Secret Words: Arcana Verba

By Craig Wickersham

In the beginning, God said let there be light, and one angel -Saiel, cherished the word of creation above all things. He cherished the words so much, in time, he used their power for himself, creating huge empires on earth, subjugating millions, ravaging the planet, and even destroying human souls. But this violation brought divine wrath upon him and Karliel, a powerful twin-angel of fire, was sent to strip away Saiel’s memory of the words -but not before Saiel had hidden them in a book.

New York City, 2015.

Arilyn, a misfit and awkward teen, finds an ancient, leather-bound manuscript in her late grandfather's study. Without knowing it, she has a picked up a book that hasn’t been opened in over a thousand years. And when she does, her curiosity sets off a chain of events that not only put her and her family in mortal danger, but threaten the lives of every living soul.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
• Release date: Dec 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781483440675

Book preview

Secret

WORDS

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ARCANA VERBA

Craig Wickersham

Copyright © 2015 Craig Wickersham.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any means—whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic—without written permission of both publisher and author, except in the case of brief excerpts used in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

ISBN: 978-1-4834-4068-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4834-4067-5 (e)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Lulu Publishing Services rev. date: 12/28/2015

CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two   Funeral

Chapter Three   Saiel

Chapter Four   High School

Chapter Five   Karlie

Chapter Six   The Book

Chapter Seven   The Destination

Chapter Eight   Karl

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten   The Words

Chapter Eleven   Empowerment

Chapter Twelve   Reborn

Chapter Thirteen   Secrets

Chapter Fourteen   The Price

Chapter Fifteen   Missing

Chapter Sixteen   Death

Chapter Seventeen   The Return

Chapter Eighteen   The Second Time

Chapter Nineteen   Confusion

Chapter Twenty   Insight

Chapter Twenty One   Hunting

Chapter Twenty Two   Tag-Team

Chapter Twenty Three   Revelation

Chapter Twenty Four   Lost

Chapter Twenty Five   Reckoning

Chapter Twenty Six   Misperception

Chapter Twenty Seven   Loss

Chapter Twenty Eight   Cut Off

Chapter Twenty Nine   Loose Ends

Chapter Thirty   Betrayal

Chapter Thirty One   Treachery

Acknowledgments

FROM THE PAGES OF: SECRET WORDS

THE DOOR TO ARILYN’S hospital room closed and she gasped as a handsome young man limped from the shadows.

Oh my GOD! she exclaimed.

Softly, Karl said with another pained step closer. Saiel wants the power back. He wants the Secret Words, and if he gets them, your world will be destroyed… Utterly destroyed. Do you understand?

Arilyn’s mouth hung open in stunned shock and she slowly started shaking her head. This isn’t real, she pleaded with herself. This isn’t happening. I’m totally on drugs. This can’t be-

"It is real, Arilyn, Karl cut in. And I need you. I need you now. He stumbled a little, grimacing in pain before he caught himself. The power of the Words is leaving me. This body is waning and I can’t heal it anymore. You must help me."

"How… How can I do that?" Arilyn stammered with her eyes darting over the details of his face, his perfect chin and mouth -and his spectacular eyes.

You can only whisper the words, Karl began. "They are very powerful and must be kept completely secret. And, you must guard them with your very soul. Do you understand?"

But, I’m… I’m just a…

Karl was right at her bedside now, his stunning blue eyes almost glowing in the low light. You were in my dreams, Arilyn whispered. "You were… We were…"

Karl nodded. That was the beginning of our connection, and now I must complete it. He bent down and whispered directly into Arilyn’s ear. Listen very carefully…

I dedicate this book to my wife Teresa.

Chapter One

AFTER ALL THESE YEARS I am still so surprised at how naïve people are. Even my own kind are guilty of this weakness. The blatant fact that I have become a master of deception always seems to escape them. Even as I write this, you have no idea how you are being deceived –yet it is so obvious.

