Snowscape Trilogy Read online

  Chapter 3

  The smell of moss and clovers awoke him from his reverie and Sam could still feel the blood rushing over his broken wings. He slowly opened his eyes and the soft dark browns and greens of the forest floor glared back at him. He felt disoriented and like he had just been run over by a freight train.

  “You jumped from over fifteen hundred feet. I’d expect you to feel worse actually.” Nathaniel’s deep voice broke over him and with a stabbing sensation he realized where he was. His relief that his plan had worked was short lived when faced with telling Nathaniel he had lost Ambrosia to the demons. Samandiriel sat up slowly and found Nathaniel holding back and examining his broken wings and helping him to stand.

  Nathaniel waved a robed arm over Samandiriel’s back and instantly his wounds and aches were healed. A nifty trick Samandiriel had taught Nathaniel eons ago when they had both frolicked on the grass at heaven’s gate. Samandiriel grunted in thanks and stood up on his own, brushing off the leaves and dirt of the forest floor. Samandiriel for once did not know where to start. He had always considered himself Nathaniel’s better and here he was asking Ambrosia’s dream protector for help. Assessed of his own damage, he now took stock of his brother who waited patiently for him to explain.

  “I have news, “ he started, but felt his weariness begin to drag him back to the dirt floor as Nathaniel’s face blurred in front of him.

  The angel nodded and quickly grabbed onto Samandiriel’s arm gently offering support but not insisting. Samandiriel’s feelings for his brother had been varied throughout their time together in heaven and again on earth; however this silently patient figure that now stood before him did not in any way resemble the brother her knew so well for so long. Nathaniel, the angel of fire, it seems had learned to quell his inner burnings. The darker of the two tilted his head slightly, helping his brother sit carefully down on a soft patch of moss. “You have not known me for many years Samandiriel, would you think I would not change?” Answering the unspoken thoughts of his brother as he had always done.

  “For her?” he asked and Samandiriel sat for a moment, collecting his breath and his musings. “Demon’s usually don’t,“ he said simply and without insult.

  Nathaniel stood in font of him with a cup and pitcher. He poured a deep dark liquid into the cup and offered it to Samandiriel. Samandiriel recognized the nectar of God within and drank deeply, feeling his strength return. “Did you forget I am demon no longer?”

  “Never. I would just as soon forget that I am now one.”

  Nathaniel nodded, “It is easy to cast judgment upon those that accept that fate, but now you are known to the reasoning behind it.”

  “I did it for love, not defiance.” Samandiriel eyed his brother slowly, watching for any reaction reminiscent to the carefree youth he had known; however Nathaniel never lost his calm.

  “We all did it for love, brother. We all chose the freedom to love over the calling the God proclaimed upon us.“

  “Some did it for pride, Nathaniel. Never forget that.”

  “Did you think I had?” Nathanial sat casually on the ground and crossed his feet as the demon turned away from him. “Come, Samandiriel this is a conversation that is long overdue. Was it worth it? To give up all of your power and all of your righteousness to wait centuries and to just watch over a single human female?”

  Samandiriel lowered his head, deep in contemplative thought. Was it worth it? Had he had to ask himself this question ever before in the history of his chosen fate? When God had given the angel Samandiriel the choice he had known the price would be high. He had thought their love would endure. Angels had loved and fell for less. God’s mission to watch over the woman he had fallen in love with be reborn and remade into the master of all human dreams was a challenge he and Ambrosia had both wholeheartedly agreed too. For the human soul, they had never thought their love would be tested, would be in jeopardy. But Lucifer had insisted on turning the odds closely to his favor with the birth of this new power. Had insisted Nathaniel, his first officer in the army of darkness, also have a part to play. He also would have a chance to sway the sides and so God had agreed. A fair fight and so no other would have the upper hand, Nathaniel had given up all of his power and fortunes attainted on earth and in Hades to watch over her from the dream realm as she was reborn and re-mastered into her destiny. Samandiriel was given all power over the earthly elements of war to protect her, but the cost for such protection was dear. He had to fall. And fell he did, for the sake of love. The masters of hell had been waiting patiently for Ambrosia to be reborn and with that they had taken up arms deciding to rewrite the rules and grasp all of her heavenly power for they’re own. “They have her, “ Sam said simply.

