The Unbegotten: Sacrifices

By James Gordon

The third book in the Unbegotten Saga. Vanifera Ramone was a young woman who had everything. But suddenly, things went terribly wrong. Thrown into an ancient conflict between the gods and the angels, Vanifera discovers that she is an entity called the Gaian, the monstrous vessel of the Anti-God known as the Vul Paux. In a relentless campaign, Montellace Dupri, the Paux's field general, has managed to gather all the components he needs to free his master, including Vanifera. Huang creates and releases a hoard of zombies who now roam the earth killing everything in sight. With each kill, the victims themselves turn into zombies and join the ever-growing army of Dupri. Angelo, Sariel and the rest of the angelic host must now stop the hoard and find a way to get Vanifera back before the Paux can be released. As the Apocalypse continues to unfold, Vanifera must come to grips with the truth and stop Dupri from freeing the Vul Paux before the beast that has awakened inside of her destroys her soul as well as everything she holds dear.

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Gordon
• Release date: Dec 14, 2011
• ISBN: 9781466151031

James Gordon

About the author:James Gordon - author, producer, promoter, composer, artist and entrepreneur. In 2003, he published his groundbreaking fictional work entitled, The Unbegotten, the story of the begotten daughter of God and her trials in dealing with the fate she was destined to face. Since then, Gordon has released and revised four more books in the series entitled, Cataclysm, Sacrifices, Apocrypha and Yesterday's Kingdom. He has also created a literary soundtrack to the book.James Gordon has also released Mandarin Rose, Curse of the Black Lotus, Lady Dragon and Neon, which tell the story of a young prostitute named Kitty fighting to survive in a futuristic socialist America.Nationhood is the powerful novel about a spy named Mbaku Bolo fighting to save his country from a terrorist threat twenty-five years after the Affirmative Action Policy is ruled unconstitutional.Mocha Heat and Palmettos in Moonlight are thrilling suspense romances that deal with lust, love and terrorism. In Mocha Heat, Stacey and Donavan fight to maintain their love thought they are both in separate relationships. When one of them discovers they are involved with a terrorist, more than their relationship is jeopardized.In Palmettos in Moonlight, Francesca Del Clair tries to right the wrongs of her life as she attempts to rid her life of the very people who forced her into a life of terror. When a writer named Braden comes into her life, she finds that her toughest battle isn't against her enemies, but with her heart.Entice Me is a collection of eleven erotic short stories of people indulging in their most exotic fantasies. Filled with amazing sexual encounters, each story will explore a facets of sex and love with gritty, raw stories exclusively made for today's urban market.In 2012, James Gordon collaborated with his son, Kyle, and released their first graphic novel entitled Incursion. Its multicultural cast creates new and interesting heroes fighting to save the world from an extraterrestrial threat.You can learn more about these and other products by going to www.madsquareonlime.com.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

After being abducted by Montellace Dupri, Vanifera Ramone is held against her will in one of the Contravexus’ strongholds. During that time, she begins to communicate with her alter ego, the entity known as the Gaian. Vanifera learns that both her soul and that of the Gaian’s is placing a tremendous strain on her body, and if they aren’t somehow separated, they will both die. Vanifera attempts an escape, but the now fearful Gaian foils her efforts. The Gaian informs Eve of a ritual that could be used to extract its essence from Vanifera. Eve informs Dupri who quickly places Vanifera on the Altar of Megiddo and begins conducting the ritual.

During the ceremony, Lorimar break into Dupri’s stronghold and rescue Vanifera. Seizing the opportunity to end this conflict before it can truly begin, Lorimar attempts to kill Vanifera. He stabs her in the heart while she is unconscious, but Vanifera miraculously heals. It is then Lorimar realizes that the Gaian’s essence has already begun to assimilate Vanifera’s body. Desmond Christi arrives on the scene and prevents Lorimar from making another murderous attempt. He then carries the unconscious Vanifera away where Raiel will attempt to separate her from the Gaian.

Meanwhile, Azreal and Sariel confront a nest of zombies during their search for Vanifera. In the ensuing battle, Sariel is injured and Azreal is forced to make camp until his comrade has healed. During that time, Angelo leaves the Hierarchy headquarters and finds his brother and Azreal. He discovers their plan to try and kill Vanifera if they find her again. Angelo vehemently opposes and vows to do everything in his power to save his wife, even if that means confronting Sariel and Azreal.

After losing Vanifera, Dupri decides it is time to call in reinforcements. He opens the Gate of Osiris and allows Loki, Hera and Osiris to escape. They agree to assist the Contravexus in his war against the angels. Loki is sent to confront Lucifer and the Consortium while Hera is given marching orders to attack Gabrielle and the Hierarchy. Osiris endows Eve with the Beshuda, the famed dark sword to Desmond Christi’s sword of light, the Aracron. Dupri sends both Eve and Huang on a mission to hunt down Vanifera and bring her back.

