THE GOLIATHUS CHRONICLES
Chapter 28- Father and Son
/
Julie sat in the couch, rubbing her knees nervously and wishing she could be there to help her best friend. She'd done all Jezelle had told her, relayed all the information she could. But would it be enough? She looked over at the psychic woman who was now pacing the room, muttering things to herself and wringing her hands. It seemed she did this often, and sometimes it was hard to get through to her when she did. Julie got up from the old worn leather couch and stopped Jezelle, placing hands on her shoulders.
"You keep saying that word, over and over again. Mauvais. What does it mean?" Julie tilted her head slightly, looking deep into the others eyes and trying to get her to focus.
"Mauvais..." she whispered, finally looking up at her.
"Yes...what does it mean, tell me?"
Jezelle shook her head sadly. "Ms. Tamson...that's not a what...but a who. And it's someone who could be the biggest threat of all...he's near...watching and waiting..."
/
Dinarius heard the cries, both physical and mental. Solarus' screams were putting a heavy weight on his heart, but he could not stop the awful deed he was doing, attempting to kill the young heradus. Navius was pleading with him mentally, and in the corner of his eye, he managed for one short moment to see the arrow, started to move. But it was far too late and the arrow struck his chest, driving deep inside. Eyes widening, he gasped, instantly dropping Solarus, and struggled to breathe, but it was as if the very air around him had gone bad. He felt rapid weakness envelop him, and heard the demon shriek out insanely. The darkness in his mind started to sweep away like a quickly passing storm, until he could just barely make out the silhouetted figure of the dragon head before the mental vision disappeared entirely. Then a different darkness came, one that was very familiar. A darkness that meant consciousness would be gone, and for how long...he didn't know.
But inside he silently thanked Navius...for everything it was worth, then collapsed with a heavy thud onto the hard, stony ground.
Navius gasped and saw her target now lying still, as if dead. She did not see any rise and fall of his chest as the arrow was lodged deep into his heart. She quickly ran over to her brother, who was bravely trying to fight the tears from his painful injury. His left wing was half torn and Navi was careful not to touch it as she helped him to his feet.
Oh, Solarus...
She clung to him, sobbing.
I'm ok, don't cry... He looked over his shoulder at Dinarius. I think you killed him...man, you are damned good with those arrows.
His sister tried to wipe her eyes free of tears and put on a brave face. I guess so, but still, it had Starcrow's feather attached to it...and I don't think he's dead...
Solarus gave out a little yelp, and quickly looked around the room. Starcrow! Oh no!
They both hurried over to the familiar, but he was in a crumpled heap, and hardly resembled a bird anymore.
No... Solarus truly thought he was dead, and picked up his limp form carefully, a few tears escaping and falling down his cheeks. He tried so hard to protect us...
Navius nodded sadly, agreeing, then she suddenly tapped his shoulder frantically, backing away a few steps and pulling his arm as she looked past him.
Ow! That hurts ya know...what are you-
But then, as he followed her gaze, he saw the most terrifying sight he had ever seen in his young life. A shadowy, moving thing hovering by the threshold, leering at them with eyes as red as blood. Slightly to its left, stood Marcus, looking more pissed off then ever.
"You little freaks, always ruining a good plan..." he sighed, scowling at them. "Well...it really doesn't matter that you stopped Dinarius." He moved forward just slightly, as if itching to get through the doorway. "Because now that demon's gonna go right back to your daddy dearest." He grinned, exposing his sharp fangs. "Oh and by the way...I've got a little tune to play for him, I just know he's going to love it." He pulled the odd whistle out of pocket, waving it at them.
/
The clearing finally appeared before them, and without hesitation, Goliathus dove right for it, landing near the open door. Ami let go of him quickly and peered down inside, scrunching her nose at the weird scent that came from below.
What the heck is this place? That smell makes me feel weird.
Goliathus looked down himself, baring his teeth slightly.
I am not sure, but I do smell Marcus. And another of those blasted Shadows.
Ami gasped, fear surging through her. She'd experienced a Shadow vampire before, and had no desire to even see one again. But of course, there was no choice.