  Nathaniel palled for a moment before regaining his composure. “I had thought it must be dire news for you to make the trip. I am not one hundred percent sure I can return you to earth.”

  Samandiriel took another long drawl from the cup “I don’t know that it matters if I cannot recover her from them” he said sitting on the ground next to Nathaniel. He noticed then what he had thought to be moss had actually been a bed of clovers. He closed his eye, softy inhaling the scent. Had she known this was what her essence held for those of another plane? The smell of rebirth and fortune; the innocence and fragility of life? He looked to his brother questioningly.

  “This is her favorite place to be,” Nathaniel said without emotion as the angel picked a single three-leaf clover out of the masses and twisted it into a misshapen ruin between his thumb and forefinger. “You know you do not mean that. You will fight for her until your last feather is pulled from you spine.”

  “I take it you cannot reach her from this edge?” Nathaniel didn’t answer and that was answer enough for Samandiriel. His emotions overtook him and he could not any longer keep the fear at bay. The suddenness of all that he had lost and given for her overtook him and the tears fell rapidly own his cheeks, but Nathanial did not judge him. ‘God created tears, as an outlet for the emotions that kept inside would otherwise burst. ‘ But nor could the angel console him: they were at odds. And he was ill at the sick feeling inside of him permeating his being with the thought of her pain.

  Nathaniel stood up, looking down to his crestfallen friend and former brother not with pity but with resolution as the landscape turned dark and grey. The clouds mustered above and small flakes of snow started to fall piercing the angel and demon with their sharp icy thrill. “You must leave this place. It is not safe for you to have crossed the boundary and I cannot help you.”

  Samandiriel nodded, and plainly said, “Thank you for your hospitality brother. I will find her on my own.”

  Nathaniel looked so deeply in Samandiriel’s eyes he saw the flame reflected back into his own. Emotion brewed within both, but the words that should remain unspoken did. They were at odds and had been for a long time now, but both understood the pain and the love each held for a single soul. “I will claim her power for this realm as is my father’s will,” Nathaniel said with a bow of his head. Once again the short truce they had shared had been broken and they were they were at war. Nathaniel bowed his head and whisked Samandiriel back to earth effortlessly with a touch of breath.

  Chapter 4

  Samandiriel awoke lying on the bottom of a ravine just as the sun was breaking over the horizon. Overhead a single vulture circled high above claiming the war torn body as his own. He could hear the simple splash of a small creek echoing in the distance, but stayed still for a few moments looking toward the light blue sky, touched with tinges of amber and gold of the rising sun. The sky was clear, bereft of clouds or buildings or planes or anything. Just Samandiriel and his God looking down, smirking in enjoyment over his current predicament.

  He smiled to himself and closed his eyes, inhaling the scent of her from his memory. She had been younger when he had first come upon her. Walking the edge of the stream outside her family cottage in the brink afternoon. Fall was coming on fast and he had been o
ut walking the earth, as was his habit when he felt restless. If not on the call of God, angels found themselves with much free time to enjoy the temptations of earth an her people. Although not pleased with this use of time, God had not found a way to fill it any other way and Samandiriel, angel of ages past, enjoyed his time among humans just as much as any other did. He basked in the memory for only a few moments before resolutely returning to his task. He had loved her as strongly as any two souls could love. She had forgotten that, but he had not and he would protect her until his worn and beaten soul had turned entirely to ash.

  He sent out a silent call only Violet could hear and would not be able to deny and sat watching the sunrise in the distance. He closed his eye and tried to settle a calm about himself. If they were to find her, he must think logically. He was a demon now and as such had certain sway and power over humans. He could forge deals and coerce as needed. He would have to find a human who had knowledge of dark places, but no stakes involved in this snowscape game they now played and immediately a name came to mind of a person who had just such an ill repute.

