Dark Promise

by Patti Larsen

  He didn't comment, urgency burning me even through the weak link. I contacted the Happerns, he sent.

  The who?

  The girl's family, Syd. Keep up. We don't have much time.

  Smartass cat. Okay, go.

  The mother, Taleesharete, is a demon, he sent, confirming what I'd guessed. Had her effigy smashed, was trapped on our plane. Married a human and had two kids.

  With power, I presume. Had to be or Ameline wouldn't have been interested.

  Exactly, he sent. Human faces, but half demon souls. Like you.

  Wonderful. The brother?

  Todd was stripped, Syd, Sass sent. Talee is beside herself, but can't help him. Ameline stole his power so she could disguise herself as a demon.

  Well, he's not giving her an easy time, I sent. Showed him a flash of the dream I'd just had.

  That must be what's holding her back, Sass sent, sounding relieved. But there's more. Much more. And it makes things complicated.

  Okay. I just loved complicated. Story of my life.

  Turns out Talee was a Node monitor once upon a time.

  Of course she was. Sigh.

  Is that how Ameline found out about the Node?

  We have no idea, he sent. She must have dug up the information somewhere. It's not exactly a secret, but also not something we talk about. Some old text maybe.

  I immediately thought of my Sidhe Gatekeeper friend, Liam, with panic gripping my heart. The Sidhe archive he guarded along with the Gate was an enchanted library where every single book ever written was stored through magical means. If Ameline somehow accessed the archive, Liam could be hurt. Or worse. Then we'd be in even more trouble.

  I already checked in with Galleytrot, Sass sent. Liam is fine. So it's unlikely Ameline found her information there.

  Big exhale. Did Talee tell the kids where the Node is? Why would Ameline take Tara?

  Not exactly, Sass sent, his connection wavering so badly for a moment I feared I'd lose him before returning. Sorry, Father is trying to boost the signal. At any rate, because Talee was a Node monitor, she carries the residual signature of it in her body.

  Did she transfer that to her kids?

  Bingo. Ameline must have stripped Todd thinking he had the most of it being the oldest. But Talee said that wasn't the case. The residue passes better between same genders.

  Tara. No wonder Ameline dragged her along. And since Todd was already fighting her, Ameline's power hungry nature wouldn't let her give him up, she just took the girl along.

  That's Talee's guess and mine, Sass sent. How is she?

  Awake, I sent, but still scared. Would Ameline have discovered the location of the Node and given Tara up for that reason? Panic pounded spikes of anxiety into my body, driving me to my feet, to action. What action? Not a clue. But I felt the need to do something.

  I doubt it, he sent. If she was there already, Demonicon wouldn't be.

  Right. Phew. Deep breath, Syd.

  Any idea why Ameline wants the Node power in the first place? She has Todd's magic. If she can figure out how to dump his spirit, she has what she needs.

  Dad has a theory about that, Sass sent. The stolen magic isn't doing her any good. But the power of the Node... Syd, it's the central core of all Demonicon. Literally, the soul of the planes.

  Okay. That was freaky. She's trying to steal the soul of the planes? Is that even possible? Why?

  She can't just use magic she's stolen to become maji, he sent. We think she's trying to become a demon, not just take on the appearance of one.

  Triple-take.

  That's insane. Ameline had been stealing magic all along. I knew it wasn’t working out that well for her. And it did make total sense she needed a soul to make it happen. Her attempt to steal my vampire from me had proven as much. My big advantage seemed to be the souls I carried came to me willingly, or I was born to them, something Ameline didn’t seem capable of understanding.

  But, if she succeeded, if she figured out a way to make it work after all, she'd be one step closer to maji.

  No argument here, Sass sent. And while we demons have been known to suffer from short-sightedness when it comes to our own needs, the sarcasm in his mental voice made me grin, there are those of us who understand how important it is to keep Ameline from becoming maji. We’re all at risk from the sorcerers, and even more from her if she achieves her goals.

