The Keeper of secrets (Full Version Completed)

Keeper Of Secrets1

‘Eyes that haze with death of night,
Sustaining on fears bite.’2

“The eyes... no don’t, please don’t....no ahhhh!” Jasper screamed aloud as he sat bolt upright. ‘He’ was still there, watching him, he knew it. Those eyes, eyes that burn through the soul of a man. No-one can escape them. The sweat ran down his forehead. But who was he? What did he want with me? Shivering he took a look at the clock to the side of his bed- 2:00am- he was tired and wanted to sleep. But He didn’t dare. He’ll get me there. No, this was going to be another in a long string of sleepless nights.3

A few hours later and he made his way downstairs passing his mum. “Wow you look rough, did you sleep well?” I can’t tell her, Nightmares are what little kids have. Not 17 year old boys. “ Thanks. I went to sleep late that’s all”.
Ending the conversation he grabbed a pop-tart on the way out, fleeing to the refuge of under the bridge. He had no need to go to school now-days as he felt that he had already wasted his education. He did keep contact with the friends he had, here came some of them now in-fact.4

Two dark clothed people appeared at the passage under the bridge, one girl and one boy. Anglia wore a dark lacy top with a purple/black skirt to match. Typical of her Jasper thought. Then there was Matthew, he was of a rounder build and had a leather coat on that caped round to the bottom of his feet. If anyone would listen to him it would be them. “Another rough night?” queried Anglia.
In a sardonic tone Jasper replied “How did you guess?”.
“Because I’ve seen smoother badgers arses” chuckled Matthew.
“You said it not me!” replied Jasper laughing.5

Jasper explain to them his latest dream, then he told them what it said to him. They must have though that he was going mad. Anglia went into her bag and pulled out a small book. It had a pentagram on it and was decorated with ivy leaves. The thick cover was weighty to the hand. Anglia handed Jasper the book, he opened the pages and flicked through it.
“Its empty!” he exclaimed. Anglia tutted at him. “Well duh! Its so you can write down about this thing that's messing with your head. See if there is a pattern and that”, He nodded in affirmation as Matthew placed his hand deep within the well of his leather jacket. He removed his hand to reveal a small dream catcher. It was bound on a leather chain and coiled into a golden web. It bore six eagle feathers, each one unique in colour. “Here this should help. They do work, dream catchers aren't just a myth” Jasper put one hand on Matthews shoulder and smiled, taking the mystical protection he thanked his friend. If anyone was to know about that type of thing it would be him. Weirdo.6

A while after bidding his friends goodbye Jasper found himself nodding off in the old library in town. He felt himself being shook awake, as he turned to complain and was startled to find no-one there. A bit spooked he got up and went to approach the receptionist... except she was nowhere to be found either. This was weird he thought to himself, where am I? Then it kicked in. He froze. Jasper was in the eyes of the nightmare. He could not see any of the mortals in the room, save for one. The image in front of him distorted. Jasper approached the one human, where did he know that face from. He screamed inside, it was his own face, the eyes could see him. “Move!” he screamed at himself “Move!”. He struck out as he emptied into his body, ripping at the cold air in-front of him with his fist. Jaspers knuckles froze over, jumping from his seat he ran down the isle. It was hot on his heels.
He was awake now, so why was it still there?!? The thing had found him and now was chasing him. The pile of books to his right crashed down. Leaping over the pages Jasper continued to run. Having an idea he turned a sharp left and dived into the closest row of books. The thing perused him. Grabbing a big thick book to his right he opened the pages to the centre. ‘It’ screamed and the air in front of him rippled with an electrical burning. “Ahhhh!” the small outline of the beast humanoid wailed in pain. It was being ripped in to pieces in front of Jasper. “He waaaants you...Master neeeeds you ahhhh!” and it cremated. Wondering what the hell just happened Jasper looked down the side of the book before him. The title upon it read ‘The Holy Bible’. Trying to make sense of what just happened he looked at the time. It was late now so he walked to the front desk. The receptionist looked oddly at him as he checked out the big blue book.7

