The Family Morningstar: Book 2

By Alexander Collas

Lucifer left Heaven. He wasn’t thrown from the gates as The Father's sympathizers want you to believe. They tell us The Host turned its back on the rebel prince, but again it's not true. A full third of The Eternal city followed the First born when he left. In a final stroke of defiance, The Dark Lord gifted his Fallen with the one prize The Father had denied his children, the ability to procreate. After the war The Father vanished, leaving Creation to find its own way. Treaties between The Host and Hell were made as the flow of souls into eternity continued to grow.

The Fallen began to raise families. Their children, called Hellspawns, were born and became some of the most fearsome creatures to walk the nine creations. But no Hellspawn stood above Lucifer's most prized possession, his feared and hated great-grandson Xia Morningstar. As great as Lucifer's love for Xia was, so in equal measure was his mother's hatred of her son. What most did not understand is that Xia really only wanted two things, to know who his father was and where they had taken the twin sister he'd never met. As the rift between his mother, the great Mesopotamian deity Lamashtu, and son grew, she devised a plan to do what had never been done before, expel the troublesome spawn from Hell. The Fallen could travel the Creations but no Hellspawn had ever left The Dark Lord's realm until now. Here begins the story of Xia Morningstar and his human minion Sam as they search for the secrets both Hell and The Host have spent an eternity trying to hide.

Alexander Collas' series, Journal of a Deadman and The Family Morningstar, have received both adulation and infamy for taking on the subjects of God, Lucifer and Eternity from a different point of view. His writings examines this age old superstitions through the lenses of their most acclaimed and hated characters. These books are graphic, controversial and examine topics often skirted by other authors.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alexander Collas
• Release date: Nov 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463188958

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?

Book preview

Chapter 34

The Dark Lord walked along the canal disguised as an elderly man in a tattered cloak. Few people came to this part of the city anymore. Crime was rampant with roving gangs feeding on anyone foolish enough to come down to the surface. He looked out across the landscape; it was one of the major cities as well as the future ground zero for the Rapture of this creation. The city rose up all around him, buildings going hundreds even thousands of feet into the air, vehicles flying overhead taking whoever to wherever their meaningless little lives were going. It didn’t matter for in a few days it would all end and yet only be the beginning. Overhead walkways laced the visible sky, sprouting from buildings like limbs. Some traveled just across the streets while others went for blocks, moving the masses. No one came to this side of the city anymore; it was the domain of the poor, the desolate and diseased.

Lucifer strolled along the canal; it had once been lined with high stone walls, winding paths meandering along the water only to be interrupted by patches of earth where trees had sprung up shading the way. Now the roads were broken and the trees dead. The water of the canal smelled and had a greenish color. All matter of filth floated by, from the waste thrown from the balconies of those who lived above to bodies in various stages of decay. Some worlds in this creation, and there were millions, were still alive and vital but not this one. It had run its course. The Host didn’t pick and choose which world to Rapture, it was all or nothing and this creation’s time had come.

Few creations had ever been raptured. It was more common for The Host to step in and deal with a specific world, nudging an asteroid, sending a plague or some other form of disaster that would wipe the planet clean. Allowing an otherwise vibrant world to again go through its natural processes. When this happened no one could be sure what would evolve. The only thing one could be certain of was that life would show up at some point. The Father had written that into the very code of the universe, this proclivity to produce life. Sometimes it was only small little microorganisms that never progressed while others became cultures, where its creatures had souls and lived in worlds that grew and developed. But as was always the case they would inevitably decline into decay and die away. It was the fundamental flaw with man; they were imperfect beings, so it was only logical that all they touched or created would be imperfect and unwell.

All that mattered to Hell was the spark. That moment when, through the process of evolution, a creature finally reached the point where they realized they were a they. Once they start to wonder about the universe in which they lived then both The Host, as well as Hell, begins to see them as real creatures. The instant that happened, that species had a soul. From then on no one knew how those creatures would grow up, how many would make it to the Eternal City. The only creature of that species guaranteed its afterlife was that first creature, the very first one to blossom into awareness. It would make it into the Eternal City regardless of its crimes, actions or brutality. For that one creature was now recognized by all that were Holy as being The Child of The Father.

Strangely, almost instantly after their awakening, souls would start appearing in Hell as they died to be recycled back into the power that fueled and sustained Creation. It was after all, as far as Lucifer was concerned, the living’s only real purpose.

He looked around. Very few worlds made it to the point this one had. Those that did had usually shrugged off their self-destructive tendencies by now in favor of a more holistic approach to planet maintenance. If after having discovered the different fundamental properties that powered suns and the universe, as well as how to use and harness them, and they made it past their own desire to see themselves extinct, they would ensure themselves a long future.

