Return of Philon Read online

  “And now, we are living in the anxiety of our own choices,” Emma sighed, her grief-stricken heart reminding her where her choices had led her and the cost they exacted from her weary soul.

  “Philon has directed us to begin a new work here in Noab, a work that will begin to undo the hold of the Netherlife on this city,” Historus informed them.

  “Yes,” added Abriel, “this will cause quite a stir with Primus.”

  Chapter 3

  Nate, accompanied by Historus, paid a visit to Noab’s bustling mall.

  “Over there Nate, do you see it?” Historus asked as he pointed to a vacancy between the Heart and Mind shops.

  “I do, Historus. Let’s take a look.”

  As the two approached the empty store, they noticed how busy The Heart and Mind Shops were. People were coming and going, sometimes leaving one and entering the other.

  “They are searching Nate,” Historus observed.

  “You got me Historus, those folks in there are, well, ‘weird’ is all this country boy has to say.”

  The day held opportunity for them, when they came upon the property agent hanging “For Rent” signs in the windows.

  “Good day, sir,” Historus, being always cordial, greeted the man.

  The agent ignored the greeting, seemingly irritated.

  “Uh, good day sir!” Historus again spoke, his voice louder and a bit sterner.

  And still the agent did not acknowledge him.

  Nate, not accustomed to such rudeness, approached the agent, “Excuse me!”

  Turning to face Nate, instead of a man, an attractive woman greeted him, “Yes, how may I be of assistance?”

  Temporarily stunned, Nate found himself speechless, but then recovered, “Well, yes ma’am. We are interested in renting this space.”

  Gently brushing Nate aside and sensing something unusual about this “woman,” Historus interjected, “We are inquiring about the monthly rent, utilities and how soon we can move in.”

  “Let me introduce my self, I am Natasha, I represent the owner of this Mall and its rentals.”

  “And who is the owner, Natasha?” Historus requested.

  “Why, Prince Lucius of course!”

  Historus approached Natasha, and as he approached her, she stepped back and away from him. This retreat did not stop him, for he cornered her against the wall. Staring into her eyes, he scanned for a clue as to who he thought she really may be. And then he noticed it, a slight narrowing of her pupils.

  “You are making me very uncomfortable, sir!”

  “Oh, I am so sorry, you remind me of someone I knew, long ago.”

  Pulling herself away from him, she continued, “I will prepare a lease agreement for you, run a credit check on you, and if all is in order, you may begin whatever improvement you desire next week.” With that, she hurriedly departed out of the shop, leaving Nate starring at Historus.

  “What just happened?”

  “She is Muspellum, Nate. They are on to us.”

  “Well, does that rescind our mission?”

  “No, it does not. It is exactly what we want. Let’s go tell the others, soon we will be in business right smack dab in the middle of Primus’ stronghold on Noab.”

  ◆◆◆

  “Historus! When we will ever be rid of him?” shouted Primus.

  Natasha, knelt, trembling before him, “Yes, my lord Primus. It was Historus.”

  “Did he recognize you?”

  Natasha was hesitant, “Well, he cornered me, staring at me, but said nothing. And then I walked away, offering him a contract on the empty space.”

  “Hmmm, well, leave me Natasha, keep me informed of their next move.”

  The frightened Muspellum breathed a sigh of relief and quickly excused herself.

  “My Lord Primus, why would they rent that space,” asked Damios, “knowing we control that whole area?”

  “Pitiful, isn’t it Damios? I construct the Ziggurat and install Banedread as Regent over all of Noab, and then the entire human race, and they seek to counter my onslaught by renting space in a human mall? Philon must be scratching the bottom of the barrel with this plan.”

  Damios handed Primus details concerning the on going education of Banedread.

  As he leafed through the report, he muttered to himself, “Yes…good…Satrina is updating our Regent-to-be in human history and prepping him to rule in this modern human era.”

  “He is arrogant, Primus.”

