"Shall I take a look," John asked feigning interest in her peril.
Joan crouched behind the boxwood shrub arcoss from the entrance of the manor. Norman had gone to check the perimeter of the property. Eyeing the house from across the street Joan felt something strange about this place. She could sense the lingering evil that plagued the land. Yet what she felt was something far different. From the numerous demons and other vile things she had encountered throughout her years. This was older more primal then anything she has felt before. Her body grew tense as she felt someone closing in from behind her. Her hand inched towards the hidden dagger she kept over her heart. With catlike reflexes the glint of metal flashed through the air. Norman's rough hand caught her by the wrist only a inch away from his throat. "Sorry Norman," Joan said returning the dagger to its compartment. Rubbing his throat if he wasn't already dead he would have berated her for her hastiness. "So what does it look like." "There's three others within the home, two women a man," Norman said looking back to the manor. "It would appear the man was trying to
cleanse the house."
"What about the woman that we followed
here," Joan asked peering over at him.
"She's in there, however there is something
that doesn't feel right."
"I know I felt it to," Joan said sitting down on
the damp grass.
"I called Michael," Norman said noting the
frown on her face.
"And what did he say," Joan asked looking
over at the stairs of the manor.
"That to stay where you were until I arrived,"
Michael said appearing behind them.
John stepped out onto the marble stairs, his
dark blue eyes scanning the night. Nicky hovered
behind him cowering in the shadows of the columns. John could feel Catherine's presence long
before she joined his side. The way her scent was
carried on the wind, the way her soft voice
brought warmth to his weary soul. How could a
man not love those sky blue eyes ushering him to
wade into their calming waters.
"What do you see John," Catherine asked in a
low whisper. Her body was suffused with heat
being that close to him. Catherine had to fight herself from taking his hand into her's.
"Let's get back inside," John said narrowing
his eyes as he stared at the boxwood shrub. "If
they are out there they will show themselves soon
enough," he said his hand brushing against her's.
"Let us focus on what we can do and bring closure to this family," he whispered into her ear. Her skin tingled with electricity as his hot breath danced
along her skin. "That man was looking right at us," Joan said
in disbelief. "Impossible!" Norman growled at Joan. "The
only ones that could possibly see us are other's
like us."
"That's not entirely true," Michael said darkly.
He knew that face his father had taught him about
the imprisoned god. To think that Contliss was
here walking amongst the humans never occurred
to him. Though his powers were limited due to the
binding, Contliss was still a treat to the harmony
of the world. Even he could not stand against the
man without an army at his back. "We need to
capture that man," he said peering into the manor. "My lord are you sure," Joan asked skeptical
of the order.
"Of course I am," Michael said glaring at her.
"But come we shall prepare for our assault," he
said resting his hands on their shoulders before
disappearing in a blinding flash.
John's jaw muscle twitched as he felt his
brother's servants return to their pearly towers. He
knew it would be only a matter of time before
they came for him. While he wasn't overly worried about himself, it was Susan's and Catherine's
safety that had him on edge. Looking into the
empty rooms the coldness of the air chilled him to
the marrow of his bones. Not that he worried
about his death there were few things that could
kill him. It was those that he held in confidence
that had him worried for.
"Yes boss," her sandy blonde hair floated in
the air as she approached his back.
"Grab the chalk from my bag," John said his
blue eyes peering into the gloom of the manor.
Susan's hands frantically dug through the duffel
bag coming upon a square leather satchel. It's
leather strap wrapped around the container. Unwinding the leather strap from around the deer
antler button. Four sticks of pure white chalk sat
nestled in a neat row undisturbed from their long
journey. Pulling one out handing it to John his index finger tapped on the chalk pondering what the
future held for them. Poking his head into the
empty living room the hardwood floor, shone in
the moonlight that filtered through the window's.
Resting on his knees John began to draw a circle
wide enough for the three of them to sit comfortably. The chalk groaned as he drew a larger one
encasing the first one. Drawing tantalizing symbols between the two to protect them from what
haunts the manor. Ancient evil looking runes
ringed the edge protecting his friends from the
evil he knew all to well. Rising to his full height
his blue eyes studying his work, nodding to himself when all was to his liking. "Let's finish this,"
John said sticking his head into the drawing room. "John," Catherine whispered her hand running down his arm as she eyed the protection
circle.
"Everything will be fine Catherine," John said patting her hand. "As long as you stay within the circle nothing will harm you," he said smiling warmly at her. Nicky eyed the circle never before had she seen anything like it. True she it's only been four years since she began her magical journey. Yet with the help of Garzela she had become one of the most powerful witch's in Chicago. Nicky peered at John through the corner of her eye curious to the man's limit and hoped never to
be on the receiving end of it.
