Seal of Solomon (Journeyman Book 2) by Golden Czermak Page A

reference or two of something large happening about a month ago, but never did find out what it was.
    Curious, he asked.
    Marcus rubbed vigorously on his beard as they walked, dawning on him that Henry had been out of touch. No wonder, as he’d been holed up with the Noctis for some time being tortured and subsequently laid out in an ordinary hospital while he recovered.
    “Gage Crosse.”
    That name was all Marcus had to say for a whole litany of thoughts to stream through Henry’s mind. Gage was known by virtually everyone, friend or foe, for better or oftentimes worse. “What did he do?”
    “Well,” Marcus said with a grimace, “that’s pretty much who they’re pinning it on, since he's kind of a ready made scapegoat. In reality though, the event was a massive beacon that could be seen for thousands of miles. Pegged out damn near all the meters here at HQ, the only thing ever measured higher being the rift from the Incursion. Now, humans are telling their general populations that it was a freak storm. Unsure how weather stories always seem to remove suspicion over supernatural events, but it did cut down on a lot of panic, making it easier to respond to the widespread damage.”
    Henry dipped his head, his voice low. “Was there a lot?”
    “Too much. From a mere signal no less. One thing demons have going for them are powerful artifacts.”
    “My goodness,” Henry replied in shock about what he was hearing. “So this signal is somehow tied to the Noctis? To me, this has their fingerprints all over it and I’ve yet to review any of the reports or evidence you have.”
    “You’d be correct, Henry. It was definitely tied to them and their plans for the Earth. I fear the worst. It is our hope – my hope – that you, having been in the presence of their leader yet managing to escape, is a blessing. Hopefully you'll have something that will shed some light on their motives and…”
    They stopped right outside the elevator doors, Marcus’ finger hovering over the call button. “Between us, I am bothered that the Council has not called an Assembly.”
    “What are they waiting for?” Henry shouted before lowering his voice several levels. Quite a few beings had overheard the commotion and cast eyes their way. “Why the hell not, considering the level of threat? We all need to be able to discuss matters face to face – not via come disparate and patchy communique.”
    “I truly don’t know,” said Marcus, glad to be hearing a similar opinion as his own. “They keep saying they don’t want to incite a panic, but the Noctis seem to be growing enough balls to make more public moves and cause panic anyway. Despite this, our leadership is insistent that there is nothing to worry about.”
    “Until it is too late, Marcus. This is preposterous.”
    “Call it a gut feeling, but I can’t help but think there’s more to it. I am sure you’re wondering why I am even telling you all this. I trust you. Not just because you’re a human but because you’re in the Order… and that used to mean something.”
    “I will try my best,” Henry reassured his colleague.
    Marcus smiled, pressing the button and a few seconds later the elevator dinged. Its doors slid open and they got inside before being whisked away in a column of light to the Council.
     

     
    STEPPING OUT FROM the lift, they entered a long corridor, bright from the wall of windows to the left. Skyscrapers filled the view as puffy clouds ambled along and Henry found himself discovering shapes in them, something he would often do as a child. Now he did it longing for some proper rest.
    The opposite side of the hall was much darker, a large stone frieze jutted out from the wall, depicting a sea of Journeymen of every race standing side by side against the darkness. It was a homage to happier, more honorable times.
    At the end of the walk, they had reached a set of heavy doors which led into the conference room and paused once more.
    Marcus looked to