“We do not intend to start a war with demons,” the Grey God said. “Do not concern yourself.”
“What does it mean, though?”
“When evil is destroyed, the light must pay, too.”
“But we will not be destroying demons, will we?” she asked Bane.
“No.”
She gazed after the demon gods again, her expression perplexed. “Then why would they say such a thing?”
“I think they assume you would not wish to rule a dark domain, and will therefore try to rid it of demons, a difficult and dangerous endeavour that may very well start a war. But they are wrong.”
Kayos went over to her and clasped her shoulder. “Go and close the realm gate, child.”
“Yes, Father.”
“Before you do, you must welcome Bane to your realm.”
She cast the Demon Lord a puzzled glance. “He knows he is welcome here, surely?”
“But the Oracle does not. Now that the world gate is closed, when the realm gate closes the inner wards will be reactivated.”
“Oh, of course.” She smiled at Bane. “I welcome you to the light realm, My Lord. You may return whenever you wish.”
Bane inclined his head with a smile, making her blush. As the young goddess vanished along the path into the cloud gardens, Kayos approached him.
“Do you think the demon gods are really gone?”
“I doubt it,” Bane said. “I am sure they found lying to us amusing, as they did telling Sherinias what they did. Where is that quote from?”
“The Book of Edict, in which Ordur set down all the universe’s teachings. He used them to tame the chaos and help to form the God Realm. All Grey Gods are privy to them.”
“And demon gods, too, apparently.”
Kayos nodded. “Many gods, especially the ancient ones, have read the book. Ordur felt it would be beneficial for younger gods to share the knowledge of how the universe works, to prevent its destruction.”
“How does one read this book?”
“You have to travel to the Oracle of the Ages and request it.”
Bane raised a brow. “What is that?”
“It is the Oracle Ordur used to create the first domain, long since destroyed, except for one city built around the Oracle’s edifice.”
“Where is it?”
“It is Airedene, the City of Angels, in the heart of the God Realm.”
“Why are they called Oracles?” Bane enquired. “They do not prophesy. They merely store the history of all the domains they have ever been used to create.”
“But, since history has a way of repeating itself, often their wisdom is prophetic. If only every light god followed an Oracle’s advice, many catastrophes could be avoided, like this one.”
“So you also do not believe the demon gods have left.”
“A domain with so much potential for mayhem and amusement? Not likely. At least closing the gates has stopped them following you around, in the light realm, at any rate.”
Bane gazed into the cloud gardens. “They cannot hide from me completely. I perceived them when they arrived, even though they did not wish to be seen.”
“They could be a threat to us if they could become invisible. They are, in essence, nothing more than extremely powerful demons, with similar limitations and powers, although they are not limited to one element and possess most of a god’s powers.” Kayos set off along the path towards the gazebo, and Bane fell into step beside him, Drevarin following.
“I think it is time for you to create the wards,” the Grey God said. “Much as I am loath to leave Sherinias, we must be on our way.”
Drevarin said, “Perhaps the demon gods intend to start a war, and that is why he quoted from the Book of Edict. Without leadership, demons will not band together unless their existence is threatened.”
“But demons hate their gods, so it is debateable that they will follow them.”
“Unless the demon gods reveal themselves to the people, thereby inciting them to build ships and hunt demons,” Bane remarked.
“If the humans go to war with demons, they will be annihilated.”
They entered the gazebo and flopped down on their couches.
Kayos summoned a goblet of ambrosia and sipped it. “Sherinias will be safe. Demons and even demon gods are no threat to her, but it will be too dangerous for you to become involved, Bane. If Nomard and Dramon start a war, these people must fight it alone.”
“I did not think light gods approved of war. Are you not supposed to be all about love and life?”
“All wars, by their very definition, are evil. They are started by greed, envy or hatred. A light god can only tell his people how to save themselves from evil, he can never stand upon a mountaintop and declare war, but sometimes it is inevitable when evil seeks to gain power.”
“If I do not create the final three wards, the demons will not go to war,” Bane pointed out.
“No, but they will rule this world and torment its people. Either way, this domain will fall.”
“So, we are damned if we do and damned if we do not.”
“That is often the way of things,” Kayos agreed.
Bane summoned a cup of ambrosia to sip while he pondered this, and a few moments later a smiling Sherinias entered the gazebo, her eyes sparkling.
“The realm gate is closed, Father,” she announced. “We are safe.”
Kayos inclined his head. “That is good, although we were safe before.”
She cast Bane a shy glance. “Of course, yet I feel better.” She noted their grim expressions, and her smile faded. “What has happened?”
Bane frowned into his cup, unable to meet her eyes. Kayos harrumphed and gazed into the gardens. Drevarin bowed his head.
“Father?” she asked.
“It is nothing for you to be concerned about, child.”
“Then why do you all look so unhappy?”