They are horrible creatures Ami, indeed. But I can deal with-
Goliathus stopped, suddenly listening intently. Ami heard it too, a strange, high pitched note echoing throughout the labyrinth and out of the entrance.
For Ami, the sound was only eerie, strange.
For Goliathus, it caused pain to erupt in his head, and he cried out, clutching his skull and sinking to his knees. Ami after a few stunned moments quickly followed, getting onto her knees and clinging to him. She didn't have to guess what was happening, it had happened many times before when the Facility held sessions, especially in the early days. This was Goliathus when he was having a vicious battle in his mind.
The demon...was back. And that fact both infuriated her and broke her heart.
However that didn't mean she was going to sit back and let this blasted thing try and overcome him again. This time that wretched demon was going to deal with her as well. Closing her eyes and concentrating hard, she tried to keep her mental connection with Goliathus going.
/
The monstrous dragon visage roared out and tendrils flew in every direction, trying to find its hold. But the atmosphere of Goliathus' mental plane had turned slippery, and different. There were strange glowings of silver light, and the distinct odor of dark magic. Normally, such a thing would please the demon, but this magic was corrupted. It had been warped into something the humans used to fight evil, not cause it. Goliathus had once been nearly wiped clean of this power with the demon's influence. But now...it was back again...not strong yet, but there.
The battle, after so many years, was starting to be won. And the demon, more angry than ever before, used every bit of force it had left to try and cause even one minute of insanity.
The human, AMI...KILL HER...
Goliathus screamed out again. He felt anger welling in him far more than fear this time.
No...NO. I will not listen to you...
FOOL. THEN YOU ARE A WEAK AND PITIFUL BEING, AS YOU ALWAYS HAVE BEEN. YOU CANNOT RESIST ME. I HAVE BEEN WITH YOU NEARLY YOUR WHOLE, MURDEROUS EXISTENCE. REMEMBER, YOU ARE A HUNTER.
A KILLER. AND THE HUMAN WORM HAS RUINED YOU, DECEIVED YOU AS ALL THE OTHERS. KILL HER NOW, AND BE THE GOD YOU KNOW YOU CAN BE, RULING THE HUMANS AS YOUR SLAVES...CATTLE FOR YOUR TAKING.
The pain in his head was overwhelming...but familiar. He realized this game had been going on back and forth, for so long that it was beginning to affect him differently. The terrible fear he had of this entity was starting to dwindle. Despite all the numbing pain, he couldn't help the slight grin that slowly crept onto his face.
Ami saw, and wondered if he was indeed going insane again. But then she could feel his rare and building confidence, and knew it was the beginning of a true breakthrough.
That's right, don't you listen to it! Fight it, because you know you can! I believe in you, but you have to believe in yourself...
IGNORE HER LIES... the demon raged on, screaming and howling in its fury.
YOU are the one who lies, who deceives!
The whistle sounded again, and this time the note was much closer. Ami looked over and saw Marcus, at the top of the staircase, with the whistle to his lips.
Without even thinking Ami grabbed for the shotgun and fired. Marcus didn't even flinch as the bullet seemed to change direction just moments before it would have struck him, and instead circled around back towards her. In the next moment, Goliathus shielded her with a wing, where the bullet lodged in one of the bony digits.
Eyes narrowing, Marcus tried again with the whistle. But Goliathus, although covered in sweat from the pain he was experiencing, slowly rose to his feet, still standing protectively in front of Ami. He slowly reached into his pocket with great effort as he fought the effects of the whistle, forcing his clawed hand around an iron-tipped shuriken. Marcus tried harder, making the note louder and louder, but it seemed to be having little effect. Goliathus then heard Ami once again, trying her hardest to assure him. He found his moment, and with a loud yell, threw the shuriken in a perfect arc, and it headed straight for his chest. The master vampire skyrocketed into the air at lightning fast speed and narrowly avoided it.
Goliathus snorted, breathing deeply as the pain had finally subsided. He wasn't going to fall for Marcus' tricks and follow him, he knew full well that the vampire was merely trying to act as a distraction. Instead, he headed for the entrance of the labyrinth.
