Nothing happened.
“Thy Staff will do me no harm. It was formed from the Tree of Life, and we are one,” the Guard said in a cracking voice. The Guard then furrowed his brow. “I saw three of ye on the plateau above. Where is the other?”
Cain glared at the Guard.
“He was left up there.” Tina pointed.
Furious, Cain struck her with the back of his hand, sending Tina falling to the ground in a heap.
The Guard shot to the edge of the stream. Distress was etched on its face. Tina pushed herself up with her hand over her mouth, but she did not cry.
“Oh, I see. You care for her, but you have no love for me? Tsk, tsk, tsk…” Cain pulled out the Fish skeleton and nonchalantly held the carcass over the stream.
The Guard watched curiously, the fiery Sword swirling before him. “What art thou doing? Who art thou that thou hast the God Tools in thy possession?”
“I suspect this is the original home of the Fish, and now I am about to bring the creature to life,” Cain mocked. He released the skeleton. It fell like a leaf, sailing back and forth, fluttering to the surface of the water. There was a blinding flash of blue light, and the previously placid water came alive with activity, churning and boiling. Air pockets rose from below and bubbled to the surface. When the water calmed, two bulbous white eyes gazed up, first at Cain, then at the Guard on the opposite bank. Although he continued to rotate the fiery Sword at blinding speed, the Fish had obviously unsettled him. The guard floated cautiously away from the elevated bank.
This was exactly the reaction for which Cain had hoped.
With the Guard distracted by the Fish, even Tina’s call to warn him came too late. Rassle came swooping down from behind, staying to the shadows, sailing in via a paraglider. At the last instant, he pulled out the Sword of Michael. Rassle expertly landed on top of the Guard and thrust the Sword down at the crux of the creature’s neck, sending the entire length of the blade ripping through the Guard’s body at an angle. The tip jutted out at the Guard’s waist, pushing out a viscous burgundy mass that plopped onto the grass. The creature released a ghastly moan. Its eyes sprang wide open in surprised agony, then drooped shut. The flame from the spinning Sword was extinguished. The weapon shot out of the Guard’s hand, landing somewhere off the island, out of view.
Rassle found his footing on the ground, and the canopy of the glider landed behind him. The standing body of the Guard electrified, sparking and glowing, and Rassle, still grasping the Sword by the hilt, was snared in the electrical field. Foaming at the mouth and twitching violently, he seemed powerless to do anything. The Guard collapsed to the ground, and Rassle fell forward off the elevated bank into the stream, still holding the Sword.
The Fish was waiting. In a merciless attack, the small creature ripped into Rassle. The big man’s tortured screams lasted only for a moment as he tried to gain footing on the streambed, only to be mowed down in a torrent of splashing water. His body was summarily dispatched.
Cain had never seen the creature in action and marveled at its otherworldly power. When the commotion in the water ceased, he spoke, “This answers the question: How do you kill an angel? With an angel’s sword, of course.”
On the island, the body of the angel began to dissolve and completely vanished.
Tina stood beside him whimpering, “You…you killed the angel.”
“Very astute. That was the plan.”
“But your friend is also dead,” Tina said, with watery, red eyes.
“His fate had already been decided. I was not about to share the Garden with that elephant of a man.” Cain tapped his chin in thought. “Although I didn’t necessarily want his demise to occur so soon. I had intended for Rassle to hunt down and kill the other seed and his father. Nevertheless, it’s something I can easily take care of once the Tree has given me what I need.”
“What are you going to do to the Tree of Life?” Tina asked fretfully. “You can’t harm it. People will die.”
“Humanity on Earth will be abolished,” Cain said gritting his teeth, “and in a thousand years, long after your life has ended, my reign on Earth will commence.” Cain forcefully grabbed Tina by the arm. With his other hand, he grabbed the Staff by the end and held it over the stream where the Fish watched, hopeful for another chance to feed. Cain touched the Staff to the water. “I command you to part.”
The stream split as water curled away in either direction. A swath of dry sand was left on the streambed. The Sword of Michael lay in the sand. Cain pulled Tina into the dry canal, pausing to retrieve the Sword. The area was still shadowed from the sun’s light.
