Demon Stone

by D E Boske

  “A fortnight at least. The damage was extensive as you know. She is undoubtedly using this as a chance to escape. She will fight waking up for fear she will find herself back in the dragon’s lair.”

  “Will she be alright?” asked Kyler.

  “Physically, yes. I was able to heal her wounds. But mentally? Who can say? Only time will tell. If only I could heal those wounds as well.”

  “Why can’t you? You did with Nereina,” Kyler said, a bit confused.

  “That’s different. First of all, I did not heal Nereina. I erased her memory of me. I cannot do that to Tynuviel because those experiences were not mine,” the Mage explained.

  “But he used your image.”

  “Yes, but it was not me. It must physically be me in order to erase the memory. It is a very complicated process.”

  “I see. I really hope she will be alright, Darian. I hope she does not blame you for all of this. I hope you two can move forward with your relationship,” said the elf prince.

  “Me too. More than anything, that is what I want.” They sat up for a while talking before deciding to rest until the morning.

  The sun was just rising in the sky when they awoke. After washing and eating breakfast, Darian announced that he wanted to check on Killini. Kyler accompanied his friend to the elf warrior’s chamber. Once inside, the Mage went to Killini’s bedside, checking him for any signs of fever. His head was cool to the touch.

  Darian pulled the blanket down to the elf’s waist. He needed to inspect Killini’s chest wound and his handiwork. Lifting his shirt, Darian inspected the elf’s wound where the arrow had been. There was no scar, the flesh was whole and unmarred. Killini would be good as new.

  Darian smiled to himself. He couldn’t believe how far him and the elf had come. From pure hatred on Killini’s part, to friendship. Life was so peculiar that way. Darian pulled the blanket back up to the elf’s chest, saying a short, quiet prayer then turned to go.

  “That’s something I meant to ask you about, Darian. I thought you two hated each other. Why then, did you fight so hard to save him? Why not just let him die?” asked Kyler curiously.

  “You should know me better than that, Kyler. I could not let him die just because of bad blood between us. Besides, Killini and I kind of made up. He apologized in his own way and told me to take care of Tynuviel,” explained

  the Mage.

  “When were you going to tell me?” asked the elf.

  “I just did. Kyler, really, you gotta’ stop letting the little stuff get to you. I don’t tell anyone everything that happens to me in a given day. If I did, it would take all day. Seriously, don’t let it get to you. I don’t know where I’d be without you. If it makes you feel any better, I tell you way more than I’ve ever told anyone before. I’m not used to confiding in anyone. It just takes time.”

  Kyler smiled his understanding as the demon’s words hit home. Darian was telling him the same things the demon had told him yesterday. Making their way to Thane’s room, Darian proceeded to check on him as well. His wounds were far less serious, but the Mage always liked to check on his patients.

  The Knight was sleeping peacefully, his breathing deep and even. Tansher came in just before they were preparing to leave. Darian sighed inwardly, knowing questions would be directed at him in no time.

  “Darian, Kyler, I’m so glad I came when I did. Darian, will he be alright?”

  “Yes, he’ll be up and getting on my nerves before you know it.”

  “I’m serious, Darian,” Tansher said.

  “So am I,” the Mage replied. At the expression on the elf captain’s face, he elaborated. “His wounds were not that serious, Tansher. He will be fine, really.” Darian began making his way to the door, but Tansher stopped him.

  “Thank you. I know you two do not like each other, but I am grateful you were there to save him. I won’t forget that Darian. How is Tynuviel?”

  “She has not yet risen. Her injuries were far more serious. It will take time for her body to regain what she gave during healing.”

  “I know you care deeply for her, Darian and I wish you both every happiness.”

  “Thank you, Tansher,” the Mage said honestly.

  “I will remain to help you with whatever you plan to do. I have asked your father to send word to Al-Dan-Tir for more Knights. I cannot promise, but I believe they will send more. What is it that you plan to do next?”

