The Grigori: Stalking Tender Prey Part 42

Chapter Thirty-One.

Wednesday, October 28th: Little Moor Emma called in at the cottage again around nine-thirty in the evening. By this time, Owen and Lily had prepared a meal and they and Othman had eaten it. Now Othman lay on the sofa in the parlour watching an American film on TV. He was wearing a dressing-gown of Lily's. She and Owen had bathed him earlier. His body had looked so thin and depleted that Lily could have wept. Owen had been silent, watchful. His eyes betrayed only flickers of his thoughts, confused and conflicting.

Emma had brought Ray Perks with her again. When she saw Othman, she looked surprised, momentarily displeased, then relieved. I wondered what had happened to you.' She stood tall at the threshold to the parlour, appearing far stronger than Othman, who was draped over the sofa like an empty garment. Her eyes, Lily thought, held some secret knowledge, which she was relishing privately.

Othman smiled, looking past her at Ray Perks. His smile was hard. Who's this?' he said.

Emma came into the room, sat down on one of the chairs. This is Ray. He comes from an old family, and will protect Lily and Owen.'

Othman nodded. I can see the sense of it.'

I'm glad.' Emma lit the inevitable cigarette. May we speak alone, Pev?' She glanced at Lily and Owen, noticing that they both appeared to be ill at ease in their territory.

Pev also directed his attention to the twins. Owen put his arm around Lily, a convulsive, defensive gesture. How about if you two go out for an hour or so?' Othman suggested. I want to talk to Emma.'

Owen looked at Lily, who shrugged.

All right, just an hour,' Owen said. Shall we go to The White House, Lil?'

Well... yes... whatever.' Lily was surprised Owen had given in to Othman's request.

Take Ray with you,' Emma said, but don't be long.'

Outside, in the road, with Lily still pulling her coat on, Ray Perks stood in front of Owen. Will you give it to me?' he said. His face was fierce. When it's time?'

Owen appeared doubtful, but said, Yes.'

Perks nodded and began to walk up the road, ahead of the twins. Lily caught up with Owen. What did he say?'

He just reminded me of our purpose, I think,' Owen replied. He looked troubled.

Lily linked her arm through his. In silence, they strolled towards the lights of The White House, too bright against the night.

You are in trouble,' said Emma Manden. She let the statement hang, a string of words.

Othman blinked at her. Tell me.'

Emma leaned back in the chair, crossed her long legs. She still wore her coat. Ray and I went to Cresterfield today. There was something I wanted to look into.'

Othman regarded her without expression, waiting for her to continue.

You have been busy in Cresterfield, I think. We delved into the matter of a certain murder, a girl named Serafina. Of course, you have heard of her?'

Othman still said nothing.

There were quite a few strange deaths in Cresterfield around that time. It seems a group of what the media called Satanists committed ma.s.s suicide on the same night poor Serafina died. The case was closed very quickly. It was supposed the group had killed the girl before getting hysterical and suffering fatal heart attacks.' Her voice betrayed her scepticism about this story.

There is no link between me and these people,' Othman said. His face was composed in a half-smile.

Naturally not,' Emma agreed, although the case has your paw-prints all over it, I'd say.'

How did you make this absurd connection?'

Emma lifted her shoulders in a shrug. You did not take control of Owen and Daniel. Perhaps you should have done. You left them to their own devices, and Daniel discovered the link, although I don't think he realises it himself. He met a friend of Serafina's in a night club in Cresterfield, and caught the name Shemyaza when he held the dead girl's bangle. Then Lily saw the fallen angel in a dream. He wore your face. Daniel did not recognise you for what you are, and Lily has only romantic fantasies. But I know. You killed those people in Cresterfield, didn't you, before coming here You are of Shemyaza's blood-line.'

Othman raised himself on one elbow. It is not your concern. It is irrelevant. Have you forgotten so much during your stint of decrepitude?'

Emma laughed. Not at all. I just want you to know I'm aware of your activities. Also, I wouldn't want you to try the same trick here.'

I had no such plans.'

Emma narrowed her eyes, leaned forward, her hands like claws upon the chair arms. What are your plans, Peverel?'

