Conjuring Darkness (20 page)

The big dark unknown time of man occurred during the antediluvian time period before the flood. Most in the academic community say that humans were nothing more than nomadic hunters and gatherers. Some, like me, say that there were probably many very advanced civilizations that existed, but they were completely destroyed. Any evidence of them lies buried under the earth or at the bottom of the sea.

I find it hard to believe that humans managed to survive for tens, or even hundreds of thousands of years, just picking berries and catching rabbits. Suddenly after the flood and for the first time, they just decide to build up great cities, complex agricultural systems, and a written language? No way.”

Ryan nodded his head and agreed. “Yeah, I agree with your idea, Abraham. Humans had to have done it before. Imagine before the flood, civilizations were way ahead of where the Sumerians were and they just got wiped out. It must have been like starting over, with only a little bit of all that knowledge from before the flood.”

Lexi interjected. “What did the old civilizations believe? I mean, they were a lot closer in time to the flood than we were. Did they have any records of what went on before the flood?”

“Oh yes. The Sumerians and others had several stories that talk about a time when Gods and demons were constantly meddling with humans. When you read the epic tales it is sometimes described as a very chaotic time. Some deities were plotting against man and some were trying to help them. The great flood was supposedly brought about to rid the world of all humanity, while others did their best to preserve some people to carry on after the floods had receded. The Seven were part of a plot to kill off everyone with disease, famine, and floods. Other cultures had similar stories. Some ancient Jewish writings say that before the flood, there existed a race of people they called Nephilim. Supposedly, they were giants or monsters. They were believed to be the offspring of The Watchers that had sexual intercourse with human females.”

“Watchers? I don’t know if I’ve heard the term before.” Lexi added.

“Yes, The Watchers. Some more recent texts may call them angels, but in the Book of Enoch they are called The Watchers. Some were good and some were very bad. The Book of Enoch is an ancient Jewish writing that was said to have been written by the grandfather of Noah. It contains a part called The Book of Watchers. None of the major religious groups have included this collection of Enoch in their bible, except for a couple of the Ethiopian Orthodox churches. It’s very detailed and lists many of The Watchers by name and what evil things they did.

I suppose you could say they were the fallen angels. They were supposed to watch over man, but in time, some of them started to lust over them and those are the ones who began to seduce women. The Watchers also practiced sorcery and taught humans the dark arts of conjuring demons, and etcetera. The idea of the flood was to wipe out everything and start over, because things got so bad. The Watchers were corrupting man and the Nephilim were wreaking havoc. On top of that, there were demons running amok.”

Ryan and Lexi listened intently to Abraham’s lesson and Lexi prompted the old man with another question. “So, what happened to The Watchers and the Nephilim?”

“The Nephilim were supposedly destroyed or turned to stone.”

“Do you buy into any of that, Abraham?” Ryan asked.

“Something tells me that all of these stories written by the Sumerians, The Akkadians, The Babylonians, The Jews, and others, were all built upon each other. I tend to lean toward most of the Sumerian writings as being closer to the original information, since they were the oldest and closest to the flood. The Jewish Book of Enoch was really written as a way to incorporate some of the old Sumerian and Babylonian tales that had been handed down to them orally.

Some parts of the Book of Enoch such as The Watchers, and the Nephilim that were turned to stone, were simply constructed as a way to try to come up with an explanation for the old Sumerian stone monuments they found. They had images of winged creatures that looked like angels or demons and the Jewish people didn’t understand the old Sumerian writings. They simply came up with ideas that could explain those artifacts and mesh them into their own cultural history.”

“So, the whole sorcery and witchcraft thing. Is that how people try to tap into those old demons or spirits, Abraham?”

“Yes Ryan, I think that’s precisely what they are doing. The Sumerian witches were sometimes trying to use the black magic that was from before the flood, to conjure the darkest demons that had been banished. I don’t know if they were being forced into doing it, or if they were trying to gain power for themselves.”

Ryan surprised the other two with an observation. “Well, maybe they were just looking for equality. I would imagine that back then people were constantly getting stepped on by those with power. Women were treated pretty damn bad too. So perhaps, they wanted to level the playing field. A little bit of black magic could certainly be used for that.”

