Chapter Two: Darkness

Yet when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, then came darkness. ~Job 30:26

“Tell us where they are,”

I tasted blood on my lips.

Footsteps approached. I tried to scream, but the gag ate my words.

Mother entered first. Devin’s sword caught her in the throat, tracing an evil necklace of blood. She fell to the ground, unable to scream.

Loren stood paralyzed with fear. As Devin’s sword split her skull, I could see the question in her eyes. “Chris, you said you’d protect me. Where are you now?”

“He’s healthy now, isn’t he? Why isn’t the blood working?” Devin’s booming voice echoed through the door. I yanked at my chains, trying to break loose. The tense rattle nearly drowned out the reply.

“Light… photoreceptors need light…leave him in the dark…”

I used to love the dark; a mysterious, magical stage for wondrous secrets.

Now it made no difference if my eyes were closed or open. Childhood horrors I thought I had outgrown swarmed around me.  Stale air stank with my own filth.

 

 

 

Light.

Light.

Light.

Beautiful.

I gazed up at the distant bulb, ignoring the purple spots dancing on my vision.

Twice my height off the ground; too far away to reach, even if my wings were free. I stretched my hands upward, trying to scope up the light. A Bible verse echoed in my mind:  You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light.

Lord, I prayed. You are my light. Give me hope. Give me hope.

It was all I could think to say.

As I drifted to sleep, I thought I heard a voice say, I’ll turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I’ll do; I’ll not forsake them.

 

By the faint light, I could glimpse more of my surroundings. Manacles bound my feet and hands, forcing them about a foot apart. Longer chains hooked onto my wrists and ankles.  For a moment hope sprung up. Perhaps I could reach the locks. One set was bolted into the ground, and the other hung about six feet above the floor.

But the chains were too short. Burdened with my chained wings, I could barely stand up, much less fly. I was limited to a half-circle no more than eight feet in diameter. The arm chain was longer than the floor one, pushing me forward while my feet held me back.

There was no bed—only a dirty heap of straw.  Devin had left a metal pail for my toilet.

No food.

No water.

My head throbbed with pain.

‘Someday they’ll find you.’ Mom stared at me. ‘And you’ll regret being so flippant.’

I laughed, but my throat was too dry. It came out as a cough. “They found me, Mom.” I whispered. “And they killed you and Loren.”

Tears welled in my eyes, but I forced them back. “I’ll make them pay. But at least I didn’t live in fear. At least I got to fly before being buried alive.”

 

 

                                    I could hear something. I wasn’t sure what, but I could hear something. For the hundredth—no, the millionth-- time, I ran my finger along the walls. No cracks. On an impulse, I tugged at my chains. They stood firm. I stood at the very end of the chain and tumbled to the ground with all my might. My palms stung with grit and grim, but I stared at the manacles. Maybe they were weaker than they had been.

                       I yanked again, but they were solid.  I banged my wrists together, creating a bell-like tone that echoed about the chamber. In a fit of sudden madness, I began gnawing on them like a beast. Blood mixed with my saliva, clinging to my teeth. I chipped a tooth, but I didn’t care. I had to escape!

The bitter taste of blood crawled down my lips as I collapsed limply onto the floor. “God, just let me die! Let me die! I can’t take this anymore!”

Merciful sleep overtook the final syllables of my plea. I soared on the thermals like a glider, laughing and giggling. The clouds were like wisps of smoke against the pale yellow fire of the moon.

                                    I watched myself from a distance as Devin dispatched Mother and Loren.  Palin carried me out of the house. But after the darkness closed in, Loren opened her eyes and stood up. Her legs wobbled as she staggered over to Mother, before collapsing, exhausted. The hands of the clock chased each other on.

Dad walked in. He staggered to the phone, babbling wildly. I could hear the distance whir of an ambulance on the way.

Tears streaked through the blood on my cheeks. Could they still be alive? What if it was true? I had promised to protect my sister, but I was sure I had failed.

What if she was alive?

Then I’d do everything in my power to get back to her.

 

 

Bored

Bored.

Boar-oared

I was completely, utterly, morbidly bored.

My activities were limited by the chains on my limbs. I couldn’t even scrawl out messages on the cave walls—favorite pastime of prisoners everywhere. All I had to entertain myself was my mind.

A scary thought.

“At least he’s not torturing you,” I whispered to myself.

