ISSUE 28: THE FOG OF MADNESS
The Bride of Chronos eh? That will be the day. I don’t think he has any basic physical compulsions. But I may be able to use her ambush against her. I will not suffer betrayal.—Thoth
From the Office of Defense: Curfew in Effect. After 8 pm, all residents are encouraged to stay indoors. The Legion of Tomorrow is investigating these Living Stone sightings. For your safety, shelter in place. Emergency Quarters have been provided for those who have no permanent residences in various cities. All travel from Earth and her Outer Sol colonies has been restricted unless for medical, governmental, or military purposes.
The Living Stone loved to come out at night. We found that they would try to invade people’s dreams so that’s why Sir Avalon had a working relationship with the Litari Dreamweavers to protect that aspect of the Weave. So many things are always tied back to the Ouros and the Weave. So not only did we have Thoth to contend with, we had hungry Soul Eaters via the Living Stone, alongside what Madame Mayhem wanted: Thoth as a futon. With Earth as the main course for her “husband.”—Sleeping In Starlight, a memoir of the 22nd century.
Within the Weave
The Manor of Mordred.
January 13th, 2103
Bel flexed her fingers. Her new outfit was identical to the old Madame Mayhem set up with a few new features. She grinned behind her mask. The Lord and Lady of Chains hovered outside her peripheral vision. Half-formed specters. She didn’t understand why this “Living Stone” listened to them. Not yet. She decided to call the sword Mortal Coil. Just to have something to call it plus it annoyed Mordred. He didn’t want to be reminded he was a mere construct or spiritual leaper within cold hard steel. The Lord intoned, “We grant you safe passage through our portions of the Weave. Nothing shall harm you.”
For now.
The unsaid threat remained. If she didn’t feed them, they would turn their eye to Earth completely. They had an uneasy truce with Unity. They wanted to understand the higher functions of soul-devouring. Bel just wanted to plunge this sword into Thoth’s heart. A muffled scream brought her back to the main event on the floor. This unfortunate Typherian had wandered far from home. Probably sent on some errand from the Commons. Bel had linked into INet to at least get a general idea. Someone no one would miss. The demi woman entertained the idea of snagging J’ino for the hell of it but that treat was far too guarded for now.
The bound alien’s eyes widened. Bel felt her push weakly at her mind but her new mask had some built-in defenses for that. She knelt by the helpless woman. Putting a finger to her lips. “Shhhhh…..”
The captive’s eyes went glassy as she rammed the sword into her gut.
Bel’s hosts chortled.
“Such a fine meal. Laced with dread.” The Lord’s eyes gleamed as some of the soul was siphoned from the Mortal Coil as payment. Mordred begrudged every minute of it.
Bel was surprised this Typherian didn’t have the usual potency of her kind. But then again, she didn’t know too much about their genetic lines, powers, or legacies. For all she knew she could have been far too reliant on her tech. Even with their new Uplifted stage status Earth only knew some basics of Typherian life. Of all the council races, the Litari were the most secretive. The Forgers and the Bardaxians were the most open. As far as culture went. Bel snorted. A good way to display your weakness. No wonder Chronos had gone after the Litari first. Those with the most to lose tended to hide nearly everything.
Mordred hissed, <
The Lord and Lady remained silent.
Waiting for the delicious feast.
They didn’t care how much Living Stone was lost. The Endless Night could assemble more if they needed it. This sleepy planet had no idea of the terror lurking. They didn’t even listen to their primordial tales.
New Ashbury Legion HQ
Downtown New Ashbury (Texas)
January 19th, 2104
Ritark chittered into Arthon’s coms, <
Lightbearer frowned, <
Ritark replied, <
Sul strode over to the holo display of the city. Cloaked in her usual garb. Her face was neutral. She was attempting to bottle up her opinions but her very silence accentuated it. Her other Council of Five members was present as well. Iresh was curled around the ceiling. Most Litari felt safer when rising above things. It would still be another day or two before more Dreamweavers arrived. So Sul wasn’t surprised she was hanging around some of the most powerful Earth demis. Watson had been promoted to Bardaxian Ambassador to Earth. The Basset Hound let out a few solid woofs as the disguised Markav scratched him behind his ears. J’ino was in a close discussion with her Forger counterpart, Ul’rek.
