On the Evil Scale: Keeper of La Tecla (The Key) Book Two

Drakuul walked through Parliament in fast, heavy strides with an escort of sis Shayds loyal to him, and only him, for the promise that Drakuul would grant them more power if they followed him. Growing anxious to as to what news Matrx had discovered, entering the Peer Lobby, it wasn’t beautiful, and rustic as everyone would had remembered, lavishly decorated red leather and wooden furniture, the carved stone walls, ceilings and colored tile flooring. The elegant, and old wooden doors and stained glass windows had been shattered in piles that were swept to the side. The red carpet leading down the halls, including the entrance itself, was torn out revealing bare floor.

Glancing upward, moonlight shone in from holes in the ceiling from debris that fell, leaving large cracks and dents on the tile. Even the crystal chandelier that once hung above the lobby, nearby it laid in a pile among the rocks, shattered.

Taking a moment to pause, glancing around, Drakuul spotted young soldiers standing around doing nothing, when their comrades nearby were performing their cleanup tasks. Approaching quietly, placing his footing carefully on small pebbles and piles of dust, he then stood in a moment of silence, listening as the young men laughed, looking at their screens.

“Where’s General Matrx?” the Lord’s voice boomed, startling the other Shayds that lowered their phones, bowing their heads, except for one.

“Ask someone else who cares.” the soldier replied smugly with no eye contact, not knowing who it was he spoke to. Glancing at his fellow soldiers standing with their heads held low in submission, he gulped. Slowly lowering his hands as he turned, his green eyes widened as he gazed upon the Lord of the City, “My Lord, I…” he held his head low, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it. I…”

“What is your name?” Drakuul groaned bluntly.

“R-Rashaud.” he muttered softly, staring at the man’s boots.

Stepping closer to the soldier, Drakuul reached for his face, digging his fingers deeply into the man’s cheeks. Staring into his green eyes, he muttered, “

“Where’s your General?” he demanded.

“I-I don’t know, Sir.” Rashaud stuttered, “We’re not part of his unit.”

“So you’re useless.” Drakuul mocked, then withdrawing his hand, he snapped the man’s neck with a twist of his hand and wrist. Once he man’s body fell by his feet, he glanced at the other soldiers, “Do any of you know where General Matrx is?”

“No, Sir.” one of the men muttered.

“No.” the others slurred.

“Mm.” Drakuul groaned, sneering at the soldiers, “Feed him to the Nightwalkers, it’s been a while since they’ve had fresh blood.”

“Yes, Sir.” the men bowed.

Drakuul nodded, then turned, but paused, hearing one of the men’s voices call out to him. Turning around once more, facing them, he watched as one, despite the pleas of his comrades, stepped forward.

“I know where the General is, or at least where he was.”

“Oh?” Drakuul raised a curious brow, “Where?”

“The Hall of Archives.”

“Hall of Archives?” Drakuul grew curious, knowing Matrx had been looking for the tunnels, “Mm, get back to work.” he ordered, then turned, strolling down the halls, making his way toward the Throne room, “Stay here.” he ordered the Shayds, before disappearing behind the doors. Once they closed, he glanced around the vast room, which like every chamber of Parliament, had been destroyed. The windows were shattered, and the frescoes painted on the walls were splattered with paint, even the statues too were destroyed, turned into piles of rubble or broken in half, however, the only thing that went untouched, was the throne itself, gilded in gold. Sitting in the chair with his right leg hanging over one of the arms, leaning his back against the back, he rested his left elbow on the other arm in a very casual, and relaxed manner, holding the black seeing orb in his left hand. Suddenly, glancing toward the door, he heard voices arguing loudly in the hall outside, before the Shayds stepped aside, allowing Matrx to pass.

“You really need to out your Shayds on a tighter leash.” the General mocked, feeling the door close behind him, “I know you promised to grant them unlimited powers but this is ridiculous, do they wipe you’re a** too?!” he approached the gold chair.

“What took you so long?!” Drakuul groaned in complaint.

“I was busy.” Matrx argued.

“What have you found?”

“Unfortunately, not much.” Matrx sighed regrettably, “It seems that someone knew were coming, because once we got there, the files and documents were destroyed or burned and by the looks of it, we were at least fifteen minutes too late because we found this.” he handed the Necromancer a bag.

“Am I supposed to know what this is?” Drakuul wondered, adjusting the bag in his lap.

“That…” Matrx gestured at the sack, “is all that’s left of the serves, and since the techs state that they’ve been wiped clean, it’s going to take some time but I know this guy, he knows what’s he’s doing.” he he frowned.

Plopping the bag at his feet, Drakuul stood.

“There’s more.” Matrx sounded hopeful.

“Oh?” Drakuul seemed interested, “What makes it any different than the last person that brought me useless information?”

“See for yourself.” Matrx implored, pressing buttons on the edge of the table in the center of the room, activating the large holographic map, “There…” he pointed toward a red dot flashing over Heysham Port.

“It’s a shipping port, what about it?” Drakuul scoffed.

“It’s a shipping port, that’s what you think, and so did I until…” he moved the map around, “the scouts operating the ships reported, in their words, something strange.”

“Something strange? And that’s helpful how?”

“The ships are equipped and armored with the newest, and advanced tech on the market and even though it’s never failed us before, their radars and engines, batteries and anything other electronic device fail when reaching this point here.” Matrx punched the code 254A004 on the keypad, marking the location of the area where the strange and unnatural occurrence takes place, “Even our tanks on the ground experience glitches and drained batteries, and before you ask…” his left hand interrupted Drakuul’s attempt to speak, “I’ve ruled out the possibility of jamming devices, and sonar blasts, which is why…” he straightened his posture, “I suspect this has to be magic of some sort, and it’s powerful sh*t too, for the others claim there’s some kind of an electromagnetic field in that area, seeming to pull anything metal or electric.” he finished.

