Quest of the Staff and the Sword, II: Quoin Ataraxis

By T.K. Kohl

John's quest continues as he searches for understanding of his purpose. John used Luke's confidence in his power to build the castle on Olivet. Luke's control was tenuous, but with control of the world's media, Luke was able to convince the people of the world of this nemesis, the world knew as the hooded man. The hooded man had information, which could destroy Luke. He allowed the hooded man to take control of the castle, knowing he had the full measure of the world's military at his disposal. Luke will use this power to not only destroy the hooded man, but also wrap the chains of control on the people of the world. Luke is prepared to destroy all, to hold onto his power, bringing about change. A change, which could cause this world to live as they did, in the Dark ages. John must protect the Jedidiah family, along with their friends. He must guide them, so they can join him on this quest. As Luke's darkness grows in him and the fate of the world at stake, John must establish the foundation, save those who wish to be saved, and assure those around him, all is well, in Quoin Ataraxis.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Release date: Jul 17, 2018
• ISBN: 9781977201676

T.K. Kohl

T.K. Kohl has a bachelor’s degree from Logos Christian College. Much of his life has been spent working in the technical field and customer service. He is the proud father of two adult sons, whom he considers his greatest accomplishments. In his spare time, he enjoys bringing the world of his imagination to life through fiction.

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Quest of the Staff and the Sword, II

Quoin Ataraxis

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2018 T.K. Kohl

v2.0

This is a work of fiction. The events and characters described herein are imaginary and are not intended to refer to specific places or living persons. The opinions expressed in this manuscript are solely the opinions of the author and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of the publisher. The author has represented and warranted full ownership and/or legal right to publish all the materials in this book.

This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Outskirts Press, Inc.

http://www.outskirtspress.com

ISBN: 978-1-9772-0167-6

Cover illustrated by Victor Guiza

Illustrations © 2018 Outskirts Press, Inc. All rights reserved - used with permission.

Outskirts Press and the OP logo are trademarks belonging to Outskirts Press, Inc.

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

PROLOGUE

The sun was high overhead as Nikki and her parents walked to the park. At almost age two, Nikki loved to go on picnics with her parents. They laughed and played ball. Nikki ran to the swings. Her father pushed her. She laughed as she went up into the air. Nikki looked at her daddy. Higher daddy. I want to fly like those birds.

Nikki’s mommy walked up beside Nikki’s daddy. Come on Nikki. It’s time to eat.

Nikki jumped out of the swing. Her father caught her. She kissed her daddy on the cheek. He looked into her eyes. You’re going to be an acrobat someday.

Nikki laughed. Her father put her on the ground. She ran to her mommy and wrapped her arms around her neck. I love you, mommy.

They sat on a blanket and ate. Nikki got everything on her face. Nikki stood and looked at her daddy. Come on, daddy. I want to go to the swings.

He laughed at her. We need to wash your face, Nikki. Her father grabbed a damp cloth and washed her face. Nikki laughed as he wiped her, because it tickled.

Nikki ran to the swings. She climbed aboard and her daddy pushed her.

Late in the afternoon, her mommy walked over. I think we need to leave.

Nikki looked up at her mommy. No, mommy. I want to stay.

Nikki’s father stood and looked down the road. He knelt before Nikki. You go with your mommy, Nikki. It’s getting late and we need to leave.

Nikki folded her arms in front of her and stuck out her lip.

Her daddy laughed. I’ll bring you here tomorrow and we’ll spend all day. Okay?

Nikki threw her arms around her daddy and gave him a kiss.

Her daddy stood and looked into her mommy’s face. Go, and hurry. He kissed her.

Her mommy picked up Nikki and ran across the street. She ran into an alley and waited.

Nikki stood beside her mommy. She watched as trucks of men drove up the road. They stopped next to Nikki’s daddy. A man walked up to her daddy. He talked with him. He hit her daddy. Nikki tried to run to him. Her mommy held Nikki tight.