Ami didn't even question it as she followed him, feeling immense relief that the whistle, whatever it was, had failed...at least for now.
/
The two had barely gotten to the large metal door when Drakkon rose out from below like a ghost, blocking their way. He hissed, and there was no expression of amusement on his face, only utter malice. He reached a bony, gaunt hand out towards Ami, who found herself unwillingly being pulled towards him as if she were a magnet. Goliathus grabbed her quickly and pulled back, but was amazed at the force that even he found difficult to contend with. Ami was digging her heels into the ground, fighting as hard as she could, but her effort was futile.
Drakkon smiled hideously at her, pulling harder until he finally managed to get a hold of her leg. Suddenly Goliathus unfurled his wings and flapped furiously, holding Ami tightly from behind and now countering with strength that almost matched Drakkon. He tried to teleport, trying to will himself away from the vampire.
Something happened, a strange crackling that caused a spark of dark fire instead, which caused Drakkon to shrink back quickly, instantly releasing his hold on Ami. The fire managed to burn away one of his long tendrils before it dissipated.
There was silence now, as vampire and heradus regarded each other with an equal amount of loathing. Drakkon hissed, long and deep from within, before vanishing.
For several long moments, Ami looked around, ready for anything.
Did...did he really leave?
For now...he will be back. I assure you.
What the hell...did you do? It was amazing!
Goliathus pondered this himself. He tried to teleport, but instead, he had summoned a small amount of dark fire. This was all so familiar...he knew it was...and now it was as if the memories were sitting on the very surface of his brain. If only...if only he could remember...there were words, he knew this, words from his ancient language...
Gollie?
I will explain later. We had better go and try to get the children now, before either of them return.
/
Solarus held Starcrow as he sat on the large stone table, stroking his few remaining feathers. The raven was still limp and unmoving. Navius had been searching through the scrolls, trying to find one that they could use to help him, but she still had no idea what the Gaelic words meant.
If only I could read these..I know I could help him! But they don't make any sense! She closed her eyes, and called for Maniel for the third time. She still had the box, why wasn't he answering?
Again she tried, screaming out his name.
Navius? The response came, but not from Maniel.
Daddy!
Solarus smiled and jumped off the table. He winced, clutching his left shoulder.
Yes, I am here. So is your mother. Are you safe?
We are, for now. But we have to help Starcrow!
Starcrow...what has happened?
Navi was about to answer, but then she saw her father at the door and ran to him. She leapt into his arms, sobbing from all the past events and relief at the same time. Goliathus held her close, resting a clawed hand on the top of her head and nuzzling.
I am so proud. You have done all of this on your own. He looked over and saw Solarus approaching, frowned at his injury. Who has done this to you?
Ungh...it was Dinarius, but Navi stopped him, she got him in the heart with her arrow! He hugged his father's leg, and Goliathus grinned at him.
You have been a good protector, as I knew you would be.
Solarus gave another impish grin and then saw Ami approaching. Momma!
Both children ran to her, and it was all she could to keep herself from falling over when they both tried to climb into her arms. Crying with utter relief she hugged them both tightly.
Oh my babies! Are you two all right, you're sure?
Yeah, we're ok...but...I don't think Starcrow is. He pointed over to the table. Dad you should have seen it, all the amazing things that bird did. He really tried to protect us, he got us into this room where we would be safe from the vampires!
It wasn't just him either...Maniel told me how to stop Dinarius.
Goliathus' eyes widened at his daughter's words. Maniel?
She nodded. You're supposed to have this. Carefully she took her empty quiver off of her shoulder and fished out the shiny black box, glittering in the low light of the candles. This has the talisman in it!
Ah, this Jezelle told me about. He took the box, turning it over and admiring the craftsmanship, and realizing that this, too, looked awfully familiar. According to her, it will unleash the true power of the Ring of Dark Fire.
Yeah, and the key is that ring on the door! Solarus walked over and pulled on it, but still it would not come loose. You're the only one who can remove this, dad...it's what Maniel told us.
