Deep Sea Chapter 22

Book 3

"In each submarine, there are men who, in the hour of emergency or peril at sea, can turn to each other. These men are ultimately responsible to themselves and each other for all aspects of operation of their submarine. They are the crew. They are the ship."

The Submariner's Creed (Excerpt)

22.

The Surface

General Gale tucked her hands into her waist belt while her sight was on the stretch of land that was occupied by the infernal lady and her warriors. She was upset that her island was invaded for over three months then without her knowledge. It was not since the Roman invasion centuries ago that this land had seen invaders. She had the Army mobilized and stopped the occupation to the southern tip of the island. It was a standoff for another month before both sides entrenched into their own boundary not until they have lost over twenty miles of the land.

“Our land invaded? It’s absurd.”  General Gale earlier reaction then.

The extended land there faced the great deep sea and further to that was the vast ocean. The exposed cliff was eroded by the high waves that gave its land faced of sheer cliffs. Its highest measured over seven hundred feet but there were the extensive stretches of wide beaches. There was also the town of Bale that lay on the estuary by the river mouth. It was covered by the rocky outcrops on the left side and the river on the right. It was a well-defended location for the invaders. The interior stretch after the town was infertile and exposed upland with spots of ex-mining pits where tin and copper were dug from. It was the result of centuries where the intrusion of the granite with the sedimentary rocks formed mineralization of the ores like tin. Besides tin, copper and lead were mined there. Due to the fertile land was further upland where the farmlands were located.

“Give me the reports.” General Gale told her aide. The officer gave her the rundown on the situation.

“We got two battalions here with a thousand five hundred troops and a platoon of twenty of Mark I armored.” Major Leighton read his report. “They have cordoned off the town. We have …”

“I am not keen on the numbers here. I want to know the report on the city side.” General Gale turned her attention to the five dirigibles on the clearing behind her. There were also the four Eagles there; the flying soapbox with guns in her term.

“Seven cities are in chaos with no authority in place. We have control of the east and south but the north was still infighting between our army and Lord Stuart with General Clarke’s army.” Major Leighton replied. The war inland was with their people and the Army split in the middle. “On the western side, we are aided by the main contingent from across the channel.”

The last sentence was uttered in contempt. The rivalries of the armies were recorded before but they have shared many conflicts on the same side. It was also prided that no army will sanction another country’s army on their land unless it was invaded.

And it was an invasion then.

“So we are faced with this enemy. And the sea awaits our recapture.” General Gale looked at the troops. They were not cheering her but looked away. It was understood for she took them away from the city to fight there. Her concern was also her family at the city which was defended by a regiment of the guards with the neighboring armies against their own.

“Damn you, Clarke.”  General Gale cursed out. Get me, Lord Henry. We need to capture back the sea. Once it’s done, we can bloody well starves the invaders.”

Meanwhile across the land to the city that General Gale was longing for, General Clarke stood there in the Great Hall of the Main House at Bale. He had once stood there not as its proper attendance but on the invitation. He recalled then seeing the assembled lawmakers elected by the people baying at each other on the proposed enactments. He frowned at their attitude for they lacked the discipline of the uniformed although they did look resplendent in the smooth pressed three-piece suit. He recalled that day for it was when he met the Lord Chamberlain then in his capacity was arguing on the allocation of food to the cities.

“I say old chap do you agree with me that these slobs are too well fed.” General Clarke looked to the one who whispered to him. It was Lord Ian Stuart III his old school mate and ‘bon ami’ during summers. They lived in the same county and holiday across the channel.

“Engraisser truies pour la boucherie” (In English, ‘fatten up sows for the butchery) Clarke replied with sarcasm.

“Of sows, may I introduce you to a lady that may be of advantage to you?” Lord Stuart smiled at the aspiring General. Before General Clarke was to the inquest about the lady, he was led to the private chamber of Lady Jan. They had a viable chat and soon agreed on the terms.

Bale was to taken over and administrated by himself. He will have the place built into a fortress.

“General Clarke, may I give you an update on the field reports” Lieutenant Darren Mann interrupted the General. He did not wait for the reply and proceeded with the reports.

“We have withdrawn on the city limits and the ports. The opposing army has been reinforced with armored tanks and their double engine Caldron G4 with its twin-seater was taking its toll on our defenses.” The Caldron G4 was a twin-engine bomber platform bomber. The gunner seated in the nose was equipped with the Vickers machine gun strafed the army troopers at the defensive trenches.

General Clarke regretted the influence on the Air Division and then they have all fought for the other side. Their air superiority was causing him to lose grounds at the outer cities. The flying ships have all taken safety on the east side of the island. They were attacked on both sides with the other continental flying boxes taking out the ports and within reached cities. The fuel capacity of the flying boxes prevented them from flying further without refueling stations. The northern land was still in his control but it was only on paper. He knew the northern troops were under the influence of the loyalist may swing on the slightest move of the power. More to it, they are waiting for the right move to fight for their independence from the main island ruling Lords of the Central and West counties.

