Of Kings and Demons

by Han, George

  The doughty Angel raised his battle axe, gripped it in the middle of the handle, then rotated it in a clockwise motion. The movement picked up momentum and created a breeze that grew into a howling wind, rimmed with a golden light.

  The bristling wind blunted the surface of the shield, felling the ravens, and it was soon a test of the powers of the dark arrow and the force of the bright gale. Maganus continued with unblinking focus, whilst Count Raum, a top-rate adversary who could raise twenty legions of Demons at a drop of the hat, held firm.

  As the moment dragged on, the Count blinked first; but not to concede the battle, only to raise the stakes. He begun to murmur and the drone of his prayers resonated through the air. Within seconds, the ravens had vaporized and in place of the shrilling menace came the familiar howl of Trolls. The ground shook and through the forest a pair of the gigantic creatures stormed their way through the woods, heading for Maganus.

  The Angel crossed his heart. “The same old pets of yours!” he uttered with contempt.

  Calmly, he planted his battleaxes, the head first, into the ground. Then he dug into his breast pocket and pulled out his smoking pipe. Without turning his head at the pair of angry Trolls, Maganus lit a match and placed it gently beneath the pipe. He found himself a spot on a fallen branch nearby, sat on it, crossed his legs, and inhaled with Olympian serenity.

  He held his breath and rocked himself gently as he gauged their distance from him. When they were about ten yards away, Maganus blew hard. The trail of white smoke he exhaled magnified and transmuted into a series of loops that flew over the Trolls.

  The pair stopped as if they had been paralyzed by the smoke. They shrank and mutated into tiny imps, no taller than a foot, running around like frantic chickens.

  The Guardian Angel stood up and released a war cry of which the decibels blew the mini-Trolls into dust. Maganus struck a pose of triumph by resting his hands at his waist.

  “I am waiting, Ivan!”

  The Count bit his lips.

  “I take your silence as a compliment,” Maganus joked as he inhaled his smoking pipe. “I guess I should continue?” Maganus then pulled the battleaxes out of the ground. In a handsome swerve, he aimed at the Count.

  The Count raised his arms and a shield of dark energy materialized around him. The furious projectile stopped, but barely. Within a yard from the Count, and seeming to breathe life, the battleaxes continued to rotate in a grinding motion, plowing forward with a dominant force that drove the Count to his knees.

  Maganus fired an angry huff that broke Raum’s line of defence and sent the Count flying into the darkness of trees, crushing a few trees in the process.

  “Ivan, you have underestimated me,” Maganus murmured as he caught the returning battleaxes.

  Within seconds, the Count rose from the carnage and landed just yards from Maganus, his handsome face smeared in dirt.

  “Maganus, another day, perhaps,” the Count said. He cranked his head and released a soul-shattering howl. He stretched his wings, leathery and bony, to their full length. “Victory may go to the Angels this time, but there will be retribution in due course.”

  As Raum rose to the skies, something darted from the woods, heading towards him. It was Pologus. However the Count threw a ball of fire that hit the bird and sent it into a downward spiral, but Maganus arrived in time to nestle his pet before it crashed.

  Maganus looked up but Raum had disappeared into the skies.

  He checked the bird and found the bird tearing at the corner of the eyes. The wings are scorched on the edge.

  “You were only inches away from being a roasted chicken,” Maganus teased as Pologus released a whimper.

  Maganus looked to the skies, where the moon waxed in full power. The aura of evil was dissipating.

  “There will always be a next time,” Maganus whispered.

  The Angel remembered the children, but before he walked over, he murmured his prayers to hide his battleaxes.

  Chapter 18

  Surprise. Surprise

  “What do you make of the assassinations?” Robin said.

  Walter Johnson shifted in his seat and stared at the man.

  “Unacceptable and unbelievable.”

  “What do you think the President going to do?”

  “This administration is a washout,” he complained as he reached for a glass of wine. “Hayes should not have resigned in midterm, knowing the jackass Howard Cooper is.”

