The Angel Read online

  Caspian scoffed.

  ‘What?’ Oscar asked.

  Realising he’d made the noise not in his head but out loud, he began to cough in attempt to cover it. Clenching his fist and slamming it lightly against his chest, he cleared his throat.

  ‘Just a bit of a cough. Nothing to worry about.’

  ‘I hope you’re not getting sick,’ Oscar commented before continuing on down the stairs.

  ‘Sick of her that’s for sure,’ Caspian muttered to himself before following after him.

  Loki already sat at the head of her councils table when Caspian and Oscar entered. Her face was neutral, and her long, dark hair was pulled back, exposing the thick, black tattoos down the right side of her face and neck.

  ‘Thank you for coming. Please, take a seat,’ Loki told them, her voice both calm and regal.

  Caspian and Oscar took their seats opposite Loki. No one else stood in the room – not even her guards.

  ‘There has been much talk throughout the underground. Many of my people appear to be questioning my decision to remain out of the battle,’ Loki began.

  Oscar looked as though he wanted to speak – his green eyes were intense and his hands were fiddling, as if waiting for his chance, but he held back, and Caspian was grateful. He didn’t know Loki well, but she seemed to be angry.

  ‘I do not appreciate being undermined,’ she said, voice deadly quiet. ‘However, I cannot ignore the words of my people, no matter how much I wish to.’

  Caspian’s insides clenched. Was she saying what he thought she was saying?

  ‘Do not exaggerate my words. I see the excitement in your eyes. Calm yourselves,’ Loki commented, bringing her hands up and resting them flat on the stone table before her. ‘I have decided, after much thought, to hold a vote. The people will make their decision. If they choose to fight, we shall fight. If not, you will be asked to leave, with or without Erine’s cure.’

  ‘Loki-’ Oscar began, but pulled up short at the look she gave him.

  ‘I do not like this. I do not believe that endangering my people for those who would not fight for us is fair. However, I have dwelled on what you said of the Humans. While it is not our duty to protect them anymore, they are still innocent in this war. If we are to fight, it will be for them. Not for the Enchanted.’

  ‘We understand,’ Caspian said quietly before Oscar could push any further.

  Caspian knew Oscar wanted to push on for a simple yes. But Loki had made up her mind. The Mariadies would decide. All of them. And that would be that, no matter the outcome. Loki was granting them that much, and Caspian didn’t want to risk changing her mind.

  Loki nodded once. ‘Good. I will announce the vote tonight.’

  ~

  It had been a long two weeks at sea, and still Mitch was well aware of the fact that there were another two weeks of the voyage left. They’d been lucky to be met with no troubles since escaping Dante with the Humans. Their only problems had been lack of food and fresh water and sea sickness.

  The first problem had been solved by Grace and Logan flying to free islands and picking up supplies. The second, as Grace had been rather loud about, was still a problem. It was partly why Grace volunteered for the task of collecting food, Mitch presumed. She needed to escape the boat and stand on flat ground. The rest of the Humans who were suffering, however, weren’t able to escape the sea.

  Basically, the ship was a mess, it stunk of vomit, and everyone was keen to reach land already. Unfortunately, there simply weren’t enough birds to fly everyone to Lastrala, and it would kill them if they had to go back and forth, flying for days at a time without rest. In addition, they had no way of summoning a God and asking for a portal. There weren’t enough Enchanted for the task, and without Laura it just wasn’t possible.

  The only other option was flying by aeroplane, but there was no way they’d be able to land in Lastrala with the war. The Humans may be blind to the destruction going on around them, but the Enchanted were still working their magic and keeping the Humans as safe as they could. Planes weren’t operating. Humans were being confined to their homes. Borders were closed and no one was to go anywhere. The excuse was bad weather. That mixed with a little Memory Charm and the Humans believed what they were being told.

  Mitch was finally on break from navigating for a while, and soon enough he found himself alone with his thoughts. He often went off on tangents as he considered the problems they were still facing. The best thing they could do to help those suffering from the sea sickness was a mixture of Ice, when Grace and Logan could find and transport it back, or medication, which there were never enough of to go around. Regardless, it was better than nothing.