“Damn! We are being held hostages by our own people.” General Clarke cursed out. He knew of some relatives who came from there.

“Pardon me, General….” Lieutenant Mann voiced out in a quizzed expression.

“Never mind, Lieutenant.” General Clarke looked at the young officer. “Where were you born?”

“Up North, Sir. My dad was from the West. We moved here when I was a babe.” Lieutenant Mann smiled.

“So are you …” General Clarke then kept his question to himself.

“If I support the North or here, Sir? I don’t know Sir. I only now that I am in the Army under your command. We do as obey.” Lieutenant Mann replied. General Clarke smiled at the young officer. He knew how to advance in the Army. 

To the northwest of General Clarke's position, Lord Ian Stuart III sat on the high back seat of his mother’s family castle overlooking the bay. He was dressed in the traditional dress of the family with the dagger known as the sgian-dubh; a small single-edged knife tucked into the right top of the kilt hose with the hilt visible. His mother was the only daughter of the Lord then and was married to the central Lord as a bonding marriage of both families. He had come back to regain his mother’s home and called for the independence of the land up north. He was looking at the elders of the House of Stuart on their long-delayed proclamation.

“The House of Stuart supports the claims of this newly elected King of the Land.” The elderly clan member called on the assembled to the cause. Three hundred years ago the Main House was elected by the people and deposed the ruling family then.

“Can he who is to be King restore the food supply to the people?” The elderly clan member who was blind in one eye stood up on his wobbly legs supported by the long cane. “I am past the age to fight for what is right and wrong, but I will stand by the hunger of my clan. Do you strike out their hunger or do we vote to die for your ego?”

“If …I am to be King of the Northern lands; I will restore the food on your plates. That will be the first task that I will undertake.” Lord Stuart looked to the assembled. “Aye, we cannot grow on those forsaken lands but we are surrounded by plenty in the seas.”

“The seas? You mocked us, King to be.” Another clan member stood up. “The seas are infested with giant predators. Tell me who are we to feed? Them to us or us to them.”

“Aye, it will reduce our numbers and less food to share.” Another clan member called out. The assembled laughed at themselves for the selfish thought.

Lord Stuart frowned on his brow. He knew he cannot tell them all. His plan to share with Lady Jan had all crumbled. She had invaded the island not for fish but for the ores. She was building a colony there to mine and then raised an army in their backyard. Nevertheless, the plan was not all a total failure. With her invasion, General Clarke rushed his hand and declared war on the House. He was too quick to call for arms when not all that was in support. He got the advantage of his swift takeover at the south but General Gale had her own plans. She defended well and above all, she called on the old alliance of the House. She called on the neighbors to assist her and they came with their infernal air support. It was with her call that he called for the restoration of the old ruling family up north. It was met with mixed feelings but the hunger pangs of the people drove them to seek the silver lining in the cloud. Some rallied to the cause but there were some who opposed.

The war had erupted on three fronts.

Lord Ian Stuart intended to win it for the House of Stuart.

The Depth

Major Keane sat firmly in Shark One, with both his hands on the wheel. His leg was on the pedal that controls the acceleration of the ship. The other accompanying sailor was Sailor McCarthy. The other was handling the levers on the harpoons. His left leg was rested on the mini charges that will be released when he depressed it. They had been down there for half an hour after they arrived at the spot. Their task was to cripple the ships there on the southern point of the islands.

“McCarthy put on the records. In the port is one cruiser and destroyer with two troopships.” Major Keane called in. “There are five twenty tonnes trawlers and ten more other smaller trawlers. No signs of the submerged.”

“Noted.” McCarthy replied. He was glad that they had taken the task. He was to battle the invaders who had taken his home and family there. He relaxed his left foot and started thinking of the sunlight. He detested the works as a submariner as they had been nicknamed. It was a joined name from the submerged and marine for the sea. Someone once said that they can’t be called a sailor for they sailed beneath the surface.

“Alert!” Major Keane called out when he sighted what may be another ship in the port. It was below the surface. He did not know but he had faced the Sea Dragon Three.

The third submerged ship in the fleet could submerge to below a two hundred feet. It has a double thin metallic hull interlined with the whale skin planks. Its armament was similar to the Sea Dragon One with its eight cannons on each side with two each at the stern and bow. Its harpoons were attached with explosives tip. The ship’ figurehead was in the shape of a sea dragon like the Sea Dragon One. The ship held two decks with its upper deck covered with wood with the whale skin over it. The ship has two steam turbines with the large propellers but the steering of the ship was by its keels beneath the decks. It measured over a hundred fifty feet in length and with it oblong body was forty feet across. It was manned by twenty crews despite the extra length. 

On the Sea Dragon Three, Captain Huang was looking at the sea bed through the glass viewer. It was the design they took from some others and adapted it there. It measured ten feet by three feet but it had the two voltage lights mounted there to give a clear sight of over fifty feet to over a dimmer hundred feet. He saw the other ship there. It was his task to detect the enemies below. He heard of the ‘Sea Dragon One’ was sunk by the enemy’s ship that was similar in design but older. He had not met any ships submerged in the sea till then.  He then saw the smaller submerged ship.