  Code for Dad was on my side. Awesome. Relief like a cold shower washed over me. But we've beaten her. I found myself grinning at Tara who offered a little smile in return, thumb back in her mouth. Without the girl, she's screwed. And from the pressure Todd's essence is putting on her, Ameline won't be able to control him much longer. Her lack of a demon soul makes it impossible for her to integrate his magic.

  Don't get cocky. Sass's mental voice cracked like a whip no matter the weakness of the connection. The boy might not have enough residue in him to lead Ameline right to the Node, but if she gets close enough he does contain what she needs to pinpoint the location.

  Lovely. So it's a goose chase all over again, I sent. I need your father to tell me where it is, Sass.

  He won't, Syd, my demon Persian sent. I've been on him about it, too. He refuses. But maybe the two of us can force his hand. It's the best I can offer.

  While I appreciated Theridialis's loyalty to the Node monitors, it seemed a bit ridiculous under the circumstances. Okay, I sent. Get your furry butt to Nunaresh. In the meantime, I'm going to trust Ahbi's geas to keep tracking Ameline.

  I'll be in touch.

  Hang on. I grasped his power in mine before he could leave me. Have you seen Meira?

  She's in Ostrogotho with your father. Sass sounded suddenly worried. Why?

  She's been drinking nectar, Sass, I sent, letting him feel my memory of my sister through our link. Not the nice kind. If there was a nice kind. And from what I felt, she's nowhere near Ostrogotho.

  His cursing faded in and out as his temper rattled his focus. I'll have someone look into it.

  In the meantime, I sent, if you can tell Dad to drop the block on the veil, things would be much easier.

  Sass didn't say anything, our connection abruptly cut off. I briefly considered reaching for Dad myself, but finally shook my head and dropped the idea. I had my job to do and he had his.

  I just hoped we both knew what we were doing well enough not to bring the whole house down.

  ***

  Chapter Twenty Six

  Bakari's watchful eyes met mine as I entered the lounge where Tara sat next to Avenesequoia and approached him.

  “I need to talk to my grandfather.” Not Leader. No nonsense. My intention to make an impression either did the job or not, but Bakari nodded regardless.

  “I'll see to it,” he said. “About the girl, I presume?”

  I wasn't sure if he was referring to Ameline or Tara, but I nodded anyway.

  “I have more information he needs,” I said. “Some of it might change his mind about his present course of action.”

  Bakari didn't respond, instead spinning and leaving the room in his long, fluid stride, flowing black hair a rippling rope dangling to his ankles. My demon rumbled happily as she watched him go, while I sighed and rolled my eyes.

  What was it with my magical parts? The moment I found myself in danger, they went all one-track mind on me.

  I beg your pardon, my vampire sent while Shaylee huffed and my demon chuckled.

  Honestly.

  I was just sitting down next to Avenesequoia when Bakari returned, but not alone. Henemordonin strode before him, my grandfather's charisma preceding him.

  “That didn't take long,” I said, irritation rising. He'd been following me, had he?

  “We simply chose the same safe house in a time of need,” my grandfather said. “I'm pleased to see you again so soon.”

  “You might not be when you hear what I have to say.” I filled him in quickly on the situation, everything Sassafras uncovered and, from the growing conce
rn on Henemordonin's face, I'd finally gotten through to him.

  His amber eyes settled on Tara as he spoke in a hushed voice to match my own quiet but urgent tone. “There are things in motion I am unable to stop at this point, Sydlynhamitra.” He shook his head, meeting my gaze, looking more like Dad with worry creasing his face. “The rebellion can't be stopped.”

  “To hell with the rebellion,” I said. “I need help with this now.” I did, too. Chasing Ameline around on my own was getting me nowhere—or captured, chased, kidnapped at least. And always one step behind her. Having my grandfather's support and firepower behind me could make moving around a little easier.

  Then again, now that he'd set off the rebellion, getting around at all could become a problem.

  “You can't pull back a little?” I chewed my lower lip as I thought of how Dad would react to an open rebellion. He'd have no choice but to dispense Guards to Nunaresh, independent or not. And that would mean the city would be on lockdown. Something I couldn't have.

