Anethor’s mouth hung open. He closed it with a snap, and rose. “Thank you for this revelation. We are not that clever here, are we?”
Torrullin stood to help him. “Few do what you do, Anethor,” he murmured as he walked the other man to the door. “Our talents are a product of immortality; yours is achieved in this life. That is amazing and, besides reincarnation, the closest anyone may get.”
The shaman stopped. “Reincarnation? Is it real?”
“Yes, if you know the how of it.”
Anethor shook his head. “I think that must be frightening.”
“Indeed.”
The old man smiled. “I leave you now.” He leaned closer to Torrullin. “I hope I have given you new insight.”
Torrullin paled. “You had a vision.”
Anethor touched the side of his nose and left the cottage. Uneven footsteps told of his labour down the steps.
ELIANAS’ DARK EYES were unreadable. He had his arms crossed over his chest, but had otherwise not moved.
Torrullin stood looking down at him. “The mind, when freed, is able to enter other realms?”
The dark man stared up, giving nothing away.
“Merely to witness?” Torrullin whispered.
Still no reaction.
“You could have lied to the shaman,” Torrullin murmured, “and yet you did not. I know when you lie, I always know.” His hand whipped out, grabbing Elianas at the neck. “Is this another betrayal?”
Dark eyes hooded. “Do you want it to be?”
Torrullin let go. “I wonder what you would have me do, were I to answer betrayal with betrayal again.”
Elianas smiled lazily. “Only you can answer.”
“Gods, I do not want to play this game. It has been a trying day.”
“Then do not stand there like an avenging angel. Ask nicely.”
A muttered oath. “Did you enter other realms?”
“Yes. It was a long wait and the Throne gifted greater powers.”
“Which realms?”
Elianas smiled. “What you’re really asking is whether I was near you in some of those you were in, or maybe all of them.”
Torrullin sat. “That is what I am asking.”
Elianas uncrossed his arms.
“I was in Digilan when Tymall entered full of hate for you, and I saw how he became Warlock. I saw you enter with him later, after the Valla deaths. Truthfully as witness only; I had no form.” A pause. “I knew Margus in the etheric realm he subverted Tymall in and I nudged him out, which is why he lost to you - he was not quite ready. As for the realms you walked through? Aaru was forbidden me, and I admit I was surprised you were not prohibited. When you underwent the reincarnation cycle I was there to stand as barrier between you and the influences. An adult transferring to an innocent babe? With those influences you would have missed the tiny exit. It was never betrayal, merely a helping hand.”
“And the Plane?”
Elianas stared at him. “Yes.”
Torrullin flopped back and closed his eyes.
“The Enforcers you sent on their way cannot return, Torrullin. They are not like the draithen become Mor Feru.”
“Thank the gods.”
A moment, and then Elianas said, “Had I form on the Plane I would have beat the crap out of Margus, and had he still insisted on that bloody whore, I would have taken your place.”
Torrullin’s eyes opened and he gazed expressionlessly at the dark man.
Elianas shrugged. “It is the only time I knew you to be so disgusted in the act of sex. I had been long celibate by then and I could cheerfully have given the entire whorehouse a seeing to.”
A flash of amusement. And then, “You are still celibate.”
“I intend to rectify it this very night. I had an offer today.”
“We cannot abuse these good folk, damn it!”
“Relax, will you? They are good and moral, but not narrow. She explained new blood was good for Echolone, although I shall, of course, guard against unwitting pregnancy.”
There was a glint in Elianas’ eyes.
“At least it’s a woman,” Torrullin muttered.
Elianas rose. “I think I shall go now.” He headed for the door and paused there. “You should have said at least it isn’t Lowen. One more minute alone with her today and I would have broken the long drought inside her.”
Torrullin knew it was the truth. “Fuck off.”
Laughing, Elianas did just that.
Torrullin stared at the empty doorway.
