New to this story, start at the link below. It’s free to start.
Infinite Loop - Chapter 1
This is the webnovel version of my novel. If you are a paid subscriber, you can read each chapter as released to the ending. Paid subscribers also have access to the ebook version download as well. For those interested in purchasing the complete book,
Chapter 45
“Don’t curse. It looks like an empty church, silly.” Amber flexed her hip into him playfully. Her smile turned to a frown when he didn’t respond. Then she realized what he was staring at. In the stained glass was an image of Oriental dragons. The window next to it held transparent pictures of aboriginal cave drawings.
Mesmerized, they followed the nave sloping down to the altar while they turned to stare at each window they passed. The glass patterns depicted different scenes from religions and myths. Before they knew it, they stood at the nondescript, elevated altar. On either side of the platform were large green curtains.
“We’re walking around inside a vast space we could not see from the outside. You have to admit; this is one wild church.” She whipsered awe.
“That’s not exactly accurate, Miss Filipek.” Dio Lumina stepped out from behind a green curtain. Her hazel eyes had a fire in them. Her high cheekbones and thin nose immediately gave the woman a look of intimidating authority. The woman could have been twenty except for her white, tightly coiled hair. Yet, her dark complexion held no wrinkles. She wore a bewildering mix of stylish garments. Red billowing pants and blue ruffled shirt under a thin cloak of purple flowed smoothly as she pointed to one pew. Without a word, both strangers followed her cue. The woman sat next to them, leaning back as she observed the altar for a moment.
“Whew, my work is never done,” she turned to her visitors. “I see Mateo found you and told you who I am.”
“Yes,” offered Amber with slight hesitation. “He is quite helpful.”
The strange woman next to her let out a hearty laugh.
“He’s a bumbling gangbanger that got himself killed by snitching on his own gang. It’s the same group that did you in,” Dio pointed out as though she was talking about the weather.
Amber’s gasp happened the same time as Warren’s mouth flopped open in surprise.
“Every human carries their flaws. Yes, Amber, you guessed correctly. Mateo was there that night. He watched everything from one of the cars. Rest assured his friends will not come by this path.”
The woman rose from the bench.
“Now that you understand the reason you’re here, let’s cut to the chase. I believe this term is familiar to you.”
“Wait a minute!” Warren suddenly stood up from the bench. “What is going on here?”
“Don’t you mean where the hell you are?” Dio replied with a thin smile.
“Now, shut your mouth and sit!”
The aura coming from the woman forced his compliance. She climbed the two steps to stand on top of the platform.
“You’re not in hell, at least not now. But it is not for lack of trying by either of you.”
She turned, then leaned against the wooden pedestal to look down at them. Warren’s memories of his stuck-up religious brother came back as he gazed into the woman’s fiery eyes.
“Then, where are we?” Warren forced out the question.
She gave him a glare.
“Just like I explained on the card in your basket. You’re in Mili, of course.”
Warren glanced at Amber, rolling his eyes in exasperation. She took the cue.
“I think what we’re asking is what is this all about? Why are so many people in the village? Each person wears clothing from different eras.”
“And why is everyone going in the same direction past this place?” Warren added just as the woman on the altar held up her hand.
“Too many questions won’t get you answers.”
She released a sigh.
“Alright, it’s clear you don’t understand, so keep quiet for a moment. We’ll start with the basics.”
Find all my stories at gordonbrewer.com.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to The Pulpist to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.