Chapter 26
Drakuul stood in the throne room, listening to reports that ten of the Captains of their units relayed. Listening to their voices, they were so distant as he stood with his back facing the men, clenching his fists in agitation and disappointment. Eerily glancing over his shoulder, he demanded bluntly, as he turned, watching the ten men lowering their heads, as if they were afraid of gazing upon him,
“And General Matrx, where is he?”
“He’s out among other units, continuing to scout the lower parts of the city, my Lord.” one of the Captains, a black man in his late 30s with cropped military buzz-cut, replied in a strong cocky accent, “He sent word this morning that he will be returnin’ tomorrow, or maybe the day after that, he wasn’t sure.”
“I know he’s been searching for the rebels, but did he state as to why he’s down there?” Drakuul wondered, then listened as the ten men let out blunt snorts, “Something funny?”
“N-no, Lord…” one of the men cleared his throat.
“Mm.” Drakuul squinted, “Answer the question.” he hid his hands behind his back, clasping them together.
“No Lord, he did not.” another man answered honestly, “Do you uh, want to me to contact him, Sir?”
“No.” Drakuul groaned, “But do let me know when he returns.”
“Yes, Sir.” the men muttered simultaneously.
“Is there anything else we can do for you?” one of the other men had bravely questioned.
“Actually, yes.” Drakuul raised an eyebrow, lowering his hands down by his side, “I want you to continue searching for the rebels that are persistent in fighting back, they’re causing too much trouble among the city folk and they’re beginning to create chaos among well, all of the chaos that is already taking place, and I don’t want it becoming too difficult to snuff out.” he clapped his hands that sparked with a few bright green bursts, “Is that understood?”
“Yes, Lord.” the men nodded.
“Good, now leave me.” Drakuul dismissed the men, waving his hands. Watching as the Captains of different backgrounds scampered out of the room, the Immortal folded his arms, then turned to the black orb that sat near the large gold throne. Reaching out his hands, feeling its smooth surface, he muttered something in his Japanese tongue then he watched as a swirling essence moved within the orb’s center; there were images of the General’s location and actions, crashing through doors and imprisoning rebels for information, “Yes…” Drakuul had grown a satisfied grin, feeling pleased with himself that he was really making an impact across the city. Taking a seat on the throne, his left hand slowly removed the orb from its stand, holding it close, but then the images changed, “what is this?!” he watched as images of his triangular pendant lay shattered. Dropping the orb that fell heavily in his lap like a large concrete block, he pushed it off, then watched as it rolled across the room before bumping into a nearby corner.
“Drakuul Lexus…” a voice whispered the man’s name.
Abruptly standing, the Immortal’s dark eyes scanned the room.
“Who’s there?!” he called out loudly, but no one answered, “Who are you that taunts me?!” he referred to previous images that flashed through the orb, “Who are you?!” but there was still no answer. He frowned, looking around once more, even in the shadows of the room before he exited, strolling down the corridors to his isolated, conjuring room. It was once one of the largest Prime Minister offices, where the walls were splattered with black paint to cover all of the decorative wallpaper. There were Necromancy symbols in red paint in various places, including that of the floor beneath the altar where a massive desk once sat. The shades were drawn, blocking out all of the natural light, but the Immortal could still hear the commotion erupting in the streets. Slamming the door, startling soldiers, the man approached the altar beginning to flip through Lexa’s powerful and ancestral book, searching for a spell that could reveal one’s future, but the closest enchantment would show you outcomes of their own decisions that led to their fate or what they seek. Frowning, he knew he was limited to the gift of foresight but gathering the herbs and all of the other ingredients needed, ones of which he kept in a cabinet that was hidden in the shadows of the corner of the room, it avoided all traces of light.
