Of Kings and Demons

by Han, George

  They were interrupted by Harry, who flocked over and spat, “You fool! Imbecile. Idiot. What have you done?” He drummed hard to wake his Demon, but Maganus, with a snap of fingers, sent the drum up in flames. Harry squealed like a distressed animal as the drum fell. Fluttering his wings like a fly, he fled into the darkness, with the accompaniment of the snores of the Cyclops.

  “Let’s move on. I think it’s safer now.” Mathew urged.

  “Is that so?” A booming voice, thick with anger, emanated from the darkness. Within seconds, a huge mass surged forth on a trail of black wind and hit Maganus from the back. The unsuspecting Guardian Angel rolled like a mass of iron, leaving a trail of debris.

  The aggressor unfurled and rose to his feet. It was Eberhard who was clad in full armour. With his wings in full length, hands clenched into fists and his horns glimmered under the fire torches. His face was brimming with the sickening arrogance that came with his successful sneak attack.

  #

  Gwyneth treaded with caution as she managed her way down a flight of steps that ended at the start of a long, brightly lit corridor. She heard voices and withdrew into a blind corner. A quartet of Demons appeared. After they passed, she emerged and continued down the corridor. She saw paintings, the familiar depictions of epic battles between Demons, Kings of Men, and Angels. The gory scenes of slaughter and battle touched her emotional chord. She crossed her chest and mumbled a prayer.

  Then she spotted a beam of light, coming through a door at the end of the corridor. There were noises.

  #

  “We will be just fine.” Walter said and continued up the stairs. His stride confident and his hands clenched in fists.

  Eugene was prepared to leave until he smelled the odour. There was a wind of chill, draught of air.

  He leapt and got to the governor in time. He hauled Walter to the ground and, quick as lightning, swung his warhammer backwards at a snarling gargoyle. With one motion, he smashed the creature to smithereens.

  Looking up, Eugene saw the size of the hunting horde, there were hundreds of them.

  “Bring the governor into the building!” he ordered

  The security detail did as told, sprinting up the stairs while Eugene confronted the enemies headon, rising to the skies with his white wings in full majesty. He manifested a ring of light that scorched the approaching gargoyles to their skeletal core.

  “evitas quod Incendia! Incendia! Lightning and fire!” Eugene cried as he torn the sent the advancing horde of darkness with bolts of lightning. He felt weakness in his limbs, the sudden appearance of the gargoyles had been overwhelming. There was disequilibrium but he steadied his heartbeat, starving off the chill of fear. Amidst the chaos and din he noticed the doughty look of Walter, the stuck out chin and steady gaze. A man calm and ready for his fate, he had already decided his own destiny.

  Now he has to do his part as the Guardian Angel.

  As the security detail’sfirepower was gradually neutralized by the growing hordes, Eugene positioned himself in front of the governor and swung his warhammer at the gargoyles.

  As he fought, he detected the arrival of the security forces. Their appearance was like a magnet and sucked the Demons away. However, the humans were easy fodder for the demonic horde, which made a quick meal of them.

  A torn limb landed at Eugene’s feet, and just yards away stood a gargoyle whose mouth was oozing with blood.

  It was Bruno.

  “We meet again!” Eugene cried as the gargoyle spit out the remains and flashed his teeth “We are fated to meet.”

  The engagement that followed was fierce as they traded blows, with the impact creating potholes in the ground and cracks on the walls. The panicking security personnel made matters worse, unable to discriminate Demons from Angels, or showing any trace of concern to those they were shooting at.

  “Stop!” Eugene screamed as he blocked the bullets with his sturdy wings.

  “Don’t waste your time with pleas. They are imbeciles,” Bruno roared and swooped down to crush a pair of security personnel.

  With Bruno distracted, Eugene grabbed Walter by the hands and soared through the entrance of the Capitol building and headed through the Hall of Columns. He found a quiet corner in the darkness of the columns, where he sat the Governor.

  “Sir.”

  “They laid a trap.” The governor was panting, hair disheveled and blood stains on his face. His right cheek was swollen.

  “A bad one.”