Now all of this would end, forever and with no hope of ever being again. This entire creation would be snuffed out only to be remembered by those who resided in The Host or Hell, but mainly The Host, since most of those in Hell would eventually, also, be no more.

Lucifer looked down the canal to see a priest strolling toward him. As the priest grew closer, he slowed, nodded to Lucifer as they turned to walk together along the river.

This is Castil. It was your decision to rapture this place, was it not? I can see why, said Michael.

Nothing here had anything to do with the recommendation; it was all about the numbers. Of the ten creations, this one is producing eighteen percent of the arrivals in Hell. It was a logical choice to ease the overcrowding, remarked Lucifer. True, it does not hurt that I was attacked three times before I made it here to meet you.

I know. That is why I chose a priest. They still carry some sway in this world. My arrival was relatively uneventful. It seems this rapture came at the perfect time. I told Gabriel I was taking one last look at the place before we started. This way no one knows we met. Can I ask why you wanted to meet like this? Asked Michael.

Things are moving along too quickly, and some of my plans cannot be talked about at the Keep.

Why? No member of The Host would know what we talked about there.

No but my Keep has ears, and I plan on using those ears to my advantage. Plus, I wanted to see this place again.

You have spies? asked Michael with a chuckle. The Mighty Dark Lord has house spies. How priceless is that?

Yes, very amusing. They are allowed house spies, so contain yourself.

"You said plans, plural, so let me hear them."

Well first, Xia is in the creation of his sister. He is not coming home until he finds her, and when he does he will learn all the things we have been keeping from him. That in itself is going to present its own series of problems for me. I would prefer he not be that mad at me, nor really do I want this hanging over our heads for eternity. It does not matter if I was involved or not, he will always hold a special anger for the one who tells him.

I do not see any way you can stop that. He either finds his sister on his own or you tell him. I personally think he cannot be allowed to find her on his own because one of them would kill the other before they calmed down. I wonder which would win?

Xia would win, he is trained. She grew up in Creation and let us face it, Michael, she is of The Light and you guys fight fair. Xia would not know fair if it sat on his face and wiggled. He would probably win, and I cannot let that happen any more than I can let her win.

Well, what can you do?

Lucifer laughed. I know Xia. He will calm down at some point. He will just need someone to take his anger out on and I have the perfect person.

You are not sending Gabriel.

I had not thought of that, but no, I plan on sending the one person in all creation he hates more than all others but ultimately would believe, Lamashtu.

You want to send his mother. Now how in all the Creations are you going to convince her to do your dirty work? She hates you almost as much as she hates her son.

Well, that is where this clandestine meeting comes in. She, well Sirus, has a spy in my house. He has been there for a while; his name is Jarvis. Lamashtu, like her son, is extremely predictable. I just need Jarvis to get the information that I cannot have Xia finding out about his sister. I will also point out that he is in that Creation and has decided to look for her. I know my granddaughter and she will take it from there. She will see it as an opportunity to strike at me as well as drive a wedge between Xia and myself. I need you to come to the Keep under the pretext that we are finalizing Hell’s part of this rapture. Then during that conversation, while we are being overheard, I will plant the little bits of misinformation about Xia and his sister as well as the fact I will be gone from Hell for a while.

Then this Jarvis soul will overhear all of this and being a loyal little minion run back and tell Lamashtu. What does you being gone have to do with anything?

That will be the perfect time to break her out of the Hatchery as well as get into the Keep. She knows I keep things there that will speed her healing, and with me gone they can also get to the portal easier.

You are not telling me you are about to allow another Hellspawn to enter Creation. Looking around at the polluted city Michael continued, Suddenly this place does not seem so bad. I wonder if I could retire here and leave Gabriel or Raphael to deal with this.

Well, we might both want to consider that before this is all over. Anyway, I will also need you to visit your tracker and make sure she goes to Westrun.

She is pretty keen to deal with these creatures first, but I can tell her to overlook them because the Hellspawn is more pressing.

Since she is a tracker, she can easily find and follow Xia’s movements through the world by the energy he leaves behind.

Correct.

Perfect, that will lead her to the inn where they are staying, which happens to be Thorn’s Inn, the neutral. I will visit Thorn and have him scrub the energy Xia makes leaving town and only leave the path leading to the monastery he visited. That will buy us some time.

Ok, I can do that. Xia stumbled upon Thorn’s place…hmm…that was very convenient.

It was not convenient. Trav, the minion I sent to help Xia, took him there on my recommendation. He did not argue.

Your…recommendation, sure…right…Nicely played.