Writing the list, he went over it making sure he had everything:
²Absinthe helps the spell caster to communicate with the dead if burnt with Sandalwood as incense
²Anise Seeds increase the power of all psychic incantations
²Betel Nut, if chewed with lime, increases power spiritually and mentally
²Blood Root is a replacement, if the practitioner wishes not to use drops of their own blood
²Henbane, be cautious of its toxicity
²A decayed rabbit’s foot
²Skull of a witch’s or warlock’s familiar, must be specific
²One petrified mortal heart, sliced into four pieces
²Eyes of a wise man, specifically eyes that’ve been ravaged by age
²Small pinch of Devil’s Root, avoid breaking skin on the thorns
²Blood from a woman’s womb, for ancestral ties
²Blood freely given, must be that of the practitioner ONLY
Once adding each ingredient to the bowl, allowing them the chance to be consumed by the contents before it, he stirred them slowly; he watched as it created a thick, dark liquid that bubbled and steamed. Lighting black candles of various sizes that had worn wicks from his previous spells with his green arcane flame, their wax dripped, leaving streaks and pools around their bases. After extinguishing the flame, he placed his hands on the ledge of the bowl, taking deep breaths as he closed his eyes, concentrating on the task that lay before him. As he opened his eyes, he began reading the words in a slow rhythm, calling out to the darkest forces, requesting the gift of foresight that would aid him in his quest to win this battle:
“Blood of my mother beyond the veil, I seek thine counsel with flesh pale. Grant me the knowledge I require, to see the events to come this witching hour. With these offerings, I beseech thine grace to help transverse the path I face. Blood and bone to feed thine tombs, come join me in my hearth’s fumes. By the powers of black as night, I command you forth, to give me sight. I am yours to do your will, I summon you now for a moment still.” and just as he recited the last few words of the dark incantation, he felt an unsettling chill race up and down his spine, but keeping his composure and focus on the task, he watched as the herbs and ingredients stirred before disappearing beneath the liquid’s surface. Bubbling violently, almost oozing over the rim of the pot, it then ceased, leaving Drakuul wondering if he had performed the spell correctly, but just then, a black essence then began swirling upward from the pot.
Backing away, Drakuul watched as the essence or smoke encircled his slender form, then knowing the last step of the spell, hadn’t yet been performed, he groaned for he needed to consume the essence in just a matter of breathing it in. Closing his eyes, taking deep, long breaths, he absorbed the thick black mass that squeezed its way up his nose, down his throat and into his mind. Coughing, holding his head as it ached, the sensation was unpleasant. Falling to his knees, leaning his hands on the ground, he held his head low, then was suddenly bent backwards; he grunted feeling his spine cracking in ways that were unnatural. Suddenly, just as he was thrown backwards, pinned on his back, something snuffed out the candles as if they were blown out by some invisible force that left behind the scent of sulfur.
Drakuul thrashed violently, gasping for air as his eyes jerked opened, then suddenly he lay still, but his eyes didn’t stare at the ceiling with his dark piercing eyes, but with a white film as if he appeared blind. Images flashed through his mind of the events that would lead him to his goal, but then they were cut short as an ancient magic snuffed out the magic that had been performed, only a black void burning in an intense red fire consumed his mind, beginning to burn the surface of his skin. Continuing to worm its way though the Necromancer’s mind, the magic, exiting through the same manner as it entered his form, Drakuul was pulled forward into an arched position before he was released, being thrown across the room, slamming his back hard against one of the pillars nearby.
Laying still, gasping for breath, the Immortal opened his eyes with a blurry vision, watching as the candle wicks erupted into high flames. He coughed heavily, laying curled in discomfort, but rolling onto his side, pushing himself up into a sitting position he blinked away the blurry vision, watching as the thick black essence was swiftly sucked back into the bowl before it toppled over, spilling its contents on the altar and onto the floor, leaving behind an acidic stain on the stone.
Drakuul stumbled to his feet, that was more effort that he expected. Combing his stringy hair back off his face, pulling at his jacket, in a matter of slow shuffling steps toward the altar, he placed the bowl on its stand back in its upright position. Glancing at the book that laid open, he groaned slamming it closed then swept his hands outward, brushing all of the glass bottles and jars, tools and herbs scattering to the ground. Screaming, thrashing everything around, he was angry that not even Lexa, or his ancestors were there to help him in his requests.
“Fine…” he huffed, expecting more, then standing in the center of the room with his feet slightly apart and head held back, he spat the words deeply, “I’ll do it myself!” he leered around the room, then he swept through the door, standing in the hall. Coughing once more, he removed a handkerchief, and holding it to his mouth, traces of blood drops soaked into the fabric. Staring at the red stains, his dark eyes glanced around, making sure no one had noticed his moment of weakness. Clearing his throat, hiding the handkerchief in his pocket, he strolled down the corridor, approaching soldiers that cleared the hall of debris, “Send word to your General and tell him to get back here immediately, and if he argues with you, tell him that I’ll have his f*cking head outside with the others that wasted my time!”
“Yes, Lord.” one of the men nodded, dropping a large chunk of the stone that fell from its place above.
“Good…” the Immortal straightened his posture, “and you!” his left hand pointed toward one of the other soldiers, “Fetch my food from the kitchens and if it’s cold…I’ll feed you to the Nightwalkers, and I hear they’re hungry.”
