by A. R. Crebs
“Killed? You mean murdered? His death was classified as accidental by an automobile accident.” The known speaker of the group adjusted his glasses as he read the file. Euclid forgot his name. The old man was no one of importance, one of the pure ones who did his job as simply told. Most likely, the man was blindly unaware of the corruption from the individuals surrounding him—a sheep among wolves.
Euclid rolled his eyes, trying to hide his typically cold nature. “Yes, as reported by Sir Gaius, if you would notice.”
“You’re saying this was no accident?” Hampden looked through his own copy of the script.
“Where’s your proof?” another asked.
“I am your proof.” Euclid held his arms out to the side. “By Sir Gaius’ orders, I killed Sarkov to take his place.”
“And we are to believe your words?” Hampden chewed on his pen, his eyes roaming over the documentation.
“I’ll show you if you’d like,” Euclid offered with enthusiasm.
The council exchanged curious looks before nodding. Euclid closed his eyes, focusing on his energy, and created a visual display through his armband. The humans watched in awe as the events of the night of Sarkov’s death played before them. Euclid hid nothing from them, revealing how he frightened the man to which he wrecked. The Sorcēarian allowed him to die, watched him drown.
“You admit to killing Sarkov?” Hampden asked.
Euclid bowed slightly. “I do. At the time, I was a brainwashed soldier. I did everything Sir Gaius ordered without ever questioning it. He said it was for the greater good of our people.”
“How so?”
Euclid lifted his eyes. “The artifacts, of course. Sir Gaius wanted them for himself.”
“And why would he want them for himself?”
A few murmurs fluttered across the table.
“Many of the artifacts are said to come from Heaven itself. Gaius wants to use them as leverage against your people. He wants to facilitate the holy power contained within them to enslave your race. Those not fit to his satisfaction will be destroyed. Religion is a powerful tool, as your kind has greatly displayed time and again throughout history.” Euclid clasped his hands at his waist in a manner that Sir Gaius often did. “I couldn’t stand back and watch as he waged war against your people. It’s only a matter of time.”
The humans whispered amongst themselves. Euclid patiently waited.
“You know where the artifacts are?” Hampden questioned with an authoritative tone.
Euclid’s smile grew wide. “Yeah. I know where the artifacts are.”
***
Sir Gaius gaped down at the dusty remains of what used to be Sarkov. The corpse, if it could even be called one, sat upon a stone slab in the center of the cold funerary rotunda. It was a place where the bodies of the dead were often prepped. Small windows sat high upon the wall near the ceiling, allowing for shallow streaks of daylight to brighten the room. Golden doors were at the entrance. Various designs stamped the walls with jewels and etchings of light. As the clouds passed overhead, the sunbeams faded. The chill room felt like death.
Gaius debated momentarily over his next actions. The spell in mind was a forbidden one that would surely be frowned upon. He sought the Heaven Song for guidance. Would the Father reprimand him, or would He approve of Gaius’ actions? The Elder listened intently, not finding a response that he could gather.
“Sir?” Azera’s voice interrupted Gaius’ concentration.
“Right. Let’s get this over with, shall we?” Sir Gaius rubbed his palms together.
Holding a hand above the dusty remains, Gaius whispered an incantation. The powder swirled from a sudden wind, twisting around the small pieces of bone and teeth that remained. A hissing sound followed by bright light suddenly developed as the bits of remaining corpse regenerated. It was a sickening display. The bones slowly formed into a complete skeleton. Bits of dried muscle covered certain parts inconsistently. From deep within the growing corpse, a raspy gasp erupted. The skull formed, the teeth locking in place. Tissue grasped the edges of the mandible as the mouth dropped open and the gasp turned into a low moan, followed by a haunting scream. The skeleton reached out toward Sir Gaius as the head and torso raised. The Elder promptly moved out of its reach, fear saturating his features.
“Sarkov?” Sir Gaius asked.
A ghostly moan escaped the wretched body.
“H-help me…” it whispered.