The man turned to the other men. This traitor thinks he has the right to have a picnic with his family. The man pointed towards the buildings. You have no rights.

Nikki jumped as she heard several loud bangs. Her daddy fell to the ground. Her mommy grabbed Nikki and pulled her into her arms. Her mommy cried. Nikki looked at her mommy and cried with her.

The trucks drove away. Her mommy stood and walked out of the alley. Nikki ran to her daddy. Her daddy wasn’t moving. She pushed on him. Come on, daddy. We have to go home. Nikki looked at her hands. She held them up. She showed her hands to her mommy. Mommy, daddy’s bleeding.

Her mommy fell on top of her daddy. She cried. Nikki put her hand on her mommy’s shoulder. It’s okay mommy. Maybe he’s sleeping.

Her mommy looked into Nikki’s eyes. No Nikki. Those soldiers killed your father. He won’t be waking up. Mary held onto the body. What am I going to do now? She cried.

A woman walked up to them. Come on, Mary. We need to get you out of here before those soldiers return.

The woman led them into an apartment building. They walked into an elevator and rode it to the top floor. The woman held Mary in her arms. My name is Madeline Ross. You two can stay with me. Several people have lost family to Luke Nachash’s soldiers. You’re lucky those men didn’t find you.

Madeline knelt before Nikki. Those men are bad men, Nikki. They took your daddy and he won’t be coming back. You will stay with me.

Nikki cried. She put her arms around Madeline. I want my daddy.

I know, Nikki. Madeline gave Nikki a hug. Madeline stood and looked into Mary’s eyes. We need someone to save us, and make this world, good again.

Madeline made them as comfortable as they could be. Nikki and her mommy stayed in a corner of the large flat. Nikki would lie with her mommy. Nikki would see the bad men killing her daddy. Nikki would wake up, grab hold of her mommy, and cry.

One night she sat down with her mommy and watched TV. She saw the man everyone said was bad. He was celebrating. A hooded man stood on a platform and talked with the bad man. Nikki walked to the TV. She pointed at the hooded man on TV. She turned to her mommy. That man is a good man, mommy.

Everyone in the room looked at Nikki. Madeline walked over and picked Nikki up. I don’t know, Nikki. I hope he is. She gave her a kiss and sat her next to Mary.

The next morning, there was a knock on their door. Mary grabbed Nikki and held her tight. Everyone watched Madeline go to the door. Madeline stepped out of the apartment. She returned. She and a hooded woman were carrying the hooded man.

They laid him on the floor. Madeline and a man held guns on the hooded woman. The hooded man glowed. Everyone backed away. He stood. He told everyone to trust him. No one did.

Nikki walked towards the hooded man. He was sitting against a wall. He had his head bowed and he was crying.

Nikki touched his cheek. It’s okay, mister, there’s no reason to cry. I trust you.

The man pulled her into his arms and hugged her. Other children came over and talked with the hooded man. Nikki listened to the man. The man stood Nikki in front of him. He looked into her eyes. What would you like to know?

Nikki stared into the man’s eyes and smiled. Are you going to save us, and make the world, good again?

The man bowed his head and cried. He gathered himself and looked at all the faces staring at him. He looked at Nikki. Nikki, you are so precious. He gave her a hug. He looked into her face. For you, Nikki, I will, even if I die.

The hooded man and hooded woman ate the last of their food. He filled their cupboards with food.

He gave each of the children a gift. He knelt in front of Nikki and gave her the best gift. It was a doll. Nikki loved that doll.

Nikki looked into the face of the doll. I need to give you a name. Nikki thought a moment. She looked at the woman with the hooded man. I know. I will call you, Elizabeth.

She gave the hooded man a hug. He whispered in her ear. I love you, Nikki. I will always keep you safe. You can trust me.

Over the next couple of years, the bad men didn’t come around as often. They had more food than could ever be imagined. Every day the cupboards would be full.