“Yes, Lord!” the man gulped, then rushed down the hall, to attend to their assigned responsibilities.
“Now?!” Matrx complained, receiving the summons.
“Yes, Sir.” a man answered, “Immediately.”
“Did he say why?!”
“No, General. He did not.”
“Ugh, f*ck me…” Matrx huffed, “all right.” he ended the call. As he turned to a nearby truck that had been overturned by one of the large Trolls that accompanied their unit, he kicked its burnt metal before removing one of his Katanas, slicing away at the decrepit junk metal. With each powerful strike, he imagined ending his brother’s life and forgetting about the war between Immortals and supernaturals,; all he wanted to do was retreat to a place where he wasn’t known and to be surrounded by lovely women, but that wasn’t Matrx’s fate, he was a warrior and his life was war and wouldn’t know anything else.
Soldiers nearby, turned their backs, allowing their General to vent.
Ceasing his strikes, Matrx returned the Katana’s blade to its sheath, then grabbed hold of one of the soldiers nearby, reaching for a radio on the man’s belt attached on his shoulder, giving orders that to all of the other men that they were to continue their search during his absence. Receiving no talkback or argument from his men that were loyal to him, he nodded then turned, climbing into one of the large futuristic Jeeps that hovered high into the air before its body turned; its booster engines helped it swiftly cut through the air like a bullet. In the distance, he could see the tall tower in the distance growing closer within 15-to-20 minutes at full speed. Arriving, parking the Jeep in the parking lot among other crafts that returned from their own patrols, he hopped out, slamming its door, striding in fast steps through the doors. Ascending the steps, skipping one or two here and there, he finally reached the top, pushing the door open; Drakuul stood near the ledge overlooking the city below.
“What is so god damn important that you had one of your brats call me back here?!” Matrx mocked in command, “Hmm?” he barked in a heavy huff, “I was out there my doing my work for you, this better be good!” he slowly approached, avoiding the ledge at all costs cause if he grew too close, he might have been tempted to just throw the Immortal over.
“I have had an awakening.” Drakuul muttered over his shoulder.
Matrx waited for more to be said, but that was it.
“That’s it?! That’s what you summoned me back here for, just to tell me that you have had an awakening?!” the General argued loudly, “I must congratulate you brother, really I do…” he clapped mockingly, “I sincerely hope it was a good.” he scoffed, then attempting to turn, the doors ahead of him slammed shut, sealing with magic that looked as if it crawled along the seams.
“I…wasn’t finished.” Drakuul warned, turning to his brother.
Turning slowly, Matrx leered toward the Necromancer, watching as he slowly approached in menacing steps. Gulping silently, he placed his hands on the hilts of his Katanas, unsure if he needed to use their sleek blades against the man.
Standing in front of his General, the Immortal studied the man’s face that held such distaste but worn with fatigue. Grinning slightly, he turned, approaching the ledge once more.
“I have had an awakening in the ways of doing things differently.”
“How so?!” Matrx moaned, “You’re Mr. Goody-Two Shoes that’s going to use his magic for only good?!” he mocked sarcastically, for he knew that would never happen in any lifetime.
“No.” Drakuul answered calmly, “I have had a vision that will help us find what we’re looking for, you arrogant a**hole!” he leered over his shoulder toward the Frenchman behind him.
“A vision, really?” Matrx was playing along, humoring the situation, “I see, and what uh…” he scratched the scruff growing on his chin, “sort of scheme do you have planned this time, because they’ve been so successful this far.” he walked forward, leaning against one of the pillars nearby, still away from the ledge.
“The dark arts and Necromancy Matrx, show us many things and in various forms, even in ways that we did not expect. Or summon.” he groaned.
“Mm-hmm.” Matrx nodded, “And? What dis this…vision show?”
“Tunnels, ones of which appear underground but where and if they exist, that I do not know but you my brother…” he turned to the Frenchman, “General of Armies, is where you come in.” he leered with a sinister smile.
“Tunnels? Interesting.” Matrx seemed intrigued, but wouldn’t give the Immortal the satisfaction, “Which ones, did THEY tell you?”
“I don’t know, but I also saw a man with a tag or…” Drakuul took a moment’s pause, thinking back about the images that were shown to him, “an I.D. card some sort.” he finished.
“An…an I.D. card, that’s it?” Matrx argued bluntly, “Did you see the name printed on it, or where they generous enough to provide it?” he knew that his brother’s visions never failed in the past, despite the methods that were taken.
“Unfortunately no, but that’s what was shown to me.”
