razher, rise of the gargoyles

8/13/2019 RAZHER, Rise of the Gargoyles

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Copyright 2013 Camille Leone

This story is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and incidents are invented by

the author or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any similarity to

actual persons or events is purely coincidental.

All rights are reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in form or by any means

without the prior written consent of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book

review.


3/15

The Monastery of Taras de Bulba, Spain

The abbey bells rang out, sounding the alarm that they were being attacked. For nights on

end their order had fought a losing battle against a nocturnal warrior, a gargoyle who barreled

through their steel and brick defenses, a stone hulk of a being hell-bent on destruction. Unlike

dragons, whose flapping wings and sprays of fire could be heard miles from their intended target,

gargoyles were stealth soldiers, experienced enough to tuck their wings close to their bodies in

order to dive bomb their way through any barrier. This one was using his body like a battering

ram, and with enough strikes the assailant had breached the first and second protective wall.

Now he was threatening to topple the monastery off its mortar foundation.

We must summon for help! Shaking his masters tunic, the hysterical cleric couldnt

contain his fear. I beg of you, for the sake of preserving our order, bring forth the sleeping

guardian.

Sighing under heavy jowls that drooped to his chin, Abbot Don Carlo Murcil, the Minotaur

whod lived for over five centuries stubbornly shook his head. This vendetta was not for old

Minotaurs to fight. And the few young bulls remaining in their order would soon lose their horns

if they dared tangle with the gargoyle. There were few weapons at their disposal to contain the

creature, but they did have one, a being even more terrifying than the behemoth stalking them.

As the quartet trudged further into the underground bunker of their abbey, Don Carlo felt the

chill of the earthen cavern all the way to his bones. Unaccustomed to the darkness, his attendants

stopped so he could catch his breath and his bearings.

Don Carlos order was too isolated, too out of touch with the modern world. Theyd avenged

the murder of a bull whod later been revealed as an apostate, but in hindsight it was an unwise

move. Once, ages ago, promises and vows were upheld with honor and truth. There had been astrict code of conduct among many species, but not any longer. Even the harpy whod deposited

the young she-wolf spoke an untruth, claiming to be an envoy of Daedalus, when shed been

nothing but a paid mercenary, a bounty hunter whod agreed to snatch the female Don Carlo

knew only by the moniker of Razher.


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The sounds above confirmed his fear that the gargoyle was gaining on them. The deeper

their descent, the greater the chance their assailant could make the earth shift, thus burying the

clerics alive. With each blockade the creature bested, their torches flickered, until finally the

flames were snuffed out just as the doors to the treasury exploded open. In the darkness Don

Carlo fumbled for his lighter, flinching at the sounds of his loyal guards being flung across the

room. When the final bellows of his attendants were quickly silenced, in the eerie quiet that

followed Don Carlo finally conceded. This had gone on long enough.

Cease your murderous bloodletting! he shouted, hefting his bulk toward the creature,

using only a wobbly cane to move ever so slowly. With his free hand he held up the lighter,

trembling as he peered into the blackened cavern. Out of the darkness the gargoyle stepped, his

body a mass of stone muscle, a near perfect specimen of sinister beauty and power. The muscles

protruding from its arms, thighs and legs were as if bowling balls resided under his skin. The

creatures blood splattered chest heaved, while silver eyes regarded Don Carlo curiously.

What do you really want? Don Carlos voice was thick with weariness and regret. I beg

of you, do not bore me with claims of honoring a vow to avenge the vampire king. Ive lived

long enough to know whatever compels you is nothing of the sort, mi amigo.

The gargoyle smiled, his white fangs flashing against slate gray skin. You give me what I

want and Ill make your death quick, old one.

Don Carlo bowed his head, removing his skull cap in order to let his horns rise. One last

charge, a final attempt at a goring would be all hed have left. He stamped one foot, then another,

as his nostrils widened in a snort. My young friend, at my age, death . . . would be a welcome

rest.

Bare, tanned female legs were elevated on the arm of Havocs sofa, while another pair of

shapely dark brown ones draped over the side of the other end, lazily swinging in the air. It was

all Havoc could do not to salivate. Instead he listened to the excited chatter of Razhers friends

from the safety of his kitchen. In his living room sat Eden the Valkyrie, Damalia the witch

though she now called herself anEnchantressand Razher,who somberly smiled at her school

mates attempts to take her mind off Machiavelli Faust, a vampire whose species was her mortal

enemy, yet hed given his life on her behalf.


