Way of the Djinn

By Adam David Papa-Adams

Way of the Djinn is the second book of the Angelos and Dragon War chronicles and takes us from Turtle Island to the heart of Byzantium. The Eastern Roman empire stands on the brink of destruction. With invaders all around and the Empire seemingly rotting from the inside, there appears to be little hope for its survival. On their arrival Michael senses that something is amiss with the time line, and believes that some dark power is aiding the Saracen invaders in their quest to destroy the Christian East. He sends Gabriel and Uziel on a mission to seek help from the Franks, in the hope of creating an alliance that will break the siege that is threatening to starve Constantinople to death, and destroy Rome once and for all. On their travels they discover that there is more at stake than the loss of an Empire that has stood since the time of antiquity: indeed the very fabric of the Equilibrium could be ripped asunder.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Adam David Papa-Adams
• Release date: Nov 10, 2013
• ISBN: 9781310825811

Adam David Papa-Adams

youtube : the Poet David Papa-Adams

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Way of the Djinn

Book II - 'The Angelos and Dragon Wars'.

(See also Book I Valour of the Spirit People)

By

Adam David Papa-Adams 2012 © all rights reserved

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2012 Adam David Papa-Adams © all rights reserved

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Acknowledgements

I would like to thank all those people that encourage others to succeed, that see the benefits in caring instead of denigrating, of being compassionate instead of toxic, of realising that there is a choice between judging others and being intolerant, it is these things that I thank you for.

Title

Copyright

Acknowledgements

Table of Contents

Chapter I - Sentinel

Chapter II - Flight

Chapter III - The Rageon

Chapter IV - The Witch of Endoria

Chapter V - Realm of The Rageon

Chapter VI - The Wraith

Chapter VII - Echoes of the Siren

Chapter VIII - Thebes

Chapter IX - Legion

Chapter X - In the House Of Thebes

Chapter XI - The Stegions Blade

Chapter XII - The Merovingian

Chapter XIII - Dreamscape

Chapter XIV - The Storm Breaks

Chapter XV - Strategos Petron

Chapter XVI - Polyphemous

Chapter XVII - Yazid

Chapter XVIII - Attack of the Hundings

Chapter XIX - Of Djinn and Men

Chapter XX - Lyco the Fair

Chapter XXI - Before the Storm

Chapter XXII - The Ancient Fortress of Perperikon

Chapter XXIII - The Battle for Constantinople

'Remember there is no terror but that which we carry in our hearts.'

Gabriel

Chapter I

Sentinel

Michael gathered himself as the world around him came into focus; someone was shouting, and the words were chaotically resonating in his head; they were a cacophony of meaningless sounds that were steadily becoming coherent.

Arzealous, would you throw the dice? We haven’t got all day, grumbled a Byzantine Stratiotai, as he clutched the hilt of his sword with frustration.

Yes, Arzealous, said a voice by his side. It was Gabriel, or perhaps it would be wise for us to leave.

Hey, Adamous, you’ve got to give us time to win our money back, cried a rugged looking legionary.

Germanicus you’re losing too, would you tell them.

Sorry, boys, I can’t help you here, said Uziel.

He was the tallest one there, long golden hair hung beneath his helm and he wore a corselet of well-crafted mail rings that shone in the gloom. Over his shoulder was a large two headed axe. A long sword hung from his belt, and like the others, he was well armed for someone going about their daily routine.

You Sentinels are always thinking of your duty; I’m sure the Emperor isn’t going to mind you having one night off.

In these days there’re no nights off, so if you are leaving then you had better head back over the walls to see if all’s quiet out there, said a tall burly man.

He a cleft lip and grizzled chin, his black hair straddled his back, and a dark cloak was wrapped tightly round his frame. Without another word, and with an almost guilty grin, Michael handed him the dice. He turned and the three walked quickly away, exiting the gloomy alleyway, they moved out into a dusky day. Someone in a faded grey hooded robe was walking past, lighting the lanterns that lined the streets.

Where do you think the Watcher is? asked Gabriel, and for that matter, where's Raphael? He did have the Codex.