Captain Huang called on the crews to their positions. The gunners ran to their posts and seated there. He then commanded the ship to bring about broadside to bear on the other ship

Sailor Wan Teng spat on the palm of his hands before he rubbed it. He then held the handle of the harpoon gun. It was loaded and checked daily by him. He does not trust anyone to it for his life may just depend on it. His harpoon gun was located at the port side and it was labeled Gun Five.

“Hey Wan.” The sailor on Gun Three called out. “Ten coins on who gets first shot.”

Wan ignored the bully there. Sailor Lum was always a braggart. He kept his sight on the narrow glass viewer there. Unlike his counterparts on the Sea Dragon One, his viewer was a better one. The others have only a small peephole.

“Fire if you see the ship.” Captain Huang gave the command. Wan saw the ship first. He held his trigger finger until he had steadied his gun. Sometimes the sea currents may jolt the ship and the aim would be off. He saw the other ship. It was diagonal to his. He relaxed his right index finger and then depressed it. The harpoon went off with swoosh of the water bubbles trailing it. It sailed on and missed the hull of the smaller ship. He cursed at his luck.

“I got it.” Sailor Lum shouted out when his harpoon released hit the other ship at the stern. “Ten coins are mine.”

On the Shark One, Major Keane had held the wheel to turn the ship but it was too late. He felt the harpoon hit the stern and the next thing he knew was the explosion from the stern. The explosion tore through the hull and ripped the engine apart. The two crews did not stand a chance to get out.

The war had taken on a new turn.

Lone Ranger Chapter 38

38.

“Guns? Where is the age of chivalry? Don’t you think it’s unfair?” Vlad motioned to the guns. “I am holding a scimitar.”

Lance holstered back the guns and then held out his hands in front.

“Bring forth the blade of Lion of Richard.” The request was made and the new streak of shades that snaked out like the scimitar from the inklings on Lance’s back. . Lance held his hands together and the blade of Lion of Richard formed into a sword on his hands. Both of them circled each other in the circle but none made any attack then.

“You could use back your guns if we are going to do this the whole day,” Vlad told Lance then and when the later was distracted, Vlad charged forth with his scimitar swinging. Lance deflected the attack but he had to retreat and ended up close to the edge. His left foot was to step out of  Samael’ circle when the other held him back.

“Do not step out.” Samael whispered to him.

“Samael, did you not tell them?” Vlad asked the demon.

“He won’t say. Demons don’t tell. They only tell when they need to.” It was Aamon who had stepped into the circle which Samael stepped on. “Let me show you.”

Aamon then raised his hands as if in prayer.

It was then all of them felt the vibrations that shook the chamber. The rows of lighted torches snuffed out their flames and from the wick of the torch, streaks of lightning appeared. The lightning streaked out in random designs until they connect and formed a ring of lightings around the chamber. The walls of the chamber then began to shimmer and then it began to vibrate as if a quake was in place. The rocks that were on the walls began to fall off and revealed a glass finishing that resonated with the lightning streaks. The streaks then were translucent soon took on the different shades and gave the walls alike to the rainbow shades. Everything else then was disappearing except the three circles and the mural overhead.

“Oh, God! He has called us in.” Samael muttered out when he saw the new exterior which had replaced the chamber. Outside of the multi-shaded walls, there were more streaks of lights that appeared to be passing by as if the chamber which was moving at high speed. 

“Who?” Vlad asked back in a loud request. “Is he taking us to Hades?”

“No, he is taking us to the real Devil himself.”

Samael then felt the vibrations were subsiding and the multi-shades slowly dissipated to duller shades and then it became translucent. Lance who was still standing there lowered the dark scimitar to his right side saw beyond the translucent walls was the void. They were in a large rounded sphere contraption with them occupying the upper half of the sphere. Below his feet at the design, Lance saw the reaching hands were replaced with gear knobs and cables. The three designs they were standing on was a three-set of linked gears. He looked upwards and saw the mural was in fact a set of crystal shards and they were of different shapes on a hyperbolic contraption hanging there. 

A whining sound was heard and on the center of the interlocking designs, a metallic staff appeared. It pushed up from the flooring towards the hyperbolic contraption. Once it reached the contraption, the staff then vibrated and a voice was heard. It was a loud voice and came from outside the sphere. Lance looked out and saw the gigantic figure facing them from outside the sphere. The figure was dressed in a red shaded suit and a darker red sash around the waist. The figure was tall and in comparison to Man, it was double its height. It held a two-prong trident in its right hand with the length above the tall figure. The facial expression of the tall figure was that was not of a Man with the scales covered forehead and cheeks to the neck except his nose were two small slits on the protruding snort and the eyes were two blobs below the forehead with the iris in the eyes a vertical oblong design with green shades. On the forehead were the two curved longhorns that reached to the back of its head.

“Who summoned me?”

“I did, Lucifer.” Aamon stepped up holding the small box in his arm. “The console here activated the portal. I have returned.

