“Guess we should consider heading back,” he remarked, turning the device to face Amnur. It showed the time to be five-o-clock, far later than he expected it to be.
“Before mother sends out a search party, yeah,” Amnur replied with a sigh, pushing up off the bench. Dyn stood up once Amnur had turned his back to him, seeing that another spider had settled just between his wings. Silently, he removed the creature and placed it down on the bench, not alerting his brother to the unwanted company. Job done, he took up position alongside, and they proceeded back home.
Chapter 2: The Raven
The news they brought with them caused a flurry within the household, with servants rushing around to ensure the already spotless house was pristine and stocking the already near fully stocked cupboards with the finest items. Amnur and Dyn found themselves being scrutinised with excessive levels of attention, having their future attire selected for them and ensuring that their hair, horns, wings and jewellery were all up to standard. Their horns were buffed to ensure they had a healthy, if unnatural, shine to showcase their southern heritage. Wing membrane had been pulled taut to ensure every inch was clean and healthy, with no visible signs of damage, and their hair had been thoroughly washed, trimmed and then neatened to give them a smart appearance. Dyn had tried to sort his hair out to his preference, but his hand had been slapped away.
Once their mother had sorted out the pruning, their father took over and gave them a quick, but well-structured run through of spells. Just in case they wished to show off. He selected a variety of spells, from the simple but specialised ability to coat a blade in a film of magic to a high-powered, explosive blast. All of their family possessed the element of fire, an element born from a long period of selective breeding. Becoming a top family required effort and sacrifices, to ensure the name continued.
Preparations continued long into the night, and after a while, even his older siblings had gotten involved. They took one look at the state of Amnur and Dyn and cringed, aware that such a fate was likely to befall them. Their parents took the older brother and sister off to one side, leaving the two younger siblings together. Dyn suggested that they retire to the living room, although their period of rest was going to be short-lived. The conversation ended up being primarily factual, discussing the details of the rumour they heard.
“Tempted to just retire to my room, blank it all out until the morning,” Dyn said, breaking the silence.
“Sounds like a plan, if we’re wanted then they know where to look,” Amnur replied, bidding farewell to his brother as he watched him stand up and leave the room. The mage took a moment before leaving himself, walking between the hurrying servants and up the main staircase to the first floor. He entered his room and slipped off his clothes, throwing on a nightgown before lying down on his bed. His eyes shut, allowing the darkness of the evening to wash over him.
***
A loud knock startled him awake, causing him to fall out of the bed and hurry over to the door. He cracked the door open and saw Dyn, who was in a similar state of dress.
“It’s not the guest from the Central Isles, but we do have an issue; the Raven’s hanging around the High Houses for whatever reason,” his brother stated, throwing a glance down the balcony.
Amnur took a sharp breath; the main demon settlements had one ruler, but there existed a side population of dissidents, and their leader was known as the Raven. This separate faction highly disagreed with how the main faction was ruled and their main ire was the High Houses. A symbol of everything wrong with society, or so they believed. For him to be here suggested nothing good, although he wasn't known for resorting to violence.
“What do we do?”
“Get dressed, I don't know where this is going to end up.”
Amnur did as advised, hurriedly throwing on a suitable outfit and going downstairs to see if his parents knew more. As he looked out the window during his descent, he could see a shrouded figure stood just outside of their grounds, obscured by the wrought iron gate.
“What’s he doing here?” Amnur heard his mother growl as he reached the main hall, but his father appeared far less phased. He slipped into line behind them, staring out of the window. His father regarded him for a brief moment and scratched his chin, deep in thought about something.
“Why don't we send Amnur to find out?” his father replied, earning a scowl from his wife and a gasp from Amnur.
“Do you want him to die?”
“The Raven will like him, I know he will. How about it boy?”
“I… guess?”
Amnur felt his father clap him on the back, but he could see that his mother was unsettled. He looked at her, and she sighed, folding her arms.
“Fine. We can always provide support when it goes sour.”
“If.”
Unwilling to get between them during an argument, Amnur shuffled towards the main door and let himself out, hearing the door bang behind him. The noise had grabbed the attention of his target and even when obscured by the railing, he could feel the eyes boring into him. Taking a deep breath, he walked down the path that lead to the gate, keeping his head low. Carefully, Amnur opened the gate, listening out for any reaction to his actions. Now he was outside of the safety of home and face to face with the Raven if he turned his head up. Way up.
The demon towered over Amnur; he was a descendant of the South’s old bloods’, known for their oppressive appearance. His appearance was however obscured by a giant cloak made from black feathers, a feature that gave him his name. Sticking out the top of the cloak were two vicious claws, attached to his wings hidden below. Luscious hair blocked much of the Raven’s facial features, but a set of horns that curved upwards and rolled over until the points ended near his bright blue eyes were visible.
“Can I help you?” Amnur squeaked, taking a deep breath to try to regain his nerves.
“Ah, one of the Firebringer boys; your father didn’t want to talk to me I assume?”
