Journal of a Deadman: Wrath

By Alexander Collas

As Keith travels deeper into the realms of the Damned, he finds that Hell and suffering is not limited to just the tortured souls. Those who rule and run this infernal place also have their own Demons, stories, histories, and pains. On the Fourth Plane, Keith is told about Lucifer's family and the fall. He meets Elick, a Hellspawn and learns what it's like to be born, raised and grow up in the shadows of his Great Grandfather, one of The Fallen. He meets the Fates and discovers that the living are not always allowed to follow their own paths but instead live out those laid out for them. He watches as his companion, Usis, comes into his own, beginning to change, and the incredible price he could pay for it. In this collection of journal entries Keith tours Wrath, a plane dedicated to the hatred we each carry in our souls. Again The Dark Lord invites you into his world to see what is in store for you if this is, in fact, your most beloved sin.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alexander Collas
• Release date: Oct 29, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463844489

Alexander Collas

Alexander Collas is an American author. His two series, Journal of a Deadman and The Family Morningstar have received both adulation and infamy for addressing the myths of God, Lucifer, and Eternity from a different point of view. He examines and brings into question the accepted paradigms handed down over the last two thousand years. His books are graphic, and present the teachings of religion as they are presented and not from the edited dreamy eyed perspective their believers like to tell themselves. Ask yourself, how would an eternal being feel about a creature like the living, who dies before eternity even knows they exist. Why would such powerful beings really care what these temporary beings felt and what would they even need with such sad talking monkeys?

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Journal of a Deadman

Wrath

Alexander Collas

Journal of a Deadman – Wrath

Volume 4

by Alexander Collas

These journals have been a journey into depths I had never thought I would be required to travel. I thank all those who have stood beside, behind and sometimes in front, clearing the way, with their incredible support.

All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2018 Alexander Collas

This is a work of Fiction. Characters, entities, institutions, and organizations in this novel are the product of the author’s imagination, or, if real, are used fictitiously without any intent to describe their actual conduct. This is an editorial observation of the life and times the protagonist lived in.

All rights reserved. This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of international copyright law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, conviction, fines, and/or imprisonment. Any eBook format cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher, except where permitted by law. To request permission and all other inquiries, contact Death Nail Media at  http://www.DeathNailMedia.com/.

Quote: When an inner situation is not made conscious, it appears outside of you as fate.

– Carl Jung

Entry 142

As I walked back to the inn, my mind kept returning to the beggar. Something was different about him. Though he’d been dressed in rags, his tattoos, the way he carried himself, the various instruments, all told me he wasn’t as he wished to appear. Then it hit me -- it was those instruments. Where did he get those? Yeah, he was more than he appeared. With this being Hell, meeting someone who wasn’t quite right shouldn’t have surprised me, but for some reason it did. I continued to walk lost in thought. Finally, I realized the problem wasn’t his appearance or what was off about him; it was almost like he didn’t belong, he wasn’t of this place. Hell, I mean.

I heard the crackling of flames and the smell of cooked meat, and was brought back to the present. Hell had no real time, no day or night, but this must have been the slow time of their ‘day.’ The merchants were opening the shops that had been closed for the evening. Creatures, strange ones of all sizes, were scurrying about. Some were cleaning the litter from the streets. Others were collecting and eating all the random bits of damned souls who hadn’t made it through the previous evening’s festivities. I came upon a square, and in the center was a bonfire. Well sort of, it was a pile of souls, horribly mutilated. I guess they were being burned to dispose of them. I paused and watched as the two large Demons took what remained of one soul and tossed it up onto the fire. It was missing its head, but then they all were. Those were lined up beside the cart watching their bodies be disposed of, each lost in its own phantom cries of pain, never heard since there were no vocal cords to produce the sounds. But then they didn’t need a voice; their eyes told of how they could feel their bodies being consumed.

Back at the inn, it was, as always, full, crowded and loud. Sitting at the back of the room at what had become our normal booth was Usis. I had no more than closed the door behind me when his eyes found mine. It was like his mind was always searching, waiting for me to enter his field of vision. More and more I noticed there was very little he missed. Not just with me, but in his surroundings, everywhere. He was with Bell. I smiled and headed over with a mix of happiness at seeing them but also sadness. I had to deliver the news that it was time for us to leave the Plane.

