The Night Runners

THE NIGHT RUNNERS

This book is published and marketed by the Phoenix Award Books Publications (PabPub) after being reviewed and found to be deserving of the Phoenix Award.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

First edition. May 15, 2020.

Written by Michael Nwanolue.

Copyright c 2020 Michael Nwanolue.

This book is dedicated to Zia and Carmen, for being the first.

And also to my siblings, because they wouldn't allow me to rest until I did.

CONTENTS

1. In The Beginning

DECLASSIFIED FILE 1-F: THE HOUSES OF AFRICA

2. What’s The Magic Word?

Declassified File 21-Q: The Comptrollers

3. A Tale Of Two Worlds

DECLASSIFIED FILE 38-G: ACRIFA

4. A Flame Of Many Shades

DECLASSIFIED FILE 61-G: D’KENA

5. Dayfire

DECLASSIFIED FILE 78-F: THE MAGICAL FIRES

6. True Colours

DECLASSIFIED FILE 68-G: GAHA

7. Fear The Dark

DECLASSIFIED FILE 69-G: SAMAN

8. Blood Of My Blood

DECLASSIFIED FILE 110-Z: THE THIRTEEN

9. Vengeance

DECLASSIFIED FILE 70-G: TSE’BA

10. Before The Storm

DECLASSIFIED FILE 191-Q

11. Shadow Meets Flame

12. Dubious Closure

Epilogue

De Magia

Hello Again!

About the Author

Also by Michael Nwanolue

CHAPTER 1

IN THE BEGINNING

February 1st

Port Harcourt, Rivers State

8:17 PM

It started with a god.

His name was Sango and he was hovering a few kilometres above the bustling city of Port Harcourt. From that distance the lights of the cars below looked like little fireflies. There was yet another traffic jam, and the god watched in amusement as a large bus broke out of the queue and began to drunkenly weave its way between the stalled and loudly horning vehicles. Sango gave a wry smile. Humans could be quite stupid at times.

An explosion grabbed his attention. A line of cars suddenly vanished under a rapidly expanding fireball and an ear splitting roar shook the earth. Tentacles emerged from the ghostly blue flames and flailed at the fleeing survivors, their screams only adding to the general confusion.

Finally, Sango said, a genuine smile making it's way onto his face. A massive axe appeared in his right hand, crackling with electricity and flame.

The people below paused their panic to observe the bolt of lightning that threw itself into the fireball. The explosion stopped exploding, and from the smoke emerged what was for all intents and purposes, a reptile/octopus hybrid. It towered over most of the buildings and sprouting from the darkness beneath it were hundreds of wriggling tentacles. The monster hissed its displeasure, then proceeded to launch rapidly elongating tentacles up Sango’s way.

The god grinned and dove down at a speed that shattered the sound barrier. The two clashed violently, sending out shock waves of energy. Reptile-Octopus hissed and swatted at the tiny god, but the deity was ready and a heartbeat later, the tentacle lay wriggling on the road. The monster screamed and turned to flee, but Sango gave chase, his axe flashing every which way. The thing hissed one last time, then collapsed into piles of reeking meat. Sango gave a victory cry and wiped his axe on the body.

That was shameful, said a voice behind him. You’ve gotten slow.

Oh? I suppose you’d know about slow, seeing how out of shape you are. I heard you couldn’t walk straight when you first got out.

Sango hung his axe on his belt and turned to face the newcomer. Though all of the humans had wisely run away, if any were still around they might have mistaken the two for brothers. The similarities were just too obvious. The well-muscled body. The dark skin. The way both hovered over the ground and lightning raced across their bodies, frying innocent insects flying past.

Sango, said Amadioha, extending a hand. I missed you old friend.

Likewise, the god replied, ignoring the hand and instead engulfing the other in a hug. I couldn’t believe it when I heard you’d been freed. We had all resigned ourselves to the apocalypse.

It was a very near thing. But the story is long and that isn’t what I came here for. Amadioha frowned at the pulsating pile of meat. Shouldn’t you take care of that? I don’t think the stench of dead shayatin will do the mortals any favours.

Nothing does the mortals any favours, griped Sango, but he waved a hand and all evidence of the fight vanished. You worry too much. By tomorrow all their flawed brains will remember was that a horrible accident happened here.