Cain smiled inwardly. Rassle’s air attack had been set up to confront the Guard in that specific location. This was the reason Cain had lured the Guard away from the light and into the shadowed area of the Garden. If Rassle had drawn the Sword and attacked the Guard in exposed light, the weapon would have transformed into the Bird.
Cain tossed the Staff and Sword up onto the shadowed island. He glanced to the left where the water held the roiling Fish. The voracious creature swam back and forth frantically, as if trying to figure out a way to reach Cain on the dry ground where the stream parted.
Cain spoke to the Fish with disdain. “You’ve had your meal. Consider yourself fortunate. After I tend to business, I’ll remove the water from this stream, and you’ll be a lifeless skeleton once again.”
Cain lifted Tina up onto the elevated land, then he followed her. Beside them, the foil of Rassle’s paraglider remained on the island, with the straps hanging over the bank and dipping into the water. Metal clips on the straps had been bent and mangled.
Cain gathered up the Staff and Sword as he gazed at the water. The separation in the stream was gone. The water had merged back into one continuous loop around the island. The Fish raced back and forth underneath the surface, its globular, filmy eyes staring at the man.
Not far away, the stately trunk of the Tree of Life rose from the ground. High overhead, mammoth limbs stretched forth, each possessing green leaves the size of pancakes that soaked up the sun. Some sort of red fruit was hanging in clumps on each branch. Underneath, rotted fruit littered the ground, black and withered. The Tree was an elegant creation: vibrant, healthy, and full of life. It was remarkable to think that this solitary tree was the basis for the human race, the ember that sparked every human soul on Earth. Every man, woman, and child were tied to its livelihood. As it exists, so exists mankind. If the Tree were to falter, mankind would falter…and perish. In minutes, Cain would destroy the Tree of Life and forever own its power and longevity.
Cain walked over to the Tree with Tina in tow. Once he was close to it, Cain tossed the Sword of Michael to the side, keeping the Tool away from the light that coated the trunk of the Tree. Gripping the Staff, he pressed forward.
“Please,” she pleaded through her tears. “Everyone on Earth will die.”
“Sit down right there and shut up,” he snapped at her and pointed at the ground. She did as she was told.
Cain took a deep breath, savoring the moment. He raised the Staff in his right hand.
“No! Please don’t!” Tina cried, rising to her knees.
Cain ignored her. He jabbed the Staff forward, aiming the end at the thick trunk of the Tree. He expected a burst of energy to shoot forth and destroy the Tree, but just as when he had tried to use it on the Guard, the Staff had no effect.
“Of course,” he said to himself with resignation. “The Staff was made from the Tree of Life, so it can do the Tree no damage. Ah, but there are other ways.”
Cain turned, walked back into the shadow, and laid the Staff on the ground. He was about to pick up the Sword of Michael when he confirmed that sunlight was still striking the base of the Tree. Given the sun’s angle and trajectory across the sky, it wouldn’t last long. He estimated that the base would be cast in shadow within ten, maybe fifteen minutes, as the sun crested in the sky and the light was blocked out by the cover of sprawling
limbs and leaves.
He had waited nearly an eternity. He could wait a few more minutes to obliterate the Tree of Life.
CHAPTER 44
Cody led Scott and Curt farther down the tunnel where they arrived at a fork. Without hesitation, Cody chose the tunnel on the left.
“How do you know where you’re going?” Scott asked, holding his abdomen and stumbling forward more than walking.
Cody kept a tight grip on his father’s hand. “Because I do.”
Ahead, Curt saw a faint glow. His pace quickened, and he distanced himself from Scott and Cody. The tunnel opened onto a large area which resembled a well-manicured courtyard, bound on all sides by towering, curved walls. It wasn’t until he saw the rim high above that he realized this magnificent place, which could only be the Garden of Eden, was in an enclosed canyon. He watched as small birds flew about and butterflies flitted among the flowering plants and bushes. In the center was a sizeable, elevated plot of land bordered by a thin body of water. He quickly retreated back into the shadow of the tunnel when he saw movement near the large tree in the middle of the island.
