Alamir: Blood of Kaos Series - Book One

by Nesa Miller

  Inferno slammed into the stone wall and fell to his knees. Scrambling to his feet, he spun a web of fire. “Rhyddhau tanau (Fires release).”

  As soon as it left his hand, the fire web changed from brilliant reds and yellows to icy whites and blues, falling to the floor in tinkling shards. Inferno turned his glare on his wife.

  Etain, now back in control of herself, placed her hands on Dar's face, bringing his attention to her.

  At the same time, Spirit marched over to her husband, ice in her eyes. “Keep your fires to yourself, boyo.” She stood between her husband and the demon. “Have you not heard a word been said? Do you not see they share a connection?” She surveyed the damage. “Me house can’t take your oversized egos, and neither can I. Or shall I weave an icy prison for you to cool off in?”

  Faux laughed. “You’re all pathetic. How any of you became Alamir is beyond me.” She headed for the door. “Anyone for a beer?”

  Etain held Dar's gaze. “You must rest.” Seeing her back to herself, his wings retracted and the demon eyes returned to blue. He slumped against her. She grunted from the sudden weight, but held him up long enough to get him situated on the sofa.

  Faux returned with a fresh round. With everyone in apparent agreement, each grabbed a tankard, scrutinized one another, and drank.

  Running fingers through her hair, Etain spoke first. “I’m sorry, Spirit. I don’t know where that came from. It’s never happened before.”

  Inferno took a seat, still out of sorts. “Someone's been tampering with yer blood again.” He shot a steely-eyed glare at Dar. “Can ya not find someone else to curse with yer taint?”

  Etain was ready with a retort, but Dar held up a hand. “I can speak for myself, milady.” He turned to Inferno. “I did what was necessary.”

  “Necessary, ya say. By whose standards?” he said, each word drenched in sarcasm. “Like when yer sorry excuse for a Council sent her on a wild goose chase in the human realm? Or is it more like when yer sword pierced her gut all those years ago?”

  Spirit shook her head. “Goddess of us all.”

  Faux sauntered closer to the sofa, standing over Dar, evil amusement in her eyes. “Sounds like that priest missed a bit a something.” She poked him in the ribs and plopped down beside him.

  Etain, sitting on his other side, stood. “Your sword?”

  Having lost the support of her body, he slumped to his side. “Tartarus,” Dar muttered. “At this rate, these ribs will be broken for eternity.”

  The delighted Faux placed a playful hand on his thigh. “You'll be lucky if she doesn't break the ones on the other side.” Laughing, she helped him straighten.

  “Hmph, no doubt,” he agreed, struggling to catch sight of Etain.

  Standing at one of the shattered windows, she stared at the shards of glass twinkling in the sunlight, wondering at the beauty emerging from such destruction. How the sun sparkled through the jagged edges, making them appear as diamonds, never giving a hint to the danger they possessed if touched by bare skin. She reached out to the sparkling edge. Just as a fingertip neared the jagged glass, a small gnat flittered in front of her face. She batted it away, saving the defenseless finger, but the annoyance refused to be ignored.

  “Go away, little gnat.” She swatted again, just missing it. The small creature disappeared for a moment, only to return in duplicate, then a third and fourth. They continued to multiply until there was a small army of gnat-like creatures, buzzing around her head. “What the...? Spirit, you really must do something about these pests.”

  She laughed from across the room. “Take another gander at what pesters you.”

  One of the little buggers landed on Etain’s nose. Looking cross-eyed at the minute creature, she recognized it for what it truly was. “Oh.” The tiny faerie stuck out her tongue, then darted away. Their giggles sounded like glass chimes, tinkling in the wind as they flew away. Etain laughed, running a finger down her nose. “I forget how close you are to the wee folk, Spirit.”

  Meandering back to the circle, she chose to sit on the arm of Inferno's chair. She gave the Krymerian a nonchalant look. “So, it was your sword, was it?”

  Inferno and Spirit exchanged glances. Dar shifted in his seat, watching Spirit take Faux by the hand. “Come along, lass. This is one of those private moments.”

