“How far were you from Zar’Asur’s newest castle?” Mikel asked.
I stood and approached the map, using my finger to trace the path we followed, then finding the road that led to the village where we found Adalina’s group.
“The tunnel must be here,” I said, drawing a line between the two points. “At the time, I guessed we were less than two days, but looking at the map now, it appears to be even closer.” Everyone else had stood and moved towards the map as well.
“I think we have to assume that we didn’t eliminate as many of Zar’Asur’s army as we thought,” Eli said reluctantly. “He clearly had them leading us towards his castle.” He leaned over the map and pointed to several villages. “We fought the demons in these three villages, starting in the northwest and following this road southeast. At this point, they led us into the forest, where we also found the tunnel that Darian spoke about.” He looked over at me and smiled. “I’m glad you found us when you did. We very well may have walked right into a trap, not realizing how close we were to the castle.”
“I wonder if he was only trying to draw in the three of us,” Juana said. “Or did he intend for everyone to come?”
“Did anyone notice if there were Csökkent in that last village?” Adalina asked.
“I didn’t see any,” Eli replied, and Juana shook her head as well.
“You didn’t see us either, until the crowd started dispersing,” I pointed out.
“True. It’s possible that Zar’Asur knows his plan didn’t work.”
“I have a hard time believing that the Csökkent would willingly engage us in battle,” I said with confusion. “They must know they are walking to their deaths.”
“I think they prefer death at our hands over punishment from Zar’Asur for disobedience.” Mikel shook his head in disgust. “I’ve been trying to come up with a way to attack the castle while still avoiding Zar’Asur and that damn book.” He rested both hands on the table and leaned against it, looking at our group. “Raphael’s newest protections should help Eli and a group of warriors get close to Zar’Asur.” Juana and I both started speaking at once, but Mikel silenced us with a glare. “Darian, you would be turned into a raging inferno, and Juana would be used to channel the power of the book for that monster. Neither of you will get near it!” Mikel took a deep breath and continued. “As long as Zar’Asur cannot control Eli or the warriors, they should be able to keep him busy while the rest of us evacuate the village and kill the demons.”
We were all silent for several minutes. I had a suggestion but was worried about how it would be received. Mikel must have seen the indecision on my face.
“What is it, Darian?” he asked.
“Do any of us speak Russian fluently?” I asked. “I was able to communicate a little because the villagers on the border spoke Russian and Austrian German, but the ones at the castle never spoke anything but Russian when Cyrus and I were there.”
Mikel looked around the room for confirmation, but everyone shook their heads.
“My Russian is no better than Darian’s,” Adalina admitted. “And we encountered the same thing with the villages on the border. Russian was not their only language.”
“You have a suggestion?” Mikel looked at me, knowing that I did.
“I believe Robert is fluent,” I explained. “When I saw him, just before he was supposed to meet with Zar’Asur, he spoke with the innkeeper in Russian. Maybe we could enlist his help with evacuating the people.”
“Do you think he would be willing?” Raphael asked. “It will be extremely dangerous.”
“I’m not sure, but if you agree, I’ll ask,” I replied, looking at Mikel. Thinking of Robert made me remember the suits we ordered from Pierre two weeks ago. “I just remembered that I ordered a new suit, and the tailor will be very upset with me if I don’t pick it up soon.”
Mikel shook his head and smiled. “See if he will help. We should be ready to go in three days. I want to make Zar’Asur wait for us. I’m certain he knows that we discovered his plan, and he’ll assume that we’ll attack right away. Maybe his impatience will cause him to make mistakes.”
“I’ll get cleaned up and head to Paris,” I said and headed towards the door.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cyrus was leaving the house just as I arrived. He scowled at me and closed the door. I knew he was mad because I didn’t ask him to go with me, but there was no way I was telling him he wasn’t ready yet. He’d already been through so much. I knew how hard he had been training, but Mikel was right. If I hadn’t arrived when I did at that village, we may not have arrived in time to save them.
“Do you want to talk about it, or do you need more time to be angry with me?” I asked him without compassion. He didn’t need me to baby him.
“I’m not talking about it,” he replied. “It won’t accomplish anything.”
His words stung, but I wouldn’t argue. “I’m going to Paris to see Robert. I should be back in a couple hours.”
His expression moved from angry to curious. “You can come with me if you’re not busy,” I suggested.
“I’ll stay here,” he replied stubbornly. “I’m supposed to meet with Edwin now that he’s back.” His resentment flared again, and I hoped he wouldn’t take it out on Edwin.
I nodded and went into the house to get ready. I understood his frustration and probably would’ve reacted the same way. I shook the thoughts from my head, changed into something more appropriate for visiting nobility, and traveled to the safe house in Paris. It was mid-morning when I arrived and definitely too early to call on Robert.
I decided to visit Pierre on the way to Robert’s. He was just opening his shop when I arrived, and he looked at me with a smile that quickly turned to a scowl.
“I hope you’re here to pick up your suits,” he said testily. “I’ve been holding them for two weeks.”
