CHAPTER 32
The Well
AWhere's that weasel gone
[email protected] Davey concentrated and their view moved into Carnatic Hall. AHe's in the
[email protected] They found O'Neill walking down a narrow length of corridor which came to a dead end. He did not hesitate but put his back against one side of the corridor and braced his feet against the other.
AHe's doing what I
[email protected] exclaimed Davey, Athat's how I got up
[email protected] AUp where
[email protected] AThere's a hatch up there, he's going up into the
[email protected] AWhy's he want to do
[email protected] Silently he closed the hatch shut behind him, the roof tiles were in perfect repair so that not the faintest trace of light entered. He took a candle from his pocket, lit it then melted wax onto the peak of a cloth cap, as soon as there was enough wax to set it into he fixed the candle to the peak and placed the cap on his head.
AClever stuff,@ said Paddy.
Cautiously, taking care not to place his feet onto the plaster, keeping to the beams, he made his way across the attic. Where two beams ran close together he lay down, took the candle from the cap and set it onto one of the joists.
AIt's Chacuti's room! It's beneath him! That's where I met
[email protected] AHe's up to sommat
[email protected] From his pocket O'Neill removed a spike of metal, a wooden handle was across one end, the other was a pointed spiral tip.
AI've got one of them in me tool bag,@ said Paddy, Ait's a gimlet, I'll bet he drills a hole with
[email protected] They watched as he began twisting the tool into the plasterwork, ATold
[email protected] As he drilled he lifted the gimlet out several times and blew away the plaster which had collected around the tip.
AWhy's he doing
[email protected] AHe doesn't want the plaster falling down into the room, it'd be a bit of a giveaway, you know, a load of snow
[email protected] Davey went down into the room below and watched as the gimlet broke through the heavily decorated ceiling to emerge between a pear and a bunch of grapes. The hole was quite invisible.
They could look up into the hole and see O'Neill's eye pressed to it as he lay waiting.
AWe can't do a thing about it Uncle Paddy, he's going to spy on
[email protected] He went back down to the library where Chacuti was completing her sketch, she sat down alongside Richard on the settle and handed it to him.
AMarvellous, it shall have pride of place,@ said Richard pointing to an area of wall alongside one of the racks of books, he held the sketch up as he examined it, Abut I feel it does rather more than justice to me, I'm not as young as I used to
[email protected] AYou grow more handsome as you grow older
[email protected] AAnd what would you be after now my little princess,@ he joked.
Chacuti laughed, AYou have been so kind to me, I have been happy here with you. I do not want for
[email protected] Richard ran his fingers through her raven hair, AYou have deserved everything that I have been able to give to you, without you this house would have been barren. I wish you to have it all when I am
[email protected] AGone? Why? Are you going as well. Please don't leave me alone
[email protected] Richard tutted, ADon't be silly, I'm not leaving you. I mean when I'm older and greyer than I am already, when I pass
[email protected] Chacuti sighed with relief, AThat will not be for a long time, you are the silly one,@ she picked up a cushion and playfully hit him with it. Richard begged for mercy but when she didn't desist he grabbed her and wrestled her to the ground. Chacuti lay, staring up at him, laughing.
ASpeed this lot up lad, yer'd think these two were in love or
[email protected] It was late evening when the housemaid entered Chacuti's room and prepared it for her. Candles were lit, a bowl of hot water was poured, towels were placed. O'Neill watched intently as the maid drew back the curtains surrounding the four-poster bed then folded back the covers. When she was satisfied that the room was ready she glanced around then helped herself to a good spray of eau-de-cologne from the dressing table. It was shortly after she had left that Chacuti entered. O'Neill stiffened as he watched her moving about in the pale candlelight which illuminated the room.
AWe've got to do something Uncle
[email protected] shouted Davey.
AWell unless she's got a helmet of her own ain't much yer can
[email protected] Davey moved frantically between the attic and the bedroom.
[email protected] he exclaimed, Ahe's not even watching
[email protected] O'Neill was leaning on one elbow, staring back behind where he lay. AWho's
[email protected] he hissed into the darkness. No sound came. But he appeared to be convinced that he was not alone, AWho's
[email protected] he repeated but this time more loudly. He lifted up the candle and held it towards his feet, the glimmering light cast dancing shadows as his hand shook.
