The Sixth Seal: The Protectors, #1

By Joshua Brann

Anastasie Eloise Bertrand, Ana, has spent the better part of fifteen years in a state mental hospital convinced that she is the reincarnated protector of an ancient and powerful book. Ana struggles to discern her present reality from the wildly vivid dreams of her past lives as a rebellious Chinese princess with formidable martial arts skills who lived during China's Spring and Autumn period, and as a fearless Jewish double agent working with the French Resistance during World War II.

Just as Ana comes to the realization that her dreams are indeed real and that her only chance to save humanity is to escape the confines of the hospital, a new psychologist takes over her case, and to Ana's surprise, is the first person to truly believe her.

But time is quickly running out, and soon Ana is torn between the good doctor and the relentless call of the Great Book of Power. Even as she struggles to understand who she is and her true place in the universe, a dark and secret society assembles to take control of the book and unleash its devastating and destructive power on humanity for their own benefit.

If Ana is to succeed, she must harness the knowledge of her past lives, find her fellow protectors, and bind a book that was designed to create and destroy entire planets in the blink of an eye.

The Sixth Seal is a fast paced action adventure with elements of science fiction, fantasy and the paranormal. Buckle up for a wild ride and nearly non-stop action!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Joshua Brann
• Release date: Jul 26, 2014
• ISBN: 9781386489795

Book preview

1

Ana felt a thin bead of sweat snake its way down the small of her back, coming to rest in the waistband of her pajama bottoms. She eased the door to her room open just enough to allow a quick glimpse of the corridor beyond. The familiar antiseptic smell of ward C assaulted her senses. Every third fluorescent light glared from the tiled ceiling and created an alternating pattern of light and dark down the long hallway. She could hear the delicate clicks and beeps of the hospital settling down for the night. It's now or never. She pushed the door open further and craned her neck around the frame to steal a glance down the other end of the corridor. Her first goal, the big, green double doors that connected ward C to the hospital's hub and the main entrance, sat thirty feet away, just beyond the security office window.

She checked her waistband for the pilfered security badge. A pang of guilt washed over her. In the sixteen years she'd been at Hillcrest, Sam was by far the nicest to her. He trusted her, which is why it had been so easy to take his badge.

Sorry Sam. I hope you don't lose your job over this, but I have to get out of here. The book is insistent.

She slipped out from behind the door and glided across the hall, flicking her short, dark hair out of her eyes with a quick toss of her head. Behind her, the door closed with an audible click. She froze and glanced over her shoulder. Nothing. No alarms. No shuffling of feet. Just the steady drone of the industrial air conditioners. She took a deep breath and shook some of the tension from her shoulders. With her back to the wall, she crouched and crept down the corridor, stopping just short of the security office.

Light flickered from the window, casting shadows across the wall in intermittent waves. She crouched beneath the nearest side of the windowsill, and chanced a quick peek within. She could see the thick neck of the night guard, his hair buzzed short just like all of the wannabe cops who worked the security detail at the hospital. On the little screen in front of him, two teams ran up and down the court.

Enjoy your game, buddy. You're gonna get fired when they find out I escaped under your watch.

She smiled to herself as she dropped to all fours and crawled clear of the window and over to the security panel in front of the doors. With her back to the wall, she slowed her breathing and wiped the sweat from her palms. She took the security badge from her waistband and brushed the magnetic strip with the shirtsleeve of her pajamas. Once she swiped the badge and opened the door, she would have to move quickly to get across the lobby and to the outer doors before raising any alarms.

One more deep breath to steady her heartbeat. A quick swipe of the badge over the security panel. A short buzz, an orange light, then nothing.

Damn! This can't be happening. Surely Sam has the security clearance to get out of the ward.

She turned the badge over, examining the magnetic strip on the back. How many times has this thing been used? She buffed it against her pant leg and examined the strip once more. It didn't look any better, but she was running out of time. Soon the orderlies would begin their rounds, and it would only be a matter of time before they realized she wasn't in her room. She whispered a prayer and gave the badge another quick swipe. Another short buzz, a green light, and the door's heavy lock clicked loose.

Hallelujah.

She grabbed the edge of the door near the bottom and pulled it open slowly, giving herself just enough space to crawl through. She used the tip of her foot to ease the door closed behind her, and then positioned herself in the corner between the door and the narrow bit of wall that opened into the lobby. It was darker here than the corridor. Moonlight advanced from the glass entry doors that let out onto a circular drive. Just the reception desk, some low tables, and a couple of couches stood between Ana and freedom. Security cameras surveyed the grounds outside the hospital, but by the time they spotted her, it would be too late. She would run for all she was worth. She would run from all that had haunted her these past fifteen years and out into the world to get the answers she needed.