Then the tracker will go to the monastery and after that she can just pick up Xia’s path as normal. We will have to play the rest by ear. Bringing Lamashtu into the equation introduces too many variables. I am not even going to try to plan anything after she goes through the portal. It makes my head hurt, and I tend to need a drink.

I think it is a decent plan. I agree Lamashtu will do her best to get to Xia if she knows you do not want her to, but what if they lock horns, pardon the pun, and go to war?

Very funny. Remember she will have only been out of the hatcheries for a few days and will not be strong enough to take Xia down. If we are lucky Xia will follow her back through the portal, then he and I can both deal with his mother, or we can hope he just kills her there. She won’t stay in Creation. She hates the place and will want all this done before I get back. I would expect her then to come and try to reconcile with me, not because she will be repentant but because she will want to watch the fireworks when Xia returns.

I see at least a dozen ways this could go completely wrong.

Only a dozen? Then you are not trying very hard. The upside is the sister will be out of the bag, and at that point, if it cannot be controlled we can step in and control it.

You have not mentioned what will happen if she also tells him who his father is.

There is no way I can control that. I can hope she will only deliver the sister and if she does also reveal the father, then we will deal with that if it happens.

"I like this we thing by the way."

Hey we planned this together. I am not letting you off the hook now.

OK, well let us hope it does not come to that because then we will have far more than Xia to worry about at that point. If Gabriel ever learned of my involvement in this plan, we would have a new war on our hands, Michael said.

That’s why I called you here to talk to you about this, so we can control it since we both have our wings in it.

You truly are a dear.

Lastly, so you can return with some answers. As I recall you told everyone you came to have one last look around. We are ready, after your visit to the Keep, to set the next step of this plan in action. You can start the Rapture any time. Just let me know the day before Gabriel goes down to play his little tune.

Good to know. Gabriel has been bugging me. I will tell him I have one last meeting with you, at the Keep, and then we can move forward. Have you thought any more about the new Creation?

Perfect and no. Let us get this done first, see what the numbers are and go from there. The next few weeks are going to be too busy to even think about a new creation and the ramifications it might have with Father. If anything goes wrong, or we need to talk let us come here. After the rapture starts, it will not be uncommon for me to be seen here, and Demons and The Host will be all over the place anyway. They will expect us to communicate, Lucifer replied thoughtfully.

Now if that is all I would like to get out of here before this place taints me forever. I will run and see Caitlin before heading back to The Host.

I have nothing else. Take care, Michael, said Lucifer as they both dropped their disguises, extended their wings and shot into the sky vanishing in two flashes of light.

Chapter 35

Like most nights at Thorn’s Inn, it was busy, the bar was crowded, and the conversations were crisp. All the guests were having a good time talking about life in Westrun and the issues of the day. Thorn’s had always been a hub for interesting people. Everyone was welcome. It didn’t matter if you were a follower of the Dark Lord or The Host, when you arrived, you checked all that at the door.

It was not uncommon to see clergy from both temples sitting together chatting about life in the city while carefully dancing around any topics that would lead them down a road that might get them in trouble.

The inn didn’t do old tables and uncomfortable benches. Thorn’s had well-polished furniture with high back comfortable chairs scattered around the room allowing people to chat in small groups without all its members being visible to everyone. Along the back wall was the massive fireplace with couches arranged in front, offering a welcome sitting area for its patrons. One each side were balconies that looked down into the inn. The lighting in the room was scarce, providing plenty of dark corners where people who typically wouldn’t be seen talking together could settle in and do what they needed to get done.

Thorn was known citywide for his ability to run an ordered establishment while walking the fine line between the many different sides of not only the religions in the city, but the politics and civil issues. He had always made it clear when you stepped into Thorn’s you were there to relax and enjoy yourself. If you wanted to jump up and down and have fits, there was the entire city outside his front door for you to do that in, but not here.

As the night moved on and the crowds in the bar started to thin Thorn came downstairs to close out the register for the late-night bartender to take over. They were open all night, but around this time it always slowed down, which was good. It gave them time to get ready for the breakfast rush that came right before sunrise. Then the bar would fill up with hungry patrons preparing for a full day’s work but more importantly to Thorn, it was the time to start serving the guests in the rooms above, the real bread and butter of his establishment.

Thorn looked around the bar. The only patrons that remained were a few of the regulars, and in the back sitting in one of those dark corners was an old man in a tattered cloak. Turning to the bartender he asked when the old man had arrived and was told he had been there most of the night sipping on one of their better house vintages.

Thorn strolled across the bar greeting the regulars, cracking jokes, ordering free rounds of drinks. Then when he reached the corner, which tonight was more shadowed than usual, he just stood looking at the old man.

Were you going to say hello or are you just slumming tonight, My Lord?

