The Demons of Kursk

The Demons of Kursk

'Book III - The Angelos and Dragon War Chronicles'.

(See also Book I - Valour of the Spirit People

& Book II - Way of the Djinn)

By

Adam David Papa-Adams 2018 © all rights reserved

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2018 Adam David Papa-Adams © all rights reserved

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Acknowledgements

For those that dealt with adversity, and kept their dignity

For those who have dealt with hate and kept their love

For those who have dealt with fear, and kept their courage

'I thought only in our darkest dreams existed imaginings such as these.'

Aaron

Contents Page

Title

Copyright

Acknowledgements

Chapter I Into the Dark.

Chapter II Mariensee.

Chapter III In The Shadows They Wait.

Chapter IV Volterken.

Chapter V Skala Castle.

Chapter VI Prince Vavela.

Chapter VII The Iron Guard.

Chapter VIII The Formoroi.

Chapter IX Plots, Plans and Devices.

Chapter X Out of the Fire.

Chapter XI The Debrean?

Chapter XII The Long Road.

Chapter XIII The Killrain.

Chapter XIV Trust.

Chapter XV Of Fire and Fury.

Chapter XVI Of Thunder and Ruin.

Chapter XVII Tyrannous.

Chapter XVIII Between the lines.

Chapter XIX A Dark Universe.

Chapter XX Rokossovsky.

Chapter XXI Hyperborea.

Chapter XXII Tamerlane.

Chapter XXIII Battle Drone.

Chapter XXIV Carrion for Crows.

Chapter XXV The Demons of Kursk.

Chapter I

Into the Dark

As they became aware of their surroundings, the shimmering light of a half-veiled moon filtered through the dull opaque window near to their bunk, giving them some small indication of their new reality. Their senses, thrown into confusion, briefly failed to settle. An overwhelming stench laboured in the air and stuck to the fabric of their skins. In the dark, they could hear the despairing weeping of those who had been condemned to suffer a fate that none could have imagined possible. Their eyes slowly came into focus and as they did so they became aware of their Chakra’s in the gloom, which shone reticently, so at least they knew they were all there, and more importantly, was the fact they were still together, yet they felt weak, as if all strength had been drained from them.

Where the hell is this place, said Uziel, his tone was laboured, as was his breathing.

This place is not hell my friend, it’s worse than that: this is Auschwitz, came a hollow stifled reply.

Hush! You'll get us all killed, I thought you four were dead. Now just lie there and keep quiet, growled an apparition by the window.

The poor light shone through illuminating the man's taut face, and within the shadowed light was the silhouetted haunting expression of the individual, his beard acted as a cover, but nothing could hide his sallow skin, bulging eyes, and the soars that were plastered to his face. The four of them were huddled within a claustrophobic wooden cubicle, which really only had room for two: others that were milling around hurriedly got onto their oppressive bunks: there was a strong pungent taste of congealed fear, and rancid flesh in the air.

What does it matter whether we talk or not, we're all going to die anyway, a hushed heavy voice murmured from the enveloping shadow.

This war will never end, said another from the dark.

Why don't the allies just bomb the camp, and put everyone out of their misery.

No one knows Auschwitz exists, they can't do: otherwise they would help!

Shadows moved and rummaged trying desperately to gain some comfort from their appallingly miserable interminable existences.

Even if they knew, they would leave us to suffer; we are not a priority.

Could anyone have created a viler more despicable world than this? The guards beat us, or shoot us, without the need for provocation; we are fed on starvation rations that are often too rotten to eat. I've seen children dashed against walls, heads bludgeoned to mush, our women raped for the sport of our conquerors. This camp should have been named death, not Auschwitz.

Auschwitz, repeated Michael slowly.

I'm curious, what year is this? asked Gabriel.

A man turned to face him; his sad eyes glistened in the dark, Ah! That is a common theme, with the war on; everyone lives from day to day. Do you really not know such a thing?

Time means nothing when you walk among the dead, said a rasped voice from the dark.

Seriously, since coming to this place, and before that, I've lost track of everything, replied Gabriel solemnly.