  Mitch wondered if it was safe to return the Humans to Lastrala, where their home town had been invaded. But the Humans had all made it clear that they wanted to return home. They all had loved ones that they had been split up from and they wanted to find them. Mitch struggled to argue with that. Neither he, Drew, Logan or Grace had access to the Memory Charm, so they couldn’t convince them otherwise. And dumping them in a foreign country would only terrify them. They could sought out someone who could use the Memory Charm on them, but that would only take longer, and they desperately wanted to re-enter to the battle.

  So, it had been decided after much debate to return the Humans to their home, despite their better judgement, and set up whatever protections they could to ensure their safety.

  There was a creak of a deck board behind Mitch and he peered over his shoulder, snapped from his thoughts, to see Drew and Grace coming to stand either side of him.

  ‘We’re going to go on the next run while Logan is manning the helm,’ Drew told him.

  Mitch wasn’t sure why, but somehow and for some reason he’d been made the leader of their small group. They often sought him out to hear his thoughts on a matter or to make decisions. He supposed it was because he had been a part of the Force. But then again, he had lost his way since Robin had died, and he wasn’t sure if he would ever return to the Force again.

  ‘Sounds good. See if you can get something for the sick. We have nothing left,’ Mitch replied.

  Grace nodded in acknowledgement and peered out at the glistening blue sea before them. The sky was clear, the sun shining bright. There was no land in sight for as far as the eye could see. It was almost peaceful.

  The calm only led Mitch to think of the others. He wondered where Gemma was. Was she alive? Was she safe? He wished he could talk to her. Whenever he was lost in his thoughts, she’d always found a way of reaching him, dragging him back to reality.

  ‘We better head off so we can make it back before sundown,’ Drew said, looking across at Grace.

  ‘Be careful,’ Mitch said, and they both nodded in appreciation.

  Before long, they were gone, their birds becoming specks in the sky. Mitch forced a sigh. Two more weeks at sea, and then what? What was going to happen once they reach Lastrala? He had no clue whatsoever.

  ~

  Creshan peered down the hall. Clear to the left. Clear to the right. Brilliant. Exactly what he was hoping. He glanced backwards into the lab, nodding once to indicate to his subject that it was time. The woman, a human barely old enough to be considered an Adult, hurried to his side, her breath heavy and coming in fast, frightened heaves.

  ‘Calm. Okay?’ He told her, and she slowed her breathing, attempting to do as he requested.

  ‘Follow me,’ he said when he was satisfied that it was most definitely safe.

  He took off down the hall, light on his feet, hand gripping the woman’s as she jogged behind him. He paused briefly at the intersection to check each direction, but found it was, as always, mercifully empty. They crossed and continued down the underground hall, the cool air biting at their skin.

  Creshan could already see the exit, one of many within the complex. Erebus had emergency escape’s everywhere for, well, just that. An emergency. He’d grown rather… cautious after the Hostage’s escape in Alas
t. It had been a close call for him. Though, it seemed as though he’d been under more pressures of late as well. Creshan didn’t know why, for Erebus had never confided in him. That role had always belonged to The Sargent.

  Even so, Creshan had heard the whispers of the Devils. He knew something was brewing, and we was positive that Erebus was behind it.

  ‘What’s that?’ The woman asked, a gasp escaping her as she tripped and stumbled.

  Creshan’s hand shot out, steadying her. She gripped onto him, righting herself before glancing back down the hall after whatever it had been that had caused her distraction. Creshan stared over her shoulder, glimpsing light. A lantern. Someone was coming.

  ‘Quick,’ Creshan whispered, hurrying the woman along.

  They had no lantern of their own, so they were safe in the shadows, but only for so long. If they stood around waiting for the approaching figure then they’d be spotted soon enough.

