Haunted: The Meadowsweet Chronicles, #5

CHAPTER ONE

EGYPT

Welcome to the Stygian Project, the man in the white lab coat and jam-jar glasses said with a flourish.

Lilith did her best to look like she wasn’t impressed but it was hard when she was being face by something so spectacular. The whole place was a hive of activity. Large missiles and other weapons could be seen in every direction.

Eugenio’s hand settled on the small of her back and she turned to smile at her new husband. Any doubts she’d had about marrying Eugenio in haste had been dispelled within the first few days of their marriage. He was a real life Prince Charming; witty, cultured, and handsome as hell. It didn’t do him any harm that he was wealthier than most of New York society put together.

Lilith glanced down at the giant diamond rock on her finger before smiling at Eugenio. He was in business mode and Lilith could barely resist throwing herself at him.

It’s very impressive, Doctor Asiah, very impressive indeed, Eugenio said with genuine appreciation.

Doctor Asiah dipped his head with gratitude. Thank you, we are very proud of what we have accomplished so far—and are hopeful that with the investment pledged by the esteemed Mr. Hades, we will be able to do even greater things.

Eugenio nodded with as little commitment as he could get away with. Anthony Hades was currently considering the request for yet even more money, but had made no promises. It depended on how generous his congregation of the Church of New People felt when it came to the next round of fundraising, and in particular, a certain Mr. Frank Chase, CEO of Chase Enterprise, and father of Jeremiah Chase. The twisted irony had delighted Lilith even more than the talents of her new husband. It went to show that nobody could really trust anybody—especially when it came to family.

This place, Lilith whispered to Eugenio, with delight, is really quite something.

Eugenio smiled at her, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Do you want to see what’s really going on here?

Lilith’s heart quickened. You mean this isn’t just about making the world’s deadliest weaponry? She punctuated her question with a seductive pout.

Eugenio lowered his head and his voice. No, that’s exactly what this is about, he said playfully before turning to Doctor Asiah.

"If you don’t mind, I’d like to take Mrs Selvaggio to the lab on O Level.

Lilith noted the slight hesitation in Doctor Asiah’s response and her excitement piqued.

Of course, Sir. Would you like me to arrange an armed escort?

That won’t be necessary, thank you, I think my wife and I have the ability to protect ourselves adequately enough.

As you wish, Doctor Asiah said, clearly not happy about the situation but knowing he had little power to refuse either the authority or the money Eugenio held.

Please follow me, he said, walking across the large hanger space in which several teams of lab coated scientists and engineers were busily inspecting various weapons, and making notes on clipboards.

As they progressed, Eugenio and Doctor Asiah continued his conversation about the various technical applications and experiments they were undertaking, giving Lilith the time to fully take in her surroundings. She had never been anywhere like it and she wished Thalia was with her to share in the wonder and the excitement.

Thalia, who still didn’t even know her older sister had married, or was honeymooning in Egypt. Lilith had tried. Thalia couldn’t say she hadn’t. Lilith had phoned at least a dozen times in the week running up to the wedding but Thalia’s phone had been switched off, or maybe she couldn’t get any signal in Haiti.

In some ways, Lilith and been pleased her sister hadn’t been around to convince her that marrying Eugenio Selvaggio was a ridiculous idea. It would have made the situation a lot more complicated, although Lilith couldn’t deny the single tear she had shed as she stood on the steps of the registry office in a white dress, holding a small bouquet of Lily of The Valley. She had been entirely alone, and that had stung her more than she cared to accept.

When she had walked back out of the doors with Eugenio at her side, officially as her husband, things had felt infinitely better—and marriage of convenience or not, Lilith knew she had made exactly the right decision.

Are you okay? Eugenio asked when Doctor Asiah was preoccupied on his walkie-talkie, gaining authorisation to enter Lab O.

They’d come to a stop outside a large metal door covered with an imposing locking system. Doctor Asiah punched a code in the number pad and stayed still whilst a scanner read his eye. Within seconds, the sound of sliding locks echoed around the industrial chamber.