Loki arrives at Consortium headquarters and attacks the facility while a convalescing Lucifer is still in recovery. Forced to confront the God of Mischief, Lucifer arms himself with his most powerful weapon, the Kanderift, his famed pitchfork. He orders Kitana to evacuate the facility as he prepares to do battle against his arch nemesis. As the children of the Satan look on, a huge temporal rift materializes over Consortium headquarters, threatening to pull everything inside.

At the Hierarchy headquarters, Gabrielle checks on Michael to make sure he is okay. After a brief visit, the compound is attacked by Hera, who is accompanied by an army of Centine Warriors and two humongous snakes. The two armies engage in battle until Gabrielle calls for her troops to pull back, as does Hera. The two women warriors meet in battle where Gabrielle overpowers Hera and beats her unmercifully. However, the former Queen of the Gods had an ulterior motive.

She summoned a giant scorpion who goes after Michael. The large insect impales the archangel, then rescues Hera and disappears from sight. Gabrielle then realizes that Hera’s goal wasn’t to confront her, but to wound her in a way she never dreamed imaginable, by killing Michael.

Back at the safe house, Raiel detects Huang and Eve, and hides Vanifera in a sewer beneath the building. Raiel and Desmond Christi confront the two minions and after an intense battle, Eve and Huang are outmatched and seemingly on the verge of defeat. Suddenly, Raiel is severely burned in a sneak attack by Osiris. Desmond Christi attempts to assist the young Messiah, but in doing so allows Eve the opportunity to use the Beshuda to impale the Valkydine warrior. Eve and Huang abduct Raiel, leaving Desmond Christi to die. Vanifera eventually emerges from the bunker to find her father dying. Upon taking his final breath, Vanifera makes a deal with the Gaian. She will give the creature her body and soul if it will help her to exact revenge on the people that killed her father. And now…

CHAPTER ONE

The temporal rift was starting to show movement. Although only a few seconds had passed, it had already begun to feed. A vortex of wind was starting to pull objects into it. Within seconds, cars began shaking and sliding toward the rift. Large chunks of rubble tumbled across the ground. Amidst it all, Lucifer, calm and confident, walked out of Consortium headquarters holding the Kanderift in his hand. He looked up at the pale white void. His brow furrowed for just an instant, then he resumed his smug expression.

Sounding like the phantom bay of a ghostly wolf, an eerie howl emanated from inside the swirling white vortex. The rushing wind and flying debris were indicators that the rift was increasing its intensity. The plasma bolts flashed with more brilliance and they were occurring much more frequently. These signs did not look promising, yet they were of little concern to the Satan. They were only the theatrics of the rift. It was the inside that bothered Lucifer.

The rift was filled with antimatter, a cosmic acid that disintegrated anything it came in contact with. He knew that if he didn’t close this rift soon, it would begin to consume everything until there was nothing left.

Loki stared from his perch high above the ground, just above the antimatter rift he’d created. His arms were crossed, arrogantly observing Lucifer below. He hated Lucifer with every fiber in his body. Loki was known as the trickster of the gods, constantly causing chaos and mischief. When the gods were defeated, that title went to Lucifer. But he never considered Lucifer a fitting person to garner such a lofty title. Loki considered him to be a second rate imposter, an unworthy pretender to the crown. Now, he stood above Lucifer, waiting to see if he was all that he was built up to be.

How do you like my little project? I’d been working on just the right test to see if you had what it took to be called the Prince of Darkness, said Loki.

Lucifer zeroed in on Loki’s location, planting the base of the Kanderift in the ground.

You went to all this trouble for me? Shucks, I’m flattered, Lucifer replied.

You should be. It isn’t everyday that the god of chaos and mischief grants such a lowly being like yourself his undivided attention.

Lucifer did not take kindly to the insult.

I would love to teach you another lesson, one that I’m afraid you didn’t learn when my brethren and I defeated you and your kin the last time. However, this vortex is a bit distracting and quite unpleasant. Do you mind removing it so we can get down to business? Lucifer asked.

Nice try, you pseudo-miscreant! But I’m afraid the rift stays. It will be your burial place when I’m done with you, Loki replied.

Very well, said Lucifer.

The Satan quickly lifted his Kanderift and fired an intense burst of fire toward Loki. The god of mischief dodged the blast, but not by much. The lower part of his boots caught on fire, but was quickly extinguished by his agile maneuvering. Lucifer continued to fire shot after shot, keeping the illusive Centine off balance. Although Loki was dodging the blasts, he wasn’t doing it effortlessly. Lucifer was an excellent shot and it was merely the distance between he and Loki that gave the mischievous god a slight advantage.

