Into Futures Past

By Solitaire Parke

A tyrannical Dark Lord of the Provinces. A daughter destined to rise up and fulfill a prophecy. Katherine Pendragon’s story continues in Book Three of the Dragomeir Series.

Katherine is no stranger to adversity and manages to escape from the Provinces where her father considers her an enemy. Suddenly she finds herself thrust into another place and time where she dies, and is then transformed into the body of a woman named Elizabeth. She struggles to make sense of this unfamiliar new reality while being pursued by forces of good and evil. This is her story, one of a young champion for the downtrodden, seeking acceptance for herself, the dragons, and people in a world that is often filled with tyranny and discontent. Using her special abilities, will she be able to claim her destiny and as Queen of the Dragons, save them all? Follow the failures, triumphs, and continuous journeys of the daughter of the Dark Lord in this exciting, action-filled fantasy adventure through space and time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Apr 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9781435791077

Solitaire Parke

Solitaire Parke is an author of Science Fiction/Urban Fantasy, Poetry and Larger World books. He is a lover of dragons, the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe, and has a large collection of science fiction books and movies. After becoming an award winning photographer and earning a degree in music theory, he worked in graphic and web design, but he always returns to writing.When he is not writing, you can find him reading, watching a sci-fi television show or movie, or researching a new “techno gadget” on the internet. He now resides in Arizona with his family and two very spoiled dogs!

Book preview

Chapter 1

Katherine sunk down in her office chair, dejected and more tired than she’d ever been in her life.  She had just defeated an entire legion single handedly and had previously called on the army of the dead.  One would think that all the I’s had been dotted, and all the T’s crossed, but what if the unbeatable army didn’t show up?  The leader of the dead army, Bahn Fahr, had assured her, had guaranteed his presence and her victory, but so far, the deceased leader was a no show.

Malachai, the massive Class Eight demon, assured her the evening would pass quietly, and the Dark Lord wouldn’t attack until sunrise.  He had also said her troops couldn’t last more than an hour under siege, and that was a generous estimate.

All in all, the situation couldn’t get too much worse, and though the night would feel intolerably long, by morning it would seem to have passed too quickly.

She ransacked her mind, hoping to find some obscure loophole or a method out of the present situation, but with only two legions at her command it didn’t generate hope.  Her father had five legions to storm the prison, and even with the best of luck, it simply wasn’t enough.  Bahn Fahr had to come, or . . . she stared at broken fingernails and ground in dirt on both hands.

So, this is how it feels right before you die.  Katherine blurted.

  The soldiers had, on occasion, told her stories where demons had fought glorious battles against impossible odds despite the circumstances and bodily harm.  But this didn’t feel glorious, and she found no set of circumstances in this scenario where involving the Denizens could be construed as honorable, let alone fair.  Certainly not in the name of glory.

Katherine had turned the inmates loose when taking over the prison, and enlisted their help cutting down the lone tree, more on that in a moment, at the back of the property.  It was with their help that she planned to hold the prison against those impossible odds.  Most of them were weak from lack of exercise, insufficient food, and ultimately, atrophied bodies.  They were certainly no match for the five thousand highly trained demonic soldiers waiting outside.

The last and final problem was the lone tree, but for an entirely different reason.  When her father, the Dark Lord, found out it had been destroyed, he would have no other recourse but to kill everyone here out of spite.  The tree had been his method for developing incarnates; people killed and then fed to the tree as food, only to come back less than whole, but decisively more malleable to the whims of the Dark Lord’s leadership.  The incarnates were reborn as near brain dead puppets, but on the previous group, something had gone wrong and they fought back.  It had turned out to be the catalyst for Katherine’s destinal path, and potentially exposed the insipid plot for the rest of the Denizens to see.