I had business elsewhere then decided to drop in here to ask a couple of favors of you. I thought why not make an evening of it. This is one of the few places I can come that is full of my followers, but none smart enough to see me sitting right under their noses, said Lucifer.

Favors? The Dark Lord isn’t known for asking favors. And just showing up unannounced? You know this is a neutral place.

That is why I came like this and not as I normally travel. I respect you're keeping a place where all are welcome. I personally think The Father would like that. But let’s not play the ‘neutrality’ game, you are only as neutral as you need to be to accomplish your own little goals.

Thorn laughed. I said the BAR was neutral. I, on the other hand, pick my fights. But being ‘an eternal’, I tend not to meddle in the affairs of man. They are all so temporary, and I discovered long ago in many ways it’s like trying to trap moving water. Regardless, I’m pretty sure you didn’t come here tonight to debate the pros and cons of running a bar.

True, but keep in mind little elf, when the day finally comes that we rapture this creation, let’s see how that ‘eternal’ thing works out for you then. Is there someplace we can talk alone?

Sure, let’s go up to my rooms. We can talk there, said Thorn.

If I remember, it’s up those stairs and through the secret panel on the top floor, replied Lucifer.

I love a man who remembers. Thorn smiled, leading the way. They went up the stairs stopping at the top of the common steps as he opened the wall panel leading to his private chambers pausing only to point to the door behind him. That’s their rooms, by the way. Xia is out of town I think.

He is, otherwise I would not have risked this.

I thought about killing Trav when he showed up at my door with him, but curiosity got the best of me. Plus, it never hurts to have The Dark Lord owing you a favor. Even among the living, your Great Grandson has a reputation.

Do not hold it against Trav. He was only doing as ordered. I told him to bring Xia here.

I had a feeling he wasn’t acting on his own accord. It doesn’t matter as things have gone smoothly. Do you know how much longer they will be staying?

They should be leaving shortly, probably within the next day or two. Which brings me to why I am here.

Well come on in, have a seat and let me know what’s on your mind. Would you like a real drink? asked Thorn.

You have some here?

I keep a little around in case I have guests, he added, reaching into the cupboard and bringing out a dark bottle. He poured a generous measure for Lucifer and then some for himself. Moving to the fireplace, he sat opposite The Dark Lord. And how may I be of service?

Xia has been working on a tracking device but the instructions he is using are not complete. I need you to send him to the Elves in Arington. Then once he is gone, scrub the energies from his departure, leaving only those leading into Westrun, and the ones he left when he traveled out to the Monastery. A tracker should show up in the next few days, but he will already be gone. I need her to follow his tracks to the monastery and not to the elven village. I need you to tell her he left and went to the monastery. As I understand it, this will not violate your neutrality because it is true.  That is it, that is all I need you to do, send Xia to the Elves and make sure the tracker cannot follow him. Can you do that?

Yes, I will do that, but this means Hell owes me a favor.

Fine just do not overreach. I have enjoyed my evening here, but I really should be leaving now. I have cloaked my energies but if I stay too long this tracker might still be able to sense them and I need her to do as planned.

Use the back stairs; you remember where they are. Those can’t be tracked I have spells on them. Thorn stood and walked across the room to a place where he popped a panel beside the fireplace revealing a narrow passage with a set of spiral steps leading down. There’s a room at the bottom if you need more space than the stairs to leave from.

Lucifer moved down the steps and almost immediately the entire building shuddered as a bright light flashed up from the passage where he had descended. Thorn closed the door and poured himself a large drink thinking, I might kill Trav anyway.

Chapter 36

It was several hours before dawn when Xia and Lartos hit the road back to Westrun. Their return trip went without incident, and around noon they came walking through the city gates. The day was bright and Lartos was happy to be back in town again. He wasn’t a traveler, and the recent events had proven to be far more taxing than he had expected. They made their way to the Temple where two acolytes met them. He handed his reins over to one as Xia too dismounted.

Thank you for your help, High Priest. It is now time for you to take control of your parishes. Send someone to the Inn tomorrow. I will have scrolls prepared for the major monasteries in your jurisdiction. That should be enough to ensure a smooth transition. If you have any issues, you know how to contact me. I will send someone to deal with any stragglers.

"Thank you, My Lord. Will you do us the honor of allowing us to offer a Black Mass to you once a week?

That would be a nice tribute, thank you. Take care, High Priest. We will probably not meet again before I continue on my journey. And with that Xia remounted as Lartos and the other acolytes went to their knees as the Hellspawn headed off across the square.

Lartos stood watching Xia ride off. In the past days, his faith had transitioned from an abstract belief to a real understanding. He now carried the mark of a great Lord of Hell, and to him there really couldn’t have been a higher honor.