Still, it does not pay to be careless. Skies know we cannot afford it now.

Sango gave Amadioha a long look. So it is true then. Ekwensu has betrayed us.

The Alusi sighed and nodded. We cannot find him. Even Anyanwu has failed to uncover a trace of his whereabouts.

Neither have we. Obatala and Yemoja ordered a search just in case the rumours had any merit to them. Sango paused, thinking. How fares your priest by the way? I hear you’ve gotten a new one.

He is as well as can be expected. Yours?

I think you mean ours, Sango laughed. But yes he is doing fine as well. The god hesitated. Something troubles you.

A new prophecy has been made old friend. Another one concerning the Stormbringer.

Isn’t the Stormbringer your priest? Sort it out yourselves.

You know as well as I do that what happens to one pantheon affects all others, Amadioha said sternly.

Relax brother. I only jest. I am well aware of the prophecy. Orunmila warned us that the rivers of time had changed. What does it say?

The god that once was will seek a vessel. And over it the Storm Bringer and his allies must wrestle.

Rhymes? Sango said. I thought we didn’t do those.

The game to be played is not one of haste, Amadioha went on, ignoring the other. For one wrong move could seal our fate. To win or fail, to wail or rejoice, everything rests on a single choice.

The Orisha of Lightning was silent for a moment. Vessel. I see. You believe the prophecy might be referring to him.

I do not pretend to understand prophecies, said Amadioha. And I know the foolishness of trying to avoid it. But if Ekwensu decides to go after him…

Please brother. Ekwensu is too smart to bother with a risk like that. He would have to get past all of us to reach him, and even if he does, there is a high chance that the two magics will repel one another. Sango’s eyes narrowed. But you already knew that. So, why are you truly… Oh. You cannot possibly be thinking E…

Do not say his name, Amadioha hissed. You know how honed his senses are. The last thing we want is to draw his attention.

This is preposterous. Has Ekwensu’s defection really made you all that paranoid? The Keeper of Keys would never betray us.

That is what we assumed with Ekwensu. And he nearly ended the world.

I assume you’ve approached the Ashanti pantheon about this?

Yes, Amadioha said bluntly. And they’ve agreed to watch Anansi carefully.

Skies Amadioha. Are we going after all tricksters now? Is that what we’ll be doing?

No old friend. I just need you and the other Orishas to watch him. Ekwensu alone is bad enough. If he forms an alliance with those two, let alone the rest of the tricksters on this continent…

Skies. Sango’s shoulders sagged. When did we get to this brother? When did we get to the stage where we can’t even trust each other anymore?

"Strength my friend. The colonisers left their mark on us all. It is up to us to do what we can to manage it. Talk to the pantheon. The ones that can be trusted at least. Ekwensu will go recruiting. I can feel it."

Sango nodded, a hard glint appearing in his eyes. But then he cast his gaze to his Oshe.

There are things I have to take care of first, he said, fingering the axe. Odd things have been happening in the other worlds. Monsters that haven’t seen the sun in millennia—ancient, forgotten things. They are all awakening. And they’re somehow moving freely from one world to another. Look at this shayatin for example. When was the last time you saw one so huge?

Amadioha laid a hand on his broad shoulders. Don’t you think it’s time we left some things to our protégés to handle? There are more important things we have to do.

But… they are just children. Teenagers.

We currently owe our freedom to a sixteen-year-old boy and his friends. Talent, old friend, is what matters. Not age. And you cannot say that the best we have aren’t very talented.

Very well. The air around the two gods began to flicker. Who will we summon? Some of them while powerful, aren’t very experienced.

We will leave that decision to the House of Midnight, said the Alusi of Thunder, a smile forming on his face. Though Agwu has informed me that he has a few candidates in mind. An afternoon or so with him should lighten the Comptrollers up don’t you think?

Lightning struck the duo and they vanished, leaving behind the faint aftershock of Sango’s laughter.

February 9th

The House of Charms, Benin City.

8:59 AM

The timing of the Sphere was impeccable. Ivie had just finished manhandling her clothes and charms into her bags when it touched down. But she did not hear it, and so might have missed her flight, if not for a sudden sound that startled her. It was the screaming of her best friend, Adesuwa.

Ivie. Ivie! This thing is going to leave without you o!