"What of you," Nicky asked coming up to
him. Running her hands down his chest trying to
ascertain the depth of his power. Nicky fought to
keep the shock from her face as she reached into
the depths of his power. It seemed to her it was a
vast ocean so deep it had no end. Biting her lip
she savored the possibilities he could bring her
once John was her's.
"Doing what I came here for," John said ushering them into the circle.
"You can't!" Catherine said reaching out taking hold of his arms fearful of the very thing that
had attacked them.
"Don't worry," John said his smile was warm
and soothing to her. Yet an inkling of dread still
held sway over her heart.
John approached the rear of the manor as the
hairs on the back of his neck began to stand on
end. Turning on the desk lamp of the newly renovated bedroom that belonged to the owners daughter. The faint light casting the pink comforter in
ghastly shadows as it crept along the bed. The
small desk chair sat awry from the desk, John could picture the girl happily playing at the desk. Drawing things that brought joy to the young girl's heart. Yet as he looked upon the sheets of paper, his eyes darkened as he viewed the crayon drawings that plagued the girls mind. A chill ran up his spine as h
e felt a presence that shadow walked through the room.
"You can come out now," John said as he flipped through the drawings. John could feel the hesitation of the being sighing as his patience was growing thin. Rising his arm pulling the being from the depths of the shadows. John was at a lost as he stared down at the twelve year old boy. His silver blonde hair teased the tops of his eye lashes. His stunning green eyes reminded him of who he had inherited them from. His tailored black suit sat snugly to his ancient shoulders. His pale skin heated under John's gaze, his cheeks burn crimson as his tiny hands fidgeted behind his back. "Hades what are you doing here," he asked crossing his
arms.
"Don't be angry Contliss," Hades said his
eyes downcast. "With the balance tipping I could
not resist visiting this world again," he said fidgeting from foot to foot.
"Was it you that pushed the boy down the
stairs."
"No," Hades said weakly.
"Tell me," John said lowering himself to the
floor. "How have you been," he asked smiling at
his nephew.
"Lonely until I meet Persephone," Hades said
smiling at him.
"I'm sorry that I could not be there," Contliss
said sadness filling his eyes. "I know how hard it
was for you to be alone in that place with no one
to drive away your woes."
"No father if you had not found me in the
dead forest of Uspure," Hades said coming up to
him. "I would still be lost to this day," he said
wrapping his arms around his neck.
"How could your father just simply abandon
you," Contliss said shaking his head.
"Balanlt is not my father you are," Hades said
taking hold of Contliss face. "When my brother's
tricked me it wasn't Balanlt that came for me it
was you. It was you that made it easier for me and
my brother's and sister's that came into your
realm. You took us in taught us how to live within
your realm. Gave us love and attention when our
own father did not, even when the war raged on
you made sure we were taken care of. Even when
we knew the toll of the war with Balanlt was
weighing on you. You never allowed it to touch
your face when we were around. How I have
missed you, but you will return with me won't
you."
"Soon, very soon the balance will be restored," Contliss said ruffling Hades blonde hair.
"Now go tell the others to prepare for a war that
may or may not come upon my return," he said
rising from the floor. "Now return to your realm
we don't want my brother finding you here," he
said smiling down at Hades.
"What about you why don't you return with
me," Hades said grasping his hand.
"In time we will see each other again, now I
need you to reassure your siblings," Contliss said
as he watched Hades fading into the shadows. As the manor fell into an eerie silence, John
moved from room to room cleansing the house
once again. Catherine watched as the smoke of the
sage drifted over his shoulders. Biting her nails as
she paced around the circle. Fear crept into her
heart praying that whatever it was would just
leave peacefully. As the minutes passed the room
began to steadily grow colder. Her breath came
out in clouds of mist as it hung in the air. Susan
rose to her feet ready to aid John should he need
it.
"Good," John said nodding his approval at the
sight of the open bag. "Susan pass around the talisman of Socar. It will protect you from the life
stealing kiss of the banshee." Wails filled the
house as the hour passed, furniture was flung
against the walls as it was forced from it's hiding
place. Eight opaque candles sat around John as he
chanted under his breath. Words long since forgotten by the world of man escaped his lips, as his
hand made delicate signs as the chant grew louder.
Catherine felt a sudden surge of fear as the banshee crashed through the wall. Wood paneling
splintered in its flight through the air. It's translucent body was dressed in ghostly white rag's, rotten to the point if it was real it would have fallen
apart. It's wispy white hair floated aimlessly in the
air, it's long cold dead eyes glared at them with
scorn and contempt for trespassing in it's domain.