  Walter was referring to the incumbent President of the United States, who had taken over from his disgraced predecessor, William Hayes. The forty-sixth president had resigned at midterm after being slapped with an impeachment threat from the House of Representatives over grave allegations of corruption by members of the First Family.

  Howard Cooper had only been a two-term senator from Ohio before he was picked as the vice-presidential candidate. With little foreign policy experience and no noteworthy domestic successes, he did not have the political capital for the top job.

  In his term, domestic crime had spiraled out of control, and inflation near had soared ten percent. The tower-high federal debt had crippled the growth of the economy. In addition, Cooper had failed to hold himself against his assertive Russian and Chinese counterparts and was termed ‘a national embarrassment’ by the press.

  Robin said. “I’m quite sure Cooper is not going for a second term.”

  Johnson eyed Robin “Maybe the spate of violence will make him thick twice..”

  “He is placing the nation Deacon 2. He should put it on 3 and get all agencies on high alert. Any attack on political office holders cannot be taken lightly.”

  “He is lost.”

  “We cannot afford mediocrity in the White House for another stinking second after Cooper is gone. We need strong men in place and a forward-looking agenda.”

  “Yes, Mr. President. Sure, we will do that,” Robin teased.

  “You are a rascal!” Walter said. “You should stop joking.”

  “Who just gave me a lesson about doing justice to the high office?” Robin said, wide-eyed and then sipped from his glass. He spit. “This is bad wine,” Robin said. “I should have brought my own.”

  Robin aimed to place his glass on the table and missed. The glass fell and shattered.

  “Look who is drunk,” Walter joked but soon was rudely thrown off his chair like the earth beneath him had shifted.

  “Governor!” Robin sprung over but four security agents had appeared on the portico.

  Jake Wilson, head of the security detail walked up to him.

  “Jake?”

  “I don’t know what’s going on, Governor. We felt a tremor and thought we should get you into the house.”

  “Is it a terrorist attack?” Walter asked.

  A sense of premonition gripped him. Earlier reports of attacks leaders from all arenas streamed through his mind. Is it his turn now?

  The ground shook again and the earth in front of them exploded. Smoke filled the air and soil rained down on the men.

  Immediately, the bodyguards formed a cordon around the governor, with Jake Wilson directly covering him. But Walter nudged him aside for a better view of the site of the explosion. When the smoke cleared, Walter and the others stood speechless, mouths agape.

  A creature, iron grey in complexion, had climbed out of a hole in the lawn. Standing at over six feet, it was a gargantuan being with a hideous countenance. It drummed its chest as its wings stretched to more than ten yards on each side and it unleashed a deafening roar.

  Walter looked at Robin. “You didn’t arrange this, did you?”

  Robin was incredulous. “It came from the ground, not from my pocket.”

  The security detail rained their gunfire on the advancing threat. Their response infuriated the creature and earned a defiant roar that rocked the neighborhood.

  Jake herded Walter away who grabbed a stunned Robin as well. “Come on, you old hag!” Walter cried.

  They neared the g
overnor’s armoured vehicle, which was on the left side of the lawn.

  Jake cried, “Get on, Governor!”

  Walter however paused, his hand locked onto Robin’s arm, distracted by the shattering shrills of the monster. The security agents’ firepower had no visible impact as the monster continued to stomp towards the Walter. Walter felt his heart in his throat when the winged monster grabbed one of the agents and, with merciless ease, tore the human asunder like he was a soft toy.

  Then it advanced towards Walter.

  Jake reloaded his weapon and fired again. The round hit the winged creature in the eye who drummed its chest in fury. The respite allowed Walter to reach into his vehicle, but he did not get in.

  “What is wrong, Governor?” Robin asked.

  “Penelope. She is in the house!”

  “I will get her,” Jake yelled.

  But Walter was racing back to the house, the monster in keen pursuit as it flew over the security agents. The beast unleashed a green light through its eye and turned three of the agents into statues of stone.

