The black monk, p.1
The Black Monk, page 1
The Black Monk
The Vatican Knights, Volume 32
Rick Jones
Published by Rick Jones, 2024.
This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.
THE BLACK MONK
First edition. May 21, 2024.
Copyright © 2024 Rick Jones.
Written by Rick Jones.
THE
BLACK MONK
By
Rick Jones
2024 Rick Jones. All rights reserved.
This is a property of EmpirePRESS & EmpireENTERTAINMENT, LLC
The Vatican Knights is a TRADEMARK property.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and should not be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. For more information e-mail all inquiries to: rick@rickjonz.com
Visit Rick Jones on the World Wide Web at: rickjonz.com.
ALSO, by Rick Jones:
Vatican Knights Series
The Vatican Knights
Shepherd One
The Iscariot Agenda
Pandora's Ark
The Bridge of Bones
Crosses to Bear
The Lost Cathedral
Dark Advent
Cabal
The Golgotha Pursuit
Targeted Killing
Sinners and Saints
The Barbed Crown (a prequel)
The Devil’s Magician
The Nocturnal Saints
The Brimstone Diaries
Juggernaut
Original Sins (a prequel)
In Between God and Devil
The Sinai Directive
The Barabbas Connection
The Eye of Moses
The Crimson Dagger
The Goliath Chamber
The Vladorian Keep
The Baal Manifesto
Archangel
The Venetian Code
The Necrology Report
The Herod Conspiracy
The Devil’s Protégé
The Black Monk
The Eden Series
The Crypts of Eden (A John Savage/Alyssa Moore Adventure)
The Thrones of Eden (A John Savage/Alyssa Moore Adventure)
City Beneath the Sea (A John Savage/Alyssa Moore Adventure)
The Sacred Vault (A John Savage/Alyssa Moore Adventure)
City Within the Clouds (A John Savage/Alyssa Moore Adventure)
City Beneath the Ice (A John Savage/Alyssa Moore Adventure)
City at Ocean’s Edge (Pending)
The Hunter Series
Night of the Hunter
The Black Key
Theater of Operation
The Nowhere Man Series (The Kimball Hayden Chronicles)
Nomad’s Fury (Pending)
The Midnight Auction (Pending)
Stand Alone Novels
The Menagerie
Jurassic Run
Mausoleum 2069
The Man Who Cast Two Shadows
with RICK CHESLER
First Strike
Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Forty
Epilogue
PROLOGUE
The Vatican Vault
Beneath St. Peter’s Basilica
The dimly lit vault beneath St. Peter’s Basilica seemed to swallow the sound of every breath, leaving only the echo of heavy hearts to fill the air. The Vatican Knights, clad in traditional garb, stood in a somber formation around the tomb that held their fallen leader, Kimball Hayden. Despite their usual stoic exterior, the Vatican Knights could not hide the sorrow that was etched into their faces as they offered silent prayers for the soul of the man who had led them through countless battles and trials.
"Requiescat in pace, frater," Isaiah whispered, his voice barely audible yet reverberating throughout the vault. The other Vatican Knights followed suit, murmuring their final farewells to their commander in hushed tones. Their eyes were clouded with grief and respect for the man whose journey toward the Light of Redemption had ended abruptly.
"Kimball was more than just our leader," Isaiah said, his gaze fixed on the ornate tomb adorned with symbols of faith and valor. "He was our brother, a guiding light in our darkest moments, a living testament to the power of redemption." A single tear escaped the corner of his eye, a rare moment from a Vatican Knight, and traced a path down his cheek.
"His unwavering determination to protect the innocent inspired us all," Isaiah continued. "No matter how many times the church admonished him for his methods, Kimball never wavered from his mission. Even when it meant taking a step away from the Light, he chose to safeguard those who could not defend themselves by serving Darkness."
“May God have mercy on his soul,” Jeremiah whispered. And then louder, he added, "Kimball walked a thin line between darkness and light, always searching for redemption. He was a man of great compassion who could just as easily unleash a rage against those who threatened the weak. We all know this . . . But this is what made Kimball Hayden a most remarkable man, one who would sacrifice his soul to the Abyss if it meant saving the lives of innocent people."
As the Vatican Knights stood inside the shadow-laden vault with their heads bowed, they knew that the world had lost more than just a skilled warrior; it had lost a true guardian and a tireless defender of the faith as well. And as they whispered their prayers for Kimball's eternal rest, they also prayed for the strength to carry on his legacy, to continue the fight against evil in all its forms.