Amnur was surprised by the soft, calm tone and allowed himself to relax, although he kept himself alert.
“He volunteered me to come out to you if that counts.”
The Raven chuckled, shaking his head. “He forgets his roots now he’s showered in fame and fortune. It’s a shame really, he used to be a kind and determined individual.”
“He still is, isn’t he?” Amnur queried with a hint of hesitation. He wished to defend his father, but he feared speaking out against his new companion.
“Not in the same way; he used to be so outspoken about the unfair balance of power and wealth that the High Houses hold, now he’s silent about as it benefits him. As I said, it’s a shame,” he responded, slipping an arm out of his cloak and patting Amnur on the head. “You remind me of him, back when he was young.”
The hand moved from his head and started tugging on his necklace, revealing the crystal wrapped in silver filigree from underneath his clothing. Amnur became nervous, but the grip was light; there was no intent to rip the necklace off.
“The bloodline is not without problems I see, although for you to have lived this long you must have mastered them,” the Raven remarked, examining the crystal, “strange it’s only you with the issue, though.”
That was not the first time that such a thing had been noticed; there were rumours that Amnur’s siblings had a different father to him, but such a thing was profoundly denied by them. If it were the truth, however, they wouldn't admit to it anyway, as such a thing would have huge consequences, enough to lose their position among the High Houses. His father was determined to maintain his family, whether out of a desire for the power or for love, it was unknown.
“What are you after here, anyway?” Amnur restated his initial question, hoping to steer the conversation back on track.
The sudden turn didn’t go unnoticed, but the overly tall demon allowed it to slide. “I would imagine that the information about a visit from the Central Isles has become known to you; I am here because of that, cons
idering they trade with both major factions of demons. Your kind leader offered me to come here without consequence, to prevent any mishaps happening to our guest.”
Amnur picked up on the snide empathise on certain words, not that he was trying to hide it at all. He raised an eyebrow, but the Raven paid no attention to it. The history between the two factions had long been turbulent, and his opinions on the leadership were fleeting at best. “Who are they, anyway?”
“The King. Nathaniel. He’s been on the throne for a relatively short period of time, but the turnover rate for that throne is high, so that’s not unexpected. Tell your parents that he intends to tour around the southern continent tomorrow; whether that includes you or not, I have no idea.”
The young mage went to thank him, but his mind stuck on what had been said, and he found himself stuttering words. He received another pat on the head as the demon turned away, pausing one last time to address him. “If you want to see the real world, seek me out; it’s far more exciting than that coddled life of yours.”
Amnur watched him take a few steps forward before letting himself back inside the gate, hurrying back to the house. His parents regarded him, and his mother rushed forward, embracing him tightly.
“I’m fine, really,” he gasped, feeling his mother lovingly strangle the breath out of him.
After catching his breath, he recounted the details to them, avoiding the remarks about seeking him out. His mother was intrigued by the information regarding Nathaniel but also irritated about the comments about their family. In the background, his father merely sighed, unwilling to add anything to the conversation. Amnur was directed to go and inform the others, including those that lived away from home.
Dyn came into his sight as he left the room, yet another one who was avoiding their parents. The demon waved and beckoned him over to join him, the company of someone he knew was welcomed right now. He reiterated the whole conversation to his brother, including the parts he had omitted previously.
“I could just see you living out there, trapped in the thralls of nature,” Dyn teased, “though part of your problem is that our parents tend to over exaggerate all the dangers to you. He had a point there.”
“Some of it has to be true, though, right?”
“Well, yeah. You’re not going to be eaten by some beast the second you step outside the walls, though.”
“Better go inform the others; I’d rather not be eaten by the monster inside the house either,” Amnur replied, earning a chuckle from his brother. “Want to come with?”
Dyn smiled and gestured at the stairs, taking up step alongside him. They went around and knocked on the doors of the other siblings that still lived at home, waking the groggy demons and informing them of what happened. A mixture of shock, excitement and sleepiness answered the duo, before having the door shut in their face. The communication hall was their next destination; a room designated for the family’s collection of magically enchanted orbs. Sat upon two pedestals were carefully selected glass spheres, made from the finest quality material. With their precise enchanting, the quality of the sound was improved compared to the standard communication orb. After a brief debate, they opted to go for their older sister first, considering that she would likely be at home researching or something.
They placed their hands on the orb and waited, feeling the awkward moment of silence until a voice finally came through on the other side. It was answered by one of her servants, who at first answered them with a harsh tone until it transpired who she was talking to. With hastily spoken apologies, she promised to fetch their sister, making the line go dead. Once again, the silence returned and hung, feeling like they were being strung along. Dyn started to pull faces, making Amnur laugh as they waited. Eventually, a familiar voice resounded from the other side, ending their delay.
Her voice was irritated, so Amnur quickly got to the point. She went silent while she considered it, before thanking him and informing him to try their brother as to her knowledge, he would be in right now but not for long. Dyn heard and swapped orbs, waiting for the line to be picked up.
“How’s Mother holding up after that?” His sister queried, noticing the drop off of the silent second partner.
