The Ravens of Death (Tsun-Tsun TzimTzum Book 4)

by Mike Truk

  “I’ve had some experience, yeah.” Still, I hesitated. “Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe the Source won’t consider this kind of deal enforceable. Not if it means doing something like this.”

  She turned then, her dress rustling on the bed, regarding me over her shoulder. “Do you find me repugnant?”

  “What? No!”

  “Then, if we were other than who we are, you not the Savior, I not the queen of the Morathi, would you have objected to this act if we had met naturally on some other world?”

  I felt my face flush. “I mean, that’s a crazy question, but…”

  Her gaze was solemn.

  “I… I could see us getting along, sure.”

  “Then, though I am hardly an authority, I doubt the Source would object. You find me pleasing. I find you… moderately so.” I thought I saw a flash of tightly restrained amusement in her eyes, but then it was gone. “What we do here is in accordance with our desires, on some level, and furthers our obligations to powers far greater than either of us. Yes?”

  “Sure,” I said hesitantly.

  “Then let us be about it,” she said, turning away once more. “Imagine, if it helps, that we are back on your homeworld. Had met at some social occasion, and returned to your home. That we’d engaged in light conversation, until at last at the end of the night we found ourselves in this bed.”

  “I don’t have a four-poster in my bedroom,” I said, deadpan.

  “A humble bed, then. And lying together, we realized our mutual attraction, and…”

  I relaxed back down onto the pillow. The idea was absurd. Where would I have met Alusz Iphigenia, queen of the Morathi, back in Ruddock, Ohio? Ten Pins? At the 7-11 parking lot where we’d hang out on Friday nights? A house party?

  The very thought of bringing her home, introducing her to Mom and Dad - or, no, sneaking her into my room - was insane.

  And yet…

  I shifted closer.

  She was breathing lightly, rapidly.

  “You’re sure?”

  “Yes,” she said.

  I laid my hand on her bare hip. She flinched.

  I drew my hand back. She reached behind, found it, and brought it to her hip once more.

  “People have done far worse things for their countries and faiths,” she whispered. “This hardly ranks on that list. In fact… it’s quite possible… that we may enjoy it.”

  To say I was conflicted was putting it mildly. I was straining at my pants by now, the sight of her pale ass under the upraised skirt mesmerizing, and realized I’d been attracted to her from the start - her mystery, her disinterest, her enigma.

  “Come, Noah,” she said, moving her hand from my wrist to the front of my pants. “You claim this isn’t your first time. Must I do all the leading?”

  I pushed down my pants, freed my cock, and shifted forward a few inches. Pushing my head down between her asscheeks, down between her thighs, I angled it up and found her wet heat.

  She shifted subtly, opening herself to me. With smooth pressure, I slid within her, deep into her tight pussy, till my body was pressed against her own and the scent of her hair was thick around my face.

  Alusz gasped, tensed, then relaxed as I slowly withdrew.

  Neither of us spoke again. Something about our restraint, how neither of us moved nor caressed the other, how I couldn’t see her face, was strangely arousing; I fucked her slowly at first, but when she turned her face into her pillow to stifle her first moan, I began to move faster, ever faster.

  And she moved with me.

  I took hold of her hip. She kept her face pressed into the pillow, but I could hear each muffled cry.

  I pistoned into her harder and harder, knowing that at any second, I would fulfill my oath, and by coming inside the Morathi queen, I’d be free of my obligations.

  But I wanted her to come, too.

  Maybe that was messed up on my part. Maybe I should have just gotten it over as quickly as possible.

  But staring at the nape of her neck, at the dark hairs that formed the pattern of a “V” just beneath her hairline, I suddenly felt a rush of desire for her, felt pity and horror and tenderness. A desire to give this lost and brave young woman something good out of this encounter.

  So I paced myself, fucking her hard but slowly, holding her tightly as her moans came faster and faster, until at last she clutched the blanket beneath us with a clawed hand and cried out. Her face free of her pillow, her whole body arched with pleasure as she tensed around my cock like a fist.