  Chapter 5

  Craig Ainsworth was a 17 year old, unemployed, overweight genius. He had somehow gotten in good with a local demon coven outside of Philadelphia and had since insisted to only respond when he was called Zebulon. Sam and Violet had dealings with him for other reasons a few years back, and it pained Samandiriel greatly that he was now back knocking on Zebulon’s door. ‘Dire times indeed’, Sam thought to himself with a grimace. Violet, as always attuned to Sam’s vicious mood swings, gently patted his arm in support. Only true love would have brought him back to Philadelphia after the past incident.

  The door of the 19th century colonial suddenly swung inward. “Come in oh dark ones,” a voice called out in a truly obnoxious melodramatic tone.

  Violet swung open the metal, rusted screen door. “Knock it off Zeby. And stop with the ‘dark ones’ nonsense. In case you’ve forgotten, I’m still human.”

  “I told you on the phone that if you want my help you must refer to me my by given name that is Zebulon. And he is still a demon. I can tell, you know.”

  Violet let out an auspicious sigh. “Fine. But cut the shit Zebulon. We need info.”

  Zebulon the magnificent led them into his parent’s living room where his mother, a local grade school teacher, proudly displayed her collection of ceramic kittens and homemade throws. Violet snuck in a look of disgust to Samandiriel before settling herself down on the faded brown nylon couch. Although centuries old and no stranger to hard work, she preferred to live a more comfortable lifestyle given the choice. Sam remained standing, keeping silent guard on the front door. Knowing that Craig held a bit of a crush on his confidant, as it were, he left the information gathering up to Violet. For the first time in what had been months since discovering Amy’s whereabouts, Samandiriel felt the familiar sense of he and Violet working together as the well-oiled team that had kept tabs on the local covens as well as built a comfortable life for them both. They kept well informed, but stayed out of day-to-day demonic politics as much as possible. They had lived like this for centuries making their way in the world but always on the lookout for the birth of the dream master. As such working information out of a human was a task they both found easy and entertaining. A smile of contentment slipped its way on to Sam’s face as he looked out the dirty screen door, leaving Violet to do what she did best. Manipulate humans. Specifically males.

  “So, Zebulon. How are things here with the Demogorogn clan?” The Violet charm was turned on high and Sam noticed a hint of southern inflection added in for dramatics. Craig, not having a lot of experience with pretty blondes ate it right up as he sat next to her on the couch after a pat of an invitation by Violet.

  With a nervous fidget he sat down as close as he could to her. Sam could smell the perspiration falling from his brow and politely excused himself to the front porch where he could listen in ease. Violet gave him a death glare that he knew he would pay for later, but chuckling to himself, he made his way out to the porch swing where he could keep watch, but not have to endure the uncomfortable touching Violet will easily have to ward off from Master Zebulon of the Demogorgon clan.

  “You are very beautiful, Violet.”

  “Thank you Zeb. Now about your clan –“

  “It’s Zebulon actually. It means-“

  “I know what it means, Zeb. I do work with a demon. Professionally.“ After a pause that Samandiriel could only assume encompassed a sullen look on Craig’s part, Violet continued. “Sorry Zebulon, I don’t mean to hurt your feelings we are just in a bit of a hurry. Seriously though, I need to know if you have heard anything about the dream master.”

  “Ambrosia Ross.” Samandiriel cringed as the names left his lips. His body immediately tensed up and his wings, tucked neatly into the fold of his back, hardened, ready to take flight in an instant’s notice.

  “How do you know her name,” Not to be sidetracked, Violet kept on with her current course. Samandiriel knew she could sense his tense state even from inside the house.

  “Everyone knows her name. They are all out looking for her. I’ve been told there is a reward.“

  “What?” Sam and Violet spoke as one.

  “A reward if anyone knows where she is at. The Demogorgon is very interested in he weaver of the snowscape and is willing to pay heavily for it. Its been said another clan has her already and you know how demons like to fight amongst each other.”

  “Like children, they would rather rip their toys to shreds than share with another.”

  “Exactly. You will be hard pressed to find her before another demon clan has her.”