She braced her back against the wall, and pushed herself upwards. Every moment was another step in the well-rehearsed plan she'd played out in her mind. Tracing her path through the reception area, she tensed her muscles like thick coils waiting to be sprung. In an impossible fury of momentum, she hurled herself from the wall and dashed out into the open. She darted between the reception desk and the sofas and leapt over the low tables in one fluid motion.

Not far now. Just a few more steps.

The security badge poised in her hand, she launched herself at the access panel, and swiped the badge without pausing. No buzz. No light. She slammed hard into the glass doors, bounced backwards, and fell to the floor.

Damn! Not again.

She stood and tried the badge once more. Still nothing.

You've got to be kidding me. Sam can work in this ward, but he can't leave?

The tiny red lights of the security cameras locked on her like prey. She had come too far to give up now. She wasn't going to go back without a fight. The book wouldn't let her.

Sirens wailed to life, nearly drowning out the sounds of the orderlies shouting and scrambling to see what had broken the night's silence.

She pushed one of the couches perpendicular to the wall and turned one of the low tables up on end. If they wanted her, they were going to have to take her on one at a time. She took a defensive position and steadied her breathing. The double doors of ward B flew open and she smiled to herself.

Only three of them. I have a chance.

She didn't recognize any of the men. In all her years at the hospital, she had never been outside of ward C.

All three were large and muscle bound. Each of them stared at her like prey.

What kind of head cases do they keep in ward B to need orderlies like this?

Ana moved her feet apart slightly and settled her weight on her toes.

They might be big, but they have no idea who they're dealing with.

The first to speak was a burly Nordic-looking man, with hands as big as hams and shoulders as wide as a truck.

Okay, Ana, said Nordic, just stay calm. We aren't going to hurt you. He advanced slowly with his palms outstretched.

Don't take another step, she said. She could tell he didn't quite know what to make of her. She smiled again just to throw him off. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the other two men flanking her. They were smaller than Nordic, but not by much.

This doesn't have to be difficult. We just need you to relax, and come back to your room. It's not safe for you out here. Nordic inched closer, keeping his palms up.

She didn't waste any time. She reached out in a blur of movement and grabbed his right hand. With a hard thrust she bent his fingers back, bringing the large man to his knees. She jabbed her hand outward, smashing Nordic's nose back into his face with the heel of her palm. She could hear and feel the sickening crunch. Blood trailed from the big man's nose. He slumped forward and crumpled to the floor like a wet towel.

The other two men rushed her from opposite sides. The orderly to her right lunged over the couch towards her. She crouched and used his momentum to slam him into the glass doors. He fell to his knees taking the table with him, but he managed to grab hold of her leg, preventing her from facing the next orderly head on.

The other man was on her in an instant. He grabbed her shoulders, and held her close in a vice-like grip. She kneed the first orderly in the face causing him to loosen his hold on her leg slightly. She twisted her body and pushed forward, shoving the second orderly against the glass. His grip remained strong. She brought her right leg backwards in a quick move, and then drove her knee forward planting it deep into his groin. Warm breath rushed out against her neck, and his grip loosened. She shook him off, and let him fall to the floor.

Her body raced with adrenaline. She was running out of time. Nordic groaned at her feet. She rolled him over, and reached in his pockets.

Jackpot!

She pulled the security badge from his inside pocket, and gave it a cursory swipe against her pajama top. This was it. This was her ticket to freedom. A short sprint would get her to the edge of the property. From there she could lose herself in the woods beyond. She would follow the creek, use it to mask her scent. Not that they would send the dogs after her. They'd probably do an 'exhaustive' search for appearances, and then call her mother to give her the news.

Ana Eloise!

That voice. She turned sharply, looking back towards ward C. Sam stood in the doorway with his mop and bucket in hand. She could read the disappointment in his eyes. She'd seen that look time and time again from her mother.

Sam, I'm sorry, but I don't have any choice. I have to get out of here. You know I have to find the book before the others. She turned the security badge over in her hand, and took a step back toward the door.

Not like this, girl. Doc said you were starting to make progress. You had a real chance of gettin' outta here legit. He made no moves toward her; he just leaned against his mop handle shaking his head.

I don't have that kind of time. I don't know where it is, but I know I have to find it, and soon. The others are gathering. They want to open it. That would be bad. That would be bad for everyone. She felt Nordic stirring at her feet. She stepped back just out of his reach.

I think you're a great kid, but you gotta know how crazy that sounds.

I know, Sam. That's why I have to get out of here now. Nobody understands, and they never will. I'm sorry if I caused you any trouble.

She turned towards the door; one of the orderlies was on his knees with a hypodermic needle in his hand. She stumbled backwards, but Nordic caught her leg and held her in place. She felt the sting of the needle as it plunged into her thigh, followed by a flood of warmth that travelled up her leg and into her chest. She was on a merry-go-round spinning in the wrong direction. There was a rush of air thick with the smell of antiseptic right before the lights went out.

