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Chapter 11: Reaping the Harvest
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Bab terkait
Warrior of the Way Chapter 12: Reaping the Harvest
"Rhychard? I thought that was you." Looking up, Rhychard saw the balding head and plastic smile of Miles Evans, one of the few members of Harvest Fellowship Rhychard was glad not to have to tolerate anymore. That was one of the things about going to church Rhychard hated. You had to be nice to the idiots. "How have you been? I haven't seen you around the church in a while." Miles took the other chair at the table and helped himself to Rhychard's peace and quiet. He was an odd-looking man with small ears, a nose that looked like it belonged on the yuppie's dog, and very thin eyebrows. He was short and squat, and his only exercise was pushing himself away from the table. By the size of him, he didn't exercise much."No, you haven't." Rhychard shrugged. Why is it church people only confront you about your attendance when they see you? They never go out of their way to reach out to you. Rhychard stopped going to Harvest Fellowship over two months ago, and not one of the righteous had even
Warrior of the Way Chapter 13: Reaping the Harvest
Rhychard ran his hand through his long, obsidian hair. He winced a little from the stiff pain in his arms, not from the previous day's attack, but rather from a full day of hauling filing cabinets across town. With Trace giving Mrs. Ivy back her money, Rhychard had to scramble to pick up work to silence his growling belly. He had called in a favor with Captain Relco, who hired him to help move old case files into storage. It wasn't a big job, but it allowed him to eat for a couple of more days. The night was chilly, with the scent of autumn in the breeze as it tugged at the colorful array of leaves just starting to turn toward fall. He stood outside the Harbor Townhomes and watched as Renny Saunders slid out of her Altima, the night air catching her long blond tresses in its invisible fingers, stroking it the way he used to do. He couldn't help but stare, remembering how that petite form had felt in his arms just a short while ago. She wore a soft teal business dress and carried her G
Warrior of the Way Chapter 14: Reaping the Harvest
Rhychard shifted against the tree he leaned on as he stared up at the lighted window. Renny was still an active member of Harvest Fellowship. She had always known what was going on at the church. Not like Miles, a busybody in everyone's business. She actually cared what happened to that church and the people who attended. Rhychard doubted that had changed in three months. She should be able to give him a clue as to what was happening now, a hint, at least, of what Vargas was after on sacred ground. Surely, she would now be a great asset in the battle against evil. Yet, how would he ever be able to describe what was going on without her thinking he was certifiably crazy? He couldn't even get her to talk to him about ordinary things.Rhychard wrapped himself tighter inside his full-body leather coat, the one that made him appear as Hugh Jackman did in Van Helsing. He knew Kree was right. As much as Renny and he had promised each other to be a family, his new secrets were more than she co
Warrior of the Way Chapter 15: Reaping the Harvest
He knew he should try to discover why Vargas could step onto the Harvest Fellowship property, but Rhychard couldn't get the vision of the gargoyles swarming around Renny's apartment out of his head. Why were they there? What did they want with her? Gargoyles were the hunting dogs of the Nether. Demons and dark elves used them to sniff out their victims or as frontline soldiers, easily disposable. They were the grunts of the underworld, and he needed to discover why someone put them on Renny's trail. Tryna would be pissed, but he didn't care. He promised to protect Renny and, even though she didn't want his help, he wouldn't stand idly by and watch the Void destroy her life. At least, not if he could help it. And he could help it.Rhychard revved his Suzuki GSXR1000 as he tried to balance a coffee and a mocha frappe on his tank. Traffic was light, so he didn't have to worry about too much zigzagging through the Harbor City streets as he made his way to Saunders Realty. If Renny kept to
Warrior of the Way Chapter 16: Reaping the Harvest
It was as if the Destroyer had wrapped his hand around Rhychard's heart and kept it from beating. He forced himself to keep breathing. It was bound to happen. He should have expected it. Renny hadn't stayed single long between her last boyfriend and Rhychard. She loved being in a relationship. Still, hearing it hurt worse than Vargas ripping his arm open in three places. "So, I suppose breakfast after church is out." He forced a smile. "I'm happy for you. Really. Who is the lucky guy?"She shook her head. "It doesn't matter who he is. I just can't sit with you that Saturday."Rhychard's brows pressed together toward the top of his nose as he gave her a curious look. "You can't tell me who you're dating?""I won't tell you who I'm dating. It's none of your business." She grabbed her keys tighter. "Look, I have to go.""Wait, you're mad at me because I asked who you're seeing?" Rhychard stood and stepped to block her from her car door. Mistake. "That's not fair!"Renny shoved him out of
Warrior of the Way Chapter 17: Reaping the Harvest
There were few places Rhychard enjoyed. He and Renny were never ones to go out clubbing, preferring quiet dinners and cuddling up on the couch to an old Cary Grant movie or attending a jazz concert in the park. However, Common Grounds was one of his sanctuaries. The other was a quiet cigar lounge called Embers that overlooked the river. It was a small place with a leather and mahogany bar, plush chairs and couches and a walk-in humidor. There were two televisions, one showing sports and the other news, and the channels rarely changed. A balcony attached to the back of the building held small tables with metal chairs for those who wanted a view of the river while enjoying the cool evening breeze.At least, that described a typical night at Embers. However, this Friday night the Florida weather dropped a deluge of rain upon the inhabitants of the East Coast. Rhychard darted in, using his jacket to try to cover his head, but barely succeeding. He bought a Rocky Patel and a Jameson before
