back his head and laughed. “No one can stop us. We are stronger and more powerful. We will crush you like the insects you are."

  "We stopped you once,” Brianna shouted at him. “And we'll do it again."

  "How?” the demon scoffed. “With the Sceptre of Power? But you don't have it, do you?” His eyes met Danolas'. “But you have been kind enough to show me where it is. For that, you have my thanks. You see, a spell hid it from my gaze. I knew if I followed you long enough, you'd lead me right to it.” He gestured over the water. “Lost for almost eight hundred years, but now, almost within my grasp."

  "But why?” Danolas asked as he maneuvered Brianna closer to the water and away from Labraic. “Why would you want the Sceptre found now?"

  "I don't want it found!” Yellow light flashed around the demon as his temper gave way. “It could have stayed lost in this cavern forever. But I knew once the bitch witch was sent to you, the knowledge of the weapon would come out. The quest would begin and the Sceptre would be located. You are too curious a man to allow such questions to go unanswered. That ... I couldn't allow, so I gathered my powers and came back to this plane. At first, I just wanted the Sceptre to stay lost, but once I realized that was impossible, I took the next step. It is too strong a weapon to let fall into the wrong hands."

  "In that, we agree."

  The demon's eyes narrowed. “Now that I know where the Sceptre is, I can destroy it. You will never use it against my kind. We will win the war ... against you and the puny humans."

  "It may be here in this cavern,” shouted Danolas. His power swirled around him, creating a shield between Labraic and them. “But you don't have it yet. We beat you once, hellspawn ... we will beat you again!"