Time Thief · Book 2 · ~16 min read
My Favorite Daemon
by Gloria J. Miller
Introduction
Living in the past can have its blissful moments of happiness. Living in the past can also its dreadful moments of anguish. Both emotions tend to be extremely intense when one is physically living in the past. A very wise Daemon once told me that this emotional roller coaster is just one of those frustrating experiences one gets as a result of time travel.
It had been a challenging year for the Bael Four, at least what was left of us. Only three of us remained after the loss of our beloved friend and colleague Brandon Grey, also known in the Daemon world as Kundel. Having the gift of time travel, we traveled back to 1968 after Brandon was murdered. It was a necessary journey to avoid our own certain execution from the same group that assassinated Brandon. We came back with no memories of the past months, and most of all, no memory of Brandon’s death. It was common knowledge that certain events would be different for us. However, as fate would have it, with our return to 1968, Brandon once again was murdered. We were told the death of Brandon was unavoidable. We were told that his death was one of those events that was set in time and could not be altered. We were also told, that since Brandon was half Daemon, we would not be able or allowed to bring him back to life. Nevertheless, somewhere in the back of our minds, we knew this was not true. Even so, it was the event we desired most to change. Brandon’s passing was a constant heartbreak for all of us.
We were well aware that Brandon was mourned not only by us, but by our Daemon leader, Bael. We knew that of all the Daemons or mortals that were friends with and loved Brandon, Bael grieved for him the most. Brandon was more than just a famous British musician whose career he advanced, he was also his half mortal son. Bael told us he was forbidden by ancient law to act in anyway to restore Brandon to life. It would be up to us, the remaining members of the Bael Four, to discover how to either concede or rectify the situation. It was understood that rules were rules in the Daemon world, and Bael was King. He informed us, his mortal charges, that he would lose the respect and loyalty of his legions if he altered these rules to suit his personal needs.
The three mortals consisted of myself, an American songwriting Witch, Marie Aiello, and my soul mate and love of my life, a British musician, David Hartley. His band, Kundel, was becoming one of the top rock bands in England and America. Last, but not least, there was my best friend, a British super model who favored to use only a first name, Simone. We were all strong willed and our hearts were not weak like most of the frail mortals Bael met. Bael stated many times that we were by far the bravest and truest to the cause of fighting for the survival of Daemons like himself. Several times we proved ourselves worthy in battle against the Guardians Against Daemons On Earth, better known as the GADOE. They were an organization that was, hell bent, so to speak, of eradicating all Daemons.
As Bael anticipated, being the obstinate mortals we were, we refused to accept the death of Brandon. We would persist until we resurrected his son. So he silently watched and waited for the time when all would return to normal circumstances again. He recognized, in particular, that I refused to accept Brandon’s death. I didn’t give a damn about the rules of the metaphysical world and was not afraid to challenge the powers that be. If necessary, I would break every rule that existed. I would persist until I got what I wanted. I wanted to change the time law of ‘those things that were fixed in time.’ I wanted Brandon back. In all the thousands of years he existed, Bael was never more correct about me.
Chapter 1
I was seated at the desk with several books thrown recklessly on the floor. The wicker basket, which served as a waste pail, overflowed with ripped and balled up sheets of paper. Occasionally I would take another spoonful of peanut butter directly from the jar and follow up with a few gulps of chocolate milk. David and I had moved into a downtown Manhattan loft when we started our relationship. It was convenient for David to be near the New York recording studios and I was extremely happy to be living in the place of my birth. I was familiar with, and on a first name basis, with the local shop owners, the local hippies, and even the homeless that lived on the streets. New York was my city and Downtown East Village was my home.
“Marie, it’s three am. Why are you awake?” David asked as he leaned against the door frame that led into the den. “I wake up and you’re not there. You’ve been doing this quite a bit lately.”
I looked up from my notes. “I think I’ve finally discovered the perfect ritual.” I excitedly told him, “We are going to bring Brandon back.”
“How?” David walked over and leaned on the desk. He gave me a quick kiss and smiled, “Eating peanut butter again are we?” Looking at the notes scribbled on the yellow pad he let out a low sigh. “We’ve been through this several times.”
“Yes, we have,” I answered. “But this time there is something different.” I smiled, “I know its late here, but we have to call Simone. She’s in London so she’s most likely awake.”