“Perhaps that is the case, but the end should never justify the means. I think that is especially true when nobody understands what they are really playing around with.” Lexi said.

Abraham suddenly noticed the gold ring Lexi wore on her left hand. It had the appearance of three braided strands with a small, flat oval area on the top of the ring. “Lexi, would you mind if I take a look at that ring of yours?”

“Sure, but I don’t know if it will come off. I got it from my mother when I was very young. I started wearing it after she passed away.”

“Do you know where she got it? It is quite old. In fact it’s ancient.”

“Really? No, I don’t know where she got it. I think it was on one of her expeditions with my Dad.”

“Well, that ring appears to be the type of design sometimes found in artifacts from the Akkadian Empire, during the reign of Sargon the Great.”

“What is the Akkadian Empire? I know that I’ve heard of it, but I have no idea what it is.”

“It was probably the first true empire that unified many different people from present day Iraq, all the way to Southeastern Turkey as well as Northern Syria. They used the Sumerian language and beliefs. Anyway, that ring, it’s very nice and very rare. Priceless actually. At one time, there may have been something inscribed on that flat oval space. Perhaps, a blessing or the name of someone.”

Lexi looked at the ring and wondered about the person that once wore it. “Well, I certainly hope it didn’t have a pentagram or demon on it.”

Ryan slowed the yacht, until it was gently churning the black water of the harbor. A spotlight flooded a shimmering path ahead. Lexi and Abraham stood outside of the bridge, to assist in spotting Ryan’s contact that he expected to be waiting on the pier. The sun had been down for a couple of hours and very few people remained in the area.

They noticed a boat that appeared to be some sort of coastal patrol boat, cruising parallel to them. The group also spotted a pair of Land Rovers that were parked in a distant lot. Lexi was the first to notice a man standing on the pier. He waved and called out to them. In response, Ryan navigated the craft quietly to the pier. The man tied the boat to the pier and jumped onboard. Lexi noticed how he greeted Ryan with the same exuberance that the men in Tel Aviv had. While they were talking, the patrol boat drifted alongside. The man that Ryan had been talking to yelled out something in Turkish and waved at the men in the patrol boat, which then turned away and sped off into the dark.

“Lexi, Abraham, meet my friend, Kemil. He is with the Turkish—well he is with some agency. I’m not even sure which one.” Kemil greeted Lexi and instantly recognized Abraham as he shook his hand. “Doctor Pearlman? Wow, it is a small world. You don’t know me, but I was at one your lectures in Ankara a couple of years ago. I had you autograph my copy of your book. I hope we get a chance to talk more later on.”

Abraham was delighted to find someone else who was interested in his archaeological theories. “I’m always glad to meet a fellow enthusiast. Let’s see now, ah yes I remember. That was the lecture on my theory of how extraterrestrials guided Noah into creating a self-sustaining floating biosphere in preparation for the destructive deluge they were planning. Fascinating theory to contemplate, isn’t it?”

Lexi looked over at Abraham. “Wow Abraham, I didn’t realize you were
THAT
far out on the scientific fringe!”

“Don’t begrudge a man from making a little money, my dear. Armchair archaeology, great stuff there. After all, it is just having a discussion about theories. No limits and no academic criticism. Sometimes mainstream science needs a good solid kick in the pants and a shot of imagination to spur it along. Plus, it gets people interested in learning as well as appreciating history and archaeology. I’m hoping someday to find someone that will help me produce a TV show.”

Kemil laughed and said. “Oh, I don’t know about that Doc, you don’t quite have the hair for it.”

Kemil spoke directly to Lexi. “Don’t worry about the guys in that boat. They were just making sure nobody followed you in. So you are Ryan’s girlfriend? Some guy huh? Takes his girlfriend out on a mission to catch a thief. Who does that?”

“Hey, that’s my sister you’re talking about! She’s not a thief!”

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to disrespect your family, Lexi. When Ryan contacted me, I was just going to go out there and bring her in. But as a favor to my friend, I am letting him get her out of there, and keep her out of any trouble.”