“And who are you?” Lucifer asked.

“Lucifer, don’t you recognize your own? I was known to you as Aamon.”

Aamon was then thrown to the edge of the circle by the energy force from the trident.

Lone Ranger Chapter 37

37.

Lance stood at the assigned circle while Tonto was in the other circle and Samael took the middle circle. He looked down at the ripples of hands reaching for the surface. They were like the arms of the desperate. He looked to the lost spirits that were there before and assisted him. None was available then but Lance looked around. He studied the chamber and the designs. His search went from the flooring and then upwards. His view of the high ceiling surprised him.

It was a mural of the final battle of the Angels War where Michael had his sword at the Dragon’s chest.  The sword was a broadsword with the ‘T’ wide hilt but the blade on the sword was engulfed with the burning flame. The flame streaked from the blade and formed a hold over the dragon’s chest.

“Is that the sword?” Lance asked. “Michael’s sword?”

Samael glanced up and then shook his head.

“Looks like it but it can’t be,” Samael replied, and then Lance retorted back.

“I was referring to the mural. Is that sword real?”

“Oh, no.  No…” Samael replied hastily. “That mural is not right. Michael had not placed his sword on the dragon….”

“Kemo-Sabe, the sword is real,” Tonto added in. He was to move towards Lance when Samael stopped him.

“Do not move.” Samael cautioned the other. “Do not move from the circle.”

Tonto stopped in his track and then moved back to his previous position. Samael then looked at the sword.

“There were many famous swords in the hands of the mortal. Joyeuse was the name of the sword once owned by Charlemagne. Excalibur was with King Arthur after the sword was gifted to him by the Lady in the Lake. Gram the sword wielded by Odin to slay Fafnir the Dragon.” Samael sighed. “Mortal tales told of the sword. What about Tizona; once wield by Ed Cid or Durendal once wielded by Roland, one of the paladins that rode with Charlemagne.”

“All those swords has a name but not this one.” Samael pointed to the sword in the mural. “That sword held no name of its own but of its master. It was named Michael’s sword. And never any name was it given. It recognizes no other except its true master.”

Samael facial the expression turned grim and then he looked away.

“The sword is cursed.” They were interrupted by the arrival of Vlad with Hawkins.

“The heroic Long Ranger and his friends are here.” Vlad greeted the trio while he swung the curved scimitar held in his right hand. Hawkins stood to the right side holding the halberd with both his hands.

“May I suggest that we end this nicely? We have just killed each other friends and followers. So please step aside so we can avoid more killings.” Vlad laughed out loud and he saw Lance. The later flexed his muscles and then drew out his guns.

“Hold on. We can be civilized. I won’t fight you with uneven odds.” Vlad continued on. “Hawkins, take care of the other.”

On the other circle, Tonto had also called up his own weapon. His face stretched out and his face bones expanded to form a snort. His limbs felt like it was pulled out and the fingers extended. His spine curved out and his chest expanded. He then left off a growl and then a long howl. In the place of Tonto, a monster had taken his identity. Hawkins approached Tonto with his halberd leveled as if he was trying to corral a beast into a pen. He feigned thrust on the right and then the left while Tonto stood there watching the approaching prey. Hawkins stepped into the circle and for a second glanced at the urging hands below the design. He had seen them before and avoided those hands.

Tonto rushed out towards Hawkins when he saw the opening but was turned back by the swinging halberd. Tonto slinked backward while Hawkins closed in on him. Tonto did a sudden change and charged again at the guards. His upper limbs with the talons on the fingers slashed into Hawkins’ left hand but Tonto was slashed by the counterblow on the back. The cut was not deep for the werewolf’s hide was tough but the pain coursed through the skin into the mind. Tonto howled in pain and retreated from Hawkins. Tonto looked to his wound. The cut was not deep but the wound will take time to heal. The furs there were matted with the flowing blood.

“I used to hunt the werewolves in the woods.” Hawkins smiled. “After I wounded them, I will remove their heads as a trophy.”

Tonto then leaned down to pick up the discarded tomahawk.

“The wolf had taken to the weapon of Man’s.” Hawkins smiled. “You are not truly one of them.”

It was then from the dark corners, a fleeting of shadows were seen and leaped at Hawkins.

Lone Ranger Chapter 36

36.

Aamon on his knees could not raise his head then for it was held down by the victor then. He felt the pull on his head and his view was that of the trails of blood that was on the battlefield. The field was scattered with the bodies of figures with wings on their back. There were distinguished differences between the dead for some of them had wings of feathers while others held the wings of the flesh discarded of their feathers. In between the bodies, were the discarded weapons that were the broadswords and the long-handled spears. There were also a few mallets and three prone tridents. That was not the scene that made Aamon sighed but the sight of those who were brothers to him once before. They had left the Heavenly dimension to this lower one in the Hierarchy of the Dimensions. It started off with the words of one other named Lucifer.