Ami watched in fascination as he walked over to the door and grabbed it, ready to pry it loose. But the hands of the figure that clutched it suddenly moved, releasing it right into his hands, then slowly came back together again.
Okay, that's just creepy. Ami looked around the room, memorized. The place was filled with books, scrolls, and that ever lingering odor that continued to make her feel very strange. It was indeed creepy, but also enchanting. She wondered just what secrets this Great Room contained that even they would never find...that would probably be buried here for eternity once they no longer needed it.
Goliathus took the ring and box and placed them on the table.
So now what?
Uh, good question. How exactly does this key work?
Navius blinked at her brother, who just shrugged. We didn't get that far...
Daddy, you could ask grandpa. He is our grandpa, right?
Ami raised an eyebrow, meeting eyes with Goliathus.
I suppose...in a sense, that he is. Sighing, he wondered if he even really wanted to talk to him. For so long, he had felt his own father had betrayed him, that he did nothing and sent no one to help him during that awful, long year of endless pain. But Julie, through Jezelle, had told him that Maniel had in fact died only days after he was captured. He spent his last week of life trying to complete another Ring, knowing his time was short.
The Ring of the Dark Moon. He looked down at the body of Dinarius, frowning. But they have destroyed Puvo...
Gollie, what are you talking about? Ami was gazing at him, frowning and confused.
I am remembering...Ami...many things now... Shaking himself out of it he looked back at the box and ring. Navi is right. Though some of the memories are slowly coming back to me, I will have to contact Maniel in order to open the box. I never did get to learn how to open it, or use the talisman inside.
She nodded, coming to his side and holding him again. Both the children copied her and did the same, Navi even attempted to wrap one wing around him.
You can do it, daddy. We know you can! Navi said, beaming up at him.
Of course he can, he's our dad!
Ami giggled, and Goliathus felt an immense swelling of love and affection in his heart towards them all. If he could feel this, this love and forgiveness, then surely he could forgive his father as well. Though at times he had greatly suffered, wishing he had never even existed, he knew his father's intentions had always been good. And yet, he too had flaws, as many as any other man.
Still...he had sacrificed everything to make the heradus race a reality. Including his own life.
Ami, keep the children close to you, and stay from the doorway...just in case. Marcus and Drakkon could return at any moment, and if I am distracted, they may attempt to harm you. I know they are not supposed to be able to get in here, but Drakkon...if he can find a way to temporarily block the spells ...for I sense they are weak...he may be able to get in. Goliathus looked around, carefully examining everything. He saw some ornate looking chairs in the back, ten of them stacked around each other. There, those chairs. Stand near them, they have a strong energy of the mages. I will sit on the table...that object has the greatest concentration of their power...at least whatever remains.
Ami nodded, quickly herding the two little ones over to the chairs. Solarus quickly picked up Starcrow on his way over, holding him close.
I hope dad can find a way to heal him, too...
Solarus, I am sure Maniel will show me how.
With that, Goliathus went to the table and sat down Indian style upon it. He put the box in between the long talons of his feet, and tried to block everything else out as he concentrated back to his mental plane.
/
The heradus found himself once again looking at the strange tree in the distance, and the sky flashing above with the many lights of the spirits of his victims. He noticed that it was far less active then it had ever been, and the anger he was once felt from them not so long ago had quieted to a mere whisper.
He couldn't help but grin slightly when he saw Darius, still sitting there with his yellow shirt marked BANNON, waving at him. He sensed the boy did not wish to speak at the moment, but was making it clear he was still around.
Goliathus did not see any dried corn husks, they had vanished entirely. All that remained was a vast mental plain and long winding furrows in the ground, the marks of the demon. The demon which seemed to have withdrawn far away to the recesses of his mind.
Held back, but not yet defeated.
He sighed, and mentally called out for his father.
The atmosphere suddenly started to change before his eyes. More trees appeared, filled with crows, all watching him with beady black eyes. The flat plains became littered with tall grass, and the sky turned a deep sapphire hue with what looked like stars.
This was no longer his own mind, but that of another.