  “I’m not sure right now, Tansher. But when I know, you’ll know. I appreciate everything you’ve done. You have my sincere thanks.”

  Once they were back out in the hall, a guard ran up to them. “I’m so glad I finally found you! Galavad has called for you, Darian. The queen needs you at once.”

  Darian ran to Galavad’s chamber, not bothering to knock. He burst through the door to the bed where she lay, pale as snow.

  “What’s happened?” Darian asked.

  “I do not know, Darian,” responded Galavad. “I know something has been bothering her for a while now, but she will not tell me what it was. She told me once that she hoped you would make it back here before she was ready to deliver the twins.”

  “Why?” asked Darian, a cold panic filling him at the Monarch’s words.

  “I suspect there is something wrong. She wants you to deliver them. Will you do it, Darian, please?” Galavad asked in a pleading tone that sounded completely out of character for the strong ruler.

  “Of course. But she is not ready to deliver. It is too early. Please, give me space. Wait outside and let me see what is happening,” the Mage commanded.

  After everyone had left, he put his hands to her belly, closing his eyes. He concentrated on the twins, falling deep into a meditative state. He could feel their discomfort. They were causing the queen extreme pain. Reaching

  out to them, he comforted them, easing their pain and distress. Once he was sure they were fine, he concentrated on the mother. He relieved her stress and pain, banishing her uneasiness with a gentle touch of his hand. Her face began to take on a healthy glow again. Her eyes fluttered open.

  “Darian, is that you?” she asked weakly.

  “Yes, it’s me Tiriel. Don’t scare me like that. Next time, you need to be honest with your husband. Tell him what’s going on. Okay?” he asked.

  “Alright, Darian. I didn’t want to worry him, he has so much on his mind right now.”

  “Nothing is as important as you and the twins, got it?” he asked, sitting beside her.

  “Got it,” she replied, smiling. “Whatever you did seems to be working. Thank you, Darian,” she said, grasping his hand.

  “You’re welcome, Tiriel. I’m just glad I was here.”

  “Which reminds me. Darian, would you please deliver the twins?”

  “Of course.” When he didn’t object or ask why, she couldn’t hide her surprise.

  “No objections? No questions? You agree just like that?” she asked.

  “Why not? You are obviously having a difficult time. I’m the only one who gave you any comfort. Why should it surprise me if you want me to deliver them? In all honesty, I should be the one. In case of problems, I’ll be able to save you. That’s why you wanted me, isn’t it Tiriel? Because you suspect that something is wrong?”

  “Yes, Darian. That’s why I want you to do it. I fear the Shak Ta’ Ru would not be of much help this time.”

  “I understand, Tiriel. I would be honored to do this thing for you. Now get some rest.” He called them back into the room when he was finished.

  “Darian, how is she? What’s wrong with her?” asked Galavad worriedly. Darian laid a hand on the Monarch’s arm.

  “Galavad, do not worry. She will be fine. I fixed the problem within. I will leave you with something to put into her tea at night. A pinch, no more than that, else it could be very dangerous,” said the mage handing over a small packet of herbs that had been ground very fine.

  “What is it?” asked the Monarch.

  “It will help her
to rest. These past months have been hard on her. I told her to be honest with you if it happens again. She just didn’t want to worry you.”

  It wasn’t until after they’d already left that Galavad realized Darian had not answered his question. Evasive as always, Galavad thought. But still he trusted the Mage, why wouldn’t he?

  “What did you give my father, Darian?” asked Kyler.

  “You don’t trust me either, Kyler?” the Mage responded without a trace of hurt in his voice.

  “Of course I trust you. Why wouldn’t I? I was just asking the question that you failed to answer honestly for my father. So what did you give him?”

  “A mixture of red raspberry leaf, oats and oat straw. Happy now? Does that answer abate your curiosity?” said the Mage, a hint of anger in his voice.

  “No, Darian, it doesn’t. When did you learn alchemy? I never really knew… Well… I guess I really don’t know you. Do I, Darian?” asked the elf, walking away from his friend, leaving him to stand alone in the hallway.