  I needed little more inducement. A couple more hard thrusts and I came as well, exploding deep within her, pressing my face for the first time to her neck, feeling her warm skin against my cheek. I held her tightly as we both rode our own orgasms.

  Finally, I pulled away. Slipping free, I tucked myself away, and rolled onto my back. My heart was pounding. Given the excesses I’d experienced with my companions, what Alusz and I had done was almost chaste, but my mind spun, my thoughts disordered. I found myself more conflicted than before.

  Alusz lay still, one hand still clutching tight at the blanket, until at last she relaxed, reached down, and pulled her panties back up. Lifting her hips to smooth down her skirt, she rolled onto her back to lay beside me.

  We both stared at the underside of the canopy without a word.

  “I… I feel like taking your hand,” she said at last. “But that feels too much like falling for Morgana’s trap.”

  “Fuck Morgana,” I said, and found her hand with my own.

  She covered it with her other, and we lay there, breath slowly returning to normal, the fever in my blood abating, my pulse growing regular.

  “Fuck Morgana,” she whispered softly, pensively. “But so far she’s the one fucking us.”

  I looked sidelong at her.

  “Because I am feeling something for you after all,” she said, not meeting my eyes. “Just an infatuation, to be sure, but still.”

  “Infatuation,” I said.

  “Yes. No doubt I’m projecting my hopes and dreams onto you. You’re a handsome canvas for me to use for just that purpose.” She flashed me a guilty smile then looked away. “By Lilith and all her betheliim, I hated to be manipulated thus.”

  “So do I.”

  “Then there must be something we can do to frustrate her. Some way, perhaps, that I can help you.”

  “Like what?” I asked.

  She rolled toward me and propped her head up on one hand. “Nothing overt. I can’t help you cheat at the actual trial, nor move the Fulcrum. Lilith herself would notice. But perhaps I can help in a smaller manner. Something subtle but significant.”

  “Sure,” I said. “But like what?”

  She bit her lower lip as she considered. “Where is your fifth companion? She was with you when you were first presented to me but missing when you passed in Aegeria. I know Morgana and everyone else is dying to know. But if there is a problem there, perhaps I can be of help.”

  I studied Alusz. Could I trust her?

  Then I considered my own situation, how hopeless everything felt.

  Perhaps a leap of faith was required.

  “She’s removed herself from our group,” I said. “She carries a demon within her and fears your regent will summon it at the worst time to kill us all.”

  Alusz frowned. “I don’t understand. Why did you choose her as your companion if she’s so dangerous?”

  “It’s a long story.” I interlaced my fingers beneath my head and looked up. “But we just learned the truth of it in Tagimron. She won’t come back to help us till the demon is gone, and we can’t succeed without her.”

  “Then have it removed,” she said.

  “Not so easy. It’s bound to her soul by terrible Hexenmagic. Wait.” I looked at her. “Can you remove the demon?”

  Alusz shook her head apologetically. “That’s beyond me. But I know much of how Hexenmagic works. Parasites, demons, all manner of Lilith’s servants can be placed within someone to con
trol or suborn them. They can be torn free by force, but the best way to neutralize them is to master them.”

  “Master them,” I said. “How do you do that?”

  “It varies greatly. But all such creatures derive strength from the struggle to keep them at bay. The fear they generate feeds them.”

  “So, if you stop fearing them, they lose strength?”

  Alusz nodded. “The more you accept them, the more they fall under your control. But doing so also changes you. They melt away as they melt into you. If your will is strong enough, however, you can master them and remain yourself, even as you are changed to some degree.”

  “Nobody’s got a stronger will than Neveah.”

  “Then perhaps she has been fighting her demon in the wrong way.”

  “But… fine, say she decides to accept it. To master it. How does she actually go about it?”

  “Like I said.” Alusz rolled onto her back. “It varies. But one constant lies in having someone you completely trust oversee the process. If they can make you feel safe, if they can surround you with a love that you do not doubt, then it becomes exponentially easier to turn around and accept the evil within yourself and master it.”

