Angel Assassins - Book 1 Lineage & Lies

Chapter 29 - Leverage

Javen was standing before the Master waiting for his judgment. He and Reboaz had arrived to see Jake being taken by Lucifer's personal guard and whilst he was surprised to see them, he kept his thoughts about who had sent them, to himself. 

Javen had wanted to take Gabriel out then and there, but Reboaz had decided that the turn of events was more important and the Master needed to know. Javen, just thought that Reboaz was too cowardly to face Gabriel again. So here he was waiting. 

Reboaz had recounted his version of the battle with Gabriel and his upstarts, pausing to elaborate on his 'almost' killing blow. He also made it out that it was his idea to track the boy. 

Javen wanted to shout out against the lies, but he knew it was best at this point to stay silent. He had a plan, one that he knew the Master would like; a plan that would hopefully save him from the abyss. 

The Master stood, his voice rising in volume and ferocity as he spoke.

'So you have failed me once again Javen, we have lost some of our most devoted Razok followers and we have lost the boy. Do you have anything to say?'

Javen bowed before the Master.

'I would not want to redress the story that mighty Reboaz has told you, despite the glaring omissions on his part. However, I have a plan that will lead the boy to you'

Reboaz was advancing on Javen, intent with bodily harm. The Master held up his hand to stay Reboaz.

'I am intrigued Javen, you must tell me of your plan. But be warned, if it displeases me, Reboaz will have his sport before tossing you into the abyss'

An evil grin spread across Reboaz face, he licked his cracked lips. The Master climbed down from his throne and motioned Javen to follow him. As they headed for his personal chamber the Master turned to address Reboaz.

'Return to the Razok and bring them news of impending victory and the rise of their house'

The demon frowned

'My, my, Reboaz, surely you of all your race, know the need for deception, especially when it comes to the politics of this city'

Reboaz gave a short bow and left the throne room. Javen waited at the entrance to the master's chamber. He had never been in this room, the master had always entertained them either in the throne room or another room that, he had assumed was the masters study. 

The master pushed the large wooden door and entered, Javen followed.

The room was larger than Javen had imagined. The four poster bed lavishly upholstered with velvet was in the first half on the room. The walls were lined with books and volumes of the ancient secrets. A reading desk was located not far from the bed; it was piled high with papers, scrolls and half open books. 

Whilst the bed dominated the first part of the room, there followed a modest living space in the centre. A square of deep couches surrounded a low dark wood table; beyond them was a dressing area, a small kitchen and a bathing area. 

Across from the living area there was another wooden door, identical to the one they had entered from the throne room.

Whilst the stone walls and floor were still rough, having been dug out of the very mountain that now was the base for the citadel, the light and decoration of the chamber gave it a decidedly homely feel. It struck Javen as an odd room for the Master.

'Come Javen, sit and explain your plan'

Javen felt a little unnerved by the informality of the situation and the quieter tone of the master. The master reclined and motioned to the seat across the table from him.