Saiel

Arilyn: 2015

An old passenger bus lumbered through the dark gloom of a predawn rain, jogging and bouncing over the broken, pitted roads of a New Jersey turnpike on its way to Manhattan. Inside the bus, a frail-looking sixteen year-old girl lay huddled up against her sleeping mother, her black stringy hair a tangle, and her old, unstylish clothes wrinkled from a week of constant wear.

Roused by a powerful shake, the girl sat up and put on her black-rimmed glasses, looking out the spattered window with a restrained yawn.

Mom, look we’re almost there.

Arilyn’s mother didn’t move: It had been a long, hard trip from Oklahoma to Manhattan and though they were both exhausted, Arilyn knew that it was only going to get worse, so she let her mother sleep.

Eventually the bus pulled into the Manhattan station and Arilyn’s mother, Cathy, woke up with a groggy, blurry-eyed smile.

Looks like we’re here, Ari. We made it.

Arilyn, who’d been waiting for her mother to wake up, burst with excitement.

This city is so amazing! Oh my god! The buildings are huge, and there’s so many cars!

Just wait until morning, Cathy warned. That’s when it really comes alive. Come on, grab your stuff. We need to get a cab.

Wet and tired, they waited at the side of the bus in a light rain for the rest of their bags, hauling them over to the curb without offer of help from anyone.

Ari, I need to use the restroom. Can you stay here with the bags? Do you mind?

Is it safe? Arilyn asked with a timid glance around.

Just stay put and I’ll be right back. I’m sure there’s a guard walking around. Say hi if you see one.

Arilyn watched her mother go inside the station and she looked around again, scanning the dim parking lot with a nervous look on her face. It was still dark out and the city had an eerie sound about it, something like the buzzing of motors and electricity, peppered with distant car horns and sirens.

‘Creepy,’ she thought to herself.

Just then a rank fog of diesel exhaust swept past, making Arilyn gag. When she recovered, Arilyn looked around again, realizing that she was all alone.

‘Very creepy.’

She stood there for a long time listening to the rain and wishing her mother would hurry up when-

Come on. It’s your turn, Cathy called out.

Arilyn looked inside the station and made a face. Really?! I think I’d rather wait.

Suit yourself.

They hauled their bags around to the front of the station where several sketchy looking cabs were waiting.

Mom, is this safe? Arilyn whispered.

Cathy chuckled. You never know. The best you can do is be nice and pay attention.

Arilyn was skeptical as they approached a wrinkled old man with small beady eyes and a thin veil of grey-black hair. He said something to them, but his accent was too thick for Arilyn to comprehend. Never-the-less, the man soon had their small collection of mismatched bags in the trunk and they were off.

Arilyn sat peering out the dirty windows in a state of awe as they sharped tight turns and jockeyed bumpy lanes, dashing and darting over the slick streets until she had absolutely no idea where they were. Then the car suddenly slowed and they turned down a very narrow street.

Is this it? Arilyn asked while pushing her glasses back up on her nose.

Just there, Cathy said to the driver.

He stopped and popped the trunk, calling out the fare over the seat. Cathy gave the man some money and got out, with Arilyn close behind. As soon as they emptied the trunk, he took off, leaving them all alone on the dark, eerie street.

Over here, Cathy called out on her way to the nearest door.

Arilyn grabbed two bags and hurried in through a low iron gate, dropping them inside before she looked up.

This is Grandpa and Grandma’s place? It’s so skinny and old looking.

Cathy rang the doorbell, waiting a few quiet seconds before she stepped back and looked up at the high windows.

Mom is probably still asleep, Cathy guessed.

Arilyn pulled her sweater-coat tight with a little shiver. It’s cold. I didn’t think it would be so cold. After a pause she looked up into the dark sky. At least it’s not raining anymore.

Cathy tried the bell again and let out a long sigh.

Is Grandma even home? Arilyn asked. "I mean, can she even be alone?"

Cathy looked at her and Arilyn saw a little tremor of pain on her face. I don’t know, she replied with a pause. Probably. But they said she would be at home. Cathy paused again and looked up at the dark windows. At least we have a place to stay now.

Arilyn thought about the run-down motel they’d been living at in Oklahoma, and all the embarrassing taunts at school. And for just an instant, she felt a deep pang of sadness and pain.

