Mischief Reborn: Pantheon Chronicles

By Tony Lane

For most sons, following in your father's footsteps can be hard but for David Ghent, the son of a Pantheon agent, it could be deadly. From the dawn of time,  a secret society known as the Pantheon monitors and polices the world of the Reincarnated. When a  past tyrant or evil is reborn,  a vast and hidden army of agents is called into action to make sure history doesn't repeat itself.   David just wanted to finish college and have some fun before he took on the mantle of his father, agent Dagda.   When a once-powerful king is reborn, David and his friends are caught up in a battle for their lives. His only hope to survive is his father's training, Pantheon technology, and the Fates.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tony Lane
• Release date: Jul 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201996567

Book preview

Of Many births the Norns must be

Nor one in race they were,

Some to gods,

Some to elves kin,

And Dvalin’s daughters some.

Snorri Sturluson – Prose Edda

CHAPTER 1

THE CHILD

Garibaldi Manor lit up the night sky. From miles away, the lights could be seen flickering. The sounds of an outdoor concert blared into the darkness of the Malibu hills. Only the faint    

sounds of laughter and applause filled in where the band’s music hit a lull. The aroma of gourmet food was floating on the fall’s evening breeze, no doubt prepared by the finest chefs.

Garibaldi manor itself had been reconstructed a few years earlier by Sean and Ashley Garibaldi so it would look like the ancient buildings from Rome. Everywhere one would look, there was a

column or stone statue. They even had an amphitheater on the grounds.  

The main gate at the entrance of the estate was at least eight feet tall and was made of polished brass. Through the gate, down a long and winding cobblestone driveway was the house

itself. Limousines sat under a canopy at the circle drive ready to depart at a moment’s notice. A doorman waited at the double doors of the house for guests who were leaving early.

Jackson, their head of security, was built like a tank and was covered in tattoos, most of which he had gotten on his numerous terms in prison. Only he could give the okay to let anyone

inside. Jackson was made well aware of whom he could let into their gated sanctuary. He was arrogant in the way he handled any visitor. He thought of himself as inside their circle.  

Inside, a black-tie affair was winding down with about thirty guests left. Ashley Garibaldi made her way over to the band; the swing of her hips exaggerated. She couldn’t help it; years

of training on the runway had made it a habit. She tapped the bass player

on the shoulder to get his attention, leaned over and whispered something into his ear then turned back to Sean and smiled.      

The music went from upbeat to smooth and slow. The men in the room took the musical cue and shuffled up from their seats then went to get the attention of the lady of their choice.

Sean was in the middle of a conversation with three of his friends when he noticed his wife and waddled his way over. He bowed to her; one arm folded behind him, then beckoned her forth

to the dance floor with an outstretched hand. She grinned, curtsied, and took his hand.

They were quite the odd couple. He was pudgy, short, and hairy in all the wrong places not to mention twenty years her senior. She, however, was young around twenty-two and the vision of

beauty. An hourglass figure, sandy blond hair, and painted-on lips. Everyone stopped and looked when she walked into a room.

Sean pulled her in close as they began their dance. She kissed his cheek and laid her head on his shoulder.

Feeling sentimental, are we? asked Sean with a grin. She raised her head and grinned back but didn’t respond otherwise.

That’s our song you... Ashley looked over his shoulder stopping mid-sentence. Her eyes widened. What exactly is he doing here?

Sean turned to look. He who? She looked at him with a scowl. Oh, Evan, he snickered, well I sort of invited him out.

Now why would you do something like that? snapped Ashley.

You did say he was cute, so...

Ashley stopped the sway of their dance for a second and pulled back. What did you say to him?

I told him we were swingers, said Sean making her smile.

You didn’t!?

Yes, my love, for you.

She pulled him closer again and kissed him softly on his neck. You are just evil.

Well at least history doesn’t compare me to the word, he said with a chuckle.

Whatever.

We do need him after all. Sean leaned back and made a sign with his fingers like he was quoting. The ‘lover’ Get it?

If you say so but any of the men here would have worked.

Outside at the front gate, no one noticed the black car mixed in with the staff’s cars. The windows to the car were almost black so the man and woman inside were well hidden.

Inside the guard station, Jackson glared at the security feed then put his radio to his mouth. A-Okay on my side. What about the back?

