All His Wrath

With nothing else to distract him, the gargoyle deliberated all that had been recently discovered.

Although he could not explain how, Lohxnahr had convinced Kimar that Danielle would be able to discern whether Zarentil was still Zarentil. Several of Kimar’s closest and most faithful companions, including Ercen, had received during their nightly dreams a very disturbing vision revealing the demise of their ancient Mystic. Yet, Lohxnahr would not risk Danielle’s safety to an actual visit to Zarentil’s chamber. For if it was true that their great spiritual leader had fallen, as the shared vision seemed to indicate, then great indeed would be the foe who had killed him. Worse, these visions hinted at the enemy’s ability to masquerade as Zarentil completely. Only in an enhanced dream-state could Danielle—and only Danielle—discern the truth of Zarentil. At least, so said Lohxnahr. Kimar was obligated to obey Lohxnahr since he was the High Priest. There were times Kimar wished the cherubic gargoyle would simply utter a clear command. Kimar preferred action over discussion. He’d rather have a direct task to accomplish, or perish in the attempt, than to be given hints and riddles.

Of course, the problem was that there were other dreams that involved other gargoyles being absorbed by hybrid creatures. At least one gargoyle had convincingly posed as a human policeman, nearly killing Danielle and her family. What wasn’t certain was whether there were more of these hybrids.