“And this, what’s this?” Drakuul pointed at a section on the map that seemed to cut off as if data hadn’t been uploaded in the scan.

“That’s another thing.”

“There’s more?” Drakuul barked impatiently.

“You wanted me to report anything that I found, did you?” Matrx argued, “Here I am, doing exactly that, and now you’re complaining about it? Which is it, do you or don’t you want to find Marxus?” he sneered at the Immortal.

“I’m not in the mood for your arrogance, and bland humor, so just tell me.” Drakuul ordered firmly.

“Before the engines, maps, radars and GPS drain completely, they did manage to record this on their feed…” the General played a video, it was blurred at first with static but then focused clearly.

“What am I looking at?” Drakuul wondered, “It’s nothing but fog.”

“Exactly.” Matrx slammed his hands on the table, “Fog that had just seemingly appeared out of nowhere.” he watched the video, seeing it for himself, watching as the thick blanket surrounded the ships in all directions, “The men also reported that it seemed alive as it crawled aboard.”

“Is this a joke?” Drakuul mocked, “The Crawling Eye type of fog?” he managed a laugh, “Are you f*cking kidding me?!”

“No, you dumba** but I’m telling you that this fog, according to the men, is alive, magically speaking. Now, since it’s obviously not you, who else do you know has that much magic to keep it going this long, hmm?” he rested his hands on the ledge of the table, “Crawling Eye my a** can’t believe that one.” he shook his head.

“Fog that seems live, magically speaking.” Drakuul repeated Matrx’s words, “It could be Marxus, or his Jinn allies.”

“Bingo.” Matrx announced, “Leave it to the old man to hide behind his magic, no pun intended.” he referred to the Necromancer doing just that, “Drakuul?” he watched as his brother stood with his back facing him in deep thought, “Drakuul?!”

“What?!” he snapped.

“Did you hear anything that I just said, or are you plotting schemes?”

“What I think is my business.” Drakuul snapped.

“Right.” Matrx nodded, “And this is mine, so this is what I’m going to do.” he turned off the map, “I’m going to send three ships in that direction, accompanied by the Shadowed Ones and see what happens, if they find nothing it was a waste of time but if they don’t return?” he finished, “We know where we’re going.” he turned, storming out of the room. Strolling through Parliament, venturing into one of the conference rooms where Shayds were posted outside the doors, they shared a brief nod before he slipped past them, entering the room. As he looked around, studying six sizeable orbs, looking like human-hamster balls, three on each side of the room, encased in iron cages that perfectly fit the curved shape of the orbs. Listening to the eerie whispers and hisses, Matrx’s dark eyes watched as the Shadowed Ones moved around within the orbs, slithering across the surface that was translucent enough to see them, and their hands pressing against the inner lining of the orbs.

“Sir…” one of the Shayds muttered.

“What!?” Matrx turned toward the door.

“Is this wise?” one of the men questioned as he, and the others, held large chunks of covered moonstone that contained light of the moon. The large geodes would destroy the creatures if exposed to the light for long periods of time.

“I have no choice.” Marx groaned, “Close the door.” he nodded, as he removed a large silver, circular medallion from a pouch that hung on his belt. Standing upon a wheeled ladder near one of the orbs, reaching his hand outward, laying the medallion upon the lock hidden among the iron frame of the cage in the center, once it made contact, the pendant had locked in place, before he turned it to the left, creating a loud hum that echoed within the room. Stepping back, listening as the iron bars made a metallic grinding sound, they began separating from the center piece, raising upward, as if they were legs of a spider opening in reverse as they die. The orb within, its glow seemed to have brightened before there was a spot that appeared, a gaping hole that released the creatures that spewed from their prison. Continuing to back away, watching as the Shadowed Ones hissed and screeched, they went from black smudges to their solid figures. Removing from around his neck, was a whistle that Drakuul had made for him giving him complete dominance of all of the creatures that were conjured or created. Blowing it quickly, releasing a sound that only the beasts and monsters could hear, the Shadowed Ones let out loud screeches before seeming to obey, hovering closely above his head, “Shadowed Ones, I command thee…” he shouted loudly, as he raised the whistle, watching as the creatures bowed their heads, not of respect but submission, “Je vous ordonne d’explorer les vastes mers pour tout ce qui sort de l’ordinaire, quoi que ce soit, je m’en fiche, mais par quelque moyen que ce soit, vous n’êtes pas engagé à moins qu’on ne vous en donne les ordres ! Vous accompagnerez des hommes dans leurs vaisseaux, des hommes dont vous ne vous nourrirez pas, c’est compris ?!” he commanded the creatures in his French tongue, to scout the vast seas for anything that was out of the ordinary, whatever it was, he didn’t care, but by whatever means they were not to engage unless they were given the commands to do so, and they would be accompanying men in their ships, men that were not to be fed. As he raised his hand once more, holding the whistle, the creatures bowed, “Very good, now go and wait in the skies, when you see the ships and hear their horns, you will follow!” he listened as they shrieked before turning eerily, hovering through a hole in the roof.

“General?” one of the men muttered, laying down the chunk of raw moonstone.

“Yes, what is it?” Matrx turned, answering gruffly, then glanced at the empty orb that kept its shape but was dull and unoccupied. As it closed, the lock seemed to have spat the medallion from its lock.

“We received more news about the tunnels.” one of the men revealed.

“Really?’ Matrx paused, turning to him, “Tell me.” he continued as he stormed out of the room, walking alongside the solider, listening as he relayed the information that had just come in, “Seriously?!” he seemed interested.

“Yes, Sir.” the man nodded, “It’s all here.” he handed the General his iPad, revealing information on a suspect.

