Second Circle

Chapter Four: The Emperor

Blood drained from Natalie’s face as the radio crackled. ‘What do you mean gone.’

‘When the alarm sounded we ran to check the cell. The door was still locked. The cameras went off-line in the power cut. We just don’t know.’

Natalie’s head sank. After a moment she lifted her radio. ‘Inform all agents to implement high level shielding, we have been infiltrated. The girl was a Shade, she must have transcended after the attack. We need a team in the meditation chamber. Have two dreamers go under now. We will be there in five.’

Natalie’s husband stood up. He was a mountain of a man. The closed wounds of Molly’s crossbow bolts were caked in red and black blood. His skin shone pure white between the blood and the dirt. His voice was weak, but when he spoke the others knew instantly there was no room for negotiation. ‘I am leading this pursuit.’ He looked intently at John. ‘I know you. We need your help.’

The meditation chambers were a few levels above the cavern, but still hidden below the basement of Stormont Castle. They entered a hexagonal shaped room with thick walls of polished grey concrete and a stone floor. In the centre of the room were six stone slabs which sat beneath a low domed ceiling.

On two of the stone slabs lay motionless agents. A man in a business suit sat cross legged in the middle of the room. Under one arm he held a large empty bronze pot. In his other hand was a short ceramic stick. He ran the stick around the edge of the pot creating a long hollow sound which wound its way around the room like a snake trying to catch its own tail.

Natalie’s husband looked at John and pointed to one of the slabs. ‘Get comfortable.’

John lay down while Natalie, her husband and Molly took the remaining positions. The sound increased in speed and volume as the four closed their eyes.

Darkness descended.