You can’t keep this up forever! Eventually I will get you! Lucifer exclaimed.

Maybe. Maybe not, said Loki as he dodged another fireball.

Suddenly, the weaving god decided to mount his own attack. With a sudden change of direction, he began descending at a tremendous speed and headed directly toward Lucifer. The Satan was surprised by the move and watched wide-eyed as the god of mischief sped toward him.

Meanwhile, a young prince, along with a fleet of soldiers, arrived at the rear of the building. Lorimar was determined not to leave without finding his father. He turned to his soldiers and barked out his instructions.

Fan out! I want this entire area covered! If you find my father, alert me immediately! he commanded.

The soldiers began searching frantically, attempting to steer clear of the steadily engulfing fissure. Fighting the updraft that threatened to pull them in, they searched the grounds of the compound trying to locate any signs of the Supreme Commander. Lorimar knew full well that his father would do everything in his power to stop the rift. He was, however, a little surprised that his father wasn’t there at the base of the vortex trying to close it. What he didn’t know was the real challenge that his father faced, a menacing and crazed god who only sought his destruction.

The winds were now well over the two hundred and fifty mile per hour speed. The guards used their weapons to maintain their balance, slamming them into the ground to help maintain their footing and balance. Lorimar also had difficulty maintaining his bearings, despite his tremendous strength and stamina. Yet, he would not allow a wind of this velocity to deter him from his mission. He was determined to find his father, no matter the cost.

~~~

On a hilltop a few kilometers away, Kitana was reviving. She rubbed the back of her head where Bandores clubbed her, working the kinks out as she sat up. Bandores was there to greet her as she adjusted her sight.

What happened? she asked.

The lead minister quickly rummaged his thoughts to explain her unconsciousness.

You were rendered unconscious. I brought you here to ensure your safety, Bandores said.

My thanks.

Kitana’s eyes narrowed. She quickly saw the massive rift of antimatter in the distance. She remembered that her father was still over there.

Father! she exclaimed as she stood to her feet.

She was about to race toward the headquarters once more when Bandores grabbed her hand. Kitana was alarmed and turned to give him a scornful look.

Get your hands off of me! she exclaimed, jerking her arm from his grasp.

Lady Kitana, you must listen! said Bandores as he continued to grab for her.

I will not! I must save my father! she said as she continued to fight off Bandores.

There is nothing you can do! Your brother has already gone back to the headquarters with a fleet of our best soldiers!

She ceased her fight.

Lorimar went back? she asked with surprise.

Yes. They will find your father and bring him back! However, for the sake of the royal family, you must stay here! You will only cause the young prince and your father more concern and even distract them if you were to go down there! stated Bandores.

Kitana pondered for a moment.

I can’t just stand here, she said finally.

I know you want to go down there, but your brother instructed me to take you safely away. He assured me that he would do everything he could to get your father. So, I beg you, please remain here, said Bandores.

Kitana had a look of confusion and remorse. She wanted to help, but if Lorimar was already down there she knew that Bandores’ words held great truth. Lorimar was a warrior and one of the best hunters there was. If anyone could save their father, he could. She reluctantly nodded, then turned to face the massive rift that loomed over Consortium headquarters. She folded her arms across her chest. Bandores walked up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders.

All we can do now is wait, he said.

~~~

Prince Lorimar! I think I found something! exclaimed one of the generals.

Lorimar raced toward his location. When he arrived, the general pointed toward a mountain of earth near the far side of the vortex. A lake of fire surrounded the mass of earth and there appeared to be a heated battle ensuing upon it. It was as if the ground had been split, creating a deep canyon that separated the compound from the battle scene. Lorimar raced toward the cliff’s edge. He stared at the hill and was stunned by what he saw. One of the combatants was someone he’d never seen before. The other was his father.

Lucifer and Loki were embroiled in a vicious tug-of-war over the Kanderift, both struggling to overpower the other. The ground they stood upon was crumbling and soon there would be nothing left to support them. Lorimar watched anxiously as his father and Loki struggled. Then, Lorimar’s presence caught Loki’s eye and a smile came to his face.

It s-seems we h-have some uninvited guests! he said between grunts.

Without looking, Lucifer knew that one of his children had returned. His stakes had now been raised and he had to end this battle quickly. Before he could mount an offense, Loki released the Kanderift and flew into the air. Lucifer stumbled backward, but quickly caught his balance. Loki lifted his hand toward Lorimar and created a ball of flames in his palm. Then, he hurled it toward the unsuspecting prince’s location. The ball struck beneath the cliff that Lorimar and the rest of his soldiers stood upon. A huge explosion occurred, causing the ground to crumble beneath them.