Let's see, truth to tell, I do not know myself; time does not matter here, it is not precious. And each hour is the enemy of the last, and too soon do they pass, and run out.

Gabriel's voice dropped, he gently nudged Michael, who was resting at his side, What do you think?

We cannot stay here; we must find Raphael and retrieve the Codexes, his whispered reply was gruff.

That much is certain, but how do you propose we do that, replied Gabriel.

First opportunity that presents itself: we leave, said Michael.

Can we use the Seal to get away? asked Uziel.

No, there's something very wrong with this place, replied Michael. A lot of dark energy resides here, so I would suggest we minimise its utilisation, for now at least, just in case the Dragon is close by, or any of his acolytes.

Could our enemy know where we are? asked the Watcher.

I doubt it, said Michael lowering his voice to barely a murmur. Remember these Vessels we have taken possession of; their Chakras appear very weak, and that would have disguised our taking control of them. This place has the stench of death about it, and this era is clearly one of terror. What we don't want to do though is arouse suspicions, which we would do if the Seal were used time and again, its energy pattern would be picked up and recognised.

Michael gestured for them to quiet. He was interested in gleaning information as to their current dilemma. He peered into the dark, unfortunately he could scarcely make out the shadowed figures lying around him; it was even more difficult to know if they were alive or dead.

Barely breaking the silence, he tried to reach out to any that would hear him, Can you tell us more about what’s going on at this time.

The silence continued resolutely, and just as Michael was giving up on a response, from the shadows came an answer.

This war has raged for many years, said a hushed voice from the darkness. There are countless thousands dead, possibly hundreds of thousands, and there is no sign of it abating, and with the spring rains upon us, escaping becomes more difficult.

Those that unleashed this terrible horror have engulfed the entire world with it; nowhere is safe, said another of the men.

Did you hear that, said Uziel.

Yes, a world at War with countless dead, replied Michael turning to Gabriel. It sounds ominous to me. It is more important than ever that we discover the whereabouts of Raphael and Tekmor, so we can ascertain the truth of what is going on here.

Do you think the Higher Codexes of Death and War have been used, said Uziel. And if so by whom: our side surely would not employ such powers?

We should not do any second guessing as to what is going on here, said Gabriel, his hushed voice could scarcely be heard. We have been to too many places and many times, and those we visited did not need the Codexes to let their savagery govern supreme.

As we all know, replied Michael. We were led to this time, and this place because the Codexes are close by, and it is likely that Azazel knows this too.

Do you really think then he's here? asked Uziel tiredly.

Look at what's been done to these people, replied Michael. I think dread and chaos are his calling cards, and you know humanity, they are great mimics, they copy that which they admire, and I would say there are plenty on Terra Azure who have garnered a liking of what Azazel excels at: a lust for dominating others.

Perhaps you are right …, said Gabriel, a little too loudly.

Quiet you two, a patrol will pass by any moment now.

Michael glanced at Gabriel and following his eyes, peered out of the window. He could see an austere drab suffocating camp, with decrepit barracks that stretched into the dark, and at the far end was a gun tower, with the silhouette of a man, who stood vigilantly watching the compound, as though he were a predator ready to strike anyone down. Every so often a light searched the grounds, invading the shadows, and letting all know of the sentry’s vigilance and readiness to commit murder.

The Watcher searched the dim compound, and his gaze set upon someone lying opposite, the person had been observing them. His alert eyes glistened in the dark, and his skin was barely a cover for his sunken bony pate, a sore, like a parasite had attached itself to the side of his face, dragging it down, and giving him a misshapen, grotesque aspect.

So how long have you been here? asked the Watcher sadly.

The person's shoulders slumped as if the question brought back difficult memories, I cannot say.

His voice was light not husky and though he looked beaten, there was still strength in him.

You're a boy: how old are you? asked the Watcher.

I had my Bar Mitzvah before I came here. That, I think, was nearly two years ago.

What's your name? said the Watcher.

I was called Eli.

Was? queried the Watcher.

The boy rolled up his sleeve, I am now A-656202499.

Michael, gasped the Watcher, staring at the number in disbelief.

Michael's stern gaze fixed on the tattoo and then down at his own wrist, This is a new kind of malice.