Jasper promised himself that he would never bin a Jehovah witness leaflet again. Strange things where at work, he ventured to his hang out at the park. Dusk was fast approaching. He waited as usual for his friends, strangely he found himself inclined to write, removing the book of shadows from his bag he started to scribble. By the time Matthew and Anglia arrived he had finished recording the unusual events. Jasper told them what happened. Anglia looked quite sinically about what happened, Matthew just nodded as if recalling everything in great detail. Matthew seemed to be sweating some what. He pulled a small leather bound book from his pouch at his side. Unwrapping it he turned to a specific page. ”Where do you find those things?” Anglia asked. Jasper leapt forward at the sight of the little creature resembling the thing that had attacked him. “That’s the thing that I told you about...but I didn’t get to see it all...just an outline” his tone was frantic. Matthew explained to them that the laws of the ‘demon’ plain do not allow them to cross to their plain. “This means that they can only get so close. Thus you could not see it, but it can influence objects i.e. the falling books“. Wondering where he got all of this from Jasper just sat there and squinted at his friend until he laughed. “Ok their is one more thing that I can try. Meet me here tomorrow at dusk.” 8

The three friends departed. Returning home Jasper yawned aloud and sat at his bed trying to stay awake, with little success. His floor was now littered with disposable coffee cups. He slowly entered delirium and nodded off.9

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‘I will be you final sight,
Search for me beyond candles light.’16

Slowly Jasper fell into his nightmare. He walked around in his mind, yet it was an unfamiliar place. The ground in front of him blurred, Jasper stepped out into the open smog that shrouded the atmosphere. Having difficulty drawing breath his breathing got heavier. But so did another breathing. Spinning to the direction of the panting he came face to face with a large stone grave. Celtic knots entwined around into a cross, but this wasn’t what troubled Jasper. Instead his eyes where fixed upon the creature that sat upon it.. It hissed as there eyes met, its tongue an eyeless serpent emerged from its mouth. The Demon blinked and several eyelids fluttered, its skin bore a bronzed texture and colouring. This ran to its barbed tail, which at the moment was flexing and snapping in a scissor like action. It spoke in a foreign tongue which sounded harsh to the ear but was understandable. ‘My Lord grows inpatient heir. I suggest you don’t keep him waiting too long, there may be...consequences’, As it sniggered Jaspers sense of smell was over whelmed by a reek of molten flesh and rotting carcass.
‘What the hell are you on about? Who is this thing? ‘ The questions burst out of Jasper. ‘Hell! Your mortal ignorance amuses me. And I would not disrespect the Keeper in such a manner again. Your questions will be answered in time. Try to stay alive, for now. The Master has big plans for you!’ The demon chuckled as it was in-cased in a yellow flame. Yet it remained on the spot. ‘What is the meaning of this? Why can’t I leave here? You what have you done?’ The demon burst into a bight light and slowly burned from the inside.17

Jasper jumped as he returned to his body, the light from the window stung his eyes. He Ran across his room as his chest bore flame. The feathers of the dream catcher scorched his skin as he ripped it from his body. Opening the window he threw it as far as he could, but by the time it reached the ground it had already burnt up. ‘Holy crap!’ he began blaspheming aloud.
‘Quite different actually’, Jasper jumped to a familiar voice as Matthew sat at the chair on the end of his bed. No mater how long he had known him he would never get used to that. It was now well into the day and Matthew took note of what he had seen. Looking at the charred dream catcher in the yard Matthew laughed ‘I take it you will be needing another one of those. It appears that this maybe a little more serious that we...I mean I first assumed.’ His tone was agitated. Quickly Matthew cut the tension ’What did you say this creature was called again?’
Jasper was drained from the experience and wearily replied ‘Master, Lord...The Keeper that’s about it.’ Matthew studied the air for a moment, lost in his thoughts. ‘The Keeper, where have I heard your name before? I can’t recall’. He looked at his friend who could barely move. Pulling a vile from within his jacket he handed it to his friend.
‘Here drink this and you will have a dreamless sleep. Other wise you will be useless tonight. And enjoy it when you can, those remedies are hard to come by’. Not questioning his authority Jasper immediately drunk the tonic. It was slick and rushed down his gullet easily. The taste was horrendous. The only comparison he could make in his imagination was blending regurgitated vegetables. Yuck, nothing on the planet should be aloud to taste this vile he thought .The effect did not take long to kick in, Jasper was out before he reached his bed, collapsing upon the small beanbag on the floor. Seconds in his mind had passed when he awoke. The light no long tormented his eyes as there was little of it. It was now dusk as Jasper snuck out the back door to avoid his parents gaze.
Five minutes walk ended to the sight of his friends, waiting for him beneath the park public wooden roofed platform. He could just see them in the dim light, but he had no need to as he could hear Anglia from the gate entrance. She was moaning as to how Matthew never changed his clothes and had no sense of self hygiene. Jasper was used to their bickering, its what keeps them friends. Musing to himself He approached the conversation. ’Ain’t it Jasper? Tell him’ She pleaded to him. ‘Ye sure whatever. What we all here for anyway?’ Jasper came to the sudden realization. ‘To finally find out what has been plaguing your thoughts of course, follow me.’ Wondering if it was going to be one of his freaky ritual thingy's they hesitatingly followed. 18

