DAN Chased by The Devil

By Karlis L. Ozols

When sixteen year old Dan is hit by a ball of light his life changes. Levvid, ruler of hell, knows he must kill Dan or he will never rule the universe. When Dan’s family home blows up and his cousin is killed by a bullet meant for him, Dan seeks revenge. Summoned to the Spirit World by the Gatekeeper, Dan’s mission is to stop the devil. Dan, his sister Nancy and friend Billy fall into an underground world. With only their wits as weapons, they fight a devil and the living dead.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Karlis L. Ozols
• Release date: Apr 5, 2017
• ISBN: 9781987857917

Book preview

PART ONE

The Road to His Destiny

Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceedingly high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And sayeth unto him,

All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

Mark 1:13; Luke 4: 5-8, 13

God Alone Rules Heaven and Earth

CHAPTER ONE

A Ball of Light A Destiny

Absolutely livid, Dan Kalnins raced along streets with blind fury. Pedestrians scattered as he rode his black mountain bike over sidewalks. He was on his way home from school. He rode recklessly; one wrong move and he would be in serious trouble. The rain had made the streets slick. He didn’t care. A few times the rear wheel skidded sideways but he managed to stay upright. He swore when an oncoming car hit a puddle drenching him. The rooster tail spray over the rear wheel, like a flag, marked his location and progress. Angry car horns blared as he weaved in and out between slower moving cars. He passed them giving a middle finger salute.

Usually Dan was easygoing and friendly. Not today, not now. An elderly pedestrian, had to jump back to avoid being hit by Dan at a crosswalk.

I know your father. I’ll have a word with him, she shouted after Dan; but he didn’t hear her.

He did not see her angry face; nor did he care. He simply wanted to get home, lock himself in his room and throw away the key. Life was unfair.

At the age of fifteen and a half he was muscular, athletically inclined and popular. Of Nordic heritage with strong facial features he was considered handsome. His baby blue eyes constantly sparkled. He took pride in his appearance. His clothes were stylish and neat. Even his soft dirty blond hair was always neatly combed and styled; cut to ear length. The thin lips suggested determination.

Sports were his passion. Now the second week in September, football was in full swing. He was first string receiver on the school football team. The first intercity series would start tomorrow. Yet tomorrow he would not play. Last year as a junior, against great odds, he had earned a starting position as a receiver. He was fast, agile and sure handed. Last year he had averaged one touchdown per game. This year he aimed for at least two touchdowns per game; but it would not happen tomorrow.

Forced to miss a crucial football practice he would have to sit out tomorrow’s game. All because of a detention, a detention he did not deserve. The team rules were very clear. Miss a pregame practice and the player would not play. Miss three such practices and the player could be asked to leave the team. Last year he had not missed a single practice or game. What a way to start this season, he thought. This was only the second week back at school after the summer holidays. Already there were problems. Even the weather wasn’t cooperating. What else could go wrong?

Less than two minutes from home, peddling furiously, a bright ball of light suddenly hit Dan, momentarily engulfing him. Dan though his name had been called. Even a low voltage electrical charge passed through him. The ball of bright light disappeared as quickly as it had appeared leaving no telltale signs. The heavens didn’t open up with bright sunlight, but remained dull and cloudy; more rain was possible.

The ball of light was off target. It caught Dan at the last possible moment. The light barely touched him. With his anger he hardly noticed. Yet he glanced back. There was no light.

What the heck was that? He muttered to himself and continued peddling.

Standing across the street a tall stranger watched Dan ride through the ball of light. He winced. The ball of light almost missed Dan. This stranger was here to observe the ball of light and Dan. He knew this person would be hit by the ball of light; he was to be the chosen one. As Dan peddled away the Stranger breathed easier. Yet he was skeptical.

The Stranger dressed in a knee length black overcoat that hung open over his large frame. The spotless white shirt reflected the bright light. The black pants were tucked into black riding boots. The black Stetson hat covered most of his black hair except for a line of gray hair above his ears. The Stranger’s eyes followed Dan. He shook his head and muttered to himself, I think the search engine has made a mistake; either that or wrong information had been entered. This person, this boy is too young and too reckless.

The Stranger shook his head again and vanished.

