Balance (Book 9 )

The death knights would see to it my soul would be theirs by the time the war was over. My eyesight was not enough. I grew frustrated. Perhaps there was a way to rid me of this death I carried. The dead have risen before with medicines and magic. The mechanics of the body are easy to keep alive. A god’s body is no different; however, we have an advantage. Our bodies will not die as long as our soul lives. My soul has been ransomed for disrespecting one of them. I must find a way to delay that day.

The earth has to be the key. In a battle between life and death, life will typically win. Life has a time limit to even the balance. Life succumbs to death and then escapes it, completing a cycle. Whenever death came, I was able to push it out. Perhaps the earth could help me with this. I meditated on the earth. Its life force has grown as a quarter of the population is now gone. Its burden is lighter now that the buildings are gone. I felt the need to go to it and embrace it.

I teleported to our tree and sat underneath it. Sorrow filled my heart. I knew I was dying. I had to fight. I made a vow to never leave Gabriel, who is now Anubis. Anubis holds me to my vows made under this tree so long ago. I lovingly touched the sharp bark. It pulsed a dark blue color and went skyward then shook. I was uncertain what it meant. It has never done that before, and I never created it to do such a thing. Gabriel came to me.

“Are you hurt?”

“No. Is it time for me to help?”

“Do not call on me unless it is important, Lara.”

“I did not call you. I came here to meditate and touched the tree. It sent a blue light into the sky.”

The look of shock crossed his face. He reached around me and touched the tree. His form called to me. I wanted to hold him to me. The tree shook and moaned. I touched it again. It whispered for our love and blood. It was hungry and missed us. Gabriel took his hand off the tree and used his body to pin me against it. The warmth and power of his body excited me, quickening my heart rate. His eyes locked onto mine and froze me. I am under his command.

“When you are well, we will come here, my pet. You will become mine and will do as I please.” He whispered. My desire ignited for him as He nibbled on my ear then left. My body yearned for his special touch then screamed as the cool air touched me where his body was only a moment ago. My knees weakened, and my heart cried out for its master.

Abandonment and desire fought for control within me. It took several moments to gain control of the shifting tide then I sat on the ground and leaned on the tree.

I sent a tether into the earth and studied it. I was unsure what I would find. I spent thousands of years studying the earth and the cycle of life.

I watched as its raw power flowed smoothly like a river. I followed the veins until it branched off into two directions. I took the weaker path and followed it until it too branched off. I continued following paths until I hit a blockage. It resembled a beaver’s dam. I looked beyond the blockage and saw the vein had blackened. What was the cause if the dam? Did the gods put this here? What would happen if it broke? I followed the decay for a while, taking in the destruction. Is this the humans doing? I slowly pulled back. I ended up with more questions than answers. When I came to, I was once again surrounded by jackals. I looked at my surroundings. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. It seems I mediated an entire day. I stood to leave.

“Goddess,” one spoke, “Our god requests you to stay. We protect you.” It sounded like a hyena stocking a prey. It gave me chills.

“Will you tell Anubis I am awake?” They did not answer.

I sat against the tree, disappointed, and feeling trapped. The last time Anubis ordered me to stay, I mistakenly attacked Kyle. Did he not learn my sanity will not stay my hand?

It took another two days for Gabriel to return. My frustration turned to anger. A jackal moved aside to allow Gabriel through. My glare told him he was in trouble with me. The jackals went back into the ground.

“My mate, do not be upset. It took time to prepare the city for your arrival.”

“I do not care how long it took. You imprisoned me.”

“You went deep into meditation. The jackals were only there to protect you.”

“They told me I had to stay here and wait for you.”

“I gave no such command. You are free to do as you please.”

“Someone is commanding the jackals.”

“We will have to investigate that at another time. It is time to bring Japan to its knees.” He held out a hand to me, and I took it. Something did not seem right.

“Gabriel, wait.” He stopped and looked at me.

I embraced him and breathed him in. His honey scent was missing. His arms embraced me and made my skin crawl. His touch did not feel like Gabriel’s.

I changed into my true form and threw the imposter away from me and took Adrestia. By the time I reached the imposter, he had vanished. I teleported to Anubis’s throne.

“Anubis, please hear me. I need you.” Gabriel came right away. “Stay away from me.” I pointed Adrestia at his chest. He changed into Anubis and stood very still. His features softened and stayed unthreatening as I circled him.

“I am here, wife.” His voice is gentle. It rumbled the hall and vibrated my chest. I did not want to accept the familiarity of it. I have been tricked before. I refused to allow the deceiver to make a fool of me. I came closer to him cautiously. I growled and gripped Adrestia. I was ready to kill him if he moved. I bit into his shoulder and tasted his blood. He flinched but did not move. His honey aroma and sweet taste filled me. I dropped my sword.

“Anubis!” I turned him around to face me. I saw his piercing green eyes darken with worry.

“Did you send jackals to guard me at our tree?” He shook his head.

” Did you come to me when the tree called?” He nodded.

” Your kingdom has been compromised. Your jackals follow another. Someone came to me in your likeness.”

Anubis’s lips curled, and his eyes narrowed. That is the reaction I expected. This was truly my husband. He grabbed my neck and pushed me into his chair and stormed out of the hall. His power consumed the hall, and the doors shut behind him. I loved seeing his power and his anger. He is mighty and kingly. If I did not know him, I would die of fright. Hours later, the doors to the throne opened, and Anubis approached me. I looked at him with distrust. He turned into Gabriel.

“It is time to go.”