On the other hand, torture might be interesting. I closed my eyes, thinking of all the tortures I’d ever heard of:

The rack

Whips.

Poison.

Medical experiments.

Lab rats, I was a medical experiment! Devin or Palin came in, took my blood, and left.

Do real lab rats ever get bored? I know chimps and rats are used to test medicine and study diseases, but do those animals ever get tired of staring at the four walls of their cages?

They must. Even lab rats sometimes get put in together in cages.

I was lower than a lab rat.

“Soooo….” I extended the word, testing my rusty voice. “What now?”

You’re only a lab rat if you accept the role.

Words burst in my mind like a rainbow. I was no physical match for Devin, but maybe I could outsmart him.

I closed my eyes, trying to think of little things I could do to throw him off balance.

It was like a mosquito trying to kill an elephant.

But mosquitoes carry quite a sting. My lips curled into a half-smile.

 

An odor like overripe fruit tickled my nostrils. I slowly lowered myself to the floor. “I’m…so…so tired.” My eyelids closed. “Sleep.”

 

“Wakey-wakey, mongrel.”

My eyes flashed open.

Devin sat in front of me. A checkered red and white tablecloth was spread on the floor. His paper plate was heaped with hamburgers, chips, watermelon, pickles, and cheese, with a mug of cold lemonade nearby.

Mine had a stale slice of bread, a pint of water, and a doggy dish of some unknown stew.

“What are you up to?” I snapped.

“Having a picnic, do you mind?”

“You’re mad!”

Devin took a bite of hamburger. “You could say that,” he mumbled, opening his mouth to reveal chewed meat.

“Disgusting.” I winced. “Didn’t anyone teach you manners?”

“On the other hand,” he continued. “Since I am the one with the food; and, more importantly, the one with the sword, you’d be wise to treat me with respect.”

I bit into the bread. “Ouch, I nearly broke a tooth.”

“Well, if you can’t stomach such fine food, I suppose you could go without.”

I snatched the water and swallowed it in one gulp.

“Now who’s lacking manners, mongrel?”

I glared at him. “If you don’t mind, you interrupted my rest.”

“Really, the bed isn’t too soft for you?”

Red welts from the straw speckled my skin. “Not at all.”

“Well, then…” Devin laid down his hamburger.  “They say you shouldn’t eat much before donating blood. That was quite enough food for now. In fact, it was far too much.”

He reached into his pocket and produced a syringe. “Just relax, now.”

I tried to dodge him, but my reflexes were still sluggish. The needle sank into my veins, sucking out blood like a vampire.

Nausea sank into my stomach like a stone. Bile flooded my mouth, and I vomited the hunk of bread.

“You see what I mean, of course.”

The room spun like a merry-go-round. I crashed to the floor.

 

 

                                                                                               

“Rocks.” I muttered “Rocks, rocks, rocks. And more rocks.” The dying light bulb cast faint shadows on the floor. I curled my toes around a pebble and kicked it up to my hands. “Now, what sort of rock is this?” I asked myself. “Sedimentary…maybe coal…I think.” I shrugged. “Rocks!” The looming walls threw my words back at me.

“I hate rocks! Rock music! Pop Rocks! Rocking out! I hate rocks!”

Distant rumblings announced the door opening. I tensed my muscles, ready for any opportunity.

“Having a good time?” The hall lights silhouetted Devin’s form.

“ Amazing geology lessons here,” My fingers closed on a rock the size of a baby’s fist.

Devin strode up. “I hate to interrupt your studies, but we have a diverting field trip planned.”

The pebble danced in my nervous palms. “I still have my sword,” Devin continued.  “But be a good mongrel and we’ll let you out.” He kicked my left leg.

I winced, and the rock dropped from my hands.

Devin quickly unlocked the arm and leg chains, but left the handcuffs and foot stocks untouched. “Need help getting up?”

I spat on his proffered hand. “I’ll get up myself.” I braced my back against the wall, inching to my feet.

“Come.”

It took all my concentration to stagger down the corridor. Without the use of my arms, the weight of my chained wings threatened to shove me down.

“Welcome back to the wide world.” Devin’s mouth twisted in a half-sneer.

Sunlight! Purple dots danced over the kaleidoscope of colors. Green. Blue. Red. For a moment, I was free.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

Sunlight beat down on the cold chains covering my wings. “What do you want?” I stared down the valley of whispering leaves. One emerald leaf shone against the azure sky.

