Prince of Demons

by Mickey Zucker Reichert

  “Thank you.” Ra-khir’s unmistakable tenor reached Kevral, more pleasant music than Darris ever crafted.

  Kevral’s heart pounded wildly. She stared at the dark hallway outside her cage, following the single set of approaching bootfalls as it drew nearer. Ra-khir emerged from the shadows. Worry creased features otherwise chiseled to sweet perfection. Her gaze traveled over every part: the loving green eyes beneath gently arched brows, the square chin, the well-muscled body sculpted from years of heavy labor with sword and pike. Tears stung her eyes. She made no attempt to speak, knowing such was momentarily impossible. She waited, breath gone still.

  Ra-khir suffered none of Kevral’s malady. “Kevral,” he said, strong hands reaching for her through the bars.

  Kevral hurled herself against the door between them. The chains yanked cruelly at wrists and ankles; she could not return his embrace. Ra-khir seemed not to notice. He wrapped his arms around her, oblivious to the solid columns of metal he clutched as well. He held her in silence, his relentless grip speaking the volumes his mouth did not. Words could never express the intensity of the love his touch embodied.

  Time ground past while Ra-khir clutched and Kevral sobbed against his ample chest. Then, with obvious reluctance, Ra-khir let go. He opened his hands to reveal the keys, fingers shaking as he placed one into the lock. Even as he turned it, tumblers dropping into proper position, Kevral recalled the pulley system that would drag her unceremoniously across stone and pinion her against the wall. Rushing into place, she managed to avoid pain and humiliation as the door rattled open. Mior dashed from her path, her run stiff-legged.

  Clearly startled by Kevral’s dash across the cell, Ra-khir stood slack-mouthed in the entrance. His gaze tracked the chains to the ceiling.

  “Close the door,” Kevral instructed, trapped against the wall.

  Ra-khir obeyed swiftly, metal slamming into place. The tension dropped from the shackles, and Kevral hurled herself back into Ra-khir’s warm grip. Again, they embraced, this time adding a passionate kiss of welcome that left Kevral dizzy and weak-kneed. This time, she pulled away, seeking words to explain the many details Ra-khir needed to know. She managed only three before they failed her again. “You’re a father.”

  “I know.” Ra-khir flipped through the key ring as he studied manacles and shackles. “I had to barter the prince’s baby for them.” He selected the only key small enough to fit the locks. “And your vengeance for your freedom.” He finally met her gaze. “I’m sorry. I need your vow against violence before I can free you.”

  Anger flared, then sputtered like a wet match. Later, Kevral knew, she would despise the promise. For now, she could not weather the desperate situation her belligerence would create for those she loved. The freedom of self and sons seemed worth the price. “I promise I won’t disembowel the worthless bastard or his damned guards.”

  Ra-khir cracked a smile. “That’s not exactly the wording I was hoping for.” He did not press for more, however. It was the best he could expect from a chained Renshai. One by one, the shackles fell from her wrists, revealing chafed and filthy skin.

  Kevral crouched again, seizing Ra-khir’s hands and dragging him down with her. Though she would have preferred to leave the cell first, she needed to pack her few belongings and to tell him news that should not wait.

  “Ra-khir, there are things you have to know.”

  The knight nodded wordlessly, clearly struck by her obvious desperation.

  “First, one of those twins isn’t yours.”

  The skin behind Ra-khir’s jaw tensed.

  Kevral placed her hand against his lips to stop him from speaking a denial that did not matter. “It’s Tae’s.”

  Ra-khir shook off the restraining fingers. “That’s impossible.”

  Kevral did not wish to argue. “Colbey confirmed it.”

  Ra-khir went quiet. He did not ask, but the pain in his eyes was clear.

  “I’m sorry, Ra-khir.”

  He rose and turned away.

  The gesture knifed pain through Kevral, but she continued. No matter the cost, Ra-khir deserved the truth. “And the baby I’m carrying might not be the prince’s either. I may have dreamed it all, but I believe Colbey sent his own son to rescue me from that fate. If so, Pudar has no claim to it.”

  Mior trotted around Ra-khir to his front. A moment later, she appeared on his shoulders, her purrs a loud comfort even to Kevral’s more distant ears.

  Gradually, Ra-khir turned. He sank to one knee, his head low as if the cat’s weight proved too much for his neck. “Kevral, I will love those babies the same, no matter their blood. I love you, and nothing else matters.” He looked at her from around a clump of red hair that had fallen across his forehead. “Kevral, will you marry me?”

  To Kevral’s surprise, she had an answer. “Yes, my love. Definitely, yes.”

