The Wandering Shadow: Chapter Thirteen
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Logan breathed deeply of the cold night air. At least he assumed it was
cold. He couldn't really tell anymore. Worries of the flesh--temperature, for
example--had held no sway over him since his change. Even the act of breathing
was little more than a habit formed from memories of life, as such functions
were no longer necessary to his survival.
He strolled across Tahrir Square at a leisurely pace, enjoying the
solitude given to him by the late hour. The streets were empty of movement save
for his effortless stride, almost gliding across the ground as he made his way
toward the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities.
He had followed Will, Jenna and David to the museum earlier that day,
watching per Carmina's command. He had kept a discreet distance as they met
with the old archaeologist--Max, Logan believed he had heard him called. He had
first held no interest in the elderly human--until that is his inhumanly sharp
hearing had picked up on two useful pieces of information.
The first thing Logan had learned was that Max believed himself capable
of reversing Jenna's transformation. Logan rather doubted this was true. He had
seen Carmina's power, and he knew it wouldn't be so easy to undo. Not only
that, but through the mental link he and his mistress shared, he knew she felt
as unconcerned about it as she did.
No, it was the other piece of information that had caught Carmina's
attention, certainly more than it had caught his. She had seen and heard
through him of the amulet in the museum that supposedly housed an ancient and
dangerous power. Thus was his reason for returning to the museum. Now that it
had emptied of the throngs of humans, he was to investigate this relic,
discover if it really did have any power, and if so, how that power could be
used.
He moved like a wraith up to the museum's doors, reaching out to pull one
open. It was, as he had expected, locked. He sighed, almost sadly. Part of him
wanted to rip the doors from its hinges, to demonstrate his inhuman strength in
a show of defiance to the weakness of his old life and the species to which he
once belonged. But, he knew better than that, and that a surreptitious method
of entry would be preferable.
Logan let go of the door handle and dropped his hand a few inches to the
lock, placing a single pale finger against it. Hidden by the dark of night, he
sent a stream of black energy into the keyhole. After a second or two the
mechanism clicked, and the way was open for him to proceed.
He opened the door with a slight squeak of the hinges, the sound far
louder in the silence of night than it would be normally. He waited for a
moment, and when no reaction came to the sound, he slipped into the building,
letting the door close behind him.
He slowly picked his way through the displays and exhibits, dodging the
occasional guard, ascending to the second floor, and making his way to the area
where the amulet was kept. There was a lamp above the artifact, and he could
see two guards flanking the display, alert for intruders even in the darkness
that surrounded their oasis of light. Logan smirked. He was guessing though,
that the guard would be unprepared for a shadow like himself.
He approached with at a deadly slow pace, coming up on the side of the
left guard. He was but a few feet away when he struck like a flash, slamming
the man against the wall, knocking him out cold and leaving a crack in the
structure, likely leaving a similar injury on the mans skull.
Before the second guard could react Logan was on him, grabbing him by the
throat. He grinned at the look of fright in the guard's eyes. He decided, in
that moment, that he would make a meal of this guard, seeing as it had been
days since his last feeding.
He struck out, sinking his fangs into the man's neck, feeling a faint
buzz of energy as he began to drain the man of his very essence. Though there
was no taste to this prey--nor could there be, as Logan had no sense of taste
any longer--he could still sense certain things in the energy he drained. Fear.
Desperation. Anger. Each energy had a different sort of...feel to it, and Logan
was almost delighted as each one passed through his teeth and into his body.
More than that though he couldn't quell a rising sense of his own
superiority, much like the way that humans think themselves superior to the
creatures that they hunt and butcher for food. It was a sense of pride almost,
in the knowledge that he held the same power over humans that they might hold
over a cow.
When at last, after several minutes of declining struggle from the guard,
the poor man's eyes shut and his breathing stopped, Logan released his grip and
let the body fall to the floor. His hunger satisfied, he turned to look at the
object which was his purpose for being there.
Judging by its appearance he wasn't impressed. It was a mundane looking
sort of thing that only people interested in gold or history would take more
than a glance at. Being essentially immortal, neither wealth, nor the past held
any interest for him. But still, he had to discover its secrets.
First the panel of glass between him and the artifact would have to go.
He raised a hand and placed it against the pane, sending tendrils of black
energy spidering across the surface. A slight contraction of his hand and the
glass was no more, shattering into so many pieces.
Logan smiled. Raw power. Finite control. It appeared as though he had
both at his disposal. He found himself wondering, for but a moment, just how
much stronger he could become.
Now wasn't the time for self interest though. He eyed the amulet for a
moment, wondering at the wisdom of tampering with the artifact. He felt a burst
of impatience in the recesses of his mind. No more stalling then, lest Carmina
become angry with him.
He reached into the display and wrapped his hand around the amulet. It
was slightly larger than his palm, letting him just hold onto it with the tips
of his fingers. He immediately felt a strange presence press against his mind,
not unlike how it felt when Carmina touched his mind. It was different though,
feeling vast but constrained at the same time.