“I need you to tell me what happened the night you died.” Gaius remained calm. Azera watched with his spear in hand, a sword on his hip.
“Died,” the corpse dryly hissed.
“We haven’t much time. I apologize for waking you up like this but—”
The corpse shrieked, its teeth chattering. “It burns! It’s so cold, but it burns!”
Gaius and Azera gazed at one another.
“Tell us what happened the night you died,” Sir Gaius repeated.
Sarkov’s remains sharply wheezed. It twisted its head, the black empty eye sockets in Gaius’ direction. With a pop, eyeballs appeared, white and glistening with mucus.
“Your kind. One of your kind.” It sucked in the air; the tiny lungs hidden within its ribcage struggled to expand. Gaius suppressed the power, preventing a full resurrection.
Sir Gaius nodded to Azera, and the Truthseer’s eyes swirled.
“Allow me a moment to look into your mind.” Azera extended one arm, his palm upward to display a visual image of the events that occurred the night of Sarkov’s death.
Azera replayed with great detail the Russian man getting into his car. Sarkov had been drinking, as usual, and just departed from one of his countless meetings with Asahni. He took the usual route home. It wasn’t long before he peered into his rearview mirror and saw the vibrant blue eyes of Euclid. Sarkov screamed. A series of whispers echoed from the vision and swirled into the room. Gaius listened carefully, his eyes closed. Euclid had whispered a suggestion spell to Sarkov. Frightened, the Russian man lost control of his vehicle as he passed over a bridge. It was wintertime, the ice making his wreck all the more feasible. He crashed into the side, the car flipped over the barricade and landed in the icy water below. Sarkov’s face smashed against the steering wheel. There was no effort on Euclid’s part to rescue him. In fact, from Sarkov’s last vision, Euclid teleported away from the vehicle and watched as the Russian man met his demise.
Gaius clenched his fists. “I know that spell,” the Elder expressed with anger. “Euclid didn’t try to save Sarkov. He killed him by the power of suggestion and fear.”
Azera agreed.
Suddenly, the corpse laughed. “Killed by your kind. Those who would save us are our demise.”
“He was one Sorcēarian,” Sir Gaius sputtered.
The skeleton gave a noise of which was a mixture of fear and then gave a sinister laugh. “Those that would save us are our demise. It’s as he plans. Down here, there are no secrets. We hear all. Feel all.”
“What are you saying?”
Sarkov jittered, making a choking sound. “AH! The “morning star” will rise. This is his land, his world. He will have it back. He…he says the seed has already been planted. It’s too late. All that was…will be as it should be.”
Gaius’ eyes ignited. “Lucifer?” he harshly whispered.
“H-help me,” Sarkov whimpered. “It…it burns. So cold.”
After a gushing wind, Sarkov lit up with a brilliant flame. The skeleton shrieked, howling and writhing as it burned to ash. The door to the chamber abruptly opened, the two doors slamming against the stone walls. The members of the World Council rushed into the room. Gaius clenched his teeth, feeling like a child caught in a punishable act.
“Destroying evidence?” Hampden asked.
Gaius looked at the pile of ashes atop the stone slab. Sarkov was gone, as were his remains.
“Not in the slightest,” Gaius stated.
“Then where is the body? Looks like it was just destroyed.”
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“That wasn’t of my doing,” Sir Gaius explained.
Hampden held up a hand. “I don’t have time to debate this with you. It has been taken into account that the body is now destroyed while within your hands. This will become evidence for our investigation.” The American pointed to one man who rushed to the ashes and gathered what he could into a plastic box.
“You’re taking his remains? They need to be returned.”
“They will be once this investigation is complete.”
Gaius narrowed his eyes. “How did you get here? How did you know about this place?”
Hampden shrugged. “A little angel told me,” he snickered. “I have eyes and ears everywhere.”
“Euclid,” Azera spoke up. Gaius peered back at his friend and then gave a quick nod in agreeance.
“Have a bone to pick with one of your own?” Hampden questioned with a sly smirk.
