The Promise (The Seekers Book 1) Page 12

  Winston opened his eyes again, “Sorry I asked.”

  Oliver slid to the floor, cradling Winston in his lap, the darkness seemed to sap his strength and it was an effort to keep his eyes open too. Quark hopped from foot to foot, the soft rhythm only adding to the overall soporific effect.

  Oliver shook himself and tried to do some simple chess moves in his head to stay awake but found he couldn’t even recall the layout of the board. He decided to do some simple sums instead but felt like his mind was full of holes and each thought would not connect with the last. The temptation to succumb was huge but he knew he had to fight it, this was no ordinary place and it would be no ordinary sleep.

  Suddenly the darkness was moving! Oliver rubbed his eyes. In the distance a faint glow was taking shape and giving a boundary to the blackness. Far across the night sky a silver edge now glistened and as it approached the shadows scattered away from it. As it made its way forwards Oliver could see it was actually made up of thousands of warriors. Riding on silver horses with huge outstretched wings they pressed onward, as one, across his vision. They were too numerous to count.

  “Now that’s what I call reinforcements!”

  Quark bowed, accepting the compliment and pointed to the familiar figure at the front. Michael rode a white horse with an astonishing golden mane and he was dressed in full battle gear. He raised his mighty sword in salute, but his eyes burned with anger, “For Millie!”

  Now the darkness had retreated Oliver was amazed to find himself standing on a grey castle wall, all around him the landscape was barren and desolate. It reminded him of some of the post-apocalyptic games his friends played on their computers. Everything was dead.

  Michael held out his hand and lifted him effortlessly onto the horse behind him, “Come Oliver, there is much to do.” Quark handed Winston to another soldier and then turned to follow Michael, the small trio heading off in a completely different direction to the rest of the army.

  47

  Samael was aware of the commotion and knew immediately his time was up. He had expected them, of course, but perhaps not so soon. He barked his orders, “Discharge all forces, and hold no one back except my personal guard.” He would sacrifice them all for the chance to get away. Michael was a soft touch and would go and rescue the girl first, of that he was sure. That would be his best chance to escape; he could still get the Stone to the Master.

  48

  Oliver couldn’t understand how he could breathe so easily while whisking through another dark sky on Michael’s horse, but thought it best not to worry about that at the moment. He was glad to be away from that awful place and wanted to see Millie as soon as possible.

  It was difficult to judge distance but it seemed to him they hadn’t gone far at all when they stopped abruptly. In front of them was a spinning object. Tumbling aimlessly, it followed its own trajectory through the night sky. It looked bizarrely like a discarded iPad, small and thin, it flipped over and over on a never –ending journey.

  Oliver was mystified but Quark and Michael were already discussing details. “You won’t have much time old friend, but I will hold it for you as long as I can.”

  Quark nodded. He glanced over at Oliver briefly but said nothing more. Oliver saw something in his eyes he had never seen before – regret. Michael withdrew his sword and they chased after the vortex, Quark keeping pace at their side, but he was already beginning to diminish in size.

  Oliver held on tight and shouted, “What can I do?”

  “Be ready to grab Millie. My charger will know what to do when I dismount. We will not have much of an opportunity, but we will do our best.”

  They pursued the vortex as it spun furiously and in the end Michael leapt off his horse and tumbled along with it. Oliver held his breath; Michael was taking his time, waiting for the right moment to strike. Oliver felt helpless just watching, but finally Michael thrust his sword at the object and all the spinning stopped. A tiny opening appeared where the sword held fast and white shafts of light pierced the night sky like a tiny laser display. Oliver flinched and tried to shield his eyes.

  The pressure must have been enormous as even Michael’s handsome features contorted under the strain. But Quark knew what he had to do and he poured himself into the small breach.

  Millie thought she was dreaming again. There was Quark’s smiling face, just as she had seen it many times before. Sometimes she had seen her family, of course, but she couldn’t seem to hold onto the images no matter how much she wanted to, they just floated away. Perhaps it was a blessing not feeling anything. Perhaps not. But this time was different to all the other mirages, this Quark grabbed her arm! She still could not feel it, of course, but she could see it. He did his funny little bow and she thought her heart would break. She tried to speak but, of course, no words would come.

  At least the spinning had stopped. She could see something beyond the whiteness. But what was it? Who was it? Quark was leading her, and then lifting her, she could no longer see him, but the sound of rushing waters filled her senses. She had no strength, but that must mean she was feeling something finally! She stumbled out of the Vortex as it exploded behind her and she fell straight into Oliver’s arms. She was free.

  Millie was so pale and broken, however, that Oliver feared they were already too late but Michael’s assurance gave him courage, “We must hurry now; let us finish the task Millie has begun.”