We all thought this was a place where people were interned, said another voice from the dark. Until we could be resettled further east.

That's what we were all told; it was a lie, like all of their lies, it was to keep us subordinate to their wishes, instead we find …, said Eli, his voice fearfully trailing away to nothing.

Go on, encouraged Gabriel sadly.

This camp is a living testimony to the Nazi ideology of hate and brutality. They attack and kill with impunity, and behave like Gods.

You mean like Devils, said another broken voice out of the gloom.

Yes, what occurs here is chaos beyond insanity, came the reply from the dark.

What do you mean? said Uziel quietly.

You four are new, were you transferred from a different camp, not to realise what goes on. What are your names?

I'm Michael, that's Gabriel, there's Uziel and that's Daniel, and yes we have come from elsewhere, still we want to know what you mean.

Then you should all be made aware that since the arrival of Doctor Death; experiments have been done, they are cruel and heartless, indeed, I thought only in our darkest dreams existed imaginings such as these.

Umm, and what is your name? asked Michael thoughtfully.

Aaron, I was Aaron, and I am still Aaron.

Michael leant close to Gabriel, What horror have we come to. There is something truly disturbing about this world; it's as if we've stepped into a harrowing vision of despair.

Gabriel let out a slight uncomfortable groan as his body stiffened, Do you think we stepped through the portal into the Mages Dark Universe.

Michael shook his head, I don’t see how; the vortex we entered was not negatively charged enough for us to have ended up there. And besides this place is Terra Azure, and not some parallel world in their realm.

That still leaves us guessing as to whether we are in a different dimensional reality, whispered Uziel. I certainly didn't think humanity capable of such unrestrained contempt.

Seriously, did the inquisition just pass you by, said Gabriel.

I remember a little of it, during the middle age of man, replied Uziel quietly. Most of my travels to this world, were before, or after such a thing was widespread.

Michael nodded, There's only one thing we know for certain, and that is we have to escape this tormented place, and until we do, we're not going to discover the truth of where the Codexes are.

And how do you suppose we do that, and where would we go? asked Uziel, wincing at his own harsh voice.

There is a way to flee, whispered a voice from the shadows. But this is a treacherous place, so it will take planning.

What's your suggestion? asked Michael quietly.

Each day our work detail is taken to help build a factory outside the camp. There are a number of woodpiles beyond the wire; it would be possible to hide within one of them, once inside, you will have to wait there three days, it will take that long for them to call off their search. Only then will you be able to flee. I would suggest you make your way to a village some kilometres east from here, called Libiaz, go to the first household: the old man that lives there is no friend of the Nazis, when you reach his door ask him if he has a light, he will answer with, 'will this poor lantern do?' Your reply must be, 'If it is good enough to read by.' Hopefully that will be enough for him to realise you're not German spies.

And if it isn't I presume we end up dead, said Michael. At least it's a plan, tell me will the woodpile fit four?

It should do, but the problem you'll have is the dogs, when the Germans start looking for you; they might smell you.

We'll worry about that when the time comes, replied Michael. For now, we're going to need weapons.

There is an arms store at the far side of the camp; it is too well guarded, so you will have to look for guns after you've left here.

Very well, we'll get what we need on the road, said Michael.

There is something else; there is an evil loose in the wood. It is a vile creature known as Volterken. The guards here are deep into the occult; we believe they summoned it, and released it so that if any prisoner got loose, they would surely die whilst trying to reach safety. If it catches you; it will devour you.

We are not afraid of such things, whispered Gabriel, his eyes flashed in the dark. I for one am not remaining here. So, no matter what, we leave on the morrow.

Then if you are resolved to do this thing, you should know that once you make it to the village then the road you take after will just become more perilous, there will be nowhere that's safe for you.

That night they could not stop fidgeting. Their clothes infested with mites, lice and who knows what else, made them feel as though they were on fire. Uziel in particular kept scratching, first the scabby sores that covered his body, then his scalp, in the end he became so tired and fatigued by the infestation, that he was driven to stop. Michael lay back, he knew only when they were away from the camp could they truly begin their search for Tekmor and Raphael.