AHe's got the willies
[email protected] Trying desperately not to cry out for fear of alerting the target of his deception he rose to his knees, the candle virtually vibrated as he lost his nerve. He screamed, ANo keep
[email protected] and ran away from whatever was behind him. The plaster gave way and he plunged in a shower of lath, plaster and dust down into the bedroom. Chacuti was seated upon the chaise longue brushing her hair, the fright as the man crashed to the floor and his terrified screams caused her to jump into the air, she did not fall back down. AHe has found me
[email protected] she screamed.
As O'Neill rose from the debris he looked towards her, she remained in mid-air, hovering above the chaise longue. Backing away from her and keeping his eyes upon the hole he had made in the ceiling as if expecting that at any moment whatever was up there would come down, he made his way out through the doorway.
AHe's got his further evidence now
[email protected] ABut he can't prove it can he, it's only his word against her'
[email protected] AAnd who do yer reckon the judge is goin' to
[email protected] O'Neill ran from the house but the uproar had alerted Richard who burst into Chacuti's room, he looked at the damage and saw her sitting, hugging her knees and rocking backwards and forwards in shock. He put his arms around her and tried to console her with assurances that everything was alright but his words had little effect.
AI am done for Richard,@ Chacuti said.
ADo not worry child, it was not the Shaman. It was a man, a man of flesh and blood. The Shaman would not have just left you would he? Think, it was merely a man. Did you see him? Did you know
[email protected] AHe was covered from head to toe in dust, I do not know who he was,@ she broke down sobbing.
ACome now, you will be alright, calm
[email protected] AWhat if it was the Shaman? I'm going to check on him,@ said Davey.
Father Salamanga's persecutors had left him to attend evensong, the sound of their chanting echoed into the chamber through the thin arrow-slits where a weary hooded novice kept watch and guarded the water-valve. The priest sat slumped forwards in his chair a dishevelled wreck. His beard was matted to his face, his hair hung lank and dead over his brow, beneath it Davey noticed something and closed in. AIt's a black
[email protected] ALooks like it's been burnt into his skin to me,@ said Paddy.
They did not have any more time to discuss the matter, AEh up here's
[email protected] ARaise the
[email protected] he shouted to the monk upon the platform.
AThe Lord Abbott has instructed me not
[email protected] ARaise the cage! I command
[email protected] yelled Alonzo.
The monk drew in the rope which was attached to the cage, the pulleys tightened as they took the strain, immediately it was high enough Alonzo ducked beneath it.
AYou demon from
[email protected] he screamed, he seized hold of Salamanga by the hair and jerked him upright, he was shouting with such force that he seemed to spit the words out. AYou should rot in this place but the carcase you have chosen to inhabit was already yours. Begone from here and take this priest with you, the Lord watches over us all. His net will surely close upon
[email protected] Father Salamanga scoffed, AAnother >fisher of men'; Captain Pedro Alonzo, late of the Carnatic, the man who betrayed his ship and crew to the English. Have you examined your own soul for the d
emon within Alonzo? Did not Christ say, >remove the beam from your own eye before you seek to remove the splinter from another's'
[email protected] Alonzo reached into his cassock and withdrew a heavy pestle, of the type used for grinding corn, he raised it over his head.
ADon't kill him! What's he
[email protected] cried Davey.
The guard above cried out for Alonzo to stop but it was the stern, authoritive voice of the abbott which delayed the downwards strike of the pestle. AHold
[email protected] he yelled as he entered the chamber.
ADo it, strike fool! STRIKE or are you not man enough now you wear the
[email protected] goaded Salamanga.
[email protected] ordered the abbott.
Alonzo lowered the pestle, his hand opened weakly and it dropped to the floor.
AI fear you grow stronger, not weaker,@ said the abbott to Father Salamanga, Athe brothers begin to lose patience with you. Your presence causes unrest. Tomorrow I shall personally become involved in your treatment, you can be sure that my mind is of tempered steel, a blade that shall wheedle and cut until you leave the body of the good priest and allow us to destroy
[email protected] AI hear you monk,@ came an evil voice from the mouth of Salamanga, Abut words are easy to say. Soon I shall leave you - as the victor - not the
[email protected] AYou demon, you dare to speak directly with me, a representative of the Lord Almighty. You shall surely perish, the heavens themselves have shown us a
[email protected] AWould that be the rising of the star in the constellation you call
[email protected] the priest's lips did not move as the harsh voice rasped from the body.