“You can’t be serious?” Matrx’s eyes grew wide, reading the name of a man that was in question.

“Unfortunately.” the soldier grinned, trying not to laugh.

“Mm…” Matrx moaned, “have you found him?”

“Not yet, Sir. We’ve gone to his home but it’s been cleared out.”

“Bâtard sournois.” Matrx slurred in French, then gave orders, “As soon as you find him, bring him to me and only me, is that clear?!”

“Yes, General.” the soldier nodded.

Azir and I slowly descended the steps, discussing the island and how it hadn’t changed since his last visit, to meeting Marxus and Axeon, after his wife Diannah and daughter Lily died. Pausing on the steps, I looked at Azir who stood ahead of me,

“So if Marxus was five-hundred and fifty, no offense here, but how old are you?” I questioned curiously.

Calmly replying, the Jinn glanced at her.

“Six hundred-twenty. I was a few years older than Marxus when we first met, at the time he was in his late thirties, give or take a year.”

“Wow, that’s a lot of history.” I smiled, “Not as old a DemonJinn I recently met but you must know, and have seen so much.” I admired, “I envy you.”

“Pardon me, but did you just say a DemonJinn?” Azir wondered.

“Yes, a god, Sumerian actually.” I remembered Molock’s powerful presence.

“Sumerian?” Azir took a step higher toward her, “Did this being, or Jinn, have a name?”

“Molock.” I revealed, “His said his name was Molock, do you know him?”

“Molock?!” Azir’s voice echoed.

“I’m guessing by your reaction you’ve encountered him?” I quickly glanced around, waiting to see if he would actually appear since his name had been mentioned three times, but he was nowhere to be seen.

“No…” Azir turned away, “no, I have not had the unpleasantness.” he finished, “But I have heard OF him yes, and they are not pleasant tales. You MUST…” he paused, turning to her once more, “stay far away from him, nothing good comes from selling your soul.” a deep frown crept across his striking features, “Especially for a Jinn.”

“That would be difficult, since he can pop up at any time, anywhere.” I informed softly, holding onto the rock walls for support.

“Wh-what?! How?! Did you summon him, are practicing the darker magics?!” he argued, “You know they are forbidden on the island.”

“Azir, I’m only a half-breed with limited arcane magics, and I don’t think summoning is anywhere among them, and none of the Demons here conjured him either.” I argued in return, “He disguised himself as my teacher from Ireland, or at least that’s who I thought he was.” I went on explaining the events that had taken place. Afterwards, I felt so stupid, realizing how this must have sounded to a superior being such as Azir, “That’s about it.” I shrugged, “And since we’re both on the subject of magical beings, I would like to know more about you, and the history that you shared with Marxus, if you don’t mind?”

Studying her, Azir cleared his throat, then continued forward in only a moment of silence before he glanced over his shoulder, muttering the tale softly.

“After his wife and daughter died, I helped Marxus control his magic, which he recklessly abused and wasted. To be honest, I do not think he even knew the potential of it, but once he came home with me, to my village, my people and I, including Natash, taught him ways to harness his magic.” he watched his footing, “Marxus was powerful in his own right, for an Immortal that is, and there were time when he practiced magics that came as a great surprise, for they were things that neither I, or Natash, had ever taught him. Perhaps maybe, it did have something to do with his Immortal bloodline, I cannot say for sure, but it has been a century since we had last seen him.”

“He was different for sure, very wise. He helped me understand this place, but now I’m learning about it in an entirely different ways I’m sure he didn’t expect.” I expressed softly.

“Indeed there are, many things but in time, when you are ready, they will be shown to you.” Azir finished.

“That’s not cryptic at all.” I teased.

“Mm.” Azir moaned, then paused once more, glancing back at her, “I have a question for you now, Yzavela.”

“Ask away.” I urged.

Gazing into her dark eyes, the light from the orbs circling above, had highlighted her features.

“How, and where, did your demonic DNA originate and how, uh…” he scratched his chin, “extensive are your…” he gestured at her.

“Powers?” I finished his sentence, “I don’t know, but I know enough to stay alive, and I’m learning new things everyday, from most of the Demons and half-breeds here. As far as my origins, well…” my voice rasped, continuing to tell him what I knew about it, “I can’t find out much more, I mean I don’t think there’s an ancestry for Demons and half-breeds.” I shrugged with a grin, “I’m going day-by-day, trying to keep myself in check of my temper and powers, I don’t want to hurt anyone if its gets out of control.”

“What do you mean?” Azir wondered.

“I’ve killed Azir, more than I’d like to admit, and it wasn’t by blade, but magic and the intoxicating sensation I felt, even though it felt good, wasn’t something I wanted to experience again. I’ve learned to accept that part of myself yes, I don’t deny that’s what I am, but if I ever cross that line, letting go, who knows what I’m capable of, and that scares me.” I spoke the truth.

“The fact that you are wise enough to know your limits, knowing the line to cross, shows that you are on the right path to becoming what you are meant to be, whatever that is.” Azir raised a curious eyebrow, “And there are ways to find out where your origins come from, so I would suggest that you speak with my wife Natash, she is one of the most powerful Shamans or Seers of our tribe, and I’m not just saying that because she is mine, but it is fact, and she has never given false readings.”

“I would appreciate that very much, thank you.” I nodded, “But how extensive is her knowledge on Demons?”

“She has ways that still astonish me, even now, every time. Now, let us move back to this Sumerian god, Molock.”