At dawn, they all left for role call, hunger and exhaustion racked their bodies. So weak were they that even as Angelos, they knew it would take them longer than usual to adapt to their environment. It was no wonder that they had so easily entered such vessels, the poor unfortunates had probably been praying for relief, when they had walked through the portal, or were on the verge of death. That day the Germans took them to where they intended to extend the works of the nearby IG Faben chemical plant, which meant once the trucks arrived, large sacks of cement were to be hauled from within the perimeter of the factory, to where the new building was to be erected. This was hard taxing labour, intensive work, made worse by cruel obdurate guards, who would punish any idleness or rather weariness by the inmates. The guards were common army folk who had quickly given in to committing nefarious activities which was a by-product of having unlimited power, and the workforce understood it, and paid for it.

It was difficult to communicate to each other; so sternly were they watched, that the only thing they could do was concentrate on surviving the day. It was not long after they had begun shifting the heavy bags that the brutality started. One man stumbled and fell, and as you would expect he did not have the strength to get to his feet, he was summarily set upon by three guards who beat him with their heavy clubs, until his muffled cries ceased, and all that was left was an empty bloated battered husk. Another man collapsed to the ground and just as he got to his knees, one of the guards heaped a bag on him, and then another. Others looked on betting how many it would take before he collapsed again. And when he did crash back down; a German Waffen SS soldier walked up to him, and shot him in the head. Each insidious act committed by a soldier was made more sinister by the matter of fact, and detached manner it was done with. And that is how the day progressed. Michael and Gabriel kept a watchful eye on Uziel and the Watcher, fortunately, even though at times Uziel did stumble, it was beyond the gaze of the guards, and someone close to him would reach out, prop him up, and encourage him to continue.

At the end of the day, as they made their way back, the entire group were forced to stop and clear the area in front of the camp of any that had died; and still no opportunity had presented itself for them to risk the hideout. Moreover, just as it appeared that they were going to have to spend another night in that horrific place, the siren rang out, which was a repeating humming sharp drone. The guards scuttled to see what was going on. It was Eli; he had breached the wire fence, and was racing toward the forest.

Quickly you four in here, cried Aaron, between gritted teeth.

Michael and Gabriel were quick to react, and dragging Uziel along with them, made for the woodpile. By the time they had reached it, Aaron had already lifted the top off. The Watcher swiftly clambered inside, followed by Michael; Uziel was so weak he needed to be dragged within it by both Gabriel and Aaron. Once they were secure, wooden logs were swiftly placed back over the top of it, and as the dark encompassed them, there was a sharp cry outside as Eli was thrown to the ground by machine gun fire from the tower. The four looked at each other, the young man's despair had consumed him, and now he was free of earthly pains and desires. Pausing a moment they could hear the Germans outside shouting 'dummkopf,' as they dragged the body away. After the wail of the siren ceased, harsh rasping voices ordered the inmates back to their barracks. Finally there was silence, in the gloom Gabriel sadly faced his companions, their unshaven and gaunt faces gave an indication as to the exhaustion they felt. Quickly, each one of them produced what meagre food rations they had salvaged from the day. There was only one thing for it, Michael leaned forward and drew a symbol into the loose soil.

Uziel immediately took one of the Sacred Seals, and began adjusting it. He then placed it in turn on each of them and began tapping the symbols until energy transferred into them. One moment they were scrawny pasty and sorrowful, the next they were revitalised, and their bodies were free from the sores, lice and fleas that had plagued them, even their clothing rejected the nasty villainy which was in residence. He had used the device to alter their resonance, and breathe new life into their tired and depleted limbs so that their very being became alive and vital once again. The level was placed at such a low frequency; that Azazel or his acolytes would not have been able to detect their Chakras. He then adjusted the Seal so it matched their resonance to that of the woodpile, and the ground beneath them. A subtle and effective way of disguising who they were, since such a thing rendered them practically invisible to man or beast alike.

He also realised why they had felt so weak; the bodies they were using as vessels were devoid of life, which meant their previous occupants had perished moments prior to their arrival, and hence this was the reason why they had not recovered their strength the way they should have. Tapping the Seal, he compensated for this, as their human forms were nothing more than empty husks. It was now possible for them to be used without fear of breaking the Equilibrium: this meant he could alter their Chakras, to allow their new physical selves, if necessary, pass unharmed through portals to other realms.