Sul caught Arthon’s gaze. Waved him over. “Any more advances on your project?”
He nodded. “I’ll keep you updated. He was glad Sul trusted him to research a way to break the sleeper conditioning. They couldn’t leave it to open channels so it was just referred to as his project. Watson ambled over to the doorway and his tail tick tocked slightly.
*****
I could hear the various heartbeats of who was beyond the doorway. My team along with the Council of Five were already assembled. Alongside the Mavericks. I opened it and picked Watson up, “Congratulations on your appointment dear boy.” He wiggled. Making himself more comfortable.
<
I winced slightly as the Throne Sight linked with my brother. He was cloaked behind J’ino. I still wasn’t used to the power draw of it. While in Banner mode I decided it was best to make sure to remind myself that Mom was in official capacity here. Dexter’s voice reached out. Through that void.
It will take time. Black says we should practice some meditation every day and just examine Earth bit by bit with it.
Iresh floated down to curl around my neck. “Yes, this will do. I will stay under your cape for a while. I have a feeling you will find the Living Stone sooner rather than later.” Golden Bulleteer hid his smile quicker than most could see but I got a piece of it. I replied, “Well let's get down to business. The faster we find these breaches the better.”
I felt a great burst of relief filling the room. Most of it was coming from Ritark’s mother. She added, linking to my communication’s net, <
The undercurrent of rage cut deeply. She had lost someone to this nightmare.
I asked, <
She nodded.
I glanced at her with Throne Sight.
Her voice was a tightly controlled thing, <
The thought filled me with unease.
How long had Uplift been compromised?
Not just by current events but at the foundations?
J’ino’s spike of worry added to the disquiet. She was thinking along the same lines.
*****
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Arthur Evans Oakfield screamed. It woke the Great Dane sleeping at the foot of the bed. He barked and pawed at his master. Robert knew it was the Living Stone. He scrambled to the window. Dispersing the foul creatures as they peered through the closed windows. So many of them. The dog howled. Which caused the whole neighborhood to fill with the voices of dogs. Each added to the cacophony. The gremlins of living stone hissed and faded back into the Weave.
He saw a giant crow land on the window sill, “Help is coming.”
It flew away. Its wings filling him with hope.
The Morrigan herself had come to see him!
*****
The world around me was filled with flames. Bright purple and achingly hot.
Iresh’s memories.
These flames weren’t natural. She swirled around the ruined farmstead. Seeing nothing but ash. Even on a planet of eternal darkness, these things weren’t supposed to be here. Her voice called out, “ELDER!”
No response but the howling of the wind. Her eyes blistered but she continued onward.
She could see the bloody tracks leading to the mountains. She followed.
A ghost within the dark.
Her mentor’s life force was ebbing. Those prints weren’t Litari but of Living Stone!
The mountain trembled.
A giant monster wreathed in purple fire and chains grinned at her, “More for us? Such a delicious universe. “ Her mentor let out a battle cry, “FLEE YOU FOOL!” He wrapped himself around the creature. Using the last bit of his strength to hurl it away. “Warn everyone! The Endless Night has found us!”
I blinked.
The vision had only been moments but it was as if no time passed here.
<
My question troubled Iresh. Her voice was hesitant, <
I turned the Throne Sight to the Weave encircling our solar system.
It quivered and pushed me downward. At first, I didn’t know what I was looking at. Then a familiar landmass took shape.
I blurted out, “We have to get to England. Now.”
J’ino nodded, tapping her “guard” on the shoulder. “Since Iresh will be with you, her safety is paramount, take D’kari.” A more personal message was added.
>>This is going to get ugly. The Living Stone will be attracted to her. Please be careful.<<
I nodded, “Thank you, Ambassador.”
>>Right back at you space lady.<<
Arthon stepped forward, “The Redeemers are with you.”