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Swiveling round and round on one of his kitchen stools was Adora the harpy, loudly

bemoaning the fact that he didnt have any Cheese Whiz in the cupboard.

Ritz crackers and Cheese Whiz. Thats all they needed to snack on, Adora said, making

not just herself dizzy by constantly spinning on her seat, but also Havoc. Youre in here co oking

them a five star, three course meal, and what are they doing? Theyre cluttering up your living

room and calling you to bring them soda, like youre a servant. Adora hopped off the stool.

Im gonna put a stop to it, cuz slave days are over.

Havoc nodded, not really listening. Harpies were known not just by their unholy shriek, but

the amount and frequency of words they spoke. For the last half hour Adora had peppered him

with questions on his marital status and how many of his brothers had arranged marriages.

None, hed answered, artfully adding cloves to a nice rack of barbequed ribs. Both the

Valkyrie and Razher stated that they had a taste for ribs, and with the enchantress able to conjure

up a spell that spirited the beef away from his local butcher into his kitchen, Havoc had no

choice but to accommodate them. The only one of the four who appeared miffed at all this was

Adora, but Havoc was beginning to suspect it was because she wanted his undivided attention.

The commotion in the living room stopped him from continuing to admire that gleaming

rack of ribs. Ye gods! He rushed into the room, wanting to shield his eyes from the sight of

Adora slapping at the Valkyries outstretched hands, while Razher and the enchantress tried to

separate the two.

Were here to cheer up Razher! Not sos you can feed your face! Adoras statement was

followed by another whack aimed at the Valkyrie.

Oh shut the hell up. Youre just mad because hes not falling all over you, Eden shouted,

fighting against Damalias iron grip on her wrists. Youve been telling us since we were got

here, Gargoyles always thirsty for a harpy.

Razhers eyes sparked gold, and she let out a low warning growl. Both of you better quit it

right now, or Adora, Im gonna dunk you in the tub. And Eden, well see if a Valkyrie can fly

without her sword, because Im gonna throw you off the balcony!

While Eden plopped back on the couch with a pout, Adora sulked in a large chair directly

opposite. They were like those women on The Jerry Springer Show, eying each other warily,

ready and willing to jump up swinging once the bell rang.


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Is it safe for me to enter? Havoc stood there, looking handsome and sweetly confused at

the admiring stares coming his way.

Sure you can, Damalia said. Never mind about fixing us any more food. With a wave of

her finger all the cuisine they hadnt touched magically vanished, only to re-appear in the kitchen

of a homeless shelter on the other side of the city.

Come on and have a seat next to me, Eden said, scooting over in order to make space.

Everything in his living room was oversized in order to accommodate his widened girth

whenever hed transform into a gargoyle. You can tell us all about Mac, since he was your best

friend.

Havoc glanced at Razher, wondering if that would be wise. Macs ashing was still too fresh

and too painful for them both. I-uh . . .

Didnt you say you had somewhere to go? Razher said, slyly giving him an out. I dont

want you to be late, and youve already been so nice to my friends-

I did have to leave for a few hours. Id asked one of the twins to come over, just to keep

you company while Im out, Havoc answered. But that was before your friends stopped by.

Were here, Damalia shrugged. We can stay until he gets here. And even if he doesnt

come by we can stay until you get back.

Ill be fine Hardball, Razher said, calling him by the nickname Mac had given him as they

exchanged sad smiles. And I promise not to let Adora and Eden destroy your place while youre

gone.


7/15

Chapter Two

Had some wounded animal gotten trapped in the confines of the security fence?That was

the only explanation for the wail grating Nicosears. The closer he got to Macs bedroom, the

more he realized that unholy sound wasnt coming from outside their large, heavy fortified

estate, but from behind his traitor of a big brothers door.

Nico didnt bother to announce himself as the guard unlocked a door now reinforced with

steel. Even the shutters in Macs room had some sort of steel mesh over them, ensuring that

neither Mac nor any other vampire would have the ability to de-materialize in or out. As Nico

walked throughout the place he was met with a blast of music, and also steam. The cloudy air

was enough to fog up the security cameras embedded in all four corners, cameras that were used

to monitor Macs activity. Each day that Machiavelli Faust was held prisoner in his own home,

hed come upwith some juvenile way to screw with the guards, but his primary target was Nico,

since securing Mac was now his job. Wadding through a room so thick with foggy air that he had

trouble seeing in front of him, Nico hollered out his brothers name. Exaspera ted, he stood with

his hands on his hips, realizing this was part of Macs plan to piss him off. As the steam began to

fade Nico could make out his brother heading towards him, completely naked and still wet from

a shower. The markings on Macs chest were plain to see, even more prominent than the wolf

bite on his cheekbone. Nico recognized the bite, but he hadnt figured out what the pattern on his

chest meant. No one in his family recognized it, not even their family historian. The thing was

like some sort of ancient hieroglyph.