"Requiescat in pace," they intoned together, their voices resonating through the crypt as a solemn tribute to the fallen knight who had given everything in pursuit of a redemption he believed would forever elude him.
As the scent of burning incense filled the air and mingled with the flickering glow of candlelight that danced across the ancient walls. Pope Innocent IX stood at the front of the assembly with his eyes looking upon the saddened faces of his Vatican Knights. Their hearts may have been heavy with the weight of loss, he thought, but they were also filled with admiration and determination, which mirrored the emotions with his own heart.
"Knights," the Pope's voice resonated through the vault, both sorrowful and resolute, "we gather here today to honor Kimball Hayden, a man who embodied the essence of our order – fearlessness in the face of darkness, and unwavering loyalty to our cause."
As the Pope continued to speak, he couldn't help but think of the many times Kimball had defied the Church's mandates, always for the greater good. So, his words held a deeper meaning – the acknowledgement that true redemption could not be measured solely by adherence to religious dogma . . . but must also consider the intentions and actions of the individual.
Then from the pontiff with his measure even, he said, "Kimball was a fallen angel in search of the Light. He understood that the path to redemption would sometimes require us to walk through the darkness, to confront evil head-on, even if it meant challenging what we've been taught. And today, we stand united in our grief, and we honor Kimball's memory by renewing our commitment to the mission he so fiercely dedicated himself to – protecting the innocent from the forces of evil."
As the last echoes of the pope's eulogy faded into silence, the Vatican Knights straightened their spines and raised their heads, each paying tribute to their fallen leader in their own way. Isaiah, Kimball's closest friend among the Vatican Knights, was more than determined to carry on Kimball’s legacy as the new Master Commander.
"Let us now perform the final salute to our brother, Kimball Hayden," Pope Innocent IX directed.
In a synchronized movement, the Vatican Knights raised their ceremonial swords high above their heads, forming a glittering archway of steel. The air was laden with heartache and determination, as each Vatican Knight honored Kimball's memory.
"Kimball Hayden, may you find peace in the arms of the Lord, and may your sacrifice inspire us to walk the path of righteousness with courage an d steadfastness," Nehemiah stated with feigned strength.
As the Vatican Knights lowered their swords, a single tear rolled down Isaiah’s cheek – a testament to the bond he had shared with his fallen friend. He knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but he also knew that Kimball's spirit would live on through the actions and sacrifices of the Vatican Knights.
"May your journey into the Light be swift and unburdened, my friend," Isaiah whispered, vowing to uphold the values and principles that had defined Kimball's life – honor, loyalty, and selfless devotion to protect the innocent.
Then with their heads bowed, the pontiff’s eulogy nothing but fading whispers that echoed off the vault’s walls, a procession of clergymen began to file past Kimball Hayden's tomb, paying their respects to the fallen warrior as their eyes reflected the depth of their sorrow.
"May God bless you," murmured a cardinal, his voice barely audible as he made the sign of the cross over Kimball’s tomb. "Your devotion to our Holy Mother Church will not be forgotten."
In the shadowy corners of the vault, the Vatican Knights stood motionless, their hearts remaining heavy. Each man wrestled with the memories of their time spent with Kimball, the lessons they had learned from him, and the indelible mark he had left on their lives.
Jeremiah recalled how Kimball had taken him under his wing when he first joined the order as an orphan. Through countless training sessions, Kimball had imparted his wisdom and experience, shaping Jeremiah into the formidable fighter he had become. How could I ever repay such a debt?
As the procession continued, Job found himself lost in his own reflections. He remembered the way Kimball would spend hours poring over military texts, seeking knowledge that would aid them in their fight against darkness. It was from Kimball that he had learned the true meaning of the word 'duty.'
Kimball was a beacon of light in our darkest hours, Job mused, his jaw clenching with the determination to fight back the pain of loss. I will do everything in my power to ensure that your light continues to shine.
One after another, the Vatican Knights stepped forward to offer their silent prayers and farewells to their fallen brother. Their hearts swelled with a mixture of pain and resolve, each man vowing to carry on Kimball's legacy.
"Rest in peace, Kimball," whispered Isaiah, his voice soft. "We will not let your sacrifices be in vain. We will stand strong together, united by our loyalty to you and our unwavering dedication to the cause."
As the last of the clerical mourners and the members of the Society of Seven (those closest to the pontiff) departed, they left the Vatican Knights alone inside the vault, each realizing that they had been forever changed by the life—and the death—of Kimball Hayden. And though their journey before them would be filled with danger and uncertainty, they were ardently committed to honoring the memory of Kimball through their every action and sacrifice.