“We shouldn’t do that.” David made his best attempt to not show his indifference. “Let’s wait until we meet with Bael on this. As always, we will abide by his decision.” He added, “Besides, Phillip is home for a weekend leave from the service. I don’t think we should disturb Simone until he leaves.”
I couldn’t help but detect the disinterest in his voice. “Your giving up on Brandon aren’t you? How could you do that? He was like a brother to you.”
“It’s not a matter of giving up babe,” David pulled a chair up to mine and held my hands in his. “I’m worried about you. You’re much to obsessed with bringing Brandon back. Bael himself says it cannot be done.” Knowing that this was a sensitive matter, David tried to make light of the situation. “You do realize that you have a Daemon, I repeat, a Daemon, asking me what the hell is she up to now.”
“This is different,” I objected. “It can be done. There is an ancient ceremony that goes back thousands of years. A law was put into effect by both Angels and Daemons around 700 BC that prohibited this ritual to ever be performed.” I went on excited with my latest discovery. “It states that with the permission of a twenty-five Daemon assemblage and the assistance of four mortals it can be performed.”
“Stop it. Please, just think of what you have been doing.” David tried his best to stay calm. “I love you and we all admire you for this mission your on, but..”
“But what?” I raised my voice.
“Well,” David hesitated. “We all appreciate your passion, but to be quite honest, you’re making yourself and everyone around you a wee bit bonkers.”
His words strung like salt being poured into my heart. My excitement quickly turned to disappointment. “I thought those around me were supportive of what I was doing. Have you forgotten what happened? Am I the only one that remembers?” I yelled holding up the newspaper from eight months ago. The headline seemed to scream at me every time I saw it, but I could not bring myself to throw the paper away or stop reading it. ‘Musician, Brandon Grey - Dead From Drug Overdose.’ “You know, as we all do, this is a lie! A big cover up, a giant fucking lie! Remember I was there when it happened. You and Simone were also there. How could you ignore the fact that Brandon was murdered by the Gadoe!” I lost control and began to cry.
“Babe no one has forgotten. But constant grieving will accomplish nothing.” David said as he stood and held his hand out. “Time will eventually heal our hearts.”
“No, David,” I told him. “There is not enough time in the universe to heal my heart or erase the memories and emotions that I carry for Brandon.”
“Marie,” David asked. “When was the last time you wrote a song? When was the last time you even sat down at the piano? You are too obsessed with bringing Brandon back.”
“OK, maybe there is some logic in what you are saying,” I half heartily agreed. I took his extended hand, and allowed him to lead me back to bed. I rested my head on his chest as he put his arms around me. He was soon asleep. However, sleep was the last thing on my agenda. I was thinking of the ritual and how much preparation it would take. Everything, including the consecration of the ritual items themselves needed to be done while the planets were in a particular position. I was well stocked on the specific items needed. The biggest challenge yet remained. There was the task to somehow persuade twenty-five Daemons to agree and participate in the ritual. I would get in touch with Bael in the morning. I was certain he would give me his support. I had to make another attempt at my goal. I had to do what I felt in my heart. Even if everyone criticized me or thought me crazy.
The next morning started out terrible. It was raining. My plans for shopping and any outdoor activities would not be pleasant. I recalled the previous nights argument with David. To make matters worse I wasn’t feeling good and began throwing up.
“Feeling better?” David asked as he refilled my coffee mug.
“I was never not feeling ok,” I replied. “It’s you that doesn’t feel good about what I am attempting to do. I guess that also includes Simone and maybe even Bael himself.”
“Ya know,” David raised his voice. “I fucking give up. It seems no matter how I try to comfort you, it’s never bloody good enough. I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t.”
“Comfort?” I yelled back. “Is that what that was last night? It seemed more like criticism to me.”
The argument was interrupted by the familiar voice of Bael. “May I come in?”
“Of course,” David answered. “You are always welcomed here.” He looked at me. “Did you call him?”
“Yes,” I answered looking at the mist of Bael now materializing in the kitchen. “Breakfast Bael? David is cooking because he was mean to me.” I added, “So if you would like anything special do not hesitate to ask.”
Bael fully materialized in the room. He raised an eyebrow at David as he sensed an argument. “Yes, thank you. Coffee, with whatever you are making would be fine.”
“So,” Bael seated himself at the table. “Are my senses correct to assume that you have found yet another way to bring back Brandon?”
