The Grigori: Stalking Tender Prey Part 43

Othman rolled Owen off him and stood up. His body was unmarked by bruises or scratch marks. Easier to strengthen his body against the predations of the boy than against the cat-creature at Low Mede. Tentatively, he nudged Owen with his foot. Mine now,' he said aloud, then laughed softly. All mine.'

Chapter Thirty-Two.

Thursday October 29th: Little Moor In the morning, Lily met Othman coming out of Owen's bedroom. She sensed his vitality, and half-dreaded that if she went in to look upon Owen, he would be nothing more than a shrivelled husk. Othman smiled at her. You look like you've seen a ghost, my Lily.'

Is he all right?' she couldn't help asking.

Othman's smile widened. Of course. What are you thinking of? Go and see for yourself.'

Lily went into the bedroom, with Othman following. Owen lay on his back in the bed, apparently asleep. His arms were straight by his sides above the duvet, his legs straight.

Othman touched her shoulder. Don't wake him,' he said. He will sleep for today. Tomorrow night, he will fulfil a momentous function and he must be prepared for it.'

You're going to use him and Daniel to wake the flame completely, aren't you?' Lily said. There was bitterness in her voice. Aren't I good enough?'

Othman turned her round and propelled her back towards the door. Lily, don't be absurd! You have no idea how important you are, or how powerful. But we all have our roles to perform. You could do the job, yes, but it would be selfish to deny Owen his part.'

I suppose so,' Lily said weakly.

Someone knocked on the kitchen door.

Answer it,' Othman told her. It will be Emma.'

Reluctantly, Lily obeyed him and went downstairs to let Emma in. Ray Perks was with her. Leave him in the garden,' Lily said, and Emma spoke a few abrupt words over her shoulder. With a dour glance at Lily, Perks shambled over to the lawn and sat down.

Emma smiled brightly and came into the kitchen. What another lovely day!'

Lily pulled a sour face. To her, the day felt less than lovely. A distant but nagging depression hovered menacingly in the corners of her mind.

Othman appeared at the bottom of the stairs. Emma, I want all the old Grigori dependants to be at The White House tomorrow evening. Can I trust you to arrange that?'

Emma nodded. Yes. Will you replenish any of them then?'

I hope to. You must all wait for me there. A ritual will be enacted at the High Place to awaken the power of the flame. When this is done, I will come to you.' He smiled. We shall then set about rebuilding the Murkaster stronghold.'

Emma's expression had become slightly tense. What about outsiders? No doubt some of them will be there.'

Othman shrugged. They will be taken care of. Don't worry. Now, Lily, may I use the phone?'

Othman rang Barbara Eager at The White House and gave her terse instructions concerning the barbecue on Friday night. Lily could not hear Barbara's responses, but could imagine her bewilderment at Othman's tone. Still, that was not her worry now. Othman had told her that Barbara was nothing, a tool.

Outside, in the garden, Raven still lay concealed. He could sense them now, gathering force, coming nearer. They had the faces of men, but the bodies of bulls. Their feet were the claws of lions, and they were winged like sphinxes. Raven could feel their inexorable march, their fiery purpose. Soon, they would be here.

The heat beat down, squeezed the air, dried the fruits rotting upon the trees. The corn fields, shorn, were bleached by the sun, and crackled beneath its glare. The sun was an eye of fire in a white sky. Ghosts walked in daylight, and there were flashes across the fields, as if hot rays of light licked fragments of broken gla.s.s. On the hills around Little Moor, vague shadowy shapes took their positions and waited. They furled their wings around them, and hid themselves from all but the most acute perceptions.

Othman waited until the afternoon before venturing over to Low Mede.

He walked into the house without ringing the doorbell, or waiting to be admitted. He found Louis in his study, drinking whisky. Othman looked for signs that might suggest Louis was weakening, such as an old photograph alb.u.m open on the desk, or an evocative song being played on the hi-fi system, but Louis seemed composed, if drunk, and there was no light of sentiment in his eyes.

Are you ready?' Othman asked him.

Louis nodded. For whatever it is I have to do.'

Good. Where is Daniel?'

Louis got up from his chair. He had a tendency to pause before standing erect, a legacy of his banished pain. In the cellar. I thought it best to keep him and Verity there.'