Everything is fine here. Do we start lockdown as soon as the band leaves and the chosen guests go downstairs?

You got it. Jackson out.

Jackson’s conversation could be heard softly through the speakers in the blacked-out car.

See, same as last time, right? asked the male voice.

I don’t know, be quiet, the woman whispered.

The man was agent Creed and the woman was agent Freya. Both were dressed in dark colors to blend into their surroundings. They were agents of an organization called the Pantheon. Both were

there on their own time to monitor a situation that agent Freya had been given inside information about.

By now they were both very wary of keeping tabs on yet another sex party. This was the fourth stakeout since she had been tipped off about possible past life activity. Not just any past

the Garibaldi’s were most likely royalty.

Are you sure your source is right about these people? They just seem like sex freak nut jobs, whispered Creed. They seem normal enough, Freya.

"Yes, I’m sure my source is right. He’s King Ahab and she’s Queen Jezebel, there’s no doubt. You know the rules; they’ll never pop up on the radar of the Fates. They’re royalty we can’t

take them back. We can’t make them forget who they were. These are not the normal psychos we reverse every day."

They can’t break the rules, no law-breaking, and no giving up information about us. You said they broke both rules. So far I’ve only seen sex and cheating. He noticed her lack of

attention. Are you even listening to me?

I was just hoping this wouldn’t go down like this without any... you know... back up, whispered Creed who was now distracted. He motioned to Freya to look at the guards who appeared to be

smoking marijuana.

What are they saying; it’s a perfect time to listen now, you know?

Freya tapped a small crystal device attached to the inside of her ear. Hold on I’ll find out. A smaller device similar to what was in her ear was behind the guard.

One of the guards took a puff of the joint and passed it to the other. So, will they do it this time or not, asked the guard holding his breath in to the other.

I think tonight is the night, something about the full moon, said the other guard.

I’ve heard that before.

I heard it was supposed to be like an orgy again though.

Why can’t we ever join? I would love to throw our hot boss lady down, he said simulating a grinding motion.

Easy pal, didn’t you just get out of prison for throwing women down?

Come on though, you really don’t care about the whole blood sacrifice thing?

You don’t believe that shit, do you?

Who cares, for what they’re paying man, shit, they can shoot my Mom.

Freya’s face went pale listening to their conversation. It’s tonight Creed I told you!

Creed grabbed her arm trying to keep her in the car.

Are you crazy? It’s just us, no one to help for a while. It’ll be at least forty-five minutes before anyone... Creed winced, realizing what he just said.

Her stare could have cut through ice. Son of a bitch, you told them, didn’t you?

I had to; we can’t take on the whole house!

Freya yanked her arm back. You can’t but I can! She hesitated, waiting for a response, but none came. Well, are you sitting there, or are you coming?

Coming! he said reluctantly.

Good then. What the hell’s wrong with you, telling people our damn business," she mumbled angrily.

Hold on, hold on, here’s your gear, said Creed as he handed her a black vest with an array of different gadgets attached to it. He pulled one of the cases out and loaded a gun with

darts. These will at least knock them down.

I’ll get the guards up front you get the ones in back, snapped Freya. "Stay out of sight and try to take out as many as you can without setting an alarm.

Freya took off running but could barely be heard by anyone. The guards couldn’t say anything before she had knocked both unconscious. As she crouched over their limp bodies a beep in her

ear stopped her from continuing into the house. She rolled her eyes. Freya here, what is it? she whispered.

Why could you not wait on the rest of your help to get there before you decided to go in? asked the voice of her commander, Cronos.

Don’t you have the rest of the Pantheon to worry about? She continued what she was doing while talking. Shooting a couple more guards and watching them drop.

You know I can’t just let you keep getting into trouble just because of my...

Rank! interrupted Freya.

Yeah, my rank Freya. No answer came. Freya!

Freya was too busy to pay him any attention. She checked the door for any alarms that may be visible. Just before she opened the door she heard footsteps behind her, she paused, pulled

out a razor-sharp knife, and palmed it. She took a deep breath.

What do you think you’re doing, asked Jackson from behind her.

She spun around and before he could call for help, she sliced into his throat. He made a slight gurgling noise then fell to his knees with a thud and collapsed on the floor.