  The exit loomed up, and he hurried to check behind him. There were two lanterns in the distance, Guard’s perhaps? It was close to change of shift, but not quite time yet. Creshan bit his lip and climbed the ladder, lifting the grate out of the way so he could pass through. He pulled himself from the hole and reached down to help the woman from the underground and out into the fresh air.

  Eyes scanning the area, he confirmed that there were no Wicked around.

  ‘Follow that path. It will take you into the mountains. You have the water and food I gave you? Good. It should be a days walk to the docks, keep following that trail no matter what. If you do get lost though, look for the river then let it lead you down. It will take you close enough to the docks. Ask for Murry. He’ll know what you’re there for.’

  The woman was nodding, her deep brown eyes fearful but fierce.

  ‘Good luck,’ Creshan finished.

  ‘Thank you. You saved my life,’ the woman said kindly.

  Creshan smiled a little, then shook his head. No. He was simply doing the right thing.

  ‘Go. Quick. Before the guards reach us.’

  The woman hoisted her torn cloth, food and water tied within, over her shoulder. With a final fleeting look, she started down the path, breaking into a sprint.

  Creshan sighed. Another one free.

  He climbed back down into the underground, replacing the grate over the hole. The lanterns were gone, which had Creshan questioning who they’d been and what they were up to. He knew they couldn’t have seen them, or they would have pursued them further. Nonetheless, he’d have to be more careful. There were always Wicked watching.

  ~

  ‘Quiet! Quiet please!’ Loki shouted from the top of the dais.

  The Mariadies had all gathered in the centre of the underground where meetings and events were held. The room was full of people, and Lock stood at the front atop a stone platform jutting from the wall. Many Mariadies spoke with one another, for they knew what the meeting was about. Nevertheless, there was talk, speculation and wonder, emanating from the crowd.

  Oscar stood with Caspian, Muka, Tahiki and even Erine, who had left his research especially for the meeting. Loki had announced the vote two nights before, and at last the results were in.

  Oscar felt the anxiety in his bones, and he could barely stand still. He kept shifting from foot to foot, clenching and unclenching his fists, twining his fingers together, glancing around, waiting for the announcement.

  They’d plead their case to the Mariadies when the vote was announced. They’d explained that while they may hate the Enchanted, they still didn’t deserve to be converted to Wicked. They tried to convince them that, as Loki had said, the Humans were innocent, and they didn’t deserve to be taken hostage and experimented on either. They informed everyone that if Erebus won the war, they would all feel the effects. They told them that Erebus wouldn’t care that they hated the Enchanted. That he wanted to rule over everyone; including them.

  There were mixed responses. Some barked in agreement, some in distain. Still, despite all the talk, it was hard to tell which way the people were leaning. Would they join them in battle? Or would Oscar find himself and Caspian on a boat heading back for Lastrala alone?

  He hoped for the former, but he didn’t want to jinx it by speaking his hopes aloud. It was pretty obvious what he wanted. He wasn’t going to add to it by spouting off about it too.

  Oscar could tell Caspian was nervous beside him. They both knew what was at stake. They couldn’t return to Lastrala alone. They simply couldn’t. They were no closer to finding a cure, despite their supposed breakthrough. Then needed Erine to continue researching, and if they were forced to leave, that wouldn’t be possible. Which meant he would have to come with them. And the only way he could come was if all the Mariadies were coming.

  There was a lot riding on one simple vote.

  The sound of the crowd at last began to die down as Loki called for order once again.

  ‘Thank you,’ Loki said, though her eyes told everyone that she shouldn’t have had to wait so long. ‘Now, I understand the topic at hand has been on everyone’s minds the past few days. I’m sure you’re all anxious for the results. But before I reveal them, I wanted to say a few words.’

  Loki paused, eyes searching the crowd before at last landing on Oscar. Oscar’s heart began to race as he wondered about what Loki had to say. Then, something shifted in the Mariadies’ leader’s face. A softer side of her appeared, one Oscar hadn’t seen in a long while.