“Tunnels and an I.D. card, right.” Matrx moaned, “Well, I can’t help you up here so we can uh…take this back to Scotland Yard because I won’t be much help up here.” he glanced around.
“Mm.” Drakuul nodded. Stepping away from the ledge he turned. As he opened a portal, he waited until he could see the office clearly on the other side, “After you.” he mocked, turning to Matrx with a hand gesturing at the portal.
Matrx grunted, adjusting his weapon’s belt then stepped through. He turned, watching as the Necromancer followed closely behind, before closing the portal. Glancing around the room, watching as the men and women stood startled by their unannounced presence, Matrx and Drakuul approached the workers, demanding to have maps of all of the subways tunnels brought up on screen.
“Tunnels, General?” one of the men wondered, quickly typing on his keyboard, scanning for the maps and routes per the General’s blunt instructions.
“Just get ’em up!” the Frenchman barked impatiently.
“Apologies, General.” the man gulped, “Here you go, Sir.” his hands swiped along the surface of the screen in front him, sending all of the images upward onto the massive wall-to-wall screens, “Do you know which ones you’re looking for, Sirs?” he glanced between the General and Lord of the city, “There are however, some that are seemed to be closed down here…” the man stood, approaching the screens, “and here.” he gestured at two sections of the maps, then turned to one of his coworkers that worked on the same station, “Zoom in on the area here…” he waited, watching as the maps zoomed in closely, “hmm.” he finished.
“Hmm.” Drakuul wondered, “What’s hmm?”
“Apologies, Sir but…” the man answered, “but it seems that set of tunnels in particular aren’t recorded, hence the blacked out section.” he frowned, then quickly returned to his computer, typing fiercely as he searched through the system, “That’s strange.” he pondered.
“What, what is it?” Matrx barked.
“I don’t have access, Sir.” the man mumbled, “I mean, whoever it was that had access, made sure that no one, not even our department could break through their firewalls, tricky bastards to be honest Sirs.”
“Isn’t there any way around the system or whatever your kind call it?” Drakuul mocked, waving at the screens.
“My kind Sir…” the man argued bluntly, “keep the systems updated, and track all movement within the city, we don’t have access to that level, if you want to find out, than I suggest that you venture to the department that handles that.”
“Excuse me?!” Drakuul warned.
“All right, enough!” Matrx shouted, standing between the man, “Is there any way you can find out where we can go, to find out more about these tunnels?” he finished, leering down that the man who sat in his chair with his hands on the keyboard.
“Yes Sir.” the man nodded.
“I don’t see you typing.” Matrx warned.
“Sorry Sir.” the man lowered his head. Once more, having his fingers tapping across the keys, he managed to find the location of where the documents could be found, “You can find them in the archives, Sir.” he turned, quickly scribbling down an address, “Here.” he handed the paper to the General who snatched it from his hand roughly.
“Right.” Matrx nodded, then turned, whispering to Drakuul showing him the paper, “It’s worth a chance.”
Studying the address, Drakuul raised a curious eyebrow.
“And you’re sure these maps and routes will be found here?” he spat.
“All archives Sir, are first printed before they’re scanned into any of the systems so yes, but I unfortunately can’t access them because I’m not...”
“Yes, yes we heard you the first time.” Drakuul groaned, “I want you to get you’re a** there now and find these documents.”
“For once, we’re on the same page.” Matrx nodded, then swept out of the office, stomping down the hall. Taking the elevator, he waited and listened to the annoying music over the speakers. Groaning as he leered upward, he punched at the speakers, breaking them, having only static hissing, “Better, much better.”
Another week passed, things rapidly came together on the island; the armor was fitted, mended and distributed after pounding, shaping or forming the leather pieces to fit each individual according to their measurements. Bulletproof vests and other chest pieces were molded and crafted, as were metal breast plates that Leonard and Leonus had forged, they were impressive and sturdy, holding up well in the all of the practice tests to verify their stability. Armor was even crafted and shaped for Zanzabarr for he wouldn’t be left out of this war, he too was a warrior in his own right.
Warriors with skills never used in war, were excited to possess their armor, walking away carrying them, commenting about how proud it made them feel.
Once the Guardians collected their armor, they returned to all their posts; their watchful eyes scanned all of the activity occurring within the estate and in RP&V.
“Yeah, I know mate I can’t believe this, but at least we’re…” Caleb smiled, admiring his armor then paused, catching the sight of a lone man standing by the gates, “hey, I’ll be right back.” he nodded then excused his presence, leaving his armor atop the wall. Appearing just a few inches behind the man, placing his hands on the handles of his guns, he cleared his throat, “Can I help you, mate?” he called out to the man that stared at the outer gates that loomed tall above him, but he didn’t answer, “Oi, I’m talkin’ to you!”
