Book One : The Prophecy : IV : Shadows in the Night

IV

Shadows in the night

5^th November 1940

Listen to them, the children of the night. What music they make...

Bram Stoker.

Theodore encountered another sleepless night among the many that had already passed since his time in the RAF. He now found that his newly enlightened state had only added to the burdens he already carried. Now fully in receipt of who he was, Theodore digested a fact that greatly troubled him above everything else thus far. He had gone against the oath he had sworn to his master and married the very woman he had promised never to bind himself too. To disobey such an oath meant exile or worse death. Of course he sympathised with his human self, the self that had completely and on purpose blocked out everything in relation to his real self. But as he lay upon his bed he realised, alone and undisturbed that when he had married Eveline, he felt deep within that the very act was wrong. With his blue eyes upon the plastered ceiling above, he drew in a deep breathe. Eveline had married Theodore, the man who was unaware that he was in fact her guardian and an angel, two hundred years older than she. She had willingly, placing all of her trust in him entered into a lie. Would she look at him with those trusting eyes when all would be revealed? Would she bind herself to his true self, Cael? He did not know and it greatly troubled him that he was faced with uncertainty. So much time had passed between their quickly pressed wedding, rushed not by his wife but by himself that he could hardly make out the contours and features of her beautiful face in his mind, most of all her beguiling eyes.

All men who fought in wars always returned altered, Theodore was no different. Before Eveline when he was just an angel living upon the earth, he led a quiet life in London, under the tutorship of Lier. He and those alike including an old friend by the name of Jophiel had willingly given their lives to protect the citizens of London from the shadows that preyed on the vulnerable. Theodore had become a revered angel, known by many and feared by many. It was his dedication and courage that had earned him his first commission under Gabriel, to leave this earth and retrieve the granddaughter of Heiden. It was upon this mission that he had met and befriended Galean. Galean was much younger than he and bore a great many qualities; strength, intelligence and honour among the many. There was however a distinct difference in Galean; Firstly he was only part angel and his home was upon the planet known as Unas. Secondly he was the heir to the northern Kingdom of Meer which was connected to the southern Kingdom of Calnuthe, in which Eveline was also heir. And yet despite this difference they both had lost their mothers and it was this and their love of adventures that had brought them together. Theodore had been present when Galean had married the young Marsalia, a beautiful angel that had been loved by many. Never had he seen his friend so happy and so alive. It pained him to learn that Galean’s wife and daughter had been killed without his knowing. During many of their recent discussions throughout the week, Lier had divulged to Theodore the terrible shadow that had been cast upon Galean which had forced him to return to him homeland spending many years in isolation, unable to stand in the light for the great pain and anger that consumed his being.

“I did not know myself until Galean spoke to me of it when he was here last,” Lier said with saddened eyes. “When his wife and child died, he was not seen or heard of for six years.”

“How did he kill Lagman?” Theodore asked as he sat back into a leather chair, which sat opposite Lier’s mahogany table in his study.

“I had heard rumours, but never thought them possible,” Lier said, puffing on his pipe. “Not even experienced angels like myself could possibly hope to find and kill Lagman.”

“There is a reason why we called him the ‘Ghost’,” Theodore smiled weakly, swirling his whiskey around.

“They say that Lagman was sent to Unas to aid Heidan as he waged war upon the Kingdom of Calnuthe after the death of the High King and his Queen,” Lier began, the sound of British and German aircraft filling the study, causing both men to retreat into themselves privately. Theodore found his body shaking, a part of him fed the urge in him to return to his squadron. With strength his shook his head slightly, placing the lingering urge into a box.

“Go on,” he whispered painfully, his left hand fingers pressing into the arm of the leather chair.

“It is said that Galean travelled south secretly and sought out Lagman, who was stationed east along the border of Ruarr,” Lier went on, the air still and quiet. Theodore opened his eyes once more. “When he found him a great fight took place and the sky it is rumoured darkened above them. Galean filled with vengeance and anger broke his body into two upon the ground before Lagman’s men before setting it alight.” Theodore’s internal fears that had consumed him a moment ago had all but dispersed at Lier’s words. He had never bore witness to Galean’s temper for he had never shown himself to be capable of such rage but the picture that Lier had formed in Theodore’s mind was unpleasant and though Theodore had seen a great many unpleasant things before, this he could not easily place away. How great his agony must have been and how deep his anger.