Ever the jokester, when Mac caught his little brothers fascination with his new body

markings he pranced in a circle for Nicos inspection. You like?

What is it?

Mac grinned, his violet eyes turning bright raspberry. I made a deal with the devil.

You cant be serious.

Not that devil. One of the djinn persuasion. Hes sort of my plan B. Mac gave Nico a

knowing wink. Pepe, have I told you how much I love it when you let your hair grow out?


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Nico grimaced. The white stripe just above his forehead was always more pronounced as his

hair grew. And Mac continued to kid him about looking like Pepe Le Pew. Do you still truly

think youre in love with that . . . that she-wolf? Nico countered, charging the subject and

getting in his own dig at Mac.

I dont think I love her.I know it.

Look, Im not here to talk about your puppy love. Im only here because -

Mac held up his finger. Silence bro. This is my part. With a balled fist and looking as if he

were curling a weight in the same hand, Mac dipped down, letting out another yell that was so

far removed from the singer he was trying to imitate, it probably wasnt on any known musical

scale. After Mac finished he waited for his brother to at least give him a couple of claps. Well?

Well, what? Nico said. This game was way past tiresome.

Whats the verdict?

About your singing? Or are you asking for info on your punishment?

With a smirk, Mac headed over to his mini-fridge. Im a big boy. If the Duma is planning

to ash me at dawn, then just say it. I think Id be more hurt if you say I didnt hit that note.

Not only didnt you hit that note but I dont think Ive ever heard anything so horrible in

my entire life.

Mac gave him a look of mock indignation, pursing his lips Zoolander style. You say that

like its a bad thing.

You need to take this more serious.

Whoa ho ho. Listen to you, trying to school me. The position of prissy older brother is

already taken by Maelstrom. Or are you gunning for his spot too?

Ignoring another attempt to goad him, Nico picked up a pair of sweat pants that lay on top of

an ever growing pile of dirty clothes. I only came in here to ask you to cut out the silliness, he

said, throwing the pants Macs way. All that steam keeps fogging upthe camera lenses.

Tough. Shit.

And youre using up the hot water. Mm doesnt want the girls going below to use the

underground springs.

Mac nodded. The last thing he wanted was to inconvenience his mother, or his dead sisters

daughters. Yeah, sure. Whatever you say. Is there anything else?

Cadmilla called again. What do you want me to tell her?


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Tell her the truth. Tell her how it wont look good for her social standing to be cavorting

with a known traitor.

She cares about you-

The onlything Cadmilla cares about is herself. Angrily wrenching off the cap on an ice

cold bottle of Yoo-hoo, Mac took a deep gulp before continuing. -And the crown. But since I

wont be wearing it, most likely shes trying to buddy up to you cause youre nex t in line. So all

her phone calls are really for your benefit, not mine.

Mac-

This conversation is over. Now get the hell outta my room.

*****

How many times do I have to tell you? Im an enchantress, Damalia said. Not some

filthy, grave robbing necromancer.

Adora coughed into her fist, trying to disguise her crack, AKA a witch.

Im an ENCHANTRESS!

Jeez Damalia, all she wants to do is talk to her dead boyfriend, Eden groused, looking like

she wanted to pop her one. Its not like you have to raise a frickin corpse.

No, I dont want to talk to some ghostly vision of Mac, Razher said, hoping to clear up

any confusion. I wanna see him like he was, at home and acting stupid-

Damalias brow rose in question. So he was pretty, but he had rocks for brains, huh?

No, Razher snapped. He was smart. And funny. Thats what I lovethats what I loved

about him, that he had brains and beauty, but he still didnt take himself seriously. Plus he could

really dance, I mean, for a vampire.

Eden quickly honed in on her admission. Love?Tearsah . . . oh shoot, I keep forgetting

your new names Razher. But uh,you were in love with this vampire?

Not just in love. I was madly in love. And in lust.

Oh wow.

Only we didnt get the chance to make love, unfortunately.

AWKWARD . . . No one said anything until Damalia cleared her throat. I know a spell, but

Ill need something of his, like a hair brush or a shirt.