“I will not go with you. The world can wait.” I growled. He started toward me. I quickly stood and pointed Adrestia at him. He commanded my body to change into Lara and bit his wrist. Blood flowed and dripped to the ground.

“Come, taste me. I will not harm you.” He knelt to the ground as he used to do when we lived as vampires and waited for me to approach him. I walked to him and took his wrist into my mouth. He was my mate. I knelt down to him.

“I am sorry, husband. I am frightened.”

“You are wise to be cautious.”

“Did you find who disrespects you?”

“Not yet. I promise you, I will find him. When I do, he will know my wrath for years to come.” Chills went down my spine. His voice was extremely dangerous.

“Before you take me, can we seek council with Atum? I found something in my meditation I do not understand.”

“What did you find?”

“I found a blockage of the earth’s power in one of its veins. Is that normal?”

“I cannot see the earth’s veins as you can. I am uncertain. Geb is the one you should talk to.”

“Do I have time, or does Kebachet wait for us?”

Anubis studied me for a moment before answering. I had told him to keep me away from the gods for the time being. My sanity has not been chaotic lately.

“He waits for us. He can wait a moment longer. Come, I will take you to him.” Gabriel stood and helped me to my feet. I cupped his face and kissed him passionately and sent my love to him.

“I miss you, husband.”

The back of his hand brushed my cheek, then moved my hair back off my shoulder. His eyes looked longingly at me. I knew he would be sending tender love if I could have felt it.

“Follow me.”

We changed into our true form, as he led me to Geb’s throne. It was completely silent. I followed Anubis’s lead and relied on him to show me what was happening. Anubis stood quietly for a long time until Geb appeared.

“Speak, Anput. I will hear your thoughts.” In my true form, I could not speak words. I had to use my mind to speak.

“Thank you for coming. I can see the earth’s veins. In one section of the vein is a blockage of sorts. It looked similar to a beaver’s dam. The vein beyond the blockage is decaying. Is this normal?” Geb set up and frowned at me. I became uncomfortable under his stare.

“Show me.” He commanded.

He seemed upset. I brought forth my memory of where I started my journey along the veins and the paths I took to get to the blockage. I showed Geb beyond the blockage as well.

“That is not normal. The vein does not lead to anywhere detrimental to the earth; however, it must be cleansed. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.” He paused a moment and continued looking at me “Anput, your actions are admirable. You and your family should be commended for fighting for us. The balance is slowly being restored. I give you a warning out of respect for you. Do not touch the earth’s power or listen to its call. If you succumb to it, your body and soul will become part of its power. Your husband will not be able to claim your soul or protect it. You will not reincarnate. I suggest you leave the vegetation growth to me.”

“Forgive me for overstepping my bounds. I did not realize this is what you do. Thank you for warning me.” Geb must have been watching me closely to know of my connection to the earth. Satisfied I understood, he vanished from my sight. Anubis turned to me and held his hand out to me. I knew I would feel pride from him. Submitting and showing respect to my elders has not been a virtue of mine of late.

I took his hand, and he took me to where Kebachet stood. Gabriel appeared before me. I quickly grabbed his neck and drew my sword.

“Who are you!” I demanded.

“Mother, I am Kebachet.”

Gabriel came from behind the one in my grasp.

“You can release him. This is Kebachet, I assure you. I projected my mind out. No one else was around me. This was my family who stood before me. I kept an eye on the Gabriel, who stood behind the one in my grasp. Adrestia pointed dangerously close to the chest of the one I held.

“Connect to me, both of you. Do not leave my sight.” I demanded.

“Mother, what…” The one in my grasp began to speak. The Gabriel behind him raised a hand carefully and touched the shoulder of the one in my grasp. He did not break eye contact with me. I tensed up, getting ready to strike as a dark green tendril sought my mind. I allowed it in. Kebachet’s familiar royal purple entered my mind. I could feel their power. I lowered my weapon and looked at the one in my grasp. I could feel Kebachet’s power coming from him.

“Leave me this instant and go where you must.” My voice was dangerous. I felt like prey walking into a predator’s den. Gabriel came to me and sent his aroma through me. I began to relax and allow his presence.

“Anput. Will you allow jackals to watch over you?”

“If you trust them, I will allow it.” Several jackals came up from the ground. Gabriel touched my cheek then left my sight. I waited for him to become positioned and began heating the land. The buildings here were much more modern. The earth will heat to a boiling point. The buildings and everything around the city will be swallowed in a lake of lava.

The earth steamed and groaned, and fire began erupting. More jackals came from the ground and surrounded the city, blocking any escape. A sea of black jackals swarmed the city in front of the walls of fire. Terror filled the sky as the living began to fight back. They knew we would come and prepared for it. The jackals are lightning quick, and their hides helped protect them. The vampires of this age are no matched to them.

I allowed the fire freedom and demanded more heat from the earth. Screams of terror increased as people began burning or were cut down by the jackal. The ground broke apart as lava burped up and started more fires. I could feel the drain on Kebachet and Gabriel using my power to support the destruction.

The jackals near me began growling. I closed my eyes and concentrated on my task. I felt a breeze rush past me as metal on metal rang out. I connected to the earth for more power. The ground became liquid and consumed everything on it. Once everything had been destroyed, Gabriel took the lead of my power and felt the tug as it strained. Gabriel lifted a small building from the lava. I commanded the lava to cool. Once it cooled, Gabriel lowered the building onto the rock.

Gabriel and Kebachet both disconnected from me, and I slowly released my tether from the earth. Everything became silent.