  The winged beast caught up with Walter and landed with a tremor that sent the governor to the ground.

  Walter tried to stand, but a stamp from the monster sent him to the ground again. Walter summoned all his strength and leapt to his feet. He felt strain in his thighs. However, he gritted his teeth and faced up to the gigantic beast.

  Time seemed to stop as assessed the bloodshot eyes that burned rubies, the iron-grey complexion, the curvy ram horns on each side of it head, and long and pointed ears. The nose looked as if someone had given it a hard punch, his teeth shined like polished razor blades.

  “Wadahell are you?” Walter cried as he stiffened his back and tightened his stare. His fists dangling tentatively as the creature stepped forth.

  “Walter Johnson?” the beast asked.

  “You can talk?” Walter was stunned. His body quivered a little but he stood his ground, immobile more of fear than dare of facing the eventual annihilation.

  The creature had swung its right arm back and appeared about to bring it down on Walter. Then it stopped.

  Chapter 19

  Briefing

  “Thomas, you are warrior and preacher rolled into one.” Maganus praised.

  “You were magnificent Lord Maganus. It was an eye-opener”

  “I wish that came from Ivan Raum.”

  “You want to meet the siblings?” Father Bellator mentioned.

  Maganus nodded and moved towards the siblings. He sensed prickly wariness in them and moderated his strides. The tall and handsome boy and his smallish sister wore fear on their faces. They looked as if they had been through a war.

  “An introduction perhaps?”

  It was the girl who spoke first. “Your axes came and went just like magic.”

  “That is magic to you, but it actually is science to us. Anyway, science and magic are very, very similar.”

  “Really?” Sarah said.

  “Powers of the Angels are based on the powers of all things good and found in Heavens. All powers we possessed are actually science, God’s invention. Human inventions are interesting permutations.”

  “Unbelievable,” Sarah murmured.

  “It is much easier to carry our weapons that way. Imagine I travel with one hundred pounds of iron on my shoulders? Even Hercules would complain!” Maganus chuckled, his beard rustling with pride as he studied Mathew.

  “Thank you for saving us,” the lad spoke with his voice that was spent from some shouting. “How may I address you?

  “I prefer just ‘Maganus’.”

  “I am Mathew Springs. This is my sister, Sarah.”

  Maganus grinned, his cheeks emitting a ruddy radiance. “Both of you have been through a tough patch, haven’t you?” Maganus patted Mathew on his shoulder and Sarah on the head.

  “Thank you,” Sarah whispered.

  Maganus smiled. Human beings can be so sweet, sometimes.

  “Can I ask something, sir?” Mathew raised his hand.

  “Liberal with the questions and you don’t have to raise hands.”

  “You are an Angel?”

  Maganus frowned as he pondered the best answer to the question. And he realized he would need a good chat with the siblings, and some food and drinks, by the fire.

  *

  Victor leaned back on his armchair, rested his chin on his knuckles, and smiled, a well-dressed façade of halcyon. His deliberate move was an act, and politics had provided him with the best classroom to acquire such mastery.

  Deep down in his chest, he fumed. His anger kindled by a presumptuous Joe who gesticulated in his animated monologue on potential solutions to resolve the Maxi Oil debacle. He suspected his former associate and subordinate had come with a sinister agenda.

  Victor was impatient with deliberate deception which he felt it is plain lying. “I appreciate your help, but I can sort out the issues on my own.”

  “Half-a-billion is not a small sum. With a few hundred million invested in securing concessions in Asia and the Middle East, you do not have much in the kitty for any compensation, my friend.”

  Victor tightened his grip on the sofa cushion but stayed silent.. How did Joe know such details?

  Joe continued, eagerness written on his paunchy face. “Victor, we are interested in forming a partnership, a friendship. We can help you in Maxi Oil. All we ask for is an association. No immediate favours.”

  “Cut the chase, Joey.”

  “Calm, calm, please, Victor. I have so much respect for you that I pray you listen to our proposition.”

