EPILOGUE

 

 

The Messenger

 

THE DEATH of Constance saddened Dakota. Although they had spent only a short time together, Dakota felt a strong connection to the historian. Standing on the balcony, she watched several bats diving at invisible bugs and wondered about the strange events over the past few days.

"She was special," she said, turning to look at the woman standing next to her. Yemaya leaned her head against Dakota''s. "I wish I could have talked to her again. She had such an amazing life."

"I would have liked to have spent some time with her too. I think her death is a great loss to humanity as well as to those who knew her," Yemaya replied. Taking Dakota into her arms, she stared over her lover's shoulder into the moonlit darkness.

"Do you think Sabnock is really a demoness?" Dakota asked, leaning back slightly to look at Yemaya. "I mean, she must be. How else could she have cremated Constance's body so quickly? That wasn't a trick."

"No, the flames were real. I could feel the heat"...." Yemaya hesitated. It was unlike her. "It should have been hotter. It takes a lot of heat and time to completely cremate a body. Hers was gone in a matter of seconds. I have no idea how that could be done under normal circumstances."

"Well, if you can't figure it out, no one can," Dakota teased. "You have to admit, things certainly have gotten interesting since we met. I've always believed in spirits but nothing comes close to these real life experiences."

Yemaya laughed.

"I cannot argue with that."

For several minutes, Yemaya and Dakota said nothing, both enjoying the stillness of the night and each other's warm embrace. Occasionally an owl's screech could be heard in the distance. Suddenly, a wolf howled, followed by several more nearby. Iridescent silver eyes glowed at the edge of the forest.

"They're restless," Dakota said. "Do you think something is wrong?"

Yemaya shook her head.

"No. That's Regina and Voinic over there," Yemaya said, pointing slightly to the left. "Simtire is there." She moved her hand in another direction. "She's brought a young male from one of the mountain packs. I don't know him."

"How can you see them that well? I can barely make out their shapes."

Shrugging, Yemaya ruffled Dakota's hair.

"I have good vision."

"You have great vision, you mean." Dakota frowned. "Has Simtire chosen him as her mate?"

"No. He is just a playmate. Are you worried she will forget you?"

"A little, I guess. Selfish, huh?"

"Not really. There really is nothing to worry about though. You are her mistress. She will never forget you. Wolves are very loyal."

Feeling relieved, Dakota's thoughts returned to Constance and Sabnock.

"I wonder if we'll ever see Sabnock again. I have so many questions. I mean, if she really is a demoness, then there's a chance we might see Constance again... or at least her spirit. You know, like Grandma Dakota." Dakota grew excited at the thought. "Do you think Constance might be in the spirit world? Maybe I could ask Gram."

"I really do not know, Dakota. You certainly can ask, but I sensed a great sorrow in Sabnock. It was as if she were saying a final farewell to Constance. If she is a demoness, I would think she would be able to reunite with Constance even after death if it were possible. There should have been no sadness."

Dakota couldn't deny the logic in Yemaya's words. Spirits and demons could enter the mortal world at will even if their own realms were impenetrable. Eyes tearing, she buried her face in Yemaya's chest and cried.

"I... I wouldn't... know"..." she sobbed. "If you... died... I'd..."

"Shhh," Yemaya murmured, wrapping her arms around her lover. "It will never happen. I would find you wherever you are. We are one... besides, we have a lot of powerful people on our side. Who would want to take on Mari or Grandma Dakota? Now, how about we get some rest. It has been a long couple of days."

Leading Dakota back into the bedroom, she helped her undress and into the bed. Then she slipped in next to her, pulled Dakota firmly against her. Almost immediately they fell asleep.

*  *  *

Gaapa grinned as she watched the human writhing on the ground. It was especially pleasing to know he was suffering and would continue to do so for several more minutes. Hopefully Death would take his time with Sabnock and this human would have to endure the agonizing pain awhile longer. Standing over the body, she leaned forward and grabbed his face. Clawed fingers wrapped around his chin as she jerked his head toward her. The man's eyes widened with fear. He stared horrified at the crimson red face with the ghoulish grin. Uneven pointed teeth gleamed brightly between thin, dark brown lips. The eyes were shiny black with bright, dancing orange flames as pupils. That alone would have been terrifying, but the lumpy, wrinkled skin was covered with festering sores, reminding him of a monster he had seen in an old horror movie.