  Epilogue

  For the second time in two weeks, elves stood before the throne of Béarn, Tem’aree’ay accompanied by Eth’morand and the black-haired male Griff now knew as Ke’taros. As before, smiles decorated their faces, tempered by clear exhaustion. Sympathy stole any chance of sharing their obvious happiness. He wanted to hold Tem’aree’ay, as safe and warm in his arms as in his heart, thrilled to watching her flat little abdomen grow healthfully round with the consummation of their love. Even the childlike king did not miss the irony. The baby the populace hailed as the first prince carried only the biology he and Queen Matrinka coincidentally shared while the one he sired could never wear the crown. He could not have cared less. So long as the corridors rang with the laughter of children, their origins did not matter.

  For several moments, Griff watched Tem’aree’ay in happy silence. Then Darris cleared his throat, reminding the king that no one else could speak until he broke the hush.

  Griff glanced around the courtroom. Fourteen guards flanked the dais he shared with Darris and Captain Seiryn. No courtiers sat among the benches; the beauty of the day enticed them to the courtyard gardens. “Greetings, elves. Friends.”

  “Greetings, Your Majesty.” As usual, Eth’morand spoke for them all. He had the best command of the trading tongue. “We bring good news.”

  Tem’aree’ay squirmed. Ke’taros grinned.

  Eth’morand did not await encouragement to continue. “Sire, working together, we’ve managed to stop the plague’s spread.”

  Griff nodded, uncertain he understood. “I thought all parts of the world were affected. Messages from East and West confirm it.”

  “Yes, Sire.” Eyes as consistent and smooth as sapphires studied the king. “But we’ve magic to protect those females not yet rendered sterile. Those with child and immatures.”

  Now smiles decorated every countenance. Griff could not hold back a wild whoop of elation. Though not a perfect solution, it would pave the way for a future that, a moment ago, seemed hopeless to many. “Thank you,” he said. It did not sound like enough. “Thank you,” he repeated, “thank you.” It still seemed inadequate. “Every human in the world thanks you. We just can’t thank you enough.”

  Darris chuckled. “You’ve made a good start, Sire.”

  Laughter rang through the court, the first in a long time.

  Eth’morand waited until it subsided to continue. “We’ll keep working on fully reversing the spell, Sire. If a solution exists, it’ll require a difficult process.”

  “Anything you need, just ask. If possible, we’ll supply it.”

  “Thank you, Sire.” Eth’morand bowed with a twirling gesture of his hand to indicate he had finished his piece.

  Griff had spent time thinking as well. “Eth’morand, Tem’aree’ay, Ke’taros wait, please.” He waved a hand over the guards. “Anyone not elfin or me, clear the court.”

  Seiryn sprang from the dais, barking commands to the guards. They formed a stiff rank, and he marched them around the elves in two single files. These joined on the carpetway behind Ke’taros. Two by two, they exited the courtroom, doors banging
shut on the last pair’s heels.

  Griff swiveled his head to Darris, still hovering near his right hand. “Have you recently become lysalf? Or king?”

  Darris stiffened, then bowed. “Your Majesty, surely you didn’t intend for me to leave you.”

  “I meant,” Griff said, “exactly what I said.”

  Darris did not move, straining even Griff’s gentle patience.

  “Am I speaking some language you don’t understand?”

  “No, Sire.” Darris’ gaze went from the doors, to the elves, to his king. “I understand. I’m just weighing the worst you would do to what Rantire will inflict if she finds out I left you unguarded in the court.”

  Griff could not stop another smile. “I’ll see to it she never knows. I’m sorry, Darris. I need to discuss a matter I promised never to speak of around any but elves.” A moment later, Griff wished he had given no explanation. Bard curiosity would torment his bodyguard at the realization that a secret existed he did not know.

  Tem’aree’ay’s khohlar tickled Griff’s mind. *Elfin soul cycling?*

  Griff nodded.

  *Lav’rintir won’t mind the bard knowing.*

  Darris headed toward the edge of the dais, stopped by Griff’s sudden touch. “The elves have approved your presence. I ask only that anything you learn remains between us.” He spread his arms, encompassing the elves as well as himself.

  “So promised, Sire.”

  The king clambered down from the dais to stand among the elves, Darris rushing along beside him. “Eth’morand, I’ve done some thinking of my own, and I believe I found a solution to your baby problems as well as ours.”

  As usual, Griff read no expression on the elfin faces, though he thought he detected a slight crinkle beneath Eth’morand’s blond bangs.