Yeah, if we can get inside.

~~

They stood there for a long time, pushing the doorbell every now and then, until eventually, both of them sat down against the old, wet brick wall shivering side by side.

Can we call anyone? Arilyn stammered. ’Cause I kinda need to use the bathroom now.

Cathy took a deep breath and shook her head a little. Dad’s attorney maybe. But her office isn’t open ’till ten.

A couple of joggers ran past them and Arilyn looked into the sky.

I guess it’s morning. It’s getting light –or lighter anyway.

Cathy got up and looked to the high windows again, pressing the small button one more time.

A light! Arilyn exclaimed with an excited shiver.

Cathy pressed the ringer again, waiting with her ear poised toward the small speaker grill.

Gail? Is that you? a crackly voice called out.

It’s me, Mom. It’s Cathy. Your daughter.

There was a few second pause then they heard the voice again. My daughter is in Oklahoma.

Is that Grandma? Arilyn asked. Tell her I have to go to the bathroom.

"No, Mom, I’m here in New York. We’re here, Arilyn and I are downstairs waiting at the front door. Let us in, Mom."

Excuse me, a woman’s voice called out from behind them. Arilyn turned to find a very pretty, short-haired brunette in a white, full-length wool coat approaching with a look of concerned curiosity on her face.

Gail, is that you? the speaker voice crackled.

Gail looked quickly at Cathy and Arilyn, then stepped to the speaker. Yes, it’s Gail. I’m here with your daughter and, Gail took another look at Arilyn. And your granddaughter?

Arilyn nodded.

We’re coming up, Martha. It’s okay. Gail added.

Gail pulled out a key and unlocked the door.

She has a hard time with the speaker, Gail explained as they stepped inside the tiny foyer.

Cathy sat down her bags and rubbed her hands together, gesturing for Arilyn to come in.

So who are you? Cathy asked.

Oh. Sorry! I’m Gail Allen. I’m a friend of your parents. I work at the National Archives. Gail put out her hand and Cathy blindly took it.

God! You’re ice cold! Gail exclaimed, then she stalled a moment. You’ve been out here all night haven’t you?

"Not all night," Arilyn explained.

Gail shook her head and closed the front door. Come on up. Let me get you two something warm to drink. My God, you’re both frozen to death!

Arilyn watched Gail take off her expensive-looking coat and hang it by the door before she hurried up the narrow flight of stairs. In another second her mother was halfway up the stairs too, and Arilyn was left standing alone with their luggage in a mild daze.

I’ve never been here before, Arilyn whispered as she was trying to recall any memory of the place.

Ari, there’s a bathroom down that hall. Come on up when you’re done. You can get the bags later, Cathy called down.

Arilyn looked down the dark hallway and flicked the light switch, but nothing happened.

No thank you, Arilyn said to herself, then she gave the tiny foyer another look and started up the stairs.

At the top she found herself in a little alcove across from a small dining room. Off to the right she could see a little kitchen, and to the far left, past the dining room was a small, cluttered living room where Cathy and Gail were fussing around a short, gray-haired woman who was mumbling and waving her arms.

Well I can’t believe it, the old woman was saying. Fred will be so happy to see you…

The conversation went on as Arilyn entered the narrow room, her eyes drifting around the dingy, overhung walls in amazement. Above and behind the collection of old furniture, every available inch of wall-space was covered with a framed picture of some odd size, from small to large, and in every manner too. Some were old black-and-white photos, and some were fading color ones. A few were painted artwork while others were just old peeling-back mirrors. And every frame was completely different.

‘That’s me, as a baby. And there’s me as a little girl,’ Arilyn noted while studying some of the photos. ‘Pink glasses? I had pink glasses?!’

Here she is. Ari, come say hello to your grandmother, Cathy urged from across the room.

Martha, Arilyn’s grandmother, took one look at her and frowned. Why that’s not her. Arilyn is pretty. I remember that. Pretty as a peach and twice as sweet…

Martha went off on a tangent about a beautiful baby girl, completely ignoring Arilyn as she turned away to point at one of the pictures sitting on her television set. Upon seeing the old clock that was right beside it, Martha’s face lit up.

