Order of the Golden Dawn (Neophyte Series 2)

CHAPTER 30 : THE CREMATION OF CARE

        A moment later we arrived on a similar beach as a gentle breeze carried the scent of ash through the fresh ocean air. I could see smoke rising from a massive volcano not far from where we stood. No sooner had we made our way into a small, nearby cave when I inquired about our location.

    'This is a nameless island, located just north of Hawaii in the Pacific. You will not find this island on any map; for it is well protected by both physical and spiritual means.

    As we discussed, the meeting will take place outdoors. I will be able to see everything you see and know everything you know by utilizing the same practice as put to use in Auschwitz. If by chance you must venture indoors, it is possible that we may lose communication, for the walls of the facility should be heavily encrypted, so be prepared to wing it if necessary.'

    Edward handed me a small, electronic device.

    'Put this in your ear. If necessary, we should still be able to communicate through this earpiece. Yours is turned on, mine will remain off, unless our kinetic link is broken. Remember that if you get the chance to be alone, slip back into your human form so the beast doesn't get too comfortable. We don't want to lose you in a place like this.'

    I fit the tiny device into my ear as I stared out to the ocean and noticed the numerous helicopters that were now beginning to touch down on the shore. Edward checked his watches then pat me on the shoulder.

    'Keep your wits about you, and please be careful. Find Kreiner, find out what we need to know, and get the hell out of there. Whatever you do, keep the Hand concealed.' With this, he unstrapped the holster containing the Spear from his leg and strapped it to my free leg.

    'What are you doing?' I asked rather confused.

    'I trust nobody else with its safety; keep it concealed at all times. The Spear will send your enemies screaming back to Hell if necessary. Use it if you must, but only if there are no remaining options. If they figure out you carry either one of them, the shit will no doubt hit the fan. Do not risk your life unless you have exhausted all other options. As long as they both stay concealed, nobody should be able to pick up their auras.'

    'I thought you said that keeping them together would be dangerous?'

    'Hence the reason for the new scabbards. The encryptions within them should shield their auras from each other. They are forged with my blood for extra concealment.' I adjusted the strap then watched as it sunk into my leg until it disappeared completely, covered by my Black Matter suit; a handy little trick Edward had taught me a few days back.

    'Remember, if all else fails, teleport back here and we'll be home before they know it. If you're indoors, you will have to get outside to achieve this. You won't be able to extend the reach of the light while you are within the protective barriers, but considering that you're in your demonic form, you certainly aren't helpless.'

    'Extend reach?'

    'Yes, while immediately within the protected walls you may use the light but you won't be able to see through solid mass or kinetically call for help.'

    From within the cave, we quietly watched the members exit the helicopters and make their way into the brush. After a quick nod of approval from Edward, I took a deep breath, then focused on a spot behind a large bush where the lines of arriving people passed by. With a burst of black smoke I vanished from the cave and hoped that the volcano would mask the odor of brimstone that lingered from my teleportation.

    I kept out of sight and waited patiently until I was confident nobody was looking in my direction. I slipped in between the others walking single file through into the jungle.