"Yessss," Gaapa said, pleased at the terror reflected in the human's eyes. "It's good to be afraid. I am just the beginning of your nightmare."

"Who... who... are... you?" he asked and realized he hadn't spoken the words aloud. The pain in his chest was unbearable; the thing before him unimaginable.

If I could just wake up, he thought. This is only a nightmare. It has to be a nightmare.

"You will never sleep," Gaapa promised, "and your nightmare is just beginning. The pain you feel now is nothing compared to the pain that awaits you. We have a special place for you, Kenny." Amused at his confused look, Gaapa straightened up and stepped backward, passing through one of the policemen who had just holstered his gun. She laughed when the officer shivered. Mortals were so weak.

"You okay"?" the second policeman asked, looking at his partner.

"I've never shot anyone before. Is... is he dead?"

"I don't know. Let's hope so, because I don't want this bastard getting off on some insanity defense. I'd make sure of it if there weren't so many people nearby."

"You aren't very popular, now are you? Not to worry, where you're going, that will change. You'll have more attention than you can stand."

"I... don't... understand. Who... are you? Am I... dying?"

"Of course. Enjoy the moment."

"Enjoy? Dying? I'm... in pain. I... can't breathe."

Kenny gasped and then coughed as blood bubbled from his mouth.

"Yes. Isn't it wonderful? Only now do you understand real pain... or think you do. This is nothing compared to what you will be feeling after you are dead."

Gaapa again turned to look at Sabnock and the shrouded figure standing next to her shattered body. She had no doubt the demoness would reappear in another human form somewhere else. Sabnock had abandoned the Underworld, preferring to live as a mortal. Dying was just a formality for her. Still, Gaapa didn't take kindly to those who killed her friend. Sabnock had been the commander of Dis' many Legions and Gaapa was one of her most trusted lieutenants.

Soon my friend, she thought. You will be moving on to your next life and I will be transporting this creature to his final destiny. I will make sure he pays for what he has put you through. Gaapa knew that Sabnock was in pain... great pain. Demons were not immune to physical sensations. In fact, feelings such as pleasure and pain were more heightened than in mortals. 

"Death comes," Gaapa said, looking down at Kenny. "Too bad. You haven't suffered enough for what you've done. Still"..." Gaapa shrugged. "There will be plenty of time to make up for what is lost here."

"Are you done with him?" Death asked, ignoring the body lying on the ground.

"Yes," Gaapa replied. "Sabnock, has she moved on?"

"She is where she wants to be," Death said, its voice calm and emotionless.

"Good. It'll be interesting to see what she does next. I almost envy her, her lives."

Death said nothing.

"I guess I've prolonged his agony enough. Give me the soul," Gaapa said. "I'm curious to see who Dis gives it to first."

"As you wish," Death replied and touched Kenny's forehead. The death rattle of failing lungs filled the air. Kenny's body jerked twice and then relaxed.

"Hey, I think he just croaked," a policeman said, kneeling next to the still body.

"Great, it'll save the taxpayers a lot of money," the second replied and nudged Kenny with his foot. He wanted desperately to kick the asshole but knew better. Only seconds earlier, a fellow officer had told him that the bomb squad specialist had died.

 "Good journey to you, Gaapa," Death said and disappeared.

Clinching her hand tightly around the shriveled, black, walnut-sized orb she had captured leaving the human's body, Gaapa cackled gleefully and vanished. She would be sure to tell Sabnock who had first rights to this soul.

*  *  *

Gaapa waited patiently for Dis to appear. As the Transporter of Souls, she had been in this position too many times to feel impatience. Normally, her Master didn't get involved in such things, but the soul of the human, Kenny, was of special interest to him. The Lord of the Underworld had little tolerance for those who harmed his followers, especially mortals.

Strolling naked from his bedroom, Dis motioned for Gaapa to come forward.

"Have you brought it?" he demanded, his anger barely under control.