A man from behind them, in a silken cloak, with his face half covered stepped out of the shadows. He looked like a merchant.

I am here, replied Black Buffalo removing his hood, wherever here is, and whoever I am. At least my memory or memories, of being a Watcher are less vague: hence it is possible for me to recognise your Chakra’s. Also I have with me both Sacred Seals, the one taken from Leif Erikson, and the other, so once we find Raphael, we should be able to open a Portal and be on our way.

He was of Eastern appearance, and in truth his form had not altered much from the man he had once been, when on Turtle Island.

Good, Michael smiled. Make sure you keep them safe, now to find out what’s going on, and more importantly, we need to know what's happened to Raphael.

The four disappeared down the concourse toward the Gatehouse. As they passed legionary after legionary; they were saluted. Even the Watcher who was not in any kind of military ware was hailed with some respect. They walked across a wide open thoroughfare with its bronze and marble statues: across avenues with stone or marble columned buildings, and through a park where the smell of lavender and jasmine filled the air. At its heart were graceful fountains with images from antiquity. The city was the grandest there had ever been, it was thought of as the jewel of heaven, and with good reason. They approached the long stair by the Gatehouse, the guards there quickly sprang to attention, kicking over a board game in their haste to stand; it was as though playing dice and gambling was a pass time of the legionaries. Gabriel gave Michael a look of resignation and shrugged. They climbed the long stone stair to the top, and crossed to the far side of the turret to gaze over the top, and onto the plain below.

Haven’t we just left this scene? the Watcher asked open mouthed.

This has to be a bad joke, said Gabriel grimly shaking his head.

I don’t know, I think it’s a pretty good one, replied Uziel, unsuccessfully holding back his laughter.

Michael simply shook his head, Only on Terra Azure.

Below them was the mightiest army thus far ever assembled on the European Continent. From horizon to horizon fires were lit, trumpets sounded, men were gathering in the gloom, as the tumult of clashing metal cried out. It was as though there were tens of thousands of ant mounds scattered across the entire plain but these ones concealed hungry Saracens, and in the background, still echoing, could be heard the laughter of Uziel.

***

Gabriel once more stood watch over the battlements; his usual ever-present lonely vigil had rarely been interrupted. In the time that they had been there, they had at least found out whose bodies they were in possession of. The Watcher went by the name of Callinicus, amongst other things he was a mathematician and an alchemist. Uziel and Gabriel were high ranking officers in an elite guard; while Michael was a commander, with the rank of a general; he was a man of some bearing, and prestige.

Gabriel began pacing; his frustration for their lack of action had begun to show, below was an army that stretched as far as the eye could see. It was an uncompromising force that lingered like a simmering volcano waiting to erupt. He stopped once more to gaze deep into its bowels, his heavy breath breaking the air. As he stood there in quiet contemplation a hand reached out and touched his shoulder, which startled him back to the moment.

Jumpy, said Uziel.

How can I not be, replied Gabriel. We’ve been here, what two months, and still we haven’t seen hide or hair of Michael and the Watcher since they locked themselves away in the palace with the Emperor: and we haven’t had word yet of Raphael, or the Higher Codex which suggests they are not here in the city at this time. And as for this siege it’s been on-going for years as I understand it, the stench of fear that surrounds this city is a disease that contaminates its every fibre.

Yes, this siege needs to be broken and soon, replied Uziel sullenly. But that stench, that’s not fear you can smell. This is after all the middle ages.

Gabriel nodded, the people were worn out, tired and though their belief in a final victory did not waver, there was still a harsh uncertainty that gripped them. Their city had lasted for hundreds of years, and had yet to be assailed, so they did have some reason for the confident belief that they would overcome. And the Byzantine empire which had descended from Rome, had lasted since antiquity. Food however was getting short, and people were slowly but surely going hungry, hope, that necessary part of all struggles was sadly beginning to fade. There was a foul and terrible reek in the air: they were once more burning the dead.

What do you think Constantine will do? asked Uziel.

Whatever can he do? The man’s burdens are there for all to see, replied Gabriel pointing at the Saracen army.

Okay then, what do we do? said Uziel.

