Dueling the Devil
In a world just like ours . . . only different.
In his lust for power, the sorry man yielded to temptation and gave his soul to the devil. —History 12.17
Chapter 1: Who’s in Charge?
Emma had never liked Pompous Jack, and she certainly didn’t trust him. But until now she had no reason to fear him. She locked eyes with the evil man. “That sounded like a threat.”
“Oh, you so amuse me, little one. I never make threats, just promises.” He stared down at her. The corners of his lips twitched up ever so slightly. “You can make this easy or you can make it hard.”
“So can you!” Emma brought her hand to her hip and glared, just like she’d seen her mom do when she wanted to make a point.
“You’re but an insignificant child. I won’t tolerate you telling a man of my stature what to do. Remember my standing as His Royal Eminence.”
Junior stood next to Emma, but at a respectful half a step back. He served as the priest assigned to her, but this wasn’t his fight. This contest was her versus Pompous Jack. She had no doubt.
What she wasn’t sure about was if their confrontation was limited to the physical realm or if it would extend into the spiritual one too. According to Gabe, her trusted mentor, Pompous Jack’s glossy black appearance in the spiritual realm confirmed he’d given himself over to the devil, whose presence filled his soul. This made him a most dangerous man, perhaps almost as dangerous as the devil himself.
“I’m also the High Priestess.” Emma squared herself to him and narrowed her gaze. “According to the Holy Text,
I’m in charge. You’re not. So back down.”
“Do you really think I care what that outdated tome says? Despite some antiquated book, I am, in fact, in charge. Once I prove you’re a fraud, you’ll be out of here so fast it will make your head spin.”
Emma thrust her index finger at his gaunt face. “I can say the same about you.” With the Sovereign on her side, she had nothing to fear. Still, concern taunted her for the first time since she had become the new High Priestess, a role she didn’t want and wasn’t ready for. Yet the Sovereign had picked her—a mere teenager—to lead the people.
With their eyes still locked, Pompous Jack spoke first, but without yielding in their contest of wills. “Are you going to stand here all night and stare at me?”
Normally, she’d be up for the challenge. Last time she bested him, but not tonight. Though she didn’t want to blink first, the threats she’d endured at school all day left her emotionally drained. Persisting in a staring contest was the last thing she wanted to do. Exhaustion plagued her, and she looked away. Even more, she needed to recharge her soul. She would deal with him tomorrow.
“Go to your room!” He pointed a bony finger at the Temple Palace. “And if you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay out of my way.”
“I’ll only obey the Sovereign. I don’t care what you say.” Emma stomped off.
“Don’t you dare walk away from me, you ungrateful brat.”
Emma spun around and raised her chin. “Don’t tell me what to do! I turn you over to the Sovereign for the punishment you deserve.”
Pompous Jack’s lanky frame sagged.
Emma left him standing in a daze at the palace entry. She marched toward the front door, with Junior striding to catch up. He reached the door first and opened it for her. She accepted his gesture with appreciation as he guided her to her quarters.
With head held high, she strode into the High Priest’s residence in the palace, pulled the door shut, and clicked the lock. She exhaled slowly, slid to the floor, and cradled her head in her arms.
Oh, Sovereign, give me strength to stand against that evil man.
