Demon Within

by Nicholls, Julie

  ‘Hello! There’s room on our table if you want to join us.’

  Quickly turning and looking to the dark haired man, Darion smiled and walked towards the table. He couldn’t help but notice the scars on the man’s face and arms and hadn’t realized he was staring until the man stood up.

  Holding out his hand his deep voice filled Darion’s ears.

  ‘I’m Maika, and this is Saul.’

  Darion quickly shook Maika’s hand and winced at the tight grip on his slender fingers.

  ‘It’s not usually this busy, sit and have a drink.’

  Maika sat back in his chair and Darion turned to face Saul to take his hand as he sat next to him. Despite having visited Blackhill a few times over the past years, he’d never met either of them previously. Darion assumed they were with Kai; they had to be his warriors unless they were mercenaries but he didn’t think so. Seeing their scars, he thought they must have been former slaves; both arms on each man bore lash marks from a whip, and Maika had a large uneven scar across his neck. Darion tried not to stare but it was hard not to be distracted by them.

  ‘Thank you for the invitation. I’m Darion. I’ve been traveling all day and just wanted to have a drink and some good food.’

  Looking around to see most people eating he leaned closer to Saul and whispered.

  ‘Is the food any good here?’

  The man only nodded in response. Maika quickly interrupted.

  ‘My friend doesn’t speak, he’s lost his tongue.’

  Darion’s eyes widened. ‘I’m sorry.’

  ‘Don’t worry, he’s used to it.’ Maika raised his hand in the air and called out to a waitress, ‘Hey sweetheart, can we get some food over here?’

  Within moments the pretty dark haired waitress hovered by their table. Standing by Maika’s side, she gave everyone a sweet smile before telling them about the days specials. Taking everyone’s order she gave Saul a wide smile before leaving to head off to the kitchen.

  Maika started chuckling and shook his head.

  ‘I don’t know how he does it, but they all fall for him.’ Saul laughed and opening his mouth wide, wiggled what remained of his tongue at Maika.

  They didn’t have to wait long for more wine; flashing her eyes and her breasts, the waitress placed the wine and extra mug on the table. Promising to return with their food she cast another smile towards Saul before turning towards the kitchen. Maika shook his head and slapped his large hand over his eyes for a moment then turned to Darion as he picked up a flask of wine.

  ‘Here, let’s have a drink. What shall we drink to?’

  Shrugging his shoulders Darion waited for the others to make a suggestion, but seeing the blank faces staring back at him, he smashed his mug into everyone else's and made a toast.

  ‘Here’s to our man Kai and his wife to be, Eloise.’ His voice carried around the room causing others to cheer; the sound of mugs clattering together rang out and Darion happily joined in, congratulating the happy couple. His new friends confirmed Darion’s suspicions; they worked for Kai.

  Drinking heavily until the food arrived, Darion tested it gingerly before diving in. The meal was surprisingly tasty and he’d not realized how hungry he was. Maika drank more than he ate but eventually caught up and finished before relaxing in his chair feeling satisfied.

  ‘You said you’ve been traveling, where are you from?’ Maika poured the last of the wine from the first flask and reached for the second to top up his mug.

  ‘Braxton.’ Amazed at how much his new friends could drink, he still was on his first mug. ‘I’m here to ask for help.’

  Leaning forward and resting his muscular arms on the table, Maika frowned.

  ‘Help with what?’

  Aware both warriors were eager to hear Darion’s plight, he told them about the attack on Dryden. Explaining the scene of the wreckage; Darion expressed his views that raiders were not to blame despite what his father and others thought.

  ‘What if Braxton suffers the same fate, and then Darkmide after that? If whoever is doing this isn’t stopped, maybe Blackhill would follow?’

  Darion hoped they’d see why it made sense to aid their town.

  ‘If Kai would send a few warriors to Braxton to help us in the event of an attack, having aid from feared warriors, such as yourselves, might scare them off.’ Darion leaned closer and stared Maika in the eyes. ‘We’re just farmers! Please, can you take me to speak with Kai and ask for help?’