ADEMON! How could you have seen this from your
[email protected] AThe secrets of heaven are known to me and mine,@ rasped the voice. AThe portents of the star of which you speak are not those of your master...but of
[email protected] The abbott was clearly shaken, he turned to Alonzo and indicated that they should withdraw. Together they walked towards the doorway, there they halted whilst the abbott whispered to him, AI fear it will be necessary for us to release this devil from our midst, he is a danger to the whole brotherhood, we are not strong enough in spirit to withstand his satanic
[email protected] AWe cannot release him my lord abbott, should we perish in the attempt we must continue our work with
[email protected] AIs it not written, AFear the man that would kill thy spirit, not the man that would kill thy
[email protected] ABut my lord, this is no man. It is the devil incarnate. When I seized him just now I felt the bumps upon his skull, the first outgrowths, the living proof of what lies within the priest. The horns of
[email protected] AThen why would you wish to slay
[email protected] asked the abbott.
AA moment of madness uprooted by the first touch of those buds upon the palm of my hand, we must not
[email protected] AVery well my son. Your strength is testimony to the Lord's will. We shall take the good father
[email protected] The snake wrapped rapidly around the abbott's torso, it's weight caused him to fall to the ground, he lay in its coils.
AThe water! Release
[email protected] shouted Alonzo to the monk above. The monk jumped to the water-wheel, turned it and sent the first deluge showering down.
Salamanga had transformed. The whole of his body, apart from his head was that of the reptile. It was an evil voice which issued from the mouth of the priest, ASTOP! or the abbott shall slowly be crushed to death. LOOK upon
[email protected] The coils constricted forcing the face of the abbott to redden as the blood was forced away from his body.
AKill him,@ gasped the abbott then slumped lifeless.
AWhat purpose will this serve you,
[email protected] shouted Alonzo. AYou are trapped, there is no escape, only the abbott knew of the correct sequence of taps upon this door which would allow you to leave. Release him that he may tell you of
[email protected] The priest appeared to consider Alonzo's observation, AStop the
[email protected] he hissed, the reptile's tongue slipped back and forth as he spoke.
AStop the
[email protected] shouted Alonzo. The young novice had been joined by other monks who had been alerted to the danger, they closed the water-wheel. A small pool collected in the centre of the floor of the chamber.
AThere may be another way in which we can resolve this matter,@ hissed the priest. AOrder the drain to be
[email protected] AFirst release the abbott,@ replied Alonzo.
[email protected] The snake tightened its coils, they slid around each other like bands of steel, cramping in spasms over the body of the abbott, the pressure forced his mouth open, in the silence the air in his body could be heard being expelled.
AOpen the drain,@ threatened the priest.
Alonzo hesitated but as the abbott's tongue began to protrude he gave in, ARelease the
[email protected] he ordered. The monks above hesitated, AOPEN THE
[email protected] he roared.
The bearded face of the priest gave a horrible smile as the slab of stone was lifted from the floor, the water rushed out. Still maintaining its grip upon the abbott the reptile slid across to the drain, Salamanga's head was absorbed and replaced with that of the snake. It's scaly eyes looked all around the chamber before it placed its head into the opening.
ARelease
[email protected] shouted Alonzo.
The snake continued to enter the drain keeping its hold on the abbott until the very last moment when the last of its coils let go and the animal darted down into the drain.
Alonzo rushed to the abbott, his rib-cage had been crushed but the release of the pressure allowed him to breathe, AHe shall
[email protected] he shouted.
AThe Shaman's going to get out! I'd better let the old man
[email protected] said Davey. Even as their view began to sweep away from the fortress of Toledo they witnessed the priest, pounding along with blinding speed over the road to Madrid. Davey zoomed in towards him and watched as he raced past the traffic upon the road, people barely turned to look.
AHe's shiftin' some
[email protected] AI don't think those people can even see him the speed he's
[email protected] ACouldn't do much about it if they
[email protected] A I'm going to the old
[email protected] AI have expected this, do not fear boy, we shall be ready for him,@ said the old man. He was labouring with the giant, carrying a length of timber from an abandoned house. The house was one of many derelict properties clustered together around a well.
AHe's on his way, running for all he's worth, never seen anything like it, he's faster than he was when we watched him chasing
[email protected] ASteady on lad, yer runnin' away with
[email protected] AThe helmet will draw him to us, the strands of fate are coming
[email protected] AAnd there was something happened back in the house! O'Neill has got his evidence - he's seen Chacuti floating in the
[email protected] ATell him that sommat frightened him
[email protected] AOh yeah, it may have been the Shaman's thoughts getting into the house but something terrified O'
[email protected] As Davey spoke they watched the giant climb down the well with a plank of timber resting, end on, upon his shoulders, the free end scraped against the sides of the shaft as he descended. At one point he slipped but his powerful hands dug into the shaft and supported his great weight.
