Ashes of Eden

by Mandi Konesni

  Before he could investigate further, he sensed a displacement in the air seconds before Baylin was standing beside him, nose wrinkled in disgust at the smell. Sighing, he finally just shook his head. He should have known she'd follow. She seemed to have an aversion to following orders. He'd have to remember that.

  Making sure she at least stayed behind him, he moved a few steps into the chamber, keeping an eye out for any traps or further weak spots on the ground. The area was small, not even twenty paces from one end to another, but funerary artifacts were laid in offering baskets along the walls, making the already small space seem more closed in.

  Most of the contents had long ago disintegrated, but stains and remnants on the dirt showed they'd once been foodstuffs and woven items. Not a rich people, then, but clearly the occupant had been of some standing in the community.

  Making his way towards the stone coffin chiseled into the cavern wall itself, he felt the same frisson of energy making the hair on his arms stand on end like he'd felt at the cathedral. He didn't want to open the sarcophagus and disturb a burial, but he was fairly certain what he sought was there.

  He supposed it was time to put this 'magic' ring to work. If hordes of demonkin descended on them like locusts, well, then he knew this thing didn't work and they needed to figure out something else.

  With Baylin's help, they managed to shove the heavy stone lid to the side enough to shine a flashlight into the interior of the coffin. Thanks to Baylin, who'd remembered to even bring a flashlight. Clearly, she was actually the brains of this operation, as much as he didn't want to admit it.

  Brushing through decades of cobwebs and dust, though he had no clue how they'd even managed to get inside, he spotted something glinting deeper. Motioning to Baylin to hold the light higher, it took him a moment to recognize the metal was a sword, tightly clasped in decayed hands. The metal was definitely Dracium, given away by the slight golden sheen under the silver.

  Reaching for it, he was ashamed to note his hand shaking slightly. This was a sacrilege, but one he must partake in. Now that they'd opened the tomb, the sword wasn't safe here. It needed to be returned to its rightful home, which wasn't on earth and never had been.

  "If anything happens, promise me you'll leave me here and save yourself. Don't try to be a hero, alright? This isn't your fight, you don't need to go down with me."

  Without waiting for her response, he clasped his hand around the hilt, feeling brittle bones give way under the pressure as he tugged upwards. Heat seared his palm, burning in its intensity. Freezing, he glanced around warily, as if waiting for lightning to strike or some other calamity to befall him. It couldn't be this easy. Nothing worth doing ever was, especially when it came to him.

  Chapter Fourteen

  To his profound surprise, the damn thing actually worked. Once they'd apparated from the tomb back to the outside world, he expected enemies waiting beyond the boundaries. There were none there. The place was just as desolate and forlorn as it'd been when they arrived, albeit a bit darker as the sun had fully set while they'd been underground.

  As this place was no longer maintained, it didn't qualify as sanctified ground. He couldn't summon Gabriel here. He'd have to find a way to transport the sword somewhere safe to make contact. Until then, they'd be stuck with it. So long as it didn't touch his skin, things should be okay. At least, he hoped. He couldn't ask Baylin to carry it either, she had demon blood as well.

  Realizing she wasn't beside him, he turned., spotting her sitting cross-legged on the ground, eyes closed with her hands folded in her lap.

  "Uh... Baylin? Mind telling me what you're doing? I don't think taking a rest on this ground is the best idea. Seems sacrilegious to sit on someone's granny, really. Not that I'm lecturing you about desecrating remains after the trip we've had or anything, but I wouldn't want to take dusty souvenirs home on my ass."

  She held her hand up for silence without opening her eyes or looking at him. The motion itself caught him unawares enough that he actually obliged, mouth snapping closed on another retort. After a few moments, she whispered a thank you to someone or something he couldn't see, before standing. Brushing off her skirts, she smiled up at him.

  "Have you ever been to Ethiopia? I haven't. I'm pretty sure it's bound to be way hotter than Florida though. You may want to consider finding a new outfit, because the whole leather jacket and jeans vibe is going to look way out of place in Africa. I'm just saying. Not that you look bad with the devil-may-care bad boy in leather look or anything. It's just a bit much for scorching desert, I think."

  Apparently they were going to Ethiopia. She was talking to the air. And he needed to change. He wasn't sure which item required questions first.

  Somehow she managed to apparate them into a busier town in Russia. While she decided what boutique would be the best place for his clothing makeover, he attempted to ask who she'd been talking to. As expected, she studiously ignored him. He supposed it was just another part of the enigma known as Baylin. It did concern him, however. Before, she'd said she had visions. That was acceptable.

  If she was speaking to a spirit guide or something of the sort, that was far less palatable to him. Being part demon, she wouldn't have such a thing as a guardian angel. The only 'other' side messages would be coming from would be the one that was thoroughly untrustworthy. Yes, it'd led them to the sword, but for what end goal?

  It was something he pondered as he changed into the tee and thinner jeans Baylin had decided were a good fit for him. Once dressed, he placed the sword into the leather sheath across his back that she'd purchased at something called a 'cosplay emporium'.