One day, Nikki walked to the kitchen. Her mommy and Madeline were talking.

Mary shook her finger in Madeline’s face. You know we can’t continue to live like this. Maybe we can make a deal with those soldiers.

Madeline grabbed Mary. No, Mary. You can’t talk like that. Those soldiers will kill us.

Mary shook her head and looked at Nikki. I can’t have my daughter hiding out for the rest of her life. There is no hope, Madeline.

Nikki looked at her mommy with tears in her eyes. No, mommy. The hooded man said he would keep us safe. I trust him. Don’t lose your hope.

Mary stared at Nikki for a moment. She turned to Madeline. You have her believing in this guy also. This man can’t protect us forever. I have to do what’s best for my daughter and me. Mary walked across the room.

Nikki looked at Madeline. We can’t lose our hope, Miss Madeline. The hooded man will keep us safe.

Madeline smiled at Nikki.

That night, Mary tucked Nikki in. Don’t worry, Nikki. We’ll be safe.

Nikki smiled. I know, mommy. The hooded man will always keep me safe.

Mary smiled at her, gave her a kiss, and turned over.

Nikki lay back on the floor. She held Elizabeth. She looked into the doll’s eyes. The bad men won’t hurt you, Elizabeth. The hooded man will keep us safe. You go to sleep. Nikki turned over and fell asleep.

Nikki was awakened by people running around. Mary grabbed Nikki. Don’t worry, Nikki. We’ll be safe.

Nikki heard gunfire on the streets. People shouted. She heard people crying and more gunfire. Mary picked up Nikki and gathered inside a room behind a false wall. Nikki held Elizabeth close. She looked into her eyes. Don’t be scared, Elizabeth. The hooded man won’t let those bad men find us.

Nikki and Mary huddled with Madeline. People were screaming outside. There was more gunfire. People were crying. There was banging inside the apartment. Everyone in the room stayed quiet. There was a loud crash. Soldiers ran through their apartment.

Mary gave Nikki a kiss and stood. Nikki looked at her. What are you doing, mommy?

Mary opened the passageway and walked out. The soldiers broke through the false wall. They dragged the people out. Mary stood next to one of the soldiers. She looked at Nikki. Come on, Nikki. We’ll be safe.

Nikki pulled away from her mommy. I’m not going with those bad men, mommy. She walked with Madeline out of the apartment.

Nikki looked back. Several men grabbed her mommy. They pushed her to the floor. Nikki’s mommy screamed. Madeline grabbed Nikki’s hand and pulled her along with her. Several soldiers ran into the apartment. Nikki’s mommy screamed again. Tears filled Nikki’s eyes. Madeline held Nikki’s hand as they were herded down the stairs with the others.

A large area with fencing around it was set up. People were being herded into this temporary corral. Nikki walked through the gate with Madeline. She looked towards the building.

Nikki looked at Madeline. Why did mommy go with the bad men?

Madeline knelt in front of Nikki. I don’t know, Nikki. I guess she lost hope.

Nikki’s mommy screamed. Nikki and Madeline stood near the fence. Mary ran out of the building naked. Her body was bloody and bruised. Several soldiers walked out after her. The men were laughing.

Mary looked at the soldiers. You said you would keep me safe.

The men laughed. One of the men turned to the others. Hey, Joe used a condom. Is that safe enough for you? The men laughed.

The man leaned over and held a pistol to her head. Nikki’s mommy screamed. Nikki’s mommy looked at Nikki, as the man pulled the trigger. Nikki jumped when she heard the bang. Pain filled Nikki’s heart. It extended through her entire body. Madeline grabbed Nikki. She held Nikki in her arms, as she cried.

Nikki and Madeline moved to the back of the fenced in corral. They sat against the fence. The other people that had stayed with Madeline gathered around her. They knelt together and prayed.

Throughout the day, soldiers gathered people out of the buildings. The corral was filled with people crying and holding onto loved ones. Nikki sat back against the fence. She couldn’t get the picture of her mommy’s head exploding, as the bad man shot her, out of her mind. She cried.