The Dark Lord’s only hope for secrecy was to kill those who were attempting to reveal the truth and bury all the evidence here at Alberra.  The most obvious method for that would be to blame the incarnates for his daughter’s murder.  He would then wind up with a double bonus, getting rid of his daughter, the instigator of the uprising, and the incarnates who attempted to turn against him.  Without the lone tree, his scheme to control the Denizens would die along with it, ending the possibility of provincial domination, and causing the Dark Lord to lose credibility.  Good for Katherine and the Denizen people, but very bad for their demonic overlords.  The rash of useless killings would escalate a thousand-fold in the Dark Lord’s bid to re-establish himself as the absolute ruler of a people who don’t wish to be dominated.  The results would be catastrophic.

Katherine’s plan didn’t involve losing here at Alberra, and it also didn’t include battling it out with the Dark Lord unaided by the only thing that could turn the tide of the outcome.  Bahn Fahr, who at the last check, was still missing in action.

It’s a difficult decision to turn against one’s own parent, and Katherine agonized over her inability to have seen it sooner.  She was a caring person who believed there was good in everyone . . . even the Dark Lord.  She had seen, or thought she had seen, glimmers of goodness in him as her childhood progressed.  Looking back now, he had instigated nothing more than calculated maneuvers to accomplish a goal or manipulate someone into a particular action.  Always premeditated and always cruel, with the only goal in mind being that of his wants and needs.  He had told Katherine more than once, how it had been a mistake not killing her the day she was born.  A mistake he would regret no matter how long he lived.  Being told that is a burden no one should have to bear.

All those things, however, hadn’t been enough to dissuade Katherine from her emotional bond.  She had secretly hoped the Dark Lord would change and tell her that she was loved.  She desperately needed a place in his heart that would rise above the petty cruelty he showed to everyone.  Then she came to Alberra, discovered the lone tree, and realized the depth of her father’s hatred.  He had no love for life, no respect for family, and if he was willing to sacrifice the future of the very people that helped sustain him, then there was no hope for her.  Katherine Pendragon was nothing more than another cog in a wheel that turned exclusively for the furtherance of the Dark Lord.  If that cog became damaged, then it would be discarded with no more regard than the rest of the rubbish into which it had been tossed.

Katherine cast her eyes around the room and smiled when she saw both her bodyguards, Angelus and Trayim, fast asleep.  There was no danger here at the prison, but in a few hours, everyone here would be in mortal combat with her father’s forces.  These two demons were trying to make sure they were up to the task once the battle was on.

Angelus and Trayim were, without a doubt, the finest swordsmen on the Provinces.  No one had ever seen their equal, and she inwardly hoped that would make a difference in the end.  She knew that win, lose, or draw, they would not go down without consequence, and their loyalty was unquestionable.  That had to mean something, and to Katherine it was the bottom line.

Her eyes landed one more time on the layout of the prison which sat rolled open on the desk.  The common assumption would be for the Dark Lord’s forces to attack the east wall, the direction of their original approach.  But the more she studied the tower placement, the less she felt the prediction was accurate.  The least defended was the south wall where the main entrance stood.  There were only two towers to fire from, as opposed to four on every other wall.

The irony didn’t escape her about the fortification at the rear of the property either.  There were more towers placed to effectively protect the lone tree than to keep prisoners from potentially escaping.  It had never occurred to her before, but now that the truth was known, it all made sense.

She had already inquired about extra armament and was assured of the two projector stations needed.  She had set Famill to the task of retro fitting them on top of the twin guard stations on either side of the main entrance.  They should be ready for use, although Famill had not yet reported them functional.  She took a deep breath.  They still had time.

Katherine handpicked enough demons to outfit the two stations and sent them to report to Famill, hoping everything would be ready by the time the soldiers got there.  None of the precautions taken would make a real difference for any length of time, but she hoped it might hold off the inevitable long enough for Bahn Fahr to make an appearance.  Without his help, this portended itself to be a very short campaign, ending in a disaster and absolute defeat.  It rankled her to know the Dark Lord was already reveling in his expected victory. 