  The nagging doubts didn't ease even as the blistering heat of midday Africa hit him. Thankfully she'd had the foresight to grab sunglasses as well, since he hadn't thought of it. Pulling them on, he stared up at the giant black granite obelisks that marked the ancient city of Axum, kingdom of the Axumites.

  The ones still standing towered over everything, clusters of the magnificent carvings atop steep steps, perched on a stone pedestal. They were imposing, even the few that had fallen over the years and were in pieces still commanded a level of respect for what the builders had achieved. It was places like this that helped him understand why his Father loved and nurtured humankind so much.

  They'd started from nothing and managed to build technological marvels. They grew stronger and more resilient from hardships. No matter what they faced, they rose from the ashes more determined than before. Places like this held the memories of thousands of souls that were just doing the best they could. It was humbling.

  If only those humans weren't swarming the place. Tour groups milled around, each examining different portions of the ruins. Others were by themselves, taking photos as they explored the historic city without a guide, printed pamphlets in hand. While they could blend with the crowds to search some of it, there would be no digging while security was around. He had no doubt they would be stopped quickly.

  There were too many prying eyes for them to be able to do a thorough sweep of the area. As he glanced around, his heart sank. It couldn't be there. Of all places, Gabriel couldn't ask him to break into one of the most holy reliquaries on Earth. Yet, he couldn't shake the feeling that it was exactly what he'd be doing.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Under cover of darkness, he and Baylin slipped back to Axum, thankful the tours closed early. It would give them some leeway, since getting where they needed to be would already be near impossible.

  Now that the crowds were gone and night had fallen, the obelisks were even more fearsome, appearing like looming spectres in the shadows. A few hundred meters from the cluster of towering obelisks was a large walled compound surrounding two churches, both dedicated to St. Mary of Zion.

  Between them lay the ruins of another, far more ancient than the two still standing. Alongside it was a strange fenced off building, heavily guarded even at this hour. During the day, the garish blue and yellow windows stood out, belying
the true glory laid within. Legends told that long ago the area was nothing but swampland, inhabited by evil spirits and demons.

  His Father helped the local people by appearing on the sacred hill, Makade Egzi, dispelling the spirits, drying up the swamp, and charging the region with magical power so the demons could never return. Over the centuries shrines were constructed upon the hill and where the swamp had been. Around this holy place grew the cities of the pre-Axumite and Axumite kingdoms.

  Knowing the place was protected, eventually the Ark of the Covenant found its way here for safekeeping. Most people knew the Ark contained the original stone tablets that held the Ten Commandments.

  What wasn't common knowledge is that those weren't the only items the Ark kept within its confines. Another item was far more important. Moses' staff was well-known for parting the Red Sea and for bringing water forth from its tip. He had to be wielding it to create such miracles.

  His brother, Aaron, also possessed a staff with particular powers. Called the Rod of Aaron, it was twice shown to exhibit miraculous powers without being held in its owner's grip. Due to this, when the Commandments were sealed within the Ark, so too was the Rod.

  He deemed it too powerful to remain in the hands of man, and thus secured it in a place where he knew few would ever be able to lay eyes or hand on it again. Thus far, his wishes had been kept.

  Now, Raziel was going to defy those wishes. Break into the Church of the Covenant. Open the Ark, and remove the Rod of Aaron from its sacred resting place. If he wasn't already damned, this would be a good way for him to earn his one way ticket.

  The two issues left at hand were getting past the guards, and convincing Baylin that she couldn't come. He may be tainted and broken, but he still upheld his vows and the people who honored his Father.

  Only the Guardian could view the Ark. That was how it had been, and how it would always be. The potential for corruption, theft, damage... it was too much to contemplate. With both of them having demonic blood at the moment, he had to make this quick, and even he had to be incredibly careful. Raziel wasn't sure his ring was strong enough to protect him this time. Not with this particular relic.

  Of course Baylin wanted to see the Ark. He knew she would. He tried giving her his reasons for not allowing her in, but she was adamant... she wasn't going to apparate him inside if she wasn't going too.

  Her reasoning was sound- she'd never been inside, so she couldn't safely apparate him by guessing the appropriate shape of the interior the way she did with the tombs. If she was going herself, she could adjust her trajectory as they entered to account for what she felt, keeping them safe.

  He finally relented on that point, but steadfastly refused to allow her to get near the Ark itself. It was simply too dangerous for both of them. If someone was going to do this, it had to be him. At least he had the benefit of prior angelic blood on his side, though he doubted it would help any in this specific situation.

  One nausea-inducing apparation later, and they were standing inside the Church of the Covenant, where none but the Guardian had permission to pass. It was silent and eerie in its solemnness. You could almost sense the awe-inspiring power of the contents within the room just standing near... the Ark had a presence all its own, regardless of the relics held inside. It was peaceful. Until it wasn't.

  "I don't understand why I can't just look. I'm not going to touch it or anything. Really, Raziel, you're being profoundly unfair. Need I remind you that I'm the one finding these locations for you and getting you here out of the goodness of my heart? Surely that deserves one tiny little peek at a relic."

