"Absolutely not," Advisor Cole stated decisively.
Deidok wagged his finger. "Now, now, let's not be hasty. Archdon Omana made the suggestion yesterday, and it was promptly dismissed. Perhaps she would be alive if we had listened."
"How dare you?" Razza Merona blurted out. "How dare you insinuate that we're responsible for her death because we didn't agree with her idea?"
"I don't believe that's what I said."
"And I don't see how last night justifies the idea now."
"Really?" In the entire time he served as Mashira's advisor, the old man never showed the slightest animosity toward anyone. "Then what course of action is justified after a demon lord obliterates half of the second-largest city in our kingdom?"
"Nothing justifies working with those murderers!"
Mashira intervened. "Razza, please."
"She's right, though," Cole said. "Or have you forgotten how many innocent watchers they killed at Deimor Outpost?"
The Prima placed her hands on her hips. "I have not forgotten."
"Then how could you propose such a ridiculous notion?"
"That's enough! I knew this wasn't going to be an easy discussion, but I will not let this turn into some charade where we sit around belittling one another and ignoring the issue at hand. This is serious. Did you even look at where the royal oak once stood? Did you see the wasteland that demon lord left behind?"
Cole's face tightened like he had just bitten into a lemon. "But the Death Gods?"
"If you think I make this suggestion lightly or I'm happy about it, you're sorely mistaken. It hasn't even been three years since Deimor Outpost. If you think I've forgotten about what they did or that I've forgiven them, think again. But listen to me when I tell you this is not about them."
There was only silence from her advisors, even Cole made no attempt to interrupt her. The fire burned in Mashira's chest. "They may be the subject of this discussion, but this decision is not about them. It's about us. About our survival. The survival of our kingdom and the people we have sworn to protect. There's a level of understanding and knowledge we must admit we just don't have. And I fear if we delay much longer, there won't be much of a kingdom left for us to defend. I know why they were exiled to Alovajj, or have you forgotten I was the one who sent them there?"
The Prima sat down and took a few deep breaths. "I am trying to look past my personal feelings on the matter and think about what is best for our people. I hope you can do the same."
"Your Luminescence, there is an answer," Ayristark said. "You can take back the Talisman of Zavi from the king. You can kill the demon lord with it."
"And leave the king completely vulnerable? No, it's clear Verago wants Batar dead, and as long as he wears the Talisman, at least we know he's safe."
"Then we increase his guard. Bloodseekers, guardians, priests, whatever it takes. But, the kingdom will fall if Batar keeps the Talisman. We cannot stop the demon lord without it."
Mashira rubbed her forehead. "I'm sorry, but this is not up for discussion. Batar keeps the Talisman."
Deidok squinted and the wrinkles around his eyes became more pronounced. "Is your answer based on your feelings for the boy?"
Over the past few years, the Prima's affection for Batar had dwindled and finally vanished. He wasn't the same person she had met nearly a decade ago. She had made this clear to her advisors on numerous occasions, and the fact that it was coming up again only frustrated her further. "No, as I've already explained several times, there's nothing between us anymore. My answer is based solely on the fact that Verago wants him. The Devil doesn't target a single person unless he has a very good reason. Do you understand what I'm trying to tell you? Batar is the focus of some plan. Verago wants him and only him, and we don't know why."
"And how are we supposed to find out?" Ayristark asked.
"Excellent question. I was thinking we might ask for help from the people who have answers. Which brings us back to the reason I called this meeting."
"So, you believe the Death Gods know why Verago wants Batar?"
"Of course. You remember the letter we received three years ago from Rendomin, right? He found a journal that indicated the Death Gods knew Verago was going to try to capture and kill Batar."
"But instead, he captured and killed Altheus." Deidok clicked his tongue. "What a terrible night."
"Yes, but that's beside the point," the Prima said. "They knew Devil's Breach was going to happen."
Razza jumped back in. "But that doesn't mean they knew why. I see no reason why we should trust them after what they did."
The opposition was mounting against her idea. Mashira studied the faces of each of her advisers and couldn't determine if their expressions were showing pity or concern. And, perhaps they were right about the Death Gods. Maybe pursuing this idea was a mistake, but before she conceded, she needed to lay all her cards on the table.
"Look. We all know Deimor Outpost was not an unprovoked incident. Yes, they crossed the line. What they did was inexcusable. But we know the events that led up to it, don't we? We can pretend our hands are clean, but the truth is we enlisted the help of Anoctis. We hired Rendomin to spy on the Death Gods."
Ayristark drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. "Rendomin acted on his own accord. What happened was outside our agreement and outside our control."
"But we put him there, in Alovajj, under false pretense. Like it or not, that psychotic Dardan fool of a thief was our responsibility."
"May I say something?" Cole asked politely.
Mashira was startled by how courteous the advisor spoke. "Um, of course."
"You believe the Death Gods know why it's so important for Verago to kill Batar, correct?"
"Without a doubt."
"I see. Well, to that, I say, so what?"
"I'm sorry?"
"So what? So what if they know? Is knowing that bit of information going to magically stop the demon lord from destroying other cities?"