“Brothers, why are we here?” Lucifer asked then in the Garden which once Adam and Eve once stayed there. “We are also the Ben Eloha (the sons of God). The selected few had descended and served to guide the new breeds of Adam and Eve.”

“Mount Harmon is not allowed to us.” Aamon had voiced out his grievance. “Hear me out, Ben Eloha. We are not exclusive anymore.”

Aamon had instigated the others who were there. Among Ben Eloha, there were divisions among them. It was not of God doing but the influence of Man had eroded the level of trust and responsibilities among them. It was from there, the divisive grew to a level of rebellion and then the group decided to descend against the orders of God. They let their dimension and became what was known as Fallen Angels among Man.

“We have been banished but here we will be the rightful shepherds of Man.” Lucifer declared. They defiled God’s true intention and brought with them many skills that once were the realm of the Angels. The Fallen Angels bred with the women folks of the dimension and gave birth to a new generation of the human form which was the Nephilim. The Fallen Angels taught their followers a variety of skills and beliefs including the inherited metaphorical ‘witch blood’ that exists among the witches. That defiance did not evade the wrath of God, and the Angels soon came to declare war on their fallen brothers. The war was bitter and Lucifer was losing.

“Aamon, we are losing.” Lucifer had come to the side of the fallen brother. The duo stood there holding the bloodied blades in their right hand. “Whatever is the outcome, you must survive.”

It was then Lucifer dropped the blade and stepped up to approach the wing faction. He was not of any like them for he was once the Bringer of Light. He was also the creator of the Nephilim breed. When he was in his approach then, Lucifer spread his wings out. They were twice his height in the spread and when spread its tip was above twice the height. With each step Lucifer took, the wings extended another foot until it was twice its original length, and the figure stood high at the height of ten feet then. The talons on its fingers extended out and curved in like the eagles.

“It’s the Dragon.” The called went out among the other side of the faction.

The evolved form of Lucifer was then rightfully of the Wyvern which was then the predecessor of the fabled dragon. The evolved Lucifer then called on the gift of fire onto his hands. The flame flared in his hands and then streak out that like a blade twice the length of his arms. He charged into the once brothers in name with him. His blade of fire slashed into them. The ones slashed by Lucifer burst into flames and their kindred souls dissipated into a flash before it disappeared. He had removed a dozen of the Angels when he faced the one he had respect for.

“Michael,” Lucifer muttered the name. The other was holding the fabled sword known to the Angels. It was named with many names but it was Michael’s sword to the Angels. He wielded it at the major events. He used it when there was a need for it. There were battles before on the demons that went waylaid or created chaos. Michael was the victor in those battles. Aamon was with him on those battles. He was a Lieutenant then with Michael.

A service Aamon was to regret.

Lucifer was beaten then by Michael. The dragon he was assumed had been cornered and called for help. Aamon had rushed ahead and deflected the sword by the Archangel. He was armed with the long-handled mallet and that saved Lucifer.

“Aamon, I was wondering when you will turn up.” Michael glared at Aamon then. “You are getting onto the wrong side.”

A choice he also regretted then.

Aamon surrendered and was arranged for a reprieve.

“Aamon, your stay of execution may be served if you agreed with my plans.” Michael glared at the prostrated figure. “If you agreed to the task mentioned, you will be spared.”

That agreement was the longest mistake he ever made. He took his task to heart and guarded the Gateway of Hades. He served with a few other mortals that were part of the sworn group then. They were the Chosen Ones. There were several Chapters spread to several continents. They have then renamed the Councils with different chapters on the continents. The Chapter on the land where Samael was to be interned was administrated by the Bernard family, and then he was soon called to serve his service as the Colonel of the Army.  It was all fine until the white slab issue came up in their discussion.  

“I do not agree with it.” Aamon in his pseudo of Father Dennis had protested. “It was under the protection of the European Charter. They have been doing that task for generations.”

“That continent was under chaos with the wars that were erupting for generations. The last Napoleon wars have depleted the resources there and they have asked for our help. The French are without the means after the revolution, and so were the ongoing wars there. We had to imprison the one there.”

Aamon was upset but he had no jurisdiction to override the decision. It was the start of the nightmare that led to then.

Old man Daniel was one of the chosen and he took the task to heart until his death. He died suddenly but the will of God was to be denied. He had awaited the return of the Colonel but the events happened so fast. Old man Daniel died and his son took possession of the deed but the younger man was not the chosen one. Father Dennis tried to stop the sale but the younger man had disappeared soon after. He was barred from the mine and with Lambert dead, he had to call on Lance.

“It’s in God’s hand from then.” Aamon moaned on his lament. He then looked to the sky and muttered.

“Send me a sign or at best, I would appreciate Michael here.” Aamon then descended down the shaft.  He was followed by a wounded hound that limped behind its master.  

Lone Ranger Chapter 35

35.

Vlad the Impaler stood by the entrance of the walled area. Vlad was holding the curved scimitar and the round shield. He came with his half-brother and Mr. Smith. Hawkins was armed with a halberd while Mr. Smith had reverted to his human figure and standing behind them were twenty Legionnaires. He turned to look at the Legionnaires. They looked more like the soldiers than with the rifles in their hands and the bandoliers across the chest. He then looked back to the wall. It was high and imposing when seen from that height.