“I told you, it’s a long story, but short version? He arrived here on the island, like I said pretending to be my teacher from Ireland, then introduced himself as Mol…the Sumerian DemonJinn.” I huffed in complaint, having to repeat all of this, “After that, he revealed some secrets about my familiars, then left but stated that he would always be around, especially if I called his name three times which is why I am not saying it.” I sighed, “My mom and I, after he disappeared, we read through some of the books from the Room of Secrets but they didn’t have anything useful in their pages, except for bits and pieces of the Sumerian culture, which wasn’t anything I already know, and I don’t think any of it is accurate anyway so…it is what it is.”

“Of course the books could not have the truth, it would cause much controversy among the mortals but yes, this being does derive from an old culture long gone, Sumerians, or what mortals call them…”

“The Anunnaki.” I admitted, “Sorry.”

“You know your history, that is good.” Azir nodded in approval, “It is told that they are the original source of all Jinn and our magic.” he raised his hands, creating many more orbs that appeared out of thin air, “Or at least that is what our Elders tell the young ones of my tribe every now and then, amazing though when you think about it, that he has been around before mortals were even conceived.” and as he lowered his hands, he glanced at her once more, “You are taking all of this rather well and I cannot understand why. If I were in your shoes, I would be asking many questions.”

“When Marxus was around, believe me, I had nothing but questions. However, and this is something he made me realize, asking questions and expecting the answers to be given, was a setback for I’d never be able to discover them for myself.” I shifted, “Did I pass this Q&A?” I smiled.

“Indeed you have, for now.” Azir grinned, then turned, “We’re here, so let’s keep this quiet for now. We do not want to worry Axeon.”

“He already knows.” I walked past him, entering Axeon’s cavern.

“What?!” Azir walked after her, “And he’s all right with it?!”

“No offense, but I don’t think there’s anything he could do about it.” I looked at him, “But he did warn me about someone pretending to be Marxus, sensing an ancient magic. Now, are we going to continue talking about YOU KNOW WHO or do you want to visit Axeon?” I gestured ahead, “Please, after you.” I respectfully urged the Jinn. As he past by, with Zanzabarr letting out deep growls, my eyes scanned the dark cavern, searching for the blue dragon’s bulk then smiled, as he stretched his neck and opened his wings upon our approach.

“Hello again, Axeon.” Azir greeted, reaching out his hands.

“Greetings Jinn, it has been a long time.” the dragon blinked.

“I’ll be over here.” I announced, then gripping Zanzabarr’s leash, we wandered off toward a large cluster of boulders, finding a place to sit among the rock. Watching as the Jinn and dragon interacted, I felt a smile creep across my face, listening as Azir spoke in his elegant, and soft African tongue, placing his hands on the dragon’s snout; upon his touch, a bluish spark flashed between them, exchanging magic. As I glanced down at Zanzabarr, scratching his soft fur, I allowed both Azir and Jinn the privacy from my prying eyes.

They must have spoken for two hours, when Azir turned to Yzavela, watching as she played with a spark of flame, bouncing it back and forth between her small hands, just passing the time in her own way. He tilted his head, watching as she reached out her hands, drawing a fiery essence from one of the dying torches, he wondered, then slowly glanced at Axeon, who lowered his head closer.

“She is different.” Azir spoke telepathically.

“Indeed she is, and powerful.” Axeon moaned deeply, “She possesses much magic and is accompanied by her Zyphyn that is greater than I.”

“Greater than you?” Azir questioned, looking at the dragon, “How?”

“Your knowledge old friend, is based only off what you know about my existence.” Axeon blinked, “But there are things within this world that not even you, or your kin, could ever comprehend.” his eyes had glanced back toward the half-breed once more, “And she possesses a creature in her company that will soon become the island’s protector, not for this place, but for her.”

“Zyphyn?” Azir wondered, “I’m not familiar with this creature.” he frowned.

“It is ancient and derives from the realm of Hell.” Axeon finished.

“What was that?!” I announced, overhearing the last sentences of the conversation.

“How are you doing that?” Azir questioned, gesturing at her hands.

“Doing what?” I wondered, continuing to play with the fiery embers.

“I do know Pyrokinetics need a source of fire in order to manipulate it, yet you created it out of nothing. How is that possible?” Azir took a moment to glance around the cavern.

“Yeah, I uh…” I closed my fists, extinguishing the flames, then I scratched my chin, “might have forgotten to mention that.”

“Mention what?” Azir’s affirmative voice demanded,

“She is a fire Demon.” Axeon proclaimed verbally before she could reply, “I sense that she will be a powerful one when she truly comes into her powers.”

“What does that mean?” I looked at Axeon.

“Does anyone know about this?” Azir argued.

“About me, or Axeon?” I argued, folding my arms, growing agitated by all the questions.

“Both, I suppose.”

“Yes, everyone knows about us, but of course no one knows where he dwells. I wanted to protect him from those here that might be too close-minded to accept his existence, but that’s sort of hard when he made himself known. Azir…” I approached the tall Jinn, “I’d never put Axeon in danger by allowing anyone down here. The most that anyone ever sees him is when he flies above the island, and of course, the Wraith and Demon Guardians catch glimpses of his shimmer in the sky at night. Besides…” I backed away, “people are living on the island with Wraiths, Lycynians, hellhounds and a fire-Demon, so I think they’ll be fine.” I paused, hearing Jonathan’s voice loudly, and urgently, calling out my name, “I have to go, something’s wrong. You are more than welcome to stay here, you know the way back, but…” I ended my words, turning away quickly, rushing toward the stairs. I ascended them quickly with Zanzabarr leading ahead upward.

Azir watched as the young woman disappeared up the stairs and soon after, he too, received a telepathic message from Natash.

“Go Jinn, we will discuss things at another time.” Axeon urged, “The half-breed needs you. Go…” he urged the Jinn back, gently pushing him forward.

“I see you haven’t lost your pushiness.” Azir grinned, then turned.