We have to find the Codex, and Raphael, replied Gabriel, his eyes becoming distant. And to do that we must leave this place. The longer we remain in this city, the more likely Azazel and Moloch will beat us to the chase.

I don’t think Michael wishes to leave, said Uziel. Not while Byzantium stands so close to the abyss, he doesn’t believe the Saracens are meant to be here at this time, and if that’s true, then that in itself is a worry. You know Michael believes that Azazel is somehow manipulating these events. We know he would only be doing that, if he were after something of value; and if that’s the case, we need to know about it.

Could it be Malachi? said Gabriel, Do they believe that Raphael and the Codex of Death are here, and that is the reason for all this carnage.

Uziel nodded, Michael’s firm conviction is that there's more to this war than the cold differences between two belief systems? And we need to know what it could be?

There is always more going on than we can see, replied Gabriel. It is Azazel we are dealing with after all. And although it’s difficult to speculate, I don't need to remind you of what the Dragon did to destroy Will Oxley in the middle age of man: he unleashed the Codex of Pestilence.

Uziel’s eyes glistened as he remembered, I remember it very well, since the only way I could escape was by being reborn: fortunately we managed to limit the damage done to that society.

The two stood on the ramparts staring at the fires below that angrily lit up the plain. How many occasions were there, when the Dragon had tried to influence time for his own ends, and since time itself is inordinate, how many instances had occurred, whereby the Angelos had to intervene to maintain the Equilibrium.

These people have had too many savage winters, said Gabriel. And at their gates a foe, that is more akin to a ravenous wolf, that waits to devour them.

They both quickly turned to meet the heavy step of a Stratiotai, a soldier from the garrison of Constantinople.

Arzealous seeks your council in his private chambers. I shall be your relief.

Gabriel nodded with satisfaction; at long last the waiting was over. They could finally leave the city walls behind them. They strode down cold steps that echoed in the dark, there was a strange chill to the night as though the stars above shone without fire. Hard stoic silhouettes stood guard along turreted walls, they too held to their long eternal watchfulness. No enemy since the years of its making had yet to scale the heights of the walls of Constantinople. As the two marched along cobbled streets Gabriel suddenly came to a halt, he felt something unusual, that feeling most people get when they perceive they are being watched, the hairs on the back of his neck bristled, and quickly he turned to see what could be the cause of such a sensation, but there was nothing there, just silence, his eyes pierced the gloom.

What’s wrong? asked Uziel.

I could have sworn, replied Gabriel. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of a shadow that moved.

Uziel laughed, So now we’re afraid of our own shadows; they move when we move, it’s only natural, and since there’s a shortage of oil for the lamps, what else could you possibly expect. I think it is because you sense how unnerved the people are, and nothing more. That’s why the populace stay at home more than usual, and that’s why the streets are so quiet.

I am not afraid of my own shadow, or yours, replied Gabriel. And you should know me better than to question such a thing, I am not so confused by my senses, that I cannot tell the difference between the real and the imagined.

Uziel nodded seriously, What then? If there was something; there certainly isn’t anything now.

Come let us…, said Gabriel.

He was interrupted by a cry emanating from a side alley, a short distance away. Quickly the two dashed along the path to meet the sound. Running along the roadway as swiftly as they could, shutters were quickly closed as they past dread stricken houses. Shortly they turned into a narrow sidewalk where they thought the scream had come from, and there on the floor was a splayed out figure, whose arms and legs were contorted in an agonising manner, at the sight of the poor wretch, Uziel uncontrollably heaved. The body was emaciated, as though all life had been sucked out of it, at first they could not tell whether it was a man or woman. And even for the Angelos it was terrible to look upon. The smell also was pungent and there was a distinctive sweet sickly odour hovering in the air. They instinctively knew nothing earthly could have done such a thing. Other Stratiotai were soon on the scene.

What is it Adamous, surely not the plague? growled an old leather faced centurion.

He stared in horror at the lifeless figure; and was still brandishing his sword, a short man who had obviously come straight from the barracks, which stood at the rear of the alley, he must have rushed to the scene, as his dress was unkempt and his helm untied.

