Soul Thief (Blue Light Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

surprised. For security purposes, the Order met infrequently, usually only if there was an emergency, and their meetings were always held in the greatest secrecy and in the most remote places. As priests swear oaths of celibacy, so these members had sworn a long ago pledge against amity, understanding that any collusion, however casual, could mean the Order’s destruction . It had been more than a year since the monk had spoken to another member of the organization.
    Finally he said, “Yes, the number is correct. To whom am I speaking?”
    “Lucy,” the voice replied. The name was a pseudonym, of course. All members of the Order used pseudonyms.
    “ Ah, yes, Lucy,” the monk said. “Tell me, what is this emergency situation you spoke of a moment ago? What is so important that you needed to break security protocol?”
    “The chosen ones are in danger.”
    The monk’s heart began to race. “Tell me exactly what you mean by this? Be very specific.”
    “This morning their home was destroyed. They were driven out and pursued by men with guns.”
    “I want to know how this could have happened—”
    “ Sir, I believe the attack was organized from within the Order. The attackers had information that could only have come from protected sources.”
    “ These are very serious allegations, young woman.”
    “Several of the attackers were killed. The police presence was so strong that we could not get close enough to identify them without raising suspicion. Their bodies were taken to the city morgue. But a source has informed me that the bodies have already been removed by federal agents. It is likely that they were hired professionals and most likely unidentifiable.”
    There was a long silence on the line before the monk spoke again. His hand on the telephone was slick with sweat and trembling slightly. “Federal agents?” he said. “I do not understand why federal agents are involved.”
    “We need to talk, sir. Face to face.”
    “ Dear God, we cannot afford to lose control of this situation. Are you aware of the traitor’s identity?”
    “I have an idea, but I think we should meet privately to discuss details.”
    “Yes, of course, you will arrange a flight for this very afternoon.”
    “ It has already been taken care of.”
    “ Have you talked to anyone else?”
    “No.”
    “It is vital that you do not.”
    “ I understand. But there is something else.”
    “Yes?”
    “The Collector has resurfaced.”
    There was a long silence on the line before the monk replied. “ Dear God.”
    “Last night a family in coastal New Hampshire died in a very mysterious way,” Lucy explained. “Again federal agents were heavily involved and details are sketchy. No statements have been issued. But my sources are reliable.”
    “You are certain of the Collector’s presence?”
    “There is no mistake. He left his calling card.”
    “Written in the ancient language?”
    “ Yes.”
    “Was there anyone . . .?”
    “Taken? Yes. A six-year old girl.”
    The monk was suddenly speechless. His heart began to race and his tongue seemed to swell in his mouth. “What was her name?”
    “Ariel.”
    “Lion of God.” The monk expelled the words like a breath. “Could this be the one we have been waiting for?”
    “Perhaps this next bit of information will lend a clue,” Lucy said.
    “ Yes, please go on.”
    “Along with his signature he left the image of a symbol.”
    “A symbol?”
    “Burned onto the wall beneath the words.”
    “Dear God, it’s true.” The priest did not have to ask what the symbol was. He put his hand in the pocket of his robe and felt the object there. It was vibrating, and although the sensation was slightly uncomfortable he did not remove his hand. “The prophecy is coming to pass,” he said. “This is the beginning.”
    “ Yes, father. I believe it is.”
    The priest heaved a heavy sigh. “Things will move quickly from here on out. Understand me, we must not let the chosen ones fall