The Shadow Gospels

By Matt Lucas

Vatican City is ash, razed by the merciless terrorist organization ILAN and their enigmatic leader, the Crescent King. While the world is captivated by a rekindled holy war, an ancient bloodline leverages the diversion to rob the Vatican Archives of their most powerful relic. At long last, the nefarious alliance of political and supernatural forces will light Armageddon’s torch.
Just as John the Baptist preceded Jesus Christ’s First Coming as a humble preacher, so shall Michael the Archangel herald His Second Coming as a mighty guardian. A bloodline split centuries ago will collide to battle for the right to become Michael's Heir. The birth pangs promised to proclaim the end of the age have begun. As Christ elevates His protectors to oppose Satan’s demonic princes in their final, celestial conflict, a vigilante, prophetess, exorcist, and child soldier shall begin journeys 2,000 years in the making. They will stand as beacons of hope, righteous guardians, and stars shining among shadow.

• Language: English
• Publisher: World Castle Publishing, LLC
• Release date: May 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9781956788983

Matt Lucas

MATT LUCAS writes varying forms of speculative fiction, including urban fantasy, paranormal, sci-fi, and horror. He weaves these genres in an action-packed, thought-provoking manner. Teeming with fresh ideas, Matt’s broad skill set includes apocalyptic literature, sword & sorcery epics, paranormal alternate history, and even romance. Cultivating complex characters, Matt guides you into questioning the hero's motives and empathizing with the villain's tortured past. Red herrings abound as you follow twisting plots adorned with subtle hints that culminate in shocking conclusions. Each of Matt’s works serve as an allegory for faith, ultimately pointing to the world’s true and only hero, Jesus Christ.The Shadow Gospels is the first of Matt’s novel-length works to hit the presses. However, be sure to expect more as this planned trilogy continues and other stories move from imagination to reality.

Book preview

Chapter 1: A Purging Fire

Terror’s icy grip tightened around Gio’s throat as he hid in darkness. Sweaty, quaking hands clutched his rifle. His cohorts’ shrieks pierced his ears as they were brutalized in the darkness. The young mobster cringed, the gruesome cacophony of bones crunching and joints being ripped from their sockets assaulting his ears.

I never wanted this! I’m not even supposed to be here! Gio clenched his eyes shut to restrain welling tears.

Gio Conti’s heart plummeted to the pit of his stomach in mourning of the life that was forced upon him. No son of mine will abandon the Mafia to be a pathetic nurse! The Mafioso’s father’s snarling voice echoed through Gio’s mind.

A roster of forty mobsters patrolled the warehouse each night. Only the most seasoned killers were deemed suitable to protect the lynchpin of the Roman trafficking operation. Now, the Conti mob’s top warriors were dropping like flies against the ferocious assault.

If they’re being crushed, what brutal fate awaits me? You’ve sentenced me to death, Father, Gio thought as distressed goosebumps rippled across his skin.

Gio leaned back against the overturned table he hid behind and drew a quivering breath. His white-knuckled grip tightened around a weapon he’d never fired. Trembling, the fledgling Mafioso turned to peer into the moonlit abyss.

His brethren trod with caution. The muffled screams of their comrades echoed in the distance. With each outpouring of terror, the mobsters whirled around, fixing their rifles on the distress’s origin.

Suddenly, a figure cloaked in shadow careened from the darkness. The stranger plowed into a nearby gangster, tackling him to the ground, and rolled to their feet in a fluid motion. Another mobster turned his rifle towards the figure.

The dark interloper smacked the gun from the assailant’s hands, grabbed him by the collar, and head-butted him. A third combatant emerged, attacking the stranger from behind. The mobster lunged, throwing all his weight towards his adversary. With ease, the stranger ducked, sending their foe hurdling over their back and flipping onto the concrete floor.

With the mobster stunned, the stranger punched downward, delivering a knockout blow. While hunched over, a fourth attacker emerged from the abyss and put his rifle against the interloper’s temple. There was a metallic tick when the rifle pressed against the stranger’s helm.

You have no idea who you’re dealing with! the mobster declared.

I know exactly what you are. The stranger’s voice was deep and spliced with a technical inflection. You prey on the weak because it makes you feel powerful. Do you feel powerful tonight when the monster came for you?

I do now. The henchmen gloated as ten of his comrades encircled their enemy. One bullet, and you’re nothing but a bad memory.

Pull the trigger, the stranger taunted.

Laughter erupted from the circle. Their adversary was surrounded with eleven guns trained on him. There was no escape.

As you wish. The cocky gangster smirked as his finger clamped down on the trigger.