No, it’s not plague, replied Gabriel. Nor is it murder, it looks like the poor beggar starved to death.

Uziel shot Gabriel a glance, Anyway since you and the others are up, you can clear up the mess; it looks like more kindling for the fire.

Gabriel gestured to Uziel for them to be on their way, and without another word the two quickly set off, with the unhappy murmurings of the soldiery behind them.

You know that was not starvation, said Uziel, as they moved beyond the earshot of the others.

I’m afraid there was no time to properly examine the body, replied Gabriel. And since orders are that all corpses be burnt it might have raised suspicion if we had not followed the Emperors protocol; but I saw enough to realise that that was the work of a Rageon, or some similar creature which can only mean one thing.

That Azazel is behind the troubles of the Byzantines, said Uziel, with a shake of the head. The thing is why use such a being.

Isn’t it obvious, replied Gabriel. The entire city is in a state of fear, and fear gives off the darkest energy. The question we need answered is: how did such a being know of this city’s desperation? And the only logical report I can make as to what’s going on; is that Azazel drew the creature here for his own ends? We had better inform Michael of these disturbing events, and we’ll let the Watcher deal with this particularly nasty entity, even though his memory as a master craftsmen is still hanging in patches. He is nevertheless, the most powerful Alchemist in the city or indeed anywhere.

The two strode up the avenue past row upon row of terraced house or store, all were strangely silent. If the Rageon was there, then what other malevolence had Azazel unleashed, which was also getting rich on the despair of the people. The city at least was still, on the outside, calm; but who knew what dark thoughts people held behind closed doors. As they finally turned into Middle Street; a long boulevard leading up to the Hippodrome, soldiers jostled passed, stopped to respectfully salute them before hurrying away, no doubt on some imperial errand. Soon the Hippodrome came into view, built as a vast stadium that could seat tens of thousands of spectators, the bronze horses above the main gate proudly watched their passage; and behind that, a lavish building, built by the first Constantine and renovated by Justinian, it was the main administrative centre of Byzantium, the Great Palace with its many lavish banqueting halls and beautiful frescos, mosaics and marble columns, such a monument would have graced the city of Edun at its height. They made their way across well-trod paving’s to arrive at large heavy bronze gilded gates, that opened before them; they were then taken to an atrium where a courtier in silk robes greeted them, holding a lantern to their faces, the glare of which dazzled Uziel. Apologizing, the man quickly took a step back; and introduced himself as Alexios; he quickly led them to the private chamber of Michael in the Palace. He told them how he had been in the employ of the emperor and his predecessor for many years as butler, and confidant, and had never known days such as the ones they were facing.

The frescos on the walls flickered strangely in the half light, as they passed through darkened corridors to the imperial apartments; both old and new deities, myths and heroes shimmered in remembrance to both ancient and contemporary Rome. They turned down a corridor that led out into a garden area, where a large columned building stood. The grass beneath their leather bound shoes had been freshly cut and the aroma of herbs filled the air. They entered the Palatine School, walking beneath a large crest that was raised above the doorway, a two headed eagle that looked both east and west. This was where the elite guards were housed, they were then taken to an antechamber; as the door opened they were greeted by a large comforting glow, a fire was burning in the hearth, sending a flow of warm air throughout.

As the doors closed behind them Michael gestured for them to join him, he was seated at a large ornate table, its sturdy stone legs held a thick marble slab aloft; the Watcher was at his side, the two were staring down at maps and open scrolls whilst also appearing to leaf through some leather bound manuscripts, two large tall candelabra stands gave off a shallow light. An icon hung from the wall, covered by a quiet light, the eyes of which penetrated the room. The window was covered by a heavy worn curtain. As they stepped close to the table, Michael looked up from the papers he was scrutinising in his hands.

We have been…, said Michael.

Before you go on, said Gabriel, holding his hand up. You should know that there is a Rageon loose in the City.

A Rageon, are you sure, said Michael, his eyes widening at the thought of such a creature. Such beings live mostly in the Deepest Darkest Dimensions, even the Ananaki as powerful as they were, never contended with them; it is as big an indication as there can be that Azazel is behind what’s going on here. And with it becoming obvious that Rafael and the Codex for Death have moved on; it makes you wonder more and more why is our enemy still here, if it is our enemy.