“Yes, I heard you.” the man turned, leering at the young man, “And I am here to see your half-breed.” he declared.
Studying the Asian man that stood with straight posture, and pressed clothes, Caleb bit his lip, taking steps around him. His appearance was groomed with his black hair combed back and a trimmed Asian inspired beard and mustache, and as he lowered his gaze, the man’s shoes were faded but in condition.
“What did you say your name was?” Caleb questioned.
“I did not give one.” the man smiled with mischief in his eyes that briefly squinted, “Wraith.”
“How do you know I’m a Wraith?” Caleb grew cautious.
“You did not appear in fire like that of Demons or Shayds, so there is only one other supernatural that I am aware of that can teleport. I am here to speak with your half-breed, nothing more.” he turned and was about to take a step toward the gate but was intercepted as Caleb sped forward blocking his path.
“Nah, you stay there mate.” Caleb warned. Removing his phone, he kept his red Wraiths fixed upon the man, and without having to look at the screen, he pressed #89652 on the keypad then quickly placed the gadget to his ear listening to the dial tone, “Yeah, hey um…there is someone here at the gates, they’re looking for you.” he spoke, “No, he hasn’t given me his name, he refuses to.” he raised a curious brow.
Sitting in the study with my mom, Beth, Anthony and several of the magical practitioners, I received a call from Caleb’s radio.
“Excuse me…” I smiled, then stood, approaching the desk, “Caleb?” I listened to his voice speaking bluntly and firmly, “Did he give his name?” I pondered, “I see…” I frowned, “all right, give me just a few minutes. Let him through the front gate, but keep him in the tunnel. As a matter of fact, keep that order standing to anyone who appears on the Isle without permission or announcement.” I ended the call.
“Everything okay?” Lady D wondered curiously.
“I don’t know really, that was Caleb and he said there’s a man at the gates.” I answered, reaching for my sword that began carrying around with me.
“A man?” Beth rasped.
“Who?” Anthony stood.
“I don’t know, that’s what I’m going to find out.” I affirmed bluntly, “You can continue without me, we’ll catch up later.” I leaned in, and gave my mom a quick kiss on the cheek that didn’t quite make it. As I rushed out of the study with Anthony, Zanzabarr and Abraxas, the four of us raced down the stairs and through the front doors.
“I wonder who this is?” Anthony wondered.
“I don’t know.” I shrugged, looking at him, “All Caleb said is that he just appeared, no luggage or bags, nothing but the literal clothes on his back.” and within five minutes, we arrived at the inner gate where Caleb stood with Wyatt and Jonathan, “Hey, is he in there?” my eyes looked toward the inner doors that were kept closed.
“Yes.” Caleb answered with a nod, “He’s a bit odd, I mean he has no bags or luggage like I told you, and I certainly didn’t see him appear either, nor did the Guardians patrolling the dock report of any boats or ferries coming inland.” he shrugged.
“Interesting.” Anthony moaned curiously.
“Very interesting.” I frowned, “Let him through.”
Caleb nodded, then turned to Wyatt and Jonathan, instructing them to open the inner gates. Backing away, standing next to Yzavela and Anthony, Zanzabarr and Abraxas, he watched as the Demons slowly and carefully opened the gates with heavy gloves, avoiding the iron.
Listening as the heavy metal creaked open on their hinges, the three curious faces gazed into the tunnel, watching as Asian man emerged.
“And he didn’t give you his name?” I wondered, looking at Caleb.
“Not a word, all he kept saying is that he wanted to speak you, the half-breed.” the Wraith muttered.
“How would he know that?” Anthony inquired, “Who is he?”
“I don’t know.” I sighed, then gazed ahead, watching as the man had approached closer and once he was within reasonable distance for my eyes to make out his features, I sighed in relief, “Ah…” I smiled, “it’s all right.” I looked at Caleb and Anthony, “It’s just Shung-Lee.”
“Shung who?” Caleb asked humorously, raising a curious brow.
“Her teacher from Ireland.” Anthony leaned in, whispering softly.
“Ah…THAT Shung-Lee.” the Wraith nodded, “But couldn’t he had just said so, what’s with the bloody mystery and all that?”
“You’ll get to used to it.” I grinned, then approached the man, “Now this is a surprise, what are you doing here?” I greeted, “I mean, it is good to see you again, but…”
“You invited me here, remember?” Shung-Lee muttered, raising his left hand, holding a folded letter, “This is was written by your hand, no?” he handed it to Yzavela, who slowly took it from him.