Warrior of the Way Chapter 18: Reaping the Harvest
The bar was close to downtown where they killed Jamairlo, so Rhychard followed Kree's path, minus the rooftop part. The rain ceased, leaving the city in a blanket of puddles and dripping trees. It was morbid to him that people, even gargoyles, would continue to huddle around a place of death. He understood leaving flowers and such, but to hang out on the side of the road and just stand around had too much of the macabre in it for him. He would rather celebrate life than death. Of course, the Void would use any means to gain strength from a victory over the Way.:There are only three. However, they seem more intent on watching a young lady walking the street.::What is she doing?::Vomiting.::Is she drunk?: Rhychard supposed creatures of darkness had to get their entertainment somehow. They probably didn't have cable television in the Nether, and Vargas was too cheap to spring for it in his evil lair. Did demons even have lairs? Or was that strictly a comic book thing? He still had so
Warrior of the Way Chapter 19: Reaping the Harvest
Saturday morning arrived way too early as far as Rhychard was concerned. He rolled over onto his side and tried to focus on the digital clock sitting on the television tray he used as a nightstand. 12:07. All right, he thought as he flopped back onto his back, noon came way too early.He opened and shut his eyes a few times, chasing away sleep as he coaxed his body into a sitting position. From the foot of his bed, he heard the familiar mixture of air popping and jingling bells. "Rhychard, come quick!" Tryna vanished as soon as she finished speaking.Rhychard stared at the vacant spot, wondering if she would return and tell him where "here" was.:Warrior, to the park with haste!: Kree's voice sounded strained. :Gargoyles attack!:Rhychard hurled himself out of the twin bed and shoved himself into clothes. He snatched his harness of short swords along with the Guardian Sword with one hand, sliding it over his arms and strapping them onto his back. At the same time, he grabbed his brace
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Warrior of the Way Chapter 263: Summerlands
While their mother piddled in the kitchen fixing them a plate of fajitas, the Valentine sisters sat on the living room sofa, legs folded under them. Maria Valentine put most of the house back in order after Baltabek's attack, but the destruction remained obvious to Laci. She held tight to her sister ever since the Summerlands, scared to let her go. Jayden, of course, fussed at her to stop being a mother hen.Once everyone arrived back at Rhychard's Thinking Rock, a place Renny decided would cause the least amount of sightseers, the witches and Famallumi returned to the Murky Cauldron while Rhychard placed a still-weak Jayden in the back of Laci's car. The eldest Valentine wasted no time or words as she headed straight for home."I almost lost you," Laci said. "I don't know what I would have done if that happened.""Probably moved into my room since it's the biggest," Jayden said with a shrug."That's not even funny," Laci snapped, shoving Jayden's hand away from her in disgust.Jayden
Warrior of the Way Chapter 262: Summerlands
Rhychard wasn't sure what he hit, but he found himself spinning backward, the Guardian Sword leaving his hand as he hit the ground with a hard thud, the air whooshing out of his lungs. Scrambling to his feet, a pain tugging at the back of his head from where he hit the ground, the first thing he noticed was Laci sprawled on top of Kree. Renny! He jerked his attention around until he saw her still gripping Jayden's arm as both women lay stretched out on the grass. However, he didn't see the wall he ran into, knocking him back on his ass. Another glance around, and he noticed the salt circle and the three witches sitting on the ground, eyes closed as they chanted. An older man he didn't recognize stood behind Wanda, his face a mask of admiration.A groan alerted Rhychard to Baltabek stirring, and Rhychard lunged for his sword. The demon moved faster, however, and shot a burst of his demonic power at the Warrior, knocking him back against the invisible barrier, the air he just managed to
Warrior of the Way Chapter 261: Summerlands
Rhychard heard screams, but he couldn't tell whose or where they originated. They might have even been his for all he knew. Pieces of the broken table jabbed him in his back and legs, and he felt blood making a trail down his side. Groaning, he tried to sit up. He must get up. Renny needed his protection as did his parents.:Warrior, Baltabek is heading to your home,: Kree sent. Rhychard could hear the elven hound moving toward him through their connection. :He hid among the woods along the creek.:"Rhychard!" Renny shouted, and then he felt her hands on his arms along with someone else's on his other side.:Well, he knows how to make an entrance.: Rhychard sent.He could hear shouts of panic coming from the parking lot and other apartments, people screaming at the sudden explosion.Glancing up, he noticed the other set of hands helping him to his feet belonged to his father. His mother stood by the sofa, her face pinched with concern, and Tryna picked herself up off the floor from whe
Warrior of the Way Chapter 260: Summerlands