***

As time passed they waited for evening role call, and as expected when their numbers were called out almost instantly the alarm sounded and there was a great commotion in the camp. Shouts and screams echoed in every direction. Thick heavy boots came stamping out of the compound: the dogs barked, growled and snarled, in their search for any prey. It was some time before they heard the signal to call off the pursuit. Still the hunt had ended a lot sooner than expected. They all listened carefully to what the Germans were saying. An argument had broken out regarding the ledger. Apparently one of the guards felt that the missing prisoners were among those that had been killed or had died earlier that day, and had simply not been crossed off the list, and since the bodies had been burnt; there was no way to verify if such a mistake was accurate or not. His argument clearly held some merit: and so with the chill air closing in; the others, being persuaded, returned to camp, where they could continue with their drinking, binging and debauchery.

Michael afforded himself a grim smile, they would be able to escape during the night, and be rid of that place. If he had remained there, it would have tested even his sanity; so the sooner they were gone, the better. The dark descended, and the camp became as quiet as a morgue, it was truly a place of death.

What do we do about Volterken? asked Gabriel.

He has a connection to the Golems and the Dybbuks, said Uziel. And comes from the Universe of the Mages, which is quite disturbing.

If it's a true Skinwalker and not something conjured from their imaginations? replied the Watcher.

We know of Volterken; we'll deal with him when the time comes, said Michael. For now, our priority is escaping. And there's no time like the present for doing that.

Michael slowly lifted away the timbers, and carefully peered over the top. There was a strange sweet taste to the air, his eyes suddenly widened and seethed with anger, as he realised what the obscenity was. There ahead of him cloaked by night, but revealed by moonlight, was smoke, unfurling itself from a large chimney. Humanity had truly sunk to new depths of depravity. The answer to what such a society had become was a simple one: any creature that never confronted or overcame its demons; would be conquered by them; so much so that any horrific act could be justified. Michael knew that despair, if it festered, was the most toxic of poisons, which affected generations to come. People would reap a heavy price for the hate they sowed.

Michael let the search light pass by, and then he softly lifted away the covering timbers; making sure the sentry could not view what he intended; he then climbed out. Michael hid so that the guard was unable see him from his high post. He waited until the way was clear, and tapped on the woodpile, and was soon systematically joined by the others. The four patiently lingered behind their hideout, while Michael placed the covering timbers back in place. Once this was done, they waited for the opportunity to make their escape and when it presented itself, they raced across the clearing to the forest. The guards in their watchtowers did not see the silhouetted figures as they passed swiftly beneath the cover of the trees. They rushed into the thicket, and with their heightened senses, they negotiated the wood with a greater ease than you would expect. There was no sign of a patrol or even a rumour of one as they steadfastly kept to their course. The hours passed without incident before light broke in the early morn, and birds announced the dawn. They were many leagues from the encampment when they stumbled across an abandoned cottage. The roof had caved in, and two of the walls were nothing but collapsed rubble, but still it had a purpose for them. Michael stooped to pick up a broken brick and studied it a moment before throwing it back down. Their refuge, if that is what it could be called, had been deserted for some time.

This is as good a place as any to stop and rest, said Michael. Uziel I want you to set the Seal on a low setting so that its frequency won't be detected, and scan for Tekmor and Raphael.

Uziel nodded, I don't know whether any of you noticed, but what we’ve seen thus far, is a whole new level of depravity, even for humanity.

I noticed, said Gabriel.

I thought the Vikings were ruthless and stone hearted, replied the Watcher. Those guards in the camp were actually enjoying themselves.

It takes a lot of bitterness, said Michael. Resentment, rage and hate to build a place such as Auschwitz.

You know well enough that this is a primitive world, so anything's possible, said Uziel.

Well, I thought we just witnessed the impossible, replied Michael.

There was something decidedly deliberate and calculating about that camp, said Gabriel. Frighteningly so: it had the imprint of a vile attempt to break the Equilibrium.