Well the signs are quite clear, said Uziel. We found a body drained of its lifeforce, and that distinct aroma, unmistakeably the mark of a Rageon; which means you are right; Azazel is manipulating these events.

The Rageons are a kin to the Dybbuks, Sirens and the Golems, said Gabriel. Which is bad news for us. It also means there will be other attacks around the city. And wherever they go, their kin are never too far behind them. Surely they must be aware that Raphael is not in Constantinople, which means why do they remain here; and what are they looking for.

The Watcher quietly stood by, as he listened, he sighed deeply, I know of them, from a vision quest; I can certainly find out the best means to prevent such a creature coming through to this world again, but first we must locate its access point. The thing is, and this is more important, we need to discover its whereabouts, before it does more damage; now that will be a problem. Being Skinwalkers means they can take many forms, unless it has somehow bound itself to this reality; which I doubt. Could you tell whether it had physically manifested itself, if not, I would suggest that it would probably hide in the shadows, and after it’s fed remain in the shadows.

True, but let us get back to the task in hand, said Michael. Which is finding a way to vanquish the Saracens. Uziel, you and Gabriel are going on a journey, you are to make your way to the Frankish Kingdom of the Merovingian’s, there on the throne, is a Watcher by the name of Dagobert II. The Watcher has already tried to contact him through the Vision Realm but has found his way barred, I think maybe that hints that the Dragon has managed to set up a dampening field that diminishes the effect of trying something like that. Be careful there maybe other forces at work here other than the Rageon you encountered.

The Franks are quite violent, replied Gabriel. If we go to them they’re more likely to take us hostage than receive us as emissaries, especially since we’re coming from the eastern empire.

Still, he and his people may be able to help defeat the Saracens, said The Watcher. There is just one problem the Kingdom of the Franks is far from here.

That’s of little concern, said Gabriel. We’ll use the Seal to open a portal and step across.

I can’t let you do that, replied Michael. It would inform our enemy of our presence here, and since we don’t yet know the true extent of what we are dealing with; that’s the last thing we want to do. The Rageon could be the least of our worries, who knows what other acolytes the Dragon has called upon.

I still think we should consider that humans and war, said Uziel. Walk hand in hand. What if this situation we find ourselves in; was meant to be, what then?

Things are not pointing that way, replied Michael. And since we do not have any indication as to why things are, the way they are. Until we do have something more substantial to go by; there's to be no unauthorised use of anything that can alert our enemy to our presence, unless of course such an action is absolutely necessary.

Uziel slowly nodded, So a long journey through dangerous and treacherous lands it is, nothing new there then. What do you suggest; we take a boat and go for a cruise round the med: unless we design the boat, such a voyage may take a month or two.

Sorry, replied Michael. Although we can sneak a few men past the blockade, and probably pay off the pirates, so that they might pass freely, such an expedition would still bare too many risks. And you can’t go north either, that would be bad.

And why would that be bad? asked Gabriel.

The Avars are that way as are the Bulgars, replied Michael. And so are the creatures known as the Hundings, and neither are friends of Byzantium: also there is someone by the name of Polyphemus, he is told of as a legend, and doesn’t probably exist, as he is meant to be a giant, similar to the Cyclops, or some such thing.

Gabriel smiled, Great, and what’s a Hunding.

Michael nodded thoughtfully, Apparently it’s a rather large savage dog, but don’t worry about it, as you are not going that way.

Gabriel shook his head, These people have more enemies than we do, and there just on one planet; so who is our friend?

Michael sighed deeply as he placed the plan of the Mediterranean back on the table, Well there’s me, and Uziel, the Watcher of course, and maybe one or two others.

Okay, so our friends are limited, replied Gabriel, with raised eyebrows. It looks like it's not going to be long before we encounter someone that wants us dead. And how do we sneak past that army, and are you really suggesting we walk.