Tansy walked over to where Alex's backpack lay on the ground from where the gnome dropped it when they first entered the Summerlands, pulling out the container of salt that rolled halfway out. As she stood, she couldn't take her gaze off the dark pack, remembering its owner and how far he came since walking into the Murky Cauldron that first day. Her heart twisted, and she did her best to keep the tears at bay. She didn't know how much time they had, so she needed to make sure she completed the barrier spell before Renny arrived with Baltabek.Kayla and Wanda sat off to the side, Kayla with her arms wrapped around her knees as she stared at the last spot she saw Alex, and Wanda absorbing her surroundings. Since the demons had been cast out of the Summerlands, the dank grayish color slowly faded away, replaced once more by the lush greens and vibrant colors of the flowers that filled the Land of the Dead. They had even seen the return of some of those who had already passed on from the
Warrior of the Way Chapter 259: Summerlands
"Mom! Dad. What are you doing here?" Rhychard just stood there, staring. He didn't need this right now."Your father thought I was crazy," Catherine Bartlett said. "He even made sure I didn't have any hidden wine bottles anywhere. Empty wine bottles, that is. I had to drag him here to see for himself.""You're alive," Rhychard's father said as he stood there and stared at Renny, his brows bunched in disbelief. "How is this even possible?"Rhychard sighed. "I've discovered just about anything is possible these days.""Hello, Mr. Bartlett," Renny said as she casually closed her purse, hiding the gnomes from sight for now. Catherine didn't handle them well last time, and Renny didn't know how Rhychard's father would react. "I'm sorry we didn't come over and tell you. We've just been…well, we've had our hands full."James Bartlett swooped in, wrapping his arms around Renny and giving her the tightest bear hug she ever had. "I can imagine you have," he told her, his voice filled with enthus
Warrior of the Way Chapter 258: Summerlands
Rhychard watched as Renny gathered up the other Warriors and returned them to the Guardian Sword, only to reappear a moment later with Pux on her shoulder. Laci paced the entire time until Renny returned, eager to be on her way to protecting her sister. With the bridges gone, she had no other way back to the Land Above than Renny. None of them did, actually. Rhychard ran a hand over his long, dark hair, worried about what they would find when they arrived in the Valentine household, concerned for his brother, just as Laci showed concern for her sister.Tansy still stood off to the side, holding a sobbing Kayla and a shaking Wanda. Both witches shifted back to normal once the demons left them, but still wore the wear and tear from the possession. Rhychard hoped they would continue to heal with time, at least physically. He highly doubted Kayla would heal emotionally anytime soon considering her hands snapped Alex's neck even though the demon controlled her. That would be a heavy weight
Warrior of the Way Chapter 257: Summerlands
Karl stood there, still not sure what he should be doing or even what was actually happening. He saw what those demons did to downtown. He couldn't possibly stop one if it showed up now and took over Jayden's body. Glancing over at Famallumi, he wondered just how much power the elves possessed. Gormec seemed to always have his giant hammer nearby, and while Karl had seen its power before, was it enough to stop the demons? There were only five of them against a demon like the ones who killed a witch and almost defeated his brother, the Warrior. Karl didn't particularly care for his odds."How do you feel?" he asked Jayden, his hands over his chest."I'd feel better if you'd stop staring at me like I'm about to go off my meds," Jayden snapped."How about I go and fix us all some lemonade?" Jayden's mother suggested. "It'll give us something to do while we wait for the others.""Do we even know they're going to be here?" Gormec asked, leaning on the handle of his hammer. "It's been longer
Warrior of the Way Chapter 256: Summerlands
The witches continued to shout their chant, their power strengthened with their success. Baltabek sent a blast toward them, but Rhychard blocked it and hurled the power at the demon's feet, the ground exploding and shoving Baltabek up and backward into the air. The other Warriors quickly pressed their attack while the demon lay on the ground.Kayla let out a wail, slicing the air, and dropped to her knees. The demon inside of her wasn't so easily taken, however. With clenched fists, he shoved his power at the witches, doing his best to stop their chanting. Rhychard caught one of the bolts before it struck Tansy, but the next slipped past him and struck Laci in the chest, somersaulting her backward to land on the ground in a heap.Kree leaped up on his back paws, spinning in midair before racing over to the fallen witch. Rhychard could hear her moan and breathed a sigh of relief that she still lived. :Is she okay?: he asked Kree.Kree leaned down, pressing his muzzle against Laci's sho
Warrior of the Way Chapter 255: Summerlands
Rhychard blocked another blast, sending it off to the side to explode into the ground. The gnomes fought from inside the ground, churning up the soil the demons stood upon and causing them to slip and lose their balance. Kree darted in all directions, drawing the demons' fire while he attempted to get close enough to bite one of them. The witches sent their power at the demons, Rose from behind and the others in front, doing their best to keep Baltabek and the others from focusing on any one person. They all did their best to bide Renny time to bring the other Warriors out of the sword, but Rhychard wasn't sure how much longer they could keep it up.The demons who possessed the witches spun, one sending a bolt of power at Rhychard's head and the other one sending one at his feet. He swung his sword, blocking the bolt to his head, but missing the one aimed at his feet. The magic snatched at his ankles, spinning him around and dragging him to the ground. His sword arm hit the ground, his
