Demon Stone Page 10

  “They don’t seem too happy with your decision,” the demon remarked, as he gestured at the company.

  “They do not have to be. You will prove your worth. Whether they see it or not is of no consequence to me,” the Mage said sharply.

  “It is a wonder you keep that elf as a friend with that foul temper of yours,” remarked the demon, eyeing him warily.

  “Who needs him when I have you?” asked Darian sarcastically. The demon laughed, sincerely amused.

  “Indeed. The Crebellan, he loves the seer,” observed the demon, changing direction

  and trying to keep the Mage off balance.

  “I know. I’ve known for some time. What can you tell me of the Knights of Shorlan?” asked the Mage, doing the same.

  “I know they are men of their word and they take their oath seriously. They will fight beside you and there will be none better to watch your back.”

  “There is only one I trust to do that,” said Darian.

  “The elf. I know. How boring. Why does the Dark Mage want you dead?” Darian bristled at the question.

  Sigorna knew by the Mage’s reaction that he’d hit a nerve. A very painful nerve. Hmmm, he thought.

  “Does it matter?”

  “It does to me. I’m the curious type. So what gives, Darian?”

  “I don’t want to talk about it,” the Mage said rather sharply.

  “It’ll make you feel better,” the demon coaxed, trying to get under Darian’s skin.

  “No, it won’t.” Darian gave him an odd look.

  “Okay maybe not. But it’ll make me feel better.”

  “Yeah I bet,” laughed the Mage.

  “So, when we get your girl back are you gonna…”

  “Let’s not get into that,” Darian cut him off before he could finish the vulgar statement.

  “You know, for a Mage of The Order, you’re not so bad. Under the gruff exterior is a likeable guy. Why do you try so hard to put people off?” asked the demon.

  “It’s a sad story really. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to hear it.”

  “C’mon Darian, tell me,” said the demon, drawn in as much by Darian’s words as the tone in which he spoke them.

  “My daddy never hugged me. That’s why I’m such an ass,” Darian said.

  “Are you ever serious?” asked the demon. He should’ve known better! Darian would never give away anything useful.

  “Sometimes,” he replied. “But only when it counts.”

  “How does Kyler put up with you?”

  “We have a unique relationship. He is like a brother to me. Why he befriended me I cannot begin to guess. But I am eternally grateful.”

  “See, now you are serious,” remarked the demon, noting the obvious change in the Mage.

  “Indeed,” said the Mage. He ran his fingers over a necklace he’d taken from Tynuviel’s room. He kept it in a pocket inside his Shryvven. It was her favorite necklace; a butterfly with wings painted purple and silver. Takasha! How he missed her.

  “You’re thinking of her, aren’t you?” asked Sigorna.

  “That obvious, is it?” he said with a smile.

  “Your whole countenance changes when you think of her.” The demon reached out with his thought, testing the bonds. They were as strong as ever. Even distracted as he was, Darian was strong and powerful. And more than capable. At least he allied himself with a powerful Mage. There was nothing worse than a weakling. Although, with a weak Mage he would stand a better chance to get free. Once more he hoped he had not made a mistake to bind himself to this one. Would he be a man of his word? When this was all over, would Darian surrender the Demon Stone? He must hope. That is all he had now.

  Darian had never lied to him before. He’d always been a man of his word. But he’d never been bound to Darian before, either. Despite the fact that he was a Mage of The Order, he was a decent person. All the times Darian had called upon him, the Mage asked the questions he wanted answers to and let him go. He’d never done anything bad to any of the denizens of Oblivion.

  The Mage had his hand in his Shryvven, touching something in his pocket. He’d bet it was something to do with the female elf . He could see the Mage truly cared for her. That in itself was unthinkable! They were not allowed to love or to marry. The Order provided female companionship for them.

  He knew Darian was extremely popular with the ladies. And he knew why. The elf female was in for a good

  time with the Mage. If they were able to rescue her. Darian seemed to think she would want nothing to do with him. But Sigorna didn’t think so. Maybe in the beginning, but she was intelligent. She loved the Mage and would not let him go.

