Flux

inevitable course, only indistinguishable body parts lay scattered in the blood-soaked dust and the scavengers soon cleared those.
    Iain glanced at the beast; its head craned low, a lizard type creature appeared to be whispering into its ear. Iain knew deep down that the creature was the one he’d known as Bert. The worm’s head cracked up, long neck flexing like a whip. Scanning the cavern, its gaze fell upon his hiding place. With one wave of its huge, gnarled and talon-tipped claw, silence once again descended. Machinery and hammering ground to a halt. The child gave out an occasional sniffle and sob; echoing eerily around the vast chamber. Somewhere, a man groaned. With a flick of the tail, which extended and stretched to impossible length, the beast took off his head and the moaning ceased.
    Iain’s heart beat hard and fast in his chest.

Chapter Forty-Two
    David and Goliath

    In the rear of the ambulance, Iain’s pulse raced but was rapidly weakening. At the hospital, Doctor Goodman could do nothing but listen to reports coming over the two way radio and assemble her team.

    “Come forward little man; let us see you. Let us all see you.” The voice came from within Iain’s own head, but he knew it to be the beast which spoke. Drawn to it and powerless to resist, like the ocean to the moon, he arose and stepped out of the shadows. His legs moved automatically, unwilled and uncontrolled by him. He was the only thing to stir in the murky subterranean world. All eyes were upon him; a thousand reflective orbs boring into his soul to reveal the secrets contained within. “That’s a good boy. Come closer. Good.” The voice was constant; patronising and taunting, Iain sensed great power in its tone.

    As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…

    Iain recited the prayer as he moved across the dusty floor, trying to block the voice from his mind. Knowing his fate to be sealed and he would be dying on that day, he stood tall and proud. Looking straight ahead so as not to become intimidated by the onlookers, Iain strode now towards the banks of the molten river. Sensing stubborn resilience, the beast sat up straight, huge and menacing. It was used to lesser creatures such as man, cowering at its feet.
    A small stone bridge spanned the fire and Iain didn’t slow as he crossed, his attention was now firmly focused upon the altar, and the child, who had now also fallen quiet. Even the tiny babe seemed to be studying the man who came towards them. Iain knew the baby had to be saved, but still didn’t know how he could possibly accomplish such a feat. He was weak and pathetic compared to many in the cavern, let alone the beast which now towered over him; saliva dropping from pointed fangs, sizzling as it splashed onto the ground and burned it.
    “Let the baby go!” he demanded making his voice as strong as he possibly could. It still sounded feeble and lost in the immense space.
    The beast let out a deep and genuine belly laugh in reply. After it had finished laughing, it roared; a deep, guttural sound which Iain felt as much as heard. Rocks loosened by the sonic assault fell from above, raining down on the gathered demons. “Why would I do that?” the beast asked impatiently.
    Iain didn’t have a response. It was obvious he couldn’t force the entity to do anything.
    “Kneel before me!”
    Iain wouldn’t.
    “Your soul belongs to me. Now kneel!” Smoke billowed from the flaring nostrils of the beast, each one larger than Iain’s head.
    Still he would not kneel before the monstrosity.

    The leviathan poised one of its razor sharp talons over the bare chest of the tiny infant, toying with it, laughing spitefully. Iain still wondered at the child’s significance and of his own role in the surreal scenario. He also wondered why he himself was still alive. The beast obviously had the power and the means to kill him outright if it so wished. He felt strengthened by the thought; almost invincible.

    Realising he still carried the rock he’d used to bludgeon the demon with, his mind turned to the story of David and Goliath. It worked for him; he threw it with all of his might. The rock bounced harmlessly off armour like scales, rolling as it hit the ground. Bollocks! Iain’s heart sank and he felt as if the wind had been knocked out of him. His sense of empowerment faded fast, leaving only feelings of despair and an emptiness inside.
    The beast laughed again. “You have failed. Now at least you