Quickly unfolding it, I read my words.
“Yes.” I looked at him, “Yes, it was.” I grinned.
“Well then, I am here and have accepted your invitation to this place and while it is magnificent, I have seen MORE.” he looked around.
“Excuse me?” I pondered.
“What the bloody hell does that mean, mate?!” Jonathan argued as he and Wyatt approached.
“Who are you, really?” Anthony groaned protectively.
Glancing around, seeing that he was surrounded by capable men that were willing to protect the half-breed and their home, Shung-Lee had taken a step back, raising his hands, showing he wasn’t a threat.
“Apologies, I only meant that I have seen MORE places.” he cleared his throat, “It seems that I have come at a bad time, warriors carrying weapons and armor…are you going to war?” he wondered curiously.
“That’s another discussion for another time, which isn’t now.” I took a step forward, declaring firmly, “But first, tell me…tell us…” my hands gestured around at the Guardians and Anthony, “how did you get here, and where are your belongings?” I studied him, “You don’t have a thing, no vehicle either.” I wondered bluntly, “Tell me that at least.” I folded my arms.
“I’m wondering the same bloody thing.” Caleb hissed.
“Bloody, is that the only word that you young Brits know without…” Shung-Lee argues, waving his hands around, referring to Caleb’s tall and slender presence, “making things sound so vampiric?”
“It’s the way they talk, mate…” Jonathan barked, stepping forward.
“Got a problem with that?” Wyatt added bluntly, fluffing his broad shoulders as if wanting conflict.
“All right, calm down!” I interrupted the macho display, “You three, I am fine.” I turned to the Guardians, “Please get back to your posts, I will be fine. I have Anthony and of course Zanzabarr and Abraxas.” but I was met with hesitation, “NOW please…” I steamed quickly.
Caleb and Jonathan nodded then began backing away, while Wyatt remained behind for just a few moments before hearing her voice in his mind, instructing him to keep a close eye on them. Offering her a nod, he turned, disappearing with the Wraith and Demon.
“Sorry about that, Caleb’s sort of trigger-happy while Jonathan and Wyatt are the tough protective big brothers, but they meant you no harm.” I admitted truthfully.
“I know they didn’t.” Shung-Lee muttered, then eerily glanced over in Anthony’s direction, “And him?”
“And him, has a name.” Anthony stepped forward.
“This is Anthony Giovanni.” I wrapped my right arm around his waist while my left rested on his chest, clearly and proudly expressing my sparkling engagement ring, “My fiance.” I smiled.
“Fiance?” Shung-Lee rasped curiously.
“Yes.” Anthony proclaimed, wrapping an arm around her small waist.
“I see.” the Asian man nodded.
“He’s one of the best men on the island, and one you can speak freely in front of, now you didn’t answer my question so it’s going to be the last time I’m going to ask you, how did you get here?” I asked.
“I walked, and traveled lightly.” Shung-Lee answered bluntly then he simply veered around her, walking toward Ravenstone Manor.
“Um, excuse me…” I rushed forward, standing in his path with both Zanzabarr and Abraxas releasing their threatening growls, “I could’ve sworn that I just heard you say that you walked here?” I questioned, then glanced at Anthony who nodded, hearing the man’s words for himself.
“Yes, I walked.” Shung-Lee nodded, “Now…” he adjusted his shirts, “may we take this somewhere a little more private, perhaps upstairs to the study?” he gestured at the manor in the distance behind her.
“How do you know about that?” Anthony stepped forward curiously.
“Don’t all manors have them, Italian?” the Asian man turned to him.
“Excuse me?” Anthony growled.
“This conversation…” I stood in front of Anthony, gripping onto the front of his shirt, looking up into his dark eyes, “isn’t over that’s true, but yes…” I stroked his face then turned to Shung-Lee, “let’s take this elsewhere, and the study…” I shook off the unsettling sense of tension between the two men, “would be a great place to finish.”
“Very good.” Shung-Lee nodded then turned, venturing toward the manor.
“I don’t like him, and I certainly don’t trust him.” Anthony huffed, as he glanced down at her, placing his hands on her shoulders.
“You don’t have to like him, or trust him, but I do.” I smiled quickly, “So trust me.”
“Always.” Anthony’s frown softened, as he gently stroked her cheek, “But I am coming with you, there’s no way I’m leaving you alone in that study with him.”
“Wouldn’t expect anything else.” I stood on my toes, leaning close to kiss him, “Come on, big bad wolf.” I teased, then took his hand, “And you two…” I called for Zanzabarr and Abraxas, “come on.”