  Faux glared at her. “I don't think so. I have as much right to hear this as she does.”

  Inferno walked over to take her by the other arm, catching her tail before it could come to her rescue. The two dragged her from the sofa, forcing her to leave with them. Her protests echoed all the way down the hallway, followed by Inferno’s bellows over her squawks. “I'll tell ya the whole story in the kitchen, girl. Now, off with ya before I put ya over me knee like one of me own wee folk.”

  Her melancholy smile fading to a frown, Etain slipped into the chair recently abandoned by Inferno. “I'm waiting.”

  “I…,” Dar began, stalling for time by taking a swig from his mug. “I didn’t do it.” His attempt at humor died a quick death. “Right. Unlike what some would like to think…” He held her gaze, “I was there to help, not fight.” For an instant, she broke eye contact, but came back to him. “Aye. I heard your conversation.” He shifted, trying to get comfortable. “I was searching for those still alive, giving help where needed, saying prayers for those lost. My sword was at my side.” He took another drink, knowing all he could do was be honest and hope she believed him. “An old, abandoned building stood at the edge of the field. I cannot say what made me look there, but halfway up one side of the building I saw a body hanging. It was worth investigating, not only because of the poor soul left to die, but because the body had not been there when I arrived…after the fight.” He shifted again. “As I approached, I realized it was a woman impaled by a large sword. I checked for a pulse. It was faint, but at least she was still alive.” A sudden pain caused him to blow out a breath. “Aaah.” Hand to his side, he breathed in slowly. “Then I noticed the blade.” The vivid remembrance showed on his face. “I was horrified to see my own sword. To this day, I do not know how it left my side. I swear to you, Etain. I don't know.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Maybe you've forgotten some part of the battle. Are you sure it wasn’t in your hand?”

  “I was not involved in the battle in any way. My sword was sheathed at my side. Once I stepped onto the field, my hands were too busy moving bodies to hold a sword.”

  “Could one of those you were helping have grabbed it?”

  “No. Many were already dead. Those left alive were too weak to raise their heads, much less a sword. Even if someone could have grabbed it, they could not have thrown it with such force.”

  She sighed with an unconscious touch to her abdomen. “I remember slamming into the wall. I was sure my back was broken. The next thing I remember was waking up and seeing you.”

  He nodded. “Please tell me you believe me. I would not take an innocent life. I knew nothing of you until I saw you on that wall.”

  Her gaze locked with his for a long moment before she spoke. “I suppose it was Lady Fate who brought us together that day.” She pushed out of her seat and settled next to Dar. “We are kindred souls, bound together. Not only by blood, but by spirit.” She wrapped him in her arms and rested her head against his. “I’m glad we met, but I wish it had been under different circumstances.”

  “Aye,” Dar agreed, leaning into her. He felt light, content, and…happy.

  They enjoyed the rare moment alone, at peace in one another’s arms. After a short time, Dar’s soft snores attested to his complete submission to sleep. Etain smiled, stroking his hair, and joined him in the dream world.

  9

  Midir’s Taint

  The seething lord stormed about his castle, sparks of green light exploding around him. He, too, knew the heart and soul of Dar and, unbeknownst to his brother, knew the same of Etain.

  “I have spent too many years laying out this plan to have you ruin i
t, you selfish pig. It's not enough for you to have the demon girl. You have to take what is rightfully mine, as well? Not this time!” Midir slammed his fist into the wall. “Not this time.”

  Small objects exploded as he passed, furniture burst into flame in his presence, and servants cowered in corners. The furious lord donned the twin to Dar's black blade. Sliding on black leather gloves, he chanted the words, which would take him to Etain.

  The dark figure loomed over the sleeping couple, a smirk on his lips. “Dar, you are a fool if you think you can keep such a woman. Her warrior spirit far outweighs your abilities. You have no idea of what she is capable, and she will never learn if she stays with you.” With a light touch, he stroked her silver hair. “Stick with the dark one. She’s better suited to you. This beauty deserves more than you can ever hope to offer.” He turned her face to his, touching his lips to hers.

