"It's bad... really bad," she whispered. "I think we need to head back to the house and work out a plan."
"But surely all of us can do something here?" asked Sammy.
"No, Sammy. Listen everyone. This woman is powerful. She is a Nephilim. We must return home and come up with a plan."
Everyone gasped and nodded.
"Wait," said Crystal, "what happened to the others?"
"I think they're okay... for now. Come on, let's go."
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
Eric was exhausted. No longer able to talk, Jack had encouraged him to try and sleep for a little while.
"Are you all right, Jack?" asked Zalea as they sat beside the old man while the sound of his gentle snores filled the small cave where curled on the floor.
"I'm fine. How about you?"
"Just a little cold, but I think I'm all right. I'm frightened though," she said with a sniff, "Are we going to die here?" she asked as tears began to fall down her cheeks.
"No, I'm going to get us out of here, Zalea. But for now, I'm going to see if I can get through to December.
The sound of Zalea's gentle weeping soon subsided, even Eric's snoring halted as Jack concentrated hard on reaching out to his daughter's best friend.
After a while, his head throbbed all over but he felt a connection.
"December?" he whispered, "It's me. We're in the caves. Somehow they caught us but we've escaped. We found an old man alive and he told us we are below the surface of the earth. Yes, the centre of the earth, it's like a whole new world, but.. I just wanted you to know where we are. Maybe you can work out how to free us. Hm? Sorry? ... Oh God, that's not good. Let me know when you know more. We'll continue to try and get out and if anything changes, I'll be in touch. December? Be careful. Bye."
As the connection was lost, Jack's headache began to ease but not before he closed his eyes and tried to sleep just for a few minutes.
"Jack? Jack?" said a soft silky voice as he came to from his dreamlike state.
"Hm?" he muttered, "Serena?" he asked.
"No, Jack, you're dreaming. It's me, Zalea...wake up," she said, gently tugging at his arm.
His eyes flew open, expecting light but there was nothing but darkness. He could just make out the faint outlines of his two companions.
"Sorry, how long was I out?"
"Not long, maybe an hour," she replied.
"You needed it, me boy. S'always good to get some shut eye, it is," said Eric as they helped him to stand up, his joints cracking.
"Oooh, I'm sorry you two. I'm an old man, I'm slowing yers both down."
"Nonsense," said Jack, "you're keeping up with us. You're doing brilliantly. The royal family would be proud."
Neither of them could see the broad grin that spread across his cheeks. He was beaming and it made him even more eager to get out.
While they walked, Zalea encouraged him to tell them more about the Nephilim.
"More?" he said, "Let me think? Now what was it old Ronald told me? Oh yes, the Nephilim. They used to have huge wings but over time they've disappeared. Occasionally one is born still bearing the marks of wings of generations gone by."
"Wait a minute, you said they're still being born?"
"Why yes, young Jack. There are rumours some Nephilim managed to escape from this hell and made a life for themselves up top. There they mated with our kind and produced offspring of their own."
"And how did they manage to escape from here?" asked Jack eagerly, "Did Ronald ever tell you that?"
Eric was quiet for a moment while he pondered the conversations they'd had before Ronald passed away.
"Why yes, I believe he did mention something about that, but, but I can't remember it."
Jack's shoulders slumped. Perhaps Ronald had known something that could help them escape. He just had to get Eric to remember.
"Tell me about Ronald, Eric?
"He was a fine man, he was, Ronald. He wasn't a Brit, like me, well, his forefathers were Brits, o' course, but Ronald was from Canada. Where in Canada did he tell me? Hm somewhere in the west, it was. It sounded British but wasn't... hm?"
"British Columbia?" asked Jack.
"That's it, you've got it, me lad. British Columbia, that's where he was from."
"Do you remember where in British Columbia, Eric?"
"He did tell me, he did, but it was a place I'd never 'eard of. It was by the water, mind you. He liked to go sailing, did Ronald. He told me all about that. Even had his own little boat, apparently. Ooh, he did love the water."
"What did Ronald do for a living?"
"He was a historian, was Ronald. A professor. Wonderful man," sobbed Eric, "Ooh I'm sorry. I'm not usually one for cryin' but I was so lonely after he passed," he said, rubbing his eyes with his half-gloved fingers.
"It's all right, Eric. We understand," said Zalea with a pat on his arm. "My sister went missing some time ago and I've spent many a night sobbing for her. It's all right to cry."
"My dear, I am sorry to hear 'bout your sister. Terrible, how terrible."
"Thank you. We've since discovered she's alive and well in your world."
"Aren't you from my world?" he asked, startled.
Zalea smiled, "Why no. I'm sorry, I should have told you before."
"People can usually tell by her appearance, Eric, but it's too dark for you to see," Jack interrupted.
"How are you different from us?" he whispered.
"I have small wings and translucent skin. My colouring is very different to humans. But other than that, we are pretty much the same."
"B...but... where do you come from?" he asked quietly.
"You call it the centre of the earth, I call it home," she whispered, "but the part where I live is far from here where the forests sparkle in different shades of silver. The forests of Moharth. It's the most beautiful place you'll ever see."
"If you live so far away from here, my dear, what are you doing here?"
