THE ANOINTED 3: PROPHECIES OF FIRE

THE ANOINTED  3:

PROPHECIES OF FIRE

The Anointed 3: Prophecies of Fire

-Written by-

Dale Ridley

Copyright ©
2015 by True Glory Publications

Published by True Glory Publications

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Author Dale Ridley

This novel is a work of fiction. Any resemblances to actual events, real people, living or dead, organizations, establishments or locales are products of the author’s imagination. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are used fictitiously.

Cover Design:  Michael Horne

Editor:  Artessa La’Shan Michelé

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission from the publisher and writer.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any Web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication, and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Dedication

To my Aunt Rita Cornegray-Ridley,

You may have left this world too soon, but I know you’re up there smiling at me.  Thanks for all you have done for me.

BOOK ONE

CHAPTER ONE

Sept. 1- Sept 17

“Go!” Sam shouted as the door blew inwards.

“Commander, shields are up!” She heard in her ear.

It was a small satisfaction to know that the Pallida Mors had nowhere to run. But, on the downside, that meant that they were coming right to them. Having nowhere to hide was exactly what they wanted. Coming into the apartment knowing that the Pallida Mors were forewarned, they moved quickly to spread out to make themselves less of targets.

Two fully transformed Pallida Mors came howling out of the next room. Their eyes were blazing with fury and murder. Silver two-inch-long sharp objects flew from their weapons to embed themselves in the werewolves. They were not bullets, (silver bullets only served to slow them down) but needle tipped darts that held enough sleep agent to render the seven foot monsters into a sleep induced coma in three point six seconds.

The weapons they held could be switched to settings, regular, blast ammo, and needle darts. It was the most effective way when dealing with the dangerous animals. The beasts took a couple of steps, ignoring the needles that stuck out their hairy fur, before collapsing to their knees. Shaking their massive heads, they tried to fight the drug.

It would be a wasted effort. Soon, both of them were stretched out on the floor, tongues hanging from their twisted mouths. Suddenly, the sound of breaking glass came from the back room. The third one must have been waiting for their screams. The lack of them probably alerted it that something was wrong. Racing into the room with their weapons ready, Sam saw a jagged hole of broken glass in the lone window of the room.

She went over quickly and stuck her head out the opening. Dust and tiny bits of rock rained down on her, which caused her to look up to see the Pallida Mors scaling the wall. Its sharp claws digging into the bricks like they were clay.

“We got a runner in the direction of the roof. Ground level unit, keep your eyes open. It could very well back track and head your way. I want you to keep the beast in the grid of the building.

“Moving to intercept,” Kimiko said in her ear, probably already on her way out of the apartment and heading to the roof.

“Don’t bother, it just jumped to the next rooftop and vanished. The thing is moving like a train,” spoke one of the ground units.

“What the hell happened to the shields? The Pallida Mors were supposed to be boxed in,” asked Sam furiously.

“Sorry command, the portable shields didn’t bridge off and close off the top of the building.”

“This should’ve been corrected!”

Silence greeted her anger.

“It can’t be help now. Just keep your eyes open, just in case.”

Returning to the first room that the two Pallida Mors laid in, she motioned to the two men that were by the door. “Cut off their heads and put their bodies in a sack, we have to take every piece with us until we can properly burn them.”

She turned away, just as the men pulled out long sharp knives from their belts and got to work. Sam wasn’t content on what she had been able to kill. One had escape.

“Base, this is command. Call headquarters for our next assignment.”

She walked out the apartment through the pieces of the ruined door and never looked back once.

              CHAPTER TWO

The soft sounds of music and laughter could be heard coming from the grounds of the huge estate. The red-vested valet appeared almost instantly at the raised doors of the green Lamborghini Gallardo and offered a hand to the lady who stepped out to the damp ground in a skintight sky blue evening gown that flowed around her heel strapped ankles, like it was being lightly kissed by the faint breeze that made the smell of the fresh rain earthy and refreshing.

Her hair was entwined into a neat French bun with loose strings of hair that flowed down both sides of her face. It gave her a seductive look that made her pale skin look enticing. Cornelius stepped from the driver’s side, came around the car, and took her hand from the valet. He wore a black tuxedo that had been tailor-made to fit his body.

His own presence of rugged handsomeness seemed to compliment his wife’s pale beauty. Their steps were graceful as they made their way up the white stone steps of the home. The house itself wasn’t big enough to be called a mansion and not really small enough to be a regular large home. It was somewhere in between. They followed the sounds of clinking glasses and the hum of the music that mixed well with the conversation. Entering the home, they both gave their coats to a smiling maid, who gave them back a numbered ticket.

“Well! If it isn’t Cornelius and his lovely wife.” A voice cut through the music.

“How good to see you finally mingle with us common folk!” continued a short round man with receding salt and pepper hair. He was dressed in a tailor made suit minus the outer jacket.