“Should we go in?” Hawkins asked Vlad. “It’s almost time for my other allies.”

The group than proceeded past the mine entrance into the yard inside and was confronted by the figure there. It was Aamon. The figure was dressed in his human dressing of white shirt and darker pants with boots while his hands were tucked into the gun belt and he had on a single holster with the gun.  

“Aamon stand aside. We will go in.” Vlad shouted his defiance.

“You will not. I will not have any of you approached here.” Aamon cautioned them. “Your numbers do not intimidate me.”

“I do not think so but this one might.” Vlad then motioned to the far side where the Hell Hound stepped in past the entrance. The Hound was a large one with the paws that were as big as the thigh on Vlad. It stood taller at six feet and its fangs were equally menacing to the look.

“I think your hound here would like a pat from you.” Vlad smiled at Aamon. “You have been a bad master.”

Without warning, the hound charged at Aamon. Its huge frame and speed were fast but Aamon has had his defenses. He stepped back and watched the flying figure slammed into the charging hound. It stood tall at over twelve feet and held a set of wings that swept open to thirty feet across. That was not the intimidating part; the figure has scales on its skin and it looked more like a reptile except it stood upright like a Man. One other thing was its barbed tail.

“Dragon? I thought they had ceased to exist.” Vlad exclaimed. He then saw there was not one but two of them. The other one stood on the rear.

“Wyvern.” Aamon corrected “I am a Marquis of Hades. Do you think that I hold only one pet in my household then? They were three but only two left. They were brothers but the old Lone Ranger killed one. The Lone Ranger was my mistake. I placed him there but he had to venture further on his own. He went down to Hades and killed one of them.”

“My Wyverns’? Note their tail. It does not breathe fire. Their breaths are however poisonous. Wyvern is winged, serpent-like creatures and their tail is like a stinger. Its talons on the upper limbs are sharp and could rip your flesh like the burned skin of a barbeque sow.”

“Wyvern? Dragon? I knew dragons. We used to hunt them in the hills and they hide in the caves.” Vlad smiled. “To me, they are all dragons.”

“This is not a dragon. This is Baathis and Maathis, my other pets from Hell. Their brother Paathis is dead.” Aamon spoke with the grim expression. “Baathis, kill the hound.”

The Hound had regained itself and charged once more. It leaped high and landed on the left wing to topple the dragon figure. The two collided and rolled with slashing moves on both. The man-dragon kicked the hound away by its legs. Its left upper limb slashed out with the talons on the fingertips blindly at the hound. It drew blood on the underbelly but the hound was of the more resilient hide. It bounced back to the attack with its ferocity aiming for the throat then. It missed but hit the left shoulder and tore at where the wing was attached. The Wyvern rolled backward with a loud screech to its pain. It stood up and faced the crouching hound. It was not prepared for the next charge and tried to fly away. It left its lower torso to be slammed by the hound with its fangs into the left thigh. The Wyvern struggled and flew upwards trying to break free. The hound bit hard and left a deep gash on the left thigh that stretched to the knee. The blood that spurted out but its content was not red but greenish-yellow. The Wyvern swooped back and slammed into the hound in the right side. The slam threw the hound to the far side but it was not stopping there. It landed on the fallen hound and ripped the snort on it. It went further with the talons sinking deep into the side of the head. It dug deep but the hound was not defeated then. It fought back with it legs kicking at the Wyvern. It dislodged the Wyvern and rushed off to tend to its wound.

“The Wyvern is winning.” Vlad motioned to his men to rush towards the mine entrance. Aamon ignored the fight and moved onto Vlad. Vlad saw the Aamon’s move and shouted for reinforcement from his men. Before they could react, Vlad was hit by the later. Aamon had grabbed Vlad in the jaws with his right hand and pushed it to the side. He wanted to crack the neck but Vlad had swung his body with the push preventing his ordeal. Vlad in turn swung out his right fist into Aamon’s face. The later took the punch and reached out with the left hand onto the right arm of Vlad and pulled it back. The move made Vlad faced the other still with the jaws in the grip. Aamon felt the fist that landed on his back and the kick on his left ribs. He was set on by three Legionnaires which had come to the rescue. The third Legionnaire had tried to pull Aamon off the Master but the other Wyvern had joined the fight.

The third Legionnaire was lifted off Aamon’s back and pushed to the side before the Wyvern slashed with its talons on the chest. The Legionnaire fought back and stopped when the talons of the Wyvern thrust into the heart to tear off from the chest. It then stood off from the dead Legionnaire and faced the others. During the commotion, Vlad and Hawkins had slipped away. The others had formed a wall to shield their leaving.

Aamon saw the departure and rushed over. The Legionnaires leveled their rifles and shot at Aamon. The bullets tore into the body but that did not stop the demon. The bullet penetrated the skin and then it popped out. The Legionnaires stopped firing and rushed at the demon. It was then the winged creatures rushed into the Legionnaires. The force of the two winged creatures with their spread wings collided with the group and caused a pileup. Aamon rushed past the pile and was confronted by the wounded hound.