“I have never seen him angry before,” Theodore said quietly, taking a sip of his whiskey and revelling in the warmth that rushed down his throat and into his chest.

“As I said before, a great shadow had been cast over Galean,” Lier replied darkly. “When news of Lagman’s death had spread, Galean went into hiding in the north living among tribes until such a time as he could show himself again.”

“I understand now why he cannot face Lagmar.”

“Indeed, for not even Galean is strong enough for Lagmar,” Lier said, his eyes sparkling as the candles flickered.

“What made him come around from such darkness?” Theodore asked curiously.

“I believe time amongst his own people and the tribe of his mother helped to heal some of his wounds,” Lier said warmly. “The problems of his own Kingdom gave him something to focus on.”

“Why did he return to earth?”

“He is the heir to Meer and Eveline to Calnuthe, he felt honour bound to make sure she was alive and well,” Lier said with a faint smile. “He has always in some strange way felt akin to her, the hope of Calnuthe rests in her hands if she wishes to reclaim her throne.”

Theodore felt a sting of jealousy course through him at Lier’s words. Galean’s commitment to Eveline should not have affected him so, but underneath his rationale being he felt himself protective of his wife, not wanting to share her with anyone else, even Galean who had himself stated that he had no heart with which to part.

“I believe you are married to Eveline?” Lier asked gently, noticing a wave of distress passing his eyes.

“Yes we married before I was stationed in Kent,” Theodore said with a smile, the memory of that day coming back to him, giving his mind, soul and heart relief.

“She has only ever been a figure shrouded in mystery,” Lier muttered as another group of fighter planes soared over head. “What is she like if I may be so bold as to enquire?”

“She is like anyone of us,” Theodore began, letting his eyelids fall so that he could picture ever more clearly. “She is beautiful to look upon, her eyes a delicate shade of gold and her hair a deep auburn. She is very much like her mother in looks and nature, yet has a great many qualities that mirror her father.”

“Her mother was indeed fair to all those fortunate enough to lay eyes upon her,” Lier said quietly. “It is sad how unfortunate her life had been.”

“Indeed but she found happiness in the end, despite her cruel death,” Theodore added, the image of Eveline fading away.

“I am afraid that the universe stands upon the brink of war, that we are now taking in a deep breathe before the battle cry rings from every corner, causing even the sun to shudder in response.”

“We have always been at war,” Theodore said quietly.

“That we have,” Lier smiled. “But we have been skirting around the real battle that is to come soon.”

“Have you ever fought in any earthly wars Lier?” Theodore asked his mentor with raised brows.

“Indeed, the last war that I partook in was the second Schleswig War in 1864,” Lier answered, rising from his chair and pacing the room, stopping to look outside his window, his eyes upon the sky filled with a red tinge. “I fought at the battle of Dybbol.”

“Who did you fight for?”

“I fought for the Danish,” Lier said quietly, his back turned to Theodore. He had fought in many wars, but the battle of Dybbol had in his eyes been the worst. Never had death affected him so. For years afterwards, the cries of young men severed, bloodied and alone filled his nights. “Still it haunts my dreams.”

“Galean and I took part in the First World War and I never have truly recovered,” Theodore admitted. “But this war that rages on, touching ever corner of the earth has cut me deeply. That man can so easily do away with human life still pains me.”

“That is a flaw we all bare,” Lier lectured, turning to Theodore who had his head within the palms of his hands. “We each have the capacity to destroy.”

“I have known bloody battles, but instead of sabres and muskets we now have rifles, aeroplanes, tanks and bombs. The capacity to kill outside the limitations of a battle ground has evolved to such an extent that whole cities can be vanquished and destroyed overnight.”

“No matter the strides made in human technology, our own powers possessed by our kin and the fallen will always outwit any human invention,” Lier said with a note of despair. “For our enemies power evolves too in ways that mere humans could not ever imagine.”

“I try to imagine what a universal war will look like and I find I cannot,” Theodore replied, setting his empty glass of whiskey down upon Theodore’s table.

“We must venture through the valley of darkness before the sun rises and gives birth to a new day.”