Last, Katherine stationed centuries of both incarnates and demon soldiers to critical areas inside the compound.  These one hundred strong fortifications were to slow the Dark Lord’s forces once they managed to scale the walls.  Most of them were previous inmates, untrained in the ways of war, with the exception being detained criminal demons.  The Denizen outer province terrorists were another exception, but their training was sketchy at best, even having fought demon forces before.

There really was no other reason to fight beyond staying alive, and running wasn’t an option.  The inmates weren’t strong enough, while the incarnates flatly refused.  Whatever was going to happen would, and the outcome promised to be finished on the following day.  Katherine thought back over the years and events that ultimately brought her here and somehow it all seemed so predestined.

The good news, however, was strewn all over the communal area, and used to be the scourge of the Provinces.  The lone tree was dead, and nothing her father did next would change that fact.  Feeding it to resurrect the dead was over, and she hoped it would never be brought back into existence again.  The incarnates were happily setting it on fire, and she sent a detail down into the subterranean section to burn the roots.

Smoke had been piling out of the prison windows for hours, and Katherine idly wondered what her father thought of the display.  Would it cause him to attack earlier or later?

Exxa, her red dragon and lifelong friend, told her the young General, Terek, had been sent to northern Apollyon.  The Dark Lord obviously knew the bond between his daughter and the Class Nine demon might cause him grief in a situation like this one.  The possibility had been excised from the equation, and she wasn’t sure how to feel about the demon’s absence.  Should she feel better that he wasn’t going to be put in danger, or worse because his actions might help turn the tide in her favor? 

Katherine’s younger sister, Diana, was back in Gehenna at the royal palace, and probably had no idea what was happening at Alberra.  Would she even care?  There were times when Diana displayed real affection, but then would flip flop between her wants and needs, giving the distinct impression that her older sister was simply in her way.  Diana was prone to be like her father, a set of traits that could set her path to something destructive and uncaring.  Without Katherine’s influence, the likelihood of Diana’s goodness was anybody’s guess, but the odds were against her, considering the general lack of a moral compass.

If Katherine died today, the Dark Lord would spin a tale that would surely cast her as the criminal and persuade Diana to a future that more resembled his than her older sister.  Every action taken surely has multiple layers of consequence, and the more she thought, the less she believed her current situation would produce the desired effect.

Katherine shook her head and forced the mental musings to the background of her mind.  She had better things to do than create a list of regrets that had no means to be altered.  What was done was done, and what needed to be, had been taken out of her control.

One of the previous inmates marched into her office and stammered out the update she had been waiting for; the guard stations were fully operational.  The man was emaciated, tired, and almost out of breath, but rigid in his stance.  He visually implored Katherine’s approval, so she stood and told him to get some rest while there was still time.  She thanked him, and the exhausted but stressed Denizen relaxed before taking his leave.

Katherine’s attention shifted as Angelus and Trayim woke up, noisily arguing about whom had fallen asleep first.  Neither was willing to accept blame for the lapse in their duties, and Katherine smiled at their antics.  No doubt, during the upcoming battle they would try to outdo each other by calling the number of demons slain as the assailants fell.  Then when they were victorious, the number of demons killed would show which was triumphant over the other.  The thought of defeat didn’t really seem to be an issue with the two over-zealous bodyguards.  She wished their faith would rub off on her; it seemed to be never ending.

The wait was over when a large skin wrapped fiery stone flew over the wall, slamming into one of the unburned top sections of the lone tree.  It ignited the wood into flames and began burning out of control, while the incarnates cheered its aftermath.  Soon, the sky was littered with the flaming projectiles, each landing in a different spot within the walls.  The stones made a whistling noise on their approach and a dull thud when they hit.  Katherine noted the first stone had flown in from the South and was glad they had taken the time to fortify the guard stations.  The subsequent stones had all been launched from the East in slightly different angles, with several projectiles being in the air at the same time.  The Dark Lord was testing which direction would be his in road, the softest spot with the least amount of effort.