The garage door stood open. Dan rode his bike in, braking hard to a sliding sideway stop. He leaned the bike against the wall then closed the garage door. He climbed the four steps and entered the mud room. Automatically he kicked off his wet running shoes leaving them where they fell. Storming through the kitchen he left wet footprints. Dan didn’t even notice the sandwiches his mother had prepared. He ran straight to his room.

Dropping his mud splattered backpack and jacket on the floor, he fell on the bed face down, and he lay motionless. A long time later he muttered to himself, How could the principal be so unjust? I didn’t start the incident, it wasn’t even a fight. The bully pushed Nancy. I thought he was going to kick her. I ran to protect my sister. I hit him only once; is that a fight? Where is the justice? And where was the teacher when the bully pushed Nancy? I’ll get even with that dirtbag.

Dan felt tired. Suddenly, as if in a dream he saw four men approach. They looked familiar. As they came closer their faces swirled in a fog-like image. Dan tried to move but couldn’t. It was as if glued to the bed. One image, dressed in a Toga, came closer. He spoke anxiously, We are dead. We have come from the distant past. We need your help. The universe is in deep trouble and only you can save it, save us. The universe needs you now. Evil forces want to rule the universe. You can’t allow that to happen. Your destiny awaits you in Burlington. Go there now.

Dan fell asleep quickly … or was he already asleep and dreaming?

John Brown wasn’t a bright boy; many students thought him a brick short of a full load. He was a lanky overweight sixteen year old bully with an attitude. He lacked personal hygiene, social skills and etiquette. He dressed shabbily. His pants kept slipping; every once in a while having to pull them up. His shirt was worn out of his pants and open revealing a dirty t-shirt.

To show off his fearless strength for his circle of misfits, John Brown would pick on the weak. Walking through the school hallways with his gang of misfits he’d use foul language and push anyone in his path. Everyone kept out of his way. They simply didn’t want to acknowledge the bully. It was easier to stay clear. John Brown knew this and played it to his image as one to be feared.

This particular morning John Brown had pushed Dan’s sister and her friends. The push was particularly severe causing Nancy to land hard on the floor bruising her elbow. The bully stood sneering over Nancy as the misfits laughed and jeered. He knew Nancy was Dan’s sister but didn’t care. In fact he wanted to prove a point … he wasn’t afraid of any jock. He knew Dan wouldn’t fight him. The school had a ‘no fighting’ policy.

Dan saw the bully push his sister. He sprung into action. He ran to her defense. The bully about to kick Nancy did not see Dan coming. In a split second Dan had delivered a solid punch to the bully’s solar plexus. The bully buckled over. He dropped to the floor like a sack of potatoes. With great theatrics he lay sprawled on the floor, moaning in pain. Holding his stomach the bully gasped for air, like a fish out of water.

The principal was not impressed with Dan’s excuse. He did not tolerate fighting. Since Dan had physically struck the big kid, Dan had received a one hour detention. John, the bully, got a reprimand. How fair was that?

Lying on his bed Dan heard his name called. He had no interest talking to anyone. He remained lying face down on his bed.

Dan, Dan, Dan.

The relentless calling of his name made him turn over. Astonished, he found the room totally dark. Glancing out the window, it too was dark. Where had the time gone?

Dan, Dan, Dan.

The voice called persistently. Confused, he went to the window. Out in the darkness he saw nothing. Opening the bedroom door, all was dark and quiet. His family must be asleep.

Dan, Dan, Dan.

The voice kept calling. He glanced around. Where did the voice come from? In fact it seemed to emanate from everywhere, yet from nowhere in particular. Who was calling him? Glancing up at the wall clock it read 12.38 am.

Suddenly Dan noticed a very faint light. It had appeared on the opposite wall. Slowly it grew in intensity. The far wall began to disappear as the light intensity grew. Dan sat back in his bed looking bewildered. What was going on? He glanced left then right. He saw nothing. Was he awake or was this a nightmare? Then without warning a bright light momentarily engulfed him. He was no longer in his room. Lights began to flicker on the distant horizon. The lights were moving. He heard voices. The voices spoke very softly. Even though he tried, Dan could not understand even one word. Was he going crazy?