Inside the dining area of the party, Sean stood in front of the crowd and chimed a wine glass. To all of you who made it out tonight, I would like to thank you for being here. He

looked back at the band and raised his glass again. We need to give the band a round of applause as well, for their marvelous job. BRAVO! BRAVO! Now lets all head downstairs for our

late-night entertainment," he said while looking over and giving Evan a wink.

Down the stairs was what they called the ‘play room’, which was decorated in all manner of sexual art. The domed ceiling was completely painted with an archaic depiction of prehistoric men

and women dressed in furs; they were bowing down to a Minotaur creature. The creature rose from the flames of a bonfire, its face blue, its eyes black as night. Some of their guests stopped

and admired it as they entered the room.

Ashley sat up straight, crossed her legs, and watched her friends from the, his and her gold-encrusted thrones that were at the back of the room.

In the center of the room was a giant white marble slab about four feet high and seven feet around. It was beautifully decorated with ancient writing and had a depiction of a bull in the

center. Flames flickered from torch lights that lined the walls and cast a dim glow. The guests who had never been there before could not help but be in awe, just taking in the breathtaking

sight. They only stopped for a moment before Ashley indicated with a glance what she wanted them to do. Each couple made their way to private rooms leaving just her and her lover.  

Where did everyone go? asked Evan as he put his arms around Ashley’s waist. Ashley looked him up and down and grinned.

They’ll be back in a moment. The sound of a baby’s cry made them look.

Was that a baby? asked Evan looking around the room.

Could be, some of my guests couldn’t get a sitter and we have people for those things.

You have a lot of servants, he said noticing a few men and women entering the room in staff attire.

Sean noticed Evan’s hand on his wife’s waist as he walked up behind them. I see you’ve made yourself at home, he said looking down at Evan’s hand which Evan quickly yanked away.

Ashley rolled her eyes. He’s kidding, she said pulling him closer and kissing him passionately.

Sean smiled through his tightened jaw. Of course, of course, relax. This is for you, said Sean holding up a silver chalice.

Evan lifted the chalice to his lips but hesitated and looked at Ashley. "What’s in this?

Biting her bottom lip, she looked at Evan.  Something to, well, enhance our fun.

Like drugs?

Something new, it’s called Ecstasy, said Sean interrupting.

And that’s for? asked Evan.

Sean tilted his head. He doesn’t know about Ecstasy?

Sure, I do, said Evan. I’ve seen it in the news but never tried it. Supposed to make sex better, right?

What’s wrong man? It’s not like we’re going to drug you and take of advantage of you, said Sean patting Evan on the back. "It makes sex last for hours on end. You may even need a safe

word with her. She gets really rough sometimes."

Evan looked at her with wide eyes. Is he serious?

Sean looked over at Ashley and nodded toward the bedroom. "Why don’t you take your lucky man here somewhere a little more private and help him relax. I myself have a beautiful young

plaything waiting and when we all get overwhelmed or tired, we’ll meet out here, have a drink and play some more okay."

Ashley stroked Evans’s hair. I think I can handle making him relax.

From one of the windows, Freya looked on as Evan and Ashley went about their business.

Freya, snapped Creed’s voice in her ear.

What is it? she whispered reluctantly.

Please tell me we didn’t just kill a bunch of people because you have a problem with swingers.

These two are killers. Why don’t you get that?

Well, it’s all or nothing now Freya.

What’s that supposed to mean Creed?

If they don’t try and kill someone real soon, we’re just murderers, aren’t we?

Creed cleared his throat as he came up behind her.

Yeah, I heard you a mile away, snapped Freya. Go check the bedroom. It’s where she took him."

Which room is it again?

Shut up dick, you know where her bedroom is. Now go!

Creed crept around to the side of the house. He stepped softly, dodging the array of different tropical plants surrounding the house. Every other step led to something that stuck into

his skin. The ground began slanting downward revealing the rooms below. He was quickly distracted for a moment. He stumbled when he got his first glimpse of an open window.

Will you shut up I can still hear you! said Freya.

Fine!

Pay attention, said Freya.

Creed could see through the bay window of the rooms as he passed by. A woman in her thirties with long red hair was undressing. His jaw dropped open. He shook his head back and forth and

very slowly he began to move on. He passed the next room where another woman was undressing. He paused for a moment again to look. This time a man appeared in front of the window completely

naked. He didn’t see Creed, but Creed did get an eyeful of wrinkles and sagginess. He gagged as he moved away quickly.