  “Darian, how is it that you are able to have this girl? I thought The Order forbade this.”

  “There is much that you do not see. I have nothing.” He clenched his fists in abrupt anger.

  “Will you go against The Order on this?” the demon asked.

  “Damn The Order! They’ve taken everything from me! Now I will take back what is mine,” he said ferociously. The others looked in their direction, at the Mage’s heated outburst. He did not mean to call attention to them. Where Tynuviel was concerned, he could not control his emotions. This was not a good thing.

  “Right,” the demon replied. Careful not to upset the Mage any more than he already was. The closest members of the group cast wary glances at the two, increasing the distance between them.

  Shaz tried to hear what was said between the demon and the Mage, but he could make nothing out. He bet the damn Mage had constructed a barrier of some sort. How he could be so comfortable around the demon made Shaz’ skin crawl. It takes all kinds, he reminded himself. He wondered anew how Kyler was able to maintain such a close relationship with the Mage.

  He noticed Calisha look more than once in Darian’s direction. He wondered what that was about. If there was trouble, would Calisha help the Mage? Or would he take Nephraete and flee? Hmm, interesting.

  Tansher watched the Mage closely. Why had he summoned a demon and bound him? Could the demon be trusted? What a revolting thought. He did not want to be anywhere near the demon. What had the Mage been thinking? The Falahari were extremely dangerous and willful. Tonight was proof as it came unbidden in their midst.

  Darian was very powerful to be able to bind a Falahari. But was his judgment sound? Could they trust the Mage? He knew nothing of Darian. He doubted anyone did. Even Kyler. He wondered how much Darian confided in the elf prince. Not much, he guessed. At times, Darian appeared to teeter on the brink of insanity, barely pulling himself back before being swallowed by madness. They would all have to wait and see and that did not sit well with the elf. Not at all.

  Stryker did not like the demon in his tunnels. He wondered why the Mage thought his presence necessary. Why didn’t he just send it back whence it came? Kyler trusted the Mage. And Stryker knew Kyler. The young elf had an incredible sense of rightness that was unfathomable. He decided to wait and see. A Mage of The Order would be a strong ally. And one the dwarves would eagerly hold on to. Even one that seemed as cracked as this one.

  Firehawk walked with Rohn and Koryn, who watched the Mage and demon carefully. Firehawk understood that the demon would be a valuable ally if he could be controlled. That was it, wasn’t it? No one knew if the beast could be contained or controlled. Darian seemed sure of himself, but a Mage of The Order had to be. He was obviously strong if he could bind a Falahari. Would the demon be a help or a hindrance? They would all have to wait and see.

  “What do you think, Firehawk? Do you think it was wise to bind a demon from Oblivion and bring it along?” asked Koryn.

  “If it can be controlled, yes. It will be a priceless ally. The Mage… he is strong and sure. But that is not what puzzles me most,” replied the battle-hardened elf.

  “Then what is?” asked Rohn. He held a profound respect for Firehawk. The things he must have seen in his years. And now, he took a human lover. Rohn was glad Firehawk would have a companion to
share his life.

  “His love for this elf we go to rescue. For it is obvious to me that he loves her. Why else would he risk everything to go after her? I thought that it was forbidden by The Order. Does he not worry for the consequences? Her life is forfeit if they ever find out. Why would he risk such a thing if he really loves her?”

  “I don’t know. But if you ask me that is a stupid rule. Why forbid love? How can they enforce such bullshit?” asked Koryn.

  “The Order has strict rules that the Mages are forced to obey and are punished severely if caught breaking them.”

  “How do you know so much? I thought no one knew much about them,” asked Koryn.

  “I’ve been around for a long time. I knew a Master once long ago. He told me some things about how they are trained. Their rules… Well, I have not seen him in too long a time. I begin to wonder if…” Firehawk trailed off.

  “What do you wonder?” asked Koryn.

  “If he is still alive.”

  “What is his name?” asked Rohn, a sick feeling beginning to grow in his belly and not understanding why.