  Blue eyes opened. “Get away from me,” she hissed, jerking her chin from his hand.

  Midir felt a thrill run through him. “You feel it, don’t you?” he whispered. “Come with me and I will teach you how to harness it.”

  “I will not.”

  “A fire burns in your veins, Etain. A fire I placed there…not this poor excuse who sleeps in your presence. He is no match for you. I alone know what you need.”

  Her body shimmered from barely contained electrical charges. “We will not do this here.”

  Midir followed her through the main doors. Once outside the courtyard gate, Etain turned, throwing an electric current at his heart. Taken by surprise, he staggered back. She threw another. This time, his head fell forward. Encouraged, she blasted him again, hoping this one would be his undoing. His body convulsed and his head lolled on his shoulders. Etain felt the beats of her heart in her chest. She licked her lips, waiting for the man to collapse.

  Instead, he inhaled, straightening his shoulders. His head came up, eyes filled with a blue glow, a smile on his lips.

  Disarmed, she ran. Midir raised a hand, but his magic had no effect on the fleeing girl. He considered the useless appendage, baffled by its inability to subdue his target, then tried again.

  Etain ran to the estuary. Taking swift inventory of her options, she wrote off the sword left at Laugharne and dismissed the dagger in her boot, knowing it to be inadequate. She didn’t want to get close enough to make it effective. Obviously, her electric charge had no impact on him.

  “He’s so strong,” she whispered, her mind racing in its search to prevail over the sinister lord.

  Despite their difficult past, every fiber of her being knew she belonged with Dar. This stalking menace had miscalculated. There is one thing I have the power to control. As much as leaving Dar pained her, she found some comfort in knowing he wouldn’t be alone. Hopefully. Maybe. She shrugged. If not Faux, then the child. She looked behind her one last time.

  Midir screamed a command, ordering her to stop.

  “You’re wrong about the fire in my veins. It will never burn for you.”

  The warrior faced the estuary and walked into the water.

  Shaken to its core, the castle tossed its inhabitants to the floor. Spirit called out to Inferno and Faux, asking if they were all right. They could hear the hounds barking outside. Fortunately, no one from the clan was present, having duties elsewhere.

  “What in the hell was that?” Faux asked, pulling herself up.

  Inferno jumped to his feet and ran to the front of the house, Faux and Spirit close behind. Coming to what was once the lounge, they stepped into rubble, the outer walls in ruins. All eyes went to the sofa, crushed by several large stones. Spirit gasped.

  Inferno pushed her behind him. “Let me have a look.” The stones were too heavy to budge. He turned to his wife. “There’d be blood-”

  “They aren’t here.” Faux pointed toward the shore. “They went down there.”

  Water erupted into the sky, showering down like a great rain in Dar’s search for her. His powerful wings wrapped tight around his body, he dove into the murky waters, reaching out with his mind in a frantic attempt to link with Etain’s. He had her only moments ago, but now all was silent. Dashing to-and-fro, he felt something tickle his fingers. The light was dim at this depth, making it hard to see. Was it the tendrils of a plant…or hair? He latched onto it, going deeper. He touched on something solid. A drifting hand. Grabbing hold, he pulled her into his arms and surged up to the surface, landing at the water’s edge. He cradled her cold body, trying to warm her.

  “No, no, no. We had…have an understanding. Why would you do this?”

  Gently, he laid her on the sand, doing all he could to expel the water from her lungs. “Come back, Etain. Give me the chance to prove we belong together. Come back to me.” He would not give up. Even if it she had changed her mind, he still had a chance as long as she lived.

  In time, water bubbled from between her blue lips. Dar rolled her onto her side. “Cough it up. Good. Get it all out.”

  Etain pulled his head down to hers. Her voice was ragged, barely audible, but he understood.

  The blade slid along Dar’s back. “I’m here for what’s mine-”

  Midir flew through the air, his jaw bruised. He landed face down in the sand, but was quick to his feet. Sensing someone behind him, he held the hilt of his blade with both hands and blindly stabbed back. Satisfaction thrilled his blood when he felt the flesh yield to his blade. Midir turned, eager to see his brother’s face twisted in death.