“I’m truly sorry, Pierre,” I apologized. “A friend of mine needed my help, and I couldn’t deny him.” I followed him to the back room, where our clothes were still hanging on the manikins. The quality was astounding. I smiled at him as he boxed them up for me. “I’m always amazed at the quality of work you do, Pierre.” I knew the compliment would put him in a better mood. “Each time I think you cannot possibly do better, then the next suit takes my breath away.”
Pierre was smiling from ear to ear as I handed him payment for his work. “Your flattery is always appreciated.”
I laughed and took the boxes, leaving him to the customer who had just entered.
I frowned as I left, realizing I would have to carry these boxes to Robert’s. That wasn’t my best plan. I tucked them under my arm and walked to Robert’s house. It was still early, but I couldn’t wait any longer. I approached the front door and knocked. An elderly butler answered the door and immediately recognized me.
“Please come in and wait in the library,” he said with a bow before leading me to the library.
I only waited for a couple minutes before the butler came back.
“Master Robert has asked that you join him for breakfast.”
“May I leave these boxes here?” I asked him.
“Of course, I will take care of them for you. Please follow me.” He held the door open, then led me to the dining room.
“Good morning, Darian!” Robert said as he stood from his chair. Paulette was sitting beside him with a small plate of food that she had not touched.
“Good morning!” I said with a slight bow. “I apologize for interrupting your meal. I would’ve waited for you to finish.”
“Nonsense, sit down and join us,” he said with a wave of his hand.
One of the servants brought me a plate of small biscuits and thinly sliced ham along with a hot cup of coffee.
“What brings you to Paris?” he asked. “Yours is never a social visit, so I assume it’s related to the incident at Marie’s.”
Paulette flinched and looked up from her plate. Her eyes were drawn and sad.
<
br /> I decided at that moment that I would not ask for his help. I didn’t think Paulette would be able to endure his leaving.
“I came to check on Marie and her servant,” I said.
Robert looked at me suspiciously, then followed my gaze to his wife. She looked up at him with a sad smile.
“Marie passed away two days after you left,” she replied with a soft voice. “I tried to console her, but she couldn’t endure what she saw through the demon’s mind.”
“I’m so sorry, Paulette.” I knew my apology meant little, but I didn’t know what else to say.
“It’s not your fault,” she said, looking directly at me. “You did everything you could to save her. She said the demon killed her aunt and Simon, before it took control of her. She felt its joy over taking their lives, and she couldn’t live with it.”
I looked at Robert. Anger, sadness, and compassion warred with each other beneath his stoic façade.
“Can we stop this, Darian?” he asked, barely controlling his emotion. “No one should endure the pain that she suffered.”
I struggled once again with my decision to ask for his help.
“We cannot destroy the evil that’s behind all of this, but we might be able to stifle the current rampage,” I replied. “According to Mikel, they have never been bold enough to enter someone’s home and do what they did at Marie’s. Their actions will not go unanswered.”
“What can we do to help?” Paulette asked. Her question surprised me. I hadn’t expected her to want to be involved.
“I was going to ask Robert to join me on a crazy mission that would put his life in danger,” I said, meeting her gaze, “but I hesitated asking because of my concern for you.”
They both looked at me with surprise and intrigue.
“What would you ask of me, Darian?”
“We’re going back to the castle in Russia to liberate the people and destroy the demons that are there,” I replied, watching his surprised expression. “We need someone who can speak Russian to help evacuate the people.”
“I didn’t see any demons while we were there,” Paulette said. “What makes you think there are?”
“We believe they were all in the castle, which is why he had you staying at the inn,” I replied. “Within the last two weeks, we’ve encountered many demons attacking the villages just south of the castle.”
Robert looked at her with affection, which she openly returned.
“You should go,” she said to him. “Enough innocent lives have suffered. If you can help them save more, then you should.”
He placed his hand on hers. “Will you be okay while I’m gone?”
She laughed. “Of course, I will. I’m not that fragile.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. I looked away from their moment of tenderness.
Robert turned his attention back to me and asked, “When do I need to be ready to leave?”
“Within the next two days,” I replied. “I’ll come get you when we’re ready.”
Paulette looked at me with a strange expression. “Darian, where do you stay when you’re here in Paris?” Robert rolled his eyes at her question.
“Cyrus and I rent rooms from a local hotel, why?”
“I assumed so and suggested to Robert that you should use one of the rooms here,” she replied. “We have more than enough space for you and Cyrus.”
I looked at Robert for his confirmation and he nodded. “I believe your visits always involve me anyway. At least this way we’ll not be surprised when you show up.”
I was grateful for the unexpected friendship that had developed between us. “Thank you for the very generous offer. I actually have several boxes in your library that I would love to keep here if you don’t mind.”
They both looked at me with confusion.
“The tailor made new suits for Cyrus and me the last time we were here, which I finally picked up this morning on my way here,” I explained.
“I imagine they have already been taken to your room, which has been prepared for your arrival for several days,” Robert said with a laugh. “Come, I’ll show you.”