  “Our? You are not acting alone?”

  Joe smiled. “A friend of mine, I should say. I assure you, sir, that it will be worth your time meeting him.”

  “You talk like a bloody devil, Joe,” Victor said and noticed Joe’s eyes had turned towards to the entrance of the room.

  “What are you—” Victor stopped mid-sentence when a tall figure walked through the door. The arrival was well-dressed in corporate suit and a catchy red tie. His face was like a sculptured statue, with squarish, strong jaws. The eyes were blue, with thick and bushy eyebrows. His thick, sandy hair was swept back, revealing a high forehead. His fair complexion suggested a Northern European origin. Despite the suit, Victor could tell he had an athletic physique.

  “Who is this gentleman?” Victor demanded, voice frayed.

  The man had extended his hands, oblivious to Victor’s hostility.

  “Mr. Senator,” Joe said. “May I present Boris Komorov.”

  Victor took the man’s proffered hand with hesitation. He tried to avoid the man’s daunting blue eyes but found the temptation irresistible and was immediately spellbound, sucked into a vacuum. He tried to end the handshake but Komorov held firm. Victor shuddered as Komorov flashed his pearly white teeth. Victor returned a curt smile. Deep in his heart, he cursed Joe for setting up the meeting.

  Chapter 20

  Firsthand Knowledge

  Walter Johnson held his breath as he prepared for the worst. He expected to be pummeled, but nothing happened. Then it occurred to him. I am in the midst of a Hollywood fantasy flick? This beast is breathing, but it can’t be real.

  He was distracted by blinding flash of light that was followed by a shearing explosion. There was a whistling in the air and he felt a waft of air touch his right ear before an arrow plunged into the right side of its chest.

  The monster howled in pain and then collapsed like a felled bull. But the monster recovered quickly and was on its feet. It pulled out the arrow and roared like an angry hound. The spleen-splitting decibels beat like a rude shaft of wind against Walter’s face. He had expected a bull’s run but the beast was rooted to the ground.

  The monster’s bloodshot eyes were fixated on something, behind Walter. The Governor turned around, half praying that he was not about to see something more grotesque. He heard galloping hooves before being greeted by a handsome steed, a dark and muscular breed that carried a hands
ome mane.

  The rider was clad in shiny robes of ancient times like a warrior. He had the brown complexion of an Asian and his strong flowing hair was tied in a pony tail. Slung over his right arm was a beautifully carved bow.

  He was the archer.

  The breast plate had the emblem of a winged man, a sword in one hand and a shield in another, imprinted in gold. He was touched by a sense of familiarity but his mind failed with the details. The same emblem was carved on the archer’s glimmering boots, which had hived-up heels at the ankles. The sudden arrival had sent a ripple of light across the fields.

  Meanwhile, Robin and the surviving security agents had caught up with Walter and took up defensive positions around him. The governor pushed the agents aside, and ignored Robin’s attempts to shield him.

  Calmly, Walter walked up to the horse.

  “Governor Walter Johnson!” The ride spoke first and that silenced Walter.

  “Your presence of mind is admirable.

  “You felt it?”Walter was puzzled.

  “My name is Jin. Do you remember me?”

  “You are an alien,” Walter joked

  The rider shook his head and put a finger to his lips. Then he rode his steed up to the winged monster. “Eberhard. Explain your presence.”

  “Jin, bastard slave, pretentious warrior” The monster had gone buoyant in the air with his wings at full span.

  “Earth is too beautiful for creatures carved from stone and perched on architecture. You do not belong here. Stay away from the humans.”

  The words infuriated Eberhard, whose wings beat with increased intensity and churned up a strong draught of wind. He roared and waved fists.

  “Do not insult my species.”

  “Statement of truths,” Walter added.

  “Shut up!” Eberhard bellowed. “The Angels will not decide the order of things on Earth any longer. Change is coming.” Eberhard’s eyes sparkled like rubies. He clenched his fists and began to murmur in a strange tongue.