Theodore lay awake until the sun began to rise over London, its skies filled with black smoke, evidence of the nights raids. The day had finally come for Lier and Theodore to make their way to St Barnes Cemetery which lay to the south east of Oxford, where Lier lived. Theodore had not seen or been in the company of demons for many years and found himself nervous at the prospect. He was well endowed with angelic gifts for which he had in the last ten years been privately getting accustomed too. Still he knew that he was no match for Lagmar and he needed time to re acquaint himself with his real being, Cael, before he re-acquainted himself with his old enemies. After breakfast Theodore was handed a letter from his mother and retired to the study to read its contents. When he had read the letter and placed it within his pocket he made for the living room and found Lier, stooping over a large table filled with weapons.

“I see you have received a letter from you mother, how is she?” Lier asked as he picked up a silver knife, holding it up to the light.

“Mother will be leaving directly for Bath in a weeks’ time,” Theodore replied, his hands skimming the beautiful blades.

“Well that is only one week in which to wait,” Lier said, dropping his glasses from the nook of his nose and looking across at Theodore.

“Yes I suppose your right.”

“And Galean?”

“The letter was written a few days ago, he had not arrived,” Theodore muttered as he picked up a small dagger.

“Good, now I think we need to go over our plan before we leave don’t you?”

Lier and Theodore spent the morning re assessing their plan to eavesdrop on a meeting between Lagmar and his followers in the quiet and undisturbed cemetery.

“If anything should happen, you must get away as quickly as possible,” Lier explained over lunch. “You are not yet strong enough to fight any demon and so you must leave that to me understand?”

“If we should find ourselves in a compromising situation I would rather stay with you and aid you so that we both may come out of it unscathed,” Theodore said with serious eyes.

“I applaud your honourable words, but I am much older and wiser than you young Cael,” Lier replied sitting forward and laying a hand upon Theodore. “If I tell you to flee you do so without hesitation. Promise me.” Theodore looked into Lier’s eyes wanting to rebuff him, but he saw the authority and strength that lay behind his iris and knew that Lier was being serious.

“I promise,” Theodore whispered.

“This is not about being a martyr this is about you being alive in order to protect your wife which is more important than you giving up your life for me,” Lier said quietly, sitting back in his chair.

“Every life counts,” Theodore mumbled.

“I would think you a fool if you believed such folly, the lives of innocent cannot count if Eveline is killed,” Lier said hauntingly. “Therefore to give up my life so that others may live is a cause I support.”

“You shall not die,” Theodore retorted sourly. “We will keep ourselves hidden from view, nothing shall come of our being there.”

“Well then there is nothing more to discuss, we leave at five on the dot, it should take us an hour or so to reach the cemetery,” Lier said evenly, finishing his cup of tea. “Now I am going to have a nap in my study. If you need me then knock on the door before you enter. Oh and Theodore?” Lier turned from the door of the kitchen to face Theodore.

“Yes?”

“You may want to stock up on some weapons,” Lier smiled. “And also maybe stop looking so glum, all things must come to pass.” With that he walked away and left Theodore to his own thoughts. He was worried about Eveline, worried that she was ill and he was not there to offer her the support and love she needed. With a sombre sigh, a mixture of both exhaustion and tension, Theodore rose from the table and made for the living room.

*

Lier and Theodore, both dressed in suits of black that lay under heavy black coats, sat in Lier’s car heading south to St Barnes Cemetery. As they drove through the centre of London they gazed upon the destroyed buildings, many still engulfed in flames.

“I’m sure a part of you yearns to be in the skies,” Lier said as he puffed on his pipe, the smoke escaping through his window which had been turned down slightly. Theodore, his head turned away from Lier smiled.

“I had been living a very different life before Galean re appeared.”

“You must feel burdened by the thought of not being with your squadron.”

“Yes,” Theodore said quietly, his eyes upon a group of soldiers that were among a larger group of volunteers who were clearing up debris from the road.

“You are guarding them from a greater threat than the Germans,” Lier said softly trying to put Theodore’s mind at ease.

“I hope so.”