As they approached the cemetery Anglia caught a hold of Jaspers arm. ‘We have to go in there...at night’ she moaned.
Matthew turned to catch her eyes, as she lifted her head from leaning on Jaspers shoulder. ‘Not scared are you?’ His voice was cold and mocking. Insulted by this she dramatically pressed past him dragging Jasper behind her, who was currently trying to catch a hold of the railing shouting, ‘Yes, Yes I am! Now can I stay...Pleeeeeease!’.19

Entering a crypt, after prying Jaspers hands from the gate, they walked into an eerie atmosphere. The stone graves echoed the harsh cold that consumed the room. They approached the central tomb, it was decorated with angels and demons. The pictures were lit by the full moon, which lit the room through the hexagonal hole in the ceiling.
‘We are here, come and help me set up, we don’t have long’, Matthews voice cut the tension in the room. If anything lived then it certainly knew they where here now. Jasper helped Matthew and Anglia place candles around the room. Cobwebs clung to their hair as they moved. This place hadn’t been disturbed for a long time as the sea of dust at their feet indicated. The hairs stuck up on the back of Jaspers neck as he placed the last candle and took out the lighter. He turned around and found that his eyes locked with Anglia’s. There was a moment of awkwardness before he smiled and went back to lighting the candles.20

The room eliminated somewhat as transcripts appeared on the walls. Matthews eyes lighted up. Not knowing what he had in store Jasper brace himself for the worst. A small bowl was now placed on the tomb and next to it a dagger. Also there was some new scents as the candles burned. Rosemary was the strongest.
‘I am ready to begin, lie down on the tomb’, Declared Matthew.
‘On the tomb, on top of some dead guy? By the stair you are giving me I take that's a yes’, Jasper moaned before climbing on the giant stone Alter. Matthew stood at his head and Anglia was by his arm, she grabbed his hand and smiled down on him. Her eyes glowed brighter than the moon to her side, he could read her mind like a book. She was worried.
‘I’ll be alright’, he assured her. She moved backwards and Matthew approached him. The wind in the chamber picked up and the dust circulated the room. The dust vortex exited through the roof, at the command of Matthews chanting, reviling a large hieroglyphic casting circle on the floor. The glyphs started to glow and the essence from the candles Hazed the air around Jasper. He fell into a deep trance. Matthew chanted louder as Jaspers body began to spasm. Then came a moment of stillness. Anglia who was previously screaming was silenced with the rest of the room. It had worked!21


‘For I am he who twines your fate,
Never shall I pass through Heavens gate.’22

The moons light bore a heavy presence as the two of them looked at Jaspers body, his mouth was agape, The eerie tension was broken by a gasp from the body that lay on the tomb. It sat bolt upright and viewed its surroundings...only its eyes where closed. Jaspers appearance did not change, but it was not him. It got up and flouted across the room. It was now standing in front of a blank stone wall, seemingly satisfied it smiled. How it managed to smile disturbed them, it twisted a face that would make the most resilient of people cringe. Outstretching an arm the body emitted a clear serpent that was difficult to see, but was visible only by the shine of the moon. Too frightened to think Anglia breathed for the first time in what seemed like minutes. She was watching as the beast gripped the silver dagger and returned to the body. She looked up expecting Matthew to stop it, but he was too far lost in a trans. Strange but familiar words left his mouth as this weird ritual took place. The body of Jasper held the dagger in the right hand and gripped tightly round the blade with his left. The body seemed to take enjoyment at witnessing Anglia cringe when he tightened his left fist. The renewed blooded blade sleeked the liquid down its length.23