“Oh, so you been gone for months and now you forget an old friend?” the man asked, seeing the momentary blank look on Cornelius’s face.

“My memory is in fair order, Mr. Congressman. I don’t think I even got the chance to thank you for the opportunity a few months back,” Cornelius replied, already tired of the mindless conversation.

“Yeah, well don’t thank me, Congressman Long Well’s murder was a peculiar nasty situation that could of blown up in our faces. We were relieved when the whispers of conspiracies had passed. On election year, I seen lesser things derail. One hopes for re-election. But enough talk of work, for now,” he said, cutting lustful eyes on the low cut cleavage that nicely outlined Cathy’s full creamy breast.

This amused Cornelius. It was like watching a male black widow sizing up a female, without knowing the true consequences.

“I seem to remember a promise to take you both to dinner. But no one can get ahold of you these days. You must be terribly busy. The offer still stands, it’s an open invitation,” he continued, still staring openly at Cathy.

“I would be very careful of such open invitations, Congressman. Venus fly traps are known to liquefy their prey on similar invitations.”

The Congressman who had been tracing the top of Cathy’s breast with his eyes, jerked and looked at Cornelius in confusion. It looked like a bucket of ice cold water had been thrown into his champagne flushed face.

“Um…yes Cornelius, very well said,” stated a woman that stood behind the Congressman, listening to the exchange with a thin line of disapproval on the lips of her pretty face.

She had come up so silently that one knew she was even there. Turning, the Congressman smiled and turned on the charm that had won him voters in his home state.

“Tracy! I told you about sneaking up on folks. Meet Cornelius and his lovely wife.”

Tracy’s frown deepened. By the look on her face, she knew just how lovely her husband thought of Cornelius’ wife.

“Charmed,” she replied with the air of a queen, while holding her hand out to Cornelius. He bent slightly, bringing her hands to his lips without taking his dark eyes from her icy blue ones.

“No beautiful lady, the pleasure is all mine.”

His touch left a small shiver of lust that tingled on her skin as he let it go. Returning his attention to the Congressman, he gave off a social smile.

“Samuel, if you could be so kind as to keep my wife here company while I speak with our gracious host, I would be thankful. Cathy hates being alone at these things, which you, yourself, can understand.”

Cornelius laughed inwardly as the Congressman’s eyes were one again drawn to his wife’s breast.

“No problem, my friend, I was like that myself when I first came to Washington and had to go to these things myself. Tracy and I could introduce her to all the important people.”

Tracy however made a rude sound in her throat as she glared daggers, first at her husband, then at Cathy. Cornelius leaned over to whisper into his wife’s ear.

“Be good, my wife. I don’t want to clean up any unnecessary messes here tonight.”

His wife put her most innocent look on her face and batted her long eye lashes. “My husband, whatever gave you that idea?” she asked, running her tongue over her full red painted lips.

Cornelius found Anais in the mist of important people from around Washington. He oozed charm and grace he was widely known for. He was at the point of telling them why the evening fundraiser was a benefit for all involved, as they strived to get their man elected to the House of Representatives. When he felt Anais’ attention shift to him, he felt the shadowy three headed dragon heat up and move on his chest as a powerful probe touch his mind. It shocked him for a moment. The power was like a crushing force that he was directly in the path of. The only way to describe it was saying that it was like standing in the mist of a tsunami.

We need to talk my lord. It is important
. He sent telepathically.

Anais did not answer and Cornelius felt the mental connection break. Anais turned to the crowd of supporters surrounding him, he was in his element.

“If you ladies and gentlemen will excuse me for moment, I have an important matter to attend to. But think on what I said about endorsing and supporting a winning candidate.”

He excused himself with a few handshakes before coming over to slap Cornelius on his shoulder, like an old friend. His deathly pale servant appeared almost silently to their right.

“I think we will find my study a much more suiting place to have a conversation,” Anais said in a calm voice.

Edward was silent, as usual, as he led them to the closed double doors of the study. Cornelius noticed that the two holes from his first visit had been repaired. The noise of the music and laughter faded somewhat as they entered.

“Edward, do not let anyone near this door without alerting me.”

The servant nodded and positioned himself in the hall in front of the double doors. They closed on their own accord. Anais walked over and poured two glasses of fine golden Brandy that sat on a low desk behind his main one. He held out one of the crystal glasses to him, and he took it with a sip and a nod of appreciation. He usually never offered a drink to anyone.

“Now,” he said, taking his own sip from his glass. “What are these important matters you wanted to discuss, on a night where our plans are being maneuvered into place?” His voice took on a certain harshness as Cornelius bowed his head in submission.

“I apologize my lord,” he said, quickly feeling the shadow dragon on his chest burn and pulsate with Anais’ anger. “But I knew that you wanted to know when our enemies have launched a counterattack.”

Anais raised an eyebrow in interest.

So
, thought Cornelius.
They don’t know everything.
At least, not yet.
Interesting.
He made sure to keep these thoughts shielded from Anais.