"Yes, my Lord." Gaapa opened her hand and held out the last remnants of Kevin's existence. "What do you wish me to do with it?"

"Give it to me," he ordered. Gaapa placed it in his outstretched hand. The soul looked like a small pea compared to the size of Dis' palm. Raising it to eye level, he peered at the insignificant thing. "You dare to harm one of mine. She was one of my greatest commanders and you destroyed her."

Stunned at the words, Gaapa looked from the soul to the Underlord.

"I don't understand."

Dis glared at the Transporter of Souls and then softened his gaze. She and her mate, Gaap, had been by his side from almost the beginning. Gaapa was one of his most loyal servants.

"Sabnock is missing. She is nowhere to be found."

"But... that's impossible. Humans don't have the power to destroy us... especially one so puny as this."

"I agree. Nevertheless, Sabnock has disappeared. My servants have looked everywhere for her."

"Wouldn't Death know if she dead? Surely"..."

"Death evades the issue. I never have been able to get direct answers from Death."

"It must be very frustrating, my Lord. Such insolence should not be tolerated," Gaapa replied.

"Even I have no control over It. Death is its own master and answers only to itself."

Dis clenched his hand, tempted to destroy the essence of the soul. Only his desire for revenge stayed the impulse. Tossing it back to Gaapa, he turned abruptly and strolled toward the bedroom.

"Take that to the Chamber of Pain. I'll personally handle the punishment."

Bowing, Gaapa left. It was good to see her Master take an interest in something besides orgies. He had been absent too long from the Chamber.

*  *  *

Soneillon greeted Gaapa in his usual dour mood. As the Keeper of the Chamber of Pain, Gaapa thought the demon fitted his position well. He hated everything and everyone.

Except his job, she thought. He's going to be unhappy that Dis will be taking away the pleasure of punishing this thing.

"Greeting, Soneillon," she called out. "Dis wants you to take charge of this."

Sonellion flicked his hand in the direction of a large bowl.

"Put it with them. I'll get to it after I'm done with this one," he said.

Walking up to the demon she peered over his shoulder at the soul lying on the table in front of him.

"What are you doing to this one?" she asked.

"He was a stalker and serial killer. Now it is he who is stalked by his victims. At the moment they are dismembering him, joint by joint. When they are done, I will put him together and start over. The next time they'll remove his skin, piece by piece and after that, disembowel him. Every stroke of the knife is slow and precise, intensifying his pain a thousand times."

Gaapa grinned. It was a just punishment. She knew once Soneillon had determined the proper punishment, it would get worse each time the cycle restarted. Only Dis had the power to stop him. Still, the Keeper's imagination was nothing compared to the Underlord.

"What has this one done?" Soneillon asked, glancing toward the shriveled soul. It was unusual for one to arrive in such poor condition.

"The human killed Sabnock."

Soneillon stopped playing with the wretched soul on the table and turned to Gaapa. His normally neutral expression disappeared, replaced by unimaginable hatred. Eyes flashing, the demon made a move toward the soul. Gaapa grabbed his arm.

"Dis claimed it."

"Dis? Dis never gets involved in the punishments anymore."

"Dis claimed it," Gaapa repeated. "You will need to guard it from the others. Many will want to avenge Sabnock."

"This makes no sense. How can a mortal kill a demon? You must have misunderstood Dis."

"I didn't. Sabnock cannot be found anywhere and Death won't tell Dis anything. We have to assume she has been destroyed."

"And you say I have to protect this... this thing? I can make it pay a terrible price for what it has done... something deserving... something... special."

"It's not yours to punish. Maybe when Dis grows tired of his pleasure, he'll give it to you. For now, just guard it."

"As you say," Soneillon said, shrugging.

Too easy, Gaapa thought. You're not fooling me.

"I warn you, Soneillon. Protect that soul or it will be you who Dis takes pleasure in. He will have no compunction in taking his wrath out on you. I seriously doubt you want to give up your position here for a few moments of gratification."

"I said I would guard it," Doneillon hissed. "Now leave me. I have work to do." Turning his back on the demoness, he returned to the stalker's soul and began prodding it. Gaapa knew she had been dismissed but had no doubt the Keeper would do his job. His hatred was formidable but he wasn't stupid.