According to Malachai, after being pummeled randomly inside the wall, the Dark Lord would concentrate on pounding the wall itself until a large enough section had collapsed, allowing him to gain entry with the maximum number of demons.

Then the noise stopped, and the stones no longer flew into the compound.  The fires burning was all that could be heard, and for a few moments, nobody moved.

*************

Famill’s brothers, Falgar, Treffan, and Trayle had just finished their mission, when the older Class Four appeared out of the shadows.

The longer you hang around, the more likely it is that you will be caught.  Disperse immediately and I’ll meet you back at the prison.  Silent, now mind you, let’s not get cocky.  If the Ariella knew we were out here, she’d give birth to a small bubalos.  Making it back in one piece will be the only thing that takes the fire out of her eyes.

Without a word, the three vanished into the smoke being caused by the burning stones not far from the east wall.  Famill scanned about making sure the trebuchets had been destroyed.  His brothers had not only smashed the upper housings, but the entire counter weight system and swing arm, reducing the weapon to several hundred pounds of kindling.  The four-demon trebuchet crews were lying on the ground, each with a projector bolt sticking out of their backs.  They had never known what hit them.  Gratified, he too blended into the background, effectively disappearing into the haze.  He had done primarily the same thing to the trebuchet close to the south wall, and for now the siege had been delayed.

*************

What do you mean Famill and his brothers can’t be found?  Alberra is big, but not that big.  Find them, make sure they’re alright, and then report back to me.  On second thought, find them and then bring them here.

The Class Seven demon bowed, spun, and headed quickly for the door.  Angelus, standing next to the door, pointed to himself and then to the open threshold, nodding his head vigorously.  His eyebrows went up and down as if waiting for an answer.  Katherine sighed and shifted uncomfortably inside the makeshift clothing recently brought to her.

No, I don’t want you to go find out what happened.  With my luck you’ll disappear next, and I can’t afford to lose you too.

Angelus chuckled and scratched his head.

Maybe they’re the reason the rocks stopped falling.  Just saying, it does seem coincidental the two happened back to back.  If that’s the case, don’t worry, your boys will be back before you know it.  It’s just them doing their job.  You’ll see.

True to his prediction, the Class Fours sauntered into Katherine’s office a few minutes later and gave a full report on their extracurricular activities.  She yelled at them, but it was difficult for the demons to take her seriously because she kept giggling at their comedic dissertation.  It was clear that they were very proud of themselves, and it did buy her an hour, maybe two, before the siege continued.

An hour later, the sun was up and the Dark Lord’s forces were advancing on the east and south walls.  The one thing Katherine didn’t see were the advanced catapults that had been raining stones down on the prison earlier.  The trebuchets that Famill and his brothers destroyed were the only ones her father had thought to bring, and they had been summarily removed from the battle strategy by Katherine’s Class Fours.

Word came down from the east and south towers, that one legion per side was forming in preparation for attack. Katherine’s men huddled behind the embankments, waiting for the first salvos of projector bolts.

Katherine and Malachai spotted a large wooden tower on wheels at the same time, both making guttural noises as it approached.  Malachai knew instantly what it was and took off at a dead run to the south wall, hollering over his shoulder as he left.

Wait for us in your office.  I don’t want to take any chances. Certainly not before Bahn Fahr decides to show.   

Katherine puzzled over the contrivance until it dawned on her how it was to be used and she realized the danger.  The portable gantry was to be rolled forward until it met the wall and then scaled by demons, allowing them access to the interior of the prison.

She knew exactly what to do and ran quickly to the guard stations but heard Malachai’s voice over the cacophony of demons yelling.

Light the bolts and concentrate the fire on the gantry.  It must burn before getting to the wall.  Your lives depend on it!