Nikki looked into the face of Elizabeth. Don’t worry, Elizabeth. The hooded man will keep us safe. We can’t lose our hope, like mommy did. Nikki grabbed Elizabeth and held her tight.

A man walked over to the fence. He spoke to the people inside the corral, using a bullhorn. Our President has decided you are no longer worthy to live on this planet of ours. Quite frankly, I don’t know why he doesn’t just nuke all of you. The soldiers laughed. We still have people we are gathering. Don’t worry. We will give everyone a proper burial. The soldiers laughed.

A large truck drove down the street. The soldiers unloaded backhoes and bulldozers. They spent the day digging a large trench. Soldiers patrolled around the perimeter of the fence. Other soldiers went into the buildings to sleep.

Nikki held onto Elizabeth and laid her head in Madeline’s lap. She closed her eyes. Pictures of her mommy filled her head. She shot up from Madeline’s lap.

Madeline smiled at Nikki. She rubbed Nikki’s back. Go to sleep, Nikki.

Nikki fell asleep. Her dreams were filled with those bad men killing her mommy and daddy.

Nikki awoke. The sun was shining down on her. Someone was moving outside the fence. Nikki turned. Two of the bad men knelt outside the fence.

One of the men spoke to her. I like that doll, little girl. I think I will take it from you. The two men laughed.

Nikki pulled Elizabeth tight to her body. This is my doll. You won’t touch it.

The two bad men laughed. One of the men hit the fence with his hand. He stared into her eyes. You’ll be dead, little traitor. The two men laughed. They stood and walked away.

Nikki looked at Elizabeth. I won’t let those bad men take you, Elizabeth. Nikki looked around. Where are you, hooded man? I need you here so I don’t lose my hope.

The soldiers walked out of the buildings. Several of the soldiers set the buildings on fire. Soldiers opened the fence and dragged several people out. Many people were made to stand in front of the trench.

Several soldiers marched in a line and stood facing the people.

The Captain shouted. Turn these people around. I don’t want to see the traitor’s faces.

The people were made to face the trench.

The Captain shouted. Ready. The line of soldiers brought their weapons up.

Aim. The soldiers took aim on the people.

Fire. The thunderous sound of the rifles echoed around the area. Nikki jumped. She put her face into Madeline and cried.

Every soldier laughed. Every person inside the fence cried. The bodies of their friends fell into the trench.

More people were taken from the fence. The rifles fired and they fell into the trench. Through most of the day, Nikki watched. She looked around. The hooded man had to show. She knew he wouldn’t let her down.

Everyone was gone from inside the fence. One last group to go. Nikki held Madeline’s hand as they filed out of the fence. Madeline and Nikki cried as they walked past the line of soldiers.

Nikki was filled with pain in her heart. The hooded man wasn’t going to make it, this time. Nikki walked to the edge of the trench. She looked down into the trench. The faces of dead looked up from the bottom of the trench. Nikki cried.

Nikki turned to Madeline. The hooded man lied to me. He said he would always keep me safe.

Madeline knelt beside Nikki. Don’t talk like that Nikki. You know he would be here if he could. Madeline gave her a kiss on the cheek.

A soldier kicked Madeline. Stand up, traitor.

Madeline stood and faced the trench. She closed her eyes. Nikki could tell she was praying.

Nikki looked into Elizabeth’s eyes. She looked up at Madeline. Maybe the hooded man is dead. That would be the only reason he wouldn’t be here. We will be with him shortly.

Madeline looked at her and smiled.

The Captain shouted. Ready. Nikki pulled Elizabeth tighter to her body.

Aim. Nikki bowed her head and cried. She looked into Elizabeth’s eyes. I will always love you, hooded man. Nikki closed her eyes.

