Fortunate Sons

Chapter 16: Voodoo Visions

Daniel Gilbert Dixon-Case had always been the most curious member of the platoon, even to his detriment. Second only to Ma Ahn, Dix had a curiosity that had often gotten him into trouble with his superiors. Curiosity wasn't always a bad thing. It had saved his friends more than once, but this was a case where it could either prove to be a great benefit or a colossal failure.

Dix kept a shelf in his quarters, a small alcove where he could stow whatever he wanted without the higher ups putting their noses where they didn't belong. In it he kept a statue of Michael the Archangel, a prayer card, his rosary and a small wooden cross along with his pocket Bible. But beneath that was an older book the size of a small brick and much older with its wrapping made of dusty, faded leather.

He untied the cord and opened it up, marking the pages bit by bit with a stub of pencil and hoping his findings would be right without the materials he needed. He drew the proper veve on the page and continued doing what he needed to do.

Oh please let this work.......he thought to himself.

"Daniel."

Dix dropped the book out of fright, peering over his shoulder to find an old man standing close by, his dark face painted with white streaks as he leaned on an old wooden cane. He fell still, not out of terror, but peacefully still.

"Papa," he murmured.

"Soldierin' has done you well my boy," the old man said. "Ye be makin' God mighty proud with your strength."

Dix wasn't sure what to say. He didn't doubt that God was pleased with how far they had come. But in a place like this he wasn't so sure if he could ever be proud of himself.

"Papa....." he said. "We need help."

"Aye that ye do," Papa said, shaking his head.

"So you know?"

"That monster that ye seek is still out there," Papa told him. "A bloodthirsty killer that would not stop until he has what he wants. And if ye do not stop him......no one will."

"But how?" Dix questioned. "How are we supposed to stop him?"

"Ye must do what they tell ye," Papa explained. "The rest is your doin' and your doin' alone. The fate o' many stands with you Daniel."

Dix's soul stirred quietly within him, moved by Papa's words but still unsure as to what to do. "We can't do it alone."

"Ye won't have to," Papa replied. "Remember mon, it is not about the enemy in front of ye, but all of your brothers behind ye. Do not fear what is yet unseen. If ye do what is asked, vict'ry will be certain."

"What are you asking?"

"Go forth," Papa instructed. "Find this monster and bring him to justice. But be warned. There is another that will try and thwart ye, kill ye, and destroy ye. Ye will not know who it be until he reveals himself. But when he does, he too must be destroyed."

Dix nodded in reply before Papa left. The air seemed lighter and his thoughts less heavy. For a brief moment, Dix had all but forgotten the events of the last few days and now could focus on what was really at stake......the fate of many hanging in the balance.