  “Raschel Midrin,” answered Firehawk.

  “Maybe we can ask Darian. He might know him,” offered Rohn.

  “Maybe,” said Firehawk, not sounding hopeful. To be honest, he did not want to bother the Mage. At times, he could be friendly enough. At others… Not so nice.

  “C’mon, I’ll go with you,” said Rohn, not waiting for an answer. They walked over to Darian and the demon. The demon eyed them, but said nothing. The Mage turned to see what had attracted the demon’s attention.

  “Darian,” Firehawk said in greeting.

  “What is it Firehawk?” asked the Mage. Not friendly, but not hostile either. Was that good or bad?

  “I once knew a Master and I wondered if you knew him. I have not heard from him in a long time and I just want to know what happened to him.”

  “What is his name?” asked Darian, his curiosity piqued.

  “Raschel Midrin.” Darian’s face darkened, his eyes looking inward to a distant past.

  “He is dead. He was my friend. My only friend in The Order. I… How did you know him?” he asked, his voice tinged with bitterness.

  “He used to frequent Al-Dan-Tir and we’d have drinks and catch up. But then he stopped coming and I always wondered what happened to him. I’m sorry I brought it up. I did not mean to upset you.”

  “It’s alright, Firehawk. It was a long time ago. But I blame myself for his death. I guess I have been hard on myself regarding his loss.”

  “What happened?” asked Firehawk, unable to stop himself.

  “He died during the Test of Power,” replied Darian, unsure why he discussed this with an elf he barely knew.

  “How could that possibly be your fault?” asked Firehawk.

  “I should have tutored him more than what I did. I should have made a better effort. We were too busy drinking and getting laid to worry about it at the time. Maybe if I had… he’d still be here,” he finished softly. Firehawk felt sorry for him. He could feel the guilt radiating off of the Mage even after all this time.

  “You cannot blame yourself. Guilt is a useless emotion, Darian. It will only eat you alive, consuming you until there is nothing left. You must put the past to rest and live for your future with Tynuviel. I will gladly fight by your side. And should I die, I will finally be at peace. I will go to Shenna’s side as she calls me to my final resting place. Many of us will likely die in that lair. You cannot carry that guilt as well. We all go willingly knowing the risks. You are a good man, Darian Brade. I see the weight on your shoulders, most of which you carry needlessly. Be at peace.”

  “Who are you, Firehawk?” asked Darian seriously.

  “I’m just an elf. I came from Kiri A’ Nouell a long time ago and I wound up in Al-Dan-Tir,” the elf said quietly.

  “Why’d you leave?” asked the Mage.

  “It’s a long story,” he replied.

  “We’ve got time,” coaxed the Mage.

  “I’ve been gone so long now…”

  “How long?” asked Darian.

  “A millennium.” Darian hid his surprise. He did not want to offend the elf.

  “What could be so bad to drive you away for so long?” Darian asked sincerely.

  Rohn and Koryn paid particular attention. They’d always wanted to know the elf’s history. They’d asked plenty of times, but Firehawk would never tell no matter how much they drank.

  “A long time ago, before I left Kiri A’ Nouell, I was on border guard duty. I was captain of the guard at the time. The Monarch Rowan… I failed him and he was murdered. I couldn’t protect him… And in the end, I failed all of Kiri A’ Nouell. The guilt consumed me and I could not face any of them so I left, never looking back.”

  “Wait a minute, Firehawk. Are you saying that it was you who fought Morphindinaetlus the last time he invaded Kiri A’ Nouell?” asked Darian, shocked to his core.

  “Yes, it was me. But I couldn’t kill him. I was nearly killed myself. I found Rowan… part of him had been consumed by the dragon. I became enraged. It was my job to ensure the Monarch’s safety and I’d failed. No one knew how he got past our barrier. It did not matter. The Monarch was dead. My life was forfeit in my eyes. I threw everything I had left at the beast. Most of my injuries I never realized I had until much later.