AAre you alright
[email protected] the old man called down. John grinned up out of the darkness and carried on. When he reached the water he grappled with the plank until he was able to wedge it into position across the well. AReady old man,@ he called up. The old man lowered down a rusty old saw, John used it to saw away at the centre of the plank until the timber was so thin it barely supported itself. He then climbed back up.
AIt is
[email protected] AGood, let us work swiftly now, the devil will soon be upon
[email protected] AI hope they know what they're doing Uncle Paddy. I'm going to check on Chacuti. What if he flies over to
[email protected] ACan't lad, you've got the helmet
[email protected] They left the old man and giant busy filling an old cart with rocks, rubble, and other rubbish.
AShe's not in the
[email protected] exclaimed Davey as he raced around it's rooms, Ashe's down at the
[email protected] He said the words as their view swept across the lawn and fields.
A small crowd of people were ga
thered, the men wore small, three-cornered hats and black tunics with a brown scarf hanging around their necks. Upon their feet were clog-type shoes with bright silver buckles. O'Neill stood to one side leering. There were women in the crowd, they were screaming, inciting the men to carry out their tasks. AShame, burn the witch, test her with
[email protected] The atmosphere was violent, only the authority of the witch-finder, dressed in similar fashion to the men, kept the crowd in check.
Upon the lane were five carriages, to one of their wheels Richard was fastened. He strained at his bonds but the point of a sword was prodded into his back by the men guarding him. The mastiff was leashed to another wheel, it barked fiercely at the end of its tether as it tried to reach him.
AIf only the old man and giant were here! cried Davey.
Chacuti looked beautiful in her white dress, the material was a rich satin which had been etched with chemicals to give a spidery effect,
[email protected] cried the women as they watched their men's eyes fasten upon her. AHarlot!
[email protected] ATake her, bind her fast, the law demands that she be given a fair trial,@ yelled the witch-finder, Ashe shall be tried by
[email protected] The crowd shouted their displeasure, AShe don't deserve no
[email protected] AHave done with
[email protected] AWhere's the
[email protected] O'Neill slunk into the bushes bordering the lane and watched the proceedings from their safety but a scurrying sound behind him sent him scuttling back to the crowd. AThere he is,@ screeched an old hag, she jostled him to the front and pushed him before the witch-finder.
The witch-finder quelled the crowd into silence, ABrethren! These are serious matters that we are called upon to investigate, this man (he indicated O'Neill) has laid several serious charges before me that this woman (he indicated Chacuti) is in league with the devil; that she practices the black arts and has placed her spells upon this man (he indicated Richard). How speak you to these charges
[email protected] AYou call her witch before your mockery of a trial has even
[email protected] roared Richard.
ASilence in
[email protected] shouted the witch-finder. The men guarding Richard forced a rag into his mouth and tied a gag above it to hold it in place. He breathed savagely down his nose.
AHow speak you to these charges
[email protected] repeated the witch-finder emphasising >witch'.
AAs Christ is my witness, I am
[email protected] Chacuti said.
AEnough! Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in
[email protected] the witch-finder shouted angrily. His manner excited the mastiff which surged forwards towards Richard but was again pulled up short by its leash which strained to hold back the heavy dog.
AYou shall undergo trial by ordeal. You shall be bound hand and foot then thrown into water (he indicated the bridge), a period of time shall elapse during which it will be seen whether you
[email protected] [email protected] roared the crowd.
A...or whether you sink - in which case your innocence will be
[email protected] Three men lifted Chacuti horizontally and walked with her onto the bridge, she made no attempt to struggle.
AShe has been seen to walk upon water and to rise in the air, should she float the eyewitness is proven authentic, should see sink the eyewitness must be questioned for perjury. Take hold of
[email protected] O'Neill screamed in terror as rough hands seized him.
ANever thought that feller would turn into a chicken as well as a snitch,@ said Paddy.
AHe's not whoever he was Uncle Paddy. I think he's lost control of himself,@ replied Davey.
The men carrying Chacuti looked to the witch-finder for the order, AIn with
[email protected] he yelled impatiently. With a splash she landed, she let all the air out of her body but the energy of the skulls forced her to the surface.
