Immortalis: The Fallen: The Immortalis Series, #2

Dedication

To my wife for being there always and having the patience to allow me to follow my dreams & to all those who dare to believe in themselves.

About the Author

GM Sherwin was born and raised in a small village in West Yorkshire and still lives in the north of England with his wife, 3 children and 2 cats, Milo and Bumble.  He has spent much of his working life in management for various industries, mainly in the manufacturing and distribution sectors.

He wasn’t greatly academic while younger, with the exception of enjoying English, but it was while at school that he penned his first short story which gave him a taste for writing.

And it was a love of the Albert Einstein quote, ‘There comes a point in your life when you have to stop reading other people’s books and write your own’ which spurred him on to write his first book Immortalis.

In the future, he hopes to go on to write many more books and that he will be able to entertain a large following of readers with them.

When he isn’t working G M Sherwin enjoys spending time with his young family.  And if he gets any time to himself he likes to relax with a good book and a glass of red wine.  He is also a passionate film buff and loves anything out of the normal, the paranormal or sci-fi related.

Thank you

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The Final Hours: Book 1

S peaking of time, you’re out of it. The creature hissed at Michael.

For now, maybe, but you will not win this war Kainer. For the first time a name had been given to the thing that stood before Michael and Archer, who was close by. Ash walked into Michael’s eye line, he glared at both, rage burned in his eyes at the sight of Michael, he was everything he despised and was eager to end his existence.

Don’t be in a rush Ash, I have this all-in hand. Ash heard the words in his mind from his master; he could not disobey his command. The temptation to rip these two limb from limb and smear them across the ground was strong. Ash heard Archer speak; he tempered his urges-for now.

He saw movement from his side. Archer stepped in front of Michael in a show of defiance to Kainer. His back was straight and eyes staring into his. He spoke with a tone of paternal courage. His son was in danger and by god he would protect him with all he had or die trying.

You will not harm my son while I have a breath in me, I looked after that boy all his life and I’ll be damned if I let you hurt him.

Archer lunged forwards at Ash as the portal grew in size behind him and the immortal. He had to be careful to avoid the flying debris from the grounds of Archer’s home.

Archer knew this would be his last stand but he would not go out on his knees knowing these things meant Raif harm. The blade in his hand glimmered in the moonlight, thrusting upwards trying to pierce Ash through the heart.

Michael caught sight of Archer rushing past him towards Ash. A swift move and Michael was between Ash and Archer. Michael let his energy spill outwards knowing full well he would leave himself vulnerable to one, maybe both. The beams of light burst forth from his palms, outwards and knocking Ash across the street smashing through the wall surrounding the neighbour’s house.

It wasn’t enough.

Michael knew Kainer had his moment and retaliated with his own strength and caught Michael while he was attacking Ash. A swift hand gesture followed by a focused source of energy and Michael was in the grip of an unseen shield holding him where he stood. Michael could all but watch the horrific scene that unfolded before his eyes.

Kainer stepped forward, arm outstretched pulling Archer towards him, nothing or no-one could stop him from crushing Archer to the ground. An unseen force now gripped Archer. Kainer had grown stronger and more powerful to hold Michael where he stood, all the while breaking every bone in Archer’s chest but not before he could gasp his last words.

Save my son. Archer looked back at Michael who was now pushing back at Kainer who with one last twist forced Archer’s internal organs to burst through the torn skin. His lifeless body was dropped before Michael’s feet.

That will cost you, you may have the upper hand now Kainer, but only for now. Michael vowed just before the vortex ripped him from this world.

A BLOODIED HAND FINISHED the job, tearing him into a mass of blood and flesh where his friend once stood. Raif rushed forward, pushing Sofia clean out of the way before Ash turned on her next. Granger remained on the floor still in shock at the scene; he was dripping with the remains of the unfortunate man. Granger gathered his senses and ran away from the fighting abominations.

He saw the girl on the floor and grabbed her hand on instinct and sped away while she protested.

Do you want to die? He asked.

Her eyes answered his question. Then move—now! Granger didn’t look back nor did his fellow escapee—they ran for their lives, the ground trembling underfoot as they stumbled and rushed along. Whatever you think of me girl, I’m your only chance now of getting away from here. Trust me or don’t, I don’t care. He panted That thing back there won’t stop unless I can get back to headquarters.

What do you plan to do? Sofia had gained some of her composure as they put some distance between them and ground zero. The only thing I can do; call in an airstrike on their position and level it with that monster at the centre.

But Raif is still there! You’ll kill him as well!

He’s already gone girl; don’t you realize that? This is our only chance while they’re distracted with each other. If I don’t he will end us all.

Sofia turned one last time to see the chaos behind them, the sky lit up with the scene below. Behind her she could hear Granger shouting something but the noise from the approaching transport was deafening.

THE ENERGY EMANATING from Ash was powerful, more so than he had imagined as he forced him backwards into the rubble. Just enough time to get Sofia clear and safe. Robin’s body lay on the ground, broken and torn. The monster that was once Ash struggled against him but his own strength was holding him back, for now. Surprised, a wave of unseen blows pummelled him into the ground. He wouldn’t submit to it. Fight, damn it! Again, Raif was hit by a wave of unseen fists knocking him to the floor. Determined he stood his ground against the next onslaught that Ash threw at him.

We don’t have to do this. There is still time. We can put everything right.

Never! Ash lunged for him, his face distorted with rage. Raif caught him mid-air and slammed him to the ground, raising a foot to bring down on his head but only to be met with dirt as Ash moved. Ash turned and hit Raif full in the chest knocking him back at least a hundred feet where he came to a crashing stop amid the rubble.

Stop Ash, I’m not your enemy here! That thing has gotten inside your head and is making you believe this is the only solution. We could fight like this all night, but where’s it getting us? Think!

Your attempt at appealing to my better nature will fail. I have none. Granger saw to that when he murdered David. The Brotherhood and its plans have changed everything. Only he can make all this right now.  Standing his ground a few feet away from where Raif lay he looked down at him like a predator ready to strike the last blow.

What they did to you was wrong and believe me they’ll be stopped but not like this. It can’t be like this. You took my father from me and I will never forgive you for that, but I won’t kill you.

Raif could see in the distance that Granger and Sofia were clear of the site. He had to act before Ash realised he was just stalling for time. Dropping to his knees he placed his hands on the ground and drew strength from the area. The planet was his source and he would use it now or lose the battle. From the ground an electric current sprung upwards engulfing Raif flowing through his veins and around him. The power he was drawing on surrounded them both and Ash seemed taken aback by the look on his face.

What are you doing?

Stopping you from harming anyone else. Said Raif. Standing to face