Elianas had, neatly, diverted attention away from the realms.
What was he hiding?
NOT LONG AFTER, Caballa entered.
She went directly to him and sat beside him.
“I know what he is doing,” he murmured.
“Are you all right?”
“Why shouldn’t I be?”
Caballa shrugged, seeing the minefield in answering.
“It will be good for him,” Torrullin said. “Blunt some of his edges, so to speak.”
“I guess.”
“Caballa, you do not have to stay.”
“I am staying. I want answers, too.”
“Fine. You are your own person.”
“But?” she said tartly.
“You might not be allowed beyond that mysterious door.”
“I kind of got that when both Cassy and Lowen were sent packing, and I sense this whole adventure sits ill. I choose to wait and see.”
“And if you go beyond? What of Tristan? It may be some time before we get out again.”
“He will be fine,” she smiled.
Torrullin returned it. “Yes, he would be.”
“You did good in choosing him for the Dome.”
“I think so.”
“In fact, all three Vallas are suited to their duties. You read them perfectly.”
“Thank you. At least something fits in this strange reality.”
She blinked. “Strange?”
“It is new, Caballa, all new. Every word, act and thought. To me, ruled by the fates, it is strange.” He frowned and rose. He paced threading a hand through his hair.
“A challenge, my Lord.”
“What? Oh … of course.” He paced more, frowning at Allith’s lovely landscapes.
Caballa then understood his distraction. Elianas. In the act. Hell. Torrullin could feel the dark man’s emotions.
She rose swiftly. “Would you like coffee?”
“Stronger.” He stretched his hand out and caught a bottle of amber liquid as he conjured it. “Find us goblets.” He stared at the bottle. Angry.
She found tumblers, took the vessel from him and poured liberal measures. Clinking with him, she said, “To blunting the edges.”
He glared at her and then reluctantly smiled. “To those edges, yes.” He drained his glass, sat down hard and poured again.
Caballa sat more slowly. “Was he like this when you were with another?”
“How the hell should I know?”
She inclined her head. “I think he was, but he was forced to bear it alone.”
His hand shook as he raised his glass. Swearing, he set it down. “Lowen said you mentioned a line to her.”
“I am versed in the lore of sorcerers, Torrullin. I know what holds you two back, and perhaps pushes you to greater challenge, but I did not tell her. There are few who know the underlying lore in this age.”
“Thank the gods.”
“Does he know?”
“Of course he knows. Why do you think we dance?”
Caballa refilled her glass. “For such a powerful attraction to continue holding, both of you must have equal and opposite power. Has he the corresponding abilities to Elixir?”
He raised his glass again. This time his hand was steady. “He matches, yes.”
“To Elixir?” Caballa said intently. “How?”
“That I do not know yet.”
Caballa was thoughtful. “Cassy said he has more and d
arker places.”
“Are you suggesting his magic is darak?”
“Isn’t it?”
Torrullin sighed. “Perhaps.”
She leaned forward. “Walk away from this. You don’t need the tension.”
“What you are saying is, I do not need his power.”
“You don’t.”
“It isn’t a question of need, Caballa.”
“Fine, but you could choose to walk.”
“The decision would have to be mutual and neither of us will make the first move.”
“You could.”
He set his glass down again and stared directly at her. “Caballa, I am sick of numbness and I do not want to forget again.” Not after today. “Elianas challenges me simply by being; imagine the challenges beyond that. Right or wrong, the only choice that fits is the way forward together.”
“Gods, I hope you know what you are doing.”
“The future is dark, remember?”
“You could destroy each other, damn it.”
A wry grimace. “That we have already achieved. The challenge now is not to destroy everything else.”
“Do you know what I think? I think you need to be divested of your power for an extended period, and Elianas likewise. The two of you need to find the real people hidden in the layers around you. Only then will a truer choice be forthcoming.”
He sent her a tolerant smile. “Maybe.”