"It's a long story but suffice to say she is trying to get her sister home," answered Jack.
"You must really love that sister of yours to submit yourself to this hell," he smiled and patted her hand gently.
"I do, Eric, I love my family a great deal."
"That's lovely, that's really quite somethin'," he said, "I ain't got no family."
"No family?" asked Jack.
"My parents are long dead. They died within a year of each other when I was just a lad. I did have a younger sister who died during childbirth. Her name was Martha. God rest their souls."
"I'm so sorry, Eric. Didn't you ever marry and have children of your own?" asked Jack.
"I had a wife, but she died too. We were married for 11 years when she was told she had an inoperable brain tumour. She fell into a coma a few months later and never woke up. The doctors had to switch off life support in the end," he said, wiping at his eyes again.
"That's terrible... I'm so sorry...." said Zalea.
"It was a long time ago though. Ronald had a family. He loved tellin' me all about 'em, he did. His wife, Elsie, was a cracker, he told me," he chuckled, "and they had two sons, Charles and Henry, and two daughters, Elizabeth and Victoria. Elizabeth was about to have their first grandchild when he vanished, he told me..."
"Did he tell you how he vanished, Eric, how he got here?"
"Yes he did. Ronald often went on treks around the world, researchin' for this and that. He had several books published, did Ronald. Anyway, on this particular time, he was actually researchin' the Nephilim (which was why he knew so much about em, o' course). He had a theory that they existed beneath caves all over the world and so he decided to visit some o' these caves. Apparently he fell down a deep gulley into some water. He musta hit his head or somethin' coz when he woke up, he was 'ere."
"So contrary to what happened to me and you, he never saw the strange mirrored light?" asked Jack, intrigued.
"Right you are, Jack, me lad, right you are."
"Well, that mig
ht change things for us," he said to himself. "What else can you tell us about Ronald, Eric? Did he tell you where the caves were when he fell?"
CHAPTER FORTY
Sitting in the back of the car deep in thought, December's head began to ache. Lilly sat beside her and when she felt her flinch, she turned.
"Is it a headache again?"
December nodded and closed her eyes.
"Chris, put your foot down. We need to get back home quickly. I think my dad's trying to get through again."
Before they arrived, Lilly quietly explained about everything she had witnessed in the pyramid.
December groaned as she was carefully placed on the sofa.
As usual, Millicent and Moira sat by her side holding her hands as the rest of the group quietly surrounded her, waiting for news.
"I'm here," she said aloud. "Hi Jack... The centre of the earth?" she whispered and Lilly' eyes flew open wide. "...There is one of them, the Nephilim, on the loose over here.... Okay, be careful Jack. We'll talk soon."
Her head continued to throb but it didn't matter, she needed to sit up and explain what was going on.
"Easy, December, easy," said Moira. "At least lean your head back on the headrest, okay?" she said as Millicent mopped her forehead with a damp cloth.
"What's happened?"
"Jack is in the Nephilim caves and he's discovered that they are situated in the centre of the earth. But not only that, listen to what Lilly heard back at the pyramid," she said.
Lilly took a deep breath to explain everything she'd witnessed and was met with a room full of horrified faces.
"Now what do we do?" asked Gabriel who had been sitting silently in his old leather chair in the corner. "We can't fight the Nephilim... they are just too powerful."
"How on earth do we defeat them?" asked Tabitha who had been standing wringing a scarf tightly between her fingers, "And get our loved ones back safe and sound?"
As if on cue, there was a knock at the door. Everyone's head turned to face it as Gabriel stood, checking that everyone supernatural was well hidden. Sammy and Tiffani went and hid in another room as Gabriel walked into the hallway and carefully opened the door.
A handsome man wearing jeans and a black turtle neck sweater stood smiling, waiting on the porch. His black hair seemed to shine in the dawn light and his face exuded kindness.
"Can I help you?" asked Gabriel.
"Gabriel?" he asked.
"Yes?"
"I've come to offer my assistance. May I come in?"
"Erm..."
Placing a hand gently on Gabriel's arm, he whispered, "It's quite all right. I know all about you. There's no need to hide anyone from me. You can call Tiffanimelicomelea and Sammy out of their hiding place," he smiled as Gabriel pulled the door further open and ushered the stranger in.
He followed the old man into the living room where the crowd stood nervously.
"Hello everyone. My name is Michael. I'm here to help. Please don't be afraid."
"Sorry, who? Michael? How do you know we need help?" asked Lilly.
He smiled kindly, "Hello, Lilly. It's an honour to finally meet someone as brave as yourself. I have been watching you and I must say, I am impressed. And December, you also. It's quite some time since I've seen two young girls kick butt quite like you," he chuckled. Turning to look away, his gaze locked on Millicent, "and young Millicent, I know you shouldn't really be here but I understand you have helped December a great deal in honing her communication technique. But you must return. For now though, you can stay but you will have to go back soon."
"But how do you know? How do you know all this about us?" asked Rose, standing up and facing the young man whose eyes seemed old beyond his years.
"Rose, my dear. Your parents are incredibly proud of you. They wanted you to know their little pumpkin grew up to be quite a feline."