  Black eyes full of hate met his gaze. Faux gave him a bloody sneer, a foot of the black blade protruding from her back. “You will not hurt him,” she seethed, grabbing hold of the blade.

  Anxious to get to his intended victim, he pushed her with his foot, pulling the blade free. “Idiot woman.” Midir looked up into the face of an enraged demon. His laugh covered his surprise. “You’re no match for me, demon or not.” He attacked. Dar deflected the move with his talons, the blade skipping across the sand. Midir screamed when his brother grabbed him by the forearm. “You won’t kill me. You can’t.”

  A stone-faced expression met his. “Watch me.” Dar retracted his deadly talons, pulled back a fist, and punched him. A series of brutal kicks to his abdomen pushed Midir to the water’s edge. “Before you die, I want to feel the crack of every bone in your body.” He kicked again. “And bask in every scream.” He jabbed a hand into his hair, closing his fist around a handful, and lifted his head. “You took my first family. You will not take this one.” Two quick jabs shattered his nose.

  Dragged across the sand, Midir gulped for air just as Dar shoved his head into the water. He sputtered and flailed, fighting against the strong hand holding him under, but his mind separated from the threat of death. Never had he experienced such rage from his brother. He had witnessed his brutality directed at another, but never toward him. Had he finally pushed Dar over the edge? Did Dar have the capacity to kill him? Midir laughed at the thought. If he was so determined, he must have found a way. So be it. But it was Dar’s life on the line not his.

  Suddenly, he was on his back, spitting water, gasping for air. Another punch to the face snapped his head to the side.

  Dar ground a boot into his chest. “This ends here…today.” His talons snapped out.

  Midir heard a moan. Turning his head, he saw by the look in Dar’s eyes that he heard it too. He drew in a ragged breath, watching his brother turn and go to the dark-haired girl.

  Swiping a forearm over his face, Midir spit blood onto the sand. How dare he lay her next to Lady Etain. No one could be her equal. To him, it was further proof that Dar didn’t deserve her.

  Taking advantage of Dar’s distraction, Midir reached for the dagger in his belt, seeing the two women disappear. Always the boy scout. He lurched forward, driving the blade deep into Dar, scraping the edge of a rib. Dar yelled out, arching his back, and staggered forward.

  “I don’t know how you did it, but if you’re willing to kill me, it means we’re finally free of each other.” He
circled around, swinging a strong left into his brother’s jaw, slashing with the dagger. “You’ve always called me your curse.” The light did his best to avoid the relentless stabs from the dark. “When, in fact, the real curse is that you’re too weak to do what needs doing. I did you a favor when I finished them off. You wouldn’t have lasted a month as king.”

  Despite Dar’s efforts, the blade hit its mark several more times. He collapsed onto the mud, chest heaving. Midir towered over his fallen brother. “Our father was blind when it came to you. In the end, I made him see. He learned the error of his ways...before I cut out his eyes.”

  Dar lashed out. Midir felt a sudden warmth bloom over his lower body. His gaze dropped to the bloodied hands of his brother.

  “You should learn to keep your mouth shut,” Dar growled, flat on his back.

  Midir fell to his knees, holding his gut. “I won’t die so easily.”

  Dar rolled onto his side and grabbed him by the neck, cutting off his breath. “Neither will I.”

  Midir summoned what little strength he had left and dragged his blade across Dar’s chest, deep enough for his brother to loosen his grip on his throat. He coughed, gasping for air. “Next time, you won’t be so lucky.” On hands and knees, Midir croaked a chant, then crawled through an open portal.

  Footsteps crunched on the sand.

  “Come to finish me off?” Dar opened his eyes, meeting Inferno’s gaze.

  “Temptin’. Wouldn’t be hard to do.”

  “Are they safe?” He winced, taking in a breath.

  “Aye. We got them to the house. Etain walked on her own. Spirit’s seeing to the other.”

  A faint smile on his lips, Dar nodded. That’s my lady. His gaze returned to Inferno. “You think all I do is bring her pain.”

  “Don’t need to think. That show was proof enough.”