ASHE
[email protected] roared the crowd.
The men guarding Richard walked forwards to witness the sight for themselves. Richard took the opportunity to set to work, urgently scraping the rope around his wrists against the rim of the carriage wheel, the mastiff's barks were ignored by the men as the ropes began to fray.
AShe floats higher than a cork,@ shouted an onlooker.
Chacuti lifted up her head and breathed.
AShe is a witch, we have our
[email protected] shouted the witch-finder.
Realising that she could not argue her innocence Chacuti tilted herself, her body swung up so that it was in a sitting position, she laughed at the crowd who drew back in fear. AIt will be a blessing for me to leave this world with all its evil, to leave the sight of foul and wicked creatures such as yourselves whose only happiness is to wreak harm upon others. Take me and have done with it for I cannot wait to join my loved
[email protected] Her words incensed the crowd, a barge-pole was used to drag her to the lakeside. ABurn the witch, burn the witch, burn the
[email protected] the chant began. Over and over came the words, quietly at first but increasing in volume. The mass of people forced her to cross the field but they stopped when the setting-sun silhouetted a silver-birch. It's glowing red shadow fell upon the crowd, the witch-finder yelled, AIt is a sign, He has spoken. The bush shall
[email protected] Chacuti was forced to stand and watch as the crowd gathered anything combustible; leaves, branches, twigs, dried pine-needles, dead heather and heaped them against the tree. Before long a pyre had been built. Willing hands led Chacuti to the pyre, willing hands wrapped the ropes around her which would hold her to it as the flames engulfed her.
Richard severed his bonds, he snatched a sword from the man nearest to him and slashed him to the floor. Immediately he did so three other men attacked him.
AIt's like we saw Yacq against them guards Uncle Paddy. He won't be able to beat them
[email protected] Richard however did not attempt to fight but charged across the field with the men in pursuit, the crowd heard the commotion and the deep ferocious barks of the mastiff as it jerked repeatedly at its leash. As one they cleared a path before Richard's flailing sword, allowing him through to Chacuti. She was fixed to the birch, the ropes wrapped round her body would hold her upright, already the first faint licks of flame were beginning to catch alight. The witch-finder stood holding a rolled up strip of the turpentine rich birch-bark, it burned in his hand, drops of flame fell to the ground as he backed away from Richard's sword.
[email protected] yelled Richard, Athis child has harmed no-one, she is a victim of life's events, she has suffered more than any man or woman
[email protected] He stamped out the licks of flame.
AKeep
[email protected] he warned as men within the crowd sought the opportunity to catch him off-guard whilst his attention was diverted. The guards chasing him forced their way through and stood, rapiers pointing at him.
[email protected] screamed Chacuti, ALeave me. Save
[email protected] Richard's answer was to swipe and lunge so ferociously towards the swordsmen that they stepped back.
AWho amongst you will throw the first stone? Who among you will light this
[email protected] he questioned.
The crowd were in no mind to give in, they had hunted down their prey and would not allow it to escape. They gradually closed in upon him making it impossible for him to turn and cut through the ropes which wrapped her.
AIs there not one man amongst you who will see his error and stand with
[email protected] he beseeched the crowd.
The witch-finder, now he had three swords between himself and Richard felt emboldened enough to speak, AThe witch has been tried according to prescribed methods and due processes. She has been found guilty, I order you to leave this place. If it were not for your good servant here who has stated that she has cast her wicked spells upon you you would be charged with being an
[email protected] Richard lunged towards O'Neill, the swordsmen were unwilling to risk themselves for the sake of a man who would sell his own soul for silver. Richard lined up the point of the rapier, the crowd drew back awaiting the death-dealing blow. Richard hesitated. O'Neill ripped open his tunic revealing his tattoos, the balance arm of the scales had dropped lower down towards his remaining hand. He moved towards the sword-point. The look in his eyes urged Richard to strike. Realising that the blow was not to be O'Neill seized hold of the blade
and plunged it into his own breast, the point impaled the dragon, slowly he sank to the floor muttering, AI am
[email protected] AGo Richard, you cannot save
[email protected] screamed Chacuti.
The mastiff had snapped its leash, it barged through the crowd bowling over whoever got in its way, Richard only became aware of its presence by the cries of alarm as the dog tore its way through the mass of people, the speed with which it left the cover of the group allowed him no time in which to bring his sword into play, the weighty animal leapt forwards and gripped him by the thigh. He shortened his sword by holding it near to the point in his free hand and ran the mastiff through but the crowd moved in swiftly, he withdrew the weapon and cried out, ABetter to die at the hand of one who loves you than at the hands of these
[email protected] and turned to Chacuti.