Stumped for words, she sat right back down, whispering, "I never told anyone they called me their little pumpkin."
"And speaking of those that have passed. Meredith, John wants you to know he's okay. He's so sorry you didn't get to spend more time together but he loves you so much, so very much. He said to tell you he's so proud of you. A raven, who knew?"
Tears flowed down her cheeks as she looked up at him and smiled.
"Lilly."
She stood up and walked right up to him, "Serena and Neleh miss you so much. They watch over you whenever you need them. Like the time they led you to Sammy. They are proud, but they believe you know that already."
Swallowing loudly, she said, "Who are you? How do you know this stuff?"
"All in good time, Lilly, all in good time. Now where is she? Ruby?" he asked and waited for the red-headed glamour puss ghost to come floating out of nowhere.
"You called?" she purred.
"I know you have been stuck like this for quite some time. But it is possible for the curse to be broken. All that is needed is love. I can tell you no more. Just think on it and you will understand."
Her face lit up and she drifted away without another word. Most unlike her.
"Sammy Morton, it is possible for your curse to be reversed so you can live out your days in this world, but something tells me you have other plans," he said to Sammy with a cheeky smile who turned to look at Tiffani with a slight blush.
"I am here to offer you any assistance I can in order to help you get home, Tiffanimelicomelea, to get Jack and his friend back and also to try and rid this world of this evil that is the Nephilim."
"Holy Cow!" yelled Tabitha all of a sudden, "You're Michael!" she said and he smiled.
"He already told us that, Tab," said December.
"Yeh, but he forgot to add something crucial to his name."
"What's that?" asked Millicent innocently.
"Archangel."
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
"Yes he did, as a matter of fact," said Eric. "Ronald had visited so many caves over the years, he had. But the ones when he fell and made his discovery, were in Romania."
"Romania?" asked Jack, aghast. "That doesn't really help us, does it?" he whispered to himself.
"I'm sorry, Jack, me lad, but it's true," sighed Eric.
"I was hoping for some kind of connection, you know? You and I both disappearing in London but Romania? That's miles away."
The three sat in silence before a noise in the distance caught their attention.
"We'd better keep moving," whispered Zalea as she stood, slowly helping Eric to his feet. "What do you think that was?" she asked.
Eric, having been trapped in the caves for months, knew only too well what it was.
"It's the sound of the dead. They're being moved."
"So they're probably on to us, then," said Jack slowly.
"Aye, they probably are."
With a starving old man to carry, speeding up wasn't much of an option, but the trio quickened just a little, tripping over each other's feet in the darkness.
"If only we could see," said Zalea, who suddenly had a thought, "Jack, you could be our eyes, if you turn into, you know?"
"Turn into you know, whatever do you mean, my love?"
"I haven't been entirely open with you, Eric, about myself. I come from a long line of ancestors who had a unique gene that enabled them to transform..."
"Transform into what...?" he asked hauntingly.
"Into ravens, Eric. I recently found out I have the gene too."
The old man chuckled, "Get away wiv ya."
"It's true, Eric. Remember back when you were chained up you said you thought you heard a bird. You did, it was me. It was the only way I could get out of the chains."
Eric said nothing for a few moments before adding, "I did wonder how you got out, my boy. I'll believe anything right at this moment. After all, who'd have known there was a whole other world in the centre of the earth, right?"
"Right," replied Jack with a smile. "I can't change, not now, Zalea. You need me to help carry Eric."
"I said
before, young'uns, you should leave me and get out, escape."
"No, we're not leaving without you, Eric," said Jack.
"Well then, give me credit for something. I can walk, just not too fast mind you."
"I can help him, Jack. It will be more helpful if you can be our eyes."
"But how do we communicate? he asked.
"How about one squawk for right, two squawks for left, three for straight on?" she suggested.
"And something for danger?" asked Eric.
"If I see danger, I will come and sit on your arm, which means we must stay silent."
"Okay," said Zalea. "Be careful, Jack."
Within a matter of minutes, after he had removed his clothes and handed them to her, the transformation was complete. His eyesight improved a hundred fold and he was able to see exactly where they were. It wasn't good. It was like a myriad of different tunnels going off in so many directions. Jagged golden brown rocks jutted down from above while the path beneath their feet was smooth. He had no idea where to go.
He closed his eyes for a moment and concentrated on the strength of his raven senses. There were numerous unpleasant scents lingering throughout: blood, sweat, decay but there was something else that caught his attention. Water, he could smell water. The same scent that had filled his senses when he had plunged himself into the river the first time he had transformed. If they followed the scent of the water, they might, just might, find themselves at the river. And should they escape, they could then try and work out how to break free from the Nephilim's clutches.
Just as he decided which tunnel to enter, Zalea broke the silence, "Jack," she whispered timidly, "Are you ready?"
He replied with three squawks and so the two walked forward, following the sounds of the raven while he hopped, flew and waddled in front of them, desperate to get out of those rotten caves.
#
"I'm so thirsty, Jack," whispered Zalea as she and Eric leaned against the rocks for a break, both sweating from the strange heat that was now surrounding them.
Jack turned and, walking back, transformed to human form.