Demon Within

by Nicholls, Julie

  ‘Hell fire! I’ve never seen mother so angry.’

  Caster puffed out a long breath and wiped his forehead then raised his brow and grinned. ‘Me neither.’ He started chuckling. ‘I thought she was going to hit me!’ Slapping Jace’s arm, he encouraged him to sort out the horses.

  ‘Best let her ride Betsy, she’s a plodder, and isn’t likely to get startled by anything.’

  Jace nodded. ‘You’re right. I’ll check all the horses and be back later for supper.’

  Caster stood alone in the hall. Brushing his hands over his head, he drew out a long breath then laughed. What the hell had just happened? Now he just had to make everything right between Ellanor. Where to start? He did know one-thing; he had some serious groveling to do.

  Ellanor huffed and sorted her clothing. Stuffing it into the hold-all, her body trembled. Still trying to calm herself, she couldn’t believe what just happened. How could Caster not want her to go? Shaking her head, she took a few deep breaths. She walked over to the window, and gazed out into the mist covered hills. She loved her home, her life; pleased with the way everything had turned out, after the early years of being so unhappy, she sighed.

  A knock on the bedroom door, interrupted her thoughts. Turning around, she watched Caster poke his head around the door. She quickly returned to look out of the window. She didn’t want to talk to him at this moment, she was still furious.

  ‘Ellanor, may I come in?’

  Caster watched her, he knew she wasn’t happy and it bothered him that he’d hurt her. Closing the door after edging his way into the room, he shoved his hands deep into his trouser pockets and took a few, slow steps towards Ellanor.

  ‘I’m sorry my love. I didn’t mean to upset you. You were right to insist on coming with us. I realize that now.’

  Reaching his hand to her arm, he gently brushed a finger across her shoulder. ‘Can you forgive me?’

  Caster waited patiently. He traced his finger along her shoulder then sliding his hand beneath her hair; he twisted a long tress around his fingers and edged a little closer. He wanted to kiss her so badly, but feared he’d get a slap; and he would deserve it.

  Ellanor felt his gentle touch against her shoulder and closed her eyes. She was upset now, rather than angry. He’d wounded her, and she appreciated he may not have intended too, but she was still hurting. Reaching over her shoulder, she touched his hand with her fingertips. That’s all she could manage. Knowing if she tried to speak, she’d cry, and she didn’t want that.

  Understanding he’d made a mess, and accepting her touch as a peace offering, he gathered her close. Brushing his mouth against the side of her head, he closed his eyes. The sweet scent of Jasmine filled his nostrils; she made perfume from the flowers in summer. He loved it and each time he smelled Jasmine, it reminded him of Ellanor.

  Caster stood at the window, his arms wrapped around his wife and friend, he appreciated how lucky he was to have her. Squeezing and kissing her, he wanted to make everything right. It took a few moments for Ellanor to come around, but eventually she leaned her head to his. Nestling against his neck, she kissed him gently before turning. She slid her arms around his sides, and smoothed them up his back while looking up to see sad eyes staring. She managed a smile.

  ‘I love you wife.’ Caster leaned close, kissed the tip of her nose and cuddled her.

  ‘I love you… you old goat.’ She chuckled.

  Caster laughed and groaned against her ear for her jest, but pleased she was talking to him, accepted her jibe. Admitting he deserved the name calling, he gave her another tender kiss.

  ‘Let’s go have a glass of port, before supper shall we?’

  ‘Yes, I think I’d like that.’

  Turning and leading Ellanor by the hand, he was happy everything was back to normal. Jace should have finished checking the horses and while he washed up, they could have a quiet drink.

  They had a long journey ahead of them; the two day ride to Blackhill would be tiring. Caster wanted to get an early night; a few glasses of port would help get him off to sleep, ready for the early start the next morning.

  Chapter 10

  Amos and his son Darion, raced up to the vineyard. Riding to the highest vantage point, they halted their horses and looked towards Dryden. Plumes of smoke rose into the sky, but the flames had subsided. Only a faint glow in the darkening sky was visible. Amos narrowed his eyes.

  ‘Let’s ride a bit closer shall we?’