  “Huh,” I said. “Neveah loves me, but I don’t think she trusts me to that degree.”

  “Is there nobody she trusts, then? No old friends, no mentors, no family?”

  “She has family,” I said. “Her grandmother and mother are still alive.”

  “And does she trust them?”

  I thought of everything Neveah had told me - how powerful her family was, the wisdom they had developed over the course of their lives. The wisdom they had hoped Neveah would develop in turn. How they had trusted Neveah, and blessed her, and how she spoke of them with reverence and love.

  “Yes,” I said.

  “Then if you wish, I will open a portal to where her family resides. Perhaps you can take her there, and with her family’s help assist her in conquering this demon.”

  “You’d do that?” I sat up. “But what if you’re caught?”

  “Then I’ll be punished.” Her smile was amused. “It happens often enough that I’m almost past caring. Besides, the satisfaction I’ll get will make it worth the while.”

  I didn’t know what to say. I tried to think her offer through, to figure out where it could be a trap. “I’ll discuss it with my friends,” I said. “If we all agree, then yeah, I’d definitely take you up on that offer.”

  “Then so be it,” said the queen of the Morathi. “And if it works, then we might just find a way to get our revenge on Morgana after all.”

  Chapter 13

  Neveah, I pulsed at her hovering form. One last time. Talk to me.

  The corruption writhed, distressed by my presence. I wished I could scour it away altogether, forming some purified love-beam that would disintegrate it from Neveah’s sanctum once and for all.

  But no dice.

  The faces leered at me, formed and melted away, while tendrils emerged from the ooze to probe at the air, recoiling when they got too close.

  Would she come? I knew she heard me. I knew my message was now packaged with the right ardor and compassion to get through to her.

  But would she come?

  I didn’t repeat myself. Hovering, I waited, legs crossed, hands on my knees. I watched as she slowly revolved in place, curled into a tight, protective knot, Morghothilim’s cursed length plunged through her chest.

  Finally, just as I was about to give up, her eyes cracked open, and she turned her head to stare at me. Was that annoyance on her face?

  I could understand, if she thought I’d come to badger her again about the same issue.

  Listen, I said, cutting in before she could protest that she still wouldn’t join me. To save Valeria’s life I had to bone the Morathi queen. Long story. But she’s not drinking the Kool-Aid -

  The Kool-Aid?

  Sorry. I meant she’s not pro-Lilith, and is willing to help us to strike back at the regent and the whole system that’s holding her prisoner. So we got to brainstorming, and she told me how we can deal with your demon.

  Neveah floated around to face me directly, uncoiling from her fetal position to hover, resplendent and regal.

  She said there are two ways to remove a demon. You can tear it out by force, or you - Neveah, that is - can master it from within by accepting it. It feeds off your fear, you see, the very struggle you put up to keep it away is what gives it its strength. If you can accept it, stop fearing it, you can master it.

  Sounds like a trap.

  Yeah, right? But fuck, what else we got going? But Alusz - the queen - she’s willing to put her money where her mouth is.

  You have the strangest sayings.

  She’s willing to open a portal to wherever will help us most, as long as it doesn’t interfere with our Gharab quest itself.

  I felt a little manic. The emotional lows I’d just been through, the whole experience with Alusz, the burning, primal need that I had to get Neveah on board, to cleanse her, to give us even the slightest shot at winning through - I felt like I’d downed six cups of coffee after five all-nighters. Nearly feverish.

  She asked me who you trust most in the universe, who could help you through that process, and I said your family. Your mother and grandmother. Right? She’s willing to open a portal back to your family cottage. So they can help you absorb the demon, master it, and come back to us.

  Return home. Her tone was skeptical.

  Right? You’d trust your grandmother and mother to help you, wouldn’t you?

  Her spirit eyes burned as she considered me. Suddenly I felt like I’d missed something, like thinking there’s another step at the top of a flight, only to jolt down when it’s found to be missing.