Before the blood could clot it slung the dagger aside and started to draw on the walls. It drew two pictures, one was of a clock with strange dials and numbers. It waved its right palm across the blood clotting on the wall and made it moved almost with a magnetic field, leaving the image as it went. The second image was of a cross of some Celtic origin, but at the bottom it turned into a key. Something about this image disturbed the atmosphere and Matthew was pulled from the trance. There was a wail of pain from the corner. Jasper lay flat on his back.
Anglia rose to pick him up but was thrown from her feet. Matthew stepped forwards. “Get back. He is mine!”, cried a voice from the cross. The tone was harsh and made blood trickle from Matthews ears.
“So it is you. I have been wondering as to when you would rear your ugly head. And I think that it will be his decision as to who's side he will be on. now be gone!” Matthew cried. “YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO ORDER ME!” Screamed the Voice bringing Matthew to his knees. He clenched his ears with his hands.
“He may not. But I do!” A radiant voice emitted through the chamber from behind Matthew. A hissing sound came from the rune on the wall as it scorched, the thing had retreated. An odd tall looking priest came down the steps and aided Matthew to his feet. “So he has returned”, bellowed the Man “Then we are in graver danger than we first thought. Lets get you lot to the sanctuary” and with a gesture of his hand picked up Jasper and led the way.24

Between the planes of consciousness Jasper thought he heard two voices. Not knowing weather it was his state of delirium or not, Jasper lay there, where ever there was, and listened to what they said. Opening his eyes a little to identify the sources of the speaking Jasper saw a large man in a white cloak with gold trimmings speaking to a younger man in brown monk like robes. The person in charge was defiantly the white cloaked one as his voice bore a tone of authority that rang with precision as he spoke.
“The keeper has chosen his heir, we must do all within are power to protect the boy from corruption. This is most unfortunate, as for the glyph left on the wall in the crypt, we need to remove it with haste.”, the monk in brown robes nodded at the command. He was leaving the room when he turned to the white cloaked man “And what is to become of the girl sire?” questioned the monk. “That is not your concern. I will deal with her myself”. Jasper drifted back out of consciousness as the monk bowed and left the room. His thoughts plagued him, as he passed into an un-dreaming sleep.25

He awoke restless and quickly scanned the room. It was the same place as the two men had been speaking earlier on. ‘Anglia’ screamed his thoughts as he wheeled out of the bed throwing the flannelette sheet to the ground. The room was dimly lit with candles and the air was tight. He was clearly some way underground. rushing to the door he turned the large round handle on it. Pushing forwards the door went no-where. Cursing to himself Jasper looked around the room. The door had been blocked by a plank of wood from the other side. Knocking one of the candles over Jasper grabbed the end and wedged it through the small crack in the door. Halfway through trying to lift the plank out he heard a snapping sound. and he lent on the leverage a bit harder and snapped the old door from its hinges. Diving out of the temporary keep safe Jasper walked out into an open passageway. Running down the different cells he looked in each of them for any trace of Anglia. His mind race. What if I am too late? What about Matthew? What are they doing to them? He came to a spiral stair case and leapt two at a time. Half way up he encountered a man in brown robes. “How did you get out?” Not having time to answer Jasper grasped the man by his robe and helped him down the stairs. Not looking back he carried on his way up. Before coming to another hall passage. But this time he had no choice he had to fight, for as he entered the room there where two guards with quarter staffs at the far side of the room.26

The room was wide and tall and littered with wall mounted weaponry. Grasping the first thing to his right Jaspers hand clasped around a small spear. It would have to do as the two of them where fast approaching him. Not being one to sit around and wait Jasper leap at the closest and swung his spear at him narrowly missing his chest. Spinning around the first monk launched the staff at Jaspers legs. Seeing the staff that was intended to knock out his knees Jasper jumped and brought down his spear upon the monks head. Before it reached the spear met a wooded blockade in the form of the staff. Jasper buckled and rolled away backwards. The monk looked daft as he now held two half's of a staff. Jasper leaped up in time to ricochet a hole quarter staff from the second monk. Neatly side stepping he turned his spear and knocked the monk on the back of the head with the spear end. A pile of robes fell to the floor. Jasper turned to be locked in battle with the first monk once more, having now to avoid both of the small staff ends. Backed into a corner Jasper had to think fast. He launched his spear at the monk. who caught it in both hands as Jasper bull charged him knocking him to the ground winded.
To Large doors lay ahead of him grabbing the handles he opened them with a large iron squeak. In the next room was a large table with a banquette laid out on it. A man in white robe he recognised stood up. and greeted him. Jaspers eyes flew down the table where he now saw his friends. His heart stopped pounding. “Nice of you to join us I just sent men to escort you up...Where are they?” The White cloaked Man asked. Jasper shuddered ”Escorts?!?”. The White cloaked man eyes focused into the room beyond where two piles of robes lay. “Ah well. Um I guess some one should have explained. Errors occur! Now come and feast you must be ravaged after all you have been through”, the man gestured to a seat. A little flushed with embracement Jasper reluctantly took the man up on his offer.27

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‘Nor will you if I have my way,
Damned with me your soul will stay.’46