Kemil looked at each of them and continued. “Once you guys clear out of there, we’ll be coming in after that group she has been seen with. I have a good feeling they are moving both arms and artifacts across the Syrian border. I can only promise you guys twenty-four hours to get her out of the way. Okay? If she is mixed up with those people when my guys go in, then she will be locked up in some unpleasant place for quite a while. The dig site at Gobekli Tepe is perfectly safe up that way. You can do whatever you want up there, but this area where she is at, is right on the border and I can’t have any of you in there. Ryan, if you go into Syria and get into any trouble, I can’t promise anything. My men can’t cross over officially, but I owe you one and I’ll do what I can. Just try to stay on this side of the border if you can. Sorry, but when you look at the big picture there is too much at stake.” Kemil smiled and looked at the three visitors. “Once this is over, I invite you to come to my house. Ryan, you have to come visit. We haven’t seen each other in maybe five years now? I’m married now and we have two boys. You better bring your friends.”

“I’ll do what I can, Kemil. Married? Two Boys? Wow!”

Kemil laughed. “I know, it seems like yesterday, when you and I were out on the town and I brought those girls-”

Abraham interrupted him with a loud cough, trying to remind Kemil that Lexi was listening. “Don’t worry Lexi, it was just a story of how I got myself in trouble when some jealous guys came after me. Ryan stepped in, pulled me out of a jam. He wasn’t up to anything. He’s like Mister America. Anyway, you can use that white Range Rover, I have a driver in the other one to take me back, and now I really have to get going. Good luck!” Once Kemil had left, the group loaded their gear into the vehicle and prepared for the last leg of the trip.

Lexi slapped Ryan’s firm butt and said, “Come on Mister America, time to go find my sister.”

Chapter Sixteen

They drove through the night, switching drivers as needed so they could each get some rest. Lexi couldn’t catch much sleep on the drive. More than once, she noticed the fleeting glimpse of an owl’s wings fluttering in the air above where the headlights led the way. She felt like the owl that had followed her before, had managed to track her down once again. The sunrise was a welcome sight to Lexi as she scanned the dry and rocky landscape for any sign they might be closer to their destination. It was Abraham’s turn behind the wheel and Ryan looked over a map that he had marked with the coordinates for Kate’s last known location, based on the information he received from Ben’s contact.

“Are we there yet? Are we there yet?” Lexi joked from the back seat.

“Almost there. We have been off the main highway since before dawn. I’d like to stop about a mile from where Kate was seen at the border. From there we can snoop around a little. There are no marked roads to get to that area, so we will have to do a little off-roading.” They continued on the highway for a few more minutes before Ryan directed them to the point where they would turn off. “There! See that little road, Abraham? Take that one. We’ll go south from here.”

Lexi peeked over Ryan’s shoulder to see the map in his hands. “I don’t get it. If they are staying on the border area, they are doing more than just crossing it. What could be there?” Her face was so close to Ryan’s that she could feel the heat from his skin and couldn’t resist giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Good question, Lex. Abraham, is there anything of any archaeological significance in that area?”

Abraham glanced quickly at the map. “Well, nothing in particular that I’m aware of, but this whole region is rich with undiscovered treasures from many different eras. I wouldn’t be the least surprised if they found a place to dig up artifacts.” 

The lonely rock strewn landscape flew past Lexi’s window and it blurred together every subtle shade of tan and brown. Lexi wished they would just get there, she was anxious to see her sister again.

The small road became more of a dusty trail and Ryan started to notice something flying in the distance. It crossed over their path and then above them.

Ryan shouted over the noise of the vehicle that bounced and rattled over the rough terrain. “Stop!” Abraham stopped the Range Rover and Ryan lifted up a pair of binoculars.

“Odd time for bird watching isn’t it, Ryan?” Abraham asked.

“You saw it too then. Something fairly big flying around. Probably just a hawk, but I want to rule out any possibility that it was some sort of UAV. There!” Ryan adjusted the focus of the binoculars. “Yep. A hawk or eagle. Actually it kind of looked like an owl. Anyway, let’s just get moving again.” Abraham shifted back into gear and they sped down the trail.

Lexi pulled herself up on the back of the front seat. “An owl? I saw an owl fly past us a few times during the night. I swear that the damn thing-” Her words were cut off by the muffled hammering sound from under the vehicle. Abraham started to slow down.

“Now that’s a coincidence. Four flat tires all at once.” Abraham remarked.