  With the sound of couch springs fighting against the weight, Sam could hear Violet move closer to Craig and dropping the tone of her voice, he smiled at her plan of attack. He chose his compatriots well. She had been the first human not sent directly from hell that he could call friend and that was a title not easily carried. He still found her determination and loyalty astounding and matched only by her intelligence. “Craig. I would be eternally grateful if you could share any information with me that you might know. Riel and I must find Ambrosia within the next two days, or the earth will be in dire straits.”

  “But my clan-“

  “Fuck your clan Craig. Do you know how old I am? Well over two centuries. And when I say that I will be eternally grateful for your help, I am able to pay out an eternity. Do you know what I mean when I say grateful…?”

  Sam could hear Craig AKA Zebulon Ainsworth suck in his breath sharply and the demon could only imagine the imagery being laid out in the whisper to Craig’s ringing ears and hardening cock. Sam could almost feel the red of his embarrassed virgin blush creeping up Craig’s face. Should they survive this, Violet will regret her current rashness when Craig came to call for his payment due with flowers and condoms. “All I know is that there is a very powerful demon, Nicor, who is saying he has the dream master. I don’t know how true it is, but Nicor is too powerful for any of the lesser allies to fight him.”

  “Thanks Zebulon,” With an audible peck on the cheek, Violet ran, flinging open the metal screen door into Samandiriel’s arms and he took flight before Craig could finish his thought.

  Chapter 6

  The wind ripped past their heads as Samandiriel and Violet flew violently into the afternoon glow. Nicor was known throughout the world for his savvy business expertise and expensive lifestyle. Living a life of disguise was something most demons and angels did on a regular basis: how else to manipulate ad control the world’s human base? Nicor was known as Robert Cossack and his fortunes ran in the multimillions. He held sway over Washington, British Parliament and it was well known within the more seedy community that he had worked with Middle Eastern insurgents to supply weaponry to both sides all in the name of profit. Sam was not surprised in the least that one such as Nicor captured Ambrosia and in fact he was one of few who would have the resources to keep her successfully hidden until s
he turned twenty-six. Upon her ascension date, her power would not be able to be contained unless she was fully unconscious and in a state where even Nathaniel could not find her. It was no easy task for a mere demon to take advantage of, but Nicor would be able to siphon her power into the throngs of hell directly and provide Lucifer with untoward advantage. Samandiriel and Violet arrived in New York in less than six minutes having left Philadelphia. Although his wings were torn and beaten, he was able to still take flight, an advantage he held over many other demons that had given up their angelic powers.

  They wasted no time in getting them downtown to the head office of CEO Robert Cossack, INC. A place neither one was too eager to visit again after their last encounter.

  Walking into the glass enclosed lobby, Samandiriel ordered Violet to stay put. Violet hesitated a moment, wanting to argue, but just then a security officer wearing grey tinted eyeglasses walked up to them immediately upon entering. The scent of sulphur was strong in the air as he spoke, “Samandiriel. Nicor is expecting you. Your familiar must stay down here.” He pointed towards the elevator bank just past the security desk.

  Violet pursed her lips, but thought better of it and walked back towards the busy New York Street. She hated that word familiar. As if she were a common street animal. “You know where I’ll be,” she said under her breath as she walked out.

  Samandiriel watched her leave and closed his eyes momentarily taking stock of the situation before following the security guard. He looked outside through the streak free glass and into the dying sunbeams. He could still feel their warmth upon his wings and he wondered if this would be the last time he would feel the sun again. Nicor must know that he would do anything to get Ambrosia back and their history together left little love lost between them. And he was powerful. Almost as powerful as Nathaniel had been just after the fall. Violet looked back towards him in the lobby and gave him a piercing look before nodding her head and walking away. Sam understood immediately as Violet walked away, mingling into the crowd. He did not know if he would see her again. The look had said goodbye and I love you all in one single sweet moment. ‘I love you too,’ he thought. Resigned to his fate and eager to get to the challenge ahead of him, he walked into the elevator and pressed the button for the penthouse.