AI can't look at this anymore Uncle Paddy,@ cried Davey taking off the helmet.
They sat quietly together for a few minutes before Paddy spoke again. AWhat d'yer say we get our heads down, have a kip and forget
[email protected] AForget it? How can we? She doesn't die Uncle Paddy. She can't die. We know she's still up in Carnatic, there's got to be something we can
[email protected] AI reckon we've give it our best shot lad but I think we should just forget about it now. If yer'd managed to get the girl to come back here that would have been sommat but
[email protected] AI'm going back to the old man, he'll know what to
[email protected] Paddy didn't answer.
AWhy did she have to die like that, one moment she was enjoying herself and the
[email protected] AYpres, the Somme, Passchendaele, Vimy Ridge. I tell yer what lad doesn't take a moment and we're gone, snuffed out like
[email protected] Paddy clicked his fingers.
ABut what's the point of it all then Uncle
[email protected] AWho knows, who cares. Just some flippin' general wants to stick medals on his pigeon
[email protected] ABut what about the girl? Don't you want me to carry on Uncle
[email protected] AI reckon we've done our fair share lad. Seems to me that's as much as we can do. I'm goin' the
[email protected] Davey listened to Paddy clumping down the stairs. He sat without the helmet on staring at himself in the mirror but something prompted him to snatch it up and place it back onto his head. He intended to tell the old man what had happened, but the mirror misted over. The mist swirled and clouded, in panic Davey reached up to remove the helmet fearing that at any moment the face of the Shaman would appear. Suddenly the mists gave way to the star-like triangles whose tattooed image O'Neill had carried upon his palm. As he stared the star began to spin, faster and faster it rotated then it slowed. Now that it was moving more slowly he could see that the three sides of each triangle, although still linked together were in the shape of a [show a Ahalf-swastika] the two shapes overlapped forming a strange shaped cross. As he watched in amazement the star tried to reform and break up the cross but it was unable to do so. The other tattoo from O'Neill's other hand appeared, it too spun rapidly then slowed. This time the two small circles within the larger circle swung higher and nearer to each other, the outside circle altered shape and filled black. A skull, the head of death was formed. As he started to lift the helmet off his head an eagle flew into view, it landed on a nest on top of a mountain and surveyed the lands beneath it, around it's neck hung the cross, upon its forehead was the death's head. Davey was frightened but knew he must watch. In the eagle's left claw were skeletal figures; men, women and children. In the eagle's right claw was a name, THULE.. The name sent a shiver down his spine, he knew that he was viewing his destiny.
As Paddy came clumping back up the stairs the image faded, dissolved and then disappeared.
ASo yer carryin' on then
[email protected] AThought I better had,@ puffed Davey, AI won't bother if you don't want me to though Uncle
[email protected] AI'm a bit tired that's
[email protected] AI've
[email protected] AWhat
[email protected] ANothing. I've just tried to find the old man again that's
[email protected] AAny
[email protected] ANot
[email protected] Dawn was rising as Davey speeded up the images and found the old man and John in hiding, laying under ferns beneath the cart they had been filling with rubble when he had last left them. AChacuti and Richard and O'Neill. They're all
[email protected] Davey blurted out.
The old man was stunned, AEvents have moved rapidly boy. Far faster than I could ever have
[email protected] Hearing the tone of sadness in his voice John asked, AWhat has happened old
[email protected] AWe fight to preserve the soul of the child John. Her body has left
[email protected] A great tear rolled down John's face as he remembered the happy days of the two little girls bouncing around on him and the surprise in their faces at his stories. ADo we not waste our time here old
[email protected] he asked, AI wish to wring this Shaman's neck, whoever he may be, but his death will not bring back Chacuti, will
[email protected] he added his last two words almost pleadingly.
AShe is not even dead as we understand it John. The power of the crystal skulls will keep her here until this fiend is able to retrieve it. We must finish him, only then will she be released. She will pass on to a far better place than this, you can be sure of
[email protected] John did not look convinced but his desire for revenge had overcome all thoughts of what might be, he lay beneath the cart with his head resting upon his huge hams of hands and clenched his knuckles so tightly that they cracked loudly.