Bane dismissed his goblet and jumped up to stride into the cloud gardens. He did not want to listen to Kayos explain the situation to her. Thanks to the two demon gods who had wandered so casually into her domain, she would probably be forced to witness a war in which most of her people would die, and if they lost it, her domain would fall even further into darkness. He had saved her from four dark gods only to have demons ruin his triumph. As was usually the case when he was troubled, he longed for Mirra’s company, and Moved to Miraculous’ mess hall. His wife rose from the table where she sat with Mithran and Grem and came to embrace him. He held her close and bowed his head to kiss her hair, then led her over to a cloud couch and sank onto it, drawing her down beside him.
She gazed at him with worried eyes. “What is wrong? What were those things?”
He sighed. “Demon gods. Do not worry,” he added at her horrified look, “they are not as bad as they sound. Mostly they are jokers and tricksters in search of sport, but they are almost impossible to destroy. I know of no way. Kayos and Drevarin are afraid they will foment a war between humans and demons.”
“How can they be stopped?”
Bane leant back, shaking his head. “I do not think they can. Kayos wants to leave as soon as the wards are set.”
“We cannot leave these poor people at the mercy of demons and their gods.”
He smiled. “How do you propose we prevent it?”
“If they are just jokers in search of amusement, why not talk to them?”
“And tell them what?”
“I do not know. Offer them a bargain, perhaps. If they seek excitement, why not offer them better sport elsewhere?”
Bane was surprised by her idea, which did indeed have merit. “I wonder if they would consider partaking in the rescue of a goddess fun?”
“Are they not dark gods?”
“No, oddly enough, they are considered neutral, with evil tendencies. They do not destroy domains or kill light gods, or even enslave them. They are merely wanderers who enjoy making trouble. They would prove an excellent distraction when I res
cue Ashynaria, if they agree.”
“Then you should ask them.”
Bane nodded. “It would serve a double purpose, getting them out of this domain and helping to save Ashynaria. Since I am a dark god, they might agree.”
“What has your being a dark god have to do with it?”
“Well, I doubt they would become allies with light gods. They consider them to be boring, while I can offer them adventure.”
She smiled, a little uncertainly. “You are not a dark god, though.”
“I give a mighty fine impression of one. A true dark god would consider them nothing more than a nuisance, and never offer them an alliance. It is worth the attempt.” He drew her close and kissed her brow. “I am glad I have such a clever wife.”
Mirra clasped his face and gazed into his eyes. “You have your power?”
He nodded. “I Gathered it to convince Dramon and Nomard to stop chasing me, although it did not work. Sherinias had to close the gates.”
She leant closer and kissed him on the lips, her smile sad when she drew back. “You are supposed to be resting from it. After you speak to them, you must cast it out again.”
“I shall.”
She hesitated. “May I come with you?”
He eyed her, dubious. “I do not think you will enjoy it. This is a dark domain.”
“What does that mean? I have seen it in your Eye, and it does not look bad. Not like Drayshina’s.”
“Drayshina’s world was being destroyed by a dark god. This one is being destroyed by its people. They are corrupt, devious and depraved.”
“Is it dangerous?” she asked.
“No. Nothing can harm you while you are with me.”
“Then I would like to come.”
He hesitated. “I will probably have to tell a few lies.”
“That is all right. You will not be lying to me.”
“No, but just be careful what you believe. I am quite good at it.”
“I shall take everything you say to them with a pinch of salt.”
He smiled. “All right then. Dramon and Nomard said they were going to seek an alehouse.”
Chapter Thirteen
Demon Deal
Bane waved an Eye into being and sought the demon gods in it. The image that formed was of the interior of a drinking establishment like none he had ever seen before. Lights sparkled against a gloomy backdrop crowded with people, most drinking bright liquids, some swaying and groping on a floor covered with glowing multi-coloured squares. Near-naked dancers twined around silver poles or performed provocative contortions in golden cages, topless women sat in men’s laps and nude men performed lewd acts for avid women. Bane was sure most of the patrons were demons and droges, and it certainly did not look like the sort of place Mirra would enjoy. Dramon and Nomard sat at a table in the foreground, ale tankards in hand, their appearance changed to that of ordinary men with identical broad, pugnacious faces, clad in shiny black suits and a surfeit of glittering gold accoutrements in the form of neck chains, rings and earrings. They looked up, sensing his Eye, and one waved, while the other raised his tankard.
Bane snorted. “They are as fond of garish finery as demons.”
Mirra’s cheeks grew a little pink as she studied the scene, but her expression remained determined.
“Are you sure you want to go?” he enquired.
“Yes. I am no simpering maiden, and I have seen such lewd acts before, remember?”
“Then you had no choice; now you do.”
“I will come.”
Bane dismissed the Eye and rose, drawing her up beside him. “We will have to blend in, so I shall provide an illusion for you, too. It will sicken you a little.”
“All right, as long as you do not make me look like one of those dancers.”
He grinned. “Now there is a thought.”
She smacked him, and he stepped back, chuckling.
Bane spread his hands towards her and gestured, murmuring a command to the shadows that trickled from his fingertips. Mirra shivered and gulped as a gleaming black gown with a sequined halter top clothed her. Her hair reformed into an up-swept style with curly bangs framing her face, and a diamond-studded choker replaced her healer’s necklet and the golden rune pendant.