2

Ana awoke to an increasing pressure on her arm. She struggled to open her eyes, and when she did, she had to blink several times to focus.

Good morning. How are you feeling? asked a nurse she had never seen before. The woman appeared to be in her fifties. She smiled at Ana as she removed the blood pressure cuff from her arm.

Ana rolled her eyes. Delightful, and you? She added a devilish smile to further make her point.

That's wonderful dear. You gave us all quite a fright. She glanced up from the chart she held. My name is Betty, by the way. Your vitals are looking much better today.

She looked over the nurse with a critical eye. Either sarcasm was lost on her, or she was genuinely concerned about her patient.

Betty added a note to her chart and smiled.

For now, Ana decided to giver her the benefit of the doubt and assume it was the latter.

How long have I been in this room?

For about three days. She patted Ana's forehead with a damp cloth and gave her a motherly look. Would you like some water? I took out your IV this morning, so you might be getting thirsty.

I don't think I can hold a cup in my present condition. She made an overly exaggerated tug on her restraints.

I'm afraid I can't do anything about that, but I do have some straws. Betty flashed another smile.

Ana nodded. She watched as the nurse poured a small cup of water and unwrapped a straw.

Here you go. Just tilt your head up a bit and take a few sips. The nurse held the straw in position for her.

The water came as a monsoon to a parched valley as the ice cold liquid washed down her throat.

Thank you.

You're welcome, dear. She set the cup on the nightside table and adjusted Ana's pillows.

Betty? Any idea when I might be able to get out of these restraints?

She helped Ana sit up and flashed another smile. I can't really say, but the doctor should be in shortly to talk to you. I'm sure he'll let you know. She glanced at her watch and picked up Ana's chart and scribbled another note.

Doctor Reinhardt? asked Ana.

The nurse gave her a confused look. Oh no, dear, you've been assigned to Doctor Gabriel, or rather, he's been assigned to you. She chuckled. He's new here, and I think you're gonna like him. He's not too bad to look at, if you know what I mean. She gave her a quick wink, returned her chart to the end of the bed, and moved to the door. She knocked and a few seconds later the lock turned and an orderly held the door open for her. Seconds later the distinct click of the locking mechanism sounded.

She stared at the ceiling, tracing out the lines and intersections of the tiles. Hazy images passed through her clouded mind. Maybe all the others were right. Maybe she was crazy. Maybe she really was delusional or schizophrenic. She shook her head and forced herself to focus. If she was just imagining it all, why did it all feel so real, and why did she keep seeing the book? Even now she could picture it. She could feel it. Feel its call. It was like a hunger. Perhaps it was that feeling in the pit of her stomach that made her believe. It wasn't just mental, it was physical. She didn't know why or how exactly, but she was connected to it, and to be out of its presence was agony.

She heard the word protector echo in her mind. Yes, she was the book's protector, and she had been for centuries. There were others, other protectors, some good, some bad. They were all seeking the book. Why they wanted the book lingered just at the hazy outskirts of her mind. They were out there seeking the book, and she was strapped helplessly to a hospital bed. She closed her eyes and tried to understand it all. Her head was cloudy. Nothing seemed to make sense anymore.

The turning of the lock on her door brought her back into the moment. The door swung open, and a man in a long white coat came into the room followed by an orderly.

Hello, Ana, I'm Doctor Gabriel. He placed a hand on her forehead and lifted her eyelid with his thumb. He looked into her eyes for a moment before moving his hand to her wrist. Your pulse has settled down. He smiled at her; a warm, gentle smile meant to put her at ease. There was something familiar about him, but she knew she had never met him. His dark hair was graying just a touch at the temples, and his hazel eyes were filled with concern.

Why do I feel like I know you, doc? A faint image pulled at her mind, but it faded as soon as it appeared. Could he be trusted? She wasn't sure.

"Are you alright?

What? Ana blinked and tried to focus on his face again.

I was just saying how I'm sorry we had to restrain you. He pulled on her wrist gently. It was for your safety as much as the staff.

She doubted that, but she just nodded. Can you take them off now?

That depends entirely upon you. Can we trust you not to have another outburst like the other night? He pulled up a chair, and sat down.

I didn't really want to hurt anyone. She glanced up at the orderly. I just wanted to get out of here. She pulled reflexively on the restraints.

I'm sure you didn't want to hurt anyone, but sometimes our desires compel us to take desperate action. He leaned forward with his hands on his knees. I want to offer you a proposition. Will you hear me out?

Do I have a choice?

He smiled. Of course you do. We always have choices.

So if I say no?

His brow furrowed, and he leaned back in his chair. Then we just keep medicating you until we can come up with an alternate form of therapy.