  It was still light, but the sun would be setting soon. They needed to hurry. Spurring on his horse, Amos didn’t wait for a reply and Darion quickly followed.

  Thinking about Milo as he rode, Darion’s heart raced. If the raiders were still at Dryden, he and his father might suffer the same fate. Darion was neither coward, nor fool; but the realization he was speeding towards his death, seemed insane.

  Approaching slowly, Amos and Darion kept their wits about them. They had no weapons; although a sword was no use to either of them. Farmers and not fighters, they’d never had to take up arms. Confrontations with raiders in Braxton were uncommon. Those skilled with sword and bow protected the town on these occasions while farmers stood ready with whatever tools they had as reinforcement only. Darion had never killed anyone, and as far as he knew, neither had his father.

  Amos led the way cautiously. Closely followed by Darion, they wandered slowly through the town. Scanning the debris he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Almost every house and building was burned.

  The smoldering wood beams were all that remained of houses. Small fires still burned in a few places, the grain stores were still ablaze.

  ‘Why would they do this?’

  Confused, Amos shook his head in disbelief. He continued scouting the area, watching for any raiders that might still lurk.

  Darion shared the same view as his father, ‘It doesn’t make sense.’ Pulling up his horse, he dismounted.

  ‘Get back on your horse Darion; they could still be here, watching!’ Amos looked around nervously.

  Shaking his head at his father, Darion disagreed.

  ‘There’s no one here father.’

  He looked around at the burned bodies; men, women and children lay dead, burned beyond recognition. Animals joined the pile of dead, even they had not escaped.

  ‘This wasn’t raiders.’

  Amos frowned at Darion’s hasty deduction. ‘How do you know?’

  Shaking his head, Darion casually walked towards a pigsty, the tenants were still smoldering after their roasting.

  ‘Because, raiders don’t kill livestock, they steal it.’

  Kicking a large pig before he looked back to his father, he raised his brows. ‘This wasn’t a raid father. It was a massacre.’

  Drawing his hand down his chin, Amos pulled his gray beard between his thumb and fingers. He had to agree with his son. Raiders would have taken all the foul, swine and horses. Nothing would be left for the people. But it still puzzled him why someone would do this.

  ‘Darion, we need to leave.’ Kicking his mount forward, he reached for Darion’s horse. ‘Let’s get back to Braxton, before we suffer the same fate as Milo.’

  Arriving back in Braxton as night fell; Amos and Darion wanted to speak with the Mayor and knew he’d be over at the school. Making their way through the streets towards the school it was surprisingly quiet, considering everything that happened during the day. As they neared the building it was strange to see it in use this late. Lamps and candles burned within, it was a hive of activity. Entering the hall, they sought out the Mayor. Darion looked around. Seeing everyone with food and blankets; they were all settled for the night. It was a relief to see everyone taken care of.

  ‘Mayor Ridley, we should talk.’

  ‘I’m relieved to see you. Let’s go where it’s a little quieter shall we?’ The Mayor squeezed through a group of people and moved into the hallway, Amos and Darion followed. Checking they couldn’t be overheard, he lowered his voice and addressed both me
n.

  ‘How bad was it?’

  ‘It’s bad.’ Darion replied. ‘It wasn’t raiders.’ He looked at his father, waiting for him to protest, but he didn’t.

  ‘We don’t know who it was, that’s the problem.’ Amos quickly cut in. ‘But they’ve not left anyone, or anything alive.’

  The Mayor brushed his hand over his head and down the back of his neck. Rubbing it while he stared at the ground, he wondered what to make of it all. Suddenly raising his eyes he addressed Darion.

  ‘Do you think whoever it was, might come here? Did you see anyone on the road?’

  ‘No, no one. It’s like, they vanished.’ Narrowing his brows, Darion couldn’t explain it. ‘If they’ve gone to another town, it must have been further south or maybe to the north. It seems odd they didn’t come to us though.’ He turned to look at his father, ‘Don’t you think?’

  Nodding, Amos blew out a breath. All three men stood in silence for a moment. Not having any suggestions or ideas. Amos scratched his head. ‘We should ride to Blackhill, and ask for help.’

  Darion and the Mayor were stunned at Amos’s solution.

  ‘Why would they aid our cause? Darion asked.