You’re back. Did you enjoy your evening, by yourself? asked Usis. I could hear just a hint of anger in his voice. The freshness of said bitterness told me that my night on the town, alone, must have been the topic of their conversation. It was confirmed when I saw Bell nudge him with her elbow.

It was interesting… I decided to throw in a lie. It would’ve been better with you, our first night out on the town, but you were off doing whatever it is you wander off doing. I felt that not only covered my ass but turned some of the onus back on him. I’d hit the mark. I could tell by the expression on his face. A tinge of regret was birthed in my mind but I suffocated it quickly.

As I sat at the table, Bell instinctively poured me a drink and I drank it down. We’re leaving tomorrow for the Fifth Plane, I blurted out before even I knew I was going to say it. No warning, no build up, just there it was.

We had already guessed that, said Bell with a nod.

Yes, why else would you run off and leave us with no notice?

Usis, I told Kitar, he knew. Since you’ve not talked to him, I can only guess you’ve just gotten back as well, from whatever it is you keep vanishing to do. I was tired and this attitude was starting to rub me the wrong way.

As if he sensed he was going too far he scooched over beside me and put his arm around my shoulder. It is as you wish, my Lord.

My eyes shot to him. Was he going to start pulling that slave bullshit with me again? I was relieved to find an ear-to-ear grin spread across his face. He just raised an eyebrow. Any response I had planned was silenced as we all turned to find Kitar enter the inn, his bark alerting us to his arrival. He clearly wasn’t in a very good mood. When he made it to our booth he threw himself down beside Bell who handed him a drink. She truly was the consummate hostess.

Without any greetings to the others asked he asked me, Are you ready to leave?

I sat back, surprised. Slow down there, hoss. We will rest tonight and head out tomorrow. I see no reason to traverse into a new territory until we are fresh. Pausing, I scrutinized him more carefully. What are you not telling me? What should I know that I don’t? Does it have to do with that beggar? There was something strange about him.

Any doubts I had about the beggar were quelled when Kitar changed the subject without as much as an acknowledgment of what I just said. You are right; we are in no hurry. The next Plane is going to have its own challenges, what with the Overlord and all.

I cocked my head. Oh gawd, what’s this one’s story?

You know I am not going to answer that. It is your responsibility to discover the Planes and learn them, not be briefed before you arrive. I am there to protect you from what comes, not prepare you for it.

That might be the truest statement you’ve made so far. And if you’re interested, it also makes you an asshole, just so you know.

Ok, well drink up and then you two get packed so we can get out of here early tomorrow.

I had to laugh at how he just ignored certain things.

Usis jumped in. I had backpacks made. I am tired of carrying things in bags like we are some kind of drifters. Though I guess in a way that is exactly what we are, but that does not mean we should accept it. Since we are slowly accumulating things, we need a way to carry them. He added, Yours is on your bed and has your name on it and yes, before you ask, it is leather, which means souls. This is Hell, OK?

We took the night and relaxed enjoying each other company. Even Kitar loosened up, and Bell spent a good portion of the evening with us. Kitar said there would be cities from this point on but there wouldn’t be another place like Another bad decision or Bell. But no one could be like Bell, and boy she didn’t hold anything back that night. She made sure we partied, drank, ate like we were celebrating a wedding. Before the evening was over the party had spilled out onto the streets, and most of the residents were involved as well. It was a glorious night for which I’ll always be grateful. She had managed for a small while to help us forget where we were and the mission we were on.

I’d usually say around dawn we crawled up to bed. But there is no dawn in Hell, just that damned dull gray light, plus I think we partied through the day into another night. At some point, we did stumble up, for the last time on this Plane, and passed out.

Entry 143

The following morning, I awoke before Kitar and Usis. How’d I know if I woke up before Kitar? Well, because he was passed out in the bed with us. I barely remember him helping me bring Usis upstairs. But it was now evident that he’d decided to pass out in bed with us instead of returning to his room. Usis was curled against his back, much like he slept with me. And no, I wasn’t worried, jealous or anything else, so let’s not go there.