As he returned to his office his first order of business was to get one of their sculptors to design and create a detailed statue of Xia that they could add to their monastery beside that of his Great Grandfather. He would then have copies sent forth to all the other temples under his jurisdiction.

Chapter 37

Xia made it back to the inn just after noon to find Thorn tending bar. Hello, Thorn. I hope things were calm while I was gone, and that my two little companions behaved themselves.

Your one companion ordered work tables and has had several deliveries of pipes, joints and other assorted hardware. What is he building, and should I be worried?

I have no idea but whatever it is it’s probably harmless but knowing him a small bit of concern would not go wasted. I will see what he is up to when I get up there. On the upside, if the back of the Inn is still in tack then it will probably stay that way. Xia smiled. By the way, since I am back sooner than I had intended would you be interested in having that dinner this evening?

I’d enjoy that very much, my dear sir. I should be able to have a meal pulled together in the next few hours. Oh, and when you arrive just tell them Mr. Chang is here to see me.

Chang? asked Xia.

Yes, I needed to register you and choose a name that would not attract as much attention. I hope that is acceptable to you? added Thorn.

Xia Chang huh, I like it. I think I will keep it while in this world. Thank you, my dear. Do you know if the boys are still in?

I think Trav has stepped out and I’ve not seen Sam today. We took breakfast up to him earlier, that’s the last I heard.

Thank you. Please send up a bottle or two of wine and a couple of bowls of whatever that it is your bartender is eating.

It’s a beef stew. It’s pretty good. The cook outdid himself today.

And some bread, if you don’t mind. I am finding I like bread, very strange.

As you wish, and I’ll see you later this evening, say around sunset?

Sounds perfect, are we eating in one of the private rooms in the back? asked Xia.

I thought we could have dinner in my quarters, it would ensure privacy and I wouldn’t have to deal with Inn issues.

Very well. I will see you around sunset then. Have a great day until then.

And to you, My Lord.

When Xia made it up to their quarters, he found Sam had transformed a corner of the room into a work area. There were tables pushed together with an assortment of pipes, magical devices and components scattered across the surfaces. On the table nearest the window were piles of papers and drawings. When Sam saw Xia enter the room he quickly and somewhat unsuccessfully tried to turn them over as if hoping the Hellspawn would not notice.

Xia just ignored his attempts. My, it looks like the old workshop at home. What in creation are you making?

Nothing, don’t worry, you will see. It should be ready tomorrow. I’ll also have a list of spells you will need to cast for it.

Where is Trav?

He went out to finish getting supplies for our trip. When are we leaving? Have you decided?

I hope tomorrow, if all goes as planned, answered Xia seeing a small frown dance across his friend’s face. What’s with the look? Why do you not want to go?

Oh, it’s just been nice to have a life again and a place to stay, and above all regular meals and a bed.

Don’t worry you will have regular meals. If you would have bothered to look at the maps, you’d see we planned a route with plenty of villages and towns, so we should only be on the road a day or two between stops.

I haven’t looked. Maps mean nothing to me. I go where I’m told.

Xia decided if his boy wanted to remain ignorant of their plans it was his own problem. He did have one more thing to say. I am having dinner with Thorn this evening, so you guys will be on your own.

Dinner? You don’t eat, said Sam.

I don’t eat food, but I do nibble on Inn owners.

With a smile, Sam replied, I had a feeling from the moment you saw him that you had intentions to do some cavorting.

It was you who said I needed to see what this new limited form can do, after all, added Xia trying to look innocent.

Yeah, we can’t be running all over creation without you knowing how your penis works. As they laughed, the servants arrived with the food.

Taking the tray from the guard Xia returned and placed it on the table. Sam having smelled the stew was now bobbing behind the table like a gopher looking from his hole. What is that amazing smell? asked Sam.

It is a stew. It smelled good enough I thought I would try some.

You didn’t get enough for two?

There appears to be enough for six here, so that should feed you and leave me a little, smiled Xia.

Yeah, whatever... answered Sam as he pushed past Xia. Shall I serve? he asked as he took the ladle and started scooping generous portions into the bowls. Tearing a large chunk of bread off he handed both to Xia who moved to open the wine as they sat to have a meal together.

I will need a corner of that table later today; I need to make the tracking device Great Grandfather suggested. I read about it while on the trip and think I have all the details worked out.

Speaking of that, how did the trip go? Feel free to spare me the details.

Smiling Xia said, Everything I planned to do got done and overall nothing of importance happened.

Is there actually a Demon in residence?

"Well, there was a Demon in residence. I sent him back to Hell. You know the same old story, he tried to kill me and this creation was starting to rub off on him, blah..blah..blah. Basically, he was getting sloppy."