  "You angels can't claim dominion over every powerful object, you know. Who am I going to tell, anyways? The humans find me weird, the demons want me dead. I don't have any friends that I can chat with and be like 'Oh by the way, I totally checked out that Ark, thing's legit!' I'd be laughed at."

  He hadn't known Archangels could get headaches as he'd never experienced any before this, but the particular vein in his forehead that throbbed whenever she began ranting should be named after her, he decided. He had to concede she had a point. Still, the angelic part of him had so many qualms about this. No one was supposed to cast their gaze upon the Ark except the Guardian.

  But what had made him arbitrarily decide he was better than she was? That due to his birth, he was somehow a better person? She was right; she'd helped him of her own free will, without asking for anything in return, even knowing this would be dangerous.

  He'd killed, even as an angel, and had been selfish and standoffish most of his life to protect himself from caring too much, to remain a steadfast soldier. When it came to the two of them, she probably had the better karma. He'd judged her since the moment he met her. She hadn't done the same to him.

  "Look, just be careful not to brush against anything. Hell, we should try not to even breathe. I'm not completely positive this ring will be strong enough for the Rod of Aaron. There's a reason it was hidden away where no one could lay hand or sight on it for so long. In the wrong hands, there is no telling what powers it could fully hold."

  As they approached, his misgivings tripled. The energy emanating from the casket was extraordinary. Unlike most depictions of it from legends and myths, it was not covered in gold.

  When the Commandments needed stored, the Ark had been constructed of whatever was available, so it was mostly a wooden chest. Several small jewels and golden items had been inlaid into the top, but they were added as an afterthought, and had been from jewelry and items the people had on them at the time.

  If someone saw it on the street, they'd assume it was tossed there as refuse. There was nothing special about the container. The importance lay in its contents. Taking a breath, he moved closer, hearing Baylin shifting beside him.

  Reverently, he bowed his head before reaching for the lid, sliding it to the side. Once the items within were laid bare, it felt as if all the oxygen had been sucked from the room instantly. He couldn't breathe, could hardly move. Fumbling against an unseen pressure, he tried to lift a hand, but found he couldn't. Hearing noises outside and coming closer, he turned panicked eyes on Baylin.

  Everything happened in slow-motion, yet faster than he could comprehend. Baylin somehow broke free of the spell being woven around them, grabbing the Rod in one hand. Pulling it free, she tugged the lid back before gripping his arm, the world spinning on its axis as they escaped just before the door swung open to admit the guards.

  Chapter Sixteen

  They hit the ground hard, sending both sprawling. Hearing Baylin let out a pained groan had him forcing himself to his feet, even as he felt the pain acutely in his chest again. Rushing to her, he pulled her arms from around her chest where she was hugging herself, checking her over. Some bumps and scratches, but overall nothing he could see out of place. She'd likely be bruised tomorrow. "Where are we?"

  She shook her head, taking a few wheezing breaths before she was able to answer. "I focused on Makade Egzi. You said it was holy ground. But I didn't know where it was or what it looked like, so I couldn't guide us. Call your brother, fast. I don't... there's something wrong. I feel funny, Raziel."

  Looking closer, he did notice she was paler than usual, eyes wide, pupils dilated. Clutched tight in one hand was the Rod, fresh buds along its length. He didn't pause to ask questions.

  "Esiasch! We need you, get your feathered ass down here!" Dropping to his knees next to her, he lifted her head, searching her gaze. "What's wrong, Baylin? What hurts? I can't see any visible injuries, you're going to have to tell me what's going on."

  "With a summons like that, who could resist?"

  Raziel hadn't even noticed Gabriel had arrived behind them, until he heard the sarcastic tone and saw booted feet out of the corner of his eye. He was too worried that Baylin had gotten harmed somehow, though he couldn't see any way she could have. Reaching for her hand, he gently pried her fingers away from the Rod, stunned to see a red welt burned into her palm where she'd clasped it.<
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  "You shouldn't have let her touch it, Raziel. Where is your head? You at least have your birthright behind you. She's a mutt, not pure demon or part human. She isn't strong enough for this. Any of it. If you have any softer feelings for the girl, you should send her on her way. It'd be the best kindness you could offer."

  "Yes, brother, I can already see it in your eyes... the damsel in the distress act has always been your downfall. Don't fall prey to it this time. You cannot save them all, nor should you try. A damsel put you here. Remember that."

  Just as he went to argue, Baylin struggled to sit up through sheer force of will, reclaiming the Rod and tossing it at his feet. "I am not weak. And I am NOT a mutt. I took the Rod because it was the only way to save us. So fuck you and the ego you stormed in on."

  Her voice was strained, but still filled with the fighting temper he'd actually come to enjoy and grown fond of. He wasn't about to admit it, though. Not to himself, and certainly not to them. Standing, Raziel pulled the leather sheath from his back, holding the sword out for Gabriel to take.