The Bones of Makaidos Read online

  Sapphira raised her hand. “Father Enoch?”

  “Yes, my child.” His tone seemed patient, but his eyes kept glancing at the ceiling. Even though he wasn’t actually in the chamber, somehow he could perceive direction of sound.

  “What about the portal in the museum room? I sense that it’s still there, but when I try to reopen it, I see that the passage is blocked by rocks.”

  “The portal is still there. Apparently, someone has again plugged the hole at the top of Mount Elijah, so the inhabitants of Second Eden must break through in order for us to use it again. I have no way of knowing why they have not done so, because my viewing portal to that world was limited to the ovulum. Even I cannot travel there at this time.”

  Forming her hands into a cradle, Sapphira took the ovulum from Dallas. Enoch’s projection drifted with the egg’s movements. “Maybe we should try to get this to Second Eden. It would be more useful in their hands than in mine.”

  Another rumble sounded, louder this time, followed by a stronger tremor. Bonnie and Gabriel flapped their wings to steady themselves, while Enoch stood upright, unaffected.

  When everything settled, Enoch scanned the chamber’s inhabitants. “I heard the quake, and by your reactions, I assume the tremor was powerful.”

  “Yes, Prophet,” Gabriel said. “A real shaker.”

  Enoch sat down. As his body hovered just above the stone floor, he stroked his chin. “This is quite unexpected. I have no idea what is causing the seismic disturbances.”

  Sapphira stood next to him, her head only inches higher than his. “Shall I try to go to the surface?”

  “Alone?” Gabriel asked. “Without a weapon?”

  Enoch chuckled. “Sapphira Adi, the Oracle of Fire, is a weapon.”

  Sapphira blushed. “Then shall I go?”

  “No, child. We will await word from Rebekah. Let us rest and have faith.”

  She sat down and crossed her legs. “I have several questions, if you don’t mind.”

  “Then ask.” Enoch glanced again at the ceiling, listening. “My meeting agenda is on hold until we learn what is afoot.”

  Sapphira began counting on her fingers. “When will the Apollo device be finished? Does this mean Bonnie and Shiloh and I don’t have to stay here? And …” Her cheeks flushed a deep cherry red. “Will I get to see Elam soon?”

  Enoch patted her hand, though, again, he made no real contact. “I am a prophet, dear one, but I do not have all the answers. Regarding Apollo, without Ashley there to help, Marilyn has only Larry to guide her, so I cannot guess when it will be finished. I arranged for helpers to come to her aid, but it remains to be seen how much benefit they will be. So, while I evaluate the dangers on the surface, you will stay here, at least until we test Apollo. The purpose of this meeting was to gather all the former dragons in a safe place and inform you of our plans.”

  “That makes sense.” Sapphira bit her lip before continuing. “And what about Elam?”

  “Ah, yes, my old friend, Elam.” Enoch gazed at her, pausing for a moment as a faraway look passed across his eyes. “It is difficult to know how God will bring people together, or if he will at all, so I cannot answer. I hope the two of you will be united at last, but I think divinely arranged marriages are relatively rare.”

  “Like Billy and Bonnie?” Gabriel asked.

  Enoch smiled at Bonnie before shifting to Gabriel. “Merlin’s prophecy seems to indicate an eventual union between two people of similar characteristics, but they are not named. And the poem also does not reveal when, where, or how it will take place.”

  “But isn’t Bonnie closely related to Billy?” Gabriel asked, scratching his head. “Something like second cousins or first cousins once removed? I can never figure that out.”

  Enoch laughed gently. “They are related through their dragon lineage, and God’s laws allow for unions between closer dragon relations than they do for human ones. Billy and Bonnie, however, are quite safely within the limits for both species.” He pointed at Gabriel. “On the other hand, take for example you and Shiloh. Although she is your niece, which would disqualify a union between the two of you in the code for humans, since that relationship is of draconic origin, you could be married.”

  Gabriel’s cheeks turned even redder than Sapphira’s had. “Yeah,” he said, running his shoe along the floor. “I get it.”

  Bonnie sneaked a glance at Shiloh. Her face, too, had flushed, and a barely perceptible smile bent her lips.

  Dallas stood up. “I hear footsteps.”