I must warn you, Mrs Selvaggio, there are elements of our experiments that are not for the faint hearted. I ask you to prepare yourself.  Should you find yourself growing uncomfortable at any point, please say and I will ensure your safe escort out of the lab.

Eugenio laughed with good humour. You clearly have a lot to learn about my wife, Doctor Asiah. She’s the steeliest hearted person I’ve ever come across.

Lilith blushed at the at Eugenio’s public adoration. Doctor Asiah’s eyes scanned her from top to toe with appreciation, and so he should. Her outfit had cost a small fortune—like all of her other outfits Eugenio had purchased for the trip. Her travel wardrobe was fit for a royal visit.

Why, thank you, husband. Kinder words have never been spoken, she said, pouting. She just hoped he hadn’t over-estimated her and that she would do him proud. Her small pang of anxiety was not helped when Doctor Asiah handed her a face mask soaked in tea tree oil, muttering an apology about the approaching stench.

And boy, he had he not been wrong. Even with the tea-tree soaked mask, the air was fetid in the lab. A wave of death-stench swept over them and Lilith sighed with the thought she would most likely have to burn her beautiful new suit when they left.

Eugenio glanced at Lilith to check she was alright. She made an attempt to smile despite the nausea roiling in her stomach.

The room was darker than the brightly lit rooms they’d already visited. The sound of misery filled the space. Heavy metal cages held wretched specimens of humans—or at least they had once been human. Now they looked afflicted by some terrible disease, the likes of which she had never seen before.

What are they? she asked approaching one of the cages to inspect the specimens more.

They are our greatest super weapon, Eugenio declared proudly. Aren’t they glorious!

They look deranged, Lilith said, noting the crazed and furious look in the specimen’s eyes. The once human man watched her intensely, and when he let out a quiet, earthly growl, she flinched, stepping back into Eugenio. He protectively placed his arm around her waist.

The specimens are looking great, Eugenio said to Doctor Asiah.

He nodded with appreciation of the compliment. We have had a few early setbacks; some unexplained sudden deaths amongst the last selection group, but we think we’ve found the reason; too much of the chemical too quickly. We’ve slowed down the administration process and that appears to have stabilised the effect.

They continued to walk through the lab and Lilith could see the specimens were at various stages of their transformation; by the end of the run of cages, the subjects looked almost like normal humans.

A blood curdling scream came from one of the side rooms of the laboratory, causing them all to pause.

Apologies for that, Doctor Asiah said, glancing in the direction of the side lab. The sound of pain was enticing and Lilith moved towards the window.

A specimen was strapped to a table and a scientist was over him, holding a sinister looking needle. Lilith watched, captivated as the scientist placed the needle against the specimen’s head and administered the black liquid chemical direct into the specimen’s skull.

What is that? Lilith asked Doctor Asiah.

A highly complex formula of several chemical compounds, and our secret component, DH4, or as we call it, ‘Dark Liquid.’

Dark liquid? she said smiling wryly. "And what exactly is Dark Liquid?"

Dark Liquid is a substance gathered at only of four sources in the world. It’s extremely precious and extremely rare—partly due to the fact that harvesting it is an incredibly dangerous process. The sites are specially guarded, and for good reason. They’re extremely volatile. There’s a high risk of death for those who attempt mining the resource.

It was like a lightbulb went off in Lilith’s head, almost cartoon like. The portals of The Ancient Ones. It had to be.  

One of these sites is in Heargton? she asked, unable to resist showing off.

Eugenio flashed her a look of surprise. He was surprised how quickly she had put the pieces of the puzzle together. Yes, he said impressed. The others are in Iceland, Italy, and here in Egypt.

And you are currently only using the portal in Egypt to harvest the Dark Liquid? she asked.

Yes... and now we have run into certain issues. The Egyptian portal is guarded by very powerful Witches, and they have also the support of another powerful institution.