Dozens of demons and Denizens moved into position, while others lit their bolts from the stations they already held and waited for the gantry to be pulled close enough to begin firing.  Malachai held one hand in the air, urging them to wait, and when it seemed almost too close, he yelled.

Fire!  Reload, and fire again!

A veritable forest of bolts arced into the air and struck the gantry on its lead side.  Several seconds later, the middle section was blazing out of control, while demons, attempting to scale the sides, felt the heat and were forced to jump down.  Minutes later, it collapsed and the demons attempting to push it toward the wall hurriedly backed away fearing the gantry fire would engulf them as well.

It was a small victory, but Katherine relished in her father’s failure to gain the wall.  It galled her, but she retreated to her office to wait.  Angelus and Trayim were nowhere to be found, apparently choosing to fight with Malachai, leaving her alone with her thoughts. 

A sentry atop the right guard station yelled below, and in no more time than it took for the words to escape his lips, a fire laden projector station bolt whistled up into the hastily constructed platform, striking the demon in the chest.  It forced him back and launched his body over the side, into men and demons standing below.  He was dead before reaching the ground, and a second bolt sent the guard projector station into the side rail, after ripping it loose from the floor.  It too was on fire, and within seconds had ignited the dry wood of the platform.  The fire spread quickly, driving the demons over the side.  They climbed down a makeshift ladder to the ground and watched helplessly as the new structure went up in smoke.  The smell of burning flesh accented the futility everyone felt but changed nothing about the demon’s death.

The remaining guard towers became the targets for the next round of projector bolts, and before they could shoot in return, the east and south wall towers were burning out of control.  Most of the men and demons guarding the stations managed to escape unharmed, but the only means of defending the prison had effectively been destroyed.

Seeing the prison wall was now open for assault, the Dark Lord sent the first legion to attack the south wall. Twenty minutes later, his battering rams had knocked a hole in the barrier to the right of the corner guard station.  Hundreds of demons pushing at each other’s backs finally caused a greater section of the stone structure to cave in, and the Dark Lord’s forces were inside the compound of Alberra.  The second legion was now in place to join their brethren, utilizing the same point of entry.  The defenders inside attempted to fill the opening with as many men and demons as would fill the space, but it wouldn’t keep the soldiers out for long.

Angelus and Trayim arrived at the damaged section just as it collapsed, and were the first to stand at its threshold, swords spinning like windmills, as the soldiers tried to force their way through.  The attacking demons fell like cordwood under the two defenders’ onslaught and began to stack up in front of the wall.  Others joined Angelus and Trayim by pulling the bodies across the opening, forcing the attackers to climb over their dead comrades.

Realizing what the defenders were doing, many of the attackers were brought forward, trying to pull the bodies back out.  They too were cut down, inadvertently increasing the pile.

Angelus and Trayim had scores of handheld projector bolts sticking out of their armor, and as bad as it appeared visually, none of the weapons had penetrated to lethal proportions.  For every one of the bolts that made it to its target, the two had blocked as many with their swords before getting struck.  Both were losing life fluid, and it didn’t go unnoticed by Trayim that Angelus’ was red.  He made a mental note to question his partner after they had won the battle.  Demons had ichor coursing through their veins, and when it came to the surface and contacted the ozone they breathed, it was green.

One of the Dark Lord’s smarter soldiers saw how the defenders were plugging the opening and shot several burning bolts into the pile of demons, catching them on fire.  Soon, the defenders were forced to back away from the flames, and the demonic horde, covering their faces, jumped through into the communal area.

Once the hole had been breached, there was no stopping the tidal flood of demonic soldiers into the communal yard.  Standing in one place was suicide, and if the horde got them flanked, it would be over.

Malachai was barking orders and attempting to gather the untrained Denizens to the far side of the demon’s entry.  He wasn’t getting through to them, and as they scattered, a dark shadow flew over the corner of the west side building.  A screaming war cry erupted and Exxa landed in front of Malachai, only a few feet away from the attacking demons.  She paused for a split second, and then a three-foot gout of flame shot forward, setting dozens of the horde on fire.  They weren’t prepared for her secondary rush, and she trampled over the rest on her way to the far side of the prison.  Malachai took a deep breath, mentally thanking Exxa for the save, and urged the remaining men to redouble their efforts toward the hole on the wall.