I’m coming, she shouted back, before snatching her suitcase and running out of the tree house. The thick branch that bore it ended a few meters away, but Ivie kept running, and after making sure her hold on the suitcase was firm, leapt into the air and flew towards the floating station where a very irate best friend was waiting for her.

This way. This way, chattered Adesuwa as she seized Ivie’s arm and began to tug her deeper inside. The floating girl bobbed up and down as she dodged one of the dangling lanterns. It’s been waiting for you for sixteen minutes. What were you even doing sef?

I wanted to make sure I had everything, Ivie replied, landing on her feet and hurrying after the fleeing Adesuwa. The other people on the station gave way when they saw the two and called out blessings and well wishes to them. Adesuwa didn’t stop until they were standing in front of a shiny, metallic ball the size of a bus. The Sphere opened at their approach to reveal a comfortable looking interior, with padded seats and glowing symbols. Adesuwa halted, then practically threw Ivie and her bag inside.

It almost left without you. Do you think you are the only one it has to collect today?

You’re being paranoid, said Ivie, double checking the contents of her bag.

Look at this one. But I don’t blame you. You haven’t dealt with the House of Midnight that’s why. Those people are serious about being serious.

Ivie grabbed Adesuwa and hugged her. I’m going to miss you all. Tell Ebose and the others I said goodbye.

No problem, her best friend croaked as she wiped at her eyes. Now go.

The Sphere snapped shut and began to rise into the air while Adesuwa and the others waved goodbye. The roof of the station opened outwards, like a flower, and the Sphere shot out of it and began to race to its next stop.

February 9th

The House of Strength, Awka

9:38 AM

A small army of men and women were waiting when the Sphere dove down and landed softly in their midst. Tobenna squinted against the glare of the sunlight reflecting off the ball’s shiny exterior, then smiled when it opened.

It came for you first, he said. I can’t decide if I am relieved or insulted.

Ivie laughed and threw her considerable mass into Tobenna’s slender arms. To! To! Longest time. You wouldn’t believe how much I screamed when I heard you and Tayo would be going with me on this mission.

Oh I can believe that, he said affectionately while protecting his ears. Ivie was still as loud as ever. The crowd snapped into attention at the approach of several important looking men and women and Ivie respectfully drew backwards.

May the gods protect you, said the leader and the crowd chorused: May the ancestors stand by you.

May your way be made smooth, screamed another.

And may your whip never break, the crowd thundered. One of the women gave Tobenna a firm handshake, then watched as he climbed into the Sphere with Ivie.

Good luck soldier, the leader grunted. Tobenna nodded in response and the Sphere closed shut.

Look at you. You’re now a big man, Ivie teased. Not only did they organise a send-forth procession for you, Lady Joyless nearly cracked a smile. I think she might miss you.

When will you have sense, Ivie? Tobenna asked, smiling. The day she finds about that nickname is the day you will learn that there is a difference between a toothpick and a needle.

His friend started laughing. Serious student. Be careful o! Soon you’ll turn into Tayo.

Gods forbid, Tobenna grinned. There can only be one Tayo Adedire.

February 9th

The House of Peace, Lagos

10:21 AM

Thank you for everything, Tayo said, bowing deeply. I’ll make you and the other members of this house proud.

You already have my son, replied the old priest as he patted Tayo’s shoulders. Try to relax more Tayo. Things aren’t always as dire as they seem. All work and no play does not a good babalawo make.

Yes High Priest.

The Sphere descended in a burst of air and sound and scarcely had time to open before Ivie bounded out of it, leaving Tobenna behind.

Tayo, she screamed before flinging her arms around the young priest. You look well.

As do you, Tayo replied, pulling away a bit to give the smiling girl a cursory look. I was pleased when I was told you and Tobenna would be joining me on this mission.

You and me both, grinned Tobenna, giving Tayo a rather complicated handshake. Don’t mind this one. She likes to behave like someone with no home training.

Ehn, and it is you that has the training? Ivie asked. She and Tobenna took hold of one of the bags, leaving Tayo to carry the other two. Seriously though, the three of us need to catch up. It’s been what, two years since we last saw each other?

Indeed, Tayo said. But let us do it within the Sphere. We are behind schedule.

Blame Ivie, Tobenna frowned as they entered the Sphere. She woke up late.