  Saul slammed his clenched fist on the table and grunted to Maika. Darion wasn’t sure if that was a yes or no but hoped Maika’s pause was a good sign. He’d presented his case and that’s all he could do.

  Sighing deeply and lowering his head, Darion had no idea if Braxton was even still standing. Maybe it was too late to save his town, and whatever had destroyed Dryden had already moved onto Braxton. It was too much to think about.

  ‘I’ll speak to Kai in the morning.’

  Hearing Maika’s words made Darion’s head jerk up. ‘Thank you!’

  ‘I can’t promise anything, don’t forget he’ll be getting married the day after, but I’ll tell him what you’ve told us.’ Pouring more wine from the last of the flask, he shook it and glanced to Darion. Taking the hint and grinning Darion called over the server and asked for two more flasks of wine.

  ‘I’m staying here for the night, if you can get word to me in the morning if Kai agrees to see me, I’ll be there straight away.’

  ‘Alright, but like I said, no promises.’

  ‘I understand, and again, my deepest thanks.’

  Feeling happier and praying his home was still safe, Darion at least at hoped that they’d have some help from Kai’s warriors. Whoever attacked Dryden will surely think twice before moving towards Braxton once it’s known who’s helping the residents defend their town.

  Chapter 20

  Roulan rode into the courtyard with four of his father’s guards; after dismissing his soldiers quickly, he charged up the outer staircase to get to his room. It was quiet, and he managed to get there unseen. Surprised by the sudden rainstorm and having changed from his wet clothes, he sat on the edge of the bed drying his hair with a towel. Grinning to himself about the morning’s excursion, it would have been perfect if the downpour hadn’t caught him as he rode back to Blackhill.

  His grin was short lived, when the door opened to reveal Leon bearing a grim expression.

  ‘Your father wants to see you in his room, now.’ Not waiting for a reply, Leon turned, expecting Roulan to follow.

  Garlan paced around his room waiting for Roulan to show, with Leon stood calmly by the door. Watching the King marching impatiently didn’t faze him. Hearing footsteps outside, he opened the door to see Roulan’s worried face.

  ‘Come in and close the door!’ Garlan snapped. Sweating and red in the face, showing signs of stress, he was in a foul mood.

  ‘Where have you been?’

  Roulan casually replied. ‘Riding.’

  ‘Where?’

  ‘Just exploring father.’ Roulan shrugged his shoulders. The King was becoming more and more annoyed with each reply. ‘Why? Did you want me for something?’

  Narrowing his eyes he boldly held eye contact with his father, watching a vein in his neck pulsate. Slowly moving his gaze from his father and looking around the room as if uninterested in the conversation, he brushed his still damp hair from his face.

  ‘I want to know what you’re up to.’ Garlan’s reddening face glared and Roulan’s casual manner annoyed him.

  Leon watched Roulan and noticed a change in his attitude. Looking around the room idly and unfazed by his fathers agitated state, Roulan gave the impression he wasn’t afraid of his father’s bark, or bite. Leon was only left to observe.

  ‘I’m not up to anything father.’ Roulan cocked a brow and smirked. ‘You told me stay out of your way, so I’ve been doing exactly that.’

  The casual shrug of his shoulder outraged Garlan, and it was only Leon’s
intervention that stopped the King from grabbing hold of his son and shoving him against the wall.

  ‘I think it might be advisable if you left and went to your room Roulan.’ Leon eased between Garlan and his son and stared at Roulan hard. The smirk across Roulan’s face was confirmation to Leon that he was up to something; he was feeling very confident about his plans, whatever they were.

  ‘I’ll see you at supper.’ Roulan nodded before he left, leaving Leon with a smirk.

  Roulan closed the door behind him as he left his father’s room. He’d never stood up to him and for the first time he’d remained in control and hadn’t cowered as he had done in the past. Slowly making his way back to his room, he heard Eloise and Nissa giggling from their room. The door was slightly open and approaching quietly, he listened to the girlish chatter, after hearing Eloise mention the rain she caused, he saw red. He pushed the door open with such force the handle slammed against the wall.

  Eloise and Nissa jumped and screeched at the sound, but Roulan maintained his menacing expression and ignored their whimpers as he barreled towards them.