  Millie looked even smaller as he draped her across one arm and took the reins in the other. She was barely conscious, but Oliver had no time for questions as they were moving at great speed again and conversation was impossible. Ahead the sky was no longer black but a swirling mass of deep purple and crimson. It looked most unwelcoming and Michael was headed straight for it!

  49

  Samael could sense his adversary approaching. So, we meet again, my brother. It would be a near thing. The entrance to the Gate would open for him and Michael would not dare to follow, but could he reach it in time? His only hope was to slow Michael down. He turned to his escort, “Go! Engage them in battle and I will carry the Stone alone.”

  The six black figures swept away. He could never understand why they actually seemed eager to maim and destroy, but it suited his purposes for now. He checked that the chest was still secure on the floor of his chariot and tried to increase his speed.

  Michael saw the pack and his old enemy beyond them; it would be a close call. He had no fear of the demons, they would play their part to the end, but they would hold him up while Samael attempted to leave the Domain. He decided to take the initiative and head towards them, but unless he could take them all together it would leave Millie and Oliver exposed. He considered it his best option, however. He handed Oliver a smaller weapon from his saddle. It was beautiful. The slim blade was the colour of gold but seemed to weigh nothing at all. Both of the edges glistened like polished steel and the strange writing Oliver had seen before ran down the middle, from the tip to the hilt.

  Millie had stirred and was now conscious but not yet in any real position to help, Oliver put his left arm around her waist and held the reins while brandishing the sword in his right hand. He had never ridden before but that didn’t seem to matter here, the charger did indeed know what to do! Michael left at great speed without looking back and the youngsters followed him. Up ahead the pack split up.

  Michael took the first two with one stroke; they were still too close together. Oliver watched in amazement as the grotesque black shapes exploded leaving only a faint red mist in their exodus. Michael quickly dispatched another pair but the final two were a larger distance apart, he made for the one on his left, which left the other to head for the twins.

  Oliver didn’t have time to be afraid, it was on them before he could react, and amazingly the horse was taking defensive action! It swept away sharply and Oliver almost dropped Millie. Recovering, he found he was now on the right side to use his weapon. He swung widely and the demon grinned, toying with him. Its spiteful
features infuriated Oliver. He didn’t often get angry, but when he did, his tantrums were legendary! He sensed that Millie was now well enough to sit up alone and released her, clutching his weapon with two hands he flung himself at his attacker. This movement was so unexpected that Oliver had the joy of seeing utter incomprehension on his enemies face. He caught it on the shoulder with the very tip of his sword. Not very graceful perhaps, but it was sufficient. The demon shattered before him and Oliver continued his plunge into nothingness.

  Millie gasped but the horse spun around and caught him easily. Oliver was a little winded, but still managed to hold onto his sword. He was trying to sit back up again when Michael appeared by his side and laughed, “I see Faith has the measure of you! She seems to like you Oliver, well done by the way, a brave move. Are you okay Millie?”

  Millie nodded and stroked the golden mane, “What a lovely name for a horse.”

  “Actually I was referring to the blade, my charger is called Solomon!”

  Oliver was about to hand it back but Michael took off again, “Follow me –we have to catch Samael before it is too late.”

  50

  Samael sighed and turned to meet them, he could not out-run Michael, but he might yet outsmart him. Michael arrived first and their eyes locked. Samael sneered, “How are you Michael? Still running errands?”

  Michael ignored the insult, “Give it up. You cannot win and you know it.”

  Samael scanned the skyline, they were still alone, the two mortals remaining some distance away, but there was no sign of help, so he might yet do it. Behind him the sky turned blood red and then parted reluctantly like heavy curtains, a small white fissure appearing. The Gate was open!

  He smiled in reply, “Perhaps not, but I could do some damage first,” he glanced across at the twins, “will you risk the children, Captain of the Host?”

  Michael never took his eyes off him, “You could always relent. Surely once a Prince, always a Prince?”

  Samael threw his head back and laughed, “Even now you would try and save me? How noble of you, old friend.”

  Michael pointed to the Gate, “There is no mercy in that direction.”

  Despite himself, Samael remembered a place where he had once known acceptance and love. But the old bitterness rushed back and he scoffed, “Goodness me, what would I want with mercy. Never one of the favourites was I? At least over there I can do what I want.”

  “But for how long?” Michael snapped.

  Samael shrugged, “You know how useless it is to talk of time.”

  Michael held out his hand, “Give me the Stone.”

  Samael sighed and seemed to be complying, but as he bent down to retrieve it he disappeared. He knew he could only sustain the cloak for a short while and Michael would soon find him, but it would be enough. He flew straight at Millie knowing she would still be weak from her capture. If he could take her hostage Michael would have to let him through the Gate!

  Oliver flinched as Millie was snatched away from him, but there was nothing to fight this time. Michael vanished too and Oliver realised the battle was continuing on another level.