AThat giant's getting peeved again, but he'll have his work cut out to sort out the Shaman,@ said Paddy, A He might be able to flatten the Queen's wrestler but that Shaman's a sneaky
[email protected] AHe's close to
[email protected] exclaimed Davey. He swept away from the cart, above the derelict houses which surrounded the well, across the flat countryside moving away from a hill in the background.
AThat's flippin' Hill 17 up there lad.
[email protected] exclaimed Paddy. The ugly mound raised itself, black against a dark background. AWe're in the flippin' war zone here
[email protected] AIs this where you got shot Uncle
[email protected] ARound here somewhere lad, I caught a bullet and yer dad caught
[email protected] Beneath them they spotted a village, Davey zoomed down to where a road, lined with deep hedgerows snaked across the flat countryside before meeting the village. There was a signpost standing starkly at the village entrance, it's name had been carved into it but could not be read, painted over the name in tar was a black cross, beneath it, hanging on a placard was written the words, INFECTER DE LA PESTE.
AWhat d'yer reckon that means? Some kind of warnin' about pests? Maybe they was expectin' the Shaman to turn
[email protected] AI reckon that there's plague around here Uncle Paddy,@ said Davey scanning around and sensing the desolation.
AEh up, talk of the
[email protected] Leaving the cover of the hedgerow, Father Salamanga crept past the signpost.
AHe's on his way to
[email protected] Davey told the old man. AHe's not wearing the
[email protected] he exclaimed as he realised the old man had not heard him. AHow can he fight the Shaman without wearing
[email protected] They watched the priest walk slowly towards the small hamlet where the two friends lay in wait.
A ring of deserted houses caused him to move furtively, his eyes flicked warily around as he made his way between the houses to the well. Peering through the darkness into the depths of the shaft he glanced back towards the houses.
AIt is a
[email protected] he hissed. He appeared to be listening to a voice.
AHe's talking to the skulls! Should I go and listen to what they're telling
[email protected] ADon't bother lad, time yer get there and back it'll all be
[email protected] A white light seemed to shine from the Shaman's eyes as he probed the darkness of the well. The sun had not yet risen enough to send light into the shaft, the darkness was absolute.
AIt is above water,@ said the priest as he climbed over the low stone wall surrounding the well and began to stealthily descend, AAs soon as it is in my power nothing shall destroy
[email protected] Davey scanned down into the well, AThere's the helmet! The old man's put it on that plank! The Shaman's going to get it
! Why's he done
[email protected] ABait lad. Like cheese in a
[email protected] The old man and giant crawled from beneath the cart, slowly they began to push it towards the well. They had covered most of the short distance when one of the cartwheels let out a sharp screech. The old man and giant looked at each other, nodded, then began to push the cart as hard as they could. The Shaman, alerted by the sound, scrambled back up the well, his talons gripped the sides allowing him to ascend rapidly. He vaulted back out over the wall, John and the old man saw him and stopped pushing. The heavy cart rolled slowly towards the well where it stopped dead.
AMove away from this
[email protected] rasped the Shaman to the old man, ATake this man with
[email protected] ABossy little character isn't he old
[email protected] joked John, but his face was not smiling.
AWithout the helmet you are nothing. Move
[email protected] ordered the Shaman.
John did not agree, he walked towards the Shaman who held up his hand and squeezed it into a tight fist.
AHe's doing what he did to Lord
[email protected] shouted Davey.
John gasped, ATouch of wind today old man,@ and patted his huge stomach.
The Shaman twisted his fist, John let out an almighty belch, AThat's
[email protected] He charged at the Shaman and gripped him around his throat with his huge hand. The power of his grip would have taken the head off a normal man. The Shaman stood staring hard, trying to draw John's gaze into his own.
ADo not look on his face
[email protected] shouted the old man as he ran in to help. The Shaman's talons, protruding from the hands of Father Salamanga raked into John's face. The old man seized them and prevented him inflicting any more injury. ATo the well
[email protected] Together they manhandled the Shaman, he was struggling, snarling and spitting like a wild animal, at times they almost tumbled to the floor and but for John's great weight they would have done so.
AForce back the fiend's head if you are able! His eyes are the
[email protected] shouted the old man.
John bellowed like a bull and put all this strength into the hand around the Shaman's neck, AHe's a might strong for that old man,@ he grappled the Shaman closer intending to place him into a bear-hug, a hold which had proven too much for all who had come against him in the prize-ring. ADon't leave go of him
[email protected] warned the old man, ALook on his
[email protected] The teeth of the snake were protruding from Father Salamanga's gums, the mouth gaped open, ready to strike. John saw the teeth but also saw the eyes, they fastened him with their deadly stare.
