Order of the Golden Dawn (Neophyte Series 2)

CHAPTER 29 : RESTLESS

        As soon as we arrived back at the bunker, Edward poured drinks as we discussed our newest discovery.

    'Okay, so how do you just happen to know this guy?'

    'Erich Kreiner and I attended school together. His father was a member of the Plymouth Brethren and headmaster of the school. That's why he had a particular hatred for me; thought I was a bad influence and was constantly getting his son into trouble. Truth is, I wasn't that bad of a kid until I became friends with Erich. He was the one that first introduced me to dark magic. Later, we attended prep school together, then Cambridge University. My interest was in literature, his was in the sciences, so we were eventually separated. As my interest in the unseen deepened, Kreiner became the top dog of his game.'

    'So much in fact, that Hitler selected him for Project Kronos?' I assumed.

    'It would seem so.' He confirmed.

    'Where would we find this guy?'

    'If the old man is still alive, he'll be in the same place he has been rotting since the fall of Nazi Germany: a prison for war criminals here in the United States. But knowing the Order and Kreiner's extensive expertise, he is more than likely employed by the government.'

    The notion that the American government would employ a Nazi seemed ludicrous, but the Order wasn't exactly known for their moral judgment.

    'Why would the government employ a Nazi physicist?'

   'Knowledge is power, Meric, and power is the key attribute that the Order respects above all else.' He reasoned.

    'Then I assume he will be well protected?'

    'Depends on what he is capable of. Considering his track record, I would assume so, as his line of work would be of the highest classification - military more than likely. The question you have to ask yourself is: what is your definition of treason?'

    'Treason?' I took a step back.

    'Yes. Is it not considered treasonous to infiltrate military compounds?'

    'Not in my opinion. If what we are facing is indeed the End of Days, then the needs of the planet would override the needs of the country, I would think.' Edward clapped his hands together.

    'Well spoken, Sir. I shall begin my search immediately. Let us pray that he has not yet passed; a man like Kreiner would be destined to burn.' He rose from the table and headed out of the room. I got up and followed him.

    'Wait a second, if he went to school with you he would be more than a hundred years old. If he's alive, wouldn't he be a demonic being?'

    'Possibly. There are ways beyond basic understanding that can extend the life of the average human being. Most especially when this particular life is capable of advancing their agenda.' We reached his quarters, but I held him up at the door, trying to make sense of what he was saying.

    'Why wouldn't the public be aware of these ways?'

    'Knowledge control. You see, with age comes wisdom. The natural aging process works as the perfect tool in assuring their status. By the time a human being is wise enough to act, their bodies are too shrivelled to do so. Why do you think Samael is considered such a threat? An immortal mind is that of conquest and wisdom, young Meric.' He bowed, then turned on his heel and closed the door behind him.

    Hours passed with Edward locked in his bedroom, utilizing the light to comb the earth for a man who may — no doubt reluctantly — lead us to the remaining pieces of the Infernal Machine.