by J. B. Jenn
He pulled out another book from the bookshelf and set it on a table beside him where six books already sat. With how much information the Desert had, there seemed little information on what he looked for. It was disappointing. He doubted there was anything in the library Kenokel used to have. He wondered how many of those books had survived. Once he returned, he’d have to look into it.
He took the books to one of the tables scattered in the garden, located just off the side of the library. He opened one of them.
The origin of the wytch is unknown. There is only speculation where they have obtained their power. Some say it’s because in our dark, unknown past, our ancestors mated with demons. Their offspring generated the wytch and their unique powers. Whether this is true or not, there is no way to ever be certain. Another such rumor…
Trester closed the book. That hadn’t helped. The book seemed only speculation of how wytches came about their powers. He needed proof. Somehow. He worried there was no way to be certain about their demon blood. He needed to substantiate it. He couldn’t trust the word of a demon.
Trester opened another book. This one was named: The Demon Within.
Over the centuries, it has been speculated there is demon blood in every wytch alive, but there has never been a way to prove it. Until recently.
Demon blood is where we obtain our magical abilities. The origin of wytches was made on a more noble intention than the outcome. Wytches were meant to help protect Hartland alongside the Servants.
The Gods, however, hated the fact we had demon blood in us, considering us an abomination. They forbid us to help Their Servants. Some of the Gods even wanted us destroyed.
If They would only allow us to work with Their Servants, we could prove we are not evil just because we have demon blood coursing through our veins. All it does is give us power and does not change the person we are.
Trester closed the book and stared at it, hoping it would lead him to something. He wanted to do it alone. Even though there was no one else in the garden, he felt he was out in the open with prying eyes.
There was so much history lost. It was time Hartland regained it. As King of Cascade, he could ensure others learned the truth. Hopefully, he had the chance to do so. He knew in war anything could happen. The next fight he found himself in could claim his life. It was the reason he thought about sharing what he had learned with King Maik. Yet, he was hesitant. Wytches were already viewed as beings to fear. He thought this might make it worse.
Trester sighed. He would have to think on it before he could decide for certain. All he knew was he didn’t want to make the wytches’ life more difficult than it already was.
De’Nae
King Flynn sat across from her. His leg rested across his other and his hands sat in his lap. Every once in a while, his forefinger on his left hand twitched with irritation. De’Nae met his sourness with a small, patient smile, which only seemed to aggravate him more. It had taken him all day to meet with her.
“I’m uncertain supporting Carthoda in this is in Horizon’s best interest,” Flynn said flatly. “I’ve heard troubling reports about your kingdom. Is it true you’re using demons to get what you want? And those demons were created from your own people?” His voice was angry, indicating he already knew the truth.
De’Nae tilted her head to the side and studied him for a moment. She didn’t answer him until he leaned forward. She touched his hand, which he withdrew immediately.
“My dear, they are only a means to an end. That is all. Once Hartland is united, they will be gone. I guaranty it. I assure you, my husband and I are not insane. We realized we needed help in obtaining our goals. The people who turned to demons were all volunteers who believe in our goals for the future. Unfortunately, few thought Hartland needed to change. They see nothing wrong with the way things are. Surely, you can admit the land needs to be united, can’t you? Can you not see all the benefits?”
Flynn’s eyes narrowed. “Hartland does need united, but not with the help of demons. I cannot do this. My God would never permit me to do such things. Leave my palace at once. I will not hear any more of this.”
“Your so called God doesn’t even allow the belief in demons,” De’Nae remarked. “It seems you are not as avid of a believer as you’d like the world to believe.” The look he gave her spoke of how much he loathed her. She took hold of his hand. He attempted to resist, but her grasp was strong. “Listen to me, King Flynn, you are making a grave mistake. The Old Gods’ Servant will come for you and she will kill you. I have seen it.”
Flynn eyed her. “How could you possibly know such things? What manner of person are you?” De’Nae answered him with a small smile. Flynn raised one of his brows. “I want an answer.”
She shook her head. “I am a wytch. I can see parts of the future and as you can guess am capable of many things. Ask yourself this question. You already know I have helped turn the people of Carthoda into demons. What else am I capable of?”
Flynn snorted. “Threatening me isn’t the best idea.”
“Why not? I could kill you here and now and just speak with your younger brother, who I’m sure would see reason. I hear he is easy to persuade. Perhaps I should speak with your son.” She watched his face pale. “Just keep that in mind as we discuss our plan of action. Know you are dispensable and someone more agreeable will be placed on the throne. If need be, your entire family can be killed.”
Flynn clenched his jaw, flaring his nostrils. De’Nae knew he hated her, but he knew the only way his family would survive this was if he cooperated with her. De’Nae reached for his hand again, but he pulled away from her, grimacing at the thought of her touch.
“We’re done here,” he said through clenched teeth, rising.
De’Nae grinned before disappearing from sight.
Relyck
“Shit!” one of his soldiers yelled.