You two need to relax. I’m sure the House of Midnight won’t even care that we’re a little bit late.

February 9th

The House of Midnight, Location Unknown

11:55 AM

You’re late, said Dr. Kola, Head of Liaisons and Ambassador of the House of Midnight. His voice was laced with grave disapproval. You should have been here eighteen minutes ago.

My apologies, said Tayo. We are not usually tardy.

Speak for yourself, Tobenna muttered so only Ivie could hear. The girl scoffed, then stuck out her tongue at him.

I shall expect much better behaviours in the future, Dr. Kola sniffed. In the meantime, follow me. I shall take you to the Orientation Hall. You’ve almost missed the Welcome Ceremony. Leave your bags, the janitors will see to them.

The trio obeyed, taking only their backpacks with them. The Ambassador led them through an immense gate and into a rather bewildering set of roads and tunnels.

As you must have noticed the path to the House is labyrinthine in nature. I would advise you try not to leave without a guide. You might not like where you’ll end up.

Ivie and Tobenna exchanged glances, but said nothing. Another few seconds of walking led them into a tunnel half flooded with an odd, sparkling water. It flowed up their ankles, then shrank back into the walls after a few minutes, leaving the tunnel as dry as a desert.

Another one of your defences right? Tobenna asked. You guys seem to have a lot of those.

We must, said Dr. Kola importantly. The things we contain and the secrets we bear must never escape. The consequences would be disastrous.

Is that why we are here? To help keep those secrets?

Dr. Kola glanced at Ivie, then kept on walking. I will leave it to the heads to debrief you properly. But, to answer your question, yes. That is partly why you’ve been summoned.

A vast courtyard spread out before them as they emerged from the tunnel and despite themselves, the trio stared, awestruck.

Welcome to the House of Midnight, drawled Dr. Kola, a bored expression on his face. I assume you’ll want to gawk for a few minutes.

And gawk they did. The courtyard in front of them held rows of notice boards and booths occupied by several tough looking security guards. A two headed spirit manned a massive, nasty looking cannon that glinted wickedly in the moonlight. Cathedral sized buildings towered over them on all sides, their spires thrust upwards towards a sparkling sky filled with stars.

Teams of uniformed humans and spirits riding gargantuan eagles flew past, an army of floating spirits following closely behind them. Tayo, Tobenna and Ivie stared and stared. Going by the stories they’d heard about the House of Midnight, they never imagined it would be so… beautiful.

This way children, Dr. Kola said, pointing towards a building with a coat of grey paint. The Orientation is in there.

Did he just call us children? Ivie muttered as they followed the hurrying ambassador.

Yeah. What’s up with that?

We are technically children, Tayo said. None of us are eighteen yet.

We are all top students in our respective Houses, Tobenna grumbled. You’d think that would supersede whatever our ages are.

Tayo opened his mouth to answer, but the Ambassador had stopped and a guard was opening the door for them.

Quickly, quickly inside, he said irritably. She will see you once she’s done with her speech.

Tayo and the others strode inside, but stopped short of joining the small crowd of nervous looking humans and spirits. A row of guards stood at attention at the feet of the podium, saluting the severe faced woman that mounted it and began to speak.

"Welcome. I am Comptroller Five and one of the heads of this noble institution. Some of you with prior knowledge of the supernatural may already know of me and by extension, the reputation of this House. It is my pleasure to inform you that that reputation is well earned.

The House of Midnight is one of many similar institutions across Africa, that are dedicated to preserving and protecting the ancient magics and supernatural values of our continent. There are over three thousand of such Houses, each of varying size and importance. The House of Midnight is one of the largest Houses, second only to our sister institution, the House of Shadows. As members of this House you will find that we are well respected, but not loved, and save for a few rare occasions we do not maintain contact with the other Houses. This is because the nature of our duties does not permit frivolous contact with outsiders and demands absolute secrecy, even from other custodians.

We hold jurisdiction in all but twelve of the Houses, she added, clasping her hands behind her back and watching the assembled mass carefully. "With nine of those twelve existing outside time and space, two existing in alternate universes and the other being the House of Shadows. This is necessary, our job simply wouldn’t be possible if we had to ask for permission every single time we wanted something.

"The world is a vast and strange place. It is filled with oddities and entities who would pose significant threats to the human population if left