“I left before I could hear it all, but I imagine she’s fuming.”
“That’s an understatement; it’s a good thing the Raven left and didn’t decide to push his position.”
“Something would’ve burned, or someone.”
“In a ferocious blaze no less.”
Dyn caught his attention with a raised brow, having heard only Amnur’s side of the conversation. His brother’s gaze was drawn back to the orb as a voice rung through, so he began the same spiel that Amnur had spoken.
“I’ll let you get back to your day, I imagine Mother is going to inundate you with tasks.”
“That she is, I’ll see you tomorrow then,” Amnur said, pausing for a moment before taking his hands off the orb. He watched his brother until he too had finished, ending the conversation with a sigh.
“Sour bastard,” Dyn remarked, shaking his head. “Doing him a favour and he acts like I’m dirt on his shoe.”
“He has always been rather egotistical.”
“What now, report back to Mother?”
Amnur nodded, causing Dyn to take a deep breath. They left the hall and proceeded down the stairs, becoming wary once they reached the bottom floor. The young demon knocked on the lounge room door, unsure if his mother had calmed down yet. A voice behind the door informed them to enter, so they stepped in without delay. Their mother was sat down on a chair with her hands thoroughly intertwined, still irritated the renewed accusations. Staring out of the window was their father, keeping the entranceway of their estate under watch.
“Everyone’s been informed?” he spoke up, turning his head to regard them.
“Yes. The older two will be turning up tomorrow morning,” Amnur responded.
“Good work.”
“Has he returned?”
“Not yet. I don't think he intends to.”
“Thankfully,” his mother interrupted. She relaxed in the chair and focused on the boys, seeing the hint of nervousness that resided within them. “Why don't we have some breakfast? Take our minds off things.”
“Sounds good to me,” Dyn piped up, earning a chuckle from his father.
“That’s settled then. Come on.”
They allowed their mother to stand up first and waited until she was a respectable distance ahead before their father beckoned them on. As usual, their mother settled herself at the head of the table; her seat of power. The two brothers positioned themselves nearby, while their father sat opposite. Servants began hurrying to prepare food for them, bringing out a fresh selection of drinks while the meal cooked. Fresh bread emerged from the kitchen as they waited, filling the room with the sweet scent of cooked dough. Another servant appeared with a long, serrated knife and began cutting the loaf to the requested thickness, distributing the slices. After a while, a selection of meats and eggs had been added to their breakfast. The hearty meal worked to clear their mind and soon the conversation started up in regards to the Central Isles’s King.
“I’d be surprised if he didn’t visit us tomorrow,” Dyn said in between chews. His actions earned him a stare from his mother, but the disdain was missed as he had turned his attention back to his food. “I would’ve thought the High Houses were an attractive place to visit.”
“I would say that visiting them is almost a requirement unless he wanted to fall foul of the South’s good graces,” their father replied, taking a moment to sip his drink. “This visit has a greater purpose than simply reuniting bonds, considering their strength has never been in question.”
Amnur sat in silence as they discussed the King’s intent, letting his mind wander as to his purpose. The South held many individuals of talent, so the idea of him trying to recruit some wasn’t far-fetched. Having a child selected to serve under such a high-ranking individua
l was truly an honour, one many people would desire. He shelved the idea about it being him who was chosen; however, as he was too young and immature in his talents in comparison to his siblings. One of them would serve well in such a position, they were all eager to prove themselves. Even the facts about the role of a mage wouldn’t bother them; the potential fights with angels would only excite them if anything.
His mind was ripped back to the current situation by a knock on his head. Dyn had clipped him to grab his attention since he was ignoring all other efforts to do so.
“You done?” he queried, gesturing to Amnur’s empty plate.
Amnur responded by placing his cutlery in a neat pile on the plate, before finishing off his drink. A servant came out and collected up the dishes, leaving them sat at the empty table.
“I’ll leave you two boys to practise your talents; your father and I will handle everything else. Tell the others the same, if they ask.”
“Sounds good to me,” Dyn replied with a grin, clapping Amnur on the back. They stood up and bowed, leaving their parents alone. As the two demons entered the main hall, Dyn let out a sigh of relief. “No chores, makes a change.”
“Can’t disagree with that.”
“I’ll be in my room if you need me for anything. Remember not to burn yourself out too much, you need a reserve in case he wants you to show off tomorrow.”
Dyn hurried up the staircase, eager to begin his training. Amnur trailed behind, shaking his head. He was happy to see his brother so excited, but he felt he was setting himself up for disappointment. Being the youngest of the older siblings, his chances of being picked were perhaps slim. His attitude also hindered that fact; his cheery nature often saw him being less than respectful at times, although that wasn’t an intentional side effect. Without knowing Nathaniel, he was unsure if such a thing would deter him. With a residual tinge of resignation, Amnur let himself back into his room and made his way to his desk. He grabbed his books and began to read, determined that he was not going to be considered in any regard.
Skies of Fyir Box Set Page 2