After a lot of apologising over the course of the banquette Jasper learned that the man who bore the white robes was the Abbott of the monetary. It also turned out that he was also well acquainted with Matthew, for reasons he could not begin to imagine,47

Clearing his throat Jasper addressed the Abbott. “Father Viderian, can I ask how we came to be here?...Where ever here is?”. Looking thoughtfully over at Jasper Viderian replied in a tone of that seemed to ring around the grounds of the monetary. “Well the last thing you probably recall is when you fell into the trance atop of that tomb. Well you rented your body to a demon for a short amount of time, then gave the keeper a window to our dimension threatening the very existence of the earth. That's about it really.”, Viderian smiled broadly at the ashamed cross sceptical look that was now radiating from Jasper. “But on the bright side” he continued “you have given us a vital clue as to the extent of time that we have to pre pare for the breach between the two realms that happens every 2000 years”. Jasper was now wishing he had kept stuffing his mouth instead of using it to speak with. “Well we know how much time we have got great that’s good news!” exclaimed Jasper. The Viderian face went stern “Not really. We have about 48 hours left.” everyone in the room choked on their food and began to exclaim. “What. you mean to tell me millions of those ugly fireball throwing midgets are about to appear in midair and take over. But where? And how are we going to stop them?” Jasper had completely forgotten about his food. Viderian told them he did not know where, but only it would happen soon. He also said that they were on their own and that no-one is likely to believe them. He explained that the keeper is only searching for an heir to rule in his absence while he takes over other realms, and that Jasper was to be his chosen heir.48

After leaving a rather hearty discussion Jasper told his friend to meet him in the monastery library, some-where where the walls didn’t have ears. The three friends met un-followed. All of them bore inquisitive faces, and always being one to break an awkward silence Anglia got the first question in, typical of her Jasper mused to himself. “What the hell is going in on? My fragile mind, where there are no apocalyptic Satan midgets, has been smashed into little fragments and had the dust thrown into a furnace! EXPLANATION NOW!!!”, Anglia was bouncing, her temper flared. She looked so cute when she tried to be angry thought Jasper. Matthew finally getting her to stop shouting plunged his hand into the leather well of unlimited content that was his jacket pocket. “I guess I should explain” Matthew said now holding a red, bound very worn book. “Ok everything the Abbott said is true. He is not a mad man, and I have known him for a long time. I guess it is up to me to fill you guys in then. Well as it goes a long, long time ago before fore the ages when men recorded...” Matthew dictated from the book.49

“I hereby banish you from sanctuary and cast you from this realm for abusing the laws of the great gateway and letting mortals freely pass through the dimensions for your own profit” and so the first ‘angel’ was cast from heaven. His true name was Carnelian The Angle Of Change, but he later adopted his self proclaimed title ‘The Keeper Of Secrets‘.
Unfortunately he had taken a change for the worse as was struck from the heavens. Destined to be cast into the shadow domains Carnelian made one final act. He put a toll on mortals, so that if they wished to keep something hidden, then he would hide it for them, for a price. This price was that their immortal souls shall serve him for one eternity ( An immortal until of time ). But when he was cast into the shadow realm he realized that he could not claim the souls of man until he was in the same world. Because of this he has been force to wait an antagonizing two millennia to try and cross over to claim his souls. Unfortunately for him a group of guardians have always arise to stop him. But the longer he has stayed in the shadow world the more powerful he has become. He also commands an army of demon, those who have tried and failed to follow in his footsteps. It is said that to face the demons the guardian mortals a blessed with the holy might to smite down the evil which threatens them. The keeper has never managed to breach the human plain as he need to exchange his soul with the one of his heir, but this does not stop his legions entering our plane.” 50

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Matthew finally snapped out of his ‘past-blast‘. “If only I could summon one of his demons and get it to tell us how the Keeper Of Secrets intends to break through this time”, he let out a big sigh.
“Yes if only...” Jasper muttered with a grin.52

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‘Ripped apart and sewn anew,
A thousand droplets of dawns dew.’70