I must talk to Gaap, Gaapa thought. She hoped he wasn't away transporting souls.

*  *  *

"What be yah wantin, Child?" Maopa asked her great-great-grandchild.

"Granny! Oh, Granny, it's good to see you," Dakota said, happily, aware she was now in the Spirit World. "How are you? How's Mari? And Sarpe?"

"Slow down there a bit, youngin'. Everyone be fine. Mari's gawn visitin' Gaia... and Sarpe be with Ekimmu... makin' whoopee, I imagines. Now why yah be a botherin' me when yah has that good lookin' woman snugglin' next to yah?"

Dakota looked at the waterfall across the lake. A mist rose from the cascading water, creating a rainbow. White birds circled above it diving and climbing with the winds created by the thundering falls.

"It's Constance. She's dead."

"I know. I felt her essence pass on. She beed a good woman."

A tear rolled down Dakota's cheek.

"I'll miss her."

"Many will miss her but that be the way of thangs. It be life, Child. Is that what ya came ta tells me?"

"No. I was hoping she made it to the Spirit World. Did she?" Dakota asked hopefully.

Maopa shook her head sadly.

"She ain't here... and I don't thank she be with the Twin either. She be way too good fer that un."

Dakota laughed.

"I thought that was where good people went."

"That be where boringly good people be a-goin'. Constance wasn't that good."

"Then where is she?"

"I don't be a-knowin' that. Have ya asked Lilith? Maybe she with her kin."

"The Underworld?" Dakota shook her head. "I can't believe Constance would go there."

Maopa patted her granddaughter's hand.

"It ain't just for bad people."

"I know." Dakota thought about Sabnock. "I was just hoping... a demoness named Sabnock did bring Constance's body to the funeral and cremated it. I think they were in love."

"There ya go then. They be together now."

"I don't think so. Sabnock was too sad. She should have been happy if they were going to be together."

Maopa frowned.

"True 'nough. I tells ya what. Rest here fer awhile and I'll see iff'n' I can contact Lilith. She might knowed somethin'"

"Thanks, Granny."

Settling onto the grass, Dakota closed her eyes and dreamed of Yemaya.

*  *  *

The nightclub was closed. Lilith had given Agra and Kali the rest of the night off. Even demonesses needed down time. Closing the ledger, she leaned back in her chair and waited. The air near her desk shimmered.

"Good evening, Maopa," Lilith said, sensing the intruder's identity.

"And ta ya too, Lilith," Maopa said, appearing suddenly. "Has ya a moment or two ta jaw a bit?"

"For you, always. What do you need?"

"It's Dakota. She be worried about Constance."

"I felt her passing," Lilith said. "She was an interesting woman."

"That be so. Seems a demoness named Sabnock were at the funeral."

Startled, Lilith stood up and walked around the desk.

"Sabnock? I haven't thought about her in eons. She left the Underworld shortly after the Great Battle. I wonder what she has to do with Constance?"

"I was hopin' yah'd tell me."

"I don't know. Wait here! Maybe Dis will know."

Lilith disappeared.

"Now that be an exit," Maopa said.

*  *  *

Lying amongst the writhing bodies, Dis was in his glory. Minions, demons and a few privileged mortals were enjoying cunnilingus, fornication and every unimaginable debauchery. At the moment, two demons were massaging the massive erection of the Underlord. Head back, eyes shut, Dis grunted with pleasure.

"I see things haven't changed," a husky voice commented, breaking into his euphoria.

"Lilly!" Dis exclaimed, opening his eyes, pleased to see his ex. Motioning to his erection, he grinned. "You look as beautiful as ever. Care to join me?"

"It looks like you are in good hands," Lilith replied. "What can you tell me about Sabnock?"

Dis grimaced.

"You know how to ruin a party." Pushing the bodies aside, he sat up and then climbed out of the huge bed. Grabbing his robe, he slipped it on and motioned for Lilith to follow him. "She's disappeared."

"Disappeared?"

"Yes. I think Death had something to do with it but It won't tell me anything."

"Death? What happened?"

"A mortal killed Sabnock. I know," he said holding up his hand. "This time it's different. She never reappeared and Death isn't talking. Arrogant bastard."