Chapter 28
When I arrived back in Santuario, I managed to remember to use the portal in the tower. It felt different than arriving at the gates. I could almost feel the magic that infused the rune used to create the portal. Mikel, Raphael, and Aneera were in the meeting room across the hall. I heard them talking about the plan to assault the castle just as I walked through the door.
“I agree with your strategy, Mikel, but I don’t think Juana will agree,” Aneera said patiently.
Mikel grumbled under his breath and looked to Raphael for assistance.
“I’ve done everything I can think of to protect them from the book’s power, Mikel,” Raphael said apologetically. “I have to agree with Aneera, though. If we ask her to stay outside the castle to fight against the demons, she’ll be distracted. Her thoughts and focus will be with Eli inside the castle.”
“I worry for their safety,” Mikel said quietly. “Even if Eli and the warriors got the upper hand against Zar’Asur, he could channel the power of that damned book through Juana and destroy Eli. She would not survive, knowing that she was the one that enabled his death.”
The three of them were leaning against the large table with their backs to the door, so they didn’t see me walk up behind them. I startled them when I spoke.
“What if I draw the power from the book so that it can’t be channeled through her?” I asked. “She and I together might be able to force Zar’Asur to defend himself, giving Eli a chance to take the book from him.”
“Absolutely not!” Mikel’s voice echoed throughout the room. “You destroyed an entire valley the last time you were exposed to its power.”
“I think I understand his plan, Mikel,” Raphael interrupted. “Darian has more wards and buffers tattooed on his body than anyone else. How long do think it’s been since Zar’Asur had to defend himself against anyone? If Darian can focus the power of the book and use it against Zar’Asur, Eli and Juana should be able to take the book while he is distracted.”
Mikel’s scowl remained as he studied Darian. “Can you do this without destroying the castle and everyone in it? There is an entire town full of innocent people that will die if you can’t.”
“Robert will help evacuate them,” I replied, suppressing my desire to defend myself. “I agree with Aneera and Raphael that you won’t keep Eli and Juana separated. Even I know that their bond is deeper than they will ever tell. She’ll be focused on his battle rather than her own.” I paused and took a deep breath. “I’ve learned many things from you in the last several years, but I think my most important lesson came from Raphael,” I said as I gestured towards him. “My strength, as well as my control, comes from my own will to stay focused. I’ll either use the book against Zar’Asur or I’ll leave before it consumes me. With Raphael’s newest barrier, which prevents Zar’Asur from taking control of our physical movement, I should be able to travel to avoid killing everyone around me.”
Mikel collapsed into the nearest chair. “So much is at stake here, and I cannot stand the thought of losing any of you.” He looked at us with sorrow. “Aneera had a vision that we would lose many during this battle. It makes me sick to think about it. This place,” he waved his arms out to his sides as he spoke, “has been my home and the people have been my family for over two centuries. I can’t imagine the pain of losing any of them.” He lowered his forehead into the palms of his hands.
I didn’t envy his position of leadership. Commanders had to be strong and rigid, never openly showing their weakness or insecurity. Aneera laid her hand on his shoulder, then knelt in front of him, resting her forehead against his. She spoke to him in a voice that only he could here. Raphael and I looked at each other with the same uncomfortable expression.
“Let’s find Adalina and Cyrus. I want to ensure Adalina’s weapons are ready, and I still need to give Cyrus his tattoo.” Raphael moved
towards the door and I followed him, glancing at Mikel as we left. Aneera’s small face looked up at me with compassion and understanding.
We found Cyrus in formation with the warriors, practicing drill commands. Adalina’s commanding voice echoed through the arena. When she saw us, she called them to halt and walked over.
“Pick a sparring partner!” she called over her shoulder. “Except Cyrus; come with me.”
Cyrus jogged over to our group.
“You guys here to practice?” she asked.
“You know I’m not,” Raphael said with a chuckle. “I need to take Cyrus for a little while. He still needs the protective ward to keep Zar’Asur from controlling him.”
“Yes, he does!” Adalina exclaimed and slapped Cyrus on the back. “You heard the man!” She grinned at him as Raphael led him away.
“How’s Mikel?” Adalina asked, replacing her smile with a look of concern. “He’s already paced a hole in the floor of our new meeting room.”
“He’s taking way too much responsibility on his shoulders,” I replied. “He thinks he has to come up with the perfect plan that will destroy Zar’Asur while still keeping all of us safe.”
“That plan doesn’t exist,” Adalina said plainly.
“No, it doesn’t,” I agreed. “But he will carry the guilt if even one of us doesn’t come back.”
“He forgets that he isn’t the only one who cares for the people they lead.” She looked at the magnificent group of men sparring in the arena. “I would lose my mind if something happened to them.”
“I’m hoping that Aneera will remind him,” I said then changed the subject to Cyrus. I was worried about him. He still wasn’t speaking to me. “How’s Cyrus doing?”
“He’s a stubborn young man, just like several others in that crowd,” she replied, pointing behind her. “He’s still mad at you, but he’ll get over it, especially now that he knows he’ll be joining us in this battle.”
“So, I guess I won’t be convincing anyone to make him stay here?” I said, only half joking.
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