Nothing happened; he just tried to kill you. I’ve always marveled at your definition of boring. But to be honest, I was never under the impression you would allow him to stay. That is what you tend to call a loose end, and I’ve never known you to be a fan of those.

And that is why I keep you around.

One learns or suffers the pains of fools, replied Sam, tipping his glass to Xia who responded by clicking them together.

I do not think I will ever understand this eating thing, but the flavor is good, said Xia, smelling his food and then pushing the spoon into his mouth chewing awkwardly.

I didn’t realize until I was among the living again how much I really missed eating.

You ate in Hell.

That wasn’t eating, that was surviving. I mean after a few hundred years you grow used to the taste of souls, but it’s nothing like this. I always wanted to ask, can a soul starve to death in hell?

Of course not. You remember the creatures on the Judgement Plane? They are not allowed to eat. They just dry up and fall away after a while. Eating was only introduced as a way to get rid of all the extra meat we kept having lying around. Plus, making a soul consume the flesh of another soul, even if it will grow back, seems to increase the level of suffering for both parties. The soul that donated the meat feels it being eaten while the one eating has to deal with knowing what they are consuming. All around it is a win. That was one of the reasons you were so lucky. Being one of my people you were allowed to keep all your parts. And if I remember correctly, you insisted on cooking all the meat you ate. Xia smiled. I am sure that went over well with its owner, he added starting to laugh.

Oh, that’s right. I forgot about them. I know, but I decided some time ago there are two types of creatures in hell. Those who were never going to care about what it was and those who were always going to care. So those of us it does bother will never get used to eating the flesh of another creature and the pain it creates. I think the main reason most people continue to eat is it is one of the few sufferings they can control if that makes any sense.

Actually, yes it does. I might have to keep that in mind in the future. Anything happen while I was gone?

I worked on my device, and Trav got ready for the trip. Someone high ranking from Hell was here last night. The device you gave me started to glow like crazy. But it only lasted for the evening and then was gone.

How bright?

Very bright, if I had to guess The Dark Lord himself was here. Is that even possible?

It’s possible but I doubt it. Anyway, if it was someone from Hell, I am not worried about it. Just keep that little toy’s existence under your hat for now, even from Trav.

Don’t worry. I’m just glad to have it, said Sam.

About halfway through their meal Trav came walking through the door carrying a bunch of parcels in his arms. You’re back. How was the trip? he asked, dropping the packages while grabbing a bowl and starting to scoop food into it. Wow, this smells good.

Well, please help yourself, and the trip was fine. I will say this place is starting to look like a storeroom. Are we going to have room for all of this on that cart?

Oh yeah, it’s not packed. Once I’m done it’ll take up far less room. I noticed you took the horse out. How did that go?

He is great. We had no problems at all.

I passed him in the stables. It’s like he was watching me and knew what I was doing.

I did give him a few lessons on creation, and he might now be as smart as our little friend here, Xia said, tipping his glass at Sam.

Hmpf, was all he got in reply as Sam continued stuffing his mouth.

How are your eyes healing? Xia asked Trav.

They are fine. It’s just strange getting used to the new vision.

Hey, you didn’t ask me how my eyes were doing, complained Sam.

That is because if you were having any issues I would have heard about it as soon as I walked in. As you like to say about me, you do not suffer silently.

Again, Xia got a hmph from his companion.

Trav joined them at the table, pouring himself some wine. As they ate they discussed the final details of the trip, all in agreement that midday the following day was a good time to set out. Trav had suggested noon so they could sleep in, have a decent meal and still be off early enough to put some road behind them before it got dark.

After they finished Xia went over to see what his minion was up too. Sam had returned to his work immediately after eating. When he noticed Xia watching asked, "Did you get the bloodstone, the special bloodstone?"

Yes, Yes, Yes. Plucked from the balls of virgins.

Trav choked on his food as Sam yelled, He’s kidding, and hit Xia.

The larger one should be an excellent one. One soul was a real priest living a life of silence while the other was a holy bandit who decided to volunteer his soul while we were on the road to the monastery.

I really don’t want to know but I’m sure the poor creature was just bouncing up and down with eagerness to surrender his soul to you. Sam frowned as Xia laughed and went to get the stone from his travel pack. When he returned, Sam said, Speaking of that, Trav, since you know the city, I need a strong box to carry these stones in, preferably each with its own little slot so they don’t bounce around.

Trav looked at the shape and size of the stones, commenting, I know just what you need. I’ll get it while I’m out this afternoon.

"Oh, Xia will be busy tonight with Thorn," remarked Sam.

Oh really? Should we not expect you back this evening then? asked Trav, raising his eyebrows with a smile.