Careful to conceal himself, he placed a finger to his lips, urging Scott and Cody to be quiet as they approached. The threesome huddled just inside the tunnel.
“What is it?” Scott asked.
“Good news and bad news,” Curt said. “We’ve reached the Garden, but Nash got here before us.”
“Tina!” Cody whispered excitedly. “She’s by the Tree of Life.”
“Shhh,” Scott cautioned. “Is that Nash?”
“The one and only. Except I suspect he’s more Cain than Nash; or maybe a smattering of both.”
“So he’s Cash?”
“Let’s stick with Cain.” Curt continued, “I’ve got a plan, but I have to move fast, and you’re not exactly speedy.”
“Don’t even think about it, Curt.”
“Scott, you need to stay here and protect Cody.”
“Cody can remain here and wait inside the tunnel where he’ll be safe.”
Curt discreetly waved for Scott to follow him a few feet away so they could talk in private. They turned their backs to Cody. Curt spoke in a hushed tone, “There’s something I haven’t told you. If the two seeds unite, a simple holding of the hands, Cain may be powerless to harm them.”
“May?”
“Father N didn’t have all the answers, but he knew Cody presents a real threat to Cain. If Cain sees you, he’ll know Cody is nearby. His primary target will be your son. You must, above anything else, protect Cody.”
“Okay, okay,” Scott relented. “What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know yet.”
“Curt, be careful.”
Curt nodded. He gave a thumb’s up to Cody and headed toward the exit of the cave. He could see Cain and Tina standing on the island. The Tree of Life appeared unharmed, and Cain seemed to be in no rush as he paced slowly back and forth. Curt waited for him to turn away then ran to the nearest bush in the Garden, keeping low.
There was a tremendous blast behind him and rock shards rained down. Curt spun to find a newly formed pile of boulders and rocks had sealed the entrance to the tunnel. Dust clogged the air. It happened in the blink of an eye.
Rattled, Curt peaked over a bush at Cain. Cain faced his direction, holding the Staff. The Staff glowed and then went dormant. “That should take care of them,” he heard Cain say. Curt watched as the man laid the Staff on the ground. Nearby, Tina looked distraught. Cain had demolished the tunnel exit, and Curt felt all hope fade. Odds were, Scott and Cody were dead.
After laying the Staff on the ground, Cain seemed impatient, waiting on something or someone.
Curt contemplated his options. Although Cain had obviously spotted them inside the tunnel, he seemed unaware that Curt had reached the Garden before the exit was sealed. This would work to Curt’s advantage, but without a weapon, he didn’t like his chances. He had just witnessed the power of the Staff. Cain could obliterate him in a heartbeat. Somehow, Curt had to get closer and confront Cain before he had a chance to react, and he had to do so quickly, before Cain damaged the Tree of Life.
Curt crept forward, moving from bush to bush, using the foliage as cover. As he got closer to the waterway, he realized the stream was much wider than it first appeared. He also saw a mass of white material gathered on the edge, with straps that hung down into the water. Initially, he couldn’t make it out, but then he recognized the crumpled foil of a paraglider.
That was how they got down here, he thought.
Curt scanned the island for more evidence of paragliders but saw none. It was possible Cain was waiting for someone else to fly down, but when Curt checked the rim high above, there was no activity. Father N had said that Cain would not need any of the Cult of the End members once he found the Garden of Eden. He would want the Tree’s power all to himself. Cain and Tina must be all that were left of those who had entered at the Georgia Guidestones. Yet if that was the case, why hadn’t he already destroyed the Tree of Life?
Curt continued his stealthy approach toward the island. He timed his advances when Cain had his back to him. The waterway would assist his approach. If he could get down into the stream without being seen, he could hide against the short curtain wall of earth, concealed from view on the elevated island.
He was closing in on the island, at the last bush, about to make a run for the stream to submerge when he saw something stir in the water.
Oh, shit!
The Fish glided slowly beneath the surface, its bulging white eyes floating back and forth like some demented clown.
