The same girl continued, "After Verago's forces retreated, the priests and paladins went outside the city. When they found its unconscious body, the Prima cleansed it."
Millan was impressed at how well informed the Nolka squires were, and their participation made the class go smoothly. "I think it's important to realize the Devil's most powerful weapon was defeated in less than a day. Now, someone mentioned that the Marksman was killed by the purge. Can anyone tell me which greater iymed was cleansed inside Light's Haven during the attack?"
"The Zaidon."
Millan urged the student to continue. "Tell me about him. What happened?"
"For centuries, he was considered the right-hand demon to Verago. His proficiency was with dark spells and curses, able to heal demons like priests can heal humans. He used a cloaking spell to mask the energy of hundreds of fray and lesser iymed as they tunneled under the city walls. The sneak attack was meant to cause chaos within the city and allow the demons to open the gates. But thanks to Shinigami's warning, Candelux and the Paladin Order laid a trap. When they burst out of the ground, the Zaidon was restrained as the other demons were dispensed with. And then, he was cleansed by the Prima."
"So, the Zaidon was cleansed, and the Marksman was killed in the purge. That's two out of the five greater iymed. Who can tell me about the other three?"
Targan raised his hand.
"Name one, tell me about him or her, and what their contribution was during the Assault."
"The Brute. A fighter demon three times the size of any person. Her body is covered with plate armor, and she wields a massive morning star. During the Assault, she broke through the western gate with her brigade of demons. However, because the Zaidon had already been cleansed, the priests, paladins, and watchers were able to focus their efforts and keep her from advancing into the city. She later escaped during the retreat, and no one has seen her since."
"Very good." The Nesinu priest selected someone else. "You, give me another."
"The Shade. The deadliest assassin demon. He's known for his short stature and wears a wolf mask to cover his hideous face. His deeply serrated daggers are large enough to be classified as swords. His cloaking spell is a natural gift given to him by Verago. They say his targets are dead before they know he's even there. Only a Champion of the Light bloodseeker can sense him when he's cloaked, and even then, only at very short ranges. It's impossible to know how he made it into the city during the Assault, but the most likely explanation is that he slipped in when the Brute broke through the west gate. At one point, he was spotted in the castle, attempting to kill the king's two sons, but mysteriously retreated before doing so."
"Very good. That leaves only one more."
"She's widely accepted as the cruelest of the five. A master of deception and persuasion." Benedoli spoke softly, but her voice didn't waver. "She wears a long red dress. Her hair is black like coal and hangs gracefully around her neck. She's more beautiful than you could possibly imagine, and staring into her eyes puts you under her spell. She uses a long staff as her weapon, bladed on one end with a hook on the other. But, she's rarely known to use it because of her tail. During the Assault, she was seen in the royal gardens where she killed King Cato's only daughter."
Millan sympathized with the squire. He knew what she had endured. Gheron hadn't even come to class.
Benedoli whispered, "The Seductress."
✽✽✽
"Don't worry, Sereyna. We'll save you!" The last fragment of his dream lingered.
Erynion awoke in the forest, the sun shining brightly through the leafless branches of the surrounding trees. His dream felt familiar, similar to the one from the previous night. Only this time, he was able to hang on to a small piece of it. As he sat up, he rubbed his neck, sore from lying on his back all night.
"Ah, kjjeva rujjnojj nire." The owner of the soothing voice was leaning against a tree.
Erynion recognized her from Nolka. "What happened?"
The demon in the red dress pushed off the trunk. "What's the last part you remember?"
"I remember…the light around me. It felt good. It took away the agony." Erynion noticed the bite marks on his forearm. The wound was completely healed, but the scars were apparent. He had a flashback to the moment when he sank his teeth into his own arm. His eyes drifted down to his wrist and then his hand. He checked its counterpart. His hands were human again.
"What the depths?" he said. "Why do I keep changing? What does it mean? My hands change, but my voice stays the same. What's going on?"
The female iymed licked her lips. "I can't help you there, love."