  “And?”

  “Untrustworthy.”

  “So?”

  “A cut throat human as I have ever seen.”

  “I know! He has Muspellum blood flowing through his frail human veins. That is what will empower him to rule with an iron hand!”

  Elsewhere in the castle, hidden away from all, except Primus, Satrina, and Damios, Banedread quietly listened to Satrina’s instructions.

  “What are you staring at Banedread?”

  He stood tall, his curly black hair falling on his broad shoulders, framing his perfectly sculpted face. His piercing deep blue eyes were enough to hypnotize most women.

  “Your seductive beauty,” he answered.

  “I am your mother, your superior, not your playmate.”

  “I would have you, Satrina, if not for Primus.”

  “Enough!”

  Banedread grinned, bowed his head ever so slightly and politely said, “Please continue….mother.”

  “You have done well, as I expected, in understanding modern human history. Now, it is time for you to be introduced to the Abbandon.”

  “Yes, you have mentioned them before. But, where are these Muspellum lords?”

  “They have been busy among the human populace, teaching at their schools, serving in their governments, starring in their movies, writing books, and fabricating the most deviant and depraved lies.”

  “So, they prepare the way for me? A people suited for my rule.”

  “Why yes, Banedread,” she stroked his hair, “a people suitable for your consumption.”

  Suddenly, there was a loud thud against the door of their chambers.

  When Satrina swung the door opened, a human servant lay bloodied on the floor.

  “Sorry Satrina,” Rulk laughed, blood dripping from his mouth. “I was hungry and humans are so fast and tasty.”

  “You’re disgusting Rulk!”

  Satrina swung around, ignoring his brutality.

  “She shouldn’t turn her back on me like that,” he muttered.

  Blue bolts of arching lightning appeared in Satrina’s hands. She whipped around, her black robe swinging behind her as she directed a surge of power toward Rulk, knocking him to the floor, groaning.

  “And you should not underestimate one eons your senior, Rulk!”

  His fellow Muspellum lifted him to his feet and assisted him into the chambers wherein they stood before Banedread.

  “Well?” Banedread asked.

  Puzzled, the Abbandon looked at each other.

  “Bow before your Regent! Son of Primus and Satrina!”

  Begrudgingly, the six lords bowed before him.

  “You should have killed me long ago when you had the chance, Rulk.”

  Banedread’s memories raced in his mind as he faced his ancient nemesis. He remembered Rulk entering his royal chamber with four guards. His mind instantly replayed the scene: Banedread rose from his throne. When he did, the guardsman bowed low on one knee, but Rulk did not. “You show such insolence Rulk in my royal presence!” Summoning the guards he commanded, “Give me Rulk’s head!” The guards fell upon Rulk, who, shed his human form revealing a hulking Muspellum warrior who sparred no quarter to the guards, brutally dispatching their lives before a stunned Banedread.

  “Now Banedread,” Rulk hissed as he approached the stunned king. “Who should be bowing to who in this little kingdom of your’s?” Rulk placed his claw-like hand upon Banedread’s head and pushed him to the floor. Worship me!” And Banedread did.

 
“Careful Rulk,” warned Maulgrum, “there is only One we Muspellum worship. And it is not you.”

  Rulk’s eyes burned with anger at his brother, his hand fastened tight around his saber.

  “Enough Rulk!” Zonos interjected. “We must now work with this puny human so that the master’s wishes may be satisfied.”

  Rulk pulled his saber and raised it high, “I weary of taking orders from father. He knows our powers have grown!”

  “What are you saying brother?” Maulgrum asked.

  “We have mastered the dark arts of the Netherlife. We could take Noab and enslave the humans for ourselves!”

  Maulgrum, entertaining Rulk’s rebellion, added, “My work has already taken root among the people of Noab. Their design insists they know the Image Maker, but I have given them something better, something else that will fill the emptiness of their souls...possessing things!”