And then he appeared before him, a man with long midnight-black hair, waving about as if there were a breeze. His silvery eyes flecked with blue stared intensely back at him. Goliathus noticed the black robe and silver emblem...they suddenly brought back floods of memory.
He saw himself as a young heradus, running about the Great Room, playing and hiding in all of its nooks and crevices, while the other mages tried to teach him spells and tell him stories of the vampires and their horrid ways.
Goliathus...
He wondered where this conversation would go. What he would learn not just about this man, but himself.
My son... I owe you more apology then mere words can express. As a Dark Mage, I excelled at everything. But as a father...I am quite simply a failure.
Goliathus blinked, stunned. For the moment, he was unable to respond.
I have long awaited for this day when I could talk to you. The only penance I can offer you is a spell...one that can erase those horrible memories of torture from your mind. I instead, will experience them, and know your suffering for myself. It is the fate I deserve, for no creature, human or otherwise, would ever deserve what you had endured.
The whirlwind of emotions that struck Goliathus in that moment were as nothing he had ever experienced before. He had seen sacrifice in many great forms...especially with Patricia Jenner, who offered herself for her brother. But this...this was unreal. He didn't even know such things were possible.
You would...make me forget? But was it not the demon who ingrained those negative memories into my head?
Maniel blinked slowly, nodding. This is true. But I have designed you with a vivid memory, so that you would always know the location of the vampires...the land they lived on...their faces...everything. The demon used this to its advantage, and made you remember the torture with even greater detail.
The sadness seemed to intensify in the mage's eyes. He walked forward, coming closer to the heradus, and held out his hands. Goliathus noticed that on one finger was an onyx ring.
First, touch my hands, and the knowledge of the Gaelic language will be yours. You knew it once, but it was forgotten over the centuries. It is the language that will activate the spells...and reawaken your true power.
The true power...is the Ring of Dark Fire, yes?
Maniel nodded. The crows, Goliathus, you chose them. You would hide when the night fell, and watch the humans as you perched high above on the buildings. The crows...they were fearless of you and were one of few creatures that would go near you. They even tried to pick scraps from your food, but you never minded, for they were companions. I saw this, and knew these would be your familiars. The raven...
Starcrow... Goliathus actually grinned. You must end the mystery as to why he has that name.
The mage grinned back, shrugging. That I cannot answer. Starcrow chose his own name. The star is on his head only because he insisted I put it there. It is his own personal calling card, if you will.
Goliathus could not help the amusement that flowed through him, though he was amazed that a bird would choose its own name...he slowly moved forward, making contact with the ghostly entity before him, touching the opened hands with his own, scaly, clawed ones. Surprisingly, Maniel felt warm, as if he were alive. Then there was a spark of what felt like electricity, that left a strange sensation in his head.
The spells are once again known to you. You can pass this onto my grandchildren as well, so that they too can read the scrolls. Now, my son, allow me take the memories of your tormentors away from you, so that you will suffer it no more.
Maniel reached forward towards his head, but Goliathus stepped back, slowly shaking his head.
No, father...do not do this. I once hated you, blaming you for all of my pain. But that has changed now. I see the good man you truly are. How can I pass on this suffering to you? It is mine to bear...and I have learned now...learned and seen through all Ami has done for me, and my children...that it is something I must overcome...on my own. He growled slightly at his next thought. I will defeat it father, I will. I have already conquered some of that fear, and given time, I am sure I can destroy it for good.
Maniel looked shocked for several long moments, but then he smiled, eyes glistening. So be it...but listen to me well. Should you change your mind, I will still do as I have said. However, if you truly defeat this demon on your own, then you will be more powerful then even I. You will have found a mental strength that I am sure humans are not even capable of.
The dark mage peered towards the trees, at the many crows still watching them.
Goliathus hear me, the crows now know all I have said and also remembered the ancient words. They will do your bidding without question. Make sure you destroy Marcus, and weaken the Royals to such a great degree that from that point on I am sure they will be easily eliminated.
Of course, father... he snarled, letting his hunger roil as he thought of devouring the heart of Marcus Valient, ...I will be quite certain of that goal being accomplished.