Slowly as if in a movie theatre the area in front of him came alive. Dan’s anxiety rose, as did his heartbeat. For a few seconds he didn’t know what to do. A voice spoke. He was sure it did not come from the far horizon. Then again he couldn’t tell where it came from. But he heard it clearly.

Do not be frightened. Relax and listen.

Who are you? Where are you? What’s going on?

There was no answer. Anxiously he looked around but knew there was no one nearby.

Who’s there? Dan asked.

Moments later, calm overcame Dan. Time and space had no meaning. He seemed to be floating on a cushion of tropical air. An extremely bright light flashed around him. Fear and anxiety captured his mind. Was he about to die?

I want out, he said emphatically.

Emotions and concerns vanished. He floated into a state of euphoria. There was no desire to move. He had no concerns. There was movement in front of him. He gazed into the far horizon expecting some kind of movement, yet he saw nothing. Slowly swirling fog like clouds began moving as if following a musical theme. He waited for some kind of revelation; he was sure something would be presented.

Distant voices began floating towards him. Somewhere groups of people talked anxiously. He could hear hushed voices. Their fearful voices expressed concern. Incoherent but heated discussions were exchanged. And yet, he saw no one. Nor did he understand their words or meanings. But something was wrong.

Slowly strange transparent looking images floated lazily past him. At first there was one image, then two, then three and finally four. These images were of the dead, of souls from long ago. There were deep lines of concern etched in each nondescript faces. As if a switch had turned the sound off, Dan suddenly realized all was deathly quiet. The ghostly figures slowly disappeared beyond the far horizon.

Moments later more ghostly images appeared. There was no sound. Yet Dan could tell these phantom-like figures were pleading to him. But what did they want? He could not understand. They disappeared as other forms took their place with similar pleadings. What did they want? He was here to listen and gaze upon the requesting form. Unable to move, he was subjected to more ghostly figures. They seemed to float in and out of the fog. Dan did not recognize anyone. But his mind told him these were the spirits of long ago. Finally one ghostly image transformed into a semi recognizable state. The dark eyes were set deep in the hollow sockets. There was deep concern in these eyes. These eyes penetrated Dan to his soul. He suddenly felt a ting of fear.

The deathly image moved closer and closer. Dan tried to move away from the approaching figure but couldn’t. He felt sweat on his forehead. For a long time the image lingered gazing down over Dan. Then it spoke slowly, its lips moved but no sound was uttered. Yet Dan heard a monotone voice in his head. He heard every word, clearly.

Our universe is in serious trouble. Evil is attempting to take over our Universe. The souls of the past will forfeit their eternity in paradise. All souls from the beginning of time will be subject to the rules of hell. The living will become no better than animals. Balance between good and evil must be restored. You have been chosen by the Spirit World and the ball of light. You must fight the forces of evil. The future of our Universe depends on you. Your destiny awaits you in Burlington. Go there now.

Having regained his voice, Dan asked, "What destiny, what mission and who …

The image faded into the horizon leaving a quiet emptiness in its wake. Abruptly the light disappeared. The room was as if nothing had happened.

Still dressed in his black Stetson hat and black topcoat the Stranger sat on a chair in Dan’s room. He was comfortable and invisible watching the performance. He studied Dan. The Stranger had a purpose, a reason for being in Dan’s room. His boss wanted him here. At the end of the performance he sat for some time still studying Dan. Finally he got up, shook his head and muttered to himself, No way, I wonder, did the system fail or had the wrong information been entered into the Spirit World’s search engine? But that wasn’t logical either. The Gatekeeper did not make mistakes. How can a teenager, this teenager, be the chosen one? This mission is too important, too complicated and too gigantic in scope for such a young person. This is definitely a mistake.

Dan woke from a restless sleep. The dream, if it was a dream, felt real. It was still dark outside. He glanced at the clock on the wall, 12.40 am. Still in his clothes he rolled over and fell asleep, again.

CHAPTER TWO

A Late Night Meeting

Eighteen months earlier in a Calgary Juvenile Court Room Billy Jackson stood passively before a judge. The fourteen year old black boy faced numerous charges. Billy watched the judge with unconcern. His father stood beside him for support. The judge studied the charges; public mischief, damaging public and private property, stealing a bicycle breach of probation. These were serious charges for a juvenile.