I carefully got up and ran downstairs and brought up some breakfast, cheese, bread and wine. By the time I returned Kitar was in his regular spot smoking his pipe and Usis was running around like a crazy person checking corners ensuring we’d not forgotten anything.

Setting the food down, I asked, So we are off to the Fifth Plane today?

Shrugging, Kitar poured the three of us some wine. Unless you have reasons for us to stay, I would say let us get this journey underway.

Will you tell me anything?

It is the Plane of Wrath and Sullenness. As far as Planes go, it is pretty ordered. The Overlord runs a tight ship, as your culture used to say. Other than that, you know I am not going to tell you much. We probably will be staying in the Keep this time but can play that one by ear. I can see the benefits to staying in Dis if you want too.

Dis? I asked.

That is the city on the Fifth Plane, answered Kitar.

Whatever you think is best. I motioned Usis over to join us at the table. Before we leave though I do want to bring something up. I have waited till we three were together alone. You both are becoming more intricate players in my story and the story of these travels. Therefore, from time to time, when something happens to one of you and I’m not there, but it’s useful to include in my journals, I want you to let me know so I can interview you and make a record of it. I will write it, but it will be me telling your story, not me telling the parts of your story I’ve pieced together. I think this will add a level of depth that we have been missing with everything being only from my perspective. It will be important that I tell it as you see it, not as I think you see it. Does that make sense? I explained.

Completely, and I think that is a fine idea, commented Kitar.

I understand and will keep that in mind. Any way I can help you, my love, you know I am eager to do so. Now with that being said, are we going to sit here and talk about the next Plane or are we going to go see it? barked Usis, who stood up and crossed to the door, clearly impatient.

Both me and Kitar stared at my little companion. It was like time had stopped. Then Kitar shrugged. I am ready, you?

I’m ready, I answered. Then smiling at Usis, I asked, Are you?

His answer came in the form of him throwing my new backpack at me. What do I have that needs a backpack?

I got us some clothes, you know shirts, pants and tunics, so you do not have to keep running around asking the overlords for clothes. It’s a little embarrassing, don’t you think? As I understand it there are no more cold Planes so I did not get you anything thick, Usis explained.

We made it down to find Bell already wearing an expression like someone had run over her dog, or more to the point in this place, cooked it. So youz guyz are leavin, are ya? she asked, her Jersey accent in full display.

Yes, it is best we get the introductions out of the way. I cannot help the feeling we are going to run into a few problems, answered Kitar.

Smiling a sad smile, she pulled Usis into her arms, giving him a long close hug. Right before she stepped back she kissed him on the cheek. You’re a good boy. Take care of this lug and keep him out of the pits.

Usis just stared at his feet. He didn’t want to let her see how tears were filling his eyes.

She then turned to Kitar as she grabbed him by the balls. I don’t need to tell you to take care of them. They couldn’t be in better hands. Come back soon, handsome, don’t be a stranger. Eternity is not so bad when you’re around. He too hugged her close.

Finally, she came to me. I shook my head as he pulled me into an embrace. I can’t tell you how much you’ve made my travels better. Seeing you and this place took me home for a little while, something I never thought possible. Thank you, Bell, I said.

She kissed me on the cheek then pulled her head back letting our eyes meet, still holding me tight. You have become very dear to me. It is with that caring that I fear the path you will have to walk and what that path could do to you. Just remember, there is happiness here, there is light in this darkness. Sometimes all you have to do is move your hand a little to your left to find a bit of that light waiting to take it. Wrinkling my brow I reached out to find Usis’ hand waiting. I nodded as she released me and we headed out the door. She stood in the entryway watching us as we worked our way down the street toward the Fifth Plane.

We took our time as we strolled through the city, out across the bridge, and through the mountain of heads. We paused briefly on the Fourth Plane to catch our breaths. The intense heat hit Usis harder than Kitar and myself since he hadn’t been off the Third Plane for a while.

Kitar made sure we had both adjusted before we started on our way again. He said the heat would not be as humid but would continue to grow in intensity as we descended, getting closer to the furnaces themselves.

The path down to the Fifth Plane was like the others, just a tunnel entrance with a metal bound door. Kitar placed the key in the lock. I hadn’t seen it since Calmet. Before the key had always changed shape to fit the Plane we were entering; now if it did, I didn’t notice. Those little wonders had long ago stopped concerning me. Before, as we descended it often felt like we were moving to the next part of an incredible journey, now it was like we were slowly being led to the slaughter.