When Othman came down the cellar stairs, Verity cried out and shielded her brother with her body. She recalled Othman asking her questions about Daniel only a few nights before, although she could remember the conversation only dimly now.

Othman was annoyed that Daniel had been injured. He made no remarks about it to Louis, who after all had simply been following orders, but privately deplored the boy's condition. More precious energy would have to be expended patching him up, as Daniel would be useless for his purpose in this state. Othman's nostrils flared at the stench in the cellar. Perhaps he should have come sooner. Verity cringed as he reached down to stroke her hair.

Hush, child. Give Daniel to me.'

Verity whimpered and curled herself more tightly around Daniel. No! You fiend!'

Othman laughed. Quite.' Daniel appeared to be unconscious, his aura was weak and pale. Come now, Verity, don't be foolish. I've come to make Daniel better.'

Verity's face, when she raised it, was red and streaked with tears. She looked feverish. Like you made my father better? No! Leave us! Raven will come! Raven will help us.'

Othman straightened up, and directed a questioning glance at Louis. Raven?'

Her cat,' Louis replied. I shot it after it attacked you.'

Oh, of course,' Othman said, as if being reminded of some trivial event. He's dead, Verity. Your cat won't save you.'

Verity let out a wail. I don't believe you! He isn't dead! He's not just a cat. He has power! More power than you!'

Othman ignored her remarks and turned again to Louis. The beast was probably some sc.r.a.p of a Murkaster creation still remaining in the vicinity. I should have been more alert for such things. Still, it's been destroyed now.' He gently touched Raven's scratch marks on his face, which had faded considerably since the previous day. Looking at Verity now, he could see that she had allowed the creature to attach itself to her. There were remnants of its influence hanging around her still. It had possessed her, he could tell. Stupid girl. She'd had no idea what she'd been dealing with. He sneered at Verity. You welcomed an incubus into your bed, yet you shun me. You're pathetic.' He gestured at Louis. Bring the boy.'

Verity attempted to prevent Louis from wresting Daniel's lolling body from her arms, but Louis was strong now. He hit her in the face with his fist and she fell back onto the car blanket, where she uttered no further sound. Louis lifted Daniel in his arms. Where are we taking him?'

St Shem's. Can you drive? I don't want us to be seen by any newcomers to this village, or indeed any casual observers at the Winter cottage.'

Louis nodded. The car's in the garage. There's a door through to it from the laundry.'

Good.' Before they left the cellar, Othman paused to look down upon Verity. She was moving feebly upon the old blanket. You may release her on Sat.u.r.day,' he said to Louis and then directed a lambent stare at him. Love her, Louis, make her well. You must love your children.'

Othman sat with Daniel on his lap in the back of the car as Louis drove his old Daimler up to St Shem's. Daniel was semiconscious, and occasionally made a whimpering sound. Othman stroked his hair, which was spiky with blood. I want you to remain with Daniel until tomorrow night,' he told Louis.

Louis glanced over his shoulder. At the church?' He sounded surprised.

Yes. He has to be prepared for an important ceremony which will take place on Friday night. He must be bathed and anointed.'

Louis made a disparaging sound. The church is virtually derelict,' he said. How can I bathe him there? How will I cook food?'

Daniel will be fasting,' Othman said. As for the rest, you will be surprised how many facilities St Shem's has hidden away. Barbara can bring you food.'

Louis stopped the car at the lych gate. Othman stepped out when Louis opened one of the rear doors for him. He sniffed the air and looked around to see if anyone could witness what they were doing. When he was satisfied there were no prying eyes, he signalled for Louis to lift Daniel from the back of the car. Louis followed Othman up through the forlorn graveyard. Othman stopped at the main doors.

It's all locked up,' Louis said. You'll have to break in.'

Othman turned and grinned at Louis. He flexed his fingers together and cracked the knuckles. You think so? As it happens, I partook of a very fine meal last night which filled me with energy and strength. Watch this.' He made an abrupt, flicking gesture with his hands at the door. There was a shock, as if something had invisibly exploded, and a strange, sour taste in the air. The door to the church stood open. There was no smoke, no sign of Othman's power, other than the simple truth of the open door. You see?' Othman said. No problem.'

Louis had the wits to looked disturbed. He shifted the weight of his son in his arms. Let's go in, then.'