1

The limousine made its way out the gates of the castle. It drove down the road towards the city of Jerusalem. People lined the road walking away from the castle. The limousine made its way to the bottom of the hill. It pulled over to the side.

The driver stepped out of the vehicle and opened the back door. Luke Nachash stepped out of the back. He walked over to a line of reporters. Luke stood in front of a microphone and addressed the crowd. Today the world should mourn. Our enemy has stood against us and declared war. He now sits in that castle but I will destroy him. That castle and our enemy will be destroyed. Luke returned to his limousine.

He sat in the back seat. He turned to Stephanie. She held a cloth to her face. Luke leaned over. He pulled the cloth from her face. He licked the blood. He looked into her eyes. Very tasty, Stephanie. Luke turned to the window. In the coming days, there will be bloodshed. People will die. Doesn’t it excite you?

Stephanie grabbed his arm. That bitch cut me. All I want is for that bitch to die.

Luke laughed. Don’t worry, Stephanie. You and I will have prime seats as we watch that castle burn.

Luke picked up a phone. He dialed a number. Admiral Bell, please. Luke waited. Hello, Admiral. This is Luke Nachash, your commander-in-chief. I want every one of our ships in the Mediterranean now. I am heading to my helicopter and I will meet you on board the ship. Luke hung up the phone.

He turned to Stephanie. The world will watch the hooded man die.

Stephanie pounded her fist against the seat. I hate Elizabeth. I want to see her die. Stephanie turned to the window.

Luke’s motorcade drove to the airport. Luke and Stephanie climbed out of the car and ran to the waiting helicopter. The helicopter lifted from the ground and flew west. It flew several miles over the Mediterranean. The pilot brought the helicopter down on the deck of a destroyer.

Luke and Stephanie climbed out. They were escorted to the bridge. Luke entered the bridge and shook hands with an Admiral. Hello, Admiral Bell. We need to talk.

Yes sir. Admiral Bell led Luke and Stephanie into a conference room. The three sat down.

Luke leaned across the table and looked into the Admiral’s eyes. I want everything we have fired off at that castle. I want it destroyed.

Sir, what about the close proximity to Jerusalem?

Luke grabbed the man by the shirt. I don’t care. If you won’t do it, I will have you shot as a traitor and promote someone else who will. Luke pushed the man away.

The Admiral bowed his head. Yes sir. How many ships do you want here?

That man has no military to speak of. I want that castle watched closely. I don’t want anyone leaving that castle until we’re ready. I want every ship in my Navy here. I want everything we have thrown at that castle. I want nothing left but one giant hole in the ground. Do you hear me? Luke walked out of the conference room.

Luke led Stephanie to the Captain’s quarters. He opened the lockers and threw the Admiral’s belongings in the hall. He turned to one of the crewmen. I want these picked up. Tell the Admiral he will be staying in another cabin as long as I’m on board. Luke slammed the door.

He turned to Stephanie. He reached in his bag and pulled out a jeweled sphere. The sphere glowed red. Come on, Stephanie. We need to see the creature.

Luke and Stephanie placed their hands on the sphere. The room faded. Luke and Stephanie stood in a large cavernous room. Everything was dark. They stood under a dim red light.

A roar came from the shadows. A large black creature with glowing red eyes ran at them. He stopped in front of them. He looked at Luke and spoke with a dark deep voice. What have you done, Luke?

Luke looked into the creature’s face. I went to take possession of our throne and castle. The hooded man stopped me and threw me out.

The creature stood on his hind legs. He spread a pair of wings, looked up, and roared. The creature looked into the face of Luke. Who is this hooded man?

I don’t know, my lord. He has been a bother for some time. I am making plans to destroy him. Luke kissed the creature. There will be so much bloodshed. I know you will like it.

The creature stared at Luke for a few moments. Good, Luke. We must not allow the foundation to be laid. He shrunk to the size of a man and walked up to Stephanie. He stuck his snout close to Stephanie’s face. He sniffed her. What have you brought in here, Stephanie?