Stepping through the bookshelf with my boots barely landing on the study’s floor, I glanced across the room where two of the watchmen held Jonathan against the door, pressing the tips of their blades deep through the fabric of his vest.

“Let him go!” I insisted respectfully, rushing toward them, “Please.”

The watchmen glanced at Natash, then veered behind her toward the bookshelf where Azir emerged moments later; she shelf slowly closed behind him, creating a dramatic silhouette.

“Natash, please…” I pleaded, “Jonathan’s my friend, and one of the Isle’s Guardians.”

Reading the young man in question, Natash’s gold eyes squinted. As she backed away, waving a dismissing hand, she gave her orders to set him free, but the watchmen hesitated.

“NOW…” Azir’s voice boomed firmly.

The watchmen lowered their Scimitars with such precision, turning to face their King and Queen, resheathing their weapons like military cadets putting on a show.

“Where the hell have you been?” Jonathan questioned, adjusting not just his vest, but his shirt and belt as well, “Thanks for ruining this.” he glanced down at his vest that had puncture holes from the blades.

“Surely you can purchase another.” one of the Jinn argued bluntly.

“What’s wrong?” I ignored the Jinn.

“Things are going to sh*t up on the wall, everyone’s barking mad.” Jonathan answered, ignoring the Jinn.

“Why, what’s coming?” Natash interrupted, standing next to Yzavela.

“What’s com…how did you know?” Jonathan protested, eyeing her.

“Tell me along the way!” I rushed toward the door, swinging it open. Summoning Zanzabarr and Abraxas, I watched as the two wolves ran past the Jinn watchmen down the stairs ahead of us, “So what’s going on Jonathan?” I looked at him.

Rushing down the stairs alongside her, with the Jinn close behind, he barely got the chance to really explain when Anthony rushed toward them with Thomas and Derek nearby.

“What’s going on?!” Anthony inquired curiously.

“I don’t know, I’m just hearing about this myself.” I answered, then I looked at Jonathan once more, “Jonathan come on, tell me please…”

“It’s best if you see for yourself up on the wall.” the Australian urged, “Probably easier that way, than it is to explain because I wouldn’t uh, know to begin to explain it anyway.” he fretted, biting his lip, with a hand running through his fiery red hair.

“All right…” I huffed, then turned to Anthony, Thomas and Derek, “as soon as I find out, I’ll come find you so stay close.” I approached Anthony, kissing him quickly, then backed away, looking at Azir and his kin, “You’re more than welcome to join us up there.”

Azir nodded, then turned to Natash and their watchmen, and just as they turned to step away, they disappeared in green pillars of light, while Jonathan vanished in a swirling blue flame with Yzavela in his grasp.

“F*ck me, I’ll never get used to all the magical sh*t around here, there is just so much of it.” Derek complained.

“You do after a while.” Anthony moaned worry as he gazed up at the wall, watching as the pillars appeared atop, followed by blue fire. He watched as Abraxas shifted back to his dragon, flying high into the air while Zanzabarr paced and howled, thumping his paws hard against the slate.

“Bloody hell, thank god!” Justin appeared alongside Yzavela, “We’ve got a problem.”

“Clearly, so do you want to tell me what it is?!” I ordered, hearing a chorus of voices erupting all at once, “All right, calm down everyone!” I huffed, steaming profusely, “One at a time.” I looked around at all of the curious, and anxious faces.

“Out that way!” Wyatt pointed toward RP&V, “Across the sea, it’s coming from the mainland.” he walked her closer to the ledge of the waist-high wall, “See it?”

“No.” I groaned, “What am I supposed to be looking for?” I looked at him, “I’m not like you and the Wraiths, I can’t see a damn thing.” I watched as he handed her a pair of binoculars, “Right, thank you.” I grinned, then gently took them from his hands, focusing the lenses toward the harbor. Zooming in across the waters of the Irish Sea, my eyes caught glimpses of five objects moving rapidly, growing closer by the minute, then gulped deeply, seeing one of the five anomalies, were yet again, another horde of Shadowed Ones, “You’ve got to be f*cking kidding me?!” I groaned in complained, lowering the gadget.

“That’s what we said.” Wyatt moaned, glancing around at all of the other Guardians that were present the night Marxus and Axeon had dealt with the small handful that invaded the Isle once before.

Continuing to gaze through the lenses of the binoculars, I studied the other masses; four flying ships shone their bright fog lights searching the sea below. Their massive rust-colored sails swayed, attached to a mast of a ship-like hull, helping their bulks navigate through the air. The rudders, two on each side of the rear end of the hull, aided the steering mechanisms while their large helms, or pirate-like steering wheels, turned the ships’ directions. Spitting from pipes that ran the length of the underbellies of the ships, were violent spats of steam, keeping the grand propellers spinning, which allowed the ships to remain afloat. Painted on the sails were logos of what looked to be a tribal dragon of some sort.

“I’ve heard of sea pirates, but air pirates?” Caleb muttered, “Really?”

Wyatt and Yzavela grinned, while Justin and Nick shook their heads, as did Jonathan.

Focusing on the shadowed mass, there were more than I thought, and trying to zoom in on them, the visibility was difficult for they faded in and out, concealing themselves in the fog.

“Sh*t.” I mumbled, lowering the binoculars for the last time, handing them back to Wyatt.

“I’ve never seen anything like them before.” Nick looked out, “I can’t say I’ve ever seen ships like that before, where did they come from?”

“They’re scout ships from the Great City.” I turned to him, “I uh…” I huffed softly, “I remember when the factories announced them, and it was months before my mom and I escaped when the Lord started using them for his own militias. Unfortunately, since they’re new on the market, I’ve heard they’re upgraded with the most advanced tech, and they only run on steam…” I looked around, “that way they can’t be hacked, or have their gadgetry blown out by Electrokinetics.” my eyes veered toward Wyatt, “They’re quiet and hard to detect, but the Shadowed Ones, we’re familiar with.” I complained, then turned to Azir and Natash, “You’ve said you’re here to help us, prove it.”