I shall comply with your wishes utterly. On Friday night, I will conduct a ritual to resuscitate the perpetual flame, and the power from it will be pa.s.sed on to your people. Most will be at Barbara Eager's party at The White House. I shall come there. The gates of Long Eden will be opened to us, and all will proceed as you desire.'

Emma nodded thoughtfully. Will you stay here?'

I don't know. There's a possibility some of my people are looking for me. Whether Long Eden can hide me, I've yet to ascertain.' He paused, wondering whether he should confide in her about the changes he was feeling in his mind and body.

Emma seemed to guess he was withholding something from her. What else?' she said.

Othman thought quickly. There might be a problem on Friday night. It has become expedient to use Daniel Cranton in the ritual. I'm concerned about Owen's reaction, and have only two days to coerce him.'

Where is Daniel?' Emma asked.

His father has him,' Othman answered. He is safe. Daniel is vital to the success of our venture, Emma. I can't stress this too strongly. I am weak and need strength. The flame will provide it, but it will take more than the power of s.e.x, however potent, to stoke its furnace. It needs unbound life-force. Without the flame, I can do nothing. It took nearly all of my vitality to rejuvenate you, heal Louis, and subjugate the Crantons. If I am hungry for too long, my spirit will draw back into my body what I gave to you. I know you don't want that.'

Emma was silent. She bit one of the fingernails of her left hand. Poor Owen,' she said at last.

I can help him get over any emotional crisis,' Othman said, but first I need him close to me.'

I understand. Well, you seem to be doing all right so far. Two days ago, Owen would have thrown you out of the house!'

Othman lay back on the sofa, resting one forearm against his brow. Then he spoke. Emma, you must help me. I want you to prepare a drink for Owen when he and Lily come home.'

Emma raised one eyebrow. Resorting to chemical persuaders, are we?'

Othman grinned slowly. Herbal,' he said. Will you do it for me? I doubt Owen would accept it from me.' He explained the substance was in a jar in his jacket pocket, hanging behind the kitchen door. A teaspoonful should suffice.'

Emma shrugged. As you wish.' It was beginning to happen now, she thought. In two days, the old regime would be restored. Sacrifices would have to be made, but they amounted to nothing, really. Yet why did she feel so uneasy? Why was it that, in her heart, she felt a need to make alternative plans? Will you be strong enough by Friday?' she asked.

Othman nodded. Yes. I need only a brief period of recuperation.'

Emma chewed the skin around her nails, looking at him. They remained silent, until Othman raised his head and said, Now, Emma. Go into the kitchen and put the kettle on. They're coming back.'

Emma heard the back door open, the high sound of Lily's laughter. She, at least, seemed untroubled now.

Once the twins and Ray Perks had left the kitchen, Emma made the drinks as Othman directed, sprinkling a teaspoonful of the herbal powder from his jacket pocket into Owen's coffee. A few strands of herbs spiralled round on the coffee's surface, which Emma removed with a fingernail. She sniffed the drink. It smelled faintly leafy.

Owen did not seem to notice anything unusual about the coffee. Emma watched him guardedly as he drank it. Poor boy, she thought. His will is about to be taken from him.

At Othman's discrete signal, Emma announced she was leaving. Be here tomorrow morning early,' Othman told her.

Emma gathered Ray Perks to her side and left.

Othman watched Owen through slitted eyes, waiting for him to manifest some physical effect from the haoma that Emma had put in his coffee. Lily was chattering brightly, but her words were nothing more than a chirruping nonsense that flapped round Othman's senses. He wanted Owen. He needed him.

Owen sat down on the hearth rug. He felt drunk, as if he'd had more than two pints of cider. Lily's voice seemed too strident to be borne. He rested his cheek on the rug and closed his eyes, trying to summon concern about Daniel. But it seemed his head was too cloudy for his thoughts to make contact with one another. On one side of his mind was the troubling fact that Daniel was missing, on the other, his own potential concern. However much he tried to concentrate, Owen could not make the two thoughts meet. Lying on his side on the rug, he struggled to take control of his swimming mind, until he thought he felt hands upon him and had to open his eyes. Peverel Othman was kneeling beside him, Lily standing just behind, an expression of thoughtful uncertainty on her face. Owen knew then that he was in the presence of a partnership. Lily had stepped back from him, into Othman's control.