  ‘What have you been doing?!’

  Roulan grabbed Eloise by her arms and started to shake her.

  ***

  Kai and Sabe had gone through a flask of wine and numerous plates of meat while discussing Sabe’s conversation with Leon earlier. Leon had mentioned Xanderstone, being the town where the mercenaries were from, and it became even more interesting when he gave a description of the man he’d seen meeting with Roulan.

  Tall, no hair and part of his left ear missing; Kai and Sabe knew him as Tigan; notorious mercenary throughout Wild Plains and the region of the South. He was known for charging a high price for his work; many people had suffered at his hands when he double crossed them; turning his sword onto the very people who hired him. Sabe and Kiera had been double crossed by Tigan and were arrested at the mines after planning a heist to steel gold from the reserves in Darkmide. If Roulan was associating with Tigan, he would need to be sure he knew what he was getting into.

  ‘He’s hiring soldiers. Garlan shouldn’t be worried about a threat from the Highlands; it’s coming from closer to home.’ Grinning, Kai raised both brows.

  ‘It seems that way.’

  Their conversation regarding Roulan came to an end as Kiera appeared at the door and requested to join them. Her lowered head as she edged forward caused Sabe to frown.

  ‘I wanted to speak with you.’ She spoke quietly as she looked towards Kai’s narrowed eyes. ‘I owe you an apology for this morning.’

  Sabe’s eyes widened dramatically at his sisters apology, it wasn’t her usual forte.

  ‘I’m sorry. I promise it won’t happen again.’

  Kai’s steely look made her anxious. It took him a few moments before replying. ‘You’re forgiven.’

  Kiera smiled and was about to leave but Kai grabbed her hand. ‘I have a task for you in Darkmide tomorrow.’

  ‘Of course.’ Shrugging her shoulders, it would give her the opportunity to order some new fighting knives.

  ‘I want two gold armbands making.’ He released Kiera’s hand. ‘They’re for Eloise so I don’t want them too big.’

  Kiera nodded. ‘Do you want anything on them?’

  Shaking his head and replying. ‘No. Nothing for now…I want them as a wedding gift so have them sent here. The goldsmith has until tomorrow afternoon.’ He stood up and turned to leave.

  ‘I’ll be back after I’ve checked on Eloise, to make sure she’s not worrying about the ceremony tomorrow.’

  Kiera nodded and frowned at her brother’s amused expression before sitting down and pouring herself a drink. ‘Not one word.’

  ***

  Leaving and striding through the hall Kai watched the rain as he passed by the window. Shaking his head in awe of her talent, he hoped she’d enjoyed her bath and wasn’t worrying too much about the bonding ceremony. Striding up the stairs in two’s he hurried to the landing. He’d never felt so relaxed and at ease, and was eager to see her, having enjoyed the short time he’d spent with her that morning.

  Passing Nissa’s room and continuing to Eloise’s, he heard Roulan’s voice yelling. Looking inside, he was confronted with a scene that enraged him. Roulan was shaking Eloise and shouting at her, and within half a second, Kai was in the room.

  ‘GET YOUR HANDS OFF HER!’

  His voice bellowed, making everyone turn. Roulan instantly released Eloise and Kai grabbed hold of him by his throat, shoving him backwards until Roulan’s body collided with the wall. Growling like a rabid dog and with wild eyes, Kai pinned him to the cold stone raising him off the floor. Roulan's feet dangled and he tried to wriggle free while he clawed at Kai’s hand around his throat, he couldn’t make a sound other than a pathetic whine.

  Both Nissa and Eloise watched in horror as Kai’s hand squeezed tighter around Roulan’s neck, choking him slowly. It took both of them a few moments to take in what had happened before Eloise came around.

  ‘Get Leon! Go!’ Eloise pushed Nissa towards the door.

  Turning quickly to watch her brother fight for his life; Eloise didn’t know how to help him. Watching in horror as he clawed at Kai’s strong hand around his throat; Roulan’s eyes bulged as he gasped for air.

  ‘Kai! Please stop!’