Yes, it was all too premeditated, replied Michael. Exactly the lengths Azazel would go to, to retrieve something of great value; and it is such terrors that would enable him to call upon his most insidious disciples.

This era certainly has his signature on it, said Uziel distastefully. If he has had anything to do with this madness; it would explain why Volterken was summoned to this world, and no doubt others of his vile nature.

First things first, we find something to eat, and get to this village of Libiaz, said Michael. Before that we must give some thought to arming ourselves, and later, when ready, we step out of the shadows, and find out what's really happening on this wretched planet.

Chapter II

Mariensee

Gabriel and the Watcher scratched around looking for materials to turn into weapons; small shards were broken off from stones for the purpose of making spearheads and arrowheads. Once carved into shape, fallen branches made for excellent spikes. This was not the first planet where they had had to use such primitive techniques for survival purposes, and once their weapons were ready, the two of them disappeared into the forest. They returned by midday carrying a wild boar. The Watcher proceeded to cut the hide off the creature and prepare it for supper. He meticulously sliced open its gullet, and pushed his hands through the layers of fat, to pull out the slimy intestines and any part that was inedible; with the carcass cleaned; and the waste buried. They began their supper. They were not far enough away from the camp to avoid the terrible stench that hung in the air; it was so powerful that it masked the smell emanating from the fire Michael had lit. Knowing the desperate cause of it, they ate in sombre silence, and once they had finished, Gabriel stood guard first, whilst Michael, the Watcher and Uziel slept, in truth, even though their spirits were immortal, and their bodies had been revitalised by the Sacred Seal, they were still weary from the long journey they had undertaken.

It was not until dusk approached that their bodies revived and they were able to continue on, but first they needed to know who or what they were fighting, and the only way to do that was to use the Seal. With this in mind, Uziel attached it to the wall and began pressing the Symbols; it began to pulse, and slowly the fabric of the wall shimmered. A picture formed no bigger than a small window with which they could look through. At first the image was blurred, Uziel began adjusting the Seal, until the picture came into focus. Through it, they could perceive a specific type of Chakra, and what they were looking for was that of the Angelos, Djinn or any non-corporeal form that might be wearing the guise of some mortal being.

A large iron gate came into focus, above it was a name, Mariensee, beyond in the distance was what looked like a large Medieval Castle, the picture moved swiftly up to it, and passed through its walls, and on into a large hall. There were soldiers standing or seated in a lavish atrium area, paintings on the walls and ceiling were a sharp contrast to their heavy booted acerbic appearances, unmistakably these were Morois Dog Soldiers; an elite arm of Azazel’s forces. The picture slowed as it went past them, and on into a large study. There were three officers seated in front of a large desk, their chakras were unmistakable it was Morzag, Leytheon, and Shadrick. All were Low Limitane of the Dybbuks, they were feared enemies of the Angelos, but worse still was who sat behind the desk; it was Halsiun of the Golems, the one who had been named Rapier of the Dragon; for him to have been there at that time was disturbing to say the least. All four were talking to a holographic figure that shone from a device laid on the desk; the face of the person was unmistakable: it was Moloch, in his true form. The picture blurred and began to fade, and finally blinked out.

Grim faced by what they had seen the Angelos stood motionless in front of the Seal.

The Rapier, here of all places, said Gabriel.

And he has brought some friends with him, replied Uziel.

The Dybbuks, Golems and Morois on Terra Azure, said Michael. No doubt to do the bidding of their master. Such creatures do not venture far from their realm; not unless the rewards are great indeed.

I know the Dybbuks are similar to the Wraith, said the Watcher. Who’s this Halsiun.

He is Lord of the Golems, replied Uziel. Imagine this, everyone knows that the Mages live in a dark universe, well the Golems live in a darker place still. And he no doubt has brought an army with him also, and he can do that without affecting the balance of the Equilibrium.

How? asked the Watcher.

By possessing the darkest and most foul persons that are of this world, replied Michael.

Since our enemies are here, their leader cannot be far away, said Gabriel. Which means the Codexes must be nearby, and so too will be Azazel.

So that suggests either Tekmor or Raphael or both of them, are within reach, replied Michael.

