Earth's Last Angel by Leon Castle Read Free Book Online Page A

taking a stroll in the quiet cool of the evening. He happens to pass the strange little building he had puzzled over earlier, this time it’s lit up with its doors wide open. A gagged and struggling young couple is being dragged inside off the street by the white robes. Bill stops and fades into the shadows to see what is going to happen. The chill sensation returns, something sinister is going on here, darkness in the City of Light?
    Powerless to help, Bill watches as the young couple is dragged onto a raised central circular platform. A scarlet cloaked figure steps up on to the platform with his back to Bill, apparently making a judgment on the couple, raising his arms up then dropping them with a chopping motion. The doors are then slowly closed. It seems a bit strange, but the platform appears to shift then drop through the floor, the doors now closing completely. Bill shakes his head, he must be seeing things, he hurries back to the palace a bit shaken.
    â€˜You OK?’ asks Sheona from a mass of bubbles in the spa bath, a little concerned.
    â€˜Yes I guess so, I’m just a bit tired, I’ll grab a shower then we’ll eat in.’ replies Bill over his shoulder on his way to the shower.
    â€˜OK, I’ll order some seafood then.’
    The next three weeks are taken up with trade deals and some minor diplomatic duties. Bill soon forgets the strange events that happened that night.
    A further six weeks pass, finally they are summoned to a meeting with The Word.
    A tall elegant Mazuban of athletic build with brown neck frill slicked back and sharp blue eyes admires his own reflection in the hallway mirror, inspecting his tanned face for imperfections, he is startled by the movement of the door sliding open at Bill and Sheona’s room.
    â€˜Ah just in time, I’ll escort you to the throne room.’
    â€˜Thanks, Web.’ replied Bill.
    â€˜I’m glad it’s taken a while to meet The Word, it’s given us a chance to have a look around the city and meet your people.’
    â€˜The parks are absolutely stunning!’ comments Sheona.
    â€˜And how are the people…friendly?’
    â€˜Yes of course, only they don’t seem to know much about anything outside the city. Also I didn’t see any schools or libraries.’
    â€˜It’s true…there is no education except that which is given by God’s chosen one, The Word. He teaches us all we need to know.’
    Web’s reply sends a cold chill down Bill’s spine. He had no idea of the full extent of the Great Dark Age, his island home had slipped under the radar, but for how long? Now the memory of that strange sinister night three weeks ago crosses his mind. ‘What the hell have I gotten us in to?’ The look on Sheona’s face shows she senses his concern.
    They approach the throne room, its massive doors appear to be at least a meter thick, with carved decoration overlaid with pure gold. Precious gems feature prominently in the intricate artwork. As they get closer, the doors open as if by themselves to reveal a long, gloomy, cavernous, pillared hall.
    Floor and walls are finished in black polished marble. Finally the hall opens up to reveal the illuminated circular throne room.
    In a semi-circle around and behind the throne are three massive golden crocodiles, revered as Crocs, standing upright with arms spread out and heads looking down to the top of the throne. One Croc stands directly behind the throne, with one on each side creating a massive cloak effect over the throne. The scene is lit by a single shaft of light piercing the gloom from a small, mobile, light tunnel, high up in the cathedral ceiling, lighting up the circle of the throne room as would a spotlight. In front of the throne, the floor is raised as a circular platform. They step up onto the platform and take a central position.
    Seated on the golden throne is The Word.
    â€˜Welcome, Ambassador William, and of course