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Way of the Djinn

David Papa-Adams



  Way of the Djinn

  Book II - 'The Angelos and Dragon Wars'.

  (See also Book I Valour of the Spirit People)

  By

  Adam David Papa-Adams 2012 © all rights reserved

  Copyright 2012 Adam David Papa-Adams © all rights reserved

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  Table of Contents

  Chapter I - Sentinel

  Chapter II - Flight

  Chapter III - The Rageon

  Chapter IV - The Witch of Thebes

  Chapter V - Realm of The Rageon

  Chapter VI - The Wraith

  Chapter VII - Echoes of the Siren

  Chapter VIII - Thebes

  Chapter IX - Legion

  Chapter X - In the House Of Thebes

  Chapter XI - The Stegions Blade

  Chapter XII - The Merovingian

  Chapter XIII - Dreamscape

  Chapter XIV - The Storm Breaks

  Chapter XV - General Petron

  Chapter XVI - Polyphemous

  Chapter XVII - Yazid

  Chapter XVIII - Attack of the Hundings

  Chapter XIX - Of Djinn and Men

  Chapter XX - Asag the Fair

  Chapter XXI - Before the Storm

  Chapter XXII - The Ancient Fortress of Perperikon

  Chapter XXIII - The Battle for Constantinople

  'Remember there is no terror but that which we carry in our hearts.'

  Adamous

  Chapter I

  Sentinel

  Michael gathered himself as the world around him came into focus; someone was shouting, and the words were chaotically resonating in his head; they were a cacophony of meaningless sounds that were steadily becoming coherent.

  “Arzealous, would you throw the dice? We haven’t got all day,” grumbled a Byzantine Stratiotai, as he clutched the hilt of his sword with frustration.

  “Yes, Arzealous,” said a voice by his side. It was Gabriel, “or perhaps it would be wise for us to leave.”

  “Hey, Adamous, you’ve got to give us time to win our money back,” cried a rugged looking legionary.

  “Germanicus you’re losing too, would you tell them.”

  “Sorry, boys, I can’t help you here.” It was Uziel, the tallest one there, long golden hair hung beneath his helm and he wore a corselet of well-crafted mail rings that shone in the gloom. Over his shoulder was a large two headed axe. A long sword hung from his belt and like the others, he was well armed for someone going about their daily business.

  “You Sentinels are always thinking of your duty; I’m sure the Emperor isn’t going to mind you having one night off.”

  “In these days there’re no nights off, so if you are leaving then you had better head back over the walls to see if all’s quiet out there,” said a tall burly man with a cleft lip and grizzled chin, his black hair straddled his back and a dark cloak was wrapped tightly round his frame.

  Without another word, and with an almost guilty grin, Michael handed one of the men the dice. He turned and the three walked away quickly, exiting the gloomy alleyway, they moved out into a dusky day. Someone in a faded grey hooded robe was walking past, lighting the lanterns that lined the streets.

  “Where do you think the Watcher is?” asked Gabriel, “and for that matter, where's Raphael? He was carrying the Codex.”

  A man from behind them, in a silken cloak, with his face half covered stepped out of the shadows. He looked like a merchant.

  “I am here,” replied Black Buffalo removing his hood, “wherever here is, and whoever I am. At least my memory or memories, of being a Watcher are less vague: hence it is possible for me to recognise you. Also I have with me both Sacred Seals, the one taken from Leif Erikson, and the other, so once we find Raphael, we should be able to open a Portal and be on our way.” He seemed of Eastern descent and in truth he had not altered much in appearance from the man he had been in Turtle Island.

  “Good," Michael smiled. "Make sure you keep them safe, now to find out what’s going on, and more importantly, we need to know what's happened to Raphael.”

  The four disappeared down the concourse toward the Gatehouse. As they passed legionary after legionary they were saluted. Even Black Buffalo who was not in any kind of military ware was hailed with some respect. They walked across a wide open thoroughfare with its bronze and marble statues: across avenues with stone or marble columned buildings, and through a park where the smell of lavender and jasmine filled the air. At its heart were graceful fountains with images from antiquity. The city was the grandest there had ever been, it was thought of as the jewel of heaven and with good reason. They approached the long stair by the Gatehouse, the guards there quickly stood to attention, kicking over a board game in their haste to stand; it seemed playing dice and gambling was a pass time of the legionaries. Gabriel gave Michael a look of resignation and shrugged. They climbed the long stone stair to the top, and crossed to the far side of the turret to gaze over the top and onto a plain.

  “Haven’t we just left this scene?” Black Buffalo asked open mouthed.

  “This has to be a bad joke,” gasped Gabriel.

  “I don’t know, I think it’s a pretty good one,” replied Uziel, unsuccessfully holding back his laughter.

  Michael simply shook his head, “Only on Terra Azure.”

  Below them was the mightiest army thus far ever assembled on Terra Azure. From horizon to horizon fires were lit, trumpets sounded, men were gathering in the gloom, as the tumult of clashing metal cried out. It was as though there were tens of thousands of ant mounds scattered across the entire plain but these ones concealed hungry Saracens, and in the background, still echoing, could be heard the laughter of Uziel.