Click. Click. Click, click, click. Gio recognized the sound of a gun jamming. Soon after, a clamor of clicking resounded as the mobsters furiously attempted to open fire, to no avail.

My turn, the stranger growled.

Powerful hands sped up and latched onto the gun’s barrel. Jerking downwards, the interloper wrested the rifle from his foe. A spinning, rising swing launched the rifle’s butt into the mobster’s jaw. The deafening crack of a shattering bone reverberated through the warehouse. As their leader thudded to the floor, his comrades tossed their malfunctioning weapons aside and rushed into the fray.

Gio observed with a mixture of fear and amazement as the stranger tore through ten assailants like hot steel. He dodged their attacks with grace, countering each misstep with devastating brutality. In a matter of minutes, the remaining henchmen flaked away, succumbing to expert technique delivered with animalistic ferocity.

When the dust settled, the stranger rose. Defeated foes were strewn at his feet. Rhythmic panting emanated from beneath the mask.

At least now I know he’s human, not a real monster. Gio took solace.

I know you’re here, the mechanical voice announced. Leave your weapon and come out unless you want to suffer the same fate as your friends.

Gio knew the stranger addressed him. In compliance, he sent his rifle skidding across the floor and stood with his hands raised. As he neared the intruder, Gio noticed something peculiar about the individual.

The stranger wore a charcoal grey bodysuit made of interwoven metals, like Kevlar. Metal plating covered vital areas, with intermittent breaks where the woven substance served as primary covering, facilitating flexibility. His head was encapsulated in a sheer helmet of the same color. There were several concealed buttons along each temple. Gio surmised this was a highly technological helm, causing the mechanical voice.

Two pistols hung from a belt, along with other pieces of foreign gadgets. Two sword hilts peeked from scabbards belted to the shadow’s back. This development perplexed Gio.

You attack a room filled with armed mobsters, yet you don’t pull a pistol or sword? Why? Gio wondered, but dared not speak.

The stranger had his own questions. You didn’t join the fight…not even when there was a gun to my head. Why?

I-I’m not a f-fighter. Gio stammered. I don’t even want to be here. I’m not going to die for the Mob.

None of these men are dead, the stranger clarified.

Well, whatever you did looked painful. I wasn’t about to endure that…not for this, Gio explained, shaking his head.

The stranger nodded in approval. What do you distribute here?

All of it, Gio answered with shame as his face turned flush. Drugs, guns…people.

Gio’s heart lurched at his final utterance. Shame permeated his spirit at the fates of those who were swallowed by the Mob’s gluttonous trafficking operation. Men were sent into forced labor. Women were sold to the streets or to single buyers, subjected to their depraved fetishes. Children suffered a mixture of both heinous fates. Gio hated seeing the children most.

Take me to the people, the stranger commanded.

In submission, Gio led his companion to the shipping containers adjacent to the warehouse. One by one, the stranger broke the locks, freeing those kidnapped for sale. Some were Italian, but most were immigrants, hailing from North Africa and the Middle East.

Gio’s heart sank when he saw the refugees’ condition. Emaciated rib cages were visible through tattered clothes. Raw, chaffed skin adorned their wrists below chains, zip-ties, or rope. Deep purple bruising and congealed blood marred their faces.

Once the refugees were freed, Gio and the stranger rounded up the unconscious mobsters and threw them into the containers to replace their former captives. Once the building was cleared of the living, the stranger doused the warehouse with gasoline.

When I’m gone, he instructed, set the warehouse ablaze. Call the Roman police. Notify them that a trafficking ring has been dismantled. See that these men receive justice and the victims are provided for.

I will, Gio promised. But before you go, may I ask you something?

Yes.

Why did you leave me be? Gio inquired with a furrowed brow.

You aren’t like the men in those crates, the intruder answered. I showed you mercy. I pray, one day, you’ll extend that same mercy to another.

Gio drew a deep breath. His curse had been lifted, and visions of a renewed life danced across his mind. For the first time, his passion for nursing seemed attainable. Maybe I can finally be who I was born to be.

I promise.

Leave this life behind, the stranger warned. Or I will come back for you.

Gio scanned the area, gazing at the dozens of lives the intruder had saved from fates worse than death. These people have a second chance at life thanks to you.

So do you, the stranger replied.

I do. Gio smiled, fantasizing about the possibilities his new life possessed. Stories of what you did tonight will spread like wildfire. What should we tell the world?

I’m a protector, a weapon, sent by God to pierce the darkness, the stranger revealed before leaving, escaping through the labyrinth of shipping containers.