"It still gets to you, doesn't it?" Lilith asked.

"What?"

"The fact you can't control It. It isn't a demon."

"This isn't about that. If It knows something, It should tell me. Sabnock is one of mine. I have a right to know."

"Well, knowing you, you probably tried to order Death to tell you. Both of you are stubborn."

The deep red blush creeping into Dis' cheeks gave Lilith her answer.

"I thought so."

"I am the Underlord. I don't ask... I tell," Dis stated, straightening his massive body, hoping to intimidate Lilith.

"And you see how well that worked," Lilith said, unimpressed. "Any ideas?"

"I think Saira knows something but she's off on one of her trips. Damn woman pops in uninvited but won't show up when I summon her.  You females are a royal pain."

"Someone has to keep you straight. If you find out anything will you let me know?" Lilith asked.

"Why are you interested in Sabnock now? You two were never close."

"I'm helping a friend. Sabnock may know something about the human, Constance's, soul. It seems that, too, is missing."

"You're doing this for a human? You're getting soft, Lilly," Dis teased.

Looking at the massive organ hanging limply but visible through the opened front of the robe, Lilith smirked.

"Apparently, so are you."

Dis's eyes widened and then his deep laughter bellowed through the Underworld. He loved battling wits with Lilith. When Lilith vanished, he shook his head and returned to the bedroom. Already his penis was swollen in anticipation of the things to come.

*  *  *

"He knows nothing," Lilith said to Maopa. "Sabnock has disappeared too."

"If ya hears somethin' would ya let me know?"

"Of course," Lilith replied. "I'll keep checking around."

"Thank ya."

Maopa vanished.

"Nice exit," Lilith commented.

*  *  *

"Wake up, Child," Maopa said, gently shaking Dakota's shoulder. "Lilith don't knowed anything but she'll let us know iff'n she hears somethin'. It be time for ya to go home."

Yawning, Dakota thanked Granny and then fell back to sleep.

*  *  *

Something was tickling her ear. Swatting at the irritant, Dakota turned onto her side and hugged her pillow. Fingers trailed up and down her back. Dakota shivered. When warm lips caressed her ear she smiled.

"It is about time you woke up, sleepyhead," a husky voice whispered.

Dakota swallowed. Already she could feel herself growing moist. Rolling on her back, she grabbed Yemaya by the head and leaned upward, capturing her lips. Tongues tentatively played with each other as their hands explored each other's body. Breaking the kiss, Dakota gasped for air.

"You certainly know how to wake a girl up," she said.

"Only one," Yemaya replied, leaning forward to take a nipple between her lips. Teeth playfully nipped at the left breast before moving to the right one. "You taste good." Running her hand down Dakota's stomach, Yemaya inhaled deeply. "You smell good too, warm and musky."

"Musky! I'm not sure I like..." A finger twirled through curly blonde hair made her gasp. "Oh God," she moaned, anticipating what was to come.

Yemaya knew every inch of Dakota's body and began a slow assault on the most sensitive spots. Lips caressed breasts, stomach and then moved to the inner thighs. Fingertips circled the nipples, while her thumb rubbed the aroused nub.

Dakota's skin grew pebbly with goosebumps.

"I... uhhh... I..."

"Shhhh," Yemaya murmured against Dakota's stomach just below the navel. "Just enjoy."

Never one to be told twice, Dakota relaxed and let Yemaya perform her magic. As Yemaya's tongue explored moist, warm skin, Dakota's legs quivered. She wanted to scream so badly but wasn't quite ready. Her body felt as if it would explode when a thumb stroked the soft skin next to her clit. Like a small vibrator it moved rapidly back and forth, massaging the sensitive nerves. 

"Geez!" Dakota groaned and squirmed under the persistent assault against her clit. Yemaya moved upward, as her fingers and thumb increased their pressure and speed. Taking Dakota's right nipple between her lips, Yemaya sucked gently, bringing Dakota to the brink of an orgasm... and then Yemaya stopped everything.

"What the…" Dakota exclaimed. Yemaya grinned.

"I decided to slow down a bit," she explained.