  Who is to say that accepting my demon won’t simply give it complete control over me? This advice comes from a Morathi.

  You’re right. We can’t be sure. And while I trust Alusz, I guess it could all be an elaborate ploy to fuck us up. But what it comes down to is we don’t have a choice. I’ve got nothing else on the table. We can’t proceed with Valeria in her state, and we can’t wait for her to heal. And we sure as fuck don’t have a chance of burning through four more of these realms in a few weeks without you. The way I see it is, we might as well try. Your grandmother sounds incredible. Maybe she could advise us on this.

  Neveah nodded slowly, reluctantly. Return home.

  I waited, not knowing what else to say.

  The seconds stretched out between us.

  Very well, she said at last. I don’t share your confidence. I think this is a trap. But as you said. We have no other options and are running out of time.

  Awesome. Relief swamped me. Right up to the last moment, I hadn’t known which way she’d jump. But is there something I should know about your family? Some reason you’re hesitating?

  My mother and grandmother… Neveah trailed off, searching for the right words. They have lived full lives. Walked the paths of glory and death. They have earned their lessons, each in turn, alone. We do not believe these lessons can be learned if we are helped.

  So they might say this is your cross to bear?

  My cross?

  Your burden, your problem.

  Yes. But further, they may decide I am past redemption. I have fallen very, very low, Noah.

  Oh. And if they decide that?

  We won’t leave my family cottage alive.

  I nodded soberly.

  But I have failed to uncover any other option, she said, voice heavy. I have searched, I have meditated, I have sought to fight this demon by myself, but it is too strong. The ritual they used upon me is too mighty for my spirit alone. Perhaps Grandmother can help me conquer it. Perhaps there is wisdom in accepting what cannot be defeated. Very well. How does your queen propose to send us there?

  She’s not my queen, I said. And she’s proposed opening a portal for us. We’re to go to her chamber in secret and she’ll open it there
. Communication’s tricky since I’ve no way of reaching out to her, so we’ve agreed that she’ll open a portal to our suite each time dusk falls.

  Who will come with us?

  We can’t leave Valeria behind by herself. We debated splitting the team, but in the end agreed that just you and I would go. In the end, we’re the only ones that have to be there.

  Neveah nodded. Very well. You are in Emelias’s estate?

  We are.

  Then I can be there before dusk. I will see you soon, Noah.

  Thank fucking god. Yes. I’ll see you soon.

  And Noah?

  I paused, having begun to float back toward the aperture. Yeah?

  Her expression was inscrutable. Thank you.

  You know it. Let’s get this demon taken care of so we can get our asses to Malkuth.

  Sounds like a plan. I’ll see you soon.

  See you soon, Neveah.

  I floated back into my reservoir and opened my eyes.

  “Well?” asked Brielle, tone impatient.

  “She’s coming. Will be here soon.”

  “Thank the Source,” said Imogen, standing off to one side.

  I scratched the back of my head. “She thinks this is all a trap.”

  “Who doesn’t?” asked Imogen. “But even if it is, there’s a chance we can wrest an advantage from it all the same.”

  “And imagine if you could enlist her mother and grandmother to help us,” said Brielle. “If they’re as formidable as they sound, that could make all the difference.”

  “Neveah made that sound unlikely. They’re big into letting each new generation figure things out on their own.”

  “The fate of the whole universe is literally at stake,” said Brielle. “Maybe they’ll make an exception this once.”

  “Maybe.” I pinched the bridge of my nose. “But I think I’m going to get some sleep before Neveah gets here. It feels like we camped in Argos a week ago.”

  “Agreed,” said Imogen, covering her yawn. “I might join you.”

  “And I,” said Brielle. “But first, I’m going to wash.”

  I stared down at my grimy sweat-and-blood-covered clothing. “Good idea.”

  “But that’s all,” said Brielle, raising a warning finger. “Don’t get any ideas in your head.”