I have a feeling that no matter how close we are to them, replied Gabriel. They will still be difficult to locate.

Perhaps Halsiun realises this also, said Uziel.

The Watcher picked up a small stone, and thoughtfully threw it into the fire, What if we follow him, he might lead us to the Codexes.

No, said Uziel. I believe our best chance of finding the Codexes is to discover the whereabouts of Raphael and Tekmor.

The Dragon would have given them free reign to sow havoc, replied Gabriel. We must also assume that Malachi and Lothos are here in some capacity, and from what we saw, Moloch is directing events.

The Mages always had dominion over the others, said Michael.

And Moloch is the most powerful Mage of them all, replied Gabriel.

Did any of you see where they were based? asked Michael.

Yes, the name of the Castle was Mariensee, replied Uziel.

Then that is our first port of call, said Michael. And since the Golems, Dybbuks and Morois are there, expect something nefarious to be going on.

We've seen first-hand, replied Gabriel. The torture, beatings, and wholesale slaughter that is rampant on this world, so we will have to tread carefully.

With the night upon us, said Uziel. We should do as the old man told us in the camp. And make for the village of Libiaz, it cannot be far, and we might get the help we need.

They gathered their things together and set off, carrying with them the knives and spears they had made. Silently they crept between the trees; there was a distinct hum in the air as insects buzzed on all sides inquisitively, only to have their lives cut short by a quick slap. Soon enough the endless night swallowed where they were, and none could guess whether they were going round in circles or not, as so much was similar to what they had passed. In the end they had to admit it, they were lost, the village had not materialised, and there was an unexpected chill to the air. The four of them paused a moment, Michael's eyes narrowed as he sensed something was wrong, he felt an unease, and in the distance from out of the depths of the forest could be heard the heavy rattling of gun fire. Michael gestured for them to move toward it, and so they carefully set off; as they got nearer to it, the sound suddenly cut off; there was a sharp cry, and then what was clearly the unmistakeable sound of shattering bone echoed in the air, then nothing, and the forest resumed its deathly silence.

What do we do, said Uziel. We cannot exactly defend ourselves with stone knives and wooden spikes. We need something a little more effective, and a lot more powerful.

You all heard that din, replied Gabriel. It could be Volterken, and I don't even think guns are going to do any good against a monster like him.

It's the only sound of life, or death we've heard in a while, said the Watcher. Since we are lost and no closer to finding the Codexes, perhaps what’s up ahead will shine some light on our situation.

Very well, but at the first sign of danger, we withdraw, said Michael.

Gabriel nodded and the four of them quickly set off through the undergrowth, it was not long after that in the distance they could make out a shadowy light. They certainly had found where a violent event had occurred. Beyond the trees was an encampment, it was raised on a hill and overlooked the surrounding countryside. Gabriel on the instruction of Michael climbed one of the nearby trees to look out over the sight. There in front of him was a medieval castle. The turrets were lit up by large tungsten lights; and in the dark was the distinctive humming of an electric generator, which gave them life. Guards armed, and ready for action strode back and forth on the battlements: there was something about the soldiers that gave him pause. He began to focus his mind, as he did the people altered in appearance, it was as though they shimmered, rippling into shape, his jaw tightened at the sight in front of him. He quickly clambered down, and leapt the short distance to the bottom, gesturing for everyone to hush. Gabriel then beckoned them to retreat, so that they could not be detected.

What's wrong? whispered Michael.

It's more of Azazel's Dog Soldiers, replied Gabriel.

Well that is interesting, said Michael.

Yes, and that citadel of theirs is well fortified, said Gabriel. If you ask me they are guarding something important.

We would need an army to gain access to such a place, shrugged Uziel.

Not necessarily, said Michael. You know what the Morois are like, they will be employing labourers from the local populace; to do all the menial tasks.

You mean we sneak in as workers, replied Gabriel. I can see one problem with that; the Morois will exercise some form of security checks; and I’m not just talking about identification papers.

Michael nodded thoughtfully, We’ll use the Seal to disguise our Chakra’s, so we’re not detected.

"There has to be a village near here where their labour force