“Who is the real Torrullin? What do you think he would do right now? Sit here stewing in anger, or pull the one he loves off and away from a casual encounter?”
He glared. “It is not like that.”
“Please, you don’t even know.”
“Truthfully, I do not, you are right. It feels good to admit it. It has been a love-hate, look-don’t-touch relationship since inception, and yet I never felt this hot under the collar back then. Gods, it is really starting to piss me off.”
“Your power has increased, therefore the attraction.”
“I know. Still.”
A smile twitched Caballa’s lips. “There is a line, mercifully.”
“It is not funny. That only makes it worse.” Torrullin covered his face with his hands. “Caballa, please … leave now.”
She frowned at him.
“Please.”
“All right,” she said, and left quickly.
Torrullin groaned, doubled over ,and, in a fit of anger, swiped the bottle from the table. It toppled to the ground and amber liquid ran gurgling over Allith’s wooden floor.
CABALLA DID NOT return, wisely choosing a bed offered in another cottage.
It was deep, silent, expectant night when Elianas returned.
He entered quietly, treading carefully in the dark. Halfway across to the guestroom, he halted. He found the faint silhouette on the couch. He hesitated and then made his way there to sit with careful restraint. His presence elicited no reaction, and yet he knew Torrullin was fully aware. He leaned back and closed his eyes. He felt sated and yet his senses were heightened.
One word, one touch … and all lines be damned.
Perhaps Torrullin knew it, for he rose cautiously and headed for the guestroom. His ragged breathing gave him away.
Elianas almost whimpered and then, as the fates would have it and as an expectant night was wont to do, a massive fork of lightning lit the dark, roaring its power.
“Get away from me!” Elianas shouted, clawing at the fabric of the seat.
Torrullin had jerked around.
Another mighty flash, and the heavens opened. Rain thundered down, drowning out sound and caution.
Torrullin retraced his steps, swiftly, and tore into Elianas. One hand took him by the hair, the other ripped at his tunic and he climbed onto him to hold him down.
“Let us end this,” he growled. “Let us surrender and be done.”
His fingers scratched over Elianas’ chest and he lowered his mouth, found the other, but Elianas bit down and fought back hard.
“Not like this,” he gasped, punching Torrullin in the stomach.
Cursing, Torrullin fell back, but took the dark man with him. They sprawled onto the rug. Elianas hit him again, then again, and Torrullin snarled and lashed out. He sent Elianas tumbling back, and followed, pouncing on him, tearing the man’s clothes from him.
“Not like this!” Elianas heaved.
Against his thigh Torrullin felt his arousal and pressed down so Elianas would know his. Elianas groaned aloud and fingers twisted up to drag Torrullin onto him, then split his tunic open, and skin pressed to skin, hearts hammering against sweat, spreading vibrations throughout … and Elianas bucked.
He threw Torrullin off and hurtled to his feet.
“I told you, only when you are prepared to cross the line!” he shouted over drumming rain and rolling thunder.
Torrullin stood. “I am quite prepared.” He reached out, but Elianas stepped away. Silver eyes glinted. He approached slowly and halted before the heaving man. He reached out to gently follow the curves of Elianas’ chest and stomach, using both hands. “All you have to do is surrender.”
Elianas growled and swatted those roving hands that set fires alight away. He gripped Torrullin’s head and pulled him closer. “You will surrender, not I.” He kissed him hard and then pushed him violently aside.
“I have,” Torrullin whispered.
Elianas growled, “One step, Torrullin, and you will rue the day you were born. I will find a way to kill you.”
Torrullin laughed.
Elianas swung and connected hard. Torrullin fell back, hitting the floor with a thud. Elianas climbed onto him and ground his pelvis against Torrullin’s. “Is this really what you want?”
“I suggest,” Torrullin murmured, breathing unevenly, “if you seek to prevent this in future, my brother, you remain celibate from now on. Obviously I have less control than you do.”
