Devil's Dominion

by Stephen Trolly

  “Guinira had those armies as well, and while she ruled in your name, most of Anaria was under her control. Now … much that she took, you have lost since your return.” She took a much longer drink, daring to break eye contact now that she had The Kindler’s attention. “She knew how to fight the Morschcoda. She knew how to beat them. You don’t. And with her dead, you don’t have anyone with that knowledge. And, I say again, Vorteez is dead. Who knows which of the Seven will fall to the Dragon King next?”

  “Others of the Seven have died before. We are immortal, young one.”

  Ranny smiled. “Has Vorteez ever died? Or was he the one who kept you immortal? Was the Master of Pain also the Master of Death?”

  The Kindler said nothing. The mortal in front of him was too clever by half, and had far too much nerve. He seriously considered killing her; he had killed Morschen and Deshik alike for far less. But, though he hated to admit it, he was intrigued: the bravado, the showiness. ‘If it’s all a bluff, killing her wouldn’t matter. But if it’s not …’ The Kindler made up his mind.

  Ranny watched The Kindler closely. She had him playing her game now. And in her game, there was only one rule: Win.

  * * * * *

  Edya handed Daliana a scroll, sealed with Comni Hargd’s flower and sword.

  Daliana broke the wax and read the first few lines. She handed the scroll to Edya and sat down without a word.

  Edya read the message. “So it’s true. Ranny Marsharin is The Kindler’s new Regent.”