After lapping up everything Matthew told them, because after a first hand possession they were willing to believe anything, they departed and Jasper walked Anglia back to her room. As they walked the long empty halls Jasper began to sense that for long amounts of time Anglia stared at him, only that when he looked she turned away. Maybe she’s just checking that I am Jasper and not a demon he told himself. Speeding up his pace Jasper took lead and turned a sharp right with Anglia hot on his heels.
“Where the hell do you think your going, my room is this way you div! hay slow down”, Anglia was clueless. “Keep you voice down or you will alert half the monks in the monastery. We are going to the Abbott’s chamber...and yes I know he is in the great hall. That is the point!” Jasper gave a sly grin. “But isn’t the word ‘we’ a plural? The is no way I am going with you. No. No way I am not breaking into holy-mans bedroom. Especially now that I know that their is some for of hell...I am not a chicken! Fine I will come alone”, Anglia cursed under her breath. Bingo thought Jasper, it only takes a farmyard impression. They slowly approached the Abbott’s chamber.71

As they approached the door was partly open, Jasper peaked through the creak at the hinge of the door. Clear, perfect, Jasper moved through the archway into the study like room. With a simple canvas bed and an oil lamp on the desk, jaspers eyes tried to make quick worn of what he searched for. ‘But where was it’ he pondered, Looking through a little oak bookshelf to his right Jaspers flicked down the spines of the book. “No, no, no, no. No, No, No. NO! Where could he have put it. Wait a minute, Hello”, Jasper’s hand was deep within a robe pocket that belonged to Viderian. He clutched a white book and flicked through it slowly, deciding it was the appropriate one he took Anglia by the hand and left quickly. 72

On the way down the Abbott’s passage Anglia and Jasper heard some footstep in front of them. They both looked into each others eyes, horror struck. Nowhere to hide, where going to get caught, what do I do. Jaspers mind was a race. And then there was calm, no thought, just a long awaited moment in chaos. It was obvious that Anglia could think a lot quicker than him as their lips now met. And it worked, the monk completely dismissed them. But they stayed their a little while longer after the monk left though. Trying to suppress the looks of surprise and glee, Jasper took Anglia by the hand again an lead the way to his chamber, stealing some salt from the dinning doom table on the way through.73

Getting to the wide space that was his chamber Jasper re-attached the door and closed it. Pulling out the book Jasper began to draw the little circles and signs from the book onto the floor using the salt. He ran through the book like a ‘how to bring about an apocalypse’ hand book for dummies. Despite his literary arrogance Jasper did manage to find a few demon inactions. For what seemed like an age he lit candles, danced around and spilled some of his blood with no success. Exhausted they both fell into a deep slumber. Awoken by the courtyard bell Jasper went to get up when the white book landed on the floor, face up. Both of them looked at the page, Jasper scratched his head, I didn’t see this page last night he thought. Picking it up he looked at the page where an unusual sketch was drawn. It appeared to be an armoured chest plate draped with robes flying mid air on a pair of shadowy black angelic wings. Suspended in the centre of the picture in a gauntlet was a Celtic cross etched into a key with a serrated edge. but it wasn’t the sword that frightened Jasper it was the eyes that hung in the darkness of the hood that the demon wore. Scribbled underneath was the words ‘The Keeper Of Secrets’. Jaspers eyes rushed to the text on the other side of the page. His eyes quickly devoured the font and he began to read the passage aloud.74

The keeper of secrets75

The whispers you tell with a grin,
Of things so dark and full of sin,
Entrust with me this burden you’ve told,
For the key of secrets kept I hold.76

Tell me and let no man know,
In the shadows let your secrets grow,
Hiding them away from you,
Until their telling time is due.77


Casting it in your dark mind,
Buried to deep for any to find,
Lost within the tales of time,
Enthralling you soul in your secrets bine.78

Forgotten is the debt you owe,
Held down by my torment crow,
My eyes see all you cannot flee,
Though hunting you shall bring me glee.79

Now an eternity you serve my need,
Or else I’ll sow truths ugly seed.80

“P.S in reading this transcript aloud one shall will open a gateway to the never realms and grant the keeper the power to send through his adversaries into are domain”. They stared into each others eyes.81

“SHIT!”82

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‘But immortality bares a price,
My blood runs through as cold as ice.’94

Silence was bestowed upon the chamber. They didn’t dare breath as they might miss what they tried to listen out for. “Do you hear that?”, asked Jasper. Anglia strained then replied “What the sound from above us that echo’s a tide of an apocalyptic rage?”. “That’s the one, time to go!” Jasper seized Anglia by her Jacket and they ran down the corridor. ‘What a stupid place to put the warning’ he thought. ‘Now what was above his room. Lets think...umm the great hall. I better get them all out’ his mind finally caught up with his legs. Running at full speed, with Anglia attached to his arm, Jasper kick down the oak doors. All eyes where on him “Everybody get out. RUN!” and as if to enphercize Jaspers seriousness, a giant Serpent crashed up through the food table at the centre of the room. Now people started to scream, and if he cloud hear over them then he would probably hear himself screaming too. 95