Lier had been perfectly aware of Theodore’s lack of sleep and less than happy façade. He had tried in vain to council his young angel and to bring him some relief but it seemed to Lier that Theodore’s heart and mind were greatly troubled and he did not have the power in which to tend to his troubles. During the rest of the journey the duo remained silent until they finally stopped before the old cemetery, abandoned and quiet. Lier parked his black Austin Cambridge car away from the cemetery knowing that for all its isolation it would be under strict observation. When eventually they had stopped, both Lier and Theodore waited patiently, their high collars raised to shield their faces and their hats titled down over their eyes.

“They will congregate here at preciously mid night,” Lier said as he took a flask of tea from a basket.

“We will enter by the eastern gate,” Theodore added, reiterating their well detailed plan.

“Yes quite,” Lier smiled as he wiped back a lock of greying hair behind his ear. Lier had brought with them papers and books to fill in the time until eventually the sun set and mid night came, with the passing of more German and British planes over head. Quietly both men got out of the car and made their way up the side street until eventually they stood at the corner of the road that separated the cemetery from themselves. “We need to get into position before they arrive,” Lier whispered, the rim of his hat hiding his vivid blue eyes.

“We should cross now when the street is empty,” Theodore added, stepping out onto the road. A firm grasp held him back.

“No that would leave us prey to any shadows that are observing the gates for intruders.”

Theodore nodded and stood back against the wall with Lier until a group of women and men came about, nearing them on the opposite side.

“Cross when that bus passes,” Lier whispered firmly. A London bus passed by quickly, giving Lier and Theodore little time in which to cross the street and join the group of young women and male soldiers. When eventually they joined the group, the stood close by to the young men and women before slipping off through the eastern gate and into the darkly isolated cemetery. When they entered the gate, both men felt a sting upon their skin.

“What was that?” Theodore whispered as they took a turn off the path and into the heavy mass of twisted trees that hung over the heads of graves, broken, bent and aged.

“I don’t know,” Lier said seriously, his mind searching for answers. “Whatever it was, it was magic.”

“Do you think they have put a spell upon the gates warning them of intruders?” Theodore asked they headed deeper into the abyss.

“I cannot be sure, whatever that was we must make sure to keep ourselves hidden and quiet,” Lier said, lifting his index finger to the curves of his cold lips, silencing Theodore from any more questions. It had obviously rained the night before as the cemetery was awash with a pungent smell of decaying vegetation. Theodore and Lier made sure to keep their eyes on the ground beneath them, any sound created by their feet could place them in a vulnerable position. At what seemed an age to Theodore, the men finally made it to the meeting place which lay at the very core of the cemetery. Together the hid behind a statue of a decapitated angel and looked out over the centre of the cemetery where a great statue of a cross lay atop the tomb of the Hedgman family which happened to be opposite another grand tomb in which a George William Lancaster was buried. Theodore found his gaze settle upon the latter which was a most impressive tomb. It was comprised of a large female angel in bronze, with roses upon her skirts, leaning over in mourning. Lier followed his gaze.

“Interesting man,” he whispered into Theodore’s ear. Theodore turned to Lier. “He was a successful miner who had quite a dramatic personal life. Louisa Mary Lancaster who is buried with him happened not to be his legal wife, for he was already married to another Mrs Lancaster.”

“Interesting,” Theodore mumbled, his hands upon the two daggers that were neatly shielded within leather pouches inside his coat.

“I’m sure you remember a great many stories from the nineteenth century.”

“Indeed I do,” Theodore smiled before hushing Lier as the sound of feet echoed around them. Firmly out of sight, Lier and Theodore drew themselves down to the wet and muddied ground below them, quiet and unmoving as the cemetery began to fill with men and women dressed as normal citizens, no hint of their true persona on show. Quietly Lier and Theodore each peered round the edge of the tomb and watched on in silence as the men and women encircled the great Hedgman tomb, awaiting their master. The air about them became still and the temperature dropped so much so that Lier and Theodore could visibly see their own breathe causing them to become alarmed. Both wanted to turn from their positions on the ground but found that they could not, not when Lagmar had made himself visible, appearing from nowhere to stand upon the tomb, his pale body covered with dark robes. Many writers, poets and theologians each had their own view as what a demon looked like, many beheld them as beautiful and seduction others as monstrous and dark. To Theodore and his kin, demons were both beautiful and monstrous. Men would flee before a physically monstrous looking demon but would be seduced by a beautiful demon in possession of a seductive tongue.