“Anything you need, it’s done.” Azir proclaimed, followed by a brief bow of his head; Natash and his kin followed the same action.

“Thank you.” I appreciated with a nod.

“How long do you think we have before they reach us?” Caleb softly questioned, placing his hands on his hips, shifting his stance.

“At their speed, I would say two hours. Maybe less.” I revealed, “The ships are fast, they can pick up their speed if the air is strong but I’d say since they don’t have the weight of the batteries and engines…” I looked around, “it could be less, which is why standing around here talking about it, isn’t getting us anywhere.”

“Why can’t the Demons just use that spell Marxus performed to get rid of the shadows again?” Caleb wondered, “But then again there are more than last time.” he frowned, glancing out into the distance.

“What spell?” Azir inquired, looking at the Wraith intensely.

Those that were present that night, briefly explained the spell that Marxus used; I recited the words spoken, then watched as Azir grew a faint grin, as if pleased to hear them spoken.

“I know it well, I created it.” he announced.

“Of course you did.” I barked unintentionally, “But can you do it?”

“Yes, but it will be spoken in our tongue.”

“You can speak it colors I don’t care.” I nodded affirmatively.

“Great, so you can just BOOM…wipe them all out then?” Justin’s voice exclaimed excitedly.

“You know better.” Jonathan looked at him, “We don’t know what weapons they’re carrying, or who they are so no mate…” he placed a hand on his shoulder, “this is a non-magical approach, but if they do come here onto the island, that’s a different story.” his blue eyes looked at Yzavela, receiving an agreeable nod and smile.

“He is correct.” Natash proclaimed, “We will handle the Shadowed Ones, but our focus will be on them, and only them.”

“We will need Axeon’s help.” Azir added his proposal.

“No.” I affirmed, “Axeon right now, is too weak.” I looked at him, “If you’re going to help us, you focus on the Shadowed Ones and we will worry about the ships and the men they carry.”

“Very well.” Azir nodded.

“I’ll leave a majority of the Guardians up here, but I want you four to come with me.” I looked at Caleb, Nick, Justin and Wyatt, “And of course you too.” I patted Jonathan’s arm. Walking down the length of the wall, I instructed them to send word to nearest warriors on the island, “I don’t care who they are, just as long as they know how to use a weapon.” I nodded, then glanced at Caleb, “And no flyers.” I teased softly.

Caleb smiled, then disappeared with Nick and Wyatt.

Turning to Jonathan, he opened a portal, leading us back to the front courtyard of Ravenstone Manor. Once it closed behind them, Derek and Anthony jumped to their feet anxiously.

“What is it, what’s going on?” Derek questioned quickly.

“Are you all right, what happened?” Anthony worried.

“Keeps!” Erik’s voice called out, as he ran across the estate grounds, “I got a call from Wyatt, what’s going on?!”

Looking around at Derek, Anthony and Erik, I sighed, then glanced at Jonathan, before telling them quickly about the events taking place.

“I’m sorry, Jinn?” Derek wondered curiously, “What the f*ck is that?”

“Bloody genies.” Erik mocked, “But yet not.”

“Erik.” I groaned, leering at him, “Look, I’m calling as many warriors as I can right now, or at least that’s what the Guardians are doing at this moment but I need to know if you’re going to help us, or be like Leonus and complain about everything I say or do.”

“I told you, I’m here to help.” Derek argued firmly, nodding at her.

“All right then.”

“But what about the other warriors, they’ll feel a little left out when they hear about this, don’t you think?” Erik questioned her motives.

“I don’t have time to gather everyone, besides…” I huffed turning to him, “why have all of them ready if this is just a pass-over, hmm?”

“Yzavela, my darling…” Anthony held her close, “everyone here, and that goes for you, know they’re not going to just pass over. They’ve come here for a reason, they’ve come this far looking for something.” he raised her chin, looking into her worried, dark eyes.

“Stay out of this, mutt.” Erik barked, leering at him.

“Erik mate, come on…” Jonathan interrupted, “let’s go and uh…” he pulled him away, “get your father, hmm? I’m sure he’d want to be a part in this.”

Erik nodded, biting his lip with distaste then turned away.

“Thank you.” I reached out to Jonathan’s mind.

“No problem.” he answered, glancing back at her.

“What about Leonus?” Derek questioned.

“I don’t have to worry about Leonus.” I argued, “We don’t have t…”

“Mother!” Abraxas roared as he soared through the air above her.

“What?!” I snapped, glancing at the sky.

“They are coming.” he hovered, flapping in place, then dove toward the ground, but inches from the grass, he stretched his wings, leveling himself out before shooting back into the sky, becoming one of the Ravens.

“They’re coming!” a voice shouted over the radio Yzavela held.

“Let’s just get through tonight, hmm?” I nodded, “You…” I looked at Anthony, “I want you to go Thomas’ and stay there, I don’t want you here for this.” I pleaded.

“No…” the Italian argued, “I’m not going anywhere, Thomas is fine.” he gently reached for her hands, squeezing them affectionately, “I am not leaving you here to do this by yourself, I’m with you always.” he leaned his head against hers.

“Fine, but be careful.” I worried.

“You too.” Anthony kissed her quickly.

Clearing my throat, sighing heavily, I shared a smile then glanced at Derek.

“Walk with me.” I ordered firmly.

Derek shared a brief handshake with Anthony, who trailed closely a few steps behind.

“What do you need from me?” Derek questioned, glancing at her.