As the subdued glow of flickering candles cast shadows upon the faces of the Vatican Knights, they continued to stand with their shoulders straight and unyielding in spite of the full weight of their sorrow.
Isaiah, holding a small silver cross in his hand with its delicate design a stark contrast to the rough texture of his fingers, and with deliberate care, placed the cross on the marble tomb as a symbol of the eternal bond forged between them first in life, and now in death.
One by one, the other Vatican Knights followed suit with each presenting their own tribute – a white rose, an intricate crucifix, a carefully folded piece of parchment bearing heartfelt words – as they shared memories of Kimball and the impact he had on their lives.
His strength carried us through countless battles, Nehemiah thought as he placed a letter on Kimball’s tomb. He taught us that true courage is not merely found in the heat of combat . . . but within the depths of our souls.
As the Vatican Knights continued to speak or think their praises of Kimball, hushed whispers filled the vault, drawing forth tendrils of sorrow that continued to wind their way around the hearts of everyone present.
"His compassion knew no bounds," said Samuel, his voice barely a whisper as he clutched a small wooden cross to his chest. "He was always there to lend a hand or offer a kind word, even when we least expected it. His light will never be extinguished." Then he placed the cross on the marble vault.
As each Knight stepped forward and placed their tribute on Kimball's tomb, a sacred promise was forged in the depths of their hearts – a vow to honor their fallen leader, to uphold the values he had instilled in them, and to carry on his legacy of bravery, sacrifice, and devotion to the cause.
Then, the last of the white roses fell upon the tomb, their petals like a blanket of snow against the polished marble. As one, the Vatican Knights bowed their heads in deference before slowly turning to leave the vault.
As the Vatican Knights began their ascent from the depths of the crypt, the once-crowded chamber grew emptier, leaving only the pope to stand vigil beside the tomb. His eyes lingered on the white roses, their purity a stark contrast to the shadows that clung to the vault around them. With a heavy heart, he placed his hand on the smooth surface of the tomb, feeling the chill of the marble beneath his palm.
"Kimball, my son," he whispered, his voice trembling with the weight of his grief. "You sought redemption in our ranks, yet it is we who have been redeemed by your unwavering devotion. May you find the solace you sought in life, and may it guide you further in battles yet to come."
His prayer hung in the air, an unseen benediction that seemed to permeate the very stone walls surrounding them. In the silence that followed, Pope Innocent IX took a moment to gather his thoughts as he reflected on the daunting responsibility that lay before them now that Kimball was no longer in the fold.
"We will carry on your legacy,” he whispered, “and with every breath we take, your memory shall guide us. The Light of Redemption you sought will shine through our actions, and in doing so, honor your memory."
With a final nod of respect, Pope Innocent IX withdrew his hand from the tomb and turned to follow his brethren. As he labored to ascend the narrow stone steps, his footsteps echoed those of the Vatican Knights who had come before him, their shared path now illuminated by the unwavering resolve they carried in their hearts.
"Rest well, Kimball," the pontiff stated as he stood at the vault's entrance at the top of the stairway and a gateway to the world of the living. "We shall forge onwards in your name, guided by the strength of your spirit and the lessons you have taught us. And so, the Light endures."
Then the sound of stone grinding against stone reverberated through the air as the massive vault doors began to close as the final sliver of light was extinguished, sealing Kimball Hayden's resting place in eternal darkness.
* * *
A beam of sunlight filtered through his office window, casting a golden glow on Monsignor Dom Giammacio's weathered hands as he closed the file that lay before him. The worn pages, filled with scribbled notes and hastily sketched diagrams, told the story of Kimball Hayden's inner turmoil—the constant battle between his desire for redemption and the darkness that haunted him.
"Kimball," Monsignor Giammacio whispered, "I hope you find the peace you deserve."
Monsignor Dom Giammacio's thoughts drifted to their many therapy sessions together. He remembered the raw vulnerability in Kimball's eyes each time they had delved into the depths of his soul, searching for answers that seemed elusive until the end.
Your journey may have ended here, but your spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew you, Giammacio thought, clasping the file tightly to his chest. May the Light embrace you fully.
With great reluctance, the monsignor got up from his seat, went to the filing cabinet, and opened it. One of the tabs read CLOSED FILES. The monsignor, nibbling on his lower lip, found it difficult to place the file within a folder, a final goodbye.