  Henemordonin looked skeptical, but he sighed and shrugged, slumping just a fraction. How much weight was he carrying on his broad shoulders? For the briefest moment, he looked old, at least for a demon, before he chuckled and nodded.

  “For my brave and uncompromising granddaughter,” he said, “I'll do what I can.”

  “You do realize,” Avenesequoia spoke up, telling me we hadn't been as circumspect as we'd intended, “this civil war will do its own part to unbalance the Node?” Though delicate in appearance, there was nothing soft in her voice. “The expenditure of power, fighting the old way, draining and turning on demon battle frenzy again... this was our problem in the first place, Leader.”

  He scowled at her. “I thought you were on the side of right.”

  “I am.” Such fierceness from such a tiny demon. I wouldn't have wanted to face her in a dark alley. “I believe all demons must be equal. But if arriving there means devolving into barbarism to achieve equality, I'm afraid I've sorely misjudged your intentions, Henemordonin.”

  I caught a quiver of movement out of the corner of my eye, watched as Bakari eased silently forward, face grim but body relaxed. My jaw clenched as I threw up a wall of magic to block him. He turned to meet my eyes, a warning in them, but I ignored it.

  “Touch her for expressing her opinion,” I said, “and I'll toss you over the balcony and see how many levels you drop before you finally hit something.”

  Henemordonin waved Bakari off, the bodyguard standing down immediately. “I never wanted this,” he grumbled as he began to pace the room. “If Ahbi had only listened to reason. Yet I believe she was listening, near her end.” I caught Ram's little smile and short shake of his head. Yeah, I didn't believe that particular lie either. My grandfather spun back on me, hands clasped behind his back, looking every inch a statesman. “I'll do what I can to still the tide of the movement,” he said, “but you must know, such an effort could well fail. Now the demons who have long sought freedom have been told to act, it won't be easy to rein them in.”

  “If anyone can, it's you, Leader.” Sequoia met my eyes. “But we must leave Nunaresh immediately.”

  “There will be Guards coming.” I turned to Bakari. “We need a transport. Something fast.”

  His eyes flickered to my grandfather before he nodded and left the room. That was irritating. Instead of taking it out on Henemordonin, I instead called on Sassafras.

  He touched my mind immediately, much closer this time. Syd.

  I need to reach Dad, I sent. Right now.

  Sass didn't argue, simply let me inside his mind. Using his power as a boost and a shield for my own, I reached out for Dad.

  It took a moment, but when he responded, his voice came through loud and clear, all the power of Demonicon boosting his range against the block on the veil.

  Sassafras? What is it?

  Dad. I let him feel me then, absorbed his shock.

  Syd. His mind hugged me even as I felt him moving, had the vision of a crowded room full of screaming demons cut off abruptly as he closed a door. Are you all right? We've been looking everywhere for you.

  Didn't you talk to Sass? More frustration.

  I did, he sent. You think Ameline is trying to steal Node power?

  I'm positive. I filled him in quickly before showing him who I was with. Dad gasped softly in my head. I need you to talk to your father, I sent. He's set this damned rebellion in motion, but I know if you offer him something he'll back off, Dad.

  Hesitation told me what I needed to know. Syd, his mental voice groaned, I can't. Not yet. I'm barely holding on as it is. His concern for me cracked, opening his mind to me, showing me how much pressure he was under—his power being pushed and pulled in a million directions as the demons he called family fought for position and his magic. It's all I can do to keep the peace here. But if Father has started the rebellion... Dad groaned. Syd, this is a disaster.

  You think? I scowled at my grandfather who watched with calm. He had to know I was talking to Dad. Just do what you can to keep things together. I'll deal with Ameline.

  I know you will. He hugged me again. I wish things were different. I would give anything to have your grandmother back, no matter how I hated her at times, Syd.

  Tell me about it. I squeezed him as hard as I could. Listen, just on the off-chance it's your doing, can you pull your block on the veil?

  I'm afraid it's not me, he sent, grim and dark. I've been investigating myself. But I'm under so much attention, it's been difficult to find the source.

  I remembered the stone in Ameline's hand, the one from my dream. Could it be Ameline? I sent him an image of the black teardrop. I think she has some kind of crystal she's using.