“Yes,” I looked at David who cleared his throat and began to speak. “Shut it David.” I snapped.
“I will not bloody shut it,” He snapped back as he slammed a bowl of scrambled eggs on the table. “Can’t you just put this quest of yours aside for a bit. Your expectations are just unrealistic.”
“No,” I yelled back. “How can I put aside something that is constantly gnawing at my heart?” Deciding to ignore him, I continued. “Bael this time it’s the real thing. It’s a similar ritual to the Egyptian ritual of Opening of the Mouth. I think it may be somehow related to the Egyptian Book Of The Dead. It may be even older, it really has no name.”
“I am aware of the ritual you speak of Marie.” Bael interrupted.
“So there really is a way to bring Brandon back?” David questioned.
“Yes,” Bael looked at the floor. “My dear Marie I am afraid it is forbidden by any entity be it Daemon, Angel or mortal to perform this ritual.”
“You too!” I was upset and blinking back tears. “Am I the only one that grieves for Brandon.”
Bael looked up, “Apparently you have forgotten that Brandon was my son. Do not think for a minute that I am accepting of his death.”
“Listen up,” I yelled. “Since when do I give a rats arse about what is forbidden. You are either on my side, or in my fucking way. Choose wisely.”
“We are definitely on your side,” Bael grinned, he was amused that I would threaten him. He sent a mental message to David, “Do not argue with her on this subject. It is a conflict you cannot win.” He sipped his coffee and continued to speak. “Now, my dear, if you will allow me to continue. I have been forbidden, as all entities are forbidden, to reveal this secret ritual to any mortal. However, if one discovers it on their own, as you have, this is something that may be up for discussion.”
“Well, I really don’t think I’m capable of performing this ritual without the Daemons,” I told Bael. “Unless there is something similar in the book.”
“You are capable of more than you think,” Bael told me. “However carrying out this mission alone would not be a wise choice.”
“Should we have Simone join us?” I asked. “Can I tell her about this ritual?”
“Not yet. If I am correct, Kundel starts a European tour in two months.” Bael looked at David, “I must say, I appreciate the name you have chosen for your band. A noble tribute to my son. If I recall correctly, rehearsals start this week. We will all travel to London tomorrow.” Bael told us. “We can present her with your findings at that time.” He questioned David, “You have been rather silent during this discussion. Something amiss?”
“Not sure,” David nervously brushed his hair out of his eyes. “If Brandon comes back, he comes back as what? Is he the real Brandon or just a shell of Brandon? Is he going to be the Brandon we all knew and loved or some kind of zombie?”
“He will not be a zombie!” I loudly protested.
“Marie is correct. Brandon will not be, as you so eloquently put it, a zombie.” Bael explained, “As you most likely have discovered, we must get to him and complete the ritual within an hour of his death. Also, we must bring his body to one of the thin places in the world. I think Glastonbury would be the most suitable and most convenient.”
“So what’s the problem with that?” I asked.
“The problem is,” Bael began to give more details of the ritual. “When Brandon died you were there at the initial attack. To execute and succeed in this ritual you must again travel to the day he died. We will be gathered at Glastonbury when you will transport back in time. Once you are with Brandon, you must immediately transport him to us at Glastonbury.”
“I know about Glastonbury, but what’s a thin place?” David asked.
I looked at him with surprise, “What? How could you not know about the thin places? Haven’t you been reading the books I gave you?”
“Not all of them,” David shrugged. “I kinda glanced over some of them. My first priority is my music.”
Sensing the start of another argument, Bael interrupted answering David’s question. “The normal distance between the outerworld, the land of the dead, and the mortal world is approximately three feet. At the Thin Places the distance is much less. They are the designated places to visit when one wishes to contact those that have passed. Or to get some so called spiritual insight.”
“Interesting.” David said. “But Glastonbury is usually teeming with tourists. How can we perform a ritual with the eyes and cameras of a few hundred people?”
“Leave the matter of privacy to me. Becoming invisible would be my first chosen course of action.” Bael said changing the subject. “On another matter. You both seem to be bickering quite a bit lately. Is something happening that would give me cause for concern?”
“No,” David stood behind my chair. “Like all couples, we argue sometimes. Right now I’m just trying to keep her emotions about Brandon under control. However, it’s like putting a bandage on a wound that will never heal.” He leaned over and kissed the top of my head. “In spite of the occasional spats, Marie is my only true love. She’s the one that always sees me through the hard times. She’s my best friend.”