A cheer went up from the Denizens, and they found their courage in the carnage caused by the dragon.  Their excitement bred determination, and the men set upon the entering demons with a madness that Malachai had never seen before.  Exxa was suddenly in his mind, and he clearly saw what she was thinking.

Malachai, never underestimate the power of desperation.  It can and will create heroes out of the most unlikely.

While he watched, the untrained Denizens and incarnates drove the demons all the way back to the demolished wall, and the ones who escaped the onslaught were cut down by a second wave coming up behind the enraged ex-prisoners.  Malachai could almost hear the Dark Lord grinding his teeth.

One dozen Class Seven demons had made it beyond the dragon’s attack though and gained the first of the security doors leading into the prison proper.  They used a six-demon crew on the door to ram their way through to the interior and proceeded to the next obstacle, an iron gate, the only thing left between them and the administration offices.  Katherine sat nervously listening to their progress and tightened her grip on the sword she held in her lap.  Angelus had promised to be back as soon as the defenses were mustered at the point of entry.  She wondered if he was still alive.  In his stead were six demons, Famill, his brothers, and two she had only met recently.

Famill stared at Katherine for a moment and then stormed over to her desk.

You can’t stay in here; it isn’t defendable.  Once enough demons storm into this room, we’re done.  I don’t want you to go outside either, but there’s got to be somewhere in this confounded place where we can keep them off you long enough for that miracle you’re expecting.  We’ve got to go.

Katherine sprang up from her chair, and with a determined look on her face, headed for the door.

You’re right, I can’t just sit here and wait to be captured.  Without that miracle it feels hopeless, but I’ve got better things to do than mope around feeling sorry for myself.  I think you’re wrong though.  My presence outside will show the men and demons that I’m not going down without a fight, and they shouldn’t either.  So, if you think I’m going to stay here in the office while everyone else fights my battle, then think again.

Famill reached for the door just as it swung open and ducked down just in time to keep his head from being separated from his shoulders.  He pushed Katherine over to one side.  A second demon’s battle axe crashed into the floor where she’d been standing, and the demon struggled with extricating it.

Katherine rolled as she hit the wooden flooring and came back up with her sword already swinging.  It caught the demon just short of his head, severing it completely as the body collapsed to one side.  She drew herself into fighting stance and waited for the next demon.

Chapter 2

Two more demons flew around the corner at the far end of the corridor that led to the administration offices, and the first one spotted the Class Fours.  He slowed to a stop and grinned, as if he was going to enjoy taking the lower class apart.  Famill grinned back, motioning for him to advance and spun his sword in a slow arc.  There was a momentary pause, and then both charged forward, swinging death blows as they met.  The Class Seven swung high and Famill ducked under, arcing his sword at the demon’s waist.  The interloper’s weapon missed, and Famill’s all but cut the demon in half.  He held the last position until his opponent slumped to the floor, and then shook the sword blade to relieve it of the excess ichor.

The second Class Seven was a bit more cautious and kept glancing back, hoping his compatriots would come to his rescue.  He advanced, but it was a much slower progression than the first.  Famill grinned again, and once more motioned for the soldier to move forward to his death.  The Class Seven’s eyes studied Famill in front of him and he repositioned himself to help with the destined attack.  A whistling noise overtook the scene, and a small projector bolt struck him just above his nose.  He slumped quietly to the floor, as Katherine stalked out into the hall.  She stopped next to Famill, who stared at her inquisitively.

What?  It was taking too long.  You guys were turning it into a lifelong endeavor.  You could’ve done the same thing.  The next time just shoot them and get it over with.  Now let’s get to a more defendable position before our luck runs out.