The archaeologist had said exposing it to energy would awaken its power.
Taking that to heart, Logan funneled some of his own black energy into the
amulet, forming a temporary aura around the object that faded a few seconds
later.
A few moments passed with that relic appearing unchanged. He scowled. It
seemed this had been a waste of his time. He was about to toss the amulet back
into the display case when he heard quiet chuckling.
He looked around, confused. One guard was out cold, and the other was
dead...and he certainly didn't think they would be laughing were they not. Then
came the voice, a voice that was smooth and flowing.
Apologies for keeping you waiting, Night Stalker. It
took me a moment to...wake up.
The voice almost seemed to emanate from the amulet, drawing Logan's eye
back to it. He eyed it cautiously, and, feeling more than a bit insane, asked,
"Are you speaking to me?"
Yes.
"But how can a piece of metal speak?"
The amulet chuckled again, irritating Logan. A shadowy aura appeared
around the amulet then, growing in size until it flowed off the artifact,
though staying connected to it. It was a shapeless shadow at first, but the
shape began to change. It became sleek and compacted, looking like a thick
serpentine body with its tail attached to the amulet. At the end opposite the
relic the shape continued to change, forming a head shaped like that of a
jackal. Finally, from somewhere in the recesses of the black mass appeared two
spots of glowing red that formed angular eyes on the 'face' of the shadow.
This is my true form, or at least as much of it as I
can manifest at the moment.
Logan was more than a bit impressed, but kept a level head, asking, "Who
are you? What are you?"
Who? Hmm...I haven't though of such a thing for many a
millennia. In days long since passed I was called 'The Shadow of Anubis'. I
suppose you could call me as such. As for what...that is more complex a question
you pose, young Night Stalker. The simplest response is that I am an entity
created by the spell weavers of the ancient kingdoms.
Several more questions instantly jumped into Logan's mind. "What is your
purpose? And why did they create you? Also...why do you keep calling me 'Night
Stalker'?"
The shadowy creature cocked its head to one side, just as a real canine
might.
I call you that because it is what you are, is it
not? You are certainly not human. I could feel that the moment you awakened me.
You are a predator of humans, confined to the shadows and living of their life.
In my time your kind were...not common, but not as rare as your thoughts tell me
they are now.
Logan felt a jolt of concern, both in his own mind and from Carmina's. He
voiced a question that was both of theirs. "You can read my mind?"
Another chuckle came before the response.
Yes Night Stalker. Though it is not so much reading
as...absorbing your knowledge. It is what I was designed for. Quiet the questions
I can feel forming on your lips, and allow me to explain. Then you may ask any
other questions you may have, whether they belong to you, or the other presence
I feel in your mind.
Logan nodded compliantly, feeling a sense of mild irritation from Carmina
Pleased with this, the Shadow began to tell its story with the silken
sound of its mind voice.
I come from an age when different cultures had no
easy way to communicate. Even now I can see in your mind that the languages of
the world make it difficult. It was more so then, when language was still
relatively young. Discerning the meaning of one language for the use of those
who spoke another was a laborious task. Thus was the thought of me conceived,
though I was not originally meant to think for myself.
I was created with a simple idea in mind. The
ancient spell weavers wanted a device that could absorb the knowledge of one
person, and transfer it into another, to facilitate communication, whether it
would be for trade, diplomacy, or any other purpose. But they made an error
when crafting the spell. As opposed to simply making the amulet itself able to
perform this task, they created a consciousness within the amulet. Thus, I was
born.
At first, they believed they had succeeded more
greatly than they had conceived was possible. I could speak and think for
myself. When they saw I was without shape they presented me with many images of
animals and their so-called 'gods'. When I decided to use the shape of the
jackal headed god Anubis, they named me after him.
They used me for my intended purpose then, and I
gained much knowledge. Every person the amulet touched would add their
knowledge to my own. After many of these mental transfers, I noticed I could
sense more than the knowledge of those I touched. I could feel the essence of
their lives.
I began to feed on humans, in small bursts at first.
A bit of energy here, or a suddenly exhausted emissary there kept me sustained,
and even strengthened me. I began to wonder how much I could absorb at once. I
also began to wonder, 'If I can touch their minds, can I control
them?'
Once I had enough strength, this was what I tried. I
took control of an unsuspecting scribe who took the amulet in hand. His body
became mine to use, and with him serving as my vessel, I began to drain more
and more life, becoming ever stronger. I quickly came to realize that while
they created me, humans could not control me. I was my own master, not a slave
to such weak beings.
But my creators were...not pleased. They untied their
power, and drained me of mine, sealing me within the amulet, and locking it
away with the hope that none would ever uncover their...mistakes. I slew so many
of this pitiful prey...and for that I've spent millennia in a sort of waking
death. Though my mind was dormant, I still felt and saw the passage of time.