Trudging down the tunnel Usis and I stood several steps back. The last time we had descended into a new Plane of Hell we had been attacked and imprisoned by The Lovers, an issue that was, in my mind, still not yet resolved.

As we made it to the bottom of the tunnel I saw Kitar slow and then stop as a low growl slowly echoed up through the passage. It took me two more steps to see what he was looking at, two guards standing in the doorway, each with their pikes crossed. These were massive Demons, their faces like that of a black hairless dog, long teeth extending from their muzzle. They were nude with no genitalia, their skin the color of tar, having that black-green hue. Their arms were long ending in massive clawed hands, their feet elongated claws as well. I stood and watched as a drop fell from the cave ceiling striking my face. I saw a rush of faces, pain and lives lost in agony. I shook, wiping it away as if it had burned my skin. It wasn’t my flesh it tormented but my soul.

Kitar in his most demanding voice barked, Stand aside, we are here on The Dark Lord’s business.

The Demons’ only response was to stand taller as they replanted their pikes, crossing them. You are not allowed to enter here. Our Lord has forbidden it. Kitar’s eyes went wide as I heard a low guttural noise from behind me. I felt a hand start pulling me back up the stairs, it was Usis, leaning in he whispered, Step back, my love.

I noticed the cave was low and narrow, a perfect place to try something like this. Kitar had no room to work, he couldn’t assert his judge form. Again, we heard from our guide, I order you to stand aside.

This time there was no response from the two guards. All three stood like statues. Usis hissed and pulled me back trying to place distance between us and their stillness, which creeped up the steps like a disease. Finally, just before we too were wrapped in this strange embrace Kitar ordered, Back up the stairs.

We heard Kitar mumble a curse as he also turned and followed behind us. When we made the around the corner, blocking the guards’ view, I stopped. What’s going on?

It appears the Overlord denies us access to her Plane, snarled Kitar.

Can she do that?

Shaking his head, he replied, Clearly she can. I am all but powerless. Those sentries are created; they have no souls to speak of and therefore my powers as a Judge are all but useless. I could have an effect on her, the Overlord that is, but she is not here. We must return to Bell’s until I can resolve this problem.

As we started up, I asked, She…. the Overlord’s a female? And…how exactly do you, as you said, resolve this problem?

For all practical purposes yes, the Overlord is female now. Shaking his head, Kitar continued, But we will get to that after this issue has been resolved. It is far too complicated to explain now. As for the second part of your question, there is only one way I know to solve this problem. I am going to drop you two off then go pay a visit on our Lord and Master.

I stopped dead in my tracks. You’re going to go tell Lucifer? I can’t imagine this is going to go over too well. I smiled though I think it was more to mask my fear.

Cocking his head to the side, Kitar answered, You have no idea. Once you understand the relationship between Enepsigos and Lucifer, you will understand just how unpleasant this is going to be. Pausing, he added, What is more concerning to me is you. Why are you smiling?

Are you kidding? I’m about to get to see Lucifer show up and kick some serious Overlord ass. I’ve seen what he does to souls. I can only imagine what a throw down between The Dark Lord and one of his Primary Servants must be like.

Shaking his head, he passed us and continued up the stairs. You have no idea, my friend, you have no idea. Pausing, but not turning so we could see his face, he added, Though it could be interesting to watch. I could tell he was smiling now as well.

Entry 144

We walked into Another Bad Decision and there was Bell leaning against the bar. Upon seeing us, she stood straighter but seemed to relax once she realized all three of us were there. Walking over, the smile she first carried slowly morphed into worry. Why are you back? she asked me then pointing to Kitar, And why is he so pissed off?

Is our room still available? asked Kitar with no explanation.

You haven’t been gone long enough for me to get the cum stains out of the bed. You think I am that much in demand, sweetie? When he didn’t even crack a smile, she raised her eyebrows in question to me.

You two stay here. I will be back, commented Kitar angrily as he left.

Like we were home again I walked over and slid into our booth as Usis grabbed both our bags and took them upstairs to the room. By the time he made it back Bell was