Who? Lilith asked, surprised that Witches, usually so insular and independent, would be accepting help from others. Especially the Egyptian Witches, some of the oldest sisters in the world, and the most powerful. 

The Templars; or more precisely, The Knights of The Order of Arthur. Doctor Asiah muttered, seemingly almost afraid to speak the name.

Those bastards! Lilith’s jaw dropped unattractively and once again, Eugenio had to admit that his wife was far smarter and knowledgeable than he’d initially presumed.

Eugenio ran his finger over his mouth, displaying a very rare expression of tension.

Lilith’s brow tightly knotted with confusion. I thought after the murder of our sister Morgan Le Fay, the Witch world had declared the Order of Arthur as enemies. Why are the Egyptian Witches working with them?

"I guess the Egyptian Witches consider us a greater threat to them than the Order of Arthur," Eugenio stated.

Doctor Asiah cleared his throat. With the support of the Order of Arthur, the Egyptian Guardians were able to seal the portal after our initial harvest. We lost some good men in the process. Now, we have very little Dark Liquid left and need to look to the other portals as potential sources. The Egyptian portal is too protected.

And your eye has turned to Heargton? Eugenio asked.  

Lilith inhaled deeply. This wasn’t a bad situation, in fact, it was a potentially very good situation. If Eugenio helped her dispose of the Meadowsweet sisters, and secured her as Guardian of the Heargton portal, the Stygian Project could harvest as much of the Dark Liquid as they wanted.

Does Mr. Hades know of this set back?

No, not yet.

He should know.

Doctor Asiah nodded with submission. I’ll tell him at the demonstration.

Satisfied, Eugenio stepped behind Lilith and cupped her hip in his hand sending a shiver right through her. God, his touch was electric. She couldn’t get enough of him. Part of her wondered if he had cast some kind of spell over her as she had never imagined she could fall so head over heels for a man.

There may be a way we can help you with that, Eugenio said with a confidence that almost melted Lilith’s insides. With a constant source of Dark Liquid secured, the project timeline could be accelerated, yes?

Doctor Asiah smiled with enthusiasm. With a regular supply of the Dark Liquid, the potential is limitless and it would certainly speed up the research period.

Eugenio rubbed his hands together as he looked at Lilith with sparkling eyes. Here’s to a new world order, my dear. Just imagine the power we’d hold with an army of soulless, indestructible foot soldiers on our side. Our ambitions to take back the world would become an easy reality.

The idea was delicious, there was no denying it. It was the perfect solution to the mess she and her sisters had initiated with their attempts at bringing forth the Ancient Ones. With Eugenio and Anthony Hade’s plans, there would be no need to throw the Heargton portal wide open and initiate a total supernatural apocalypse in order to wipe out the humans. With an army such as this and a well-planned invasion, a new world order could be attained, where Witches reigned supreme, and humans would be put in their place once and for all. As slaves.

I’d love to see one in action, Lilith said, practically purring. May I invite myself to the demonstration?

As you wish, Doctor Asiah said, turning his head slightly. It’s been scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. Mr. Hades will be joining us.

Excellent, Eugenio said, shaking the doctor by the hand. We look forward to it.

Until tomorrow.

Yes, until tomorrow.

CHAPTER TWO.

FRED

Fred opened one sleepy eyes and glowered at the Angel Jacob, who was stood by the side of his bed looking down on him with curiosity.

Could you get any creepier? Fred sneered.

I like watching you sleep.

Fred sniffed and rolled his eyes.

Hey, I’m an Angel—that’s what we do, bro!

There had better be a good reason for you being here, Fred said, making it clear Jacob’s presence was unwelcome.

Trust me, I wouldn’t go out of my way to make a social call just to see your depressing ass unless I was under His instruction.

Fred snuggled further down under his Star Wars duvet and tried to ignore the Angel, and his message. It was two in the afternoon, but Fred didn’t care. He’d had a lot to process, not only the shit that went down in Salem, but his break up with Swan. A break up that wasn’t even necessary because the whole situation with Thalia was stupid. As it had turned out, Fred was still a virgin and perfectly worthy of Swan’s precious vestal status.

