Ravens Cove, An Iconoclast Thriller (Book 1)
The Spiritual Battle for a Small Alaska Town
By Mary Ann Poll
America’s Lady of Supernatural Thrillers
Chapter 5
THE ULTIMATUM
Atramentous slithered under the door of the new-age shop, wrapped his semitransparent bulk around Miggie and spoke, “Get word to the one who allows you to have this place. The very one
who has prospered you. The plan to complete the Congregational Alliance’s good work is under attack.”
“What do you want me to do?”
I have no patience with this idiot. Atramentous shifted his form to a misty, black rope and tightened.
Miggie gasped for air and pulled at the invisible bindings for relief.
In a fluid, violent motion, Atramentous released him.
Miggie fell to the floor, heaving.
He found breath enough to whisper, “Forgive me, great one. I am but a human. Please instruct me.” He dropped into a prone position, face down.
How I hate this mortal, Atramentous thought. I should just finish him! He started to tighten around Miggie again, then relaxed.
Iconoclast’s instructions were clear. “You can have him when I say; no sooner. Until then do not harm him or you will be no more!”
Atramentous’s desire to destroy Iconoclast rose to a feverish level, threatening to make him forget his assignment.
His fear of Iconoclast and those loyal to the Commander flooded him, acting as a tranquilizer, and squelched his desire for battle.
He spoke to Miggie. “Go to the top of Ravens Ravine at sunset. Do not enter the ravine.”
“No, there are too many police! I will be questioned and become a suspect!”
“Fool. Go to Ravens Ravine at sunset or die now!” Atramentous tightened around Miggie again, compressing Miggie’s bones.
Miggie cried out. Small capillaries broke in his eyes. The mounting pressure made him feel as if his eyes would pop like overfilled balloons; he heard a distinct crack as something in his body
gave way to the constraints.
Atramentous released him and again Miggie fell to the floor, this time wailing in fear and pain.
“Shut up and heed my instructions: Go to the top of Ravens Ravine. Call down these words, ‘I am a messenger sent by your great guard who protects the Congregational Alliance.’
“Then continue with, ‘Your great guard says there is one who has come to this place, your place, who means to destroy you. He is strong in the Holy One and is accompanied by Uriel. You destroyed his family, and he seeks revenge. But, O great one, no one can defeat you. Your messenger awaits your command.’
“Sit down, cross-legged, facing away from The Corpse Mound. You will be instructed. Until you are told what to do, be quiet, be still, and do not venture onto the ravine path. If you do any of these things, you will die.”
“As you say!”
Satisfied, Atramentous stretched out, slid along the floor, under the door and down the street to his post.
The Commander would be irate, he thought. It is good this creature will be delivering the news. Atramentous shivered. The initial anger of the Commander could be unrestrained.
If Miggie becomes a sacrifice, so be it. I do want to crush the pipsqueak into dust, but rather he meet the Commander’s punishment than me.
Satisfied with his plan, Atramentous settled his charcoal bulk over the door and awaited Iconoclast’s mandate.