  Rapid clops sounded from the tunnel. Seconds later, Rebekah burst into the chamber, her lantern swinging. Breathless, she bent over and laid a hand on her chest. “Explosions. … Men with jackhammers … Two with guns.”

  With a beat of his wings, Gabriel glided to her side. “How about Mr. Foley? Is he okay?”

  After taking a deep breath, Rebekah straightened and shook her head. “He’s wounded, as is his wife. Yereq put them in a safe place before he began fighting the invaders.”

  “Did Yereq collapse the entrance tunnel?” Sapphira asked. “That was our plan in case of attack.”

  “He said he was going to, but I left before he could do it.”

  “We gotta get up there,” Gabriel said. “With my wings helping, I can climb that rope in a heartbeat.”

  Sapphira leaped to her feet. “I’ll go. I’m the lightest. Gabriel can use the rope to pull me from the upper level, and I can help with hauling up the others.”

  “Count me in,” Bonnie said, raising her hand.

  As Shiloh and the former dragons chimed in with their calls offering to help, Enoch waved his arms. “Come together! Hurry!” When they gathered around, so close they penetrated his aura, he spoke with a solemn tone. “Do not act in haste. You are the reason the invaders have come. If you pop out of your hole, they will pick you off. Go in stealth, and proceed with caution.”

  “Understood.” Gabriel picked up a lantern. “Follow me!” He exited through the tunnel, the glow of his lantern bobbing with his quick march.

  Sapphira gave the ovulum to Bonnie. “You stay at the back of the line and use this for light.” Carrying a ball of fire in her hand, Sapphira hurried to follow Gabriel. Shiloh went next, then Rebekah and the other former dragons, some carrying lanterns. When the last one filed out, Bonnie looked at Enoch. With only two weak lanterns on the floor, the glow from the prophet’s hologram seemed brighter than ever.

  “I have to catch up,” she said, “but something’s been bothering me.” She touched the side of her waist, as if gripping a belt. “It feels like something’s tied to me, but when I try to grab it, I can’t feel anything. Even when I take off my clothes to bathe in the springs, I think it’s still there.”

  Enoch leaned close. “I cannot try to feel it for you. Have you asked Sapphira?”

  “She can’t feel it or see it. Neither can Shiloh.”

  “Hmmm…” His eyes brightened, as if energized by his drilling stare. “I have an idea about what this might be, and it could be of grave concern, but while I ponder it, you should hurry and join the others.” The hologram faded along with the aura. “I hope to see you again soon.”

  Bonnie picked up one of the lanterns, blew out the other, and rushed into the tunnel. Ahead, light appeared. As it grew brighter and closer, a voice sounded in the distance. “Bonnie, is that you?”

  “Yes, Shiloh.” Flapping her wings to give herself a push, Bonnie scooted toward her. “Thank you for waiting.”

  “No problem.” Shiloh’s eyes sparkled as she winked. “I figured we’d better make like twins before we showed our faces.”

  Bonnie nodded. It was time to get their backpacks on, just in case.

  Chapter 2

  Helpers

  Sliding his sword from its scabbard, Edmund edged close to the door. “Stay hidden, Madam. I will investigate.”

  Marilyn smiled at the noble knight. Dressed in a pair of Jared’s jeans and one of Billy’s West Virginia sweatshi
rts, he seemed out of place with his sword and shield. “Don’t worry, Edmund. The Caitiff wouldn’t ring the doorbell.”

  “Ah! You are right.” Keeping the sword behind his back, he opened the door. “Yes? May I help you?”

  A low “ahem” sounded, then a hesitating voice. “Uh … don’t the Bannisters live here?”

  Marilyn peeked around Edmund. The teenager standing on the porch seemed very familiar. Could it be? Adam Lark?

  “Yes, they live here. I am Edmund, knight of the—”

  “Adam!” Marilyn called, pulling the door fully open. “Come on in!” She patted Edmund on the shoulder. “It’s okay. He’s … a friend.”

  Adam wiped his feet on the welcome mat and stepped inside. Flashing a grin, he nodded at Edmund. “What’s with the sword?”

  “Young man,” Edmund said, bowing, “I am protecting this house while the other men are away.”

