Jeremy Chikalto and the Demon Trace (Book III of The Hazy Souls) Read Free

has
taken the Chikalto castle and crews are now dousing the flames and
searching for bodies. Cajjez Jeremy Chikalto was sighted in the
castle and is believed to be hiding in the North Tower. It has been
confirmed that Vor Wantoro and Vinya Raaychila have escaped in a
veiled spacecraft. Olgian Ambassador Mateo Nononia has also
escaped. If anyone knows of their whereabouts, please contact your
nearest militia. A reward of 50,000 Evems will be given to anyone
who leads to their capture. The demons are evidently working with
the royal family and are believed to be under the control of Cajjez
Jeremy Chikalto. Now to Historical Scholar Broderick Savante for
his controversial take on these disturbing events.”
     
    A cut-to of Broderick A. Savante, Professor
of Religious Studies at Bristoli University, appeared on the
screen.
     
    “ Controversial. I like
that, Cindy. The demons have some affiliation with Cajjez Jeremy
Chikalto. What we know is that in many incidents involving the
demons, witnesses have reported that the demons said 'Jeremy
Chikalto.' The family, of course, descends from the Vordin Chikalto
line, and what we're looking at here is a chance for scholars such
as myself to really scour some of our planet's early history to get
answers. In some of our earliest scrolls dating back to 210 GAN, we
read certain lines pertaining to demons, and in the Book of Gawain,
we are told that Vordin Chikalto was cast down from heaven. The
Book of Gawain is not considered part of the canon, but shouldn't
we revisit it? If Vordin Chikalto, founder of our galaxy, was
indeed a fallen angel, wouldn't that make him a demon? Suspend
disbelief, Cindy, for a minute here.”
     
    “ I'm sorry, so you're
suggesting that there is some religious basis for what we're seeing
here today in the Farmoore Galaxy? I think it's more likely we're
dealing with some kind of genetically engineered soldier. Jeremy
Chikalto was always a disturbed individual, and this seems like
something he masterminded for his inauguration as Vor.”
     
    Broderick laughed. “Yes,
that very well may be, but at Bristoli University tomorrow evening,
join us for a summit — ”
     
    ~
     
    Jeremy shut the screen off and turned to his
hosts. "So my family's been usurped?"
    "Is it true about the demons?" The young
woman with black hair sat down beside him on the couch. Her father
tensed up.
    "Cajjez Jeremy," he said, "please respect my
family and leave our house. If there's anything you'd like-food,
water, a change of clothes...?"
    Jeremy looked down at his disheveled self.
He'd been awash on Leviathan Island, inside the mouth of a monster
submarine, and in battle against Mantel and his cronies. His pink
button-down shirt was well past its prime, and his jeans had large
chunks missing, revealing matte-black boxers. "Oh..."
    "It's just that, Cajjez Jeremy, you're a
danger to us here. We're already on high alert because of the fire.
The guards could come here any minute."
    "Take some food." The young woman jumped up
off the couch and ran to the kitchen. "It's an honor to meet you.
My name is Rita. Cajjez Jeremy, do you like cinkaar bars?"
    Jeremy joined her in the kitchen. "I'm sorry
to bring your family trouble."
    Rita turned to him, her eyes glassy. "Cajjez
Jeremy, please let me get you some new clothes. I'll check my
brother's room." She ran from the kitchen and up the stairs,
leaving Jeremy staring at the cinkaar bars. He realized he was
starving, tore open the package, and devoured the crispy oatmeal
snack. Next, he flung open the kitchen cabinets and poured himself
a glass of water. Two glasses later, and he moved on to the
refrigerator. "I'd like something hot, something I can cook up.
Quick!"
    The father came into the kitchen. He held up
his hand to make a point, but it was shaking. "The news just
reported that you were spotted in the garden outside the castle.
There's a manhunt. They'll be here soon. Please, I beg you,
leave."
    Rita emerged with piles of clothes