“Must I have an ulterior motive?”

“Drop the pretense.” I lifted my palms to the distant clouds, each fragile as hope.

“You don’t have to stay here.”

“You mean I can go home? I accept.”

“Listen, mongrel,” Devin sneered. “ All I’m asking for is cooperation. I’m sure you’ve heard a little goes a long way. Tell me what you know about dragons.”

I grinned. “Puff the Magic Dragon/lived by the sea…”

He slapped my cheek. “Lead me to one demon lair, and I’ll give you decent meals. Not steak and wine, but perhaps sandwiches and milk. Find another, and I’ll let you go outside once a week.”

“So, if I’m a good boy, you’ll give me lunch and let me play outside?” My voice shook.  “I am no child to be tricked so easily. I will never help you.”

“Never is a long time.” Devin’s eyes gleamed. “A very long time.”

 

I closed my eyes as the cell door slammed shut, trying to remember the sky. All I saw was Devin’s mocking face.

Never is a long time.

Never… never will I leave you or forsake you. An old memory verse echoed in my mind.

Never is a long time.

 

 

 

“Loren.” I whispered her name into the stale air. “Loren Diane Wayne. Born October 13, 1992. Weight 6 pounds, 9 ounces. Anna Joy Wayne. Born February 1960…February 1960…” I closed my eyes. “I can’t remember. I can’t see her face anymore.”

My eyes welled with unshed tears. I twisted my bony shoulders, trying to rub my face on my sleeve, but the chains weren’t long enough.

The door muttered and mumbled ominously, announcing an arrival. I tensed my muscles, ready to spring.

Devin limped towards me, halting just out of reach. “Still alive? I’m impressed. Anyone with that much endurance has…potential.” He waved a small metallic lump before me. “Been a while since you’ve seen this, right?” He nodded towards Palin, who stood at the door. “Cover me.”

I remained motionless, barely breathing as Devin unchained me from the wall. As soon as my arms were free, I threw myself on him. “Aghh!”

Palin’s dagger embedded itself in the webbing of my left hand. “Don’t even think about it,” he snarled. “Get up.”

Palin’s sword-point tickled my spine as I hobbled forward, concentrating on each step. The dark stone was cold to my bare feet.

Devin bowed mockingly as he opened the door. “Your dinner, my prince.” Florescent lights stabbed my eyes with a welcomed pain. “Tie him to the chair.”

Palin shoved me into a solid chair at the head of a six-foot table. Red and yellow spots danced across my vision of pies, salads, meats, breads, pastas, and fruit. Devin grabbed a luscious red apple and dangled it inches from my mouth.

“Want it?”

I automatically lunged forward, but the chains held fast. Devin tossed in the air and caught it. Juice dripped from his wrinkled lips as he took a deep bite. “You want this, boy? Take it.”

“What’s the catch?” I demanded.

“It’s such a shame you’re a mongrel,” Devin threw the apple over his shoulder, letting it squish onto the floor. “You’re the sort we could have used. But I could still find a place for you.”

“Where?” I asked, feigning disinterest.

“ I never could get close enough to learn their secrets. But you—you’re one of them,” Devin opened his palm and revealed a thumbnail-sized computer chip. “They’d trust you. Of course, I’d have to implant this GPS tag in case you decided to abuse my trust.”

Palin moved to my left side. He held a piece of chocolate cheesecake dripping with ice cream. ‘We’ll pay all your expenses, of course—food, clothing, transportation, technology, toys.”

“We’ll give you an hour to think it over.” Devin turned to walk away.

“I don’t need an hour.” I whispered. “I’ll give you my answer now. NO!”

“No?” Palin was astounded.

“I will not be your tracking hound.  I will not help you murder other innocents.”

Devin’s eyes blazed. “Since you don’t seem to care for this fine meal, you may skip rations today. Take him away, Palin.”

My stomach growled, but I forced away the hunger pangs. I jerked forward, knocking the cheesecake off the table. The harsh sound of it cracking on the floor echoed like a bell in my ears.

A flash of fear darted across Devin’s face. His gauntlet struck my eyes, and everything went black.

 

My eyelids pealed open. “Owww!” My face throbbed with the red marks of Devin’s fury. No food. No water.

An image of Devin’s cheesecake crashing to the floor teased my growling stomach. Why didn’t you say yes?