With the stranger gone, Gio followed the dark interloper’s instructions. Staring at the warehouse, memories of a disapproving father and an imprisoned life reverberated through Gio’s mind. Now, thanks to his shadowy savior, the reformed mobster was free.

Gio ignited his lighter and flung it through the air. A smile crept across his lips as flames scorched through that wretched place. He embraced the fire’s soothing warmth with outstretched arms. As the blaze swelled, its cleansing heat purged the stain of his old life.

Chapter 2: Stars and Shadow

Clouds crept across the morning sky as Agyei Omenuko arrived at his spot amongst the boulders to watch Sudan’s wildlife. The boy of ten cherished this place. It was a peaceful getaway from the harsh reality of his life.

A skinny boy with buckteeth and chestnut, doe eyes, Agyei never felt at home in his village. The other children shunned him, refusing to play. The villagers ducked their eyes when he would pass. Only his mother, father, and twin sisters cared for Agyei.

Here, in the wilderness, Agyei wasn’t a pariah. He’d watch the animals graze on the Serengeti, naming them while formulating imaginary friendships. His favorites were the lions. A familiar pride often loitered nearby. Agyei bounced with joy whenever he caught a glimpse of the majestic creatures.

Agyei especially loved watching the big male lion and his young cub. The pride had several lionesses and other cubs. However, the lone male strode about with a quiet authority, only lowering his regal stature around one particular cub. Their playful relationship reminded Agyei of Papa and how the rest of the world disappeared when they were together.

Unfortunately, today, the savanna was empty. Not even a stray gazelle wandered into Agyei’s treasured place. It was peculiar, as the boy always found wildlife when he came here. An aroma of smoke lingered in the air. Though its origins were unknown, Agyei guessed the stench had driven the animals away.

As hope faded, a shadow loomed over Agyei. The boy’s heart sunk. A fearful lump swelled in his throat.

Did a lion stalk me? Have the northern soldiers returned? Agyei speculated as his sweaty palms balled into fists.

The boy turned to find an imposing, barrel-chested man blocking the sun. A toothy grin was framed by a black beard spliced with specks of silver. The ebony man’s eyes lit up as he sat next to his son.

I didn’t know you were coming! Agyei exclaimed as a sprawling smile lit up his face.

AhhGee! Papa chuckled. I promised we would name your lions today! Agyei’s father reminded as he threw a hefty arm around Agyei’s shoulders. Although it seems they’re not ready for their names yet.

They didn’t come to see me, Agyei whimpered. No one ever wants to see me.

Papa knew today marked a malevolent anniversary for his son. Knowing the weight of the burden Agyei bore, Papa chose to remind his son of a lesson from a year ago.

With a sad smile, Papa pulled Agyei close. Child, you mustn’t let dark days swallow up your light. Don’t you remember the lesson of the stars?

The sheepish boy nodded.

Papa’s teaching continued. God gave us the stars to guide us when night rules. Darkness exists so we can recognize the light. Without the contrast of the night, the stars couldn’t shine with such brilliance.

Contrast? Agyei’s brow furrowed at the unfamiliar word.

When two opposites exist in the same place, it allows us to understand their differences, Papa expounded.

Agyei rubbed his arms to soothe himself as a year-old question lingered on the tip of his tongue. What if I’m not a star? What if I’m part of the night? Agyei wondered, fearful of the answer.

Papa’s lips pursed. His comforting hand rubbed his child’s back. You are a good person, Agyei Omenuko. What happened was not your fault. I am proud of you for your courage.

I’m not proud. I hate what I did. Everyone thinks I’m bad because of it. Agyei hung his head.

The others see the stone fall into the lake, but they fail to notice the ripples. They only know you killed a boy in the brush. What they don’t see is how you saved us in your bravery, Papa encouraged.

How did I save us? Agyei pondered, blind to Papa’s wisdom.

You were attacked by a scout, searching for a village to raid. That scout attacked you, so you couldn’t warn us about the soldiers headed our way. Had things gone differently, the scout would’ve led soldiers to our village to do terrible things to us, Papa elaborated.

I killed a boy that day. That memory won’t go away, no matter how much I fight it. The harrowing memory of Agyei’s fight with the scout, the rock he used in self-defense, and watching the life leave the boy’s eyes flashed in his mind.

No, you saved us that day, Agyei. Papa emphasized the truth with a shaking fist. You are not evil. God will understand. He is forgiving. Believe me, I know that more than most.

Do you think He can forgive me? Agyei trembled, fearing God would withhold mercy.

Look at me, boy, Papa instructed, his dark eyes peering deep into Agyei’s. There is nothing you could ever do that has more power than God’s forgiveness.