Its presence made crossing the stream impossible. Curt silently exhaled. His desperation was growing. There were no trees nearby he could use to jump to the island. The only other tree he saw was on the far side against the canyon wall.
“Did you really think I hadn’t seen you?”
The voice startled him. Cain stood on the edge of the bank clutching Tina’s hand. “I understand the other seed and his father passed through after being consumed by the Serpent, but how did you get here?”
Curt stood. He avoided answering by asking a question of his own. “Why haven’t you destroyed the Tree of Life and gained its power?”
“That’s coming.” Cain’s smile was dangerous. “I’m just working out the specifics.”
Curt’s mind raced. One thing was for sure, Cain had separated the God Tools. He had already witnessed two of them, so the Sword of Michael must surely be somewhere nearby. Fortunately for Curt, Cain had elected not to pick up the Staff before coming to the edge of the island. He didn’t need it. The Fish would keep Curt at bay.
Tina blurted out, “He can’t use the Staff. It was created from the Tree! He has to use the—”
This time, the blow came from Cain’s balled fist. Tina staggered backward and fell to the ground, bleeding from her face. She sat still, eyeing Cain and not making a sound.
Curt’s fury erupted. He started to charge, but stopped short of the waterline as the Fish met him at the edge. “You bastard!”
Cain ignored him. He turned and seemed to appraise the Tree of Life. “Ah, now it’s time.”
Curt spotted the Sword of Michael lying on the ground near the Staff. Both Tools were in the shade.
Curt needed to buy time. He forced himself to remain calm. “So why’d you do it?”
Cain paused and redirected his attention toward Curt with a sinister grin. “Isn’t it obvious? Once I acquire the life-giving powers of the Tree of Life, not only will I be invincible, but I’ll live forever.”
“That’s not what I meant. Why did you kill your brother? What did Abel do to you?”
Cain seemed to regard Curt’s question and scowled disdainfully. “So you know who I am.”
Curt simply nodded.
“While I’m stuck in the body of this bald man, and I speak oddly and carry his memories and knowledge, I am Cain. I also know who you are,” Cain said. “You are the Deliverer, b
ut know this: your edict will not be fulfilled.”
“How could you kill your own brother?” He hoped to strike a nerve.
Cain seemed annoyed with the question. Then, he smiled. “Yes, I understand your current Bible isn’t clear regarding the incident between my brother and I, and my actions have caused great consternation. I will share with you the truth. Abel had a secret, which I asked him to share.” Cain spread his arms. “That secret was this Garden. You see, when Mother and Father were cast out, this place was hidden from them and their subsequent offspring. Working in the field that day, Abel told me he had found the Garden via a tunnel entrance, the same way you must have entered here. He described its beauty and grandeur in great detail. Yet Abel feared retribution from God. He had seen the creature with the spinning, flaming Sword guarding the Tree of Life, so he left. When I asked him where the cave entrance was, he refused to divulge the location. He said going to the Garden would jeopardize my life, and as my brother, he could not put me in danger,” Cain scoffed.
“So you killed him?” Curt asked. Disdain laced his voice.
Cain’s face reddened ever so slightly. “That was not my intention. I threatened him with pain if he didn’t tell me. Abel was a weak man.”
“So you think that excuses you from the murder of your brother? He was your own flesh and blood.”
Anger spread across Cain’s face. He took a step forward, balling his fist. Then, just as quickly, he relaxed and smiled. “You’re just trying to delay the inevitable.” Cain reached down and violently snatched Tina up, then walked toward the Tree of Life.
Curt realized that just minutes before, sunlight had cut in at a sharper angle and reached the base of the Tree. Now, the Tree was shadowed by the canopy of limbs as the sun had lifted higher in the sky.
The shadowed trunk sparked the memory of Tina’s warning: He can’t use the Staff. It was created from the Tree! He has to use the—
That was how he would destroy the Tree of Life. He was waiting on the shade so he could use the Sword of Michael without fear of it transforming into the Bird.
End in the Beginning (The God Tools Book 3) Page 23