He could have gone back and told Swan all about Thalia’s seduction being an act of bewitchment; explained Thalia had done nothing but whisper filth into his ear and all he had been guilty of was a hot wet-dream, but there was part of him still furious at Swan. She had lied to him—the girl had pretended to be dead! And besides, he was fed up of always having to be the one to go grovelling to her, to always feel he was the asshole in the situation.

You’re an idiot, Jacob said, pulling back the cover from Fred and exposing his naked body to Jacob’s scrutiny, but I can see what she sees in you.

Fred pulled the duvet back over himself and threw Jacob another look of exasperation.

She’d easily forgive you if you just explained the truth, Jacob said. She wants to love you.

Mind your own business.  I’m sure you’re not here because you want to help my love life.

You’re right, Jacob said, flopping into the desk chair. I’ve been sent to come and get you.

Get me? Why?

We have a situation and a meeting has been called. Your presence is requested.

Requested but not required?

Jacob flashed him a quirked smile. You know how it is, he said, throwing Fred’s Grateful Dead tee-shirt over to him.

I can’t wear that, Fred said, rolling his eyes.

He’ll appreciate the irony. Get dressed. I’ll be back in five.

Fred watched as Jacob sauntered to the door. Where are you going?

Your mum’s got the kettle on. She’s making me a cup of tea. Do you want one?

You’ve got no grace! Fred levied.

At least you’ve got your sense of humour back. Jacob disappeared out the door, whistling one of Fred’s mother’s favourite show tunes and Fred held his head in his hands trying to work out if he was going mad.

Reluctantly, he pulled on a pair of skinny black jeans and got a fresh tee-shirt; one more appropriate for a meeting with God. As a fallen one, a summons from the big fella was certainly something, and he dared to hope maybe this was about finally lifting his punishment.

Fred arrived downstairs to see Jacob sitting at the kitchen table laughing and singing show tunes with his mother. He had rarely seen her so happy, and part of him longed to tell his devoutly religious mother that she was having tea with an Angel, but knowing his mother, she would just give him a clip around the ear for his blasphemy.

Right, we’d better be going, Jacob said, standing and offering a small bow. It’s been an absolute pleasure, Mrs. Smith.

Fred’s mother giggled and blushed like a young girl and it took all of Fred’s resolve not to let out a groan.

We’ll be back later, ma, Fred said, giving her a kiss on top of his head.

I like your new friend, she whispered. He’s an absolute angel.

That he is, Fred said, flashing Jacob a dark look.

Heading up the garden path, Fred zipped up his leather jacket and stuffed his hands into his pockets, muttering, Did you have to mess with my mother like that?

Hey, easy, man, I didn’t touch your mother.

There was no talking to Jacob when he was like this. He was a wise-ass. They walked a little way in silence, out towards the farmlands and the old railway track. It was quiet there, and there was space to launch without fear of witness; and Fred guessed that wherever this meeting was taking place, it would involve a flight.

Where are we going? he asked.

Just follow me.

Less than twenty-minutes after taking flight, Jacob and Fred landed in a small Italian alleyway, manifesting in front of an old black-dressed Nona, hanging out her washing over her balcony. On seeing the two Angels land and fold their heavenly wings behind them, she made the sign of the cross over her chest and offered prayers to Santa Maria.

Shouldn’t we have arrived a little more discreetly? Fred asked.

Jacob flashed him a smile. Ack, everyone in Rome sees Angels.

Rome?

Jacob had already started making his way down the alleyway, leaving a confused Fred in his wake. Rome! he repeated.

Where else?

Fred followed behind, trying not to look like a gormless tourist, but it was hard when you’d spent practically the whole of your life in a small English village.

Rome was bustling with people from all over the world and it wasn’t long until they become just another inconspicuous body amongst the throng.