Agyei wiped the tears welling up in his eyes. Thank you, Papa. I love you.

Papa smiled and kissed his son on the forehead. I love you, Agyei. Now, I came here to see lions, so let’s go find them!

Agyei perked up at the mention of lions. Sometimes I see them by the lake, near the tall grass! Can we go?

Papa grinned from ear to ear. Yes, we can go, but we can’t be too long. Your mother is expecting us back to help raise the wall on the new medical building.

As they walked the ridgeline toward the lake, a distinct smell of smoke permeated the area. Papa scanned the air, searching for the source. Smoke meant a few things in this region. Displaced refugees started fires to keep themselves warm as evening approached. Flames were also used by the South Sudanese Resistance forces to send smoke signals to those friendly to their cause.

The final reason for smoke was the presence of northern soldiers. Death and destruction defined their existence. They were renowned for setting whole areas ablaze as they rampaged through the country. It was a northern scout that Agyei had killed a year earlier. Knowing these scenarios, Papa gave Agyei a nod with a clear message.

Be careful.

When they reached the lake, there was so much smoke it looked like a dark cloud had made the earth its bed. Papa gestured for Agyei to remain at the bottom of the hill while he went up to survey the area. The big man struggled to make himself small as he crawled amongst the brush. Once at the top, Papa signaled for Agyei to join him.

Agyei’s heart lurched in anguish when he saw the devastation. The only thing that wasn’t on fire was the lake itself. That’s when the doe-eyed boy came across a visage that robbed the air from his lungs. His lions were trapped amongst the flames.

Tears welled in Agyei’s eyes. He couldn’t comprehend the senselessness that lay before him. Lionesses were crumpled up at the lakeshore. Cubs were bloody piles strewn about the valley.

Where is the big one? Agyei asked as the noxious concoction of panic and sorrow infected his spirit.

Doe eyes darted about, scanning the valley. That’s when Agyei saw him. The king of the pride was curled next to a boulder in front of Papa and Agyei. A once proud beast was reduced to a harmless heap of flesh.

Agyei’s quaking fingers dug into his scalp in shock. Wobbling legs gave out as he dropped to his knees. When all hope appeared to be lost, he noticed movement between the male’s body and the rock it was wedged against.

It can’t be! Nothing could survive this! An ember of hope flickered in Agyei’s chest.

We need to go! Papa urged, shaking Agyei in a desperate attempt to wrest his eyes from the carnage. Northern soldiers did this! Their tracks lead toward the village!

Papa grabbed at Agyei’s arm, but the boy ripped from his grip and flew down the hill.

No! Papa yelled, but it was too late. His father’s voice was an echo as Agyei raced toward the movement.

I have to save him!

The heat was unbearable, but Agyei pushed through the billowing smoke. At the bottom of the valley, the boy’s legs churned against the monstrous cat’s body to no avail. Weak whimpers squealed from below, motivating Agyei to summon all his strength.

Still, the corpse wouldn’t budge. Strained groans blared from Agyei’s throat. With gritted teeth and clenched eyes, the boy pressed all his might against the limp cat. Abruptly, the lion’s body began to move as if by magic.

Papa heaved the great cat with powerful hands, creating an opening for Agyei to reach the whimper. The boy was elated when his gaze met the familiar spots of his favorite cub. Agyei snatched the cub and pulled him into his chest.

It was as if the cub recognized his rescuer. He clung to Agyei’s shoulders so tight that his claws dug into Agyei’s skin. In that moment, the pain didn’t matter. This was his friend, and Agyei had to save him.

Son! Papa boomed amongst the roaring fire. We have to go! Now!

Papa sprinted towards the village. Agyei failed to keep up, burdened by the lion cub. They crossed the landscape in a matter of minutes, following tire tracks. Tortured shrieks and gunshots flooded the air and grew louder with each stride. When the village came into view, Papa pulled his son into the brush.

You stay on the outside. Use the buildings as cover, Papa instructed through panting breaths. Get your mother and sisters and flee south. Follow the first river you find. It will take you to a village.

Agyei’s eyes went wide. What about you?

I’m going to distract them long enough for you to sneak in unnoticed. I’ll keep up the fight as long as I can, but you have to be quick. I may only last a few minutes. Papa paused, brandishing his pistol and handing Agyei his hunting knife. Be brave, son.

Agyei watched his father careen into the fray. He yelled, gesturing to draw the attention of soldiers guarding the perimeter. One reached for his rifle, but Papa fired first, causing the soldier to slump to the ground. The others gave chase towards the right, away from the family’s hut.