*****
Arthur rubbed his eyes. They were bloodshot. The nightmares were getting worse. Robert snuffed at him. Letting out a low rumbling growl of concern. At least Arthur imagined it was a concerned tone. His coffee was bitter on his lips. Plus it was like walking on eggshells around town. Like no one was getting good rest. The Americans were reporting incidents of “Dream Stealers” and animated Stone monsters. He was thinking there might be something to that. The new curfew was for people’s protection. There was something to be said of old wives' tales. Might have more to it. He picked up the morning headlines. His eyes going to the big bold letters of, “Keep your dogs close.” He rubbed Roberts's ears. “Indeed I will!” The Dane barked. He eyed his 4 footed protector. “What do you think Robert? Can you see this Living Stone?”
One bark.
“You sure?”
One bark. Plus a paw made itself known on his right knee.
He felt foolish.
“Can you understand me, boy?”
One bark.
He let out a small yelp as the door came off its hinges.
A stone snake hissed at him. Its hood flared out.
Robert growled deep within his chest and put himself between Arthur and his foe.
*****
My blood ran cold as I saw the snakes heading towards the house. Iresh was right on the money. Her fury building by the minute. I landed. Holding myself an inch off the ground. We needed the element of surprise. There was one snake already in the house. I could see the outline of a dog and one other occupant. His signature was odd though. Like I was seeing things through layers of glass. I motioned to Arthon.
He saluted and sprung the surprise.
*****
Arthur winced as a horrid noise echoed throughout his humble abode. What was that bloody racket? The snake thing wasn’t amused either. Its hood shuddered and it hissed. “Give us the sword!” Its voice was a low raspy sound that Arthur found repugnant. He grabbed his staff. Mostly he used it as a hiking stick but it was still better than nothing.
Robert crouched down. Baring his fangs.
Then let out a happy bark as green energy, in the form of a fist, grabbed the reptile, and hurled it outside.
Friends were here!
Just like the Morrigan promised!
*****
I circled the house. Finding more stone snakes and winged monstrosities. There were dozens of things. I subvocalized to the team, <
Iresh hit them with a dream wave resonance and all of them turned their soulless eyes in my direction. “How about something bigger on the menu boys!” I winked at them. Two gargoyles spit acid at me as I guided them all away from the house and the Township of Kent.
Dexter was on my heels. They hadn’t taken any notice of him. The Weave was wrapped around him like a second cloak. The roar of the sea filled my senses as we came upon a jagged cliffside. The lead gargoyle screeched. “Give us the SWORD!” So they could sense Excalibur’s presence. While it had been hidden inside me I had to use it to escape the Unity morass. The largest snake shot out at me, “We will kill the Wielder!” Oh goodie. Well as long as they thought me the target, that was better for Mr. Oakfield. Dexter tore the stone apart with sheer physicality and some added assistance from the Weave.
I reached out and grappled with the lead Gargoyle. Its claws dug into my arms. Trying to get at my heart. Some of its digits broke off with the attempt. So they weren’t powered by magic as I knew it. Otherwise, my blood would have been flowing from any attack. My brother touched my mind, >>You could have asked me. They are fragments of corrupted Weave. Mixed in with something I am having trouble Identifying. But I get it. Keep them occupied a bit longer.<<
He knew me pretty well. I was still terrified by the level of hurt I could output on people. Dexter had a harder edge than I did. I shook my head. Woolgathering could get me in trouble. I focused on putting more pressure on the creature’s neck until my brother’s Weave tendrils sucked it up. He had managed to separate the corrupted Weave from the animated stone. We repeated this process with all the snakes. One even managed to scream, “We are the Endless Night!” It spitted more voracious fluids at me. I dodged it easily. As it hit the grass, the brown liquid faded. Iresh murmured, “It is very dangerous for anyone with any amount of soul to get hit with it. Always dodge. Do not let on your skin or uniform. It will burrow.”
I pinged Doc over the team com net, <
No response.
I focused in on her heartbeat.
It was steady but I was worried.
Dexter and I rushed back to the scene. The house was encased. My brother pressed a palm to the barrier. “It is not of the Endless Night. It’s coming from Arthur. They are being tested.” That slim connection between Excalibur and myself was brimming with excitement.