  “And I have begun introducing ‘masking’ to their culture,” Zonos added. “For they have all but forgotten the history of ancient Manumit and Philon. They long for identity, and I will give them that.”

  “You are all mad!” screamed Banedread.

  “What should we do with this human vermin?” Rulk asked.

  “For now, we will report that he has fallen ill and that he has appointed us to govern in his stead. Isn’t that correct Banedread.”

  Banedread timidly responded, “Yes…Rulk.”

  “Tomorrow,” Rulk suggested, “let us inspect the work of Maulgrum and Zonos.”

  “Wait!” begged Banedread. “I appeal to your Primus. Perhaps he has a place for me in his plans.”

  The three Muspellum lords laughed.

  “Very well, human,” Rulk said. “You shall indeed meet Primus! And his will be the last face you see as he tears your head from your body.”

  “You will meet him when we have achieved our goals here in Noab, for we will have no need of you here. Primus will take care of you for us!” Maulgrum laughed.

  Soon, the mission of the Abbandon was accomplished. Upon the arrival of Primus, they planned to overtake him and murder him, for he would be no match for their combined strength. Then, they would take Noab, enslave the humans, and colonize the earth with more Muspellum born from the Void.

  “He comes in the night brothers,” Gragan announced. “Remember, we first allow him to kill the human king, then we destroy him ourselves!”

  A portal formed in the king’s hall, and Primus flew out of it, up into the rafters, surveying all below, then came to his feet before the Abbandon.

  “You have summoned me Rulk?” Primus asked.

  “Yes Father. Our work is complete. We have only for you to inspect our infiltrating the humans at first light.”

  Primus eyed Banedread in their midst and said, “And what of this human? Why is he here?”

  “You are beholding their great king, sire.” Maulgrum said.

  Primus walked over to Banedread, grabbed him by the throat and lifted him up to eye level. “Are you king of the humans here in Noab little man?”

  Banedread, knowing his head was soon to be tore from his body by Primus, surprised the six Muspellum lords and begged, “No my lord. There is only one king in Noab. It is Primus.”

  Primus loosened his grip on Banedread’s throat and said, “Good answer human. I may have use for you.”

  Banedread whispered to Primus, “Treachery, my lord.”

  Primus heard what he said, but did not understand what he meant, until he delved deeper into Banedread’s eyes and realized he was indeed attempting to warn him of some danger.

  “Follow me human. I may destroy you yet. Let me speak privately with you.”

  Alone with Primus in a small room off the imperial suite, Primus wasted no time and commanded him, “I will sever your head from your shoulders if you fail to utter the truth to me Banedread.”

  The man-king stuttered, “My lord…the six Muspellum lords…they knew that you would destroy me and then they plan to overtake and annihilate you and breed Muspellum like themselves from some place they call the Void.”

  “They’ve been too long!” insisted Rulk. “Come brothers and sisters. Let us destroy Primus!”

  Primus heard heavy footsteps and the drawing of sabers, grabbed Banedread by the shoulders and took to flight out the castle window into the cover of night.

  When the Abbandon burst into the room, they were too late.

  “Father!” screamed Rulk, “We will find you!” And they took to the sky to hunt him down.

  Primus found a dark city alleyway to land with his human captive. “I have decided to spare your life Banedread. You will remain king of Noab for the present time. I will rid you of the six traitors. But, if you value your life, continue with my policies.”

  Banedread watched as Primus walked toward the busy street shape shifting into the figure of a man, disappearing into the night-life of the city.

  The six met above the city, bickering over what they would now do that Primus had succeeded in escaping.

  “What of your mad plan now Rulk?” complained Gragan.

  “He will summon a mighty contingent of Muspellum to destroy us!” lamented Maulgrum.

  “Calm my brothers and sisters…calm,” Rulk said. “We will take refuge in the womb that birthed us. Though Primus created the Void, he does not know what we know of its hidden catacombs, for we were fashioned there. We will wait there and bide our time until that day we emerge unstoppable.”