  Adam pulled up his T-shirt, revealing a handgun in a waist holster. “My Glock is better than a sword, at least for me. I had to shoot one of those monsters just yesterday.”

  Edmund cradled his sword in his palms. “Yes, my good fellow, but a blade is more effective with these creatures, because—”

  “It’s okay, Edmund,” Marilyn said. “I’m sure you can talk later.”

  “That would be a pleasure.” Edmund bowed and backed out of the way.

  Giving Adam a warm smile, Marilyn closed the door. “What brings you here?”

  Adam pulled an envelope from his back pocket. “This note.” He handed it to her. “Check it out.”

  Marilyn withdrew a folded letter and read the beautiful script out loud.

  Dear Adam,

  As you are well aware, not all is right with our world. While the number of Caitiff has certainly decreased, more and more souls long thought dead are appearing at their former homes, frightening the current residents. Not only that, people claiming to be infamous scoundrels—Hitler and Stalin, to name only two—have surfaced, and DNA tests have proven their claims.

  The situation is dire, Adam, and it is time for you to step up and be the hero God has recently called you to be. Because you are acquainted with the Bannisters and are aware of Billy’s, shall we say, special gift, I am asking you to go to his house and offer your services. Tell Mrs. Bannister that you have considerable skills in electronics and can help her with the Apollo project. Please arrive at five in the afternoon on the date you receive this letter.

  Sincerely,

  Enoch, Prophet of the Most High

  Marilyn refolded the note and slid it back into the envelope. “Well, that’s quite a surprise.”

  “Yeah.” Adam nodded at the letter. “Is it some kind of joke?”

  “It’s not a joke.” Marilyn guided Adam farther inside and lowered her voice. “So you know about Billy’s … uh … gift?”

  Adam shrugged. “I figured it out. When Dr. Whittier kidnapped my father and started preaching about slaying dragons, I kind of put two and two together. I never told anyone and kind of laid low until all the dust settled. But when I got that letter, I decided to go ahead and check it out.”

  “And you have skills in electronics?”

  He nodded. “Ever since my father came home, he’s been teaching me. Dr. Whittier’s a creep, but I think he sobered my dad up. Things’ve been a lot better lately.”

  She laid a hand on his back. “Well, let me show you what we’re doing. We—”

  The doorbell rang.

  “I will get it,” Edmund called.

  This time he opened the door without hesitation. A teenaged girl stood on the porch. Wearing glasses, an old “Pittsburgh” sweatshirt, and a long flowing skirt, she peered inside. “Is this … the Bannister residence?”

  Edmund gave her a half bow. “It is, indeed. Won’t you come in?”

  Shivering in the draft, she extended an envelope to Edmund. “I got this letter, and—”

  Edmund nodded toward Marilyn. “If you please, Miss, give it to the lady of the house, Mrs. Bannister.”

  As Edmund swung the door closed, the girl again extended the envelope, her arm still shaking. “Mrs. Bannister, I think this will explain why I’m here.”

  “A message from Enoch?” Marilyn asked as she took the letter.

  The girl’s eyes grew wide. “How did you know?”

  Marilyn winked at Adam. “It’s happened before.” She opened the enclosed note and again read out loud.

  Dear Carly,

  I write to you with an urgent request. Your dear friend Bonnie Silver is in grave danger, and you might be able to make a difference in the outcome of her trials. At this very moment, she is hiding in a secret place, but forces of great evil stalk her constantly.

  From the moment the two of you met on a bus in first grade, she has entrusted you with many secrets, including her greatest secret, and her recent letters to you have described some of her circumstances, using, of course, the code the two of you developed for such messages.

  I ask you now, Carly, to go to the Bannister home at 1545 Cordelle Road in Castlewood, West Virginia. I am well aware of the dangers of solitary travel for a young lady such as yourself, but the situation is grave, and I am sure you will want to help your dear friend.

  Please tell Mrs. Bannister that you are skilled with computers and can help her with the Apollo project. Be sure to arrive at five in the afternoon on the date after you receive this letter.

  Sincerely,

  Enoch, Prophet of the Most High

  “So, you’re Carly,” Marilyn said.

  “Yes.” Carly offered her hand. “I’m glad to meet you.”