In Ashley’s room, a blindfold covered Evan’s eyes, his hands were bound to the bedposts and candles barely lit the room. Ashley’s pale skin shined with oils. She was straddled on top of  

him tracing his ab muscles with her nails. She leaned forward to kiss his neck and grinded slowly back and forth. He convulsed slightly causing her to claw hard down into his chest.

Careful, whispered Evan. You’re being rougher than usual!"

SHHHH, she hissed. He’ll hear you."

He still doesn’t know?

I don’t think so. You like that don’t you? Playing behind his back? She took control of him. Pulling herself back up, her hands pressed against his chest for balance as she pushed

herself to the foot of the bed.

Creed pulled goggles from his side that amplified the light in the room. This particular toy gave him great detail of the action. His mouth stayed open and he was motionless for a moment

but slowly he touched his ear. Freya, he whispered.

What?

Creed tilted his head slowly around at what he was seeing. They are getting to know each other so to speak.

Yeah, sex, I know, she snapped.

Nobody is getting killed yet!

Creed really? You sound disappointed.

Why would she bring her regular lover home for this one? This all makes no sense.

Freya ignored Creed’s banter and made her way up the stairs of the manor. She checked a room on the right of the hallway. It was empty then continued to the next. That room had a

dollhouse on the floor along with other toys. Two baby cribs she quickly looked into and pulled back the covers to find nothing.

Evan gripped the binds that held him as Ashley had her way with him. Just as suddenly as she began to take control she dismounted her lover and got off the bed.

Where are you going? Why did you stop, asked Evan.

She paced back and forth half-naked at the foot of the bed. I have a little surprise for you. You like surprises, don’t you?

He jerked at his bindings. Um- Ashley?

Yes.

What are you doing? Are you trying to play games? Behind Ashley, the doorknob slowly turned then the door creaked open. Evan heard the sounds of someone’s shoes walking across the

hardwood floor to the edge of the bed where Ashley stood.

Evan listened closely and heard the sound of a kiss.

Are you ready to play Evan, asked Ashley.

Who’s there? stuttered Evan. Is that you Sean?

Well, well, well it seems your little friend is smarter than you thought Ashley.

Evan struggled with his bindings again to remove his blindfold until he could see. I’m not into the gay shit!

Gay? Do I come off as gay son? asked Sean. Well, I’m not really gay per se. I’m more of a- if it feels good do it kind of man.

Ashley sat on the edge of the bed and smiled at Evan as she unsheathed the blade of a knife. It shimmered in the dim candlelight.

This is a joke, right?

She turned her gaze to Sean. Leave, she commanded.

Sean crossed his arms and sighed. As you wish my love.

Let me go, pleaded Evan. Why are you doing this?

You’re not leaving. How can I release my master if he doesn’t have his sacrifice? Ashley put the tip of the knife on his skin causing him to pull back.

Sacrifice! Oh my god please say this is a joke!

The razor-sharp blade sliced deep as he jerked to the right. Go ahead resist the pain. It’s okay to be scared.

Evan stilled himself and could do nothing but watch in horror as she plunged the knife deep into his chest. That’s better, just watch and feel. It’s okay baby, she said as she pressed

down harder.

He wanted to scream but couldn’t. In moments his eyes glossed over, his jaw dropped open and he let out his last breath.  

Beside the bed was the chalice she had given him to drink from earlier. She dumped the remaining contents on the floor and then, used the vessel to capture the blood that was pouring out

of Evan’s chest.

Outside the window, Creed could only watch in horror at what he was seeing. Freya?

Yeah, I know still having sex?

Close, Ashley just killed Evan. Creed had drawn his weapon by now and was waiting for her response. I need regular ammo for this. I’m going back to the car and...

No, she snapped. Just stay where you are, I’ll bring ammo. Besides, we’re here for the children, not the boyfriend. Or just drop one her goons with a dart and take their gun.

Well, I guess that would work. I need to get another gun and shoot this bitch now! He was distracted once again by Ashley.

Hold on. Now, what is she doing? His attention was drawn back to the scene inside.