She glanced over the doctor's shoulder at the orderly again. He wasn't nearly as big as Nordic. She could probably take him out with one kick. She smiled at him.

He glared back.

She returned her attention to the doctor. Well, when you put it like that, doc, what have I got to lose?

The doctor smiled and offered a chuckle in reply. I'm glad you still have your sense of humor. That's more important than you know. Now here's what I'm proposing, sit down with me in my office for a few sessions and let me give you my perspective on your situation.

Situation? Don't you mean neuroses?

He looked at her for a moment, pinching his ear lobe between his thumb and index finger.

Another hazy image appeared in her mind, a man, his face unclear, standing over her. The context wasn't clear, but she knew he was smiling and pinching his ear lobe.

Now, I know I know you, doc. That smile, that ear thing, I've seen them before. But how? And where?

I'm not entirely convinced that your problems are based in neuroses.

You're not?

So does that mean you'll agree to some sessions with me?

She narrowed her eyes. I don't see how it will really help, but it sounds better than being drugged out of my mind.

That's the spirit. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the kind of progress we can make together. I'll put in an order to have your meds cut back tonight.

Thanks.

Don't thank me yet. It's not entirely altruistic on my part. I want your mind and body to be free of some of these narcotics so that we can talk candidly. The doctor rose and went to work unfastening her restraints.

She rubbed her wrists and watched as he undid the strap around her ankles.

The orderly took a step closer, but the doctor held up his hand. The orderly opened his mouth as if to object, but simply nodded and returned to his spot near the door. Ana wondered if any of the orderlies she had roughed up were friends of his.

Joe, tell Betty to call the cafeteria and have them send Ana her breakfast. Oh, and Joe?

Yes, doc?

No one lays a hand on my patient without my approval. Are we clear? The warm, gentle tone left his voice, but it retained an unwavering evenness.

Joe gave a curt nod. Of course, doctor. Is that all?

Yes, you can go now. I'll handle things from here.

I don't think that's a good idea. You don't know how strong she is. He looked as though he was going to protest further, but another look from the doctor seemed to make him think better of it. He turned quickly and left them alone in the room.

Okay, Ana, I'm going to set aside some time for our first session this afternoon. In the meantime, take a shower and get into some fresh clothes. He gestured toward a small dresser on the opposite wall. Your breakfast should be here soon. I'll send Joe to collect you later.

How long will I be locked in my room? Will I be able to go out in the lounge again? She sat up and dropped her feet over the edge of the bed. Her toes barely touched the cold floor. Her head swam as she looked up at the doctor. She braced herself.

In time. I have to show the administration that you can be trusted. I can't honestly give them a good feeling about that until we've had a few productive sessions.

She hung her head and looked down at his shiny black shoes.

Don't fret. I think we're going to make a great team, and before you know it, you'll be back amongst the others in the ward. He smiled again.

Without looking up she asked, Will I ever be able to get out of this hospital?

Just give me some time. We need to take things slowly. It's too early to contemplate such things. Don't worry. It just takes time. He paused as if waiting for her to reply. When she didn't, he left the room.

She knew she didn't have the kind of time the doctor was talking about, but for the moment she'd play along.

After a shower that washed away the traces of the last few days, but not the memory, Ana pulled on a fresh pair of scrubs from the small dresser. They were blue, the nurses all wore white. Guess there's no chance sneaking out of here disguised as a nurse.

She gave the breakfast a cursory glance, decided against the runny eggs and dry toast. She sat on the edge of the bed and downed the glass of orange juice. While she was in the shower someone had brought a few of her things into this new room. A picture of her mother stood atop the dresser alongside a pile of books. Whoever had brought her things must not have known her well; otherwise they would have known there was a reason the picture of her mother was at the bottom of a drawer.

She crossed the room and placed her mother's picture face down. The small red book that lay on top of the others caught her eye. The book was no bigger than a deck of cards. The blood-red cover was intricately inscribed in Chinese. Chinese, not Japanese, not Korean, definitely Chinese. How she knew this, she wasn't entirely certain. Ana couldn't read it, she just knew. Something about the book felt right in her hands. She leafed through the delicate pages. They were impossibly thin. Each one contained row after row of vertical characters. Why had this been left in her room?

The lock on her door clicked and the door swung open. She set the book back down. Joe held the door open and motioned for her to follow. She could see another orderly behind him.

Come on out, Ana, said Joe. It's time for your first session with Doctor Gabriel. He looked as if he wanted to say something more, but he didn't.

She made her way to the door and stopped. Nordic stood in the hall in all of his hulking glory. Had she really taken this man down so easily?

Don't worry, Hans is just a precaution. Although, considering how you handled him before, I'm not sure if it would make much difference. He chuckled. Hans didn't look amused, but he didn't say a word.

Hans. That figures. She gave him a smile that only garnered a roll of the eyes. "Sorry about your nose. It