  Sorcery doesn't work on Demonicon, Dad sent in a mutter as he focused on what I was showing him. It has to be something else... Silence. And then he cursed so long and so loud I wished I could plug my mental ears without risking losing the connection. I have something to look into, he finally snarled. I'll be in touch.

  Dad, I sent. What?

  Stay safe, he sent. And cut me off.

  Hello? Information was helpful. Swearing and dumping me was not.

  I let him go, hugging Sass in thanks. Did you get that?

  I did. He sounded bemused and more than a little pissed off. I wish I could tell you what that was about.

  No worries, I sent, still staring at Henemordonin. It's time we pull this thing together. Don't come to Nunaresh.

  But... where then?

  I showed him the image of the cave under the waterfall. Know it?

  Do I, he sent. I made it. Smartass cat. See you there—how soon?

  As soon as possible. I smiled sweetly at my grandfather who narrowed his eyes. I'll be bringing a special guest.

  Sass let that go when he released me as I crossed the room and continued to smile up at Henemordonin.

  “You want to help?” I jerked my thumb over my shoulder toward the exit as Bakari returned. “Come for a ride.”

  ***

  Chapter Twenty Seven

  I was sure he'd say no. After all, his little rebellion seemed to be the only thing my grandfather really wanted to worry about. But when he nodded quickly to his bodyguard before meeting my gaze again, Henemordonin surprised me.

  “I'm willing to talk to my son,” he said. “But the first order of business is the safety of Demonicon.”

  Wow, that was a quick one-eighty. “Nice to hear you're being sensible,” I said. “Which I find incredibly untrustworthy.”

  My grandfather laughed, a deep, echoing belly laugh that brought tears to his eyes.

  “Oh, the Ruler you will make someday,” he said.

  “Only there will be no Ruler if you have your way,” I shot back. “Enough of the fuzzy wuzzy compliments. Time to go.”

  I didn't bother to wait for his reaction, instead spinning to Ram. “We're heading for your hiding spot,” I said. Ram nodded quickly, though his glance over my shoulder at Henemordonin told
me my grandfather wasn't so happy being ordered around.

  General Sydlynn Didn't Give A Crap.

  Move it, soldier.

  While Avenesequoia still wrangled Tara with care and grace, we all left the safe house, climbing an outer set of stairs to a large platform on the roof. I gulped back my fear of heights as I slid along the edge of the waiting transport, keeping my eyes from the empty edge of the launch pad though I was certain shields protected us from falling.

  Sure they did. I'd heard that before.

  A small group of rebels waited next to the hull, but I waved them off before turning on my grandfather. “Not invited,” I said.

  “And I refuse to go anywhere without an escort.” He pointed up, drawing my eye and only then did I notice the three ships floating above us. “For all I know, this is some kind of trap, Sydlynhamitra. While I trust you,” sure he did, about as far as he could throw me, which, I supposed, was pretty far considering his size, “your father and the rest of the royal family is another matter entirely.”

  “Whatever,” I said. “If you want to draw attention to us, go for it. But if the Guard ships heading this way notice four transports traveling together they’re going to wonder who warrants so much attention.”

  I hopped the edge of the hull and settled into a chair forming as I began to sit. Loved that about demon magic tech. The curve of the seat fit me perfectly. I'm sure no one missed the fact I was in the front of the transport, next to Ram at the controls. I could almost feel Bakari breathing down the back of my neck. Let him. I was running this particular show.

  The shields snapped into place as Ram expertly guided the vessel into the air. He glanced sideways at me, mind reaching for mine.

  You're sure this is a good idea?

  You have a better one? I shook my head. I'm tired of following Ameline around. If Sassy's dad can tell me where the Node is before she can track it down, it will be worth the side trip. And maybe this little diplomatic meeting can head off the worst of the rebellion.

  I had a brief flash of worry the geas wouldn't allow me to backtrack after being so close to Ameline, but either the hold of it was weakening or my grandmother's spirit understood I was trying to fulfill the promise she'd forced me into.