“The gateway. The gateway has opened. What have you done!”,
the Abbott's eyes were fixed upon Jasper. a little thought at the back of Jaspers mind told him that he was not in the Abbott's good books. But that thought as quickly silenced by the adrenalin that now flowed though Japers veins as he avoided a tentacle. Warriors grabbed wall mounted weapons and charged towards the evil that erupted at the centre of the room. Backing up and clasping his hand around a wall mounted sword Jasper delved into the tentacles that were attacking him from the dark ink like hole at the centre of the room. Jasper looked about him, there as a ring of monks all at his aid. “Don’t let him get to his heir!” screamed the Abbott from the other side of the room. Amongst the chaos Jasper had forgotten all about Anglia where was she? Swinging his head around he saw Matthew hurled off his feet and then picked up by the tail of the giant serpent. The tail moved, closer to its mouth! “Ahhh!” yelled Jasper at the top of his lungs in a war-cry fashion, as he dashed passed the surrounding monks. Wielding his sword he jumped on the table ran along and making an arch cut, separating the serpent from its tail end. Dropping Matthew it reared up, and knives from the monks embedded into its chest. It fell.96

Filled with the emotion of momentary victory Jasper was flung back into the real world, in the from of a tentacle lifting him up by his leg. He stabbed at the arm but it didn’t budge. It just dragged him backwards, into the dark pool. Matthew ran to his aid. But it was to late. he was out of reach. Not even their outstretched hands touched. Jasper’s mouth moved, he spoke, but he could not here his own voice through his ears. “Find Anglia, make sure she’s safe” he slowly became surrounded by the dark fluids. It gripped his skin, dragged him under slowly. “It’s over” he mouthed to Matthew “keep fighting...and tell Anglia that...that I...” and Jasper was submerged. ‘Is this the end?’ he asked himself ‘It can’t end. not like this’ and dark then took his thoughts away too.97

Obeying Jasper final wish Matthew fought his way out to the corridor. Running down a side passage, he searched for Anglia. He turned a corner and sighed in relief. “Ah there you are Anglia. You had me worried for a minute then.” Matthew lowered his long knife. She was crouched over a body. Raising she turned at Matthew and smiled. “In a mechanical fashion, as if she forgot how to use her own vocal cords she said “I am glad you are ok. Come. Here.” and she stepped towards him. Spinning his arm in and out of his jacket Matthew drew a cross from it. The demon host stepped back and hissed. “The holy power of the lord watches over us! Who the hell are you, your essence is familiar. This isn’t the first time that you have plagued this land is it? What is your name?” Matthew stared long and hard at the demon.
“Our name is Legion for we are many. I am sorry... but. Now you. Have to...Perish” Spluttered the demon host. It raised its hand into the air and made it ignite. Out of the flame emitting from its palm Legion shot forth one off its many Demons at Matthew. The living fireball whirled down the passage with a squeaking sound. At the last moment Matthew moved span on his heel and gripped the ignited demon from behind. Still spinning until his fingertips and the demons head meat the wall. Looking up over his shoulder Matthew saw Legion’s horror struck look on Anglia’s face. Then in the bizarre moment of events Matthew, holding the Demon up against the wall, bellowed out a command at the top of his voice.
“SANCTIFY!”
An aura of light emitted from the fiery fiend and it began to glow, before turning to embers ant Matthews fingertips. Slowly he raised his head to Legion “I suggest that you leave that host and return to your domain, for the guardians of this world shall smite thee down!” His tone was harsh.
“Never! I prefer this domain. And this. Host is...comfortable. You have no. Real power” spoke Legion as it twitched its neck. “The I have no choice but to remove you by force!”, Bellowed Matthew, as he raised his palm at the Legion.
“Gloria! As it was it the beginning now it shall be. Let them be dissipated like smoke. As wax flows before fire, let the cinders perish before me. I cast thee from the host into a fiery lake of burning sulphur, the second death!” Matthew bellowed over the demons pleading and curdling screams. Legion when forth to the second death, Anglia’s body fell limp.98


‘Am I dead? No i can’t be i am still here. I do exist in this darkness, I do because I say I do. I must exist if i can here my own thoughts telling me I do...What’s that? A light, after all this darkness?’ Jasper headed towards the light after debating his existence. It was a powerful light he thought, like a fly trap, was he the fly? He walked out of the darkness and gasped thankful that he was in a familiar body. He had stepped into a room with a wall of darkness, in which there was a black marble floor and a star lit night for a ceiling. At the centre of the ceiling mysteriously hung a candelabra not suspended by anything, it just floated as it illuminated the room. Beneath the candelabra was a basin and a raised platform supporting a throne, which was occupied.
The keeper beckoned him forwards, and the eyes starved him of breath.99