As they approached the Vatican, Fred wondered why they hadn’t simply manifested inside the holy church, which would surely have been a lot more convenient than queueing up for over an hour with the other tourists. Fred was just preparing himself for the misery of such a situation in the company of Jacob, when he was led off in a different direction.

Now where are we going?

What is it with all the questions? Just chill.

Fred continued to trudge behind him, off the beaten track until they came to a small hidden church. He read the name on the small plaque by the door. St. Lorenzo Piscibus. Well, this is a little underwhelming.

Jacob scowled at him and pushed the door open.

Inside, the church was beautiful in its simplicity and Fred felt the strangest sense of peace wash over him. He hadn’t felt peace like it in many months, maybe never—not quite like this. Several other young men were gathered, sat in the pews chatting and reminding Fred of the common room back at college. Those days seemed like a lifetime ago.

On hearing the door, everyone turned in Jacob and Fred’s direction. It was obvious Fred was considered a stranger, and wasn’t necessarily welcome. Jacob made his way down the aisle, giving high five to some of his friends and demonstrating his alpha status amongst the group.

A loud cough drew the attention of everyone to the front, where two men in very sharp tailored suits had entered via a side door. Jacob silently instructed Fred to take a seat in one of the pews and slid in beside him.

Good afternoon gentlemen, the eldest of the suited men said, smiling warmly. If he was God, then he wasn’t how Fred remembered.

Fred pinched the bridge of his nose. Remembered? Did he have any actual recollection of ever meeting God? He didn’t have time to dwell on such thoughts as the men at the front of the church were keen to get down to matters of business.

Who are they? Fred whispered to Jacob.

Representatives from the Knights Templar. The elder of them is Bertie Whitecastle, and the guy next to him is Sir Blake Beldevier, from the Order of the Arthurian Knights.

Fred couldn’t contain a snort of laughter, causing him to get a sharp elbow to the ribs from Jacob.

Thank you for agreeing to meet us at such short notice. We appreciate it, Bertie Whitecastle said bowing slightly. We have requested this meeting because we have come into possession of some rather alarming information, and despite our best efforts, it is clear that even with our extensive abilities and resources, we are in need of some more divine intervention.

How can we help you, Mr Whitecastle, one of the boys on the front pew asked.

Fred hadn’t noticed him at first, but being he was the guy leading the conversation, he was now a person of interest. Fred noted the white blonde hair and the knife-sharp jaw line. The guy looked cruel, about as far removed from an Angel as Fred could think, but then he guessed he himself hardly looked like most people’s image of an Angel.

Who is that? Fred whispered.

That’s Michael. He’s an archangel.

Bertie Whitecastle lifted his chin. He was a proud man, and Fred couldn’t quite ascertain if he was an entirely good man or not.

We have come from Egypt and its portal of The Ancient Ones. The Star Fire Sisters who Guardian it required our support.

A quiet murmur ran around the room. Egypt was a territory still wrapped in mystery and ancient magic, which even Angels found disconcerting. The Star Fire Sisters were a force of nature, cloaked in myth, and fiercely protected by the Templar Knights, despite their pagan origins. The sisters had been around since the birth of the pyramids, some even said ‘since the time before’, the name given to that grey swirling time of ancient gods and chaos.

The Church classed them as Witches but unlike the European Wiccan Witches of history, The Star Fire Sisterhood had been kept out of their reach, and persecution. Under the protection, and justice system of the Knights Templar, there had not been the need for the Church or its Angels to intervene. The Templar Knights had their own way of dealing with those who worked with dark magic.  

Why did the Guardians need assistance? Michael asked, clearly not used to being a position where he didn’t know everything. 

The portal came under attack. Dark magic was involved, drawing our attention to the site. When we arrived, it was to find the Guardians had been attacked by a group of Dark Arts Witches, who it is believed are connected to a weapons development facility just outside Cairo. The portal had been cracked open and several minor Demons had been released, which we slayed.

And you just happened to be in the area? Michael asked suspiciously.