  ‘We trade with them. Why shouldn’t we ask for help?’

  The Mayor nodded. ‘He’s right, I think you should go in the morning, and ask for help.’

  ‘Me?’

  ‘You’re younger and a better rider.’ Amos pointed between himself and the Mayor. ‘You know Blackhill better than us, and you’ve already seen Kai of Darkmide. It’s him you’ll need to ask.’

  Amos rocked backwards and forwards on his feet with his arms behind his back. He knew Darion wouldn’t want to go, but they needed help. This was the best solution.

  Darion’s eyes widened. Puffing out a long breath he rubbed his face with both hands before tilting his head back to look up. ‘I must be mad to let you talk me into this.’ He looked back at both men. ‘Okay, I’ll set off early in the morning.’

  The Mayor slapped his hand on Darion’s shoulder. ‘Good lad!’

  ‘I’m going to get something to eat.’ Darion turned to leave. ‘Are you coming?’ Darion asked his father.

  ‘Yes, I am. I’m a bit hungry myself.’ He smiled at Mayor Ridley. ‘Good night, I’ll come and see you in the morning.’

  Amos shook Mayor Ridley’s hand. ‘You’ve done a good job here.’ He pointed to everyone as they settled down for the night. ‘We’ll have everything sorted in no time, you’ll see.’ He followed Darion.

  The Mayor nodded to thank Amos for his kind words.

  Reaching their home, Amos and Darion settled at the table and tucked into left-over pork stew and bread. They sat in silence before reflecting on the day’s events. Many people lost their lives today, not just their friend Milo. After finishing their meal, they sat with a cup of wine each and Amos puffed on his pipe. Resting his feet up on a stool, he leaned against the table and closed his eyes.

  Watching his son, Amos knew he was apprehensive about the journey. Darion wasn’t an adventurer; he liked his home too much. A little shy at times, he kept away from the tavern and didn’t socialize like other men of his age. Give him a good meal, some wine to drink and he was happy. At twenty-eight, he was still single and to his father’s knowledge, wasn’t seeing anyone. Darion worked hard, he wasn’t a shirker or a usurer, and always tried to do what was right. Admirable qualities in a man, he’d make a good husband one day.

  After a while Darion started to pack for the morrow’s journey. It didn’t take long and after padding the tobacco down in his pipe, Amos addressed Darion.

  ‘Will you be alright son?’

  Darion tied up a blanket and put it with the rest of his belongings, turning to his father he brushed his hand through his dark hair.

  ‘Yes, I’ll be fine. Don’t worry.’

  ‘You can take both horses if you need to.’ He tried to draw on his pipe, but it had gone out. Reaching for the candle on the table, he relit it, and puffed on it hard. He coughed and had to take it from his lips to catch his breath.

  Darion shook his head.

  Patting his chest and catching his breath, Amos decided to put down the pipe and leave it alone. ‘You should take a weapon with you, for the journey.’

  ‘What good will that do?’ Darion scratched his head. ‘I wouldn’t know how to use it anyway!’

  Darion preferred farming to war. He’d never taken up a sword, nor wished to. He’d tried to avoid fighting at all costs, and on the rare occasion he’d had to fight, he’d always come off worse. But his father did have a point; maybe take a dagger, just in case. Looking around and happy he’d packed everything he would need, he leaned on the table and looked at his father.

  ‘I’m going to get an early night.’ Darion nodded towards the pipe. ‘And leave that alone, it’s no good for you.’

  Rolling his eyes Amos waved his hand and shooed him away. ‘Get some sleep, I’ll see you in the morning.’

  Darion turned and walked towards his bedroom. He was tired after racing around all day, but wasn’t sure he’d sleep. Thoughts about asking Kai and his warriors for assistance prayed on his mind. Trying to ease his worries, he convinced himself it wouldn’t matter if he said no. His father was right; he’d met him previously when trading at Blackhill last year. But it wasn’t like they were friends or anything.

  Washing then climbing in bed, Darion pulled the covers over his shoulder and rested his tired eyes. But within moments, images of his friend’s charred body flew into his mind. His eyes filled with tears for Milo, and he knew he wouldn’t get any sleep.