Theodore had only ever once laid eyes upon the fearful Lagmar, who stood at least a foot taller than he. He was thousands of years older than Theodore and it showed not in the way one would expect, he did not slouch and he was not covered in wrinkles, his skin aged and dying. No, Lagmar was tall, strong and defiant. Not many demons could equal his strength but for his master Lagar and his son Heidan who was equally alike his half-sister in looks but not nature. Lagmar, his feet bare jumped down from the top of the tomb almost as though flying with elegance, until he stood within the centre of the group. Suddenly the shadows bowed before Lagmar, their knees touching the wet grass as their heads were swept low, nearly touching the ground. Above them a full moon hung over the cemetery, casting a silvery glow upon the shadows and headstones. About them, Theodore could hear the cries of ravens as they began to flock to the bare trees, squawking loudly, each bowing to their master. Lier turned to look at Theodore, a feeling akin to fear passing over him as he pointed upwards to the branches that hung over them. Theodore looked up and saw a great raven above them, not yet aware of their presence. A tidal surge of fear flooded Theodore, their plan whatever it had been could not possibly survive tonight. They had weakly forgotten to account for other beasts that shared in the same master as the shadows below.

“Children of darkness, with whom do you serve?” Lagmar announced coldly, his red eyes upon the group of men and women.

“We serve Lagar, our Lord and master,” they replied in unison, raising themselves from the ground to stand tall before Lagmar.

“This night as the moon reaches its height of fullness and the skies of London burn we come in receipt of news, gladly received by our master that the granddaughter of Heiden lives.” The cemetery was still and quiet as Lagmar paced around the circle of shadows. “And to account for the whereabouts of Celestine, I have for us a guest. Bring her forward Belem,” Lagmar announced loudly. Theodore removed his eyes from the demon and followed the direction of his index finger. From behind a tomb came the figure of Belem, known as the child snatcher. Tall, dark and terrifying, Belem walked towards the group with a figure, clocked hovering in mid-air behind him. Theodore watched as members of the group split to allow Belem to enter the circle with the ‘guest’. A coldness fell over Theodore as he watched on. Belem fell before Lagmar and bowed. Lagmar in return bent his head and kissed Belem’s forehead. Belem drew himself up and turned to the lifeless body. With a swift wave of his hand the cloak was flung from the body of the lifeless guest, revealing their identity to the group. Theodore gripped the decapitated angels body with his fingers as he beheld his dearest friend Jophiel, her body lifeless before Belem and Lagmar. Without a word, Lier grabbed onto Theodore, restraining him.

“You may awaken her,” Lagmar announced, standing away from Belem as he stepped towards the body of Jophiel. Belem stepped closer to Jophiel, until his mouth was upon her neck. With a grunt he dug his teeth into her neck, awakening her from the spell that been cast over her body. With a painful cry, Jophiel awoke, her body crashing to the ground beneath, winding her upon impact. Belem stood away from Jophiel and took his place among the circle of shadows that hissed loudly at her presence. Theodore watched on in horror as his oldest friend rolled onto her knees and dragged herself up onto her feet, her face bruised and swollen. She looked around her and shivered, her eyes finally coming to rest upon Lagmar.

“You do not frighten me Lagmar,” she said loudly, her trembling words betraying her fear. Theodore shuddered, his eyes filling with tears. He had spent a great amount of time with Jophiel and counted her as his best friend, his greatest confident and at one time his greatest love. Lier understood how Theodore felt in that moment but knew that they could not reveal themselves, if Celestine was to survive and so he kept an arm about Theodore, restraining him against his need to save Jophiel.

“Then why do you tremble so,” Lagmar hissed, coming to stand before her, tall and fearless. With a hiss he stroked her cheek, smiling as she clenched.

“You will get nothing from me demon!” she said loudly her eyes bright and firm.