“In the past eleven days, fifteen of our mercenaries and nine Pallida Mors have been killed across Europe and the United States. We have had one or two escape the ambushes and bring word of the attacks.”

Feeling another presence suddenly in the room, Cornelius spun around like a coiled snake hissing a warning. The shadowy figure did not move or show any worry in Cornelius’ reaction, as he radiated a clock of darkness that hid his features. It was like one couldn’t fully focus on his face. The glass fell to the carpet and rolled unforgotten.

“Anais! This may be an assassin!” he yelled, his eyes burning with the fires of power. “Who sent you?!” he asked, edging closer.

“It would do you well to calm yourself Cornelius,” Anais said in amusement. “You stand in the presence of our omnipotent.”

Cornelius blinked in confusion. Now that Anais had spoken, he did sense the same dark power in the stranger. And it was stronger than his own. Did he hear Anais right? Their almighty? Anger started a slow burn through his veins. The anger made his crimson eyes glow hot. The omnipotent stood as still as a statue, but Cornelius could sense the smile through the clock of darkness.

“Cornelius, our omnipotent could close his fist and your body would be broken in half. Obey him, as you do us. My brother has decided to place him above you for reasons of his own.”

“But you promised me!” Cornelius choked out.

“But you promised me!” Anais mimicked in a sarcastic baby’s voice.  “I promised you nothing!” he sneered. “I put you in command of our armies. But overall, our omnipotent word is law, as if we have spoken.”

Cornelius fought hard to bring himself under control. He could see his unquestioned authority slipping away. He fought for discipline as his own dark power built, like a storm waiting to be unleashed.

“Continue your report,” Anais said in a low threatening voice.

Cornelius checked himself and swallowed hard. He had nearly destroyed himself with his reactions.

“The men that were brought back to life have become a problem. They attacked two of my men and if it wasn’t for me intervening, they might have been killed. I see no reason for them to be kept alive. With your permission, I would like to make their death permanent.”

“No. leave them alone. We see them being of use in the future. Handle them personally and see that they are kept some place where they can’t cause trouble. Throw them live flesh every once in a while, to make sure that they are fed.”

“As you wish. What do you want to do about the attacks?”

“Alert all Pallida Mors that the enemy is hunting them and set traps of your own.”

He looked at Cornelius curiously. “Has your side of Pallida Mors remain unaffected?”

“I assume that our enemy doesn’t know yet that Pallida Mors has two halves.”

“Only fools assume,” barked the hard voice of the omnipotent.

“They know. How could they fight and keep tabs on something for eons and not know what they’re up against? Assuming is the reason our lord’s brother has yet to take this world.”

Cornelius snorted his disgust. “Yes, maybe you’re right,” he replied with smugness.

“No. I know I am right, you fool! If you keep doubting my power or position, then perhaps you would like to take both.”

“Don’t tempt me!” hissed Cornelius.

Raw pain exploded in Cornelius’ body. Every bone, every joint, felt on the verge of cracking open. He could hear his own choking screams as he fell to his knees. The pain was unlike anything he could ever imagine. The pressure and pain suddenly vanished, leaving him sucking in deep gulps of air. When he was able to move again, he raised his eyes to the dark face. His eyes burnt with the passion of murder as he bowed his head in reluctant respect.

“I obey omnipotent. Please forgive me.”

The dark laughter echoed through the room. “Yes, I see that I have to make you obey, Cornelius. But I also see that you would like to rip my throat out if you could.” He laughed again. “I expect nothing less of the great lord’s general. Rise and continue your duty.”

Cornelius said nothing as he got to his feet. Anais, who was silent throughout the exchange, looked to be amused at the situation.

“There will be respect and order among the ranks. But we do encourage strong contention between each other. What better way to keep the leaders sharp and on their toes?” Anais asked, pouring more Brandy for himself.

“There is one more thing I must ask, my lord. Do we have to worry about an attack at the underground chamber where we held the meeting the other night?

“From what you told me, our enemies could detect and locate people that have been infected with your brother’s essence. And I’m wondering should we abandon the place altogether and put the men guarding it on better assignments.”

“The underground chamber is safe. Do you believe me so careless that I would lead our enemies’ right to us?”

“No…no Anais. I was just being thorough.”

Anais smiled at the words.

“That you are, Cornelius. The black ruby amulet that was placed round Raul’s neck was an old relic we created centuries ago to block the strong pulses that my brother’s essence gives off.”

“I knew from the beginning that the bearer of my last piece would meddle in our affairs, so we designed something to block his senses.”

“With all due respect my lord, I would like to know why I wasn’t given this amulet from the beginning to help mask our missions.”

“With all due respect? Now you start to show the proper respect, Cornelius? I must say, it’s not very becoming of you, my son.”

Anais laughed once more.

“I gave you the necessary means to accomplish your task without it. Why would we let such a stratagem as the Black crest to fall into the hands of our enemies?”