  “Any friend of Bonnie’s is a friend of mine.” Marilyn shook Carly’s hand gently. “How did you get here?”

  “I took the bus from Pittsburgh and transferred in Morgantown. Then I walked from the Castlewood bus station. That’s why I’m a little late. I didn’t know how far it was.”

  “It’s five miles to the bus station!”

  “Yes … I know that now.”

  Marilyn shook her head. “You poor thing. No wonder you’re shivering so.”

  Carly touched her sweatshirt. “I have layers underneath. I thought I’d be warm enough.”

  “Your parents must be worried sick. Would you like to call them?”

  Carly dipped her head low. “Uh … Neither of my parents wanted me, so I live in a group foster home. I often go for long walks, so they might not miss me until dinnertime.”

  “Oh, Carly! And you came by yourself, even with all the Caitiff lurking!” Marilyn took her into her arms and hugged her close. “We’ll have to get in touch with someone at your home, but you’re welcome to stay here as long as you want.”

  “Thank you.” Sniffing, Carly drew back. “I appreciate it.”

  Marilyn set a hand on her hip. “Well, I wonder how many more helpers will be coming.”

  After glancing at a clock on the wall, Edmund peered out a window next to the door. “It is ten past five, and I see no one else.”

  Adam extended his hand toward Carly. “Adam Lark, friend of Billy Bannister. If you know Bonnie, I’m sure you’ve heard of him.”

  “Nice to meet you,” she said, shaking his hand. “And, yes, Bonnie goes on and on about Billy in her letters.”

  “Figures. Everyone knew she and Dragon Breath were crazy about each other.”

  Carly tilted her head. “Dragon Breath?”

  “Never mind. I’d better get used to calling him Billy.”

  Marilyn glanced toward the rear of the house. “Shall I introduce you to Apollo and my project team?”

  “Sure,” Adam said.

  Carly nodded. “Yes, thank you.”

  “And I will patrol the perimeter,” Edmund said, sliding his sword into its scabbard. “If there is trouble, I will sound the usual alarm.”

  Marilyn winced. Edmund meant the trumpet he had found at the Foleys’ home some months back. She gave him an uneasy smile. “A shout will be fine, thank you.”


  Opening the door, Edmund nodded, disappointment clear in his expression. “As you wish, Madam.”

  Marilyn led the new helpers through a hallway and stopped at a closed door near the back of the house. “Just to let you know in advance, you’re about to meet Shelly and Larry. Shelly is our neighbor, and Larry is … well, you’ll see.”

  She swung the door open, releasing a low-pitched hum from the room. Inside, the drone of cooling fans pushed against them like a sonic wall, and the breeze from an air conditioner made Carly push her hands into her sweatshirt’s front pouch.

  Shelly, dressed in dark gray sweats, sat in a swivel desk chair just outside a glass-enclosed chamber, typing at a keyboard while watching a display mounted on the chamber’s exterior. The transparent walls took up most of the rear half of the computer room. The walls made up the housing for a ceiling-high box of metal and plastic—Larry the supercomputer. Covered with notched dials, flashing diodes, and plasma monitors, to Adam and Carly he probably looked like something straight from the Starship Enterprise.

  As the trio walked in, Shelly spun in her chair and stood up. Flashing a nervous smile, she pulled Marilyn’s sleeve, drawing her close as she whispered, “So … why are you letting Adam Lark in on our secret? And who’s the girl?”

  “Take a breath, Shelly. It’s okay.” Spreading out an arm, Marilyn turned in a slow circle. “Adam and Carly, this is Larry’s abode.”

  Carly’s eyes grew wide as she and Adam surveyed the room. Marilyn followed their gazes. From flowcharts on the walls to the monitors on Larry’s panels to flashing lights, animated graphs, and beeping speakers on his control screen, the work area was definitely impressive.

  Marilyn stepped between Adam and Carly and set a hand on each of their shoulders. “Larry, I would like for you to meet Adam Lark and Carly … uh …”

  “Masters,” Carly said.

  A voice, a blend of computerized and normal human speech, sounded from the mounted screen. “Greetings. I have recorded Carly’s voice and will store it for future security use. My database already contains an entry for Adam Lark. Hmmm … Billy’s notes are not exactly flattering.”