“This is happening too fast, I don’t have time to think, so I need you and your past experiences to come up with a plan of defense.” I spat the words quickly, then paused, looking up at him, “I know that you have left this kind of thing behind you but Derek please…do this for the island, because if we don’t stop them, they’ll destroy it and kill us all.”

Studying her, seeing that despite her strength, the young woman still had enough back bone to ask for help when she needed it. Clapping his hands together, he nodded, immediately thinking of tactics that suited their predicament and location.

“I have some ideas.” he announced softly.

“Great.” I nodded, then glanced around, watching as men gathered near the garage holding their weapons, “The warriors are beginning to gather over there, so go and tell them what we’re planning, I’ll be there in a moment.” I suggested, then held out my hand for a shake.

Glancing at her small hand, he grinned, then accepted but became a bit surprised for her shake was firmer than expected from a woman her size and height. Nodding toward her and Anthony, he sprinted toward the garage, greeting the men, and several Lycynians present.

“Anthony, I need you to do something for me..” I turned to him.

“I’m not leaving, I told you.” the Italian argued.

“No, it’s not that.” I grinned, “I need you to go tell me mom what’s going on, I haven’t had the chance and I might not, but I would feel much better if she heard it from you.” I glanced toward the dwelling, “I’m sure the buildings are already on alert since the warning alarm went off.” I could hear a faint siren that was part of an emergency system that I had put in place during the passing months, “Please?”

“Of course.” he cupped her face, kissing her quickly.

“Thank you.” I leaned into his hands, “Then you come right back.”

“Is that an order from my Keeper or my soon-to-be-wife?” he teased.

“Both.” I smiled, looking up at him, “Now go…” I urged eagerly.

Kissing her once more, Anthony turned, quickly sprinting toward the dwelling.

Turning away, I walked along the way, feeling lost, then removed my phone, dialing one of the Guardians’ phone numbers. Staring at the screen waiting while it rang, one of the men’s faces appeared.

“Yes, Keeper?” he greeted.

“Hand the phone to Azir.” I insisted firmly.

“Who?”

“The Jinn.” I grunted.

“Oh, all right. Give me a moment.” he nodded.

Watching as the screen moved from the man’s walk along the wall, I could see the slate passing by before Azir’s face appeared closely on the screen, maybe too close.

“Um, hold the phone away a bit Azir.” I couldn’t help but laugh, but as soon as he focused his face in place I continued, “I wanted to say that I was sorry if maybe I dismissed your suggestion in summoning Axeon for help.” I voiced my concerns pertaining to the dragon’s health for he had seemed drawn and tired lately, “I don’t know what is wrong, he won’t tell me and I didn’t want him getting injured, and even though I’m sure he will hear it from the cavern, I need you…to instruct him to stay put, because his fight hasn’t yet come around, it’s not tonight.” I glanced around, then veered toward the sky, “Besides, I have another source which you will and your kin, will see tonight.”

“What source?” Azir questioned curiously.

“You’ll see, Azir please…we don’t have time for questions.” I argued.

“Yes, yes all right.” the Jinn agreed, “I will visit him now before the ships arrive, which isn’t long now.” his gold eyes glanced toward the distance, “After this night, however, you and I must discuss things.”

“Wouldn’t expect anything less.” I nodded, then ended the call.

Azir frowned, watching as the screen went blank. Returning it to the Guardian, he turned to Natash, kissing her quickly before he swiftly vanished.

“Abraxas!” I summoned the dragon. Watching the Ravens squawking above, one flew from its place among them, quickly shifting into his natural form, landing in my arms, “There you are.”

“I’m always here.” he looked into her dark eyes.

“I need you tonight.” I moaned softly.

“Always Mother, always. What do you need?” the dragon purred.

Walking across the estate with Zanzabarr nearby, I gave instructions of what I needed from him. I watched as he tilted his head, knowing he listened attentively.

“Like that of what took place in Ireland?” he questioned her softly.

“Yes, very much like that.” I remembered the night clearly, “Yes.”

Blinking his Amber eyes, he craned his neck upward, nudging his soft snout against her chin, releasing low purr-like roars as she held him close.

Making my way toward the mortal dwelling, I could hear loud voices erupting from within as the front doors was left open a jar. Leaving both Abraxas ans Zanzabarr outside, I entered the lounge, gazing at all of the worried and anxious residents; my mom sat at the kitchen table with Anthony, who as promised, informed her what was taking place. Even Hiromi sat, drinking a cup of herbal tea that wasn’t, in that moment, soothing his nerves, as Erik sat next to him whispering.

“Is it true?” Katrina barked, looking at Yzavela as she held Margaret and Belle close.

“Unfortunately.” I moaned, nodding toward her.

“What do we do now?” a man whimpered softly, sitting in a chair.

“We have it under control for the time being, we have plans set into motion so…” I announced loudly enough for my mom and Hiromi to hear, “I ask all of you to please stay inside, and whatever happens, do not open that door.” I gestured behind me, “Demons will come by to bind the doors and windows closed so nothing, or no one, will be able to break through. Just in case.”

“Just in case?” Lady D protested as she stood, approaching her.

“Just in case.” I nodded toward her.

“So who is this?” a women wondered.

“From the looks of the ships, they’re from the Great City, part of the General’s militia.” I answered solemnly.

“So it’s true?” Hiromi stood.

“Father, I told you it was.” Erik stood alongside him.

“Right.” the Asian man nodded, then rushed through the lounge and up the stairs, hollering loudly over his shoulder for everyone to hear, “I’m not being left out again, not again!”

“He does realize that he’s dressed in his pajamas right?” Belle rasped.

“Maybe, maybe not.” Katrina held her close, “Come on, girls…go to your rooms.” she guided them toward the stairs, “Go on now, I’ll be up in a few moments.”