"You've completely missed the point," Mashira said. "They know things that we don't. They have dedicated their lives to learning as much as they can about demons, dark energy, and Verago. For angel's sake, Shinigami was the Grand Overseer of the Brotherhood for how many years? Twenty-five? Thirty? Do you think anyone on the Surface knows Verago better than he does? If they know why the Devil wants Batar, think what else they might know. Maybe they can stop Erynion."
"And what about their methods?" Deidok asked. "By enlisting their help, are we not condoning their methods of obtaining this information?"
"We know they torture demons," Ayristark added. "Vile beasts to be sure, but their souls are still human. We'd be walking a fine line."
"Please, Your Luminescence," Razza begged. "Leave them in exile."
"Where they belong," Cole muttered.
Mashira scowled, and the fire in her chest flickered. It seemed clear where her advisors stood regarding the Death Gods. She thought back to the previous night and how helpless she'd felt as Erynion annihilated half of the city. If she had the Talisman of Zavi—
No, she couldn't think like that. She couldn't take the Talisman from Batar. The risk was too great. But, what other course of action existed? Was she really prepared to go against the advice of her Council? In the end, that's all they were there for: advice. It was her decision to make and hers alone.
"No," she said softly.
Cole raised his eyebrow. "No?"
Mashira fanned the flames in her heart. "That's right. No."
"You can't be serious. You're going to ignore the advice of your entire Council?"
"I don't know. I guess we'll see." Mashira sprang to her feet as her internal fire roared to life. "It's pretty presumptuous of you to speak for all advisors when no one has given me their final say."
"Well, that's easy," Cole said. "I say no, not now, not ever."
"And I think you've made that quite clear, but let me just say this. If we keep insisting on taking this high road, the kingdom
is done. Do you get that? We're not even fighting Verago! We're fighting one of his playthings. And if by the grace of the angels, we kill this demon lord, what stops the Devil from making another? And what happens when he kills Batar? What unspeakable event will happen then? Yes, I agree consulting with the Death Gods is not the perfect solution, but at least it's a fangling solution!" Mashira stomped on the floor so hard she felt pain shoot up her leg. "We need to know what they know."
Cole sneered. "But at what price?"
"Are we to keep going in circles then? We all know what's at stake. And if no one has anything new to offer, then I want your final say. Do you think we should reestablish contact with Alovajj and make peace with the Death Gods in order to stop Erynion and Verago?"
Advisor Deidok shrugged. "Truth be told, I've always favored this decision."
Cole nearly fell out of his chair. "What?"
Mashira's jaw dropped. "You have?"
"Oh, yes. But, this course of action is not one to be taken lightly. I believe we all need to be aware of the challenges that will accompany it. I can understand why you might think I was opposed to it, but I absolutely agree we should do this."
Advisor Cole glared at Deidok. "You senile—"
Ayristark intervened. "Your Luminescence, it was by your order that King Cato exiled the Death Gods in the first place. We all know the history. There's no reason to rehash it. But at the time, we were not faced with such a threat. I want to reiterate what Deidok said. If we are to pursue this course of action, we need to go into it with open eyes and an open mind. We have to take the good with the bad, and pray that in the end, we have made the right decision. And so, given these unfortunate circumstances, I find myself in agreement with you. While not ideal, this is our best option, and so I favor this decision."
Mashira's eyes widened as she struggled to catch her breath. In an instant, her fears melted away and a huge weight was lifted from her shoulders. She had just received support from two of her four advisors, including Ayristark, whose opinion she valued most. "Thank you."
"However," the former Primus continued, "we must be cautious. There has been a lot of bad blood between the Death Gods and the rest of the kingdom. It would be unwise to place all of our trust and hope in them."
Razza Merona shook her head. "I have to disagree with what's been said. I'm doubtful the Death Gods can offer us salvation from this nightmare. In fact, I believe working with them can be just as harmful as it is helpful. I cannot agree that this is the best path to follow."
"Finally, some reason," Cole said.
"However, since it appears to be the only path we can follow, I cannot in good conscience reject this idea either. And so, until a time at which I can provide a suitable alternative, I will withhold my criticism. For now—whatever your decision—you will have my cooperation."
The Prima felt as if she could float. Only moments ago, she was prepared to act in defiance of the Council's advice, but now the opposite would be true. The fire within her calmed and burned steadily. Mashira strolled toward Advisor Cole. "Although I'm sure we all know what your opinion is, everyone should be given the same opportunity to offer their final say. So, let's hear it."
Cole's hands slid back and forth over his thighs. With a grunt, he stood beside the Prima and addressed the Council. He spoke slowly, as if meticulously selecting each word before he said it. "What I'm experiencing at this moment can only be described as profound disbelief. I can't believe what I'm hearing. I can't believe what you all are agreeing to. So quick to forget."
Mashira kept her lips sealed. She had to allow him to speak.
"I don't care what you say. You've all forgotten what those people did to us. They nearly tore the kingdom in two. I reject this decision with every fiber of my being. And what's more, I cannot be on this Council if this is the course of action you mean to take."
"Advisor Cole, what are you saying?" Mashira asked.