"Who are you?"
"You mean you've forgotten already?"
"I'm sorry."
"Don't let it worry your little head. I have a few names, but you may call me Sereyna because that's what I prefer."
Sereyna? Like from the dream?
As she moved toward him, her hips swayed prominently. "And is Erynion still your name or has that slipped your mind too?"
He rose to his feet. "I suppose. Some beggar called me that, so that's the name I adopted."
"The same Erynion from your memory?"
"My what?"
The demon covered her mouth as she giggled. "You talk in your sleep."
"My sleep? What does that have to do with my memory?"
"Oh, you haven't figured it out. I suppose you've only been here two nights. Don't feel bad. Do you remember any part of your dreams?"
"Very little. Just voices. But I feel like it's a repeat from the first night."
"Of course it's a repeat." She smiled sweetly. "Demons don't dream, at least not in the same sense as humans. Your dreams consist of memories from your past life when you were human."
"So, everything I dream is a memory?"
"You got it."
"Interesting. So, what did happen last night?" Erynion asked.
"Well, we left the city accompanied by that lovely priest. She was so helpful."
"The woman in the brown robe. I remember her. The watchers went to stop us at the gate, but she led us straight through. It gets hazy after that. The pain—"
A motionless body covered in brown caught his eye. He slipped by Sereyna and found the priest lying on her side. Her clothing was in good condition, aside from a bit of dirt. As he circled around the body, Erynion recoiled in disgust. Her hair was wiry and white, but it was her skin that was truly repulsive, clinging tightly to the bone as if she had been decaying for weeks. The plants around her were completely wilted and the surrounding trees had no leaves.
"Did I kill her?"
"No." Sereyna snuck up behind him and ran her hand along his shoulder. "She was dead long before we left the city."
Erynion gestured to the lifeless vegetation. "So, you did all this?"
"I suppose so. You helped, though."
"I did? I don't understand."
Sereyna stuck out her lower lip. "No, no, I suppose you wouldn't. You know about the agony, right? Unfortunately, you're too weak. Luckily, I got to you before those Candelux pigs could cleanse you."
According to what Erynion had been told to this point, the agony was evidence of his strength. "I'm weak?"
She massaged his arm. "Don't look so glum. It's not like you're fray. Those idiots can barely speak. I'm here to take care of you. Oh, I know! I lost one of my lieutenants last night. Tragic, really. You can take his place. What do you say?"
"I guess?" Erynion was unsure what other option he had. "You have lieutenants?"
"Well, that's what I call them. They're the lesser iymed who serve under me. Reaper performed admirably; but alas, he didn't escape the city."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"Don't be. That was his purpose. Speaking of, what's yours?"
Erynion was taken aback by how apathetic she was about the loss of her lieutenant. "My purpose?"
"Sure." Sereyna's jaw dropped. "Did Verago send you all the way up here without one? No, wait! Don't tell me. You for
got, didn't you?"
"No. I have one. I'm supposed to kill the king."
"My, my, that would be quite a feat to complete on your own."
"So I've heard. That's why I was looking for the Brotherhood."
"You're much better off with me." Sereyna's hands moved down his chest and began to unbutton his torn shirt. He held his breath as she uncovered the unsightly scarring from his self-inflicted attacks. However, she didn't appear bothered and traced the healed wounds with her fingertips. With a crooked smile, she revealed a pristine fang among her teeth. "I will take great care of you."
Chapter 10
An Unpleasant Homecoming
As the tower bells struck eight times, the squires—followed by Millan—filed out of the school. The dark-haired girl offered to escort their substitute teacher back to the rectory, but he politely declined. There were more pressing matters to attend to, and he couldn't have anyone slow him down. Millan left his students and rushed up the street. As he crossed the plaza, he didn't even give the fountain a second look. The streets were bustling just like the morning before, and he carefully weaved his way through the crowd. Sharply turning a corner, he collided with a woman.
Millan stooped and offered his hand. "I'm so sorry. Let me help you up."
