Rahab

Rahab stirred. This abbey was so perfect for his needs, it almost annoyed him. It did impede other vampires from entering, though. He raised the door as Kain strode in, who had been too cautious to teleport. He had been expecting him ever since Melchiah's existence winked out in his head. Regal as ever, Kain was about to speak when Zephon's existence winked out. They both winced. Rahab spoke first.

"He will be here in minutes, if he uses the warp gates, master."

Kain shook his head. "I had them de-activated. He cannot get nearer than the sanctuary, and the tomb of the sarafan will delay him. We have time to talk."

"Have you anything in mind? Some last minute reminiscence?"

A laugh. "Well, I came to perhaps allow you to escape the others' fate, but I notice it is impossible for you to leave the water. I must leave you to your fate."

Rahab inclined his head. Kain bent down, and his burnt legs betrayed him. Only rahab's hand had prevented him from stumbling into the water. It was wet, but Kain had only to fear being immersed. Continuing his movement, he picked up a handful of water and let it run between his talons. "My complements to your gift. This was the most skilled, controlled evolution I had ever seen. Magnus, or even Vorador, could not have equaled it." He was no longer talking to Rahab. "And I sacrifice another loyal to me, though he even rescued me from immersion, for my firm belief in-"his tone turned contemptuous "-the greater good. Like the sarafan, the hylden, and the ancients, and what did they achieve? Exile and death. Perhaps I am more naïve than I know. And yet, the rewards may be great, even if only humans are left to enjoy them. Minus Moebius and whoever controls him and raised Raziel, of course." He came back to himself. "I would say farewell, Rahab, as I did to Melchiah and Zephon, but you have heard and know your fate. I am sorry. Goodbye." He vanished, looking, sounding, and smelling regretful, and Rahab was almost overcome by a sense of awe. His lord had to destroy everything he'd built, to risk on one last chance, to rebuild the world. And his sons had to be destroyed to do it. And the notion was destroying Kain, unless he was a supernaturally good actor. So raziel would come. And he would be destroyed. Not killed, as Dumah was now, but destroyed. He could still sense Dumah, albeit in an abstract way, but the others had winked out. He summoned two Rahabim and said, with a sense of finality, "Bring me my journal."

He had kept a journal throughout his life, a full 3000 years of it. By now, it was a massive tome, and it took two rahabim to turn a page. He had invented a waterproof pen, ink, and paper that, with care, would take 10,000 years to decay. Too much had been lost, and perhaps someone would find it in centuries to come. Allowing the rahabim to write, a huge honour, he recorded his thoughts and memories of the day, not missing his discussion with Kain. The first sentence was "This will be the last entry under the name of Rahab." He ended with his fears and musings about his forthcoming fight with his brother. The last sentence ended with three dots. As the screams began that wreathed raziel, no matter human, vampire, or wraith, he ordered the two Rahabim to put it in the vault, with them guarding it, and not to come out until they felt kains presence leaving nosgoth. He waited. Some time later raziel entered the room. He complemented Rahab on his evolution. He became indignant when Rahab did not fall over with awe at the name of the sarafan. Then he attacked. Rahab knocked him into the water time and time again, but Raziel rematerialized a couple of seconds later, and eventually managed to destroy him by smashing the windows. As he burned, his only thoughts were for kain and how his plan had better be worth all this pain.

The world shifted…

Rahab blinked, then submerged as a large light began to glow on the center of the room. A voice said "Rahab."

"Are you Mortanius?"

A pause.

"Yes. Come to the light. You shall be released."

Rahab laughed shortly. "Light has just destroyed me. Try another ruse, creature."

"Very well." Tentacles sprang up all over the room, but Rahab was far too agile in the water for any to get close. He killed three tentacles, before the window restored itself. And Rahab for the first time, tested his most recent stage in his evolution. His tail split. He stood up and fled the room, just managing to escape before another tentacle crashed therough the window. A trifle unsteady on his feet, he stood in the doorway and destroyed the tentacles with projectiles. Normally, that would not have worked, but the creature had devoted too much energy to the globe and was easily defeated. Sniggering, Rahab left the abbey and headed for the sanctuary. Melchiah and Zephon had just returned to his awareness. How interesting…

So… what do you think? I really like this one. Please review.