At the age of 12 Billy Jackson began to rebel. Life was boring. He wanted excitement. Doing chores around the house sucked. Doing homework was a pain. Even television held no interest. He wanted to hang out with friends. By the age of thirteen he was involved with a group of like minded boys. They hang out at a strip mall smoking cigarettes and being a nuisance. One boy even stole a bottle of whisky from his father. Late one evening, at a local park, the boys got drunk. A neighbor had called the police. The boys were taken to the police station, their parents were summoned. Billy had been grounded for a month.

Sometime later the group reassembled at the same strip mall. They needed more excitement. Over time they sprayed graffiti throughout the neighborhood. Many car aerials were broken. Windows in vacant buildings were broken. One of the boys had found a slingshot. With many hours of practice they became proficient. At fifty feet they could hit a tin can ten times out of ten.

Shooting at tin cans became boring. They shot at birds on hydro wires. A broken window got the police involved again. A stone had bounced off a wire and smashed a window. Months later, Billy and another boy were caught shooting street lights.

On evening, standing outside a variety store at the strip mall, a car pulled up. The driver was obviously in a hurry. He left the engine running and ran into the store. The older boy in the group jumped in behind the wheel. The other boys piled in and they took off. Ten minutes later the police stopped the car.

In time Billy became involved in other petty crimes. Now, finally he stood before a judge for the third time. The judge, in his early sixties with reading glasses perched on the end of a long nose, scrutinized the police repots. The judge shook his head slowly. This boy was on a fast track to a life of crime. This juvenile delinquent required nine months in juvenile jail. However, seeing the boy’s father in support of his son, the judge decided to give the boy one final chance.

The judge knew the charges. He had studied the police reports earlier but he made a show of deep concern for Billy’s benefit. After a long pause the judge looked down on Billy. With deliberate emphases, the judge shoved the reading glasses from his nose to his forehead. In a calculating tone the judge spoke.

Billy Jackson you are charged with breach of probation, stealing a bicycle and public mischief. These reports over the past few years tell me you are heading for a lifetime of crime.

Billy didn’t look up but rolled his eyes.

The judge slipped his glasses back over his nose and glanced once more at the reports. He paused for a brief moment then spoke.

You are charged with stealing your neighbor’s bicycle. Did you steal his bike?

Judge, I didn’t steal the bike, Billy replied emphatically.

The judge glanced back down on the report. He said, The police report specifically states you took the bike from your neighbor’s back yard.

Ed is a liar. Joey told me I could use it whenever I wanted.

Who’s Joey? The judge asked.

He’s Eddie’s son.

The judge studied Billy for a long moment as he considered the response. Then he continued.

You were caught with a spray can in your hand spraying graffiti on public property.

I thought it would be okay to create some art work. Others had done it.

If you’re interested in art take some proper lessons and paint on canvas.

Billy didn’t answer. The judge waited for a reply. When none came he continued.

Looking at your file you are on the road to becoming a criminal. Your so called friends, the gang of hoodlums you hang out with, are not doing you any favors. They are a bad bunch. I’ve read their rap sheets. I see you were caught breaking street lights using a slingshot. It says you shot out a light seventy feet away. Is that true?

I guess. Billy said. Then quickly he added, But I wasn’t shooting for the light. I wanted to hit the bird sitting on the light.

I must say that’s good shooting but it is a crime. Someone has to pay for the broken lights. In this report it says you were picked up carrying a weapon. It’s against the law to carry a gun.

It wasn’t a gun, it was a knife. I found it so I figured I could keep it. Finders keepers, losers weepers, you know.

The judge repressed a smile. He shook his head and continued.

You were caught breaking and entering.

I can explain that one. The owner had forgotten his key. At least I thought it was the owner. I simply showed him how to use a piece of plastic to open the door, Billy replied quickly.

Billy, excuses don’t cut it with me. Facts are facts. By rights I should sentence you to eighteen months in juvenile detention.

Billy opened his mouth to speak but the judge cut him off.

I spoke to your father earlier. He has agreed to move to the suburbs at the other end of town. It is for your benefit he is doing this. Hopefully this will remove temptation to break the law. However, if you appear before this court again you will be sentenced to the maximum; till your eighteenth birthday. I am giving you one more chance. Make the best of it.