Owen.' Othman stroked his face, rubbed his arm. Don't fight me. Lily hasn't. Lily knows me now. Lily trusts me.'

Owen rolled onto his back. The ceiling seemed very far away, coruscating with flickering spots of light. His limbs felt unnaturally long, his eyes were fire. He realised then that Othman was not stroking his face or his body, but his aura. The long pale hands hovered a couple of inches above Owen's face and arms.

Is Daniel safe?' Owen asked, although there was no true feeling behind the question. It was just something to say.

Yes,' Othman answered. He is already safe, and very soon, you and he will fulfil a special purpose.'

Owen tried to drag his burning eyes towards Othman's steady, viper gaze. What purpose?'

An ending to what you have always done at the High Place, Owen. The energy of your communion with Daniel will awaken the power of the Murkasters, which will then belong to you and your sister. You must trust me.'

Owen smiled, although his eyes were dull. Can I give Daniel longevity?'

Othman nodded. Of course. Whatever you wish.' His hands descended through the nimbus of Owen's aura and touched his skin. Tonight, I will instruct you. It will be the first lesson of many.' He kneeled upright, and glanced at Lily. Prepare your brother for me. I must meditate for a short while.'

Lily's fingers were pressed against her mouth, her eyes wide. Prepare him?'

Take him upstairs and bathe him. Put him to bed.'

Lily knew these words for a command, not a request.

Owen lay on his back in his bed. Around him, the yellow lamplight looked dim and cold. His mind drifted in a luxurious haze. He could not remember how he had got there, or the fact that Lily had bathed and undressed him. All that existed was a faint sense of impatience.

Othman came to fill the dark s.p.a.ce at the doorway, his eyes lit by blue sparks that seemed to shine from somewhere deep within him, perhaps through centuries of time. Weakly, Owen raised his head, but could summon no feelings within him of surprise, dread or welcome. Instead, he experienced a sense of contraction, as if an unknown power within himself was coming sharply into focus, to be directed against a single objective. He had no idea what that might be.

Othman slipped into the room like a shadow. He gestured with one slender hand, a summoning. Rise, Owen.'

Owen sat upright, and the sheet fell away from him. He became aware of the air being chill against his skin, his breath steaming.

Come to me,' Othman said.

Unable to resist, Owen swung his legs over the side of the bed and walked towards the shadowy shape at its end. The floor was icy cold, burning into the soles of his feet. He had to tear his toes away from the bare wood with each step.

Othman reached out with the fingers of one hand and touched Owen's cheek. You are so angry,' he said. His breath came as a billowing steam, creating a screen of mist between them.

No, I'm not,' Owen replied. He frowned. It was the truth. He felt nothing.

But you are,' Othman insisted in a soft voice. I can see it and smell it. You abhor me.'

Owen shook his head, perplexed. No...'

Othman also shook his head, and his hair threshed about his shoulders as if he were floating underwater. He undid the belt of his dressing gown, and it slipped from his body. Look upon the agent of your displeasure.' He indicated himself. This flesh which has destroyed the harmony of your life. How you must detest it!'

Owen tried to take a step backwards, but found he was unable to move. I don't detest you... It's... It's...'

It's what?' Othman snapped. The fact that you feel you have no power any more, that you are a victim? The fact that Lily is no longer your faithful companion, but my lover? The fact that Daniel gave himself to me today?'

No!' Owen pressed his fingers against his eyes. That's not true.'

Yes, it is. There is nothing of yours I have not touched and possessed. Soon, I shall even possess your body as I have taken those whom you love. You have no power to resist me.'

Owen felt as if a swirling cloud of red mist was forming around him, spinning ever faster. He wanted to break it down, deny it, but its spiralling tendrils held him in their grip and he could not dispel them. Daniel's not in Little Moor. You said so... Those people have him...'

Othman laughed. I lied. Daniel has betrayed you, Owen. He laughed about you, as Lily did. Both of them prefer my attention to yours. You are weak, unskilled, a fumbling, hopeless lover. Give yourself to me now. Let me teach you.'