  Eloise approached Kai from behind and desperately grabbed at his arm with her small hands trying to pull him off her brother. But too strong and seemingly in a trance-like state, Kai continued to hold Roulan against the wall, relentlessly increasing the pressure on his throat. Roulan’s eye’s rolled back when his terrified body trembled at he felt the life draining out of him.

  Distressed and realizing her attempts to pull at Kai’s arm had no effect, she moved around to his other side and squeezed herself between him and her brother. Pressing her hand against his cheek and trying to pull his gaze towards hers.

  ‘Kai! Please! Look at me! KAI!’

  There was a moment of silence, Roulan stopped gasping and Eloise stared into Kai’s eyes when his faced turned and his wild, fiery eyes burned into her. Her eyes focused onto his mouth where distorted teeth, elongated and sharp, like nothing she’d ever seen, bared. She gasped, unable to turn her gaze away.

  Leon and Nissa raced into the room and confronted with the scene, Leon drew his sword.

  ‘Let him be!’

  His voice thundered, but it wasn’t his command that made Kai release Roulan. Kai let him fall to the floor in a heap, barely breathing.

  Eloise fell against the wall in disbelief. Gone was the beautiful face she’d admired and stared at only a few hours earlier, replaced with something inhuman for a brief moment. She closed her eyes to try to hold onto the image, but it was gone. Shaking and trembling with fear, she couldn’t explain what she’d seen. In two days she’ll be married to… that. Her eyes swelled with tears.

  Towering over her and breathing hard, Kai leaned his hands on the wall either side of her head. Staring into her teary eyes and seeing her shake with fear, he lowered his head in shame. Their morning together had been perfect, she’d lost her fear of him and started to see his gentler side, but now he worried she’d only remember this moment. Unable to control his rage at seeing Roulan treat her so badly, he’d let the anger out. Now, calm and relaxed, he quickly turned to her brother on the floor.

  Nissa aided Roulan to his feet and supported him as they left to find his room. He choked and coughed while rubbing his neck, unable to speak.

  Standing ready by Eloise’s side, Leon pointed his sword towards Kai. He had no doubt he’d die if Kai attacked him, but fearing only for Eloise, he stood his ground.

  ‘Move away from Eloise.’

  His voice remained calm. He didn’t want to provoke Kai further, but his duty was towards Eloise. Pressed against the wall and breathing hard, she was terrified. Leon wanted Kai to back away and didn’t want to use his sword unless forced.

  Slowly casting his gaze to Leon; supported by his powerful
arms as he leaned against the wall, Kai stared at him, he was equally calm when he spoke.

  ‘I’d never hurt Eloise.’ Kai narrowed his eyes at Leon. ‘Put your sword away before you get hurt.’

  Turning to look back to Eloise, Kai pulled his hands away from the wall and stepped back. He’d only wanted to protect her, but the look on her face when she saw who he was, was frozen in his memory. With a quiet voice he broke the silence.

  ‘Forgive me, I don’t like the way your brother treats you.’

  She’d been exposed to the secret he kept hidden his entire life and he wished she’d not had to learn of it this way.

  Seeing the sadness and regret that filled his eyes, Eloise looked up to Kai, still in shock. His angelic face had lured her in; she’d started to fall for him, bewitched by seductive eyes and perfect lips. Eloise took her time to examine his features. The man she’d seen this morning was standing before her but what she’d just witnessed a moment ago was not. But staring up at the lost soul Eloise couldn’t reject his need for love. All her life she’d strived for attention from her father, but he could barely look at her most days. Questioning if fate had brought her and Kai together, like two broken halves of a once whole being, she felt this was where she wanted to be.

  Turning to face Leon, Eloise smiled. ‘You can leave us Leon, please.’

  Leon’s brows furrowed. ‘I think I should stay my Lady.’ Casting a concerned glance towards Kai then back to Eloise, he didn’t move.

  ‘Please Leon, go and tend to my brother. Everything is fine here.’

  Brushing her soft fingertips across Kai’s cheek, Eloise showed him she wasn’t afraid. Kai closed his eyes in relief and taking her hand, leaned close and rested his head against hers.