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‘Upon your breath i wish to feast,
For I am entitled walking deceased.’105

“At last you have fallen into my hands” spoke the Keeper without moving his mouth. He spoke directly into Jaspers mind. “I have waited a long time to leave this domain. At last, you, my heir has come forth to rule in my stead. Now I can over throw the other domains and claim the souls that are rightfully mine” the Keeper appeared pleased with himself. “Urm...sorry to interrupt on your little power trip. But what the f$@! makes you think that I am going to help you?” Jasper said bluntly.
“ye that flair, that is why I chose you. But you make a valid point. I can’t make you, but I can destroy friends!” sneered the Keeper. Waving his gauntleted hand into the air he created an image on his friends. It was like cctv Jasper thought. They all fought bravely in his absence, one by one an invisible force raised his friends into the air. Slowly they began to scream in pain, as if their skin itself was on fire. “Join me” commanded the Keeper. “Never” screamed Jasper. The Keeper sped up the pain. All of the faces on the screen cried out in agony, but Jaspers eyes were fixed upon Anglia’s eyes full of pain. ”Ahhh!” Jasper charged the Keeper, who froze him to the spot. “Join me and I will spare your friends!” the faces on the screen began to faint with the agony the endured. “Ok I will”, sobbed Jasper “Just spare them. Just spare them”. 106

The Keeper laughed aloud. “Yes that’s right you cower. Come to my throne and bow before me” commanded the Keeper, releasing his hold from Jasper. Unfortunately this was a bad idea as Jasper ran at the Keeper arms flailing. Without moving the Keeper launched him backwards into the basin, tipping its contents across the floor. “ You cannot win, this is my domain I hold the power here. And if you do try to attack me again then I can destroy your friends by mere thought!” Gloated the Keeper. “Now swear you elegance to me” the Keeper beckoned Jasper forward. He had no choice, walking forward he kneeled on one foot, dropping his head in shame. As he looked down he saw the liquid he had spilt from the font. It looked like liquid reflection thought Jasper. Except when he looked closer he saw all that is, was and will be. He saw his friends, surrounded by a world of fire and torment. Made to work a slaves. Is this what is to become of the Keepers word?
The Keeper looked down at Jasper and he raised. “Then it is done. At last I can rule this domain and claim the souls to gain unlimited power! Now I leave you here in this domain in my stead” said the Keeper, bowing his head slowly. Jasper kneeled again looking at his friends again, he already knew what he had to do. 107

“At last I am free!” bellowed the Keeper. “SAID WHO!” Jasper belted the Keeper across the chamber. “You will pay for that”, screeched the Keeper running a gauntlet towards Jasper. Looking at the Keeper Jasper held out his hand. “Be still. I have the power here for this is my domain now!” Jasper threw the basin lid across the room catching the Keeper in the chest. The Keeper wheezed loudly as he got to his feet. “I will ensure that you never plague the world of men again, you must perish”, Jasper said in a tone of authority. “You can’t destroy me for if you do then you shall be damned to stay here for all eternity!” Laughed the Keeper.108

“So be it!”. And at this Jasper threw the Keepers sword from its perch at his throne, imbedding it into the Keepers chest. Slowly its blade of sin devoured the Keeper reaping soul into itself. The Keeper was gone, and Jasper was alone.109

The fighting ceased it the corridors and the great hall as the Demons all began to ash in mid-air. Rising slowly and nursing a wound on his shoulder the Abbott got onto one of the remaining tables.
“He has done it! The boy has slain the Keeper” and cheers were echoed around the hall. Anglia and Matthew were dragged into a side room as the celebrations started. He explained to them about what Jasper had done. Not wanting to hear what the Abbott said Anglia ran off down the corridors sobbing and wailing. She finally stopped when she reached Jaspers dorm. The white book was laid out on the floor in the circles. She booted it, hard. The book flew across the room and ricocheted onto the open page of the Keeper, it was quite dusty. Picking it up and drying her eyes Anglia wiped the dust away, revealing some text underneath. Written on the old page was another to lines to the poem:
Only the love of one as pure as you,
Will be enough to pull me through.110

Anglia smiled with a warm feeling inside. It was not over, yet!
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