  Darian rolled his eyes in aggravation. Was everyone in his life bent on making him miserable? What difference did it make when he learned herb lore and how to make potions and salves? His knowledge helped to save lives. Why did Kyler, now of all times, question his ethics and methods? If the elf did not trust him, then why remain friends at all?

  Darian took a walk to clear his head and to get some fresh flowers for Tynuviel. He had no time for the elf prince’s double standards. He was angry and upset with Kyler because after all they’d been through, the elf should trust him to do the right thing. Why would he hurt the elf queen?

  Telling Kyler what the herbs did might have helped. But Darian did not feel like he should have to. Galavad took them without question both times. Obviously, he trusted the Mage. Why couldn’t his best friend do the same? As he walked, he came upon Kinistaya. The Mage was so deep in thought, he hadn’t heard the elf speak to him.

  “Darian, is everything alright?” the ancient asked, walking beside him.

  “What? Oh, I’m sorry Kinistaya. My mind is far from here today, I’m afraid.”

  “What’s happened? Is Tynuviel okay?” the ancient asked sincerely.

  “Yes, she’s fine. She rests still and has not yet woke. It is not her that baffles me at this moment.”

  “Then who?” Kinistaya asked, wondering who else could upset the Mage so completely. Then he had his answer before Darian ever spoke the name.

  “Kyler. I don’t understand him lately Kinistaya. He’s upset with me because I gave Galavad some herbs for Tiriel. The twins are being difficult. I eased their discomfort, helping her to rest. Kyler questions me like he doesn’t trust me anymore.

  “Why would I do anything to jeopardize the twins? After all this time, why start mistrusting me now? I just don’t get it. You know what, it doesn’t matter, Kinistaya.”

  “Come now, Darian. You two have been friends for a long time now. Surely you don’t mean the words you are speaking.”

  “That’s just it, Kinistaya, we have been friends for a long time. We’ve been through worse things than this. So why now?”

  “I don’t know, Darian. I will speak to him, if you wish it.”

  “No. If he cannot accept me for who and what I am, then why remain friends at all?”

  “Darian, I know you are upset right now and you are lashing out. Think about what you are saying for a moment. His friendship means everything to you regardless of the words leaving your mouth. I am no fool boy. You do not see the years I have by being a fool.”

  “Maybe, but it seems he no longer wants friendship from me. So be it.”

  “Tell me Darian, what herbs did you give the Monarch?” asked Kinistaya, his curiosity getting the better of him.

  “I gave him red raspberry leaf, oats and oat straw,” the Mage replied.

  “Ah, you are learned, that is good. Red raspberry leaf is rich in iron. It will help to increase milk production, ease labor pain and nausea. The oats and oat straw are rich in calcium and magnesium. They will help to relieve anxiety and restlessness. You learned this in Piri-Tuma?”

  “Aye.”

  “What else did you learn, then?”

  “I am a master in herb lore and can make any potion or salve. I helped to ease her pain and discomfort so why am I the bad guy here?”

  “I don’t know, Darian. You must understand, both of you have been through a lot in a very short time. Just give him some time to sort things out. I am confident that he will come around and recognize his mistakes.”

  “Thank you, Kinistaya.”

  They walked for some time and talked about many things. It was late afternoon when Darian finally made it back to Tynuviel’s room. When he opened the door, he saw Kyler sitting in the chair by her bedside. He turned to

  go, but the elf stopped him.

  “Darian, wait. Please don’t go. I’m sorry about earlier. I don’t know why I was so upset. I know you would never hurt me or my family. It’s just… all the secrecy, after a while it becomes too difficult to swallow.”

  Darian closed the door, walking over to the bed and seated himself beside Kyler.