The woman reached to accept the priest's help. Her sleeveless shirt left her well-tanned skin exposed, and her bicep bulged as she gripped Millan's hand. A blue bandana was tied across her forehead and partially covered her black hair. Appearing to be in her late thirties, the woman rose to her feet and dusted off her pants.
"Yeah, how about you watch where—" She immediately averted her eyes and bowed respectfully. "Don, I apologize."
"No, no, it was my fault. Please, don't bow. It makes me feel awkward."
She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "You deserve it, though. You helped keep our city safe last night. Thank you so much."
Millan lost himself in her hazel eyes. "Oh, well, of course. It's why I joined Candelux. To help people."
"It was very brave of you. May I ask your name?"
"Yes. Uh…Millan. My name is Millan."
The woman cocked her head. "Don Millan? I've heard of you. You're the priest from Nesinu, right?"
"Yes, that's right." He was curious as to how she came upon his name, but now was not the time. "Listen, I hate to be rude, but I'm in a terrible hurry."
"Oh. Leaving so soon?" She pouted playfully. "Where are you headed?"
"We're going back to Nesinu to see what's happened."
"Well, may the angels watch over you. It was nice to meet you, Don Millan."
As the woman turned to leave, the priest tapped her shoulder. "I'm sorry, but I didn't catch your name."
"Eleza, but don't tell anyone." She winked at him, and in a matter of moments, he lost sight of her in the crowd.
"Eleza," he said to himself. Millan resumed his course and was met by a group of priests in front of the rectory. He noticed that Eriph was still wearing the brown robe, but no scarf. The priests were all mounted atop marvelous-looking stallions with one spare to the side.
Feranis waved him over. "Ah, Don Millan, good morning. We've been expecting you. How was class?"
"Good morning, Your Grace. The class went well. Are we leaving for Nesinu now?"
"Indeed. Hop up on this fine horse, and we'll be on our way."
Millan lifted himself into the saddle. His father had taught him how to ride when he was younger.
Feranis rode to the front of the group and brought his horse around to face the others. "Listen up, everyone! We're going to ride to Nesinu at a steady pace. We have plenty of time, but there's no need to waste it. There are three people missing, including Don Skully. As you all know, the Seductress graced us last night with her presence. We don't know where she or this Erynion demon have gone, but they left out of the north gate, which means it's possible they've returned to the twisted gate. We are to stay together and remain vigilant. It's unlikely the demons will attack us during the day, but we must be on guard nonetheless. Our mission is to investigate Nesinu, look for those who are missing, and destroy the twisted gate. Any questions before we go?"
When no one responded, Feranis instructed Don Niktosa to take the lead as the archdon rode to the back. Millan held the reins tightly, wishing to be close to Feranis so they could speak privately. They were barely out of the rectory courtyard when Millan leaned over. "Your Grace, may I ask you something?"
"Yes, what is it?"
He lowered his voice so no one else could hear. "It's about Don Eriph. Should we be bringing him on affairs that concern Candelux?"
"It would seem these affairs concern the entire kingdom." The archdon's tone was amicable despite his decision being challenged. "Between the Seductress, her minions, and a possible demon lord, it's important that we're at our best. Eriph was kind enough to agree to join our expedition. Just because he's no longer in the guild, doesn't mean he's lost his ability to fight demons. His skills will aid us in any type of predicament we encounter. Would you rather he not come with us?"
"It's not that. I was only thinking what the Prima might say."
"I won't tell if you don't. Plus, once we return to Nolka, Eriph is going to tell us about the Brotherhood."
"Is that allowed?" Millan's voice was no longer discreet. "Accepting information from Alovajj?"
The archdon snorted. "Allowed? Is survival allowed? Many years ago when the matter first arose, I opposed the Death Gods. Their ideas, though potentially effective, were also very dangerous. Even now, I can't condone Eriph's decision to train with a founder. I would've excluded him as well. The Prima had no choice. Order must be maintained. However, to refuse useful information, that is a different matter entirely. For the first time since Deimor Outpost, we are receiving information from Alovajj that coincides with the appearance of this new demon. And his surfacing has brought one of the five greater iymed out of hiding. No, it would be foolish to refuse any information that might help us."