Really, both of you? But I would think not. Why don’t you two get out and enjoy your last full night in the city? But don’t stay out too late. We all need to be fresh to leave tomorrow. It might be a good time for you boys to see if all your parts are working. The sexual tension between you two is starting to drive me crazy.

"Xia!" screamed Sam turning five shades of red as Xia burst out laughing.

Chapter 38

Are you going to be finished with that little project by the time we leave? asked Xia changing the subject.

I'm done. I just need you to do a few spells and then put the power crystal in," said Sam.

Well, let’s see this thing, said Xia as Sam held up a very large gun-looking device made from pieced together pipes of copper. That thing is huge, what exactly is it?

It’s what we call in my creation a gun, said Sam.

A Gun, repeated Trav with a puzzled look on his face.

Your creation does not have anything like it. Think of it as a crossbow but with a tiny bolt and an explosive charge, explained Xia.

That sounds horribly destructive, commented Trav.

You have no idea. Entire worlds have been taken down by such devices. That is just the tip of what they eventually become. What exactly does it fire and more importantly what do I need to do? asked Xia.

I’ve already installed the necessary components to produce the ammunition it will fire. I just need you to cast a creation spell on the whole device. Then after we put the power crystal in you’ll need to cast a shrinking spell. The thing is too big.

Well, the latter I understand. But a creation spell would cause the projectile to be a living creature.

I know. Now will you do it?

And this is a weapon, right? This is what you are hoping will replace me requiring you to learn to use a blade, right?

Gawd yes now… said Sam laying the device on the table. Creation spells first, if you please.

Xia, rolling his eyes, walked over and placed a hand upon the device as he uttered an incantation. The invention started to glow a dull shade of pink.

Pink, what does this thing do? said Xia as Sam removed the soul crystal Xia had given him from its storage box and placed it in a chamber at the end of the weapon. The device started glowing a bit brighter.

Perfect, now make it smaller. I would say by two thirds.

Shaking his head, Xia said, Alright. Again while touching the device the Hellspawn uttered an incantation. It rose a few inches off the table and then slowly started to shrink. After a few seconds, it was small enough that even with Sam’s little body, he could comfortably wear it like a gun would have been worn in a holster.

Perfect thank you, said Sam picking it up and tossing it back and forth testing the weight and balance.

Are you finally going to reveal the mystery and tell us what it does? Even better, hit me with your best shot, said Xia taking both hands and slapping his chest.

I don’t know if that would be a good idea.

Why, do you think it is dangerous enough to hurt me? I mean I don’t think, unless you know something I don’t know you know, that you have anything that could do a whole lot of damage to me.

Oh, it wouldn’t kill you no.

Well then you better get going or it is sword training for you.

Alright, said Sam as he pointed his gun at Xia and pulled the trigger, You asked for it. From the opening a half a dozen small pink balls flew out hitting Xia on the chest with a thud, bouncing off and landing on the floor in front of him doing no damage.

Seriously, if that is what they-- said Xia as he was cut off when each ball sprung into a relatively sizeable pink rabbit. Sam then screeched as the gun unexpectedly fired another six balls. Surprised by the gun’s misfire, Sam moved slightly causing only three of the balls to hit Xia while the other three hit Trav. They too bounced off harmlessly and landed on the floor turning into rabbits.

Xia and Trav just looked at each other when suddenly the rabbits turned and looked up at their targets opening their mouths to reveal a full set of long pointed teeth. All at once nine rabbits sprang upon Xia sinking their teeth into his flesh. The three that bounced off Trav did the same to him. Trav let out a cry of surprise and darted across the room, where the rabbits continued to jump on him biting and clawing at his flesh.

Xia let out a very high-pitched scream, jumped straight into the air with the rabbits following close behind taking turns clawing and biting him. As fast as the two could knock their attackers off they would again spring forward making another painful strike before falling back to the ground to prepare for the next lunge. Xia was now cursing as he ran around the room knocking over furniture swatting large pink rabbits off him. Trav sprung up onto the center table hoping that would slow his little attackers; it didn’t work.

Xia stopped mid-step turning on his attackers, stuck out his hand and muttered three words causing all nine rabbits to blow apart, body parts and internal organs flying in every direction. He then repeated the process with the ones tormenting Trav, causing them to explode as well.

Xia looked at Trav, who had not been as durable, to find their guide’s legs covered in bites, torn and bloody. His arms had small pieces of flesh missing from where the rabbits had taken bites out of him.

Are you OK?

What the fuck was that! screamed Trav.

Are you OK?

I think so, yes. Damn those things are horrible. And with that, they both turned to discover Sam was on his back holding his hands across his chest rolling on the floor in laughter.

What in the name of all the abominations in Hell was that? asked Xia.