“Such gallantry, such bravery, you always were a mockery of courage Jophiel, but nobody seems to have the heart to tell you,” Lagmar replied coldly, edging his face inwards so that their noses met. “But I will.” With a swiftness Lagmar brought Jophiel to her knees with a thundering blow to her head. Blood gushed from Jophiels mouth as she found herself spinning inwardly, her body falling beneath her. As she lay upon the ground, she caught sight of a man familiar to her and blinked. Cael. Cael was their hiding behind a tomb. Jophiel closed her eyes in sadness, she had not seen him in so long, not since they had parted under bad terms. Both had come to love one another strongly, until Cael’s commission had come and he had chosen Celestine over her, leaving her behind, broken and lost. “I said get up!” Lagmar’s voice suddenly hit her like a thunderbolt and she found her focus upon the demon once again. With a wave of his hand she found herself standing on the spot once more, her body drenched with blood and pain. Belem had forced her to drink a poison that had frozen all of her powers, leaving her alone and defenceless. “Now that’s better,” Lagmar lay an arm about Jophiel and forced her forwards until she stood at the centre of the circle once again. “Jophiel as well known by many of us here has a special bond with the angel Cael. Cael was one of two angels designated to retrieve Celestine from Calnuthe, bringing her here to earth, isn’t that right Jophiel?” Lagmar asked, sending a blow to her abdomen causing her to cry out.

“Yes!”

“So evidently Jophiel will know where the child is,” Lagmar went on, now pacing about the circle. “But as we all know, Jophiel is strong and courageous, she will not openly tell us where her lover and the child are.” Lagmar mocked, his head falling back as he laughed out loud causing the rest of the shadows to follow suite. A stab of guilt and remorse reached Theodore in the pit of his soul as he watched his closest friend and once lover fall prey to the evil of Lagmar. Jophiel was strong and courageous, but he knew she was no match for Lagmar. “As to the other angel that followed Cael, we all know his name,” Lagmar turned suddenly to Jophiel and whispered with venom in his voice. “Galean.” Jophiel cried pitifully, her eyes finding Theodore’s, holding his gaze for the briefest of moments before turning them away, protecting him. “Galean, the angel and heir. Galean whose fate has since the dawn of time been ever bound to Celestine. They are one of the same. Would you care to reiterate the prophecy of the great love that will vanquish all Belem,” Lagmar laughed, standing back to give Belem space. Belem stepped forward, his eyes on Jophiel for a moment before turning away.

“Two hearts, bound by fate and time shall cast a great light across all seven corners of the universe. Under the tree of life they shall come, sipping from the fountaint of time, binding themselves to one another. Together they shall become one and one shall overcome all that stands in the way of the light. Together they will vanquish darkness and reign glorious forever more, never to be parted or broken.”

Theodore fell back at the unheard prophecy. Lier aware of such a prophecy sighed quietly, seeing the anguish fall over Theodore’s face.

“Go on,” Lagmar urged Belem. “For that is not all.” Theodore lay himself against the back of the stone and closed his eyes tightly.

“Yet fate is not easily cemented if bend it must, for Man will try to part what does not belong to him, breaking the bond of eternity, cursing the light to forever live in chains, bound to the everlasting darkness.”

Jophiel bent over her broken body and tried in vain to muff her cries as she listened to the prophecy. Belem stood back, standing within the circle once more as Lagmar stood forward, as though addressing the greater audience within the cemetery.

“I wonder who could possess such power over the two lovers?” he exclaimed, turning his eyes to the decapitated angel. Theodore felt his gaze upon him and trembled, looking to Lier for help. Lier sat still, his face expressionless. “Come out come out wherever you are,” Lagmar teased as the raven above Theodore and Lier’s head squawked wickedly almost laughing at the pair, now cowering behind the tomb in fear. Lier took Theodore’s arm abruptly.

“Stay here, whatever you do, do not budge!” he said sternly. “Promise me?”

“No!” Theodore whispered hotly.

“If you wish to see Jophiel and your wife alive then you will do me this one last favour,” Lier said with pleading eyes. “Please,” he begged as he rose to his feet. Theodore, fighting the urge to disobey his mentor unwillingly shook his head. “Remember, fate always has a reason for changing its mind.” With those last memorable words, Lier stood away from the tomb and walked forward towards the shadows and Lagmar who stood still, watching him as he strode towards him, unwavering.

“Ah the old keeper of London. What a delight to see you on such a fine night Lier,” Lagmar announced clearly as the circle of shadows opened to allow Lier to enter.