  “Have you discovered a death to explain Tem’aree’ay’s pregnancy?”

  Tem’aree’ay looked coyly away.

  “No,” Eth’morand admitted. “We’ve contacted Lav’rintir. He and those with him are fine. We managed enough spying among the svartalf to ascertain the eldest ten still live.” He looked to Tem’aree’ay, alert to her sudden shyness.

  “That’s because the baby is mine,” Griff announced suddenly.

  Darris drew in a sharp breath.

  “And wherever human souls come from, they don’t require a prior death.”

  Minuscule nods rode through the group as Griff’s idea became self-evident. Humans and elves populating the world together. An unlimited supply of half-breeds coupled with a pool of fertile females unaffected by the svartalf’s magic. Once the two societies became inseparable, survival-linked to one another, no one would suggest the racial devastation that had led Dh’arlo’mé to advocate the slaughter of humankind.

  “What an idea,” Ke’taros said softly. “What a brilliant idea.” His grin seemed to envelop his face. “Sire, you must be the wisest man alive.”

  The simple-hearted king of Béarn laughed at words he had never in his life expected to hear.

  Appendices

  WESTERNERS

  Béarnides

  Abran (AH-bran)—the aging minister of foreign affairs; killed in the elfin purge.

  Aerean (AIR-ee-an)—a renegade leader.

  Aranal (Ar-an-ALL)—a previous king.

  Baltraine (BAL-trayn)—the prime minister.

  Baran (BAYR-in)—an ancient guard captain; served Sterrane.

  Baynard (BAY-nard)—an ex-soldier, turned renegade. Distant descendant of Baran.

  Charletha (Shar-LEETH-a)—minister of livestock, gardens, and food; killed in the elfin purge.

  Dalen (DAY-linn)—a cooper; a renegade.

  Davian (DAY-vee-an)—leader of the renegades.

  Denevier (Dih-NEV-ee-er)—minister assigned to relay Knight-Captain Kedrin’s orders from prison.

  Ethelyn (ETH-ell-in)—King Kohleran’s daughter; killed during the second staff-test.

  Fachlaine (FATCH-layne)—King Kohleran’s granddaughter; deceased.

  Fahrthran (FAR-thrin)—minister of internal affairs; descendant of Arduwyn; killed in the elfin purge.

  Fevrin (FEV-rinn)—a past sage; served Xanranis.

  Friago (Free-YAH-go)—a renegade.

  Griff (GRIFF)—King Kohleran’s grandson; heir to the throne.

  Helana (Hell-AHN-a)—Petrostan’s wife and Griff’s mother.

  Kohleran (KOLL-er-in)—king of Béarn.

  Limrinial (Lim-RIN-ee-al)—minister of local affairs; killed in the elfin purge.

  Matrinka (Ma-TRINK-a)—King Kohleran’s granddaughter.

  Mikalyn (MIK-a-linn)—the head healer; killed in the elfin purge.

  Mildy (MILL-dee)—King Kohleran’s late wife.

  Morhane (MOOR-hayn)—an ancient king who usurped the throne from his brother.

  Nylabrin (NILL-a-bran)—King Kohleran’s granddaughter; deceased.

  Petrostan (Peh-TROSS-tin)—King Kohleran’s youngest son; Griff’s father. Died in a plowing accident.

  The Sage—the chronicler of Béarn’s history.

  Sefraine (SEE-frayn)—King Kohleran’s grandson.

  Seiryn (SAIR-in)—the captain of the guards.

  Sterrane (Stir-RAIN)—a previous king of Béarn.

  Talamaine (TAL-a-mayn)—King Kohleran’s son; Matrinka’s late father.

  Ukrista (Yoo-KRIS-tah)—King Kohleran’s granddaughter; deceased.

  Weslin (WESS-lin)—minister of courtroom procedure and affairs.

  Xanranis (Zan-RAN-iss)—Sterrane’s son; an ancient king.

  Xyxthris (ZIX-thris)—King Kohleran’s grandson.

  Yvalane (IV-a-layn)—King Kohleran’s father; a previous king.

  Erythanians

  Arduwyn (AR-dwinn)—a legendary archer.

  Asha (AH-shah)—an adolescent girl.

  Braison (BRAY-son)—a young Knight of Erythane.

  Carlynn (KAR-linn)—an adolescent girl.

  Diega (Dee-AY-gah)—Carlynn’s father.

  Edwin (ED-winn)—a Knight of Erythane. The armsman.

  Esatoric (EE-sah-tor-ik)—a Knight of Erythane.

  Garvin (GAR-vinn)—a Knight of Erythane.