Xia screamed like a girl. Did you hear how high pitched that sound he made was? was all Sam could get out before the laughing fit again reclaimed him.

Sam continued to laugh while Trav attended to his wounds and Xia just stood in the middle of the destroyed room getting madder and madder. Finally, when Sam had regained his composure Xia repeated in a very slow controlled tone, What was that?

It’s my Vicious Attack Bunny Gun from Hell.

"You created that gun, a gun to fire large pink rabbits at your enemies…on purpose! Is that what you are telling me?" Xia's voice continued to get louder as he moved through the question.

Well, actually they are bunnies, not rabbits but um basically…yeah.

Flames were starting to just gently lick around the Hellspawn’s body. What purpose in a real battle would a bunch of rabbits have? Xia was now almost yelling.

Put out the flames before you set the place on fire, commented Sam as he walked over and took Xia by each shoulder moving him around in a slow circle. Xia took a look at the room, which in their confusion and shock, was all but destroyed. "I WILL not kill, and you said I needed to learn to fight so I could defend myself until you or Trav who are ‘the real fighters’ could deal with my attackers. Are you saying that being hit in the chest unexpectedly by six pink balls wouldn’t cause the attacker to pause? Then are you telling me that just as they recover, again moving forward to attack, the pink balls spring into large BUNNIES that then jump them and start tearing chunks of their flesh away would not be enough of a deterrent to slow them down until one of you can do something?" explained Sam while slowly backing away from Xia, just in case.

Xia turned, still in shock and angry, to find that Trav had righted one of the chairs and was now sitting there laughing uncontrollably. When Xia met his eyes all he could get out was a shrug followed by, He has a point.

Xia looked around bewildered then just sat flat down in the middle of the destroyed room on the floor muttering to himself, He made a gun that fires rabbits. Over and over all they could get Xia to say was, rabbits! It fires rabbits.

Sam, on the verge of another laughing fit, added, With long pointy teeth. Don’t forget the long pointy teeth, and collapsed on the floor with Trav into yet another uncontrollable laughing fit. Xia sat there with his head in his hands as the two of them rolled in laughter.

How do they know who to attack? asked Xia without looking up.

Barely able to catch his breath Sam answered, whoever the balls hit is who they attack.

What if they accidentally hit one of us?

Well, maybe we can make a small amulet or something you guys can wear that tells them never to attack you.

"You want me to wear an anti-rabbit attack amulet? Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me?" exclaimed Xia his voice slowly rising in pitch and volume fueling the already extended laughing fit the other two were having.

It doesn’t have to be pink, croaked Sam. The amulet that is.

After several more minutes of sitting there, Xia finally stood up and walked into his bedroom. The last thing he heard before he slammed the door was Sam saying, Xia screamed like a girl, and the laughter started all over again.

Just before sundown Xia reemerged from his room dressed in a new outfit he had seen in the window of a shop on his way back to the inn. He now wore high leather boots, dark green tights and a silk embroidered tunic with a belt made of detailed gold and silver brocade with large emeralds set in the center of each link.  His hair was pulled back into a ponytail which was held in place by a matching gold circlet.

Wow, where did you find that belt? asked Trav.

It was in the window of a shop I passed this afternoon, said Xia, trying not to look at Sam who was still snickering to himself across the room.

It must have cost a king’s ransom, said Trav.

It did seem pricey, however the owner decided to reduce the price after we talked about what was more important to him, his soul or the belt. In the end this insignificant bauble required little effort, replied Xia.

Speak of souls, did the shop owner get to keep his? asked Sam with a smirk on his face.

"Well he came down on the price, didn’t he? To answer your question, yes. I am going to dinner now. I hope you two will have this place cleaned up by the time I return.

Can I keep my new gun? asked Sam looking from behind his work table.

"Yes, and we are not going to mention its testing ever again, right?"

Which part, the rabbits or the part where you screamed like a… said Sam as Xia turned on him, raising a hand and starting an incantation. OK yeah, we won’t mention it again, finished Sam trying to keep a smile off his face.

I am off to dinner. You boys don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, commented Xia, laughing as he raised an eyebrow at Trav and the five bottles of real liquor he was trying to inconspicuously stand in front of. Good Luck, said Xia as he walked out of the door waving his hand. The last thing he heard as he headed down the stairs was Trav asking Sam, Drink? As they burst into laughter.

Chapter 39

Caitlin was off in the woods surrounding the destroyed town looking for anything she could use to continue fighting the losing battle to save her sick friend. It had been a little over a day since they had encountered the creatures, and still Kyler was getting worse. She had also noticed that among the many decaying remains littering the forest she would occasionally stumble upon a body part that seemed, at times, to still be moving.

Kyler’s chest had not only gotten worse, but