“Fine,” Bael nodded. “Seems the two of you have become my adopted children. I would be displeased if there were a serious problem here.” Bael added, “However David, sometimes it is best not to put the bandage on the wound. Sometimes it’s best to just let it bleed.”
“You’ve changed quite a bit this past year,” I told Bael. “If I didn’t know any better, I would think you were developing a real heart.”
“Yes, there have been several changes in my mindset as of late,” Bael smiled. “You, all of you, the Bael Four have completely changed my thought process. At times it disturbs me. However, I have grown accustomed to the human emotions I am now experiencing.”
“Wow,” David laughed. “We managed to do what others for thousands of years have failed at.”
“Yes,” Bael agreed. “The downside is some of my daemons have also noticed the change. It could lead to quite the murky situation.”
The telephone rang and David went to answer.
“When you argue, has David ever raised a hand to you in anger?” Bael asked.
“No,” I answered. “He’s not the violent type. Besides if he ever did I would most likely harm him in a way that would hurt him the most.”
“That would be what?” Bael questioned.
“Well, he plays guitar for a living. It’s a major passion of his. So I would probably do something like break his fingers while he sleeps.” I answered.
“Oh my dear,” Bael raised any eyebrow. “You can be a spiteful little bitch when you wish to be.”
“I do what is necessary to survive,” I told him.
“Interesting,” Bael asked “Now tell me, what is really bothering you. I feel intense sadness emitting from you. Is there anything I can do to lift your spirits?”
I shook my head. “I just cannot accept the passing of Brandon. My heart has grown tired of all this pain. I have recurring haunting dreams of Brandon. I see him in a distance, but he is out of reach. Sometimes I feel his presence. It’s like he’s a ghost or another life form of some kind in another dimension calling me.”
“Have you spoken with David of these dreams?” Bael asked.
“No, I dare not,” I bit my bottom lip. “He is disturbed as it is with what he calls my obsession to bring Brandon back. I don’t want to push him away from me.”
Bael reached his hand out to me, “The human heart is very fragile. Brandon was a part of you as he was to all of us. Grieving is an individual emotion. Each individual has their own timeframe to handle loss. Eventually time washes away the wounds, but some of the pain will always exist. You will learn to live with the loss. You have an extremely sensitive soul, so you grieve longer.”
“Yes, but the way I feel Brandon’s presence,” I let out a deep sigh. “I think I’m going insane.”
“Insane,” Bael chuckled. “My dear you passed insane many years ago. Seriously, there is perhaps another reason for your being so sensitive.” Bael looked at me and spoke softly so David would not hear. “I sense something different. Keeping a secret from me are you? When is your child due?”
“You know?” I was taken aback.
“Yes, I know. I know everything,” Bael shrugged. “Nearly everything.”
“Bael please don’t tell David,” I whispered. “I haven’t told him yet. I haven’t told anyone. I remember when he mentioned once that he didn’t want children. I’m not sure if he still has objections to fatherhood.”
“My lips are sealed,” Bael seemed pleased. “I look forward to another mortal I can recruit as I have his parents.”
“No.” I protested. “Not if I can stop that. No offense Bael, but I want my baby to have a normal life. I want to protect this child from the world of Daemons and Gadoe.”
“That world exists regardless of your acknowledging it or not. Your child will be well protected, as you are.” Bael told me. “No harm will come to him.”
Then I realized what Bael said. “Wait a second, you said him. Are we going to have a boy?”
“Oh that’s was just a manner of speech,” Bael continued to whisper. “Even if I knew the gender of your child I would not reveal this to you.”
“Hmm,” I raised an eyebrow. “Why don’t I believe you?”
“Believe what you wish my dear,” Bael told me. “But know this. If I may quote Kahlil Gibran. “Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself. They come through you but not from you. And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.” He smiled. “Or in basic words, you cannot control what your child will become.”
“Wow,” I was surprised at his words. “That’s quite sentimental coming from you. I mean, really. That was so sweet. I think you just gave me diabetes.”
“Why can’t I show a sensitive side of myself?” Bael questioned. He smiled sheepishly and mocked a broken heart as he placed his hand on his chest. “Because I am a Daemon?”
“Well, that’s part of it,” I had to laugh. “Mostly because you are British.”