Monotonous years that dragged on without end. This is the curse of immortality.
But now...now I am free once more, thanks to you.
Logan was silent for a moment, as he thought over all he had heard. This
creature was clearly dangerous, but could be a powerful ally. Perhaps--
Tell me Night Stalker, I can tell from your mind
that you have realized you are superior to your prey, so why do you serve one
of their kind?
"I...what?"
You serve the will of a mere human. Your mind tells
me you believe her your superior, because she created you...but you have risen
above her. So why does she even still live?
Logan's brow furrowed as he considered the question. "I...serve her because
she is powerful, and because she was the one to gift me with this power."
The Shadow flowed through the air, circling around Logan, staying
connected to the amulet the whole while, acting as an anchor that limited its
movement.
Yes, but she gave you more than just power. She gave
you the ability to carve your own path, to follow your own choices. So why
serve her?
Logan was unable to answer, as Carmina responded through him.
Tread
lightly, Shadow of Anubis. I may be human, but I am greater than any other. If
you should continue to try to turn my servant upon me than I shall--
The Shadow laughed.
So you finally speak with me directly, and it is to
make a threat? One you cannot act upon no less, give the distance between us. Save
your energy witch. You have no power over me, and I have no need to turn your
servant against you, as he could turn himself any time he so chooses. But, we
aren't here to discuss him, are we? No, you wanted to know of the power in the
amulet--I can see that in your mind--and if it could be used by you. Know that I
will NOT serve a human again...but I would be willing to...strike a deal. My one
condition in any deal is for you to assist in my continued freedom. Beyond
that, you may name any request in my power, and I will grant it, save for
servitude.
Logan could almost feel the tension in the air as these two entities
communicated through his mind. He waited silently, wondering what Carmina would
decide. She had cut herself off from him, and he couldn't help but wonder if
that meant she was beyond the reach of the Shadow as well. As he wondered he
failed to notice a tendril coming off the Shadow to touch him on the shoulder,
giving him a mild jolt. He looked at the Shadow with a mixture of concern and
irritation. "What was that?"
The Shadow almost seemed to smile.
I can transfer knowledge to others...and I just gave
you some that you may make use of should you ever wish for...mental privacy.
Before Logan could ask more, he felt Carmina reopen the connection
between them.
I
have made a decision, Shadow of Anubis.
The Shadow chuckled. It sounded almost sarcastic when it next spoke.
Please, do share witch. I wait with great
anticipation.
Logan felt a flare of irritation from Carmina, but it was quickly suppressed.
I
would like you to dispose of someone. I would rather not have Logan reveal
himself more than he has, and a potential problem has arisen that could not
only ruin my fun...but also my plans for the future. There is an archaeologist--
The Shadow nodded.
I see it all in your mind. You fear this curse
breaker could return the wolf girl to her true form...the 'fun' you speak of. And
you worry that the wolf girl's mate could put a stop to those grand plans you
think so highly of, as he already did once before. Very well then, I will act
as your assassin, though it is beneath me.
Logan felt a strange mixture of pleasure and distaste from Carmina then
she spoke to him directly.
Logan,
you will assist the Shadow of Anubis and keep an eye on it until it has
completed this task. Afterward, it may do as it deems fit with its freedom.
His connection to her closed, leaving him alone with the Shadow. Turning
his attention to the entity he asked, "What do you require?"
The Shadow was quick to answer, apparently eager to attain its freedom in
full.
I will need a host so I can move freely. A living
human. And I see that you left one of the two humans who guarded me alive. He
will do, for now. I will need a stronger host eventually, but I shall...make do.
"A stronger host?"
Yes. The limits of my power are based on the body I
inhabit. In a human strong with magic, I could become quite powerful.
Otherwise, my strength is not paramount, and I will be all the more vulnerable.
Logan raised a brow. "You're vulnerable now?"
As I am I cannot properly protect the amulet. If it
meets its end, so too will I.
Logan filed that information away for later, knowing that the Shadow knew
he had. He then gestured to the guard that still lived and asked, "Well then,
how do I help you with possessing this human?"
Simply place the amulet around his neck, and then,
my return to this world will truly begin.
Logan did as it said, and knelt beside the unconscious guard, slipping
the chain over his neck. The spectral shape of the Shadow vanished from sight
almost instantly, and the guard was surrounded in a faint black aura. The man
began to rise in a puppet like fashion before starting to move more fluidly as
the Shadow attained full control. When the man's eyes opened, they glowed with
the same red as the Shadow's 'eyes'. When he spoke, he spoke with the Shadow's
voice. "This body will do for now.
Shall we be going then, Night Stalker?"
Logan nodded, the two making their way out of the museum to the empty
city streets, disappearing into the dark of night as suddenly as they had come.
Silence and stillness returned to the sleeping city, its residents
blissfully unaware of the horror that had been unleashed in their midst.