Chapter 1
Elijah's Point Of View
My Body trembled, Beads of Sweat raining down on my face as I carefully carried my four year old daughter. I was desperate, Motivated, chalant towards going miles to save her Life Even if it meant placing my life on the line.
"Hang on there Emilia, Daddy got you."
My palm Covered her small head which was burning.
As Directed, I stepped into the Warlock's Cave. I was welcomed by the Flickering Torches that Emanated light through the way. After passing through the ancient chambers and Tunnels, I halt by the Ragged, imposing voice.
"Who are you…and why have you come?"
I swallowed, stuttering, " I have come to seek your help, Oh Great Warlock.!"
My voice echoed. I responded even though I hadn't seen his face.
"What do you seek?"
The voice sprung up again and from the shadows, he emerged, The warlock. He was short with a grotesque face. A Faded white robe hugged his body and white long beards braided cascaded to his chest.
"I have…come…to ask about the Demon, Xaren. To make a deal with him."
"Nonsense.!" He barked. " No one has ever gone there. It is death itself.
His eyes bulged and were fixed on my daughter I carried dearly.
"I just want to save my daughter." My voice came in sadness. " My daughter is dying."
The Warlock hesitated before he gestured to me.
"Follow me."
I did and went after him till we stopped at his main Chamber. The air smelled like dust, and filled with dusty bookshelves and ancient stuff.
"The Demon you seek is hidden in a Forest, Where even Birds Do not fly to. You seek for a Tomb to Summon the Demon."
He warned me and Went to his bookshelf where he handed me a dusty map. I gently placed Emilia on a mat and opened the dusty map.
"Follow the pattern On the map."
"Okay."
" To summon the demon, you'll need three items: a pinch of moonstone dust, a vial of pure silver water and a fragment of a fallen star."
" And how do I get it?"
" Of course I would prepare the items for you. Just Keep in mind that I would need two things to give you what you'll need."
My stomach churned, " What is that?"
"Cash and a locket, of your daughter. I'll need it in the preparation of the items."
"Okay."
I watched how he went back to mixing some solid and liquid substances and after a while, he handed it to me Inside an ornate box.
"You must recite the incantations six times to awaken the demon. Remember, it's on the map there."
I folded the map and tugged it into my pockets. As promised, I handed over Emilia's locket and dollar bills to him as requested.
"Remember, Demons are the kings of manipulation. Even your soul can be taken."
I gulped and went to Emilia, hauled her up and rocked her in my arms. She wheezed.
" I will do anything to save my daughter's life."
"Go!...Now.. Leave!"
The Warlock Roared and I turned back following the same route till I left the cave. My Torchlight flicked on and I could hear Emilia muttering and coughing. I placed her on my back and she wrapped her hands around my neck.
The Moon shone very brightly and I could hear the howling sound of what seemed to be owls or wolves.
"I hate this stupid child, she deserves to die instead of you."
My wife's voice echoed in my head but still, I preferred to die for my innocent daughter.
I spread the map to navigate through my journey.
My legs were heavy and I was sweating through the thick jungle. I was shocked by how quiet the environment was.
I trudged through the mountainscape, the silence was something else and cold. There was no rustling of leaves, no chirping of birds, no distant howl of an eagle. For some moments, I sat down to rest because of Emilia.
We continued again while she was still on my back. I could see an ancient structure while I flashed my Torchlight. I glanced more at the map and I was sure. It was it. I walked further till I climbed the stairs. The demon's tomb was just like a monolith.
The tomb's architecture was actually a blend of ancient sculptures, The walls were full with cryptic symbols that spoke of rituals. There was no time to waste and I got in immediately. As instructed by the Warlock, I pushed the tomb applying pressure and after the clicking sound, the rock moved where I was greeted by a coffin
I opened the ornate box and recited the incantations from the map.
"Astra Descendo, Tenebrae aperio
Luminaria exigens, umbrae dono'"
Suddenly the coffin fled open, all the spiders fled away, I threw the map and torch hugging Emilia and then a dark clawed hand emerged from the coffin. My heart is beating fast.
" Have I been awakened?"
I heard the voice, raspy and ragged. Suddenly, it felt like the shadow overshadowed the room. Voice grew like desperation.
"Ahhh.!" I yelled when my body was hauled up, Emilia fell from my grip. Her body was weak and the sight was like she was already dead.
" You!...Why have you come?"
I tried to see its face but I could only make out full red eyes and it's claws clawed into my neck.
" I…I…I just want to save my daughter please."
I panicked, at this point, I was hyperventilating, Fear had surrounded me like the wind. I could only stutter.
" My..four…year old daughter…. She…has cancer, my wife and I don't have money for surgery and we found out her disease is in due time. She only has some days to live. Please save her." I begged, tears pouring down my eyes.
" You know what you're here for right? Save your daughter and your soul is mine."
I almost choked, " Yes. I know."
He threw me to the end of the wall and I hissed by the sharp pain of my bones.
He carried Emilia effortlessly.
"What are you doing?" I panicked.
His back was facing me so I couldn't quite get what it was doing. All I saw was shadows.
"Done."
"What?"
" She's healed. Ha Ha."
He snapped at me, holding my neck.
"I would give you seventeen years later to live, grow and cherish moments with your daughter but when that time is up, I will return and your soul will be mine."
"Yes…yes." I stutter. He was even kind enough to allow me to grow with Emilia. I thought.
I watched how the demon snapped his fingers in the air and a piece of paper contract appeared on his palm. His claws extended, and he pricked my finger with force. I hissed and smeared the blood onto the parchment.
"Behold, The Stamp of Darkness."
He laughed and started levitating. The air around us turned into a whirlwind and when he fell back. I knew my eyes weren't deceiving me. He turned into a human. Naked. I gasped and he shove the contract up for me to see it. I read.
"I, Elijah, bind my soul to Xaren, demon of darkness.
In 17 years, my soul shall be forfeit to Xaren.
My daughter, Emilia, shall be bound to Xaren's will. This contract is sealed in blood and darkness."
I gasped, " What do you mean, Emilia would be bound to you.?" My mind started racing.
His laugh was filled with greed, power and evil, " Do you think I would just take your soul in exchange for your daughter's life?.. No."
I couldn't handle where he was going.
" I'm getting married to Emilia after 17 years."
"No.." My words came out breathlessly. " You're supposed to take my soul only. We made a deal.. leave my daughter out of this." I remorsed.
"Oops, you already signed the deal. There's no going back."
"What? You cheated me." I cried, realizing the cost of my mistake. How the warlock warned me about their malevolence.
"What have I done? Oh no." I fell to my knees crying, what have I done, Emilia would never have a normal life because of me.
The demon knelt close to me.
" Thank you so much for awakening me. You have no idea how long I've waited to be free."
A smirk followed and before I knew it, he disappeared.
"Da..da."
Emilia turned on the floor, rubbing her eyes with her small fingers.