Seeing the opening, Agyei dashed toward his home. The ground was stained with blood, littered with the bodies of his fellow villagers. Tortured shrieks resounded from every direction, but they became less frequent with each gunshot. A rush of soldiers passed Agyei, who hid behind a barrel.

Papa. Agyei realized his father’s distraction was working as the soldiers flowed towards his location.

Recalling Papa’s instructions, Agyei took advantage of the diversion. With hurried guile, he snuck between huts until he reached his home. Once outside, the boy hid his lion in Mama’s churning barrel before sneaking into the hut.

Agyei crept towards his home’s entrance. Moaning muffled panting, and brutal thumping formed a gruesome cacophony. The tentative boy peeked inside. There were two people in the hut. One was a man with his back facing Agyei, and a woman in front of him was on her stomach.

A northern soldier.

Agyei clutched Papa’s hunting knife with a trembling fist. His heart’s deafening throbs pounded in his ears. Sweat gathered on his palms as he readied to attack. Without warning, a crash came from the outside, causing the soldier to whirl around.

The soldier’s eyes flared with shock when they met Agyei’s. He threw the woman aside. Desperate hands scrambled along his belt in search of a weapon. However, he was too slow.

Instinct spurred Agyei to rush the soldier. A rage-fueled thrust lurched upwards as Agyei plunged the knife into the northerner’s neck. Blood spurted everywhere, trickling warmth over the boy’s fingers and covering the floor.

The man clawed at his throat, but his hands slipped from the gushing wound. A croaking sound gurgled from his mouth as he wheezed for air. Finally, he collapsed to the floor, seizing as blood drained from his body.

Mama looked nothing like Agyei remembered from mere hours ago as he cradled her in his arms. Bruises covered her face, made puffy from the swelling. Blood streamed down the front of her body from nose to thighs. Most of it flowed from her abdomen, where she’d suffered several stab wounds.

Agyei, Mama groaned. Where are your sisters? Did they get away?

I…I don’t know, Agyei blubbered. I came here to take you away. Pressure built in the doe-eyed boy’s chest. A lump plumed in his throat as he restrained his tears.

Mama caressed Agyei’s face. She wiped away her son’s tears with her thumb. I can’t go with you this time. I need you to promise me something, sweet boy.

Anything, Agyei reassured her.

Find your sisters, she mumbled. Find them, Agyei. Find th— Mama’s eyes were still open, but the light faded from them. It was a sight all too familiar for the child of ten.

Goodbye, Mama. I love you. Agyei laid his mother down gently and pressed his forehead against hers.

Gathering whatever courage he could summon, Agyei rose to his feet, determined to find his sisters. However, when he turned to the hut’s door, there were three soldiers standing in the doorway, reveling at the sight of the dead woman and the boy with the tear-stained face. One of them held the lion cub by the nape like a trophy.

They grabbed Agyei by the neck and drug him to the center of the village. A massive force of invaders assembled in the main gathering place. It was a large force, especially to take such a humble village.

They must be headed somewhere else. We were just on the way, Agyei deduced.

As they moved through the street, Agyei scanned the faces for his sisters. Fortunately, he didn’t find them amongst the dead. When they reached the main assembly, he searched the survivors’ too.

They aren’t here. The revelation was a small victory, though whatever relief Agyei felt for his sisters was erased when he saw who knelt at the village’s epicenter.

Papa was bloodied, beaten, and slumped over with his hands bound behind his back. A tall, muscular man wearing military garb and a red hat stood before Papa. The man’s aura gave the impression of authority. He paced in front of Papa with an arrogant swagger.

This one killed Neyo, the largest of Agyei’s captors spoke with outrage to his leader.

Good, the leader spoke calmly. We need more like him. Most children aren’t willing to kill so easily. He will make an excellent addition.

No! Papa bellowed. Leave the boy out of this!

A wry smirk slithered across the commander’s face, revealing a yellowed grin among his salt and pepper beard. This is your son? He glanced back at Papa. I have special plans for him. He comes from a bloodline of killers.

Let him go! Papa pled. He’s just a boy!

I like you. The general ignored Papa, instead fixing his eyes on Agyei. You killed one of my most seasoned men. Neyo was a rabid murderer, more beast than man. That kind of killer instinct is a valued commodity in my army.

Please, Papa fought back tears, let him go.

You, on the other hand, the leader turned back to Papa, killed nine of my men. I would happily keep you if I knew you would be obedient, but we both know betrayal runs deep in you.

Punish me instead, Papa bargained.

The leader crouched next to Papa. "I intend to. One day, your boy will be big and strong, like you. With your blood and my