“Your tongue does not avail me, Lagmar, demon of fire!” Lier proclaimed loudly, his body suddenly stretching as though he had been transformed. Theodore clung to the tomb and watched on, still fighting the urge to step away from the shadows to reveal himself.

“Shall we put it to the test?” Lagmar said, his voice now raised to such a tempo that it began to pain the inside of Lier’s head, causing him to lose his footing and fall before Jophiel, whose own head was now pressed firmly in the palms of her hands as she battled against the high pitched squeal. Theodore curled up as the world about him faded away, the pain so intense he felt as though he would be forcefully sick. All at once a white light drenched the cemetery and Lagmar’s voice faded away. When the light faded, Theodore turned and searched for Lier. The keeper of London stood tall, his wings of light now unmasked for all to see.

“Be gone creature of the dark!” he ordered, pushing Jophiel away. Jophiel understood what her old mentor was doing and quickly before the light faded, ran away to find shelter. Theodore watched Jophiel scurry away under the cover of light and quickly stepped away from the tomb, running through the thicket of trees, searching for her. With a heavy thud they ran into one another and without thinking, Jophiel wrapped her arms about Theodore and clung to him. Theodore held Jophiel, resting his chin upon her dark curls, his gaze now directed at Lier. Theodore dragged Jophiel to safety behind a tree.

“Shush you must stay silent!” he ordered roughly.

“It is a trap!” Jophiel cried out. “They already know where Celestine is!”

“How? How is it a trap?” Theodore whispered quickly, as Lagmar revealed his terrifying wings of fire, throwing Lier to the ground.

“I don’t know!” Jophiel cried, her body shaking violently beneath him. “They had a man in the same cellar as mine by the name of William Drake.”

“William? He died…,” Theodore said through gritted teeth, the memory of their plane being struck and William dying.

“No, no he wasn’t dead,” Jophiel said through muffled tears. “They found him and tortured him.”

“Where is he now?” Theodore asked Jophiel as an agonising cry erupted from Lier.

“He is dead,” Jophiel whispered softly, now standing before Theodore. “They killed him this morning.” Theodore felt rage, raw and white run through him and turned, preparing to launch himself at Lagmar.

“No!” Jophiel cried out, restraining him. “No! He wants us to escape!”

“I’m not leaving him here to die!” Theodore raged, trudging his way past Jophiel. At once, Theodore was thrown backwards by Lier, his body hitting a tree and falling. Jophiel crawled over to Theodore and picked him up.

“I know you want to help Lier, but I promised him that I would get you out of here!” she cried out, lifting Theodore onto his feet. Harshly she clasped his face and forced him to look into her eyes. “We must leave now!” she said, forcing him to walk away from the cemetery. As they quietly walked through the trees, Theodore looked back once more and saw Lagmar standing over Lier. “Cael quick!” Jophiel cried out, forcing him into a run. Theodore suddenly found focus and urged himself onwards, finding the eastern gate and exiting, leaving the cemetery and Lier behind. Together Jophiel and Theodore crossed the road, under cover of darkness. With shaking hands, Theodore found Lier’s car and opened it, getting in. Jophiel ran to the other side and slid into the passenger seat, her eyes wide with terror. Without speaking, Theodore started the engine.

“Are we not to wait for Lier?” Jophiel asked shyly, blood dripping from her mouth.

“We cannot stay here,” Theodore pointed towards two men who were hurrying themselves across the street, headed in their direction. “Lier can meet us back in Oxford, if he makes it that is,” Theodore said coldly, unable to look at Jophiel. With a loud screech the Austin Cambridge roared into life and sped down the street with Jophiel hanging on to the edge of her seat.

*

“Here,” Theodore said, bringing in a bowl of luke warm water and cloths. Jophiel was sitting down upon the leather chair by the unlit fire, unable to speak the shock of the last two days suddenly dripping into her psyche. Theodore seeing the shock in her face decided to keep his mouth shut and to help his old friend who was badly beaten. Quietly he knelt before her and peeled her hands away from her face.

“Should we not light the fire so that the house is warm for Lier when he returns?” Jophiel whispered, her green eyes upon Theodore’s.