Stephanie stared into the creature’s face. I don’t know what you mean, my lord. That bitch, Elizabeth, cut my cheek.

The creature licked her face. He stared into her eyes. I don’t mean that. I love human blood. I mean you brought something in here in your heart. What is it?

Stephanie looked into his eyes. She turned her head away from the creature. She looked into the creature’s eyes again. I don’t know what you’re talking about.

The creature sniffed her again. He looked into her eyes. He turned to Luke. He handed Luke a whip. Here, Luke. We need to be certain.

Luke kissed the creature. He grabbed Stephanie’s hands and tied her to a pole. Luke ripped her clothes from her body. Luke stood back and whipped Stephanie’s body.

The creature moved in close to Luke. Harder Luke. I want her body to bleed.

Luke’s arousal was heightened with each stroke. He brought the whip against Stephanie’s body with as much intensity as he could. The whelps rose on her body. The creature moved in closer to Luke. The creature grabbed Luke and had sex with him. Luke lost control. He whipped Stephanie harder until he was ready to explode.

Luke laughed as he watched the blood rolling down Stephanie’s body. Luke threw the whip down and turned his attention to the creature. The two rolled on the floor in passionate sex. When they finished, they turned their attention to Stephanie. They licked the blood from her body. They threw her to the ground and had their way with her.

Luke and Stephanie woke up in the Captain’s quarters. Luke looked at Stephanie. He bit into her behind and pulled a chunk of flesh from her body. He sat back and chewed. Luke laughed. You ought to be thankful I didn’t pull your heart out and eat it. Luke laughed. He walked into the shower.

When Luke came out of the shower, Stephanie was nursing her wounds. She turned to Luke. Luke stared into her eyes. I suggest you get in there and get a shower. Luke dressed.

When Stephanie came out of the shower, Luke walked over and gave her a gentle kiss. Let’s go watch the death and bloodshed. I’m sure it will make you feel better. Luke helped her get dressed and led her out of the room.

They walked to the bridge. Luke walked up next to the Admiral. So, what’s going on?

Admiral Bell turned to Luke. We’re waiting for all our ships to arrive. We are sending reconnaissance planes every half hour. Everyone is excited about destroying that castle. We have a big show planned for you, culminating in ten hydrogen bombs. There will be nothing left, sir.

Luke smiled. Let’s hope so, Admiral. He looked towards shore. How long before the show starts.

It will take at least a week before all the ships are here and in place. The Admiral pointed at a map. We have ships in the Pacific heading this way. The hooded man won’t know what hit him.

Luke smiled. He turned, grabbed Stephanie’s hand, and walked towards the door. He turned towards the Admiral. We will be in our quarters if anything comes up.

Luke led Stephanie to their quarters. He locked the door. He turned to Stephanie. The creature wants to see you again. I guess he likes you. Luke lifted the sphere.

Stephanie and Luke stood under the dim red light. The creature walked up to them. He looked into Stephanie’s eyes. I have something for the both of you. Remove your clothes.

Stephanie and Luke looked at each other and disrobed. The creature gave them black robes. Put these on. These signify you belong to our lord. Wear them always. He gave them each a pair of black boots.

Once they had everything on, the creature moved in close to Luke. I like you, Luke. I will keep you around. The creature reached inside Luke’s robe. There’s a pocket here, right over your heart. You will carry the sphere there. That way I will always be near your heart. The creature kissed Luke.

The creature turned to Stephanie. He stared at her. He moved in close to her. He unbuttoned her robe. He pulled the robe from around her shoulders and let it drop to the floor. He stood back and lit a cigar. He moved close to her and blew smoke in her face. He walked around her. He touched her body and continued to walk around her. He walked behind her and placed his hand on her back. He looked at Luke. You have done a nice job, Luke. Now, take the whip and do the same to her front side.

Luke laughed. He tied Stephanie with her back to the pole. Her hands were over her head. Luke picked up the whip and beat her.

The creature