  “I gave him a punch too.” Walter waved his fist and then flexed the fingers

  “It is going to be tough. I don’t know how it is going to turn out.”

  “Eugene, there is no turning back now.” Walter grimaced. For a moment, Eugene sensed traces of the courage of the old warriors and kings in the governor.

  He forced a smile.

  “Then lets fight all the way.”

  #

  The gentle push of the door caused a pronounced creak that echoed down the forlorn corridors. Gwyneth paused and waited for a reaction. When she heard nothing, she stepped in and scanned every inch of the room. There saw a chimney in the corner, rows of filled bookshelves that made the room more like the abode of a retired professor than the hideout of a Demon.

  She never remembered Barbatos to be a reader.

  Gwyneth raised her palms to gauge the strength of evil. An oppressive feeling of darkness hung in the air, and she sensed someone behind her. Gwyneth swung around, hands extended, ready to engage any foolhardy Demon. However, standing before her was a girl with golden locks of hair and a lovely face. Gwyneth retracted her hand, just in time.

  The little girl began to turn, but Gwyneth took her by the shoulder and bent over. In her presence, a demon would show its true form and Gwyneth opened her palms ready to strike, but the girl stayed as she was.

  “I meant no harm,” Gwyneth assured as she released her grip.

  “Who are you?” She asked.

  “Sarah. Sarah Springs,” the girl spoke, her face brittle with fear.

  “Don’t be afraid. I’ve come to help.”

  “Can I go home?” Sarah said and tears filled her eyes. “Can you help me, please?”

  “We will leave now, Sarah.” Gwyneth held her hand but Sarah pulled away.

  “Are you one of them?”

  “The Demons?”

  Sarah nodded.

  “No. I am nicer.”

  Sarah smiled. “I think so, just like my new friends.”

  “You friend?” Gwyneth asked.

  “You promised you will not tell the Demons?” Sarah whispered.

  “I promise.”

  “I met Angels.” Sarah beamed.

  “You did?”

  “Maganus and Jin.”

  Gwyneth felt her heart lightened.

  “They are my friends.”

  In the tight embrace, Gwyneth felt the girl’s frail body convulsing in sobs, and every weep broke her heart.

  “We are going home.” Gently she stroked her hair. “Why did they bring you here?”

  Sarah stood away and explained her story in halting words.

  “Where is your brother now?”

  “With Maganus, I think.”

  Gwyneth took Sarah by the hand, but the girl pulled back.

  “I don’t think we can.”

  “Why?”

  “He wouldn’t let me.”

  A chill rippled down the Angel’s spine. “Who is he?”

  Before Sarah could answer, Gwyneth heard someone behind her. “Barbatos. Lord Barbatos.”

  Gwyneth froze.

  “What is wrong with you, Gwyneth? You will not face an old friend”

  She remained silent.

  “You survived the ambush.”

  The White Angel turned. She could feel the waves of emotion crashing on her consciousness.

  “Your heart is disturbed, Gwyneth.”

  “Darius,” the White Angel whispered. He can read me. He has grown powerful.

&
nbsp; Before Gwyneth could utter a second word, a bolt of lightning was unleashed. Gwyneth parried with her palm, but it was barely twenty-four hours since her injury, and she was no match for the powers of darkness.

  The impact sent the Angel onto the wall.

  #

  Maganus was motionless and the sight of a fallen opponent lifted the ego of Eberhard. The gargoyle stretched his wings to full length, proud and haughty. Mathew tried to help but was afraid he might touch broken bones. Is Maganus dead? Do angels die on earth?

  Then he heard Father Bellator.

  “Behind you!”

  Eberhard was nearing, each step a jolt to Mathew’s heart. Shaking, he drew his sword, ready to defend Maganus.

  “You want to stop me?” Eberhard bellowed.

  “I will die for him. He saved me. You have to get past me first.”

  “You?” Eberhard jabbed a rugged finger in mockery. “Pathetic humans! Just like that stupid lass.”

  “Lass?” Mathew asked.

  “Your sister.” He snarled.

  “Where is she?” Mathew asked.

