Order of the Golden Dawn (Neophyte Series 2)

CHAPTER 15 : THE SEVEN PERSONAS

        Though there was a small debate within my head as to whether killing for a good cause should be a concept I could be morally comfortable with, before me was a man who had made that decision; for his eyes betrayed his conviction. A visible, yet unspoken guilt was evident in his bearing; and though this man's actions had resulted in millions upon millions of deaths, his heart obviously bled for each and every one. Rather than a request, his response felt more like a desperate plea to right what he had done wrong. He knew that if the Order had their way, his guilt and heartbreak would only be the beginning, and we really had no idea what to expect.

    'Before we begin, I must be absolutely certain that you understand what I am asking of you.'

    'Hunt them down, kill them all. Sounds pretty cut and dry to me.' I replied.

    'I wish it were that simple. There is so much more to your path, Meric. Though I can only show you what could lie before you, it is you who will have to endure my hardships until the very end.'

    'Your hardships? And to what end exactly?'

    'The end. The Great War.'

    'Surely, I will not live to see it?' I laughed.

    'You are immortal, Meric. Like me, you have chosen a life of loneliness; for to choose a mate would only begin the cycle anew. If you do not wish to suffer my fate, you must resist temptation at all costs.'

     'You're telling me I must live a life of celibacy?'

     'Yes. Our poison will only mutate and evolve if we allow it to spread any further. Now, if you can manage to allow that to stew in your head for a while, follow me. There is much to be discussed.'

    Exiting the kitchen, we made our way back toward the marble staircase and out the front door. Outside, and directly in front of the massive oak doors at the base of the front steps was a rather odd looking, gothic sculpture. Several hooded figures stood facing one another, each with an unusual object within their hands. I recognized one of them immediately as it held the scythe that Malach had carried with him.

    'I have seen this blade before.'

    'Yes; well, seeing as there was no way for me to reach the living at the time, I called upon a friend who was indebted to me, to try to keep you out of trouble until I was physically well enough to attend to you myself. Now, if you would step into the center; there is something you must see.'

    As soon as I did so, my stomach suddenly felt queasy. Leaning on one of the hooded figures, I grasped my midsection; not sure if it was the raw steak that was causing me pain.

    'Worry not, for your physical pain will cease to matter momentarily.'

    Samael stepped into the center of the monument. Calmly, he closed his eyes and drew a few deep breaths. He began to speak in an unknown language. My pain quickly subsided and a sense of peace suddenly overcame me. The objects within the hand of each hooded figure suddenly ignited and the world around us grew blurry.

    'What's happening?' I asked.

    'You will see soon enough.'

    As a different world formed all around us, my jaw dropped as I took in a magnificent view. Before us stood a towering fence-like structure made of what looked to be pure energy. Each rung was of a transparent composition, which appeared to be a smooth, solid rock; as if the energy within was igniting each barrier. Stepping off a platform I suddenly felt a bit taller compared to Samael.