  “When I awoke, I knew I had to leave. The forest would never be my home again. I wandered for years, never quite feeling at rest, until I came to Al-Dan-Tir. The Knights of Shorlan took me in eagerly. I felt like I’d found a new home. It took a long time, but I rid myself of the guilt and a sense of peace took hold. I know a lot of the Knights do not like me, but I don’t care. Let them say what they will, it matters not. Shenna knows my heart. I will gladly die fighting that abomination. I failed before. I must redeem myself. For Rowan…” Firehawk trailed off.

  “Firehawk, I know that you feel responsible for what happened, but you’re not. There was no way you could have known. You did what you could for the Monarch and your people. You shouldn’t feel guilty. You did everything in your power to avenge the Monarch. And you will get another chance. Lini A’ Chua. La Ran’ Ti makhal,” Darian said, laying a hand on the elf’s shoulder.

  Rohn stopped midstride as he heard the Mage speak his tongue. Where had he learned? “Your speech… It is perfect, Darian. You speak as one of us. Where did you learn?” asked Rohn, unable to help himself. He noticed unshed tears in Firehawk’s eyes. The Mage had deeply touched him. He was glad that someone saw the spirit of Firehawk. It was about time.

  “That is a long story as well,” said the Mage, not elaborating further.

  “Thank you Darian, for everything,” said Firehawk.

  “I want to see you come home with us, my friend. You do not deserve death. You belong in Kiri A’ Nouell with your people. I make you a bargain, free yourself of your guilt and I will free myself of mine. We can be two guilt free men looking for a good time,” offered the Mage.

  Kyler watched his friend as a smile slowly spread on his handsome face. Darian was indeed as charismatic as they said. He had broken through Firehawk’s tough outer shell. In truth, no elf blamed him for what happened on that dark day. He had fought valiantly. Morphindinaetlus was a wicked beast who could not be defeated by one man or one elf alone. But he understood Firehawk’s pain. He knew that as an elf, he took his duty seriously. How would Asa have felt if he failed to protect their father? He bet Asa would be as guilt-ridden as Firehawk had been.

  “I’ll drink to that,” said Firehawk, pulling a flask from his belt. He took a deep draw, then passed it to Darian. Darian took his measure, then passed it to Rohn.

  Yes, it was official. He was becoming a damn stupid trusting bastard.

  9

  It was hard to tell what time of day it was when you could not see the sun. Shaz did not understand how the dwarves were able to live here and thrive. He loved the sun and the feel of the breeze on his face. The
se tunnels were stifling and the thought of thousands of tons of rock overhead made him giddy. He swayed a little as he tried to maintain his control.

  “You alright?” inquired Kyler and Shaz nodded tightly.

  “Not a comfortable feeling, is it?” asked Asa. Shaz shook his head.

  Nephraete grasped the bounty hunter’s hand in reassurance, trying to lend him her calm manner. “I’ve got a better place for your hands to be princess,” remarked Shaz.

  “Tight around your neck then?” she asked sweetly with a disarming grin.

  “Looks like she’s on to you bounty hunter,” said Asa, laughing heartily.

  Calisha was nearby, frowning in disapproval. Shaz cleared his throat, eyeing the Crebellan warily.

  They stopped for the night at a spot chosen by Stryker where the tunnels were worked smooth, the ceilings high enough so none had to stoop.

  Tansher watched the way the forest elves guarded Kyler and Darian; they wanted for nothing. Though neither asked for it, they were treated like kings. When the meals were prepared, they were always offered food first and they were given places closer to the fire when they stopped for the night.

  Darian sat on the ground, writing in a leather tome. He cast a light spell to illuminate the area around him, hoping he could work in relative peace. His script was very elegant and he wrote in his native language because none here could speak or write it, he knew. None but a Mage knew the Shivvendar tongue. It was tied to their magic and would drive any mad who was not a Shivvendar. Only the Falahari demons knew a few words or phrases and that only because of how often the Mages called on them. Because too many elves were present, he could not risk writing in elvish. This way, he did not have to hide what he wrote.

  The demon sat beside him, watching him quietly. “That your diary?” he said jokingly.

  “Something like that,” Darian said without looking up.