The Mark of the Beast
an excerpt

The boys arranged their logs until each log was at one of the four compass directions; north, south, east, and west. The log with the marking for air was facing the north. Fire and water were at east and west, respectively. Stone, the most powerful symbol, faced the south. Benjamin and Alexander sat on the fire log. Michael sat on the water log. Gabriel and Victor sat on the air log, while Vincent and Luke took their places on the rock log. Vincent pulled one of the great leather-bound books onto his lap and flipped to a passage.
“Listen as I read,” he said formally, “This is from the book of Revelation in the Holy Book. Listen and believe.
When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, "Come." I looked, and behold, an ashen horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth.
And so, let our meeting of the Fourth Seal begin. Tonight, the initiation of Luke Williams will mark the seventh member of the Fourth Seal. Luke, please stand.”

Luke stood up slowly and faced Vincent, who also stood. The other boys leaned closer so that they could hear over the roar of the fire. Vincent grabbed Luke’s hand and placed it on top of the Bible.
“Luke Williams, do you swear to the secret of the Fourth Seal?” he asked.
“I do,” Luke replied.
“Do you hereby hold yourself to the trust of the Fourth Seal? Do you swear to attend meetings, participate in all ceremonies, and help your fellow members in all that is said and done?” Vincent’s eyes were burning like torches with joy.
“I do,” Luke smiled.
“Luke Williams, I hereby induct you into the Fourth Seal. You will remain a member until the day that you die. All in favor?” he turned to the other boys.
“Aye!” they all agreed.
“It is settled. Luke, welcome to the family.” Vincent reached over and ruffled Luke’s hair. “Let’s get this meeting started!”