  ‘I have thought long and hard on what Oscar Price and Caspian Falcon have told us of Erebus and his Wicked. I have sought solace from our ancestors. And I believe that whatever decision you, the people of the Mariadies, have made, will be the right one. There will be no argument from opposing sides. We are one. We always have been. And we will stick together to continue to make our world a better place.’

  Oscar could feel his pulse pounding in his ears and heat rushing up his spine. Was Loki telling him that they would be going with them?

  ‘Now, I have the results of the vote here,’ Loki said, pulling a rolled up piece of parchment from her pocket.

  Slowly, agonisingly, she unrolled it, eyes focused on the task at hand. The brown scroll unfurled, and her gaze settled on the answer.

  A small, uneasy smile tugged at her lips, and Oscar knew. He knew in that instant what the results of the vote were.

  ‘89% of you voted to join the battle,’ Loki read aloud, and the Mariadies broke into a mixture of clapping, cheers, and words of triumph.

  Oscar was surprised by the reaction. He hadn’t realised how passionate they were about entering the war.

  ‘We are a noble race, and I am proud to lead you to battle. Our world is changing, and from your reaction, it is clear you are ready to accept the role we must play in its shift.’

  The Mariadies continued to shout their feelings of joy, and Oscar understood then why they were happy. They’d spent years feeling bitter towards the outside world. Spent so long living in solitude, away from everyone, relying on only themselves. They wanted change. Not only that, but they wanted to be a part of the world again. To have their say. To contribute. Times were changing, and they wanted to be there for it rather than be forgotten and left to live alone underground for decades longer.

  Caspian turned to Oscar, a grin plastered on his face.

  ‘We might actually have a chance at winning this thing!’ He said.

  Oscar returned his excitement, clapping his hands along with everyone else. Yes, Caspian was right. With the help of the best warriors in the world, there was a very good chance that they could beat Erebus.

  Loki watched her people calmly, and Oscar could see the mixture of feelings swirling within her for they were visible on her face. Regardless, she stood tall, and called for order yet again. As soon as silence fell, she allowed a kind smile to tug at her lips. But behind that smile was a fierceness Oscar had never seen. One that Erebus better be ready for.

  Loki told them firmly, ‘we will ready our ships to leav
e two mornings from now. Ensure you are on board or you’ll be left behind.’

  Chapter Six

  Freedom Has A Cost

  Leo wrung his hands anxiously as he waited with Tarim and Sully for Martin, Archer and Leonardo Senior to return. It had been three days since his father had revealed the truth about his mother’s death to him. He hadn’t yet had a chance to process what that meant, or how it was going to change his life. All he could think about was finding Stella and rescuing her.

  Yet the knowledge that his mother had in fact taken her own life was like an unbearable seed in the back of his mind. How had he never done anything to help her? He’d known that she hadn’t been happy. He’d known that she had struggled. Yet he’d never done anything to help her. Instead he’d spent his time feuding with his father.

  There was a rustle in the bush behind them and the three men appeared from the forest before them.

  ‘They’re moving her at dawn,’ Leonardo Senior said instantly, the shadows of the night falling across his face, making him appear almost frightening.

  Archer’s long blond hair was pulled back from his face, and for the first time Leo could see the exhaustion in his brother in law’s eyes. Martin’s expression wasn’t much better.

  ‘If we’re going to rescue her, the move is the best time to do it,’ Archer said, locking gazes with Leo.

  Leo thought for a moment. They’d spent the past three days honing in on Erebus’s location, however they still had little luck in locating the entrance. Then, Sully and Tarim had stumbled across a Wicked barracks, and since then they’d been taking turns spying and listening in. They hadn’t found the entrance to Erebus’s underground, but they had heard whispers of what he had been up to. Not only that, but what was happening to his prisoners.

  There was often talk of the experiments the Humans were undergoing, which had sickened Leo when he’d heard. He hated feeling so helpless, but six men couldn’t take on over three hundred Wicked to rescue the Humans. It would be a death mission. All Leo could do was vow to himself that once they found Stella and made it back to the Enchanted, they would send out teams whose sole focus was saving the Humans.