“How is your mother?” Shung-Lee questioned as he strangely walked backwards without losing his footing, keeping his hands behind his back.
“She’s doing great, thank you.” I answered.
“Excellent, it would be a pleasure to finally meet her.”
“Finally meet her?” Anthony wondered, “They never met?”
“No.” I answered softly, looking up at him, “Whenever my mom had wanted to sit in and watch the training sessions, Shung-Lee had always seemed agitated by the suggestion so no…they never met but I reassured her that I was safe and had Zanzabarr and Abraxas with me.” I shrugged.
“Hmm.” Anthony moaned, leering at the man’s back as he strolled a few paces ahead.
Suddenly, Caleb appeared alongside, startling me momentarily.
“Jes*s Chr*st Caleb…STOP doing that!” I hissed, looking at him, “Or next time, I will burn something off and you’re too pretty.”
“S-sorry.” the Wraith cleared his throat, “Tell me something though.”
“And that is?” I studied his features and big brown eyes.
“That’s not Marxus disguising himself again, is it?” he pondered, “It wouldn’t be the first time from what I hear, you know?” he shrugged.
“You know what, I was thinking the exact same thing when I first met him in Ireland, but he dismissed the possibility. And if anything, it seemed to offend him, me thinking that he was someone else. He’s strange for sure, but I think we should all just…leave him to his uh, ways you know?” I patted Caleb on the arm, then glanced ahead to see the Asian man standing by the manor’s front doors, as if waiting to be invited into the structure, “And the fact that he seems to ask for invitations everywhere, one would think he’s a Wraith.”
“But he isn’t.” Anthony observed the man in question, “He, uh…” he glanced at Caleb, hoping his next words wouldn’t cause offence, “well, he would smell like one.”
“Oi!” Caleb hissed, “Watch it, yeah?!”
“I didn’t mean it like that, but you know what I mean.”
“Caleb…get back to work.” I ordered firmly, “He’s not a Wraith, but he’s a Demon and a very powerful one at that, so just…whenever you seem him walking around, tell Wyatt and other Demons to keep a close eye on him, hmm?”
“Yeah, sure thing love.” he flashed one of his charming smiles, then he disappeared.
Approaching the manor, walking through the surrounding fence, me and Anthony with my supernatural companions approached the steps.
“He’s attentive that one.” Shung-Lee observed, referring to Caleb.
“Caleb is one of the island’s best Guardians, and a close friend. Now enough chitchat about Caleb. Please, after you.” I gestured toward the manor behind him.
Shung-Lee glanced around then turned, entering through the doors. As he stood in the foyer, his dark eyes scanned the space then gave a brief nod as if approving of the decor and structure. Ascending the stairs, following their curved shape, he watched as Lady D, and a few others were exiting the study.
“Leaving already?” I greeted as Anthony, Shung-Lee stepped aside, allowing the men and women to descend the stairs in a crowded rush.
“We have places to be, girl.” one of the men barked at her, “Not all of us are fortunate as you to sit around doing nothing.”
“Doing nothing?” Anthony argued, “You mean, sitting around being an old man that’s in desperate need of a bath from the way you smell?” he took a quick sniff of the air around the man.
Both Shung-Lee and I chuckled, for he couldn’t have made the tense situation any worse.
The man groaned, pushing past the Italian with the others that were trailing behind him.
“What the hell was that?” I looked at Anthony.
“What?!” Anthony shrugged, “It’s not you weren’t thinking it.” he offered her a charming grin.
“He is right.” Shung-Lee attempted to hide his grin but it failed.
Shaking my head, I led the men up the stairs and into the study, and was surprised to see my mom remained behind, scampering around the room removing empty tea cups, placing them on a carry-tray.
“Mommy…” I called out to her softly.
Jumping from the sound of her daughter’s sudden voice, Lady D had slowly turned, seeing her standing by the door with Anthony and an Asian man that glanced around the room before looking at her.
“Are you trying to give me a heart attack?” she gasped, catching her breath quickly.
“Sorry, but…guess who’s here?” I gestured at Shung-Lee.
“Um…” Lady D mumbled.
“Right, sorry. You two never met, this is Shung-Lee.” I announced, “Shung-Lee, this is my mother, Lady D.” I turned to him, gesturing at her.
“Shung-Lee SHUNG-LEE as is in the man that trained you?” Lady D bent forward, resting the tray back on the table.
“The one and only.” the man answered proudly, “It is a pleasure to meet you, your daughter speaks highly of you, although you mustn’t be so hard on her.”