There will be a rebirth. The sword was certain of it.
I sprang up into the air and hovered.
Keeping an overwatch for more trouble.
*****
Arthur knew he was grinning like a schoolboy. The Golden Redeemers themselves had shown up to save him. He held out a hand. Greeting everyone. Robert barked and thumped his tail when Doctor Impossible bestowed many fond pats upon the Great Dane.
He went to the doorway. His mouth dropping open in surprise. “Mr. Lightbearer? We aren’t in England anymore I think.” All of them rushed to the door and just stared. A landscape of timeless beauty and verdant greens greeted them. A woman with a shimmering white gown curtsied. “Welcome Arthur and friends. To the Isle of Avalon. This time, it is you who will assist the Wielder.” Doc tried to raise Star on the com net but only static echoed. She focused on the Typherian bond instead. A flash of images swirled around her.
She concentrated hard. One word came back.
Guinevere.
Lorain almost blurted out Eliza’s name but held back. The stately woman came over and drew Impossible out into the fields in front of the displaced house. She put a finger to her own lips and smiled, “A notable secret yes but in time the world will receive more Starlight than it can handle.” Lorain asked the Queen, “So you know who Star really is? Us as well?”
Guinevere nodded, “Indeed. For now, we must help Arthur reclaim something else that is lost to him, his armor.”
The Englishman bowed. “Armor? For me? I’m just some rugby player on the side. No demi ability and my noble companion is Sir Robert, of the Danes!”
She smiled with a tenderness that would have normally made Arthur very nervous but with her, it seemed natural. As if she was an old friend. “As the Banner found another aspect of Life’s mysteries, so shall you. All of you. TO face the Endless Night, you will be all tested.”
Arthon and Eddie glanced at each other. Then they both stated, “We are the Knights of the Round Table!” The Queen giggled. The noise was as if bells were ringing. “Indeed brave knights. Who knows, you might find more than you needed.” She touched Impossible’s forehead, “Even you will find new strength. Your Banner will need that in the times ahead.”
She kissed Cooper and Robert on their heads, “Your journey is set noble seekers. Guide them well.”
The Bardaxian and Earth K-9 barked in unison. She waved and the green trees and bright sun faded. The landscape was hostile, bitter, and cold. The wind howled. Her voice was a faint reverberation. “You must face 7 trials. The first is fear.”
Lorain reached out for her Typherian bond again. Star’s steady heartbeat and good cheer wrapped Impossible up in a warm blanket. She saw the others within the group marshall their thoughts. Cooper and Robert took point. Their paws leaving no trace upon the blasted ground.
Arthon knew fear.
He would stay strong for his friends. Without Star here it fell to him to lead them. He wouldn’t fail. He would learn. Find how to fight corruption. It would help him free the sleepers. His footfalls were muddled at every step they took turned the world darker and bleaker. Until they came upon an ancient castle. Its fortifications crumbling. He could feel the pressure of silent eyes all around them. He reached out and the gate creaked open.
*****
The Hanged Man gibbered in the dark of the pirate ship hold.
They had set up a separate sleeping area for him.
Since his night terrors had become inconvenient.
“The sword in the stone. The stone corrupted. Devour the heart of Earth.”
He shouted, spittle running down his beard. “THE SEEKERS AWAKEN!”
*****
Bel hefted the Philosopher's stone. It was a common enough jewel. A very deceptive simplicity. With this, she would create more Living Stone enslaved to her will. She would sing its songs and lead it from the Lord and Lady. All would burn for the Bride of Chronos.
The skyline of New Ashbury was calm and bright.
No protectors guarded its walls.
Her blue eyes were as dead as the void of space.
“I do believe I'll start here. Breaking the Banner’s city will be quite entertaining.”
*****
General Murphy’s coms beeped. In a very specific sequence.
Bel was here for his city. He waved his team over.
The Mavericks were ready. He sent a silent prayer of thanks to Taleer and Highmaker. Even though they hid the sleeping population of Markav they still went as all out as they could to protect their allies. He would repay them in full one day. Maybe something within the Golden City could help.