"Slow down? Slooww down?" Dakota stammered. Before she could say anything, Yemaya started over again.

*  *  *

"That wasn't very nice," Dakota said.

Raising one eyebrow, Yemaya gave her a haughty look.

"Are you complaining?" she asked.

"No. I'm just saying I was sooo ready and then you stopped."

"Of course. I wanted to prolong your pleasure. Was I mistaken?" Yemaya asked, cocking her head slightly as she stared into Dakota's green eyes.

"Never! I loved every minute of it — but can I help it if you do such a good job making love?"

"No, and neither can I," Yemaya replied, grinning.

"My aren't you sure of yourself," Dakota teased.

"Yes. Now, how about some breakfast. I am hungry."

"Again? Haven't you eaten enough?"

"Never enough when it comes to you, but I am talking people food." Poking Dakota in the ribs, Yemaya jumped out of bed and dashed for the bathroom. "Would you like to share the shower?"

Dakota didn't need to be asked a second time.

*  *  *

The domov was empty; Gaapa was disappointed that her mate was away. He may have heard rumors about Sabnock. Gaap liked to talk a lot but he was also a good listener. Few things got past him. Her next choice for information was Nergal. He commanded Dis' secret police and had spies everywhere. Like Gaapa he was part of the Elite, respected and feared by most of the minions and demons of the lower orders. Fortunately, he was subordinate to her so requesting his presence wasn't a problem. Within minutes he was standing before her.

"You wish to see me, Gaapa," Nergal said, bowing respectfully. Gaapa wasn't fooled. Nergal resented anyone higher in rank than him but dared not show it. Although his position was secure as an Elite, it wasn't as a commander.

"Yes. Thank you for your prompt response, Nergal."

As if you had a choice, Gaapa thought, enjoying the game. Seniority had its privileges but superiority was more fun. Gaapa had no doubt she was superior.

"Dis just told me Sabnock is missing. What do you know about this?"

A slight narrowing of Nergal's eyes was the only indication of his surprise.

"Dis told you this? I wasn't aware that Sabnock had disappeared. Why wasn't I informed immediately?" he demanded.

"That is for Dis to say. Obviously your agents are getting lax. You may go now but you will tell me if you learn anything."

There was nothing Nergal could say or do but leave. He prided himself on his information gathering skills. That he knew nothing of Sabnock was humiliating. His ego would drive him to find answers more than anything else she could have done. The dismissal was merely icing.

What now? Where can you be?, Gaapa wondered. Death! Maybe It will tell me. I should have asked It when I was attending the human.

Replaying the image of Death standing next to Sabnock when she had been killed, Gaapa swore.

I should have known something was wrong. Death took too long with you. It has never taken that long for you to move on. Gaapa had been present during most of Sabnock's passings. Rarely did the demoness die alone. Such was the life of a warrior. What did the two of you talk about?

"Death, I respectfully request your presence," she called out.

Instantly, It appeared in front of her.

"What can I do for you, Gaapa?" Death asked quietly.

"I seek information about Sabnock. She is missing. Dis told me you refused to answers his questions."

"His demands," It corrected. "I am not his to command."

Gaapa laughed. She could imagine the Underlord's frustration dealing with an equal... more than an equal. Death had unlimited power over demons as well as mortals.

"He knows that. It's just hard for him to accept."

Death said nothing.

"Will you tell me where she is?"

"Why do you think I know this?"

"You are Death. You know everything that happens to souls."

A slight nod confirmed her comment.

"Perhaps. If it is so, however, why would I tell you that which I would not your master."

It was a good question. Gaapa thought about it for a few seconds.

"Courtesy," she replied.

"Courtesy?" Death seemed amused. "It is not the answer I expected. Explain."

"You and I share similar existences. You free the souls from their bodies. I transport many of them to their final destination. Our work is equally important and mutually beneficial, although it is you who wields the greatest power."

"True, but that isn't reason enough to break the trust of Sabnock."

"I would never want you to break her trust. If that is the case, then I will not pursue this any further. Thank you for coming here."

 Gaapa's disappointment was obvious.

"She asked nothing of me," Death said. "Sabnock is where she wants to be. That should be enough answer for everyone... but... I will inform her of your concerns."