Lucifer watched in horror as his son and guards fell toward the river of fire. With only moments to act, Lucifer pointed his Kanderift at Lorimar and created a giant ladle of light, catching the falling prince and his men in its scoop. He lifted them back to the remnants of the cliff and lowered them upon it. Lorimar and his men quickly exited and collected themselves.

The prince looked to his father and gave him a salute of gratitude. Lucifer nodded. During that moment when Lucifer’s attention was distracted, Loki struck. He hurled another fireball, this time his target was Lucifer.

Father! Look out! exclaimed Lorimar.

His warning came too late. A flash of light—a moment stretched for an eternity. Sparks lit the sky like fireworks. The air was instantly filled with flames, dirt and smoke. A fiery mushroom cloud plumed toward the heavens and fanned out into the upper atmosphere. Mount Saint Helens blowing its top could not compare to this hellacious explosion. A massive pyroclastic cloud rolled down the side of the mound, leveling everything that stood in its path.

Lorimar quickly yelled for everyone to get down. As they hit the ground, the thick suffocating cloud rushed over them. The heat was almost as intense as that found in Hell. Darkness blanketed them and the air felt as if it had been sucked right out of their lungs.

The sound of crackling could be heard all around them and the smell of burnt pine permeated the air. Several moments passed—silent, uncomfortable moments. During this time, Lorimar wondered whether he was still alive. The air was starting to clear and he struggled to push himself from beneath the heavy layer of dirt and ash.

As he rose to his feet, he felt the thick presence of doom in the rushing wind. Lorimar looked around him. His men were starting to move and unearth themselves as well. From the looks of things, they were going to be fine. He then shifted his eyes to stare toward the mountain where his father stood, but the dust was still too thick.

Anxiously, he waited for the smoke to dissipate. He began moving closer, stopping right at the edge of the cliff. The blast wave was as powerful as an erupting volcano and Lorimar couldn’t help but wonder whether his father had survived. The earth still trembled and the sky was still dark. Dirt and debris rained down from above, smothering the river of fire and covering the ground with sulfuric ash. The vortex assisted in pulling the smoke into it, clearing the air within a matter of moments. With the cleansing, however, came the revelation of a very grim site. Lorimar’s eyes seemed to lose all hope in their stare. A huge crater, measuring a kilometer in diameter, was all that remained of the mountain where his father stood last. The vacant and chard area was like a huge blemish on the earth. The sight overwhelmed Lorimar and his bottom lip started quivering.

No, it can’t be, he said beneath his breath.

The gasps and moans of the soldiers filled the air. They, too, were shocked by what they saw. Lorimar turned to his men.

Fan out and search for my father, he said.

The guards realized the futility of Lorimar’s request. They almost seemed reluctant to obey, but left anyway to carry out the young prince’s commands. As Lorimar stood on the cliff’s edge, he, too, began to realize the pointlessness of his request. A blast of that magnitude would have annihilated anything it came in contact with. Although his father was the mightiest angel Jehovah had ever created, even he couldn’t have survived something like that. It was then that the grim possibility began to sink into his mind. As fantastic as it was to imagine, the scene left little doubt as to the condition of the Satan. Lucifer, Prince of Darkness and Ruler of the Realm of Hell, had fallen.

Tears welled in the young prince’s eyes and he knelt to the ground. He fisted a handful of dirt, trying to deal with his anguish and rage. He couldn’t help thinking that it was all his fault. His father was killed because he distracted him. If he hadn’t saved him and the guards, he’d still be alive. The thought exacerbated his pain. Lorimar raised his face to the heavens and released an inhuman wail of sorrow.

FATHER!

He lowered his head and looked at the crater once more. His eyes were red and his nose was runny. He then realized something. Despite the awesome power of the explosion, traces of his father’s body should still be visible. Angels don’t disintegrate, even with an explosion like that one. There should still be some sign of his remains if he were indeed dead. The fact that he did not see this brought hope to the young prince, a hope that there was still a chance that his father was alive. Maybe he’d dodged the attack or launched a counter before the explosion occurred. If that were the case, his lamenting was premature.

Just then an object hit the ground with a clang just behind him. Lorimar slowly turned to see the object his father used to save him and his men’s lives. It was the Kanderift. He gazed at the golden pitchfork, seemingly in disbelief. He’d wanted to believe that his father had somehow survived the attack. However, the Kanderift was a loyal weapon to the Satan and would leave Lucifer’s possession only under two conditions. Either he willed it to do so or he was no longer able to wield it, which could only occur if he were dead.

A nauseating feeling began to fill Lorimar’s stomach as he stood to his feet and approached the embedded pitchfork. Had he not seen the Kanderift, he might have continued to believe that his father was still alive. There was no denying the truth that was before him. He knew in his heart and mind that the pitchfork hadn’t been willed away. That could