Chapter 37

0145 hours, local time
Saturday, 14 February, 2015 (Valentine’s Day)
Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library
Kenosha, Wisconsin

Charles Tremaine and the rest of his party never intended to get caught in the crossfire between the Masonic and Anti-Masonic troops in the Badger State, but here they were. It was a fight to the finish, no doubt of that, after they got ambushed by the Anti-Masonic forces in control of most of the area. His tribe, under his command, forced their way past their defenses, though his staff was a huge part of the victory in this unplanned battle. They had been en route to the city, seeking free passage and safe conduct from both sides, when they were shot at, and they didn’t hesitate to shoot back, even though they were impervious to any rounds.

It was an unexpected boon to the Masonic militia, who had been in some trouble (to put it mildly), almost pushed out of the city entirely in some sectors. Now, of course, they attached themselves to the Tremaine tribe like remora on sharks. So far, it had proven impossible to avoid the Masonic War in Wisconsin, much to the disappointment of everyone involved, particularly God Himself. It was a stark reminder that he still didn’t have omniscience, in spite of being King of Heaven and of the Cosmos. The only saving grace was that nobody of age in the Tremaine caravan was mortal anymore and all of them could go as long without rest (except for the children, who could rest while the adults drove) as they wished before stopping. Well, that and they didn’t have to arrive in Haven until March.

The most important consequence of this recent ambush was that the Anti-Masonic forces were pushed back into Kenosha and deeper still into the interior of the city. The Masonic troops were quick to exploit the opportunity and recovered a lot of ground with breathtaking speed. The Antis then attempted to form the William Wirt Line well inside the city, of which the famous Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library was either the focal point or most critical juncture. The fighting now went from room to room, threatening to destroy the place, which seemed a real shame to Charles, among others.

“We should not allow this to continue ... we must salvage what we can of this national treasure, this great library. Here’s what I’m going to do. It’s time to use my staff again, even if that is deemed cheating by some. I was given this staff for a reason, and moments like these seem to be that sort of reason. It’s time to make the most of it, though. I’m really going to lay them waste and let you guys mop up afterward. After I’m done this time, there won’t be that much to mop up at all,” Charles looked at the map, confirming that the William Wirt Line represented a much reduced sector within the city that was still in Anti-Masonic hands.

“That would be ... a relief for me and my men for sure!” the Masonic commander, A. P. Summers, smiled as he heard that news.

He smiled even more as Charles lifted his staff and blasted every single Anti-Masonic soldier within meters of them. He slaughtered them wholesale, cutting swathes through their ranks that crushed their remaining spirit and resistance. Charles himself was utterly shocked when several angels then appeared at his side and slew even more of the Anti-Masonic troops with their blazing swords. Within seconds, the entire remnant of the Anti-Masonic force garrisoning the library either perished or raised their hands in abject surrender. The trouble was that the angels didn’t really recognize that gesture for a few more seconds and even more of them were slain.