"Thank you. That is all I ask," Gaapa replied.

Nodding its head, Death vanished. Gaapa quickly followed. Wherever It went she wasn't far behind.

*  *  *

Contrary to many beliefs, demons did sleep. In fact they loved those moments when the unbelievable became real. Gaapa had just finished transporting seventy souls and decided to take a quick nap. What lasted for only a few minutes could feel like hours or days.

"Gaapa," a voice called, interrupting her dream. Gaapa stirred slightly, her eyelids flickering.  "Wake up. I need your services." The voice was insistent.

Opening her eyes, Gaapa looked around. Everything in the domov was in order.

Weird dream!

"I'm not a dream, Gaapa. This is Sabnock. I need you to do something for me."

Sitting up, Gaapa rubbed her eyes.

"Sabnock? Is it really you?"

"Yes. I have only a short time and then I must go. Will you help me?"

"Of course, but where are you?"

"Where I should be. I am happy, Gaapa. That's all that matters."

Gaapa nodded. For Sabnock to be happy was almost unimaginable.

"What do you need of me? I am yours to command."

Sabnock quickly explained what she wanted Gaapa to do.

"I will be eternally grateful," she said when she was finished.

"It isn't your gratitude I want, Sabnock. Just knowing you are well and happy is enough. Thank you for honoring me with this final mission."

"Thank you, Gaapa. Now I must go. My best to Gaap."

Before Gaapa could reply, she felt the essence of Sabnock vanish.

"Farewell," she said to the emptiness.

*  *  *

Yemaya and Dakota were snuggled up on the couch in front of the fireplace. Lost in their own thoughts, neither had spoken for almost an hour. Finally, Dakota decided to break the silence.

"I can't help thinking about Constance and Sabnock. What could a historian and a demon have in common?"

"The same thing we have... love," Yemaya said.

"But we're both human. So is Constance... but Sabnock... I mean if she's a demoness... she has to be immortal. It would be an impossible situation."

"Nothing is impossible... and remember... Constance lived a long life. There was plenty of opportunity for them to spend a lot of time together."

"I guess. Still..."

Her next comment was interrupted when the flames in the fireplace began flaring. A loud popping noise followed and then sparks flew out onto the marbled floor. Both Yemaya and Dakota jumped up and began stomping on the glowing embers scattered near them.

"Green wood," Yemaya said, pushing the charred remnants into a neat pile with her hands.  "I will get Maria to bring in—" A scream brought her to her feet and she swung around expecting to find Dakota had burnt herself on an ember. Instead a hideously disfigured woman stood before them holding an object in her hands.

"You are the human, Dakota?" she said, ignoring Yemaya, who had stepped close to Dakota to defend her.

"Ye... Yes," Dakota stammered.

"This is yours." Holding out her hand, the woman waited for it to be taken.  Hesitantly, Dakota took it, her eyes widening in surprise. "I don't understand. Where did you get this?"

"Sabnock asked me to bring it to you. She said you would know what to do with it. Do you?" When Dakota didn't answer immediately, the woman frowned, making her appear more gruesome. "Do you?" she asked again, demanding an answer.

"I... Yes, I know how important it is. We'll protect it," Dakota replied.

The woman looked at Yemaya for confirmation.  A slight nod was all she needed to know her mission was over.

"Then I have fulfilled my obligation to Sabnock."

"But..." The question went unanswered. The woman had disappeared. Dakota looked up at Yemaya and then at the object in her hand.

"This is the history of the Gebians."

"I know," Yemaya said.

When Dakota began crying, Yemaya wrapped her arms around her lover and rocked her gently back and forth.

"Do you think they're together?" Dakota asked, sniffling.

"Do you have any doubts now?" Yemaya countered.

"No. No, they have to be together. Constance and Sabnock. I'm happy for them."

"So am I," Yemaya said, squeezing Dakota with her arms.

"I wonder who that woman was. I know this sounds awful but she was so hideous looking." Dakota grimaced.

Yemaya laughed.

"The messenger, I guess. Hopefully, this will be the last time we see that face."

Neither heard the faint laughter coming from the fireplace.

The End