Bertie Whitecastle gave the young man next to him a knowing look before saying, What with our more recent troubles in Egypt, we have been paying particular attention to any kind of Dark Arts activity in the area.

So we have a weapons development facility and a coven of Dark Arts Witches with an agenda, Michael clarified. Great, what could go wrong?

A small scatter of laughter ran through the host of Angels, but Fred wasn’t laughing, and neither was Jacob, who was staring at him hard.

Bertie Whitecastle tugged on the very starched white sleeves of his shirt under his jacket cuff. We believe it has something to do with the impending apocalypse.

The more Whitecastle shared, the more Fred began to understand what he was doing there; talk of portals, The Ancient Ones, and Dark Arts Witches all linked back to the events at Heargton. It couldn’t be a coincidence, surely.  Fred had to give it to the Ravenhearts, their ambition was audacious, and clearly their reach more international than he had suspected.

Michael pulled himself up straight and asked, Why have none of us in the Angelic realm picked up on such a potentially catastrophic situation? It makes no sense. We know everything.

Bertie Whitecastle knitted his fingers together in front of him. We are of the belief the Egyptian portal was the preferred site for attack because your influence is not as strong there as at the other sites. Given the recent, unfortunate, incident with Morgan Le Fay and the conflict between our Realm and the Witch world, it was most likely that those responsible thought the Guardians, as Witches, were left unsupported. However, Sir Beldevier, Bertie paused to look towards the young man who was standing eerily still and straight, well... things have become a little more entwined between our worlds than they once were. Sir Beldevier’s wife, Mina, is a member of The Star Fire Sisterhood.

Another ripple of surprise ran through the Angels and Fred frowned, feeling completely out of the loop. He was missing a serious backstory, that was for sure. Fred turned his attention back to Blake Beldevier. Even though he was built of pure muscle, Blake was young, perhaps just the same age as him, eighteen, nineteen, and married already—to a Witch. 

There was something wrong about him, too. No, not wrong—different. Was Blake a Witch as well as a Templar Knight? Was that even possible?

Fred’s musing was interrupted by Jacob calling out, causing everyone to turn to him. Egypt hasn’t been the only portal attacked, he declared. The portal to The Ancient Ones in Heargton was cracked open just a few months ago.

That was simply the unfortunate consequence of spatting covens, Michael retorted. Nothing more than a petty territorial issue. The Church sent the Witch Hunter, Daniel Chase, to nip it all in the bud, and Father Abaddon has also been posted to the village. My understanding is the Heargton situation is under control after Chase killed one of the Dark Arts Witches, breaking their trinity; and he eliminated the rogue Guardian, placing the elder Meadowsweet, Wren, as temporary third guardian. Artemis is in place to oversee the protection of the Guardians henceforth.

Witches! It was always a stupid idea to make them the Guardians. Angels should have been given the role, a smaller, dark haired Angel muttered just in Fred’s hearing. 

Fred snorted. Michael’s account of Heargton was facts barely held together by a few truths, and he wondered why God was allowing such a smoke screen. There must be a reason why the Angels had been blocked from knowing the whole truth about Swan, and all the other intricacies, but what was it?

Jacob continued. Perhaps in light of this recent attack on the Egyptian portal, we would be wise to not make assumptions and to keep our minds more open. The Meadowsweet Witches successfully disabled the threat in Heargton, patched up the portal, and fortunately, due to their swift and powerful actions, only a few minion demons escaped, which were soon burned up in a fire. However, he said, turning his attention to Bertie Whitecastle, if you’re saying this is bigger than a couple of warring covens, then I would suggest that myself and Fred offer our protection to the Meadowsweet Guardians and we remove the Witch Hunter, Chase from the area, in order to minimise potential conflicts of interest.

Fred’s mind was quietly blowing; surprised by both Jacob’s support and cunning.

Michael rolled his eyes. All this is the result of making Witches the Guardians of the portals instead of... more suitable beings, he said, echoing the thoughts of the earlier Angel.

They’ve done a perfectly good job for thousands of years, Fred said,