No!' Owen could actually see the cone of spinning red light now. It separated Othman and himself from reality, enclosed them in a constricting s.p.a.ce of hatred and deceit. Othman's skin and hair were glowing. He looked supremely beautiful, full of self-love. Owen felt a spurt of anger rise up within him like a fountain of hot blood. He wanted to smash that perfect face, claw away its smile, break the flawless limbs, burn away the genitals.

Othman laughed. Come on then, boy!' He gestured with his hands. Think you can best me? Come and try!' He laughed again, the essential heart of mockery.

You're evil!' Owen cried. He tried to lunge forward, but an invisible barrier held him back.

Sometimes,' Othman admitted. I can be, but I am also the soul of love, and that is what fires you with envy. You can never be to Lily and Daniel what I am. You are like a ghost, with no substance, just a persistent whine and clumsy paws that never make contact. I despise you!'

As Othman spat out the final words, Owen experienced a feeling of shattering, as if he'd fallen through a sheet of ice. Suddenly he had hurled himself forward and before he could gather his thoughts, found he had grabbed Othman round the neck. He could feel Othman's laughter vibrating in his throat. The man clearly had no fear. I can kill him, Owen thought. If I believe it, I can kill him!

Othman's arms snaked around his body, and he suddenly went limp in Owen's hands. A thrill of conquest shivered through Owen's limbs. He shook Othman's neck between his hands and Othman's hair fell over his arms like a sheaf of unravelled silk. I am strong, Owen thought and bore Othman to the floor. Othman was moving feebly now, as if life was draining from him. Owen pressed harder, and then Lily's face was before his eyes. It was Lily whom he was strangling. With a yelp, Owen released Othman and jumped up. Looking down, he could see Lily naked upon the icy floor, holding out her arms to him. My beloved, he tricked us! Don't kill me! Love me!'

Owen was stunned. For a moment, he turned away, unsure of whether to believe what he saw at his feet. Then Lily's voice came to him, pleading. O, he seeks to destroy us. We must combine in love to defeat him!'

Owen looked back. It was definitely Lily lying there, rubbing at her neck with one hand, the other reaching out to him, the fingers clenching and unclenching.

Oh Lily!' He gathered her up in his arms, buried his face against her neck. He felt her reach out for his c.o.c.k, grip it in her hand. He moaned and pulled her against him.

Then the laughter came, and Owen realised it was Othman in his arms, Othman's hard fingers painfully gripping him between the legs. With a howl, Owen pulled away, hit out at the hand that held him.

Othman let go and licked his fingers lasciviously. You taste sweet!' he hissed. Still the red cone of light spun around them, growing in intensity as Owen's fury rose within him.

He hurled himself against Othman once more, pushing the man's head back against the floor with a satisfying crack. His fists made contact with yielding flesh, beneath the ribs, in the stomach, between the legs. Othman had no time to retaliate. His breath came out in grunts with each strike. Owen began to weep, every blow becoming harder. The red haze around them was b.l.o.o.d.y, and blood ran across the floor. Owen felt something heavy pressing against his spine, gripping his shoulders, pushing itself into him. It was like the expression of his hatred formed into a demon which wanted to possess his mind and his flesh. He felt its limbs ease down inside his own limbs, its phallus rear up inside his c.o.c.k, hard and fierce. Othman's face suddenly loomed before him, like a transparent three dimensional image.

You only want men. You are afraid of women!'

Owen let out a furious cry of rage. Then let me be what you say! Isn't it what you want?' The words seemed not to be his own. He was only a channel for them. His mind was spinning, spinning, matching the rhythm of the cone of light. It was the demon who directed his flesh. He was becoming smaller and smaller, condensing down until his consciousness occupied only the farthest corner of his mind. And the demon, his beast self, plundered Othman's body, its clawed fingers ripping skin and tearing hair. A rapid succession of images flashed before Owen's eyes. He was raping Daniel, abusing Lily, then it was his own mother, Helen, beneath him, moaning in terror and pain. With this final image, the last of Owen's will surrendered and fled. His body e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed and was still and the red cone of light diminished, flowing into Owen's body like smoke.