  Humfreet (HUM-freet)—the king.

  Jakrusan (Jah-KROO-sin)—a Knight of Erythane.

  Kedrin (KEH-drinn)—a Knight of Erythane. The captain.

  Khirwith (KEER-with)—Ra-khir’s stepfather.

  Lakamorn (LACK-a-morn)—a Knight of Erythane.

  Mariell (Mah-ree-ELL)—an adolescent girl; Sushara’s sister.

  Oridan (OR-ih-den)—Shavasiay’s father.

  Ra-khir (Rah-KEER)—an apprentice knight. Kedrin’s son.

  Ramytan (RAM-ih-tin)—Kedrin’s late father.

  Shavasiay (Shah-VASS-ee-ay)—a Knight of Erythane; acting captain.

  Sushara (Soo-SHAR-a)—an adolescent girl; Mariell’s sister.

  Pudarians

  Boshkin (BAHSH-kinn)—a servant of Leondis.

  Brunar (BREW-nar)—a dungeon guard.

  Charra (CHAR-ah)—a healer.

  Chethid (CHETH-id)—a lieutenant; one of three.

  Cymion (KIGH-mee-on)—the king.

  Daizar (DYE-zahr)—minister of visiting dignitaries.

  Danamelio (Dan-a-MEEL-ee-oh)—a criminal; deceased.

  Darian (DAYR-ee-an)—a lieutenant; one of three.

  Darris (DAYR-iss)—the bard; Linndar’s son.

  DeShane (Dih-SHAYN)—a captain of the king’s guard.

  The Flea—a criminal; deceased.

  Harlton (HAR-all-ton)—a captain of the king’s guard.

  Harrod (HA-rod)—a surgeon.

  Jahiran (Jah-HEER-in)—the first bard.

  Javonzir (Ja-VON-zeer)—the king’s cousin and adviser.

  Lador (LAH-door)—a locksmith.

  Larrin (LARR-inn)—a captain of the guard.

  Leondis (Lee-ON-diss)—the crown prince; Severin’s younger brother.

  Leosina (Lee-oh-SEE-nah)—young daughter of the west wing maid.

  Linndar (
LINN-dar)—the previous bard; Darris’ mother; killed in the elfin purge.

  Mar Lon (MAR-LONN)—a legendary bard; Linndar’s ancestor.

  Markanyin (Marr-KANN-yinn)—Pudarian general.

  Nellkoris (Nell-KORR-iss)—a lieutenant; one of three.

  Octaro (Ok-TAR-oh)—a guard.

  Peter (PET-er)—a street urchin; deceased.

  Sabilar (SAB-ill-ar)—a blacksmith.

  Severin (SEV-rinn)—the late heir to Pudar’s throne.

  Stick—a criminal; deceased.

  Tadda (TAH-dah)—a thief; deceased.

  Tanna (TAWN-a)—a healer.

  Renshai

  Ashavir (AH-shah-veer)—a late student of Colbey.

  Bohlseti (Bowl-SET-ee)—a late student of Colbey.

  Brenna (BRENN-a)—false name used by Rantire while a prisoner of elves.

  Calistin the Bold (Ka-LEES-tin)—Colbey’s late father.

  Colbey Calistinsson (KULL-bay)—the legendary Renshai now living among the gods a.k.a. The Deathseeker a.k.a. The Golden Prince of Demons a.k.a. Kyndig.

  Episte Rachesson (Ep-PISS-teh)—an orphan raised by Colbey. Killed by Colbey after being driven mad by chaos.

  Kesave (Kee-SAH-veh)—a late student of Colbey.

  Kevralyn Balmirsdatter (KEV-ra-linn)—a late warrior; Kevralyn Tainharsdatter’s namesake.

  Kevralyn Tainharsdatter (KEV-ra-linn)—a young Renshai.

  Kristel Garethsdatter (KRISS-tal)—first guardian of Matrinka, along with Nisse.

  Kyndig (KAWN-dee)—Colbey Calistinsson. Lit: “Skilled One.”

  Mitrian Santagithisdatter (MIH-tree-an)—wife of Tannin.

  Modrey (MOH-dray)—forefather of the tribe of Modrey.

  Nisse Nelsdatter (NEE-sah)—first guardian of Matrinka, along with Kristel.

  Rache Garnsson (RACK-ee)—forefather of the tribe of Rache.

  Rache Kallmirsson (RACK-ee)—Rache Garnsson’s namesake; Episte’s father.

  Randil (Ran-DEEL)—a member of Béarn’s second envoy.