He smiled, his eyes roaming over her. “Beautiful. I should do this more often.”
She glanced down at herself. “Oh, am I plain otherwise?”
“No.”
“But you like me better like this?”
“Who would not?”
She tilted her head. “Healers consider it imprudent to attract the unwelcome attention of strange men, especially one who is married.”
“When we are alone, then.”
“I would prefer that you like me the way I am, not dressed up in fancy clothes.”
Bane nodded. “I do, of course.”
“That is not what you just said.”
“What is the harm in thinking you are beautiful when you wear a lovely dress?”
“Because it implies that I am not when I do not,” she said.
“That is not what I meant.”
“Then what did you mean?”
Mithran came to Bane’s side and clasped his shoulder. “Son, quit while you’re ahead, you’re not going to win this argument.”
Mirra turned to him. “So you agree with him?”
“May I not compliment my wife?” Bane asked.
She faced him again. “Certainly, when I am myself.”
“You are still yourself.”
“Bane…” Mithran shook his head. “You’re digging a deeper hole, lad.”
“I did not think healers were concerned with what they look like,” Bane said.
“We are not,” she replied.
“Then why does what I think trouble you?”
“You are my husband.”
“You wore a pretty dress on our wedding day.”
“That was a wedding gown.”
“But its purpose was to make you more beautiful, not so?”
She huffed. “It was a special occasion.”
“So is this.”
“We are just going to an alehouse. I hardly think it qualifies.”
“All the other women will be wearing pretty clothes. Do you want to be the only one in a plain white dress?”
“No. That is not the point.”
Bane threw up his hands. “Fine, I should not have said you were beautiful wearing it. You are always beautiful.”
“But more so in a gown like this?”
Mithran said, “Let’s call it a draw, shall we?”
“It is not a competition,” she stated.
Bane stepped closer to his petite wife. “When we get back, a spanking will be in order, I think, for arguing with your husband.”
She raised her chin. “You and what army?”
“Perhaps I shall employ the services of Nomard and Dramon.”
She giggled, casting a bright-eyed glance at Mithran, who eyed her, then Bane, and asked, “You two aren’t serious, are you?”
Bane clapped his father on the shoulder with a white-toothed grin. “Had you going there, did we?”
Mithran sighed and shook his head. “I should have known.”
“Yes, you should. When have you ever known Mirra and me to argue?”
“There’s a first time for everything.”
“Over a dress?”
Mirra feigned a pout. “You think me so petty, Mithran?”
“It sounded serious.”
“It would not have worked if we had been laughing.”
Mithran smiled. “I guess so.”
Bane turned to Mirra and scooped her up, making her squeak in surprise. “When we get back, I still think a spanking is in order.”
“I shall see to it that you get one, then,” she retorted.
Bane laughed and Moved to a busy street outside an establishment with a bright, blinking sign above its door. Flying vehicles hummed overhead and strangely-dress
ed people hurried past in the illumination of numerous street lamps and the sparkling façades of light-covered buildings. Mirra clutched her stomach when he placed her on her feet, gulping, and he supported her with a hand on her elbow, leaning close to murmur, “Sorry.”
Mirra shook her head and straightened, gazing around in fascination. Bane clothed himself in an illusion of a smart black suit over a white silk shirt and a sleek grey cravat with a diamond pin. He made his hair short and his brows level, and gave himself a healthy tan.
She glanced up at him with a smile. “I prefer the real you.”
“I still prefer you in a pretty dress.”
“You should have wed a princess then.”
He snorted and rolled his eyes. “Let us go and meet these jokers before I spank you right here.”
“That might cause a stir.”
“Probably not as much as you might think.”
Bane led her through a silver-studded black door into the dim interior with flashing lights he had viewed in the Eye. Patrons packed it, but stepped aside at his approach, sensing his power. As he had suspected, many were droges, with a smattering of demons, and the humans had souls as corrupt at their dead fellows. The demons eyed him warily and retreated, but the droges seemed unafraid. Clearly they were used to the company of dark gods, so Tolrar, Scryon and Jerriss had spent a lot of time socialising. The number of droges indicated that the three former rulers had been generous in their rewards, most likely so the damned could provide them with the type of vile entertainment they enjoyed and corrupt more humans. The droges had to be souls that had been condemned before Pretarin had fallen, since tainted and even corrupt spirits were now able to fly to the White City.
Throbbing music blared at a deafening volume, making Mirra wince and plug her ears. Pungent smoke mingled with the stench of musky perfume and old sweat. Bane took her hand and made his way to the table where Nomard and Dramon sat in an area surrounded by staggered sound barriers, reducing the music’s volume. The demon gods looked up at his approach and grinned, leant back in their chairs and swapped a glance. Bane settled in the soft black velvet-covered chair opposite, and Mirra took the seat beside him.
“So,” the man Bane assumed was Nomard said, “to what do we owe the honour of a visit from the local dark god, ruler of this domain?”
Demon Lord VII - Dark Domain Page 20