I summoned the memory of my mother and Loren dead after Devin invaded our home. Never again. I shuddered.

The sickening thud of a carelessly tossed apple tormented my ears. Did you have to be so final?

“Death is final.” The cavern swallowed my words. I inhaled deeply and whispered to myself. “Makaidos, king of the dragons, flew overhead…” The dim lightbulb seemed to shine a little brighter. The memory of my mother’s rich voice pushed away the hunger.

For a little while.

 

 

“This world needs a hero…I am that hero!”

“Are you wearing plungers?”

“Well, yah,” Larry-Boy admitted.

“You’re just a cucumber!”

“You’re a talking bat,” Larry retorted.

“Bati the Valiant at your service,” The bat attempted an elegant bow, falling over in the process.

STOP IT, BOTH OF YOU!” I screamed.

 The illusionary veggie and bat faded, leaving me alone in the dark. “I’m going nuts!”

Aaaroom…A faint light spilled in from the hallway as the door opened. Devin stepped in boldly, followed by Palin.

“Should we let the good doctor in on our secrets?” Palin asked.

“Not yet.” Devin shook his head. “His expertise is invaluable, but I sense he’s hiding something. For now, we’ll just give him DNA samples to work with.” He held an empty paper cup underneath my face. “Spit, boy!”

 I did—right on his hand.

Devin glowered at me. “We aren’t keeping you around for sentimental reasons. If the good doctor can solve the mystery of your blood, I won’t need you anymore. So I suggest you find ways to make yourself useful.”

He reached into his pocket and produced a syringe. “This will be much easier if you cooperate. I’d rather not use drugs unless I have to.” He deftly slipped the needle into my left arm.

My stomach churned with queasiness as they left the cell. I reached over and touched the gaze on my left arm. Pale blue veins stood out like sorcerers’ trees against my loose skin. “How much longer will I last?”

The words hung in the stale air.

“He only keeps me for my blood.” I had never rationally considered death before. “But,” I stared down at my ragged, filthy shirt. My ribs protruded slightly with each breath.

“Jesus loves me, this I know…” I whispered, startled by a crackling sound. My voice was changing. “I have to get out of here.”

 

 

 

I awoke from an uneasy half-dream, a strange sensation creeping down my neck. Something was different. I ran through a mental checklist.

Had Devin tightened the manacles?

Had my ‘toilet’ tipped over?

Was a stalactite dripping water down my back?

No. No. And no.

I sniffed the air. The slightly fruity odor of the knockout gas entered my mind. I leaned against the wall, expecting to wake up in a few minutes with fresh food.

But it didn’t happen.

My vision remained clear.

Be ready.

The door rumbled open. This was my chance. I glanced through the bottom of my eyelids.

Two pairs of footsteps resounded in the cell; one strong, one shuffling. Devin. Palin

A cold needle probed my skin. I risked raising one eyelid.

“My liege,” Palin called.

I squeezed my eyes shut. Had he seen me?”

“I can’t get a vein.”

“Let me try,” Devin swore. “Unlock him.”

“But my liege...”

“He’s unconscious. I can get his wrist much better with that chain off.”

The cricket chirp of the twisting key echoed in my ears.

Steady…steady…

NOW!

I swung my wrist, smacking Palin in the face. He fell back, holding his face. “Demon boy!”

Devin’s eyes glared like coals against his burnished chain mail. “Now, sit back down and let me tie you back up and I won’t kill you—not today, at least.”

I fell to the ground, gasping as I hit the stone. My outstretched fingers closed around a metal lump.  The key!  I fumbled at my other wrist, then my feet. The connecting chains fell to the ground, and I threw myself on Devin like a wolf.

My weight slammed into Devin’s sword hand. The blade clattered to the floor. I rolled off him and snatched it up.

Devin panted as he rose to his feet. “You’ll pay, boy. You’ll pay.

The sword was like an anchor in my weak arms, the tip scoring the stone floor. But it was my only hope

I am with you.

A verse flooded my mind “The LORD turns my darkness into light!”

Lightning broke into the cave, flashing from the sword point. The narrow beam split into countless curling threads.

They bounced off Devin’s glassy armor, stinging my eyes. The cell seemed to be made of light except their shadowed forms.

Before I had time to marvel, a blast of energy hit me, a spinning cyclone of rage hit me.

The world disappeared.