AThe eyes have got him! I can't tell the old
[email protected] Davey was frantic.
The old man saw the danger and released his hold upon the talons, he grabbed hold of the priest's head, placing his hands over the eyes and heaved back towards the well. The Shaman was forced to stagger back, as John recovered his wits he realised what had almost taken place and redoubled his efforts. As they neared the well he shouted a warning to the old man, ARelease him old
[email protected] As the old man let go John gave an almighty effort and in a wrestling throw flicked the Shaman from the floor and flung him headfirst down the well. He screamed as he shot downwards towards the water, he hit the plank forcefully and it gave in the centre where John had weakened it but it did not snap. Screeching in pain the Shaman lifted his feet and an arm out of the water and immediately began to ascend the sides like a great cockroach. He was screaming in rage as he scuttled rapidly upwards.
AThe cart
[email protected] yelled the old man taking a rock from it and hurling it down the shaft, the missile slowed the Shaman.
AStand
[email protected] bellowed John, he ran behind the cart and seized hold of the back axle, then with an enormous heave he tipped the cart straight over onto the well. The low stone wall crumbled and added itself to the mass of rocks, rubble and debris which crashed down the shaft, battering the Shaman into the waiting water.
Davey looked through the earth and saw him underwater, screaming. His hand had hooked itself into the two holes in the back of the helmet but it was no use. John and the old man were compacting the material above him, jumping upon it, pressing it down. The body of Father Salamanga gave a few final efforts which caused the debris in the shaft to lift up towards the men above but under the great weight of John it was thumped back down.
Davey looked down into the rocks, rubble and water which entombed the body of the priest. He was suspended underwater, face downwards, the weight of the helmet acting like an anchor for his body.
AThey've done
[email protected] exulted Davey. AThey've finished him
[email protected] Another cart-load was emptied upon the top of the first load, it compacted the debris beneath it. Soon nothing remained of the well. The stone wall which had encircled it had been kicked into the shaft. John's huge boots were pounding the material level with the surface of the ground. A broom of twigs totally concealed the position so that even if an inhabitant of the village had survived the plague they would have been unable to accurately locate it.
AIn there he lies,@ said the old man.
AAnd in there he shall stay my friend,@ said the giant.
ABoy,@ said the old man, AI can no longer speak with you, the helmet is gone, it provided the means of snaring the Shaman. I shall return to Carnatic and inform the child that she is saved, the Shaman is no
[email protected] AI'm hearing what he's saying Uncle Paddy but if he the Shaman never gets out how come I saw him flying around up at
[email protected] AMust have been just been his thoughts
[email protected] AWhen it was his thoughts we couldn't see him, neither could the old man or Richard, or O'Neill for that
[email protected] AWhat yer worrying about lad, the old man reckons that he's finished him off so he must have done. Go up to Carnatic yerself and check if she's still there if yer not
[email protected] Davey took off the helmet, AI'll go up there as soon as it gets light Uncle
[email protected] AHang on a mo', what about yer mum and dad, yer meant to be going out with them. Yer can't keep ignoring them can
[email protected] Davey thought about it, AYou're right, I'll go up to Carnatic after we get back
[email protected] AWell at least yer won't need to worry about the Shyman flyin' round after yer lad. He's been well and truly
[email protected] AYeah,@ said Davey. His voice lacked conviction.
AYer don't seem too sure
[email protected] AIt's just too easy. I don't reckon that the Shaman could be beaten so
[email protected] He paused, thinking, AAnd remember what he said when he was on the
[email protected] ASommat about the earth opening its mouth and swallowed the
[email protected] AYeah, but then getting out and making war on
[email protected] ANaw, yer jumpin' to conclusions lad. The old man hasn't put a foot wrong. If he says the Shaman's had it, then had it he
[email protected] Davey still didn't look convinced.
ACome on, I'm jiggered, let's get a bit of kip should
[email protected] Reluctantly Davey agreed but he lay in the darkness with his eyes open for a long time before whispering, AUncle Paddy, you still
[email protected] AAye lad,@ came the sleepy reply.
AHow come we've got the helmet now if it's stuck fifty feet
[email protected] AMust be a diffrent >elmet lad, come on now, let's get some kip
[email protected]