As if on cue, more soldiers appeared at the end of the hall and Katherine whistled at her defenders, motioning for them to follow her.  Moving quickly, they headed for the next set of security doors, hoping to put a locked gate between them and the soldiers.

Outside, Angelus and Trayim allowed reinforcements to take their place and systematically worked their way toward the main entrance.  Angelus didn’t like being away from Katherine for any length of time, and believed he’d been absent too long already.  Anything could happen, and it was only a matter of minutes before the bulk of the Dark Lord’s forces would be inside the walls.

As they entered the building, several soldiers already inside, spun around and bore down on them, thinking the two were easy prey.  Angelus chuckled and stole a quick glance at his friend.

You take the one on the left; I’ll take the rest. Like Gehenna you will.  Let me show you how it’s done.  You can lend a hand if I need help.  Trayim replied.

Angelus made a disgruntled noise.

But that would leave me with only one.

They both leaped into the pack of six Class Sevens, swords spinning in circular arcs and ramping up to dizzying speeds.  Seconds later, the Class Sevens were lying on the floor in pools of their own ichor, and Trayim had sheathed two of his swords.

I get to count the last one because of the assist.  He would’ve gotten you for sure.

Angelus spat on the floor and tried to appear doubtful.

Not likely, my friend.  I don’t like this.  There are soldiers already in the building and Katherine’s not here.  We made enough noise to wake the dead, so why is there no one investigating?  Let’s check the offices and then work our way into the general population areas.

The offices were empty, and that included Katherine’s, much to Angelus’ relief.  Metal clanking caught his attention and he pointed in the direction of the disturbance.  Jogging brought them to the last of the security doors.  They found it locked, barring their progress any further.  Muffled sounds of battle drifted up, and Angelus knelt onto one knee to listen more closely.  The noises were receding, and before he could identify what or where they originated, their presence faded into the background. 

A quick jog back to Katherine’s office found the two ransacking the area, looking for the master keys.  Angelus finally found the illusive items, holding them up like they were a trophy.

Minutes later, standing at the locked gate door, Angelus peered at the keys, wondering how anyone could determine which one went where.  To the untrained eye, they all appeared identical.  He was disinclined to waste time going through the agonizing procedure of one at a time.  Noticing that a single key was considerably more worn than the others, it gave him a place to start, and he was rewarded by the clicking sound as it opened the lock on the first try.

Angelus hung the keys on his belt after relocking the gate and nodded sideways indicating that Trayim follow.

I’ve got a feeling in the pit of my stomach that won’t go away.  I think we’re already too late, and the noises we heard before were the sounds of Katherine battling for her life.  Some bodyguard I’ve been today.  The one time she needed me I wasn’t there for her.  I swear if she still lives, I will kill them all.

*************

Hypnos popped another bite of chocolate into his mouth and grinned at his captive.  He chewed vigorously and then reached for another.

You see, one doesn’t have to stop the entire army, now does one?  Stop the mighty Bahn Fahr, and his army is suddenly dead in the water.  Dead in the water, get it?  Ah yes, humor doesn’t have any meaning to you, does it?  It took you awhile to get your brain functioning normally once you arrived.  That’s normal; it happens to everyone, and I never expected it to improve your sense of humor.  Well, it doesn’t matter; I’ve arranged the Ariella’s exodus, as it were.  There won’t be any wholesale murdering from your miscreants, not today.  I don’t want to change the status quo; I just want her to leave.  Opening a portal so close you’d have to drop through to the caves was about as simple as it gets.  So much for Mr. I don’t make mistakes."  I still have a problem with you and yours running around killing the living.  The dead shouldn’t act that way.  It isn’t cricket or proper.  So, we’re going to sit right here until the battle’s over and then I’ll let you go.  As time goes on, I’m sure you’ll see the wisdom of my decision.  Look at it like a vacation.  I’ve got all the time in the world