The banshee's crooked, mangled finger's clawed at the air. To rip the flesh from the foolish mortals
that dared to disturbed her.
"Come to Lady Zanstly," the banshee cooed
seductively. Moving closer to John, Catherine
fought the urge to leap from the circle. Shaking
the foolish thought from her head knowing it was
the only thing keeping her alive. Soft mummering
drifted up from behind her, peering over her
shoulder Susan was on her knees whispering into
her folded hands. Catherine looked over towards
Nicky who wore a smirk as she stared at the creature. Her attention was once again centered on
John as the banshee hovered only inches away
from John. Jumping as his hands slammed onto
the floor, golden light spread from his palms. Encircling the banshee in delicate runes of golden
light. Her wails became shrieks as the light leaped
from the floor. Wrapping her limps in the light,
gray mist filled the air, as her body slowly began
to be consumed by the gold rays. Catherine
watched in horror as she witnessed the fear in the
banshee eyes as it's undead life ceased to exist. John let out a sigh as he felt the last of her essence leave the home. Casting out his mind scouring every inch of the manor looking for anything
unnatural, or anyplace her fading essence could
hide. If she did manage to escape his trap which
he doubted. It could be years before she could reform her body. It was better to reassure himself
and the owners that all was clear. Blowing out the
candles once he was sure the house was clean.
Stretching his cramped muscle's he felt Catherine's eyes on him.
"John are you sure that was the best thing to
do," Catherine asked. Nicky released a huffed
thinking it nothing more then getting rid of an unwanted pest.
"Yes, a fine job Susan were did you learn that
warding spell," John said blushing Susan hid her
rosy cheeks.
"But could you not see that she was afraid,"
Catherine pleaded stepping out of the circle. "Of course I could it does not mean I could allow it to continue to steal the life of its victims,"
John said sternly.
"But," his hand shot up sealing her words. "Catherine banshee's are made when virginal
women are sacrificed to dark powers. Their souls
are set to wander the land feeding life to those that
created it. What you witnessed was that very fear
the woman experienced when she was casted into
the darkness," John said darkly. "There was nothing you could do Catherine the woman has been
dead for centuries," he said placing a hand on her
shoulder. "Susan you can call Mr. Bruham tell him
he may return any time he likes. Also leave the
bill by the door."
"John you're not serious going to charge him,
with everything he's gone thro
ugh don't you think
that's enough," Catherine asked in disbelief. "Do you stop working because you have no
new leads in a case. No you go onto the next hoping that someday you'll find answers. Plus sympathy doesn't put food on the table or money in Susan's pocket," John said packing the candles into
the bag.
"Well I agree with you John, and I understand how you feel Catherine," Nicky said knelling by John aiding to his packing. "Though in truth it was a cruel thing that had befallen that poor woman and this family. But as John said the woman has been dead for years. No telling how many that creature has taken throughout the years," she said smiling up at Catherine.
Michael peered at the manor in which his prey hid, his strong green eyes held confusion within their depths. He could feel the lingering evil vanish from the manor, yet what he couldn't comprehend was why he would do such a thing. A thousand warrior's stood at his back waiting for his order to assault the manor. His hand ran rough his beard contemplating on the plan of attack. He knew in order to capture the fallen god he would need everyone of his warrior's. Even then that may not be enough to subdue the dark god. The fate of the other two women within the manor weighed on his mind.
"My lord we await your orders," Joan said coming up to his side.
"Hold our prey will come to us," Michael said while his voice was calm she could hear the worry within it. "Once they are well enough away from the dwelling we shall attack. Make sure no harm comes to the women he travels with."
"Yes sir," Joan said saluting as she turned to relay his orders.
"What is it Norman," Michael said rubbing the hilt of his mace.
"Is it wise for you to be here Michael," Norman said from behind him. "Surely this man doesn't pose that big of a threat for an archangel to come down to earth."
"Norman even I don't know if I be any kind of a threat to that man then a gnat would be," Michael said sternly.
"Well then it's a good day to met oblivion," Norman said looking up to the heavens. Michael said nothing as old memories flashed before his eyes. Cries of the dying, the screams of his brother's and sister's. His hand tightened around the hilt of his mace as he felt his presence drawing near. As Susan began to pack the car a strange sweet scent drifted in the air. John's strong hands pulled her away as two darts bounced of the trunk of the car. John had figured they would strike when he was alone, yet he wasn't surprise they chose this moment to do so. Pushing Susan into the front seat of the car for the moment she was safe. However John had no clue if they would go after her or were they only interested in him. Looking back towards the entrance of the manor, as it's hinges groaned as Catherine and Nicky stepped out onto the landing. His eyes darted back and forth between them and the mass of bodies camped outside the gates.