Ashley sat down in front of the mirror. In front of her another idol of a golden bull, she lit two red candles and began to chant. She put a gold coin in her right hand and gripped it

hard as her chant continued. In her other hand, she held the chalice and began chanting louder as she held it higher. Heavier and heavier she breathed, tilting her head back and then

stretching her arms wider. After a moment she put the chalice to her lips and drained its contents. Her lips turned the color of crimson as she removed the cup. She left a small amount in  

the container and swirled the blood around with her fingernail. After that, she tilted her head back and dripped the remains on her breasts. Gripping the coin tightly in her right hand she

leaned closer to the mirror and held the tightened hand over the flame of a candle.

The sizzle of her skin did not make her move. Her eyes rolled back in her head showing the whites of her eyes. Suddenly she stopped chanting and looked back into the mirror. Her eyes

became portals of fire. She arched her back and moaned, moving her hand away from the flame. Her blackened hand was shaking violently but she opened it to reveal that the coin was gone.

Ashley stood and went over to the dresser to get a towel. With a wave of her hand, she put out all of the candles in the room one by one until she got to the one on the window sill.

There she stopped and stared out and grinned. Creed had hidden behind a statue outside. Her eyes glowed red again.

You can come out now, agent.

Creed stayed hidden and didn’t make a sound. She sighed and waved her hand at the massive statue, making it fall over revealing Creed.

She knows we’re here, he said already on the run. Looks like she’s still a seer.

Freya had just stepped over another dead guard when she answered. Get back to the altar room. She’ll be going there.

A few moments later, Ashley cradled a baby no more than four months in her arms. She bounced it softly and caressed its face.  

Freya burst into the altar room. Put the baby down, demanded Freya.

Ashley waved her hand once, then again but nothing happened. What are you?

I said, put the baby down!

We have no intention of giving you our son agent, said the voice of Sean from behind her, along with the sound of a gun being cocked. Move away from my wife and son!

Nope not happening, said Freya.

Some of the guests began opening the doors to their rooms and stepping out, robes on, staring down the long hallway, which led to the altar.

Creed was at the end of the hallway; a gun was drawn on Sean. Sean ducked down as he turned to Sean and fired his weapon. Three shots rang out. Sean stood back up. Then the color of

blood overcame the white of his dress shirt. The guests began to scream and slam the doors to their rooms.

Get out of here now! screamed Creed to the guests as he advanced on Sean, who was barely standing and on death’s door.

Sean slowly dropped his arm; his color was pale white from the loss of blood. He turned to his wife and smiled and said, I love you. Fighting to stay alive another moment he lifted his

gun one more time and fired on Creed. Sean finally collapsed on the floor with a thud.

Freya never took her eyes off Ashley.  She could see Ashley’s eyes swell up with tears. Her face contorted as she and the room shook violently. She watched this strong-willed woman back

up slowly toward a nearby door clutching her child.

As I said-, said Freya as she pulled the hammer back on her gun. Put the child down!

From behind her, she heard another thud hit the floor. Creed, she said not looking back. Creed!

He’s dead, said Ashley defiantly with a smirk, then she stepped toward the altar. If you want me dead then shoot, she said looking at a dagger that lay on the altar. With just a

glance the dagger flew through the air giving Freya no warning and hitting her where no armor protected her. She pulled it out and blood poured from her wound. Freya got off a shot in anger

and hit Ashley in the arm just inches above the child’s head.

Why didn’t you just do what I asked you to do? she said as she raised her gun again.

Behind Freya, a group of ten or so armed Pantheon agents rushed down the hallway guns drawn. One of the agents knelt down and checked Creed for vital signs then looked back at the others

and shook his head no. Freya heard the sounds behind her but kept her eyes on Ashley.

We have the location secured Cronos, said one of the agents behind her. Creed is down sir I think he’s dead and Freya is injured. He got an order from Cronos in his ear but only the

agent heard it. Yes sir, he said as he fired a dart at Ashley making her fall into the waiting arms of agents behind her. Someone help Freya, he commanded.

I’m fine she said as she jerked her arm away from one of the men. She went to the child and picked him up. Put her in lockdown in the nearest lodge, I’ll take care of the child."

And the guests? asked the agent in charge.

They saw enough to be a risk. You know what to do.   

CHAPTER 2

LITTLE BLUE BOOTIES

Cronos stared out of his office at Pantheon headquarters. He wasn’t in the nether regions of their