"I know we haven't always seen eye to eye on many topics, but I've still stood by you. This is different, though. Shinigami may be human by our definition, but he's just as bad as the Devil. And you don't make peace with one demon to destroy another."
"Your opinion of the Death God leader is noted. You claim we're quick to forget, but it seems you've forgotten how Shinigami's help at the Assault on Light's Haven ensured our victory."
"So you say. I suppose that reconciles everything else. Well, don't let me stop you. I see you've received a favorable answer from the Council. I wonder if any of them hold an opinion of their own, or do they agree with you on everything."
"You're out of line, Advisor," Mashira scolded.
"Advisor? Don't make me laugh. What's the point of such a title if you never heed my advice."
"I don't have to agree with you to heed your words."
Cole threw his hands up. "It doesn't matter now anyway. I take it you plan to proceed with this idea and petition the Death Gods for help?"
"I do."
"Then allow me to take this final opportunity to tell you all you're making a grave mistake. Once you throw your lot in with the Death Gods, everything will change, and trust me when I say, it will not get better. I refuse to play any part in this." Cole removed the white scarf with the red stripes and threw it on the ground. "I resign from my position as your advisor."
The scarf on the floor irritated Mashira to no end. She had no issues with the act of resignation, in general. But, what she found unacceptable was how he was doing it so disrespectfully, discarding the symbol of his rank.
"This is not something you can take back later," the Prima warned. "I'll give you a moment to reconsider, and I suggest you think very carefully before you speak again."
Cole brought his face so close to hers that their noses were nearly touching. "It's obvious I'm thinking more clearly than any of you. And I'm not sure how much clearer I can be. You're a disgrace to the rank, to the Talisman, and to the guild. Your Council is a joke, and I won't be a part of it any longer. I resign my position, and that is final."
The words stung, but they were just words. There was no truth behind them. Cole was trying to get a rise out of her. Mashira grimaced as she tried to douse the flames that were blazing on the inside. Cole knocked his chair aside on his way out. He gripped the handle and swung open the door.
"That's it then?" the Prima asked. "You intend to just leave your seat empty?"
Cole paused in the threshold. "No, have your brother fill it."
Chapter 34
City of Demons
Eriph inspected his reflection. His naturally feathered blond hair clung to his shoulders, and his brown robe hung plainly over his body. Behind him, his bag lay on the bed with a black scarf peeking out. He hadn't put it on since his Exclusion. He corralled his hair with both hands and tied it back into a tail. Today was going to be his first official day as a Death God. Alovajj was his new home. His heartbeat was powerful but steady. The Death God founders held his fate in their hands. If Eriph wasn't accepted as an officer and provided a place in Moultia Palace, he would be just like the thousands of citizens who lived in Alovajj without a real voice. But whatever the founders' decision, today would be the last day he wore the brown robe. Eriph took a deep breath before he scooped up the bag with his belongings and hoisted his shield over his shoulder. He descended the stairs and entered the tavern portion of the lodge.
The owner's son, a boy who could barely grow hair on his face, greeted him. "Good morning, sir. Would you like to eat?"
"Good morning."
Another voice interrupted the polite exchange. "Morning? Ha! Eleven strikes has already passed. It's nearly afternoon!"
Eriph smiled. "Cross, what are you doing up? After last night, I thought you'd still be asleep."
"Me? Never. I have to head back to Memorial City today. No time for sleep. Come, put that fangling shield down and join me."
Eriph slipped by the owner's son and sat at the table. Cross, a large fellow with the personality to match, was
a traveling merchant who made frequent trips to Alovajj from Memorial City. An orange beard in need of serious trimming shrouded most of his face, but anyone could tell when he smiled.
"So, the food any good?" the excluded priest asked.
"Nothing quite like it after how much I drank last night. You don't seem too bad, though."
"Oh, well, that's because you were already ten pints in when I walked through the gate."
Cross squinted as if trying to remember the events of the previous night. "Oh yeah. You came from Royal Oak, right? Depths of a ride. You hear the news?"
"News? No, what's that?"
"Fangling demons messed it up pretty bad. They say the purge took out half the fangling city."
Eriph had chills. "Purge? Half the city? Was it occupied?"
"Mmm, no, it doesn't sound like it. I think most of the civilians were out of range. But word is plenty of fighters fell. It was this huge battle. Apparently, there was a twisted gate in the royal oak."
"A twisted gate? In the oak? How's that possible? Was there no sacred ground?"
The merchant shrugged. "No fangling clue. I'm just telling you what I heard."
"And who told you about this?"
"Boss. Got the letter this morning. She's recalling all of us back to Memorial City until further notice. Apparently, Prima Mashira even called Ayristark and Cole out to Royal Oak early this morning. Some emergency Council meeting."
"Really? The Council met this morning?"
"That's what the letter said."
The possibilities swarmed in Eriph's mind. If Candelux ever planned to reconnect with the Death Gods, the Prima would want the support of the Council. And if the attack on Royal Oak was as devastating as Cross indicated, then it might lead the Council to this drastic decision.
"Hey!" Cross broke Eriph's concentration. "My head's still a little fuzzy, but did you say you were going up to Moultia Palace today?"
The Twisted Gate Page 34