Margaret and Belle offered Yzavela a brief smile then disappeared up the narrow staircase, holding to jump aside as Hiromi rushed past them, carrying his sword in hand, and a pair of heavy soled-boots.

“Ahh!” the Asian man shrieked, stumbling backwards as Yzavela’s large wolf and dragon roared and growled by his sudden outburst.

“Father!” Erik called out after him.

“I have to go.” I pondered, turning to my mom, then glanced at the others still gathering in the lounge, “Please listen to me, and without argument. Lock the door and send word to the other dwellings, just in case they’re not aware of what’s happening, please?” I looked at my mom, gripping her hands.

“All right.” Lady D nodded, then pulled her daughter close, hugging her tightly, “Be careful out there.” she worried, whispering in her ear. Feeling her daughter nod, she gently pulled away.

“I’ll be fine, I’ll have Anthony and others there too.” I reached for his hand, holding it tightly, “Including Zanzabarr and Abraxas.” I gave a brief nod then turned away with Anthony, quickly making our way outside, glancing back, the door closed, and I could hear someone loudly clanking the locks in place, and drawing the curtains closed on the windows.

Lady D peeked through the curtains, watching as her daughter trailed alongside Anthony, with her wolf and dragon accompanying her in a slow stride. Clearing her throat, trying to hold back tears of worry, she watched as one of the older gentlemen approached a keypad on the wall near the door, operating a speaker system that connected all the rooms and dwellings together; she shuffled, watching as his shaky hands pressed the ALL ROOMS button before he quickly spoke into the speaker, leaving a message to everyone in their dwellings.

As Hiromi followed Yzavela and Anthony, with Erik walking slowly in silence, they approached Derek who stood with the warriors that had been gathered; the men immediately began bombarding Yzavela with their pestering questions but she handled their inquiries in ways that seemed to please them.

“And you?” one of the Lycynians mocked Hiromi, eyeing him up and down, “Really? Pajamas?”

“A warrior comes dressed in anything, even his underwear.” the short Asian man sneered his reply.

Men being men, spewed jokes among themselves, ones of which were too bold for my ears but I laughed them off then left Zanzabarr give a rough jerk on his leash that suddenly broke free from my grasp. As I turned, following after him, watching as she sniffed the grass near the gates, I shook my head thinking maybe he needed to find a place to relieve himself. As I glanced at Abraxas crawling nearby, I felt the swift tickle run down my spine, sensing someone behind me but as I turned, there was no one close enough, however, glancing near one of the clusters of trees near the gates, there stood Molock, staring in my direction, offering a brief wave.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I reached telepathically, walking along the path toward him, leaving Derek and the men, including Anthony to discuss things that weren’t meant for my ears, “And hell being the operative word.” I finished, once I stood close enough.

Molock chuckled, knowing her meaning.

“I didn’t come here to chat, I came here to warn you of falling debris.”

“Falling debris?” I wondered.

“Yes, of what’s to come.” Molock answered casually.

“Meaning what?” I folded my arms.

“Yzavela…” Anthony’s voice interrupted unintentionally.

“Yeah?” I turned to him, “Just a moment…” I acknowledged him, but turning back to Molock, he disappeared. Sighing softly, shaking my head, I turned back to Anthony, “Sorry about that.” I huffed.

“Everything all right?” he wondered, glancing around.

“No…” I looked at him, “but Molock was here and then he’s gone.”

“What did he want?” Anthony wondered curiously.

“I don’t know really, he just appeared to tell me to be careful of…” I paused, unsure if I should worry him, but finished, “falling debris in what’s to come.”

“Meaning what?” Anthony worried with a frown.

“I don’t know, he disappeared when he heard your voice.”

“Oh, sorry.” Anthony mumbled with a slight pout that I hadn’t seen before.

“Hey, you have nothing to apologize for. Except maybe being too sexy, that’s a crime in itself.” I placed my hands on his chest, trying to joke, hoping to lighten the mood and it worked because a smirk crept across his face, before his hands pulled me close, “There…” I watched as his smirk into a sexy smile, “there’s that smile.” I leaned in, kissing him quickly before glancing to my right, hearing a man’s voice booming loudly, summoning both Anthony and I toward him, “Time to go.” I gripped his hand, leading him toward Derek and the other men gathered around, “What’s up?”

“My men and I…” Derek looked at his comrades that arrived on the island with him, “have come up with a plan. We’ve already told all of the Guardians so they’re spreading word to those on the wall and to the Jinn.” he continued, relaying his plans, “Does that work for you?” he looked at Yzavela, needing her approval.

“Yes, that works.” I nodded agreeably, “Thank you.” I looked at the men, then turned to Jonathan and Erik, “I want you up on the wall with Wyatt and Justin, when you hear me call, open the outer gate.”

“Got it.” Jonathan nodded.

“Okay.” Erik added.

“Good.” I turned to Anthony and Derek, “ready?”

“When ever you are.” Anthony affirmed.

“Let’s do this.” Derek agreed.

Parting ways, the two Demons vanished, tending to their duties that were assigned with the others on the wall, while the warriors waited within the estate wall, pacing anxiously.

As I walked down the tunnel with Zanzabarr and Abraxas, I glanced at my watch taking notice of the time, it was curfew and happening in perfect timing because at least the island was shut down for what’s to come. I had managed to send a message via the broadcast system, alerting everyone else to heed my warnings and to stay put in their rooms at the Inn, or in their homes. Seeing that the message was read, I felt at ease that it was one less worry scratched off my long list. As I held onto the bars of the outer gate, glancing down the road toward the direction of RP&V, I could see the search lights shining among the village.

“Here we go.” I glanced at Anthony and Derek who stood on either side of me, then petted both Zanzabarr and Abraxas.