  Chapter 11

  The light was fading fast; Eloise couldn’t count the number of times she drifted asleep. Thanks to Nissa pulling at her sleeve or prodding her, it was a miracle she’d not fallen off her horse. Weary from traveling and talking, she wished she was home. If she wasn’t suffering from fatigue, she‘d be angry, but she’d long passed that state. When her father told them they were going onto Blackhill, everyone was amazed. Her father assured everyone it was a good idea; quick to add, they were already two thirds of the way there. It seemed a good idea at the time.

  Poked, yet again, by Nissa, Eloise opened her eyes with a start.

  ‘I’m awake, you don’t have to prod me anymore Nissa. My arm is as numb as my…, bottom.’ Scowling at her companion, and surprised to see Nissa smile, she wondered where she found the energy. Eloise watched the path ahead, and sighed.

  ‘Something’s going on, look.’

  Kiera had galloped ahead, and left everyone.

  ‘Where is she going?’ Nissa watched as she disappeared over the brow of the hill. ‘I don’t think I like her much.’

  ‘I don’t think she likes us either.’

  Eloise watched her father and Roulan as they rode side by side, quiet. Obviously weary and tired, she noticed they hadn’t spoken for some time. Glancing over her shoulder, even Leon looked as though he was nodding off. The horses struggled up the hill, also tired. Earlier that morning, Kai said they would arrive at Blackhill before nightfall; Eloise hoped he didn’t share the same traits as her brother.

  Roulan groaned as he stretched his arms behind his back. He tilted his head from side to side, freeing the knot in his neck and shoulders.

  Garlan was barely awake. It was sheer luck that kept his backside in the saddle. Roulan had voiced his concerns about taking the journey to Blackhill, after his father finished speaking with Kai, but his father had told him to shut up and reminded him of his place. Not eager to annoy his father, Roulan quieted, and kept his opinion to himself. He’d tried to speak with Leon, and see if he would speak with his father. But Leon, having seen the exchange between Garlan and Roulan, avoided him.

  Keeping up the rear, Leon hadn’t ridden for so long in some time. His body ached and only a hot bath and a large glass of wine would ease his suffering. Garlan was too eager to comply with Kai’s demands; Leon hoped it was worth the effort. Looking to the brow of the hill,
and seeing Kai and Sabe disappeared from view, he kicked on his horse. He’d lagged behind, and wanted to catch Eloise and Nissa.

  ‘I trust you’re still awake, my Lady?’ Leon called to Eloise. He grinned as she looked over her shoulder at him and managed a smile.

  ‘Barely. I don’t know if my horse is though.’

  Leon chuckled and shook his head. Impressed at how resilient she was, he hoped her intended, would treat her with respect. His first impressions of Kai had been good. Although he’d not had a chance to speak with him directly, he seemed fair and just, according to Garlan’s report. Only time would tell.

  Hearing squeals of delight, he wondered what Eloise and Nissa had seen to make them so happy. Kicking his horse, the reason caused him to breathe a sigh. In the distance, Blackhill’s outer walls, lit by torches, stood out like a beacon. Everyone suddenly picked up pace; the thought of a soft bed called them.

  The horses walked faster, as if they knew they were nearing home. Eloise centered her thoughts on a warm bath, something to eat, and then bed. She didn’t care if it was a small bed; just the thought of lying down made her happy. Gazing at the outer wall as they drew nearer, Eloise felt excited and nervous. This was her home.

  Eloise watched Kai as he rode in the lead. Barely visible beneath the darkening sky, she’d still not had a good look at him. His horse lurched forward as he kicked it, and galloped ahead of everyone. She watched Sabe turned his horse around, and headed towards her. Pulling up on her side, he greeted both her and Nissa with a dazzling smile.

  ‘I’m sure you’re tired, but as you can see,’ Sabe stretched his arm out and pointed to Blackhill, ‘your beds await.’

  ‘We can’t wait. It’s been a long day.’ Nissa replied, eagerly. ‘Where is Kai and your sister?’

  ‘Kiera was sent ahead, to alert the household we’re almost home. We’re going to want feeding aren’t we? Kai wanted to make sure the rooms were made up for you, this wasn’t expected as you well know.’