Relyck turned just in time to watch the man get skewered by one of the demons. He ran toward the man, despite knowing it was already too late to save his life. He swung his ruined sword, catching the demon off guard. He watched as the horned head flew off the square shoulders with horns at the edges to bounce along the dirt. Where its blood landed, it left scorch marks behind.
This was madness. There was no way they could keep fighting like this. They needed reinforcements, and now. Unfortunately, they weren’t going to get any soon. Somehow they would have to hold out.
“Behind you!” one of his men warned him.
Relyck turned to deflect most of the coming blow. The creature’s long, sharp claws raked the entire length of his arm. The soldier who had warned him ran his sword through the monster’s center. Bright purple blood sprayed every-where. Blood droplets landed across Relyck’s face. From the overwhelming burning sensation, he couldn’t concentrate or see. Everything around him blurred.
He wasn’t aware when the battle ended. His face kept burning and burning, threatening to take him to the black. When one of his men kneeled beside him, taking his hands from his face, he heard startled gasps around him. The man grabbed his canteen. Water poured over Relyck’s face and hands. It did little to diminish the burning feeling. More water poured down his face.
“How bad?” he asked through clamped teeth. He waited for what felt like an eternity before he repeated himself. “How bad?” he growled.
“It isn’t good,” one of them answered in a soft voice.
“We need to wash your face and hands again, to make sure the demon’s blood is gone.” There was silence. “At least your hands aren’t badly damaged.”
Water was poured across his face again. Silence settled around them. Relyck sat up, feeling vomit rise in the back of his throat from the pain. He glanced toward where the demon had been. At least, his eyesight hadn’t been ruined. Fighting out here against those things, he needed his eyes and hands more than anything else.
“I hope Korick found his way back to the king without trouble. We need reinforcements.”
&nb
sp; Relyck looked toward the two soldiers who were dead, laying side by side, waiting for a burial. One of his men placed his hand on his shoulder.
“All we can do is our best,” the man muttered.
“Our best isn’t good enough. Remember the orders and information the king sent us? The ones we didn’t believe were real about demons? If we let them through, they’ll destroy our towns and turn our people into demons to fight for King Barend. We need reinforcements, period. We can’t allow the Desert to become like Carthoda.”
His soldiers murmured agreement with him, but like him, their spirit was breaking. They had no idea how many more demons they would face. All Relyck knew was they had to hold out. Somehow.
Casman
King Zavad had summoned him. He sat in the throne room waiting for the king to arrive, wondering what the man wanted. He was supposed to be training the soldiers right now. Lord Osrin would no doubt comment on his late arrival. The old, cantankerous man was easy to irritate. Admittedly, he enjoyed irritating him.
Casman felt he would have never agreed to work with such a man if not for Hartland’s current situation. Every night he went home, he would sit beside his wife, Sinda, and think about all the possibilities. If they couldn’t stop King Barend, humans might not exist anymore. It was why he and so many others had taken up the fight.
He wished the other kingdoms would send word to them, offering their aid. He refused to believe they didn’t know what was happening. Rumors surely had spread all across Hartland. Shouldn’t they have seen someone from Drakal at least investigating?
“I wanted to discuss the training of our soldiers with you in person,” Zavad said.
Casman bowed to the man. “Of course, your Majesty.” The king sat on the throne and stared at him for several moments. There was a seriousness in his brown eyes and his sandy, blonde hair was almost unkempt as if he’d stayed up late. “What was it you wished to speak to me about?”
“About Lord Osrin. I want to ensure he doesn’t make Yul into something it’s not. Oh, I understand we must learn how to fight and defend ourselves. We might even take the fight to King Barend. What I don’t want is Lord Osrin changing the way people think here. I don’t want him to instill the idea war and fighting is better than education.”
Casman was silent for a time, uncertain how to respond. He didn’t want the way people thought to change either, but he knew it would. War changed everything. Casman met the king’s brown eyes.
“Your Majesty, I’m afraid there’ll be little for me to do in that aspect. War changes the way people see the world. I want Yul to remain unchanged too, but I’m afraid the change is going to happen regardless of what we do. We are up against an enemy none of us ever dreamed of. It’s going to change the people who survive it. Already, we are teaching these men and some brave women how to fight against these monsters. I don’t want to disappoint you, but…”
Zavad sighed. “I’m sorry, Casman. You’re right, but it doesn’t prevent me from feeling helpless. As I watch everyone train, I know, soon enough, we’ll be sending them to their deaths. We already have men at the border, no doubt fighting these demons and dying. I just wish there was a way I could make everything the way it’s supposed to be again.”
Casman stared at King Zavad, knowing he was witnessing a side of the man few had the privilege to see. “Your Majesty, perhaps we should look at these changes as a positive thing. If Yul still focuses on education, but has the knowledge to defend ourselves, we can protect our way of life. Another kingdom won’t be able to come across the border, kill the ruling family, and change everything. At least this way, we protect what we value. Others don’t value the same things we do.”
Zavad said nothing for several moments. He rose from the throne, flaring his nostrils. Casman wished he could tell the king everything would work out the way it was intended, but he couldn’t lie. Things rarely happened the way anyone planned them.