The party passed through the gates and left Nolka behind. Their goal was to reach Nesinu before noon. They didn't wish to tire the horses too much in case they needed to make a quick escape. As they neared what would have been the outskirts of the village, the woods ended abruptly. The road led directly into a large, empty field. The procession of priests stopped at the forest's edge. There was only scorched earth, black as soot. Not a single living thing existed inside the expanse. Not a single object could be seen. There was no trace of life or any type of structure. Where Nesinu once stood, there was only emptiness.
Millan flicked his reins, and his horse trotted into the clearing. "What is this? Did we pass it? Or perhaps it's a bit farther?"
The young priest didn't wish to accept it, but he knew the truth. The stories about the demon lord at the Assault detailed a field just like this after its purge.
Feranis rode out to meet him. "I'm sorry, Millan. I am so very sorry."
The Nesinu priest was unable to speak as he fought back the tears. He refused to make eye contact with the archdon. Millan gazed out across the black sand.
"He may still find him," Feranis said. "Hope isn't lost yet."
Millan followed the archdon back to the other priests, where they each offered him condolences.
"All right, everyone," Feranis announced. "We're going to walk the perimeter of the field. Keep a watchful eye and an attentive ear for any survivors or demons. Don't forget, there's a twisted gate nearby that still needs to be destroyed."
The group stretched out into a straight line with minimal space between each horse. Feranis took the front position, and Millan brought up the rear. His heart was like an unbearable weight in his chest. He prayed that Feranis was right. That his mentor and friend had not suffered the same fate as Nesinu.
"I'm sorry, Don, about the loss of your village and home."
Millan found himself next to the recently excluded priest. "Oh, Don Eriph. Thank you."
"Please, it's just Eri
ph now."
"Oh, right, sorry." The Nesinu priest's thoughts drifted back to the previous night. Something didn't sit right with him. "Eriph, did you know Don Skully at all?"
"No more than any other priest, I would imagine."
Millan fiddled with his reins. "It just happened to be on my mind. Last night at the Scriptorum, Archdon Feranis said that Don Skully was no ordinary priest. Do you know what he meant by that?"
Eriph shrugged. "Well, Don Skully was pretty well known in Light's Haven. I mean, the Primus doesn't just pick any random priest to become his advisor?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"What do you think I mean? He was a powerful priest who served as an advisor to Primus Ayristark."
"Advisor to Primus Ayristark? No, that can't be right. He couldn't be an advisor to the Primus. Only archdons can be advisors, and Don Skully never completed his Ascension. Besides, Ayristark only had four advisors. Kyara, Maxiteer, Omana, and Feranis." Millan extended a finger as he counted off each name and held up his hand when he finished.
"I don't know what to tell you other than you're mistaken. Primus Ayristark had five advisors, and Don Skully was the fifth."
"But that's not possible. Dons aren't allowed to become advisors."
The excluded priest pushed his mouth to one side. "I'm not sure how you don't know this, but he used to be an archdon."
"What? No, no, that…that can't be." Millan stuttered. "Why…why wouldn't he tell me?"
"I couldn't say."
"He told me he never went through Ascension because life within the guild becomes too political. He wanted a simple life. Why would he lie to me?"
"I don't know. Perhaps he was ashamed of the whole ordeal with the Death Gods."
This was too much for Millan to take in a short time. "Ordeal with the Death Gods? What? What happened?"
"Hard to say for sure. I was only a squire at the time, and most of the details are probably just hearsay. But what I do know is that after it was all said and done, Don Skully resigned his position as archdon and moved as far as he could from Light's Haven. If you want to know more, you should talk to Archdon Feranis. As advisors, they were close friends."
The Twisted Gate Page 9