  Samael shouted his defiance, “What means more to you Michael, one of their lives or your stupid Stone?”

  Millie could feel the knife pressing at her throat and a trickle of blood coursed down her neck. It didn’t hurt but she could see Michael was alarmed. Why was Oliver just sitting there?

  She tried to shout but the man in black had his other hand firmly clamped over her mouth. Was he a man? Millie had discerned that he was different to the others, but how could she use that knowledge?

  Michael said nothing, slowly edging towards them.

  “That’s far enough Michael. I will kill her unless you guarantee me safe passage. If you promise me that, I will let her go, but the Stone comes with me.”

  Oliver and Solomon were united in confusion. The only thing still visible was the enemies black chariot and horses. The poor creatures looked done in but Oliver decided to go over and have a look anyway. They stared at him with solemn eyes but he could detect no malice in them. He was about to turn away when something on the floor caught his eye. The ebony chest! He had only glimpsed it before when they were under the Tor, but he was fairly sure it was the same one. All he had to do was grab it and get out of there, but what about Millie?

  Without thinking further he reached in and tried to lift the chest, but found it would not move. He was half in and half out of the chariot when everyone else came back into view. Millie didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Oliver looked ridiculous. What was he doing now? Immediately Michael was at his side and hauled him back onto Solomon.

  “Well spotted Oliver, but only Millie can open it remember.”

  Samael returned to the chariot, holding Millie in front of him as a tiny but valuable shield, he indicated they should move back. He knew the chest was still on the floor but could not resist a quick look anyway.

  Oliver couldn’t bear to see his sister in such a plight, she was still deathly pale, but when their eyes met he could detect her steely determination. Millie too looked at the chest and she realised that her enemy had just made his first mistake. She may not be able to pick it up but she was surely close enough to reach it? As Samael glanced down Millie arched her back and slipped out of his grasp for a second. Before he had time to stop her she threw herself in the direction of the chest.

  Samael was quick, but Michael was quicker. Millie’s fingertips stroked the chest as Michael plucked her away in the confusion. There was an almighty flash of white light and Oliver hurled himself at Samael, ending up on the floor of the chariot again. His enemy seemed momentarily stunned by the impact and careered off into the distance, arms hanging uselessly at his side like a rag doll. Oliver was amazed, had he done that?

  Fortunately for Samael he was moving in the direction of the Gate and recovered sufficiently to continue his escape. As he approached the breach he turned and saluted Michael, a weary smile on his lips, “Next time my friend, next time.”

  He nodded in farewell and the Gate closed around him, the sky returning to its inky blackness.

  Oliver was furious, “Can’t we go after him?”

  Michael laid his hand on his shoulder, “It is not yet permitted. But he is right, if he is spared, we will meet again.”

  51

  Millie seemed to be sleeping peacefully, but Oliver was still worried about her. He studied the pretty room; Millie would like it when she did wake up. The sunlight streamed through the French windows and carried the beauty of the garden in with it somehow. It made him feel calm despite all that had happened. He watched her shallow breathing and felt his own heart beating in unison with hers. He wanted to hold her hand but thought she would freak out if he did, so he simply smiled to himself at his silliness.

  “Oliver ...?”

  “Hey. How are you?”

  Millie attempted to prop herself up but decided against it, falling back into the sumptuous pillows.

  “I was having a lovely dream. What time is it?”

  “Not a clue. My watch was taken and my phone. Not sure they would work here anyway.”

  Suddenly Millie was alarmed, “How long have I been asleep?”

  Oliver looked a bit sheepish, “This is your third day. Michael said it would take time for your ...er, experience, to heal. He said sleep was good for you.”

  “But what about mum and dad, they will be worried sick!”

  Oliver shrugged, “We’ll think of something.”

  Just then the door opened and Michael strode in, Winston fast on his heels. “Good to see you awake at last. How are you feeling now?”

  Millie smiled as Winston leapt on the bed and made himself at home, “Okay I suppose but I still feel a little weird.”

  “No change there then.” he quipped.

  Millie stroked his head and looked towards the door, “Where’s Quark? I want to thank him for getting me out of that horrible place.”

  A
heavy sadness settled upon the room and Millie looked helplessly from face to face. Michael sat down, his huge frame dwarfing the tiny bed and he took her hand in his. “Quark gave his life for you Millie. He has returned to those same elements from which he came, but he did not die in vain for you were able to complete the Quest, and he will know that.”

  Millie could not speak. After everything it seemed so unfair. Tears filled her eyes and she buried her face in her hands. It broke Oliver’s heart to see it, for he too was grieving and could find no words of comfort for her.

  At last Millie spoke, “But why? Why couldn’t you save him?”

  Michael was patient with her, “The place they held you was no ordinary prison Millie. Once we interfered with the energy of the vortex Quark knew what would happen.”