“Cerebus, you dare to intrude on me. I was your master.” Amon shouted at the hound. “You disgraced the namesake. I will not tolerate you anymore.”

The hound growled and then slinked away to the far end to lie down. It lay down to lick its wound.

Aamon stepped on to catch up with Vlad and Hawkins. He stood there at the opening of the shaft and saw them rappelling down. He did not give chase and stood there looking. In his mind then was the task that he had undertaken for years.

Or was it generations.

An eternity of responsibility since the fall of his brothers.

Lone Ranger Chapter 34

0.

Hawkins stared at the men who had affixed the hoist over the slab and then were attaching the ropes to the cover to lift it. He looked to the slab and saw the preparation was underway with the six priests placing the items which will suppress the demon when the slab cover was raised. It was a rare ritual but one that his people had retained. He prayed hard that the spell will work.

“Ironic at this very hour you sought the divine assistance.” The hooded figure stood at his side voiced out. “Do not despair, my brother for when I was hunted like a hare, I too have raised a prayer for God but I was ignored then. So pardon my reservation on your appeal for assistance.”

The master of works there overseeing the hoisting works signaled that his men were ready for the task. Hawkins then motioned to the six priests there to start their works. The priests began their rituals with the lamps and scrolls held in their hands while they performed moves that resembled more like dances. The priests were led by one that was taking the lead on every move and then the signal was given. The hoist was secured and the ropes pulled tautly. There was a stillness in the air that moment and then the pressure was applied on the slab cover. It began to move ever slightly and soon a gap was seen between the cover and the main slab. The pungent smell overpowered everyone who was there and drawn to seek some scented cloth for relief. 

There were excitements when the fingers were seen on the slab cover. It was the middle finger that appeared and then the other fingers gripped the side. It stopped there while everyone was expecting more except the priests; they were chanting incessantly on whatever they felt was working. Hawkins was past his patience and grabbed hold of the slab cover. He was to pry it off when the slab slipped from his grip. He looked and saw the slab cover slide over. He then saw the hooded figure standing at the far end with the extended arms. Hawkins was to peek in when he saw the figure sat up there. It was his sight of a demon. He had been called one before but his stay at the monastery had given images of the demons as in the books. His first real sight was more distinctive and glaring in detail.

“Hello” The demon spoke out in the ancient language that baffled those who were there. Not all the hooded one sprang into action.

“Master Samael, please forgive our delay in freeing you from this vault. We…” The demon had then stood up with ease despite the long period of inactivity. The demon had raised the right hand to stop the pleasing remarks.

“I am fine.” The demon switched the language to a more familiar one. “It’s a consolation to be breathing here than those brimstones gas.”

The demon laughed and then looked at the two persons who had rescued him.

“What age are we in now? The air smelled bad. Too much coal and fossil smell.” The demon asked. “I recalled it was a more refined age then when I walked the surface. I guess humans had to do the needed to create the crude now.”

The demon spied the contraption on Hawkins.

“A measurement of time. I may be lying in there but I listened well. We did not have any ideas of the movement of the days and nights. For us, it did not matter, but the …innocents like yourself were always on the lookout for the sun and moon for measurement.”

“We are your servants, Master Samael.”

“And who are you?” The demon asked the hooded figure.

“Vlad Tepes of Transylvania. I am in need of your help. We can help each other.”

“Oh! Another one. Can I have a drink first?” The demon requested. “My throat is dry.”

“Fresh blood? I can run a goblet for you.” Vlad impressed the demon.

“Then it’s death do us part.” The demon replied with a smile. “But before that, does anyone know where I can piss without wetting myself.”

34.

Lance let go of the rope that he had rappel down in the shaft. He looked up at the shaft that he had descended twice then. He disliked having to rush out again. He then looked into the tunnel and saw Tonto was already reaching the chamber. He took after them and soon came to the familiar surroundings. He was cautious for fear he will meet those winged men once more. He recalled his previous encounter and was not keen to see them. There were no spirits then and made worse, his so-named inklings were not responding. His mask saw none of the spirits there. The cavern had not changed since he last visited it except the slab was not there. The place was still lighted up the place with the lighted torches that were partially covered with the webbing to reduce the lighting level. He looked at the flooring that was sighted with the three hexagon designs. Without the slab on it, the designs were apparent on the surface. There was a change then with the designs, it looked throbbing alive like the blood surging in the veins.

“It’s a beauty, is it not?” Samael read the expression on Lance. He had stepped outside the designs as if he feared it. Tonto had stood on the far side with his eyes fixated on the designs. He appeared mesmerized by it.

“Tonto? Are you okay?” Lance asked his partner. Tonto shaken from his thoughts looked over.

“Yes, Kemo-Sabe.” Tonto shook his head as if to clear it. “Felt like a binge at the pubs.”