  “Defeat me and the answer is your reward,” Eberhard replied.

  Without hesitation, Mathew shoved his sword at the beast. But Eberhard grabbed it with ease, and with tweak of his hand, broke the blade into two.

  “Mathew Springs, the age of man is over.”

  Mathew shivered but remembered Jin’s words. He steadied his breathing. “I am no ordinary man. I am a King of men.”

  And so saying, Mathew unsheathed the sword Maganus had given him. Swerving to the right, he swung his sword in a slicing motion, but it caused nothing more than a scratch on the creature’s iron-hard torso.

  Eberhard retaliated and gripped the blade. He pulled Mathew forward and raised his claws, ready for the kill. Mathew stared wide-eyed as the talons swept towards his him. Then he heard a blast and Eberhard froze. Mathew looked away and saw Father Bellator, on the floor, with his shotgun in hand.

  Mathew took advantage of the moment and made another charge. However, Eberhard answered with his claws which a lithe Mathew ducked in time. Eberhard loosened his grip on the sword and whipped Mathew off his feet with the tail. The boy hit the ground and lost consciousness.

  Eberhard was ready to crush Mathew but found himself immobilized. He was shocked to find Maganus, very much alive, holding onto his belt.

  In a heroic motion, Maganus lifted Eberhard over his head.

  “My answer to your ambush!” the Guardian Angel bellowed, and with all his might, flung the creature crashing through the roof.

  Maganus checked on Mathew who was bruised but breathing.

  A chorus of war cries shattered their respite. A squadron of gargoyles rose like a tornado in the darkness.

  “Let’s go, Mathew!” Maganus said.

  He helped the boy to his feet, and went to raise Father Bellator off the ground and on his shoulder. The trio ran down corridor, with the swamp of gargoyles hot on their heels like a pack of bloodthirsty hounds.

  The trio turned left and right, twisting through the labyrinth of castle hallways, but they seemed to be going in circles.

  Maganus had sensed his Mathew’s fear and warned, “Calm. They can’t get you Mathew if they cannot smell your fear.”

  At that moment, a gargoyle swooped over Mathew and locked its talons on his right shoulder. Mathew broke free with a hard hit on the creature’s belly with his sword.

  Maganus jumped in front of Mathew like a protective wall. He lowered Father Bellator to the floor and clasped his arms in prayer.

  “Incendia of Olympus, Contego obviam Malum!”

  A shield of fire formed over them, and the first of the descending gargoyles began to drop like toasted game.

  “Should I have given you an umbrella?” Maganus said.

  Mathew smiled. “Make sure it is demon-proof!”

  “Humour is the best panacea for all evils.”

  Mathew nodded and helped Father Bellator to his feet. “Hurry!” Maganus instructed as he lifted his head and sniffed. “I smelled the woods. Safety is ahead.”

  Maganus moved forward and the castle doors materialized at the end of the corridor. He raised his right hand and sent a power bolt at the doors, which swung open with an eerie creak.

  Outside of the castle, they were greeted by stale air. Mathew sensed danger but got a clue about the hazard when he saw Maganus who looked grave and shocked. Mathew followed the Angel’s line of sight and saw a gargantuan serpent circling itself around Jin. Lying not far away was the carcass of Dilu, his heavenly steed.

  #

  Barbatos sniggered.

  “I once heard a conversation between two powerful angels.”

  “What were they talking about?”

  “Whispers.”

  “Whispers? They were whispering?”

  Barbatos shook his head

  “No. They mentioned something about whispers that will save mankind.”

  “Whispers that will save mankind.”

  “Someone from the Kings of Men. Her whispers will save mankind, and defeat the demons.”

  Sarah’s smiled vaporized. She felt her forehead wet and her throat dry.

  “Why are you silent?”

  “Listening to you.”

  Barbatos stepped forth, his boots clicking with intent

  “I think that person is you.”

  Chapter 38

  Friends or foes

  The presence of Lord Barbatos jarred Gwyneth’s heartbeat. Recollection of their earlier encounter brought back the taste of blood and the daunting fear. Gwyneth suffered paralysis and her moment of hesitation gave Barbatos the opportunity to attack.