Billy found life very boring in his new environment. Ever since the court handed down its judgment Billy had kept his nose clean. In fact there was almost no opportunity to get into trouble. He hung out at the only mall in the area. Not much excitement there.

Tonight was no different than most nights. The mall would close at eight. Billy and his friends would linger until told to leave. As usual they were slow in leaving. Mall security had to literally push them out by 8.30 and locked all doors.

Day tuned to night. A full moon was rising. After dark, there was nothing to do in this new subdivision; especially on a workday evening. Billy and his friends lingered for another few minutes.

His two friends unlocked their bikes and mounted. Billy said, So, till tomorrow, same time.

Tom, straddling his bike said, Okay.

Ya, nothing much else to do. Wana go see a movie on Friday? Billy asked his friends.

Sure, Tom replied.

Can’t, going to the Stampeder football game with my dad, the other friend replied. See you tomorrow at school.

Billy watched his friends ride off on their new bikes. He wished he had his old bike. Shortly after moving into this area Billy had ridden his bike back to the old neighborhood. He wanted to meet up with his old friends. His father had gone searching for him when he hadn’t come home by nine, his curfew. Finding him with the old gang, his father had taken the bike away. He had sold it.

With nothing more to do Billy began walking home. He didn’t want to go home. There was nothing to do. Even the few channels on TV sucked. Billy Jackson an Afro Canadian now sixteen years old, yearned for excitement. In two years he would join the army. But that seemed like eternity. With hands in his pocket and slightly hunched over, he shuffled his way home.

The full moon provided the only light in the small park. John Brown and his gang of misfits had gathered for a meeting. The picnic table had been moved to a corner of the park, out of eyesight from most passersby. Tonight security was important for John Brown. This was a high level meeting. Six gang members met to plan revenge for John Brown their leader. He had been slighted by Dan Kalnins. John Brown demanded satisfaction. The late hour was picked to ensure privacy.

The gang sat in silence waiting on their leader to start the meeting. Impatient to get started one member interrupted the silence. He asked, What’s up? What are we going to do?

Their leader did not answer. Moments later, satisfied no one was around John Brown produced a package of cigarettes. Removing one he tossed the package on the table. Reaching into his pants pocket he produced a cigarette lighter. With one hand he flicked the lighter to life. In a moment the end of the cigarette glowed red. He inhaled deeply. After a few controlled coughs he tossed the lighter onto the table. Exhaling a cloud of smoke, John Brown spoke.

Help yourselves.

Each member took a cigarette and lit up. The two younger boys, acting grownup, dragged the nicotine filled smoke into their young vulnerable lungs. A second later they were coughing uncontrollably, their eyes watered. For the youngest boy this was his first cigarette. John watched him turn greenish yellow then pale. He knew what was about to happen next.

Joey, move your ass over to the bushes.

As predicted the young boy ran. He didn’t make it to the bushes. After half a dozen steps he threw up. John and the others laughed.

John quickly admonished the young kid. What’s the matter Joey, can’t you handle a little cigarette,

John reached under the table and retrieved two bottles of beer. He twisted the cap off one bottle and took a long pull. He passed it to his younger brother. The second bottle of beer he passed over to the member across the table.

Hey, guys you’re too young to be drinking and smoking, a voice scoffed from the street area.

The two bottles of beer suddenly disappeared below the table. Some of the younger boys quickly dropped their cigarettes. They turned to the voice and watched a black kid approach.

Who the hell are you? John Brown demanded defiantly.

Billy shrugged his shoulders and said, Just saying. But you guys are up to something. What are you planning?

Who says we’re planning anything? John asked narrowing his eyes then added, If you know what’s good for you you’ll move on.

Billy snickered. He watched them for a few seconds and said, You guys are up to no good. I can tell. A few gulps of beer isn’t gonna bolster your courage. I see you have a lot of spray bombs. Who’s property you gonna spray?

John Brown glared at the intruder. His face contorted. His fists opened and closed. He was getting ready to challenge this uninvited kid. He looked to the others.

Let’s show this idiot what we do with intruders.

Billy smiled. He shook his head.

"Guys don’t even try. I know you and I know what you’re capable