“Excuse me?” Lady D frowned.
“Nothing, nevermind.” Shung-Lee looked away, breaking his gaze.
“W-what?!” Lady D rasped.
“Just…go with it.” Anthony approached her, taking the tray from the table, helping her finish the task she had wanted to accomplish. As he turned, walking toward the small fridge, he laid the tray atop.
“Well then, uh…” Lady D adjusted her dress nervously, “how did you get here, and when?”
“Now actually, POOF just like magic.” he teased, waving his hands.
Lady D stood there baffled, studying the man, then glanced toward her daughter who shook her head, as if stating not to ask any more questions at the moment.
“But it is a pleasure meeting you, my Lady D.” Shung-Lee bowed, then approached her slowly, causing no alarm to the wolf and dragon, “Lovely as ever, how are you doing?”
“Um…” the woman blushed, “thank you I suppose, but I have my good days and bad.” she turned, sitting quickly, “What uh, have you been up to since Ireland? Surely you had to have heard about that god awful fiasco that occurred yes?”
“Yes, yes I did.” Shung-Lee moaned, “Horrific practitioners that had no right to delve into practices, they deserved what came to them.”
Anthony clenched his jaw, not liking the man, having a strange sense of something off about him. Glancing toward Yzavela, she looked at him pleading, as if not making things any more tense than they were.
Lady D said nothing, for what could she say to the man’s words?
Closing the door, sitting next to Anthony and my mom, the three of us listened to the man’s tales of his adventures since our last abrupt encounter, tales that were half-truth and intriguing to say the least. We managed to share laughter, telling Anthony about little moments that were embarrassing on my part, but then there was a silence, as he asked me to reveal what was taking place here on the island. However, I hesitated because I wasn’t sure if he wanted to know just about everything, but I continued, leaving out several personal details that weren’t meant for him to hear, things that only Anthony, my mom and I knew.
Nodding in extreme interest, Shung-Lee smiled, then glanced toward the wolf and dragon that didn’t keep their watchful eyes off him and his movements.
“I see your hellhound has grown since Ireland.” he observed, “And it seems your dragon has as well, they’re both maturing nicely.”
“Yes they, and yes they have.” I stated proudly.
“If you don’t mind me asking Sir but…” Anthony rasped softly, as he shifted in his seat, “you seem to be taking all of this rather well, I mean…being on an island occupied by Demons, dragons, Wraiths, Lycynians and such, would certainly cause a much more frantic and frightened reaction, no?”
“I, Lycynian…” Shung-Lee leered at him, “have seen and been many places, and have encountered many things and beings, so this place is just like any other, but with its own uniqueness. For starters, I would never think that dragons and hellhounds could exist within this uh…” he paused, looking around, “supernatural world.”
“How do you know about dragons and hellhounds?” Lady D had the right question the man’s words.
“I have heard stories and read many legends.” Shung-Lee answered her calmly, “And yes, that includes that night in Ireland, the witches and warlocks reported sightings of a massive beasts that breathed fire and shifted from one form to another, all while obeying just one…” he looked toward Yzavela, “little fire Demon half-breed.” he grinned.
“What do you know about that?” Anthony barked protectively.
“Anthony…” I reached for his arm, giving it a gentle squeeze, “it’s all right, I told him about that, he knows.” I ran my left hand along his collar, running my fingers through his hair.
“Perhaps too, if your dragon hadn’t taken the form of Raven during all of our visits, I never would have known of his existence, however, he made it too obvious that he was watching over you.” Shung-Lee glanced toward the dragon and wolf that laid near the fireplace, “They are very special beasts and you are fortunate to possess them.”
“I don’t possess them.” I argued, “I mean, I give them commands yes, but they are their own and I allow them to be.”
“But they obey you, hence some level of possession and obedience.”
“True, but…” I slowly began steaming, feeling defensive.
“Would you like some tea?” Lady D offered, breaking the tension.
“Tea, no.” Shung-Lee cleared his throat, “Do you have any Scotch?”
“Yes…I believe so.” I moaned then stood, controlling my temper. As I veered around the chairs and couch, making my way toward the tall cabinet and fridge, I retrieved a clean glass and a bottle from their places, “Ice?” I asked over my shoulder.
“Yes, please…” the man answered.
Biting my lip, plopping ice cubes into the glass, I poured the liquor listening to the ice crack then reaching for a coaster, it was then that I head both Anthony and my mom gasp in shock. As I turned, being attracted to their voices muttering soft words, I dropped the glass I held in hand.
A god stood before us.