Once inside, Louis began to ask awkward questions concerning why Othman had chosen this particular site, and what the ceremony tomorrow night involved. Othman was forced to seal Louis' lips with a few puissant words, to quell his curiosity. It was not desirable to explain things to Louis. Like Barbara, he was merely a tool, and in Othman's consideration, deserved no explanation.

Othman directed Louis to lay Daniel out on the floor before the altar, while he made an inspection of the building. I will bring you life once more,' Othman told the brooding stones. Be patient.'

In the vestry, he located the entrance to the underground chambers he'd expected to find, hidden beneath a threadbare carpet. After discovering the main power switch to the building, Othman descended the stone steps that led under the vestry. Fortunately, the electric lights still worked, although some of the bulbs had blown.

He emerged into a round, domed antechamber where once the ceremonial robes would have hung, and all the sacred artefacts would have been stored. Now, it was empty, but for a faint lingering reek of ancient incense. Doors led off the chamber, and behind one of them, Othman located the ritual bathing area. The waters had been drained from the pool sunk into the ground, but after a brief investigation, he found the stop taps and water began to splutter out from the faucets around the rim of the pool. He would have to leave the water heating for a while, and certain items needed to be brought up to the church, such as towels, ointments, incense and candles. Lily and Emma would have to prepare the unguents and incense.

Back in the church, Louis was standing over Daniel, looking paranoid. When Othman emerged from the vestry, Louis jumped at the sound of his voice. There is nothing to be afraid of, I a.s.sure you.'

Louis stuck his hands in his trouser pockets. It's an eerie old place.'

Othman shrugged. If you say so. Sit down.'

Louis obeyed.

If it will make you feel any better, I shall invoke some protection for you. After all, we don't want anyone poking their noses in, do we?'

Louis shook his head.

Othman put his hands upon the wall and bowed his head. He visualised a glowing cloak of protection around the building, so that should anyone have the intention of approaching it, they would turn away, walk past, not even think of opening the lych gate. As he did this, Othman was surprised himself at how powerful he felt. Over the past couple of days he'd felt drained, weak. Now, it was as if some inner source was filling him with energy. He was still aware of the void deep within his mind, but he had lived with that for as long as he could remember. Was it possible that what he'd do in this place would close up that void for ever? He needed to believe it.

Now, I must go,' he said. Do not leave the building. I shall be as quick as I can.'

Will you send Barbara up here?' Louis' request was hopeful.

Othman felt a twinge of sympathy. I shall call her from the Winters' cottage. But if she comes here, you must not be too intimate with her. I don't want any stray s.e.xual energy thrumming around. Do you understand?'

Louis nodded.

Good. Give me your car keys.'

Louis rummaged in his pocket and handed them over.

I shall be back before nightfall,' Othman said.

As he drove back down to the village, he considered for a few brief moments that he could now drive off anywhere, free himself from whatever he'd taken on by coming to this place. What is holding me here? he wondered. It was of no consequence to him, really, whether the power of the Murkaster flame was reactivated or not. He had seen many flames in his life, pa.s.sed through them unscathed. Closed gateways, every one. Many times, he had attempted to call upon powers, which he directed to open the gate', although he had no idea of what would happen should any of his instincts become reality. He could not think about it, only act. Trying to a.n.a.lyse himself, or his motives, simply caused his head to fill with white noise that prevented thought.

The car purred up to the Winters' cottage, and Othman parked it behind Owen's vehicle on the driveway. The Perks boy was still sitting on the lawn, a grudging sentinel. Othman ignored him and went into the house, where Emma and Lily were drinking tea. Emma's hand was placed over Lily's. Clearly, some comforting had been going on.

Do you have any materials with which to make incense?' Othman asked Emma. Something simple to purify, frankincense, sandalwood and myrrh.'

Emma smiled. Do you think I ever neglected my worship? I still have a few ingredients back at my daughter's house.'

Good. Go and fetch them. Also, some animal fat, and any candles you might have.'

Emma stood up. This sounds urgent.'

Othman said nothing until she had left the house. Then he asked Lily, Has Owen stirred?'

She shook her head. No, he's still sleeping.' Her brow was creased into a frown that looked as if it had been there all day. I'm worried about him, Pev. How can he sleep this long?'

