Twelves - Chapter Five

Mid Morning, somewhere in the Portuguese countryside. “This is amazing!” says Emily. “Are these gauges correct? We’re going fifteen miles an hour?”

“Pretty impressive isn’t it. According to Mr. Hoskins this vehicle is capable of bursts of speed up to twenty-five miles an hour. Depending upon the weight it’s carrying.” Suleiman says. “At this rate we should be in Gibraltar in time to catch the ferry to Morocco.”

The trip proceeds uneventfully and soon the couple arrives in Gibraltar. Not long after Emily, Suleiman and the “Horse” are onboard the final ferry bound for Morocco. A short trip across calm blue waters and the ferry heads into a small harbor on the northern coast of Morocco.

The arrival of the ferry attracts the attention of two particularly unsavory characters. “Master says that’s the ferry the strangers are on. Master says they are not to leave the beach alive. Let the others know.” mutters one to the other.

Twelves - Chapter Four continues

The very quiet “Hoskins’s Horse” glides through the early morning streets of Lisbon. Both Emily and Suleiman are unaware that evil eyes are watching every move.

A smallish man emerges from the early morning shadows. The misshapen and barely human form emanates pure evil. “Master, do you see?” croaks the creature.

 

Far away in the Atlas mountains of Morocco tucked in a eerily lit cavern Mr. Moss answers, “I see with your eyes just fine, minion.”

“Return to your duties. Ensure Mr. Wilson gets on that ship to America without incident.”

“Yes, master. It will be done as you bid.” whines the sub-human.







Twelves - Chapter Four

Early the next morning. “The Horse is loaded let’s get going.” Suleiman says.

“What horse? We have too much to…Oh what a beautiful piece of machinery!” exclaims Emily. “What is it and where did you get it?”

“Is it gas powered, electric?” continues Emily without taking a breath.

“Neither.” says Suleiman. “It’s powered by a set of main springs, much the same way a clock is powered. You just wind it up and it goes for hours depending upon the load and speed you wish to travel. When it runs down you just wind it back up and you’re on your way again.”

“Where did you get it?” says Emily, clearly delighted with a new toy.

“America. Detroit to be exact. An independent auto maker by the name of Bildebard Hoskins. He calls it “Hoskin’s Horse”. When I found out about it I wrote to him asked him if we could field test it. He was delighted that someone took an interest in his invention. I had it shipped over and it arrived last week. I know how much you like gadgets and things. I’ve had a devil of a time keeping it a surprise. Do you like it?”

“Like it! I love it! Can I drive it?” asks Emily.

“Of course my dear, of course.” replies Suleiman. “We need to get on the road. We have a ferry to catch near Gibraltar to take us across to Morocco.”

“Then let’s go.” Says Emily taking Suleiman’s arm in hers. “Let’s go!”

Twelves - Chapter Three

Lisbon harbor. Among several multi-storied buildings  that look out over the harbor is one that is the residence of Suleiman Gardoky and his wife Emily Wasteland.

“Sunsets are extraordinary in Lisbon, darling come see.!” exclaims Emily.

“Certainly dear, I’ve just finished Eddie’s reports.” replies Suleiman.

 

“These reports are just as extraordinary as your sunset. It appears from these entries that Eddie stumbled upon a group that was in possession of another book. One of significant value. Not only was he on the trail of an early copy of the Book of Revelation, but this group had secured a ancient copy of the Book of Enoch. Eddie thought he could persuade them to donate it to the Society. From the notes it appears he was headed to the southern coast of Spain to investigate further. His notes indicate that both books may be somewhere in the Atlas mountains in Morocco.”

“Morocco!” says Emily.” I love you Suleiman. You know how to show a girl all the best places!”

Suleiman smiles. “Let’s get ready for our trip to Morocco.” He says.

Twelves - Chapter Two continues

 “Mr. Moss why are you here? I watched you stride across the commons causing much consternation I can assure you. I thought we’d agreed that anonymity was the best course of action at this time?”

“The Society of Scientific Investigative Exploration has sent another group of investigators to find the book. It was you who invited Edward into our circle. Now I fear we must deal with them as well.” grumbles Mr. Moss. “They are much more connected to the Almighty than Edward was. I must assume some divine intervention in the future.

 

“I care not for your unholy fears, Mr. Moss. You promised me two things! Ensure that I become President of the United States and that I am protected throughout that process. Fulfill your obligations!” snaps Professor Wilson.

Mr. Moss draws a deep breath and raises his face to the heavens. His eyes assume reddish hue and the room grows darker, colder. The voice that issues forth is not human but the ominous words are; “Professor Wilson, I am Lahash. I was among the first twelve with Lucifer to rebel against the Most High. We do not serve you human; you serve us at our behest! See that you remember that. Your pitiful delusions of grandeur and desire for power do not matter to us. You will bow to us no matter which country you possess.” Woodrow trembles, he has seen the man he knows as Mr. Moss, angry just once before and it filled him with dread then. Being the target of this man’s wrath is not where Woodrow wants to be. He outstretches his arms in surrender and bows deeply, thinking quickly he stammers, “I meant no disrespect Mr. Moss. Of course what is it you wish done with these interlopers?”

 
“Nothing from you is required. I will deal with them. You prepare to leave for the United States immediately! The timetable has been moved forward.” Mr. Moss turns to leave and Woodrow trembles again and suddenly he has an intense need to find a place to urinate before he fouls his trousers.