For I Am Calm

Chapter 9: Deus Ex Machina

Upon awakening on my cot, I can smell the dirty ash in the air. I let out a sigh and I can see my breath in front as I lay there staring at the ceiling of the tent. I sit up and swing my legs around to the side. I look at the other people around me. Some were still sleeping, some got up to cook breakfast for the rest of us, others praying for everyone's safety. Then there were the poor children. Some of them were crying. I've seen this before... there were some of the older kids trying to distract the younger ones from the despair that everyone is feeling. I feel something in my pocket. It's the dagger artifact from the water under the cathedral... why is it in my possession? You know what to do. Nope, stop that. You've seen what would happen if you don't... that ringing, it's here.

"Two more showed up." I hear a man's voice behind me as well as a hand on my shoulder. Oh, it's you again Phylos... I look behind me and move his hand away. "Can you get more for everyone else?" I ask. "General Haynes said-" He starts. "I don't care what he said. It'll be safe enough to get everyone to a sanctuary as long as they leave after we depart." I cut him off. I guess this surprises Phylos cause he didn't say anything. After a moment of silence he says he'll see what he can do.

 The people started piling into the two caravans. Some soldiers stood by to make sure nobody got hurt getting in. "Father Damon?" someone taps my shoulder. "Yes my child?" I turn around and see Clem. Clem motioned for me to follow them so I did. "Is something wrong?" I ask and they think for a moment. "I wanna say yes? Someone freaking out was asking to see you." They shrug so I decide I'd see what this person wants. I see the woman again. Hysterical, hyperventilating like before.

"You... please listen to me!" There was the same shakiness in her voice. "What's troubling you? " I kneel down to her level and ask in a calming voice. "You... Father.. please. Whatever you do... don't go." she says in between deep breaths. I hand her a tissue to wipe the tears that ran down her cheeks. I hold one of her hands gently. "I'm sorry my child but it's for the best that I must." I give her a hug. "So you saw it too..." She whispers shakily. "I believe so. It'll be ok." I assure her. I stand up and see Clem being confused. "What was that about?" they ask. "Pay no mind to it." I smile before going to General Haynes' tent.  

"General Haynes. If I'm interrupting something I can come back another time." I offer. "Not at all. I was about to ask someone to come get you but here you are." He clears his throat. He hands me a sheet of paper. I look down and it's a picture of a group of robed people and demons entering a cathedral. I look up from the paper and at General Haynes. "Some of my men reported there is a high possibility this could be the epicenter of the rapture." He brings out a map of a town where the cathedral is to be. I put it down. "I've also been informed you requested that we take everyone at once." He adds. This is different. Yes, you made it so... I go to the tents entrance and look back. "I have. When we're done, Annalise or Xavier should tell you it's done." I assure him. "Wait how did... I didn't even say who.." I could hear him stutter in confusion as I left. Clem caught up with me to talk. They probably saw me leave the tent in a hurry. "Is everything alright?" They ask. I explain what I asked of the general. However that didn't bother me. What bothered me is what I believe I have to do though if I know anything, if it rings, it's important. The more I deny what it is I must do, the louder it gets.

"You have faith in whatever god you believe in, right?" They put their arm around my neck. "Yes..." I exhale. They step in front of me and turn to face me. "Then have faith they will protect you." They laugh "Like damn, what kind of priest are you?" they joke. Not a priest... I laugh with them, Clem really has a talent of making someone feel better. Their charisma is one of a kind. Later I can see Phylos and two others talking to the general. General Haynes points to me so I take that as a queue to join the conversation. Phylos motions towards me when I get there. "Father Damon, this gentlemen and gentle lady are going to join us." He jokingly introduces us. He leaves to go to a dispatch vehicle and left us with time to get acquainted. "Xavier Fole." One of the men holds his hand out so I shake it. "Annalise I presume?" I glance at the lady. "Annalise Lorelei. Nice to meet you, Father." She gives a subtle bow.

With introductions over and ice broken we head to the dispatch vehicle. "Wait..." Clem stops me before I enter. "I know it's not really my thing but may god grant you a safe journey." they smile. "And you too." I thank them. You don't need it Damon, not anymore... I know what awaits us in the cathedral and I know what it is I must do. Thank you Clem.