“Listen to me, whatever Euclid tells you is a lie.”
“Funny,” Hampden interrupted, “he says the same of you.”
Gaius became overwhelmed. How this turn of events had crept up so quickly was beyond him. And after everything he had done for the council over the past few thousand years, they were so quick to turn on him. Humanity, always looking for the quickest way to hate and destroy those who are good.
“I temporarily revived Sarkov to gather information about the night he died. It’s a forbidden method which I reserved only for desperate times. He revealed to me that Euclid was the cause of his death.” Gaius stood firmly in his place, glaring at the council members. “Azera has a record of the visions.”
“Yes, we are well aware.” Hampden straightened his tie.
“You…are aware?” Gaius questioned. The revelation felt like a kick in the gut.
“Euclid has come to us and admitted his evils.”
“He’s admitted?” The Elder choked.
“That’s correct. By your orders, Euclid killed Sarkov.”
“By my orders?!”
Before much else could be said, Hampden held up a hand in demand for silence. “Where are the artifacts?”
Gaius raised a brow, looking sideways at Azera.
“Those that were stolen during Sarkov’s war,” Hampden elaborated.
The Elder’s shoulders slumped. “I suppose you have evidence as well that leads you to believe that I have claimed ownership over them.”
Hampden smiled once again, pleased with Gaius’ cooperation. “Yes.”
Defeated, the Elder sighed. “And where might those be?”
“You tell me.”
Sir Gaius and Azera exchanged uncertain glances once again. “I honestly wouldn’t have a single idea where those stolen items may be if they are even on my land at all. I would suggest you go to Euclid if you’d like to see them. I’m sure he knows where they are located.”
“Was hiding them part of his orders as well?” Hampden questioned.
“I gave him no such orders.” Gaius glared. ‘The nerve of this man.’
“Gaius, are there any cave systems on this land?”
“Of course. To the East, within the desert.”
“May we investigate? If not, we already have documentation to search.”
Gaius dropped his hands. “Look as long as you like. Anything you find will be of surprise to me.”
Not one single human gave away anything. They each hid behind a poker face of their own.
“Oh, we will find what we’re looking for.” The American’s arrogance was enough to make even Azera flare a nostril. “Now, where are these caves?”
“I suspect you would like me to take you there,” Gaius scoffed.
“That’s entirely up to you.”
Gaius raised his hands. Azera stepped forward. “Sir.”
“It’s alright, Azera. I, too, would like to know what exactly lies within the caves.” Gaius gave his friend a gentle smile. Azera tapped a fist against his chest.
With a gentle wave, Gaius transported them all to the edge of the cave systems within the desert. He gestured with open arms toward the caverns as he peered over his shoulder at the councilmen.
“Any idea where to start?” The Elder questioned.
Hampden straightened his tie and then marched forward. He pointed toward the entrance which had been covered by a large stone.
Sir Gaius chuckled. “The only thing you will find here is the home of a very lonely and hungry frilled monitor. One of unordinary size.”
“Move the rock,” Hampden ordered more than requested.
Sir Gaius hmphed. With a flick of his wrist, the boulder rolled to the side. The Sorcēarians waited for the others to take the lead, but instead, Hampden removed a piece of paper from inside his coat pocket. Unfolding the wrinkled parchment, he gazed at the landscape ahead of him. There were many twists and turns within the caves. He wasn’t in the mood to waste time, let alone get lost. Waving the paper, he wiggled a finger to request Gaius’ assistance in looking over the map.
“Can you take us here?” Hampden pointed. In the center of the parchment was a red ‘x’ in marking—Hampden’s requested destination. No doubt the crudely drawn map was created by Euclid.
Gaius heaved a sigh. “Gather close.”
The humans did as they were told, bunching together. All those besides Hampden looked rather nervous in their precarious situation. Gaius pondered a moment, his senses giving off an alarm of warning. He wasn’t sure why, but he felt something was off. Without effort, he teleported everyone to the center caves, Azera following close behind. A few of the councilmen murmured in wonder. No Sorcēarian possessed the amount of power Sir Gaius held. For him to effortlessly teleport them all more than once was an unknown feat. The Elder, however, remained unfazed by the exertion. He snapped his fingers, an orb of light emanating within his palm. They were at a dead-end.