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Done, Razher said, already knowing where to look. What else?

We need a mirror. And weve got to hold hands.

But I just did my nails, Adora pouted, wigging her fingers as proof.

Eden did an eye-roll. Youre always doing your nails, every minute of the frickin day.

Oh no you didnt-

I just did. Eden stuck her neck out, leaping up to get into Adoras face, while the harpys

hands curled into fists as she hissed a retort in Latin.

Fac ut vivas,Adora said, coolly looking Eden up and down.

Ha! Did you hear her? Eden screeched. What kind of crap is this, telling me to get a life?

And in Latin? Ooh, look everybody,Adora isjust so special-

Eden, please! Damilia gave the Valkyrie an imploring look. This is about Tearsah, not

you and Adora fighting over the gargoyle. And since hes gone, who are you trying to impress?

Thank you, Adora said.

Razher got up off the couch, promising to come back once she got the items Damalia asked

for. Ill dont think Havoc will mind if we use his room.Hes got a huge mirror in there.

*****

A Marvin Gaye song was booming, making Havocs mirror shake. Every so often an off key

note joined Marvins lilting, soulful tenor. A giggle burst from Razhers mouth, and she glanced

around at each of her friends, wondering what they thought of Mac.

Oh my, Eden said, sitting up straighter on the bed. He was adorable! She nudged

Damalia hard in the ribs. Hey witchy poo, can you zoom in any closer?

Look at his tight little butt, and those abs! Adora hollered.

Turn around . . . come on, give us the Full Monty, Damalia said, practically forming at the

mouth. Show us some frontal nudity, ae?

Mac didnt turn around. His back stiffened and he lowered the volume of his sound system

with a wave of his hand. Twisting his head, his eyes scanned the room, trying to pinpoint where

the voices were coming from. Hello? Razher, is that you?

Razher looked over at Damalia. I thought this was a memory?


11/15

RAZHER? Mac grabbed his towel off a chair and hesitantly walked toward the mirror on

his wall. Razher? It is you!!

This cant be, she whispered, her heart racing. Hes dead. I held his ashes. I sniffed them

out-

Im not dead, Mac said. He was definitely getting audio from the mirror, but no picture.

Where areyou?

In my I mean, in Havocs bedroom.

WTF?!

She threw out her hands even though he couldnt see her helpless shrug. No, its not what

you think. We needed his mirror so Damalia could perform the seeing spell. My friends are here,

all of them except Tyranny, but thats a long story. So you really should put some clothes on.

Mac glanced down, his face hot with embarrassment, tying the towel around his waist. Oh,

sorry. Hello . . . ladies.

Dont be sorry. From what I can tell, youve got nothing to be sorry about, Adora grinned,

gaining a Hell Yeah, and a high five from Eden. All they needed was some popcorn.

I wish I could see you, Mac said. Oh God, Razher.I need to let you know something. I

love you, babe. I love you so much.

Razher reached out, needing to caress the reflection of the relieved male face staring back at

her. The glass was cold to the touch. Help me out here Damalia.

W-we need to form another circle, Damalia said, struck speechless at Macs body builder

physique.

Unwilling to tear her eyes away from the vision of Mac, Razher snarled, Get over here

then.

The mirror got wavy on his side, with lines of flickering light. He could make out four

figures all holding hands and chanting some type of incantation. And just when he thought the

reception was too weak to really see clearly, ever so slowly the room and all its occupants came

into view.

He saw the long, ash blonde hair of Eden and Damalias dark upwardly swirling locks as

magic engulfed her. Adora looked much different than Razhers description. Thick red bangs

almost covered her eyes. Her curls were gone, and her hair was buzz cut on each side. Razher

broke from the group, momentarily coming into focus and walking close enough for him to stare


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longingly at her. Lust hit him full on. His fangs elongated and his eyes simmered fire engine red.

His towel rose, his body responding in a way that gave him the sweet sting of arousal. After

weeks of dreaming about her and wishing his pillows were her soft, warm body, he was so ready

to grab his shaft and stroke himself, not caring if this was a trick or some sort of hallucination.

Mac, I love you too, she cried. Youre alive! Praise be to howa! She turned, giving her

friends an incredulous, joyful smile. Macs notashed! Hes . . . hes alive! Hes really alive!

Thank you for reading this excerpt. For the release date of this book please go to

http://wikkidsexycool.com
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14/15

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razher, rise of the gargoyles

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