Kindle Edition
Amazon
Author web site
Category:
Horror
ISBN-10: 1500880159
Type: Fiction
Pages: 284
Copyright: Nov 7, 2014
ISBN-13: 9781500880156
Price: $4.99 (eBook)
In HOUND OF HEAVEN, a new kind of hero emerges, one that diverts from the typical werewolf legend. Beginning in 1692 with the formation of a secret order within the Catholic Church–De ordine canum Dei, the hounds are enlisted to fight the legions of hell and close its gateway to this world. They are called upon again in 1944 to stop Hitler and in 2014 to thwart a terrorist attack with nuclear weapons.
Discover a warrior with no fear …
1692
Built in the 14th century, Houska Castle attempted to keep demons from crawling into this world. But evil finds a way to enter; that is until heaven sends a new warrior in the form of a werewolf to save humanity. A cardinal in the Catholic Church establishes a secret order, De ordine canum Dei to stop a lethal invasion from one of hell’s legions. Now Father Gregory and his unlikely army must close this horrific gateway before the world is consumed by evil.
Forget the myths …
1944
World War II ushered in one of history’s greatest manifestations of evil, Adolf Hitler. Was he in fact a demon, sent to spread darkness with his new world order? Even Pope Pius tried unsuccessfully to conduct a long range exorcism. One of the few woman spies for England coupled with an American GI are conscripted as werewolves by God and the church to stop legions from hell sent to boost the ranks of the Third Reich.
Encounter a new hero …
2014
The 20th century experienced an increase in demonic possessions throughout the world prompting the church to begin the International Catholic Association of Exorcists. However, a new form of evil seeks to emerge in the form of terrorism, and with it a plan to unleash nuclear devastation. Once again, the church enlists help from a most unlikely heroic source, one that has been shrouded in secrecy and feared as a monster.
Excerpt
“Looks like God needs another … um … volunteer,” Stephen said with a grin.
The priest fell to his knees. He looked at his hands that now resembled strong, forceful paws. He felt his shoulders broaden, and his legs lengthen into powerful haunches.
“It is really only the first time that the … um … mutation feels a bit peculiar and if my memory serves me correctly there is a certain amount of unpleasantness. You can imagine that it is a shock to the body with all the twisting of bones, muscles, and ligaments. It sort of catches you off guard,” Stephen said trying to comfort the priest. “However, you will get use to it. And subsequent changing is much less difficult and faster. You learn to control it, to use it.”
“What if I don’t want this?” Father Gregory queried with a tone that sounded like pleading.
“Sorry, as they say … God works in mysterious way. Welcome to the pack, Father.”
As Stephen walked out the door, he quickly morphed into a werewolf. Father Gregory made the sign of the cross and uttered one last sentence before his transformation was complete, “Dear God in heaven I sure hope … you know … what you’re–” The remaining sound was a snarl followed by one loud howling.
* * *
Stephen prowled around the back of the church while Father Gregory made his way up the stairs to the bishop’s quarters. Not a sound could be heard through the whole town. The priest cautiously sniffed the floor of the balcony, and paused to look up where another one of his friends was hanging. The werewolf’s lips curled in a threatening snarl. He continued sniffing the air, searching. Ahead of him, a thin slice of light seeped around the door into the living quarters.
“Come in Father Gregory. We have been eagerly awaiting your arrival,” a deep, baritone voiced shouted.
The werewolf stopped abruptly, lowering his head slightly with eyes keenly focused at the door. A low guttural sound gave a warning.
“Oh, come now … there is absolutely no reason to get all riled up. Please come, sit and we will have ourselves a civil, pleasant conversation.”
Father Gregory padded softly to the door and as he approached he felt the change back to human form. He stood at the threshold with no clothes on and immediately became embarrassed. He grabbed a nearby wall hanging and covered himself up. He carefully pushed open the door. Eric sat in a high back chair near the fireplace swirling brandy in an ornate etched glass goblet.
“Oh, so nice to see you, Father Gregory. I love what you are wearing. Is this a new fashion? I must say it is hard to keep up with the trends. Please have a seat,” Eric said motioning to a nearby chair. “Would you care for a brandy? I am sure you must be chilled running around half-naked.”
Father Gregory walked cautiously into the room. Two other priests, close friends, lay in a pool of their own blood. Their entrails strewn around the blood soaked carpet. The hairs bristled on the back of Father Gregory’s neck. He could feel the urge to change back into a werewolf, but he held it in check.
A sardonic laugh filled the room. “Oh, sorry about the mess. I just do not know where any of the help is. I pulled the chords of Bishop Nicolay’s bells for the longest time. There seems to be a problem,” Eric said pouring himself a brandy. “You sure I can’t get you–“
“Silence … you … you–“
“What? Are we a little at loss for words? Maybe I can help you. Let me see … um … how about demon, devil, evil spirit, fiend, monster, … stop me when you find one you prefer.”
Father Gregory clenched his fists in anger. Demon? There’s a full on demon standing in front of me and I don’t know what the hell to–
“Please, Father Gregory, sit. Let us examine the situation and discuss current events. I know you must have a million questions,” Eric said sitting back down.
The priest walked over to the chair opposite the demon and sat down. “Why? Eric. You were such a good person. The bishop really loved you. You were so kind and–“
The room filled again with a laughter that made the priest’s skin crawl.
“Well, as James Howell said in his book of proverbs in 1659, ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’. In this case, we can say Eric. I found Eric to be so pliable. He was such a dull boy. All I had to do is dangle a little pussy in front of the young man and bam … I was in. You humans love your pussy. How about you Father? Care for some? I can make that happen in a heart beat.”
“So, what should I call you? Is Eric still in there?”
The demon stood up and grabbed the fire poker. He pushed around a few logs, then added another large one to the fire. Father Gregory stiffened in his chair, ready to move.
“Well, you can call me by my formal name if you like, Naberius, or if you prefer demon works just fine. Makes no difference to me. As for Eric, well … hell … I have no idea. There is a whipped, sniveling coward in here with me. I suppose that is the wimp you call Eric. Not sure what state his mind is still in. I doubt he will exist after I leave his hollow shell.”
Father Gregory stood up, one hand holding the wall hanging around his waist. With the other hand, he made the sign of the cross and shouted, “In the name of Jesus Christ, I–“
The demon stoked the fire and a large ball of flame came flying out of the fireplace exploding in front of the priest. Father Gregory fell to the ground.
“Now, now … we shall have none of that shit here. Mind your manners, priest. Show a little respect.”
Father Gregory stood up and looked towards the door. The werewolf, Stephen, softly entered the room; his hackles showing and his teeth barred.
“Oh, now that does not appear to be very sportsmanlike–two against one. That is most unfair. Is it not? Guess I will just have to do something to even the match.” Eric whistled and two cloven hooved demons with massive horns and towering near nine feet entered the room. After low guttural snarling, they opened their mouths to reveal long, razor sharp teeth. Their hands flashed serrated claws. “Well, priest, I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed our time together, but as all good things … and for the record I really do prefer evil things more. But I digress … time to end our conversation.”
|