No, replied Michael. And Byzantium still has a lot of influence in outlying areas, where, yes there are friends. From what we understand Thessaloniki is also under siege, that's why it would be too dangerous for you to go that way, but here’s the plan; you’re not walking, in fact, you’re flying, by glider no less, as far as it will take you.

That’s an interesting idea, and that’s all that is, right, an idea, said Uziel, whose eyes narrowed intently. And what of the Equilibrium, are you sure this is the right place, and the right time for such a thing.

It’s fine, replied Michael. In the archives there are many scrolls dating back to the time of the Pharaohs of Egypt; one of these tells the story of a flying machine that the King would use to visit the many parts of his empire and further afield. The hieroglyphs were easy to follow even down to the detail of how the glider was propelled into the air. By employing the Sacred Seal, the Watcher managed to decipher much of what was needed to make such a vehicle, which before you ask, when he used it; it did not give off enough energy to give our whereabouts away. Michael knelt down, and from beneath the table pulled out a small scaled model of the type of craft they were to operate. As for how long it would take to build it; what do you think has been happening over the past weeks, it should be finished. So from the highest tower of Constantinople, we’re going to catapult you into the air, you should be able to fly over the enemy and past their encampment, after that, anything else will be a bonus, there is just one thing, you will be leaving when the weather is more favourable for you to do so, and you will be heading out over the sea of Marmora, so that you will not be spied. We do not expect the Saracens to be watching the skies, but then you never know. Any sign of danger whilst making your escape means you return immediately while you still can, if you still can.

Gabriel roughly took the small replica craft in his hand, as he did so, one of the small figures sitting on it, fell off, he smiled wryly.

Are you sure it's safe, he said with a shake of the head.

Chapter II

Flight

They sat on what some of the Romans called Mercury, after the fabled winged Deity: though there were different, less complimentary names for the winged waggon which the common soldiery used: Icarus or even worse, the lumbering drunkard. Notwithstanding the uncertainty surrounding it, Romans had a deep belief in duty, and if their superiors were willing to have faith in such a machine, then they were happy to accept that it could fly. Gabriel and Uziel on the other hand were not Romans, they just wore the guises of being two of them. And now they were seated precariously on the, monstrosity. They quietly looked over the machine’s controls, and each other before contemplating their fate.

Gabriel placed his hand upon the wooden trimmed glass shield that was carved in the manner of the fanned neck of a Cobra, it was meant to protect him, when encountering aggressive winds and rain, he did not feel assured by his touch of the screen. It was all too delicate for his liking. Both passengers stared warily at the trebuchet type catapult, as it was hauled into place, then a thick rough looking rope was extended and linked to Icarus, which was pushed onto the ramp. Provisions had been packed tightly together in a rear compartment; which held the dual purpose of acting as stabilising ballast. Michael had had the idea of adding a rotor to the front to enable lift: this was powered by pedals beneath their feet. He stood by watching with care and stoically looked over the glider one last time, if he felt any apprehension he certainly did not show it. A priest stood by and blessed the vehicle, and those that sat on it, whilst other Stratiotai quietly watched and prayed also, but for different reasons.

So you know your mission, said Michael. Remember the Franks are a warlike people and may not take kindly to your arrival, keep the craft secret, and when you eventually land; if it looks like it could be discovered, destroy it.

Uziel nodded and grimly smiled, We'll remember to do that, and we'll also try not to be destroyed along with it; if it doesn’t land well. We know what we’ve got to do, we’ve spent long hours studying that plan of yours, but it’s not going to matter a jot if we can’t get airborne. Are you sure this bird of yours will fly, and as for the propeller, is it in keeping with such a vehicle?

Yes, and yes, Michael nodded seriously. Have a safe journey and beware Azazel; there could be any number of his people here that should not be; and whatever you do, don't fall off.

One of the guards moved toward the lever readied himself to release the tightly strung catapult, and waited for the signal.

Michael stepped away from the craft and with a stern expression on his face, gave the nod. A quick yank and the glider catapulted into the air. It lurched descended, then caught the wind, slowly it jerked up; frantically Uziel and Gabriel pedalled as though their lives depended on it, which of course they did. Outwardly it was