  With a snap of his fingers, he flung a ball of energy that hurled Gwyneth across the room. The White Angel struggled to her feet and winked to a stunned Sarah.

  “I am fine,” Gwyneth whispered and then signaled her to a corner.

  “You are strong,” Lord Barbatos said, and he began to conjure another ball of energy.

  “Be merciful, Darius.”

  The Demon sniggered and shook his head. Gwyneth easily parried the second bolt of energy.

  Gwyneth smiled. “Tell me why?”

  “You will know in due course.”

  “We had a truce …”

  “Truces are for weaklings! We can never co-exist! Stability, war-free years, and civilization advancement in the last decade— your race has all the credit for the accomplishments. However, mankind is unworthy of your sacrifices. We have already controlled every arena of human activity.”

  Gwyneth inhaled as she tried to placate the wild sensation of fear. Gradually as the dust in her subconscious settled, Gwyneth mumbled her prayers. Her weapon the Snow Scepter, materialized in her hand. The weapon was forged from the iron found in the depths of the Arctic.

  Barbatos chuckled. “You are endangering yourself by using that Scepter.” Deploying the weapon would sap her energies, and she had been conserving her finite powers for a pivotal moment. Is this that moment?

  “I am ready to take the risk.”

  “I am thrilled by your foolhardy behaviour, Gwyneth.”

  #

  In one motion, Maganus rested Father Bellator by a boulder and engaged the serpent with his battleaxes which he dispensed off with ease. In one suave move, Maganus beheaded the serpent and freed Jin from its clutches.

  Mathew crouched next to the Guardian Angel and tried to help him to his feet but soon realized another problem.

  “Mathew, Jin is under a demonic spell. Look at his legs.” Maganus said.

  Mathew checked and groaned at the sight of thick layers of greenish growth rooting Jin to the ground. “What are these?”

  “We called them Woolish. Demonic weeds. They are bred in Hell and places of extreme evil. The substance looks like grass, but the difference is that it feeds on the essence of all life forms, sucking like parasites until the hosts expire.”

  “Thanks for the botany lesson,” Mathew said. “L
et do something about it.”

  Maganus nodded and produced his smoking pipe.

  As he lit it, Mathew exclaimed, “Maganus, is this the time for a puff?”

  Maganus winked. “Watch me.” The Guardian Angel inhaled from the pipe and blew rings of smoke at the Woolish. The vines that trapped Jin began to recede and wither into dust.

  Despite weakened by paratrophic vines, Jin leapt over to his beloved steed. Tears, rarely seen from the normally stoic Angle, flowed down his cheeks. “Gone is my companion,” He bowed his head and said a prayer. A whiff of chill air passed by them and the carcass vaporized into a path of light.

  “I was careless to wander off, Jin,” Mathew said.

  “Fault not yours, Mathew. You are only human.”

  Mathew wondered, was that meant as comfort or sarcasm?

  Bellator’s moaning drew their attention, and Maganus went to him. “We’d forgotten about you.”

  “I am fine, Maganus,” Father Bellator said and reloaded his shotgun. “I was born for one purpose, to fight and beat those Demons.”

  As if baited by Bellator’s words, trees swayed and Mathew felt a chill crawling up his back. He searched the vast span of darkness for any sign of their enemies. The green trees lining both sides of the estate were willowy, with spidery branches, and the grass was a deathly grey.

  “The woods are so different,” he said. “They looked dead.”

  “They have been choked by the presence of darkness, with their roots nestled into depths of evil,” Maganus said. “All essence of nature, the trees and grassesare virtually sapped by the presence of the Demons. It is sustenance to them, fuel to keep them strong in the realm of Earth.”

  Mathew drew his sword. “That means they are nearby?”

  “Nearby?” Maganus said as he moved alongside Mathew. “They are everywhere.”

  #

  Lord Barbatos looked at Gwyneth with a malefic smile, tightened his fist and released his palms. Another bolt of lightning flew at the White Angel. Despite a brave parry with the scepter, the impact knocked Gwyneth into a somersault, landing clumsy onto the table.