You have nothing to worry about,' Othman said. He sat down opposite her at the table, reached for her hands. Poor Lily. Be at rest.' With one hand, he stroked her brow and the frown faded.

Tears came to her eyes. She took Othman's hand and kissed it. I love you,' she said.

Emma returned in twenty minutes with a bagful of ingredients, and Lily's kitchen became a workshop for incense making. Othman called Barbara Eager and told her to take some food and a flask of coffee up to Louis at the church, then went into the parlour to watch TV, while Emma directed operations.

What is this all for?' Lily whispered.

His ritual,' Emma answered. He seems to want everything to be just right.'

Emma pounded some of the incense mixture into a fine powder, which she blended with animal fat. When this was done, Othman appeared from the parlour and gave her some of his haoma mix to add to the ointment. Emma had collected nearly two dozen candles of a.s.sorted colours, while Lily found a couple of boxes of plain white candles under the sink for use during power cuts. All her good candles were half used. We shall need more,' Othman told Emma. But you'll have to get some tomorrow now.'

The candles, incense and ointment were packed carefully into a carrier bag by Emma, along with a couple of Lily's rather scratchy towels. Before he left them, Othman kissed each woman. Keep a vigil over Owen tonight,' he said.

Will you be back?' Lily asked him.

Later. Perhaps.'

The light was fading from the land by the time Othman parked the Daimler outside St Shem's. This was the time of power; he could feel it vibrating in the air around him. The soul of the boy burned with a white luminance within the church. Soon, it would blaze like a beacon fire.

Othman dismissed Barbara Eager as soon as he entered the building. She was sitting with Louis on one of the pews, holding his hands. Othman was satisfied to note that Louis pulled his hands away from her and directed his full attention upon Othman as soon as he made an appearance.

Once Barbara had gone, they lifted Daniel and carried him down to the bathing room, Louis wincing at the shadows. Othman lit candles around the pool and extinguished the electric light. Now the room became magical, the patterns of the moving waters rippling across the walls. Othman disrobed Daniel with his own hands, his fingers lingering at the places where the skin was broken and bruised. Then he lifted the boy in his arms. Daniel moaned and moved his limbs slowly as Othman waded into the pool. He lowered Daniel tenderly into the water, which was not yet quite at the temperature of living blood. A memory surfaced in Othman's mind: the ritual bath, the eyes of a boy, trusting, the scent of earth, the sensing of the weight of mountains pressing down from above. As if this memory was the first gate to many, he became aware of a parade of images, waiting to reveal themselves to his inner eye. His first instinct was to push them back, which he did, but not before the face of Taziel Levantine, feral and screaming, reared up before him. Othman closed his eyes. Louis said, What is it?'

Othman shuddered. Nothing. A bad memory.' But now it was painful to touch Daniel's skin. He stood up and came out of the pool, dripping water across the ancient flagstones. You do it,' he said to Louis. Bathe your son.' He went to sit on the wooden bench that circled the wall the of the room. He could hear Louis making small, aggrieved noises as he got his trousers wet in the pool. Othman rested his head against the cool, damp wall, and closed his eyes. Suddenly, he felt weary. He remembered, then, a dream.

It came to him on a wave of scent, the cut corn, the smoke of votive pyres, the sunset red and purple across the wide sky, and the mountains in sharp relief against it. The dwellings. The high dwellings, with their great stones. His house. There was a room, where chaos had walked across the threshold. He saw a boy, his personal seer, cowering in fear and terror, and the coals were spilled from the brazier across the carpets. The boy was calling out in fear, because the elders had sent their Serafim to take his lord, his master, from this place, to another place, where the earth gaped with sores and running wounds of fire. The boy would be left alone, then, with no-one to protect him, perhaps sacrificed as a creature of the sinful. Othman saw the eyes of the boy, heard the voice crying, Master!', but it was too late, far too late, and he knew then that a curse had come from the boy's lips; he had cursed her, cursed her name, her soul, sealed it with his grief.

She.

Her veiled face, the image of an ache behind his heart and eyes. Her beauty, coming from the inside of her, covering her with a glow. Her voice. Give it all to me. Give me knowledge for my mind is hungry. Fill the belly of my mind. And he had done so.

Ishtahar.'