Trilby's Notes: The (Un)Official Novelization (Chzo Mythos #3)

Chapter 8: The Arrogant Man

Clanbronwyn Peninsula, July 28th, 55 BC

       Cabadath, a Celtic druid, awaits the return of his friend and colleague Galdn, who brings news of the invasion of Anglesey by the Roman Suetonius Paullinus. Having fallen out of favour with his fellows for certain radical beliefs and activities, Cabadath lives in solitude in this remote forest clearing and prefers not to travel himself.

       "Cabadath!"

       "Galdn. You bring news?"

       "The foreigners have landed. They could not be deterred by our sorcery. All is lost."

       "Oh?" A sly smile spread across Cabadath's face, a nearly mocking tone taking to his voice. "Certain, are you?"

       "Thuh- They are making their way across the land, eliminating resistance. Even you, out here, will be brought down within days. I'm sorry Cabadath."

       "And the great druids of Anglesey bow so easily to this brash foreign power? Do not hang your head yet, my friend. Perhaps the activities for which I was ostracised could yet spell an answer."

       "What are you talking about?"

       "You know of my dealings with the Ethereal Realm?"

       "I know what you claim. That there exists some otherworldly territory populated by demons and creatures of magick. And that you, Cabadath, can somehow commune with these creatures."

       "Come inside, and I shall explain."

       Cabadath's abode had been wildly changed, a blood-soaked alter at the far end of Cabadath's hut and a sigil drawn on the wall, four triangles surrounding every side of a square and encased in a circle. 

       "Cabadath, what is this madness?"

       "In my dealings with the Ethereal Realm, I have learned of many powerful demons and elementals. But there is one spoken of only reluctantly, a beast possessing of awesome power."

       "You plan to summon a demon?!"

       "The most terrible of them all, who strikes fear into even the most unflappable creatures I have spoken with. A pain elemental. Indeed, the ONLY pain elemental, ruler of a desolate wasteland where none venture. An invulnerable, hugely potent beast that feeds on the agony of others. And today is his day. The day when the boundaries between the realms weaken, and he glimpses our world. To bring him through at that point should be simple."

       "Even if you could conjure such a thing, how would you have it defend our land? This is madness, Cabadath!"

       "I have much knowledge in the ways of magick, Galdn. With the correct bindings, any demon can be forced to my will. I completed the preparations while I waited for your return. All that remains is the summoning."

       "Cabadath, it pains me to see you build your hopes on such nonsense."

       "Be silent, and watch!" Galdn stood aside, at the back of the hut, as Cabadath kneeled down in front of the alter. "You shall see your nonsense soon enough!"

       "In this hall of death, and by the light of Belenus' gift, I summon you. I bring you gifts to mark your path. I feed you with pain. I call you with madness. I summon you with the greatest loss. And I bind you by your true name. CHZO."

       A portal began to open above Cabadath.

       "By the gods...!" Galdn exclaimed.