  “Banedread! Snap out of it!” commanded Satrina.

  Banedread smiled with sinister intent, “Don’t worry Rulk, all is forgotten.”

  Rulk seethed within himself, a murderous desire burning to kill Banedread.

  Chapter 4

  “Well,” Nate humored, “you Chayilian ever use a brush and roller before?”

  Abriel smiled at Historus, awaiting a response from Meliose, always the logical one, Meliose asked, “Brush by someone? And are we going to roll something?”

  That remark incited laughter from their human counterparts.

  Chad pulled out a paintbrush and roller and struck a warrior pose. “These are secret weapons, mighty Chayil!” he exclaimed.

  Meliose smirked, walked over and held out his hand desiring to inspect them.

  “Hmmmm, these are some sort of crude tools used to…?”

  “Paint!” Emma giggled.

  “Paint?” the Chayilian Prince questioned.

  Nate opened a can of sky blue paint, poured it into a pan, wet the roller and began a tutoring class. “Painting is applying liquid color onto a wall Meliose. It will dry and then, poof! we have a nice new wall.”

  Meliose shook his head, “Must we do this Abriel? Why not let Strophe come in here and allow her to apply living colors to this drab shop.”

  Unexpectedly, a soft light filled the store, radiating from a figure standing now in their midst. The Chayil bowed low in respect, and the humans stood in awe at this wondrous spectacle. Strophe appeared before them.

  “I am here but for a moment, as I stand in Philon’s power, may these walls now come alive with the radiant colors of Zenith, and may the life of the Image Maker permeate this place.”

  There were bursts of colors and auras filling the shop, and a joy that the humans felt deep within that refreshed their souls and lifted their countenance.

  Then, as quickly as Strophe appeared, she was gone, leaving a beaming shop of living colors on the walls, ceiling, and floors.

  “Now that’s what I call ‘brush and roll,’ my friends!” announced Meliose.

  Emma walked over to one of the walls and let her fingers run down the sparkling colors, and as she did, she sensed a life beyond herself. “Oh my, I’ve never felt anything like this before,” she whispered reverently.

  “Oh, but it is all around you my human friends,” Abriel revealed. “The life of the Image Maker pervades all things. Your race has been asleep to His Presence, but there is coming a day when you will know what we Chayil know.”
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br />   Historus announced, “And now my friends, the most important piece to our reason for opening up this shop must now be revealed.”

  Abriel lifted his hands, palms up, and petitioned, “Now, Abba, exercise your power, Oh Life Weaver, bring to earth the Frame of Story!”

  Unbeknownst to the humans and beyond their comprehension, a violent quake shook the Void, and the treasure that Primus stole from the humans in the Garden of Delights now was transported back to earth to the most unlikely of places, to the Truth Shop, right in the middle of Primus’ city of Noab.

  Then, appearing in the midst of an emerald green mist, the famed Frame of Story appeared, perfectly situated with its back toward the main wall of the shop.

  “May we approach it?” Emma humbly asked.

  “Why yes Emma, it is the ancient relic of the entire human race,” Historus explained.

  The three curious humans approached the Frame, and without touching it, visually examined it.

  Abriel, stating the obvious, said, “We know you want to touch it. Go ahead.”

  Emma and Chad were not volunteering, so Nate took the bait. He slowly slid his fingers down its smooth but textured frame and over the dried bloodstains. “This writing, what does it mean? And the blood stains, whose blood?”

  Historus suggested, “Do you want to know the truth, Nate?”

  “Yes, I do Historus.”

  No sooner had Nate uttered those simple words that understanding opened his mind and he began to speak aloud, “I am eternity in time. I am flesh for divine. I am life into death. Until death becomes mine.” He stumbled backwards, away from the Frame, screaming, “My hand are on fire! My hands are on fire!”