Oh! It’s time for the morning news! she called out before plopping down in her well-worn easy chair.

Cathy and Gail were stalled a moment, but Gail quickly spoke up.

She has good days and bad. It’ll just take some time. There’s been so much activity in the house, and strangers everywhere –she’s just a little confused.

Cathy smiled at Arilyn, but she knew how her daughter was feeling inside.

Let’s get our stuff upstairs. Ari, your bedroom is on the very top floor. I’ll be staying next to mom. Gail, thank you for all your help. I’m sure there’ll be a million questions-

Oh! Gail nodded. Please call any time. My number is on the list. I left it on the refrigerator door. Anything you need: I took a week off to help out so don’t hesitate. And I’m being serious: Anything you need.

Thank you, Gail. And once I get my head on right I’ll probably give you a call. It’s just been so crazy.

Gail smiled. You’ll have a lot of help, I promise, then Gail lowered her voice. Martha’s probably a lot worse than Fred let on. And I know he was keeping her condition quiet at the office. But since we worked together, he shared a lot with me.

You worked with Fred? Cathy asked.

Yes. Fred was my boss here in New York. We run the satellite office for the Antiquities Division. It was a shock to say the least. Gail paused and looked at Arilyn. Your grandfather was a very important man, Ari. The funeral is going to be… Well, that’s another thing. I’ve taken the liberty of arranging a car for tomorrow. They’ll be here at nine. I can come by early to help if you like -you know, with Martha.

Cathy let her head drop down, staring at the floor a few seconds before Gail jumped back in.

I know it’s a lot to take in all at once. That’s why I’m here. Seriously, Cathy, just go upstairs and rest a while, I’m on this. Go on. You two get settled, I’ll be right here with Martha.

Cathy let her mouth fall open a little. And it was obvious her mind was filled with a million thoughts. Thank you, Gail. That would be great.

Cathy and Arilyn shared a look and started for the stairs together, grabbing a few bags each. At the top of the next flight, Cathy stopped and looked at Arilyn.

I know that she’ll remember you eventually. But it’s been a long time since we- Cathy paused, trying to recall the last time they’d been there.

I don’t think I’ve ever been here, Mom. I can’t remember anything about this place.

You were just a little girl, Cathy shared. I know it’s been a long time. Cathy changed her tone and looked up the stairs. Go on. You’ll have my old room at the back. The bathroom is in the hall. Take your time.

Arilyn took her backpack and threw it over her shoulder then grabbed her suitcase and started up the narrow wooden stairs to a dim upper-floor hallway. All the doors were closed so she went to the farthest one and opened it first, finding a tiny old bathroom with a rust-stained sink and yellowed toilet. Beyond that was a porcelain tub with a bent shower rod and a tiny window. ‘YES,’ she thought to herself. ‘My own bathroom!’

After using the restroom she opened the next door to find what looked like an old storage room that had been crammed wall-to-wall with ancient dust-covered furniture. Arilyn stepped inside the musty space and looked around. Sure enough, in the middle of it all was a small twin bed with a faded spread and one lonely pillow, no case.

You found it, Cathy said from the head of the stairs.

There’s hardly any room to move around, Arilyn sighed. How did you do it?

It wasn’t always like this, Cathy said as she pushed in. Come on, we can move this. Give me a hand.

They shoved a large dresser out of the way and created a temporary path to the bed.

This should do for now, Cathy said. When you’re done, come on down and we’ll sit with Martha again. It’ll give her a chance to get to know you.

Yeah, okay, Mom.

After Cathy left, Arilyn put her things on the bed and looked around, opening drawers, peeking under the bed, and in all the nooks and crannies. Gradually, Arilyn wove her way around the tangle of chairs and tables to a skinny, double-hung window where she pushed aside a brittle curtain and looked out. In the back, behind the townhouse, was a small neglected garden space that was shared by all the buildings around it. Inside the garden, at the very center, was a gray, dead-looking tree. Arilyn noticed how lonely the tree looked and she slowly smiled.