Hampden eyed the wall ahead of them. He gaped at the map again and frowned. “Where is it?”
“It seems there is a false wall ahead of us,” Azera spoke. He swayed a hand, and the illusion of rock wavered. In a flash, it cracked it dissipated, revealing a chamber on the other side.
Sir Gaius barely contained his shock. “What is this?!” he hollered, glaring at the humans.
Every corner of the cavern was filled with artifacts and religious scriptures of all kinds. Not only that, but priceless jewelry and treasure lined the floors as well. In the far back stood a throne made of stone.
“You tell us,” Hampden sneered. “You didn’t put up much of a fight. You walked right into it. Tired of covering your lies?”
“Whatever do you mean?” Sir Gaius eyed the throne once again. Supposedly, it was the seat that God was said to have occupied during His judgment—David’s throne.
“You’ve been housing these artifacts for centuries,” another stated. “Turns out your kind could not retrieve the missing items after all this time because you were hiding them.”
“I had no idea they were placed here! This is a mutiny! A farce! You have all been lied to, and I bet those words and ideas were spun by Euclid himself. At what time have you begun to take his counsel before mine?” Gaius was outraged.
“When he stepped forward and admitted to the task of killing Sarkov and stealing these artifacts by your orders.” Hampden approached the missing articles, touching and gazing at his reflection in those made of gold and glass.
“I’ve done no such thing! This is all his doing, I’m sure of it. He’s blinded you! You are under his spells of illusion and whispers of suggestion!” Gaius balled his fists.
“No. We have the technology to block out such schemes. If what he says is false, then where’s the proof of your own innocence?” Hampden spun in a circle. “All of this is clearly on your soil. If this wasn’t by your own design, then you are at fault for not detecting it in the first place, for having given one of your citizens far too much power and free will.”
“It’s clear now, that I have indeed trusted Euclid with too much. I suspected
something like this would happen, there was simply no warning until as of late. It seems the blocks are all tumbling around us. I thought I had him within my grasp. I was a fool. He was a step ahead this entire time.”
“Then it falls upon you. Our men will arrive to retrieve the human artifacts. Whether they are from your God or not, they are ours and belong to us, on our planet. Anything you do to prevent the removal will only hurt you in the eyes of the populace. Be warned, a meeting shall be held regarding the future of your race and their place in our human society.” Hampden twirled on his heel, marching toward the exit.
A deep growl came from the entrance. The council froze, shivering at the sound. Golden eyes watched from the shadows, the massive silhouette of some beast moved ever so slightly from side to side, watching the group.
“What is this?” Hampden snarled as the rest of the councilmen made sounds of fear and confusion.
“I warned you of a large beast hiding in these caves.” Gaius lifted his chin.
“A guard dog? To protect your treasure?” Hampden scoffed.
“Not in the slightest. This is his home, and we have trespassed. It’s been a long while, I’m sure he hasn’t fed recently.” Gaius smirked.
“Is that a threat?”
“No. Just don’t blame me if he makes any sudden movements. I’m sure he’s displeased with me as much as any of you.” Gaius eyed the beast, giving a gentle expression. If he appeared calm and happy, Petey would not attack. “It seems he’s blocking our only exit.”
Hampden looked back at Gaius with an annoyed expression. “Mind giving us one more lift to the office?”
Gaius struggled to hide his scowl; Petey gave another guttural growl. With a quick flick of his hand, Gaius sent the council back to their meeting room far away from Ives. It was done. Though he was not responsible for stealing the artifacts, he was responsible for the actions of his people. No doubt, this was Euclid’s game.
The Elder grit his teeth, taking in the sights of the room. He slammed his fist on one table covered with goblets and stone tablets, cracking its surface. “Damn!”