“Your Majesty, there is something we could do. We need to send an emissary to Fairvale. We need to speak to King Adair Lorimer and request he send aid. We should tell him everything. By now, he has gotten his own reports. We need his help in attacking King Barend and ending this.”
“Who do you suggest we send?”
“I have no idea, your Majesty.”
“Thank you, Casman. I will think it over for a bit.”
“I would send someone as soon as possible, your Majesty. There is no way for certain to know when or if King Barend will decide to leave Carthoda. He has the forces to do whatever he wants right now.”
Zavad nodded and started toward the door. “Is there anything else you would like to tell me before I leave?”
“Ogden may be alive, your Majesty.”
Zavad paused. He looked back at him, blinking. “Come again?”
“Hethera insists her husband is still alive. I didn’t believe it either. Ogden always said she’s been able to see glimpses into the future. He never wanted to tell anyone in fear they would view her in the same light as Rosha. When I spoke with her, I had my doubts, but before I left, somehow, I knew he was still alive. She has seen him. He’s fighting a different part of this war. She wouldn’t be any more specific. I’m not sure she could be.”
“I believe it,” Zavad said. “I’ve met Hethera a few times. She’s a sweet woman and has told me a few things which have come true. As far as I’m concerned she is nothing like Rosha. Hethera doesn’t use dangerous herbs to help her ability.”
Casman watched his king leave. He hoped he hadn’t made things worse for Hethera by telling the king Ogden was still alive.
Gray
A few weeks ago, Lord Osrin and King Zavad had sent him to the northern border. They had asked him to lead a small group of fifteen. There were others along the border as well doing the same thing. Apprehension had settled in just a day after they had left Lovic.
The only demon he had ever lain witness to was what Queen Balla had identified as Urian. It was the last demon he wanted to see. Now, there was a chance he would see many more. He wasn’t ready for it. None of the units sent north were ready to see demons. Yet, here they were, patrolling, and waiting. Hoping they wouldn’t die, but knowing the chances were real.
Three days had passed since their arrival. They hadn’t seen a thing yet. Gray knew he should count himself lucky, but he also knew this was the calm before the storm. It was only a matter of time before King Barend received news of the army they were gathering. By doing so, they had made themselves a threat. King Barend would retaliate. They had caused this outcome. He wondered why he was the only one who could see it.
Gray paced back and forth, slapping his hand along his leg. It was better than the alternative of his hand shaking from the strain he felt. He wasn’t certain if he could face one of those demons. They were smaller than Urian, as Casman had told them, but he still wasn’t certain he could do it. They had slaughtered both of Casman’s men. The large one and smaller ones had destroyed Kenokel. He was simply a man who knew the basics of swordplay. It was one of the reasons he’d been so jealous of Ogden and Casman. He could see their skill and wanted it.
“Sir,” one of the men said. “There was a strange sighting just east of here. Should we investigate?”
As much as he wanted to say no, he knew he couldn’t.
“Yes. Move out!”
Gray followed the scout, praying it was nothing. When they arrived, the area was empty. Despite this, Gray couldn’t keep his heart from racing. It felt like an ambush, though they were on flat grassland. There was nowhere to hide.
“Look for tracks. We might be able to catch them still.”
He watched two of his men start searching the ground. Gray scanned the area again with an uneasy feeling. It was as if something was watching him, waiting for just the right moment to attack. He shook his head, telling himself he was just being paranoid and worried over what Casman had told them. He had said demons were the worst enemy he had ever fought. The most gruesome and the
most heartless. Gray had seen the haunted look in the man’s eyes and believed every word.
“The tracks don’t lead anywhere. It’s as if they never left.”
Gray’s face paled. “Retreat!”
His men started back the way they had come. The presence Gray had felt revealed itself. There were fifteen of them. Gray sucked in a deep breath.
“Attack!” Gray yelled.
Four of the fifteen demons fell. One of his men did, too. Gray looked about, trying to find a weakness to exploit. Everything seemed so helpless. They should have had wytches on their side to even things out. If they survived this, he would send one of his men back to speak with King Zavad. They needed wytches to help in their defense.
“The men on my right, follow my lead. The rest of you, hold your ground!”
Gray parted from them, hoping they could get around behind the demons before his men faltered. It was a risky maneuver, but one he planned to make happen. As they were halfway to flanking them, he saw two more of his men fall. He prayed Casman was right when he claimed demons were unthinking, with only killing them on their minds.
Charging the nearest demon, Gray sunk his blade in deep. The demon howled and twisted away. Gray almost lost his sword. As the demon moved, he was hard pressed to keep up with him.
The demon twisted to the right. Gray saw through its feint and was ready for it when it twisted to the left. It met the sharp edge of his sword as it cut deep into the monster’s midsection. The demon howled. Fire bathed his entire body. Gray backed up several feet, wide-eyed, horrified as the flaming demon was chasing him. Then it was gone as if it had never been there.