Ryan shouted at Abraham, “Don’t stop! Give it all you can. It’s not a coincidence, it’s an ambush! Lexi have your weapon ready and get down!” Ryan looked on both sides of the trail for any sort of movement. “There, see how the terrain slopes down on each side of us? Someone wants us to stop here, so they can come out from behind the little hill over there. Keep on going Abraham!”

The vehicle became difficult for Abraham to control. The flapping sound of the wrecked tires were deafening. Pieces of shredded radials littered the haphazard road behind them. The route ahead dipped down and they could see a truck blocking the path ahead. Abraham forcefully pushed down on the brake pedal and the vehicle stopped.

“Listen, we are going to have to run for it. Whoever is out here, will be coming from the sides or behind us. Run straight toward that vehicle and listen to me the whole way. Ryan reached around behind him, grabbing his short carbine rifle while Lexi loaded a magazine into the pistol she was holding. She was breathing through her mouth to maintain her composure as adrenaline pumped through her body. Abraham was completely bewildered and couldn’t seem to grasp what was happening.

Lexi caught their attention when she noticed somebody walking toward them from the vehicle that was blocking their path. “Hey! Ryan! Isn’t that your buddy Ben?”

“Yeah it is. Good! Maybe he found out that somebody was trying to ambush us and he stopped them.” Ryan leaned out the window and called to his friend. “Ben? What are you doing here? What’s going on?”

Ben smiled and walked up to the vehicle. “Hey Ryan. There was a problem. Somebody was trying to stop you from going to the border, but I took care of it.” He walked around the driver’s side and leaned in. “Hi Lexi!” There was a metallic clicking sound, a gush of fear swept over Ryan as he saw Ben place a pistol next to Lexi’s head. “Now be a good girl and give me the amulet.” Lexi glanced at Ryan with a pleading look.

“Do it now! Nobody will get hurt.” Ben demanded.

Ryan quickly gauged the risks of their options and decided that Lexi was in an incredibly dangerous situation. “Give him the amulet, Lexi! Ben, why the fuck are you doing this?”

Lexi pulled the amulet from her bag and briefly wondered if she could somehow zap him with its magic. Ben quickly snagged it from her hand. His pistol was still pointed at Lexi with his free hand. “I’m doing all of you a favor. Get out of the vehicle and start walking back to the main road. Get out of here!”

Without waiting for a response, he disappeared behind the vehicle and then he bolted over the hill, just as Ryan aimed his rifle at him.

Ryan scowled and lifted his rifle back up. “I should have shot him in the back for that.”

Lexi watched Ben dash through dust at a superhuman speed. “Holy fucking cats!”

Abraham tried to steady his hands long enough to reach into his pocket. He pulled out a small silver flask and gulped down three swallows of brandy. “You have some interesting friends, Ryan.”

“Interesting to who?” Lexi asked tersely. “And what did he mean when he said he was doing us a favor?”

“I don’t know, but one thing is for sure. The Ben I know would never do that, not in a thousand years.”

“So what do we do now?” Abraham pondered.

“We’re close enough now to do what we originally came here for. We are going to get Kate and get the hell out of here. I’m afraid that this whole thing was a ruse to steal the amulet.”

“Ryan, if the amulet falls into the wrong hands it could be disastrous. We have no idea what it could be used for.” Lexi added and Abraham nodded.

“You’re right, Lexi. I agree with her, Ryan. As much as I would love to avoid any more trouble I know in my heart that we have to prevent the amulet from falling into the wrong hands.”

“Well, if we’re going to do anything at all we need to get our gear out of this vehicle. Maybe we can use the truck that is blocking the road. At least it has four good tires. Hopefully it runs and has fuel.” Ryan said.

They walked over to the roadblock and found that it must have been towed or pushed into position. The interior had been completely gutted. It was nothing more than a hulk of useless junk. “Well, it looks like we aren’t using this vehicle either. Now, we travel by foot to that hill right there.” Ryan pointed to a small hill covered in dry grass and rocks. “We can see if we are close enough to Kate, to at least get her out of any danger.”

“Then what? How do we get out of here without a vehicle?” Lexi asked.

“Unfortunately we will have to wait for Kemil to come through here tomorrow with his guys.”