Tonto recalled his evenings at the wharf back in England. Those were good times despite his younger age. Well, that gave him more loving than the older sailors would get in the evening.

“You were a teen then. And you were not to drink.” Lance reprimanded his partner while he moved closer to the designs.”

“So, tell my father then.” Tonto retorted. Lance ignored the remark and crouched down to look closer at the designs. He saw beneath the designs were ripples of hands reaching for the surface but they stopped before the design as if there was a barrier there. He traced the scriptures on the design and could not make out the wordings. Samael assisted there.

“It’s Sumerian. They were the first civilizations that indulge in early alchemy. In the brief, soon after our rebellion was quelled by the Archangels, there were no records of us until the Bronze Age as claimed by your historians. It was the age when Man discovered mining. Man then believed the stones were from heaven like the ones they saw coming from space. You called them meteorites but to them then it was heaven sent. Meteorites shards were worshipped in some rituals. Weapons that were made from it was said to be magical. The earth source became a path to discover more of these stones. It was then mining took place. It was said then that the Gods taught Man how to mine the earth for these metals. Tales were created of Angels in disguise had led Man to new metals. Coal was a good reference when before its discovery we all used wood which was in the Ancient days an element of the Gods. Each mine was considered sacred and each shaft opened had its rituals to appease the Gods.”

“Thank you for the…” Lance getting agitated on the lessons of alchemy but was stopped.

“Hear me out. Do you know what ‘Visita Interiora Terrae Rectificando Invenies Occultum Lapidem Veram Medicinam’ means? It translates as ‘Visit the interior of the earth, and by rectifying you will find the hidden stone which is the true medicine’. The earth is the symbol of physical man. Man needs to become conscious of the inner world. Once the attention is directed inwards, the underworld of Hades came to mind. It’s also called ‘regressus ad uterum’ or ‘the return into the uterus’. It’s also a term used in initiation rites of a symbolic return to the primal state; the raw state of Man carried in the collective state of unconscious.”

“Inside of Man, darkness is alike ‘regressus ad uterum’ or in plain words a condition of death, and subsequently experience rebirth. In alchemy, the caves when working with metals, the preferred metal is lead. Lead, the most impure metal needs to be transformed into the pure metal, gold…..”

“I have heard enough of your said knowledge. Tell me why are we here?” Lance getting more agitated had reacted in anger.

“I was coming to it. Gold is sought by them. Gold will feed their armies. Gold came from the earth. The rocks are fed to the furnace to create the metal.” Samael pointed to the ripples of hand. “The furnace burns deep within. It’s not any furnace here but the fires of Hades that best create the metal. In addition to that, here lies the path to Hades. One of its many but this one had been discovered.” Samael grin at Lance. “Hawkins wanted a war between Man and Demons. His current force weakened and his gold depleted, he called on the new force to wage war to ensure his victory.”

“And what of you and the blood drinker?” Lance hit back. “You are no different. All of you wanted a war with Man.”

“Well said. I am no different from Aamon or Hawkins if you are to compare our desire to be the victor. On the other side of the coin, both Aamon and I are Angels while Hawkins is a demon. So was that hooded figure which held me captive. Pardon me, I lied. I was pretending to be captive to amuse the other. He did assume he had me subdue with the spells and those blood-drinking. He served me that vile ingredient. I prefer nectar than blood.”

“Angel….tell then why are you here?”

“I told you earlier. We are here to prevent them from freeing more demons.” Samael sounded that with a sigh. “Man hardly listened. Never did before and won’t now. Anyway please allow me to speak more on my stay with Hawkins.”

Samael looked at the hexagon designs before he took up the tale again.

“I told Hawkins of the gateway too. My take may be exaggerated but I was fooling him. I wanted him to believe me so he could lead me to places. And him to places where gold could be found…”

“Places?” Tonto then spoke up.

“Yes, I knew that Hawkins was preparing a revolution. I was not in one since the French did theirs. I went along and watched how he shaped his army and given a few pointers. And he placed me under guards by this hooded person. I tried to speak to the other but all I got was silence. I sensed something on that person but he was so elusive except the person smell of fresh blood. I am not keen on that; I prefer mine immersed in wine.”

“Like enhancing the Legionnaires with your blood. You treat everything with disdain.” Tonto stepped forth but was stopped by Lance. “To me, you are a bastard. You are just to watch us kill each other. I will not fight these wars.”

“You have not heard me correctly.” Samael retorted. “I brought you here to stop the war from spreading further.”

“You were not there during the Crusade. I saw the battles and the killings.” Samael then laughed out loud. “I loved it but I grew tired of it.”

“Bastard!” Lance snapped at the crazy demon and rushed forth. “Who gave you the position to play God? Y0ou do not decide on humanity.”

“Myself. Since you asked. God has abandoned all of you.” Samael glared at the two there. “Here on this land, I am the new God. As God, I intend to stop it here. You will help me regardless.”

“Now listen up. We got a battle coming. And we are the ones that needed to win this battle or it will be Hades for all.” Samael looked at Lance. “Be with me or depart.”