Elianas leaned over him. “I killed a man over this.”
“I know.”
Elianas lowered his mouth to Torrullin’s chest. He left a trail of kisses as he retreated, and sat up.
Torrullin gathered himself to sit. He touched a broken lip and laughed. “I think I will leave these injuries to remind you in the coming days how much the mind controls. It is our minds, Elianas; skin to skin, the mind’s way of finding entry, but you know this, and you know how erotic it is. Have we not been here before?”
“Not like this.”
“Not quite, and yet we went further that time. No pleasure ever came close thereafter,” Torrullin murmured.
“Shut up.”
The hot-cold fury of betrayal resurfaced, and Torrullin sidled deliberately closer. Elianas’ breeches were open and he deliberately laid his hand over Elianas’ groin, his fingers warming the cloth covering what lay a micron below. Elianas’ hand whipped out, but Torrullin was immovable.
“This would be betrayal right now, wouldn’t it?” he whispered, and one finger stroked firmly.
Elianas groaned and growled simultaneously. Eyes dilated, he stared at Torrullin in the intermittent lightning. “You have great darkness inside, my brother.”
Torrullin smiled. He stroked again.
Elianas took his hands from that wrist. “Do it then, and let us discover how we change everything tonight.”
Eyes glittering, Torrullin fingers curled.
Elianas groaned, throwing his head back.
A moment followed, utterly immobile, and pregnant with possibility.
Torrullin lifted his hand away. “I wonder who possesses the greater darkness,” he murmured. A moment later he stumbled up and into the storm.
Elianas collapsed and willed control.
It took longer than it ever had to return.
Chapter 16
These are battle scars. They serve as a mask. They also serve as proof.
~ A soldier, Excelsior
Echolone
TORRULLIN JOINED CABALLA and Elianas at the breakfast table, sitting with a curt gre
eting.
Caballa glanced from him to Elianas. Elianas refused to say where he obtained the bruise on his cheek and now Torrullin appeared with a split lip and a battered eye.
She remarked, “I know you can heal yourselves.”
Neither replied.
“Fine,” she muttered and changed the subject. “Carlin should be finished by mid-morning. Anethor has opened his home to a gathering soon after.”
“Good,” Torrullin said, eating fitfully. He glanced at Elianas, lingered on the bruise and looked away. He threw his fork down. “Tomorrow is the meeting at Two Fork Tree.”
“Then the door,” Elianas muttered. “I cannot wait to shake the dust of this reality from my feet.”
“Be wary of what you wish for,” Torrullin murmured.
“Fuck off.”
Caballa blinked, surprised by the underlying hatred.
“Behave like a grown up,” Torrullin said, without looking at him.
“Cute, coming from you.”
Caballa ate stolidly.
“You know, Caballa, when Elianas was a young lad he used to go skulking and sulking into corners when he couldn’t get his way. Such a cute youngling he was, too, all pouting …”
Elianas snarled …
… and Torrullin burst out laughing. “Not much has changed, I see.”
“Why do you bait?” Elianas said, anger in every word.
“Because, idiot, I would not cope otherwise.”
Elianas was silent and then, “Thank your lucky stars the storm passed in the early hours.”
“I do not trust to luck.”
“Boys, enough,” Caballa said. “Now, I know you two wear your war scars for a purpose, but unless you want tongues wagging, I suggest you rid yourselves of them. Then use that volatile energy to clean Allith’s home; she will be back soon. Understood?”
Torrullin grinned. “Yes, mother goose.”
“Whatever,” Elianas muttered.
“Good. Now I am off to complete a bargain for some of these gorgeous rugs. Behave yourselves.” Caballa rose and left.
Torrullin poured coffee, Elianas stabbed at his plate.
“I’m sorry, Elianas.”
He looked up briefly. “Don’t be. To feel alive comes at an unholy price.”
Lore of Sanctum Omnibus Page 77