“No, if I am correct in my thinking then I should think that Lagmar’s shadows will know we are here,” Theodore replied kindly, dipping a soft cloth into the water now saturated with anti-septic liquid. Jophiel kept quiet, biting down on her lip as Theodore attended to the cuts on her face. Much lay between the friends, unable to raise their eyes to one another. The atmosphere was tense and filled with uncertainty. “There, I will run you a bath and find you a change of clothes.”

“Thank you,” Jophiel whispered as Theodore walked off into the darkness, leaving her alone with her thoughts. They had known one another for over a century, both assigned to London to work under the tutorage of Lier, keeper of the city. Together with their friends, Ada, Bram and Peter they worked together to keep the citizens of London safe from shadows. What began as friendship had over the course of a century turned to love. Cael and Jophiel had come to love on another at a time when the universe converged forcing them apart. She had known the dreams Cael had harboured, specifically to serve Gabriel. When the commission came she left London and Cael, not wanting him to choose between herself and the commission, hoping that he would refuse. He didn’t and she had been broken, hiding away from her kin in Scotland, carving out a solidary life for herself, crippled by heart ache and loneliness. It had been Lier that had found her and brought her back to London nursing her back to health. She had heard of Theodores return and of the transformation he had undergone to protect Celestine and in vain had hoped that in time he would come back to her. Theodore had never returned and her heart had never fully healed. Under the torture of Belem she learned of Theodore’s marriage to Celestine and did not care for life any longer, wishing Belem would end her existence, the pain too deep to create drawing breathe.

“Jophiel?” came a familiar voice. Jophiel lifted her tear stained eyes and found Theodore. “Are you alright?”

“Has the bath been drawn?” Jophiel asked quickly getting to her feet.

“Yes, I have left a change of clothes beside your towels,” Theodore replied standing to side as she passed him by.

“Thank you,” Jophiel whispered as she walked by Theodore, leaving the room. Making for the stairs Jophiel heard a loud thud that came from outside causing her to stop and turn towards the door. Theodore strode past her silently and stood before the door taking in a deep breathe before opening it. As the door opened, time suddenly slowing Jophiels gaze fell to the dead and bloodied body of Lier, crumpled up before the door. Theodore fell to their mentor’s side. Jophiel quickly stepped around Theodore and the lifeless body of Lier and found herself faced with a shadow, standing on the opposite side of the street, staring across at her. Quickly and without thinking, she bent down and took out a dagger from Lier’s jacket and made for the shadow.

“Jophiel no!” Theodore cried out as he watched Jophiel jump over the gate and run across the street. The shadow quickly turned and began to run, afraid of Jophiels wrath. Theodore looked down at Lier before rising and following Jophiel, running down the empty street after his old friend. As he came to a corner, he turned and found the shadow slumped against the wall a dagger in his heart. Jophiels right hand was upon the hilt of the dagger.

“That’s for Lier!” she cried out, digging the blade deeper into the shadows blackened heart. Theodore stood beside Jophiel and watched as the shadow’s body began to vanish leaving Jophiel on the ground, black blood running down her hand and arm. Her black hair was haggard and wild as she fell back onto the pavement and began to cry.

“Jophiel,” Theodore knelt down beside the overwrought Jophiel who was crying into her hands.

“He was all that I had,” she whispered quietly. “Everybody else left.”

“I’m here,” Theodore said quietly knowing that her reference was aimed at him. Jophiel shook Theodore away and got up onto her feet waiting for him to stand tall before her.

“Not for me Cael, never for me.” Jophiel turned and made her way back to the house, refusing to wait for Cael. When Theodore had eventually returned to Lier’s house he found Jophiel carrying in their mentors body.

“Let me.”

Theodore helped Jophiel to bring Lier into the living room, laying his lifeless body upon the floor.

“What do we do with him?” Jophiel asked, placing Lier’s bloodied dagger down upon the table.

“I will bury him, go and have your bath Jophiel,” Theodore replied quietly.

“Gabriel needs to be informed of what has happened,” Jophiel said, turning to Theodore, her eyes dry and unwavering. “We must find your wife.”

“I will inform Gabriel,” Theodore replied lucidly. “There is no need for you to travel north with me.”

“There is every need,” Jophiel said firmly. “You need all the help you can acquire. You should think about contacting, Ada, Bram and Peter.” With that she left the room and Theodore behind.




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