‘I have a tree in my backyard!’ she thought to herself.

"I have a yard," she added with a breath of excitement.

Then she looked around the room again.

I have my own room- Arilyn started crying, but quickly rubbed her eyes, taking a huge, deep breath as she tried to collect herself.

Okay. I have my own room, she repeated with a tremble in her voice.

That said, she actually broke down sobbing: It had been almost a year since they had lost their apartment in Bartlesville. And living in a motel had been pure hell, especially when word got out at school.

Is everything all right? Gail asked from the open doorway.

Arilyn looked up with a sniffle and wiped her face, trying to hide her tears.

Yeah, I’m okay, Arilyn lied.

Gail’s expression changed to a softer, more understanding one and she sat down on the bed with a gentle smile. I’ve only heard great things about you. Your Grandfather was a huge fan. He’d talk about how smart you are and what you were like as a child. Gail paused a moment, thinking about what she was about to say. You know, it was hard on him too… And Martha.

Arilyn looked up at Gail briefly before looking down again.

You know about all that? Arilyn asked through a few more sniffles.

Yeah. It was hard on Fred –on your grandfather. And I’m sure it was hard on your mom as well. And obviously on you, losing everything like that –losing your father…

Arilyn’s eyes were brimming again. Life’s not fair -that’s what mom says. And she’s right.

No, life isn’t fair, Gail conceded. She put out her hand and took Arilyn’s arm with a gentle squeeze. I want you to know that you’re not alone here. You can always come to me… Like a sister. If you need anything, or if your mom is too busy… Understand?

Arilyn wiped her face again and smiled weakly. Yeah. And thanks, Gail. Thanks for helping mom and Grandma too.

Gail smiled. Fred really loved you guys, Ari. He really did. He was a really good man, and quite brilliant actually. I learned a lot from him and most of all, he treated me like a member of his family. I guess that’s why I feel so comfortable helping, so please… don’t hesitate to call me or ask me for anything. All right?

Arilyn nodded as she wiped a few more tears away.

So, Gail started with a playful look around the room. Got your own place again. That has to feel good, huh?

Arilyn slowly smiled, her eyes showing a bit of levity. Yep. I sure do, don’t I?

Great. So can I help move some of this? We can shove that dresser over to the wall there and-

It’s all right, thanks. You don’t have to help, Arilyn replied.

Gail smiled, studying Arilyn’s face a moment. Well, I’ll let you get to it then. I’ll be downstairs if you need me.

After Gail left, Arilyn took a deep breath and walked around to open her suitcase, taking out her wrinkled old clothes and setting them on the bed in a little pile. When she had everything laid out, she turned to one of the huge, antique-looking dressers and opened a drawer, shoving her clothes inside.

Okay, Arilyn said to the crammed room. Let’s have a look around this old place.

Chapter Two

FUNERAL

BY THE END OF their first day in New York, Arilyn had explored every room in the house, save one -because the door was locked. And she’d checked out the withered back-garden, the dead-looking tree, and she’d walked up and down their little street twice.

Why is that front room upstairs locked? Arilyn asked upon her second return.

That’s your grandfather’s study, Cathy explained while she was setting the breakfast table for dinner. Someone probably locked it after- Cathy stopped, her face shifting a bit… her expression blank and still.

Mom? Arilyn pressed.

Cathy blinked.

They found Dad in there. I guess someone accidentally locked the door. Come on, help me with dinner. You can go and get Martha out of her chair for a start.

Arilyn watched her mother a few seconds before she nodded. Yeah, sure.

Hey, Grandma. It’s dinner time.

Just bring it over. I usually eat right here, right here. Look, that’s the man from the nighttime news. He’s been arrested for lying about his taxes. Can you imagine that? Lying about taxes? Not enough room in all the prisons put together, Martha scoffed.

Arilyn pursed her lips a second and shrugged. Mom, Grandma wants her dinner out here. Can I eat out here too?

No! Now come back and help.

"Be right there.