Good. But Goliathus...there is an even greater threat. Drakkon as you know, he is one of those Shadow Vampires and quite strong...but beware Mauvais. You will need much help to defeat him. He is old, older than you, and certainly older than the Royal clan itself.
Eyes widening, the heradus searched his mind for that name, but he had no memory of it.
Mauvais...he is the leader of the Shadow Vampires, and even his own kind fear him. Be careful, my son, never underestimate him. He is the most foul of all vampires, and he is very patient and clever. We Dark Mages, there used to be many of us, a hundred to be exact. But it is this vampire who once discovered us, tore through our spells as if they were nothing, and nearly destroyed us all. We had other Rings, which he destroyed as well. The only thing that prevented us from being completely wiped out was our discovery of the dark fire. Mauvais, even he has little defense against it...although by now, since another thousand years has passed, he may be somewhat able to defend against it, I cannot be certain.
Goliathus wasn't exactly sure how to feel at this news. He almost wanted to feel defeated, slump his shoulders, and give up. Just when he thought he had it all figured out, a new and even deadlier foe is revealed to him.. And yet...there had to be hope. He knew this now, that to have hope was important, and humans certainly relied on this. If he could defeat Mauvais, then maybe at last the world could truly be free of the vampire's curse.
What of Dinarius? There is a Ring of the Dark Moon that he leads, the bats. I remember this now.
Ah! Yes, Dinarius. He is indeed the intended leader of that Ring. We barely finished it in time, Goliathus, Puvo was especially difficult to create. Bats it seems, are tricky to infuse with dark magic without killing them, we had many, many failed attempts.
Puvo...it appears he is dead, destroyed by Drakkon, I would assume.
No familiar can ever truly die. As long as the spells are known and can be cast, they can be used to reawaken them. This is as true for Puvo as it is for Starcrow. Dinarius, first you must heal him with a new heart. Then tell him to find the remains of his familiar, and he can restore him using the scrolls. There is a spell in there with an image of a moon, that is the one he needs.
I must go now, my son, I have used much energy to stay here and talk to you. The other mages, once they would have been able to assist you as well, but now, too much time has passed. They left, crossed to the other side...I can communicate with them no more.
Frowning now, he gazed at this father, worrying. Will the same happen to you, father?
I am touched, that you would ask that question. Maniel smiled at him warmly.
Goliathus so long as you manage to reawaken the Ring, I will have enough energy to stay here, for as long you need. I plan on going nowhere until all vampires are destroyed, and my services are no longer required. This is the very least I can do for you.
So be it then, Maniel. I will take all this knowledge you have given me, and I will destroy the vampires. Even if it takes another thousand years...you have my solemn vow on this.
Another thousand years...the thought was not very comforting. Especially if it meant no more Ami, or his children. He stared down at the long grass, still waving about in the non-existant wind of this bizarre mental plane.
There is a way.
Looking back up he once again met eyes with his father, who was now starting to fade out of view.
For Ami.
Father! What way? Tell me! The adrenaline surged, at the thought of Ami being with him forever. Was it really possible?
The mage continued to fade, now flickering in out of view much like Darry's much weaker energy often did. But his eyes remained locked, and the mental voice was still heard for the moment.
Your children are already immortal, they will grow to adulthood, but they will not die. As for Ami...infuse your blood, with hers...over days...it will...
An unearthly wail of frustration escaped him as his father flickered out, and was gone. Goliathus made sure to ingrain the words he had made out into his mind, not to be forgotten. He knew it could be days, even weeks, before his father would be able to speak to him again.
If there was a way...a real and true way to keep Ami with him forever...then he would go to hell and back again to find it.
/
End of Chapter 28.
OH MY GAWD THIS CHAPTER WAS TOO LONG! :cries: This was the most insanely difficult thing I have ever had to write. No wonder this story kept me in writer's block for over two years! The ideas are there, but the writing ability is not. I can only hope you are all still enjoying this story! Please, PLEASE review, and while you're at it, let's do a poll. Let me know whether you want a third child or not to appear in this story, I've considered it, but keep going back and forth with the idea.