  “You must try to understand me and where I come from. A Mage of The Order does not have friends. All the friends I have made always turn on me at some point. They try to kill me either because they think they will get my position or because they want my possessions. Either way, I do not trust easily. I trust you Kyler. You are my only friend. To have you mistrust me like that hurt me more deeply than I care to admit. Even to myself. After everything we’ve been through, why now?” Darian asked, needing to understand Kyler’s reaction.

  “I’m sorry, Darian. I overreacted and it was uncalled for. Will you forgive me?”

  The Mage remained silent for a long time before speaking. “Of course. If you would like me to explain why I gave her what I did, I will.”

  “You don’t have to tell me, Darian. Whatever it is, it will help her, I know.”

  “I gave her a blend of red raspberry leaves, oats and oat straw. The leaves will ease her nausea and labor pains. The oat mixture will relieve her anxiety and restlessness. I know that sometimes I can be very difficult. I am not used to anyone caring about me because they love me.

  “In Piri-Tuma, my fellow Mages hated me. They feared me and my growing power. My knowledge far surpassed theirs and they were eager to kill me for it. I survived in a world where most died. Out of the three hundred fifty students that began their studies with me, only fifty three of us became a Mage. The others did not survive.

  “The things we are subjected to would shake you to your core. You’d probably never believe me should I confide in you. For who would do such despicable things? The answer is, The Order, of course. That is my life. The only life I have ever known. The only life that was given to me. You have no idea what my life has been like. That is the reason I do not like to talk about it. Talking about it makes it come back to life for me.

  “When I close my eyes, I relive those terrible moments. The things I lived through would break a normal man. And they wouldn’t have it any other way. They were tougher on me because they saw my potential early on. I got beaten for things no one else did because they felt I should know better. I should set a better example. I didn’t even have a childhood. It was always all work, no play.

  “When I was born, the Shangmarrum could feel my power already. It was strong even then. Usually, it doesn’t manifest until a Shivvendar is between twenty and thirty years old. The years before are our childhood years. We are not considered adults until we are at least fifty.

  “I began my training soon after my birth. Of course, I was unable to do anything. But that did not stop them from teaching me. I entered classes earlier than any other students and was despised for it. I grasped new ideas, learned faster than anyone ever had. They hated me for it. They were all jealous of my looks, charisma and body. They would have killed me if they thought they could get away with it.

  “I�
�ve always had a way with the ladies. What you have been witness to is nothing. All the women in Piri-Tuma wanted to spend at least one night with me. I was only twenty years old, experiencing things others my age never even dreamed of because of my rank and stature. It was all very natural for me for some unknown reason. It felt right. I cannot explain it any other way. You would think that the hardship I lived through and the many beatings would have made me a hard man. But I guess it had the opposite effect.

  “I was kind to the girls. I never hurt any of them, even Clarissa. Many of them were in love with me, I knew, but of course would never admit to such an offense.

  “The Order taught me to be strong and fearless. They taught me how to endure hard-ship. They taught me

  how to handle true power. My magical ability is far beyond the other Mages and this terrifies them. They do not understand how to control me because I cannot be. The power that I am capable of wielding would burn out their life force if they even but tried. And they know it.

  “We are forced to go to the Breeders to procreate because we have been denied the love of a woman. They give us whores to pleasure us and our every whim. We are allowed to release our seed because The Order has taken care of them. When the girls are first brought to Mogan Dar, they think a better life awaits them. But what they find is horror, pain and abuse. Their reproductive organs are removed so they can work all day every day. They pick sweet, young virgins then take them back to Piri-Tuma where the highest ranking Mages break them in. Then they are cast out like so much refuse, forced to work the floor. They start out on the lowest floor and must work their way up to the top floors where the highest ranking Mages are. What these girls are subjected to, I will not discuss, but I’m sure you already have a good idea.

  “I always believed the treatment of the girls was harsh and unkind. But there was nothing I could do. I was not even a Mage yet. No one would listen to me. No one cares about them. They are put there for our pleasure or so they believe. I fear I am no better than the rest. I tasted their sweetness many a time. But at least I tried to take care of them. I bought them things and spoiled them a little.