by D E Boske
“Should they enter here looking for me, kill them painfully and with my blessing. I am to
be the new Shangmarrum, ordered so by Delvishan himself, and I will work tirelessly to restore
the balance. I will not rest until I find a way to free you and return Blavven Krill to the way it
once was. On this, you have my word,” said Darian, holding out his hand to the giant.
The giant clasped the young Mage’s hand in his own and said, “Let us not remain strangers, Darian Brade. I am known as the Keeper of the Krill and my name is Hogun Da’ Ursta.”
“Well met, Hogun Da’ Ursta,” Darian replied.
“Why have you hidden your words from your companions?” asked Hogun Da’ Ursta.
“Because there is a traitor among them and I know not who it is. This is Kyler of Kiri A’ Nouell and Aganor, my right hand and the only two that I trust completely. One of my companions is a Dark Mage and has caused a fair amount of death and destruction on this trip. They may even be working with one or more of the others. I cannot take any risks and the Dark Mage cannot find out what I have planned. That would be disastrous.”
“We will destroy any that come through here that bear the sign of the Dark Ones. Dark Magic has a certain smell and the Mage is forever marked.” Darian winced at the words and hoped like the Black Hells that Hogun could not sense it in him.
“Aye, ‘tis true, but alas, I have been unable to sense it in him.”
“We will follow you and I will watch them and see if I can sniff him out,” said Hogun, smiling deviously.
Darian laughed, “That would be welcome indeed, Hogun!”
“There will be no warning should the betrayer be identified. There will be only death,” warned Hogun.
“I can live with that,” remarked the Mage. “Thank you for telling me your tale. I will do my best to make it right,” said Darian seriously.
“It is hard living here. We will forage for you and leave gifts of safe food for you. I will bring it directly to you so that the Dark One cannot tamper with it.”
“Thank you, that is most generous.” Darian brought down the shield and Hogun’s head whipped around as if he felt something.
“Yeah, I feel it too,” said Darian softly.
“He is here. He is close. Watch your back, Mage,” warned Hogun before departing.
That was unexpected, said Kyler silently.
Yes, it was, but I’m grateful we were able to settle it, returned Darian.
Darian, do you have any idea who it is? It seemed you both felt it at the same time. What did you feel?
It feels like… darkness… like someone watching you… suffocating you. It makes no sense, Kyler, I should be able to sense the Dark Magic. Of course, they are trained in its use and I am not. Not yet, anyway. Maybe they know of a way to conceal its use? It is the only explanation.
What are we going to do, Darian? We have to find out who it is and do so quickly! I know
we’ve been trying, but… I don’t know what else to do, said Kyler.
That makes two of us, joked the Mage.
Darkness came in the eerie mountain pass of Blavven Krill and the companions felt ill at ease. It was the kind of feeling that made you keep checking over your shoulder. A strong feeling of being watched. Raschel looked around to see if the others could feel it too. His skin crawled and he felt a dark presence, but couldn’t locate it.
“Darian, do you feel that?” he asked, sidling up to the young Mage.
“Yes,” Darian replied, not elaborating, his eyes never at rest.
“Do you think they are responsible for the Zogel, the Dark Wraith, and the events in the village?” asked Raschel.
“I would assume so, Raschel.”
“Right,” Raschel replied, sounding nervous, as he continued to look around.
Nothing presented itself, but the company remained on high alert. They all knew that something was not right and that there was at least one among them that meant them harm.
Kelindril chose the spot where they would stop for the night and soon had a self-contained fire going so they could eat a hot meal. They still had plenty of food from the villagers. Darian would not share the burden because he had no idea who the miscreant was.
Renlyss played with Hunter and took him outside to sit in the sun. She made them breakfast and found her way around the kitchen easily enough. She realized that her lover was extremely organized and everything had its place. She’d always known that he didn’t like clutter, but his tower really brought it into sharp relief. They enjoyed the day together and she could tell that Hunter really missed Darian. She missed him too, and not just the sex. She missed his company, their conversations, how he held her as they slept, and his warmth.
Renlyss was taking Hunter upstairs for bed and the boy was still playing. He had boundless energy and the elven mage laughed and tried to catch him. Hunter was small and elusive and slipped through her fingers. He ran upstairs, giggling and laughing, but lost his footing and tumbled off the side of the staircase.
Renlyss watched in horror, unable to do anything to save the boy. “Save Hunter!” she called out, remembering how Darian told her he’d spelled the tower for anything you could think of. She wasn’t sure if her command would be enough.
“Create a large cushion on the right side of the stairs, now!” she commanded, elated when both her commands were answered.
The first command created a hovering effect and the second created a huge, spongy cushion that the boy landed upon. Renlyss sighed in relief and ran down the stairs to Hunter. She
pulled him to her and held him tightly.
“Again! Again!” he cried happily and Renlyss laughed.
“Hunter, please be careful. No playing on the stairs, ok? This place was not designed with children in mind,” she warned, looking around.
This was a haven. Darian’s haven. He came here to escape, and yet, he’d shared it with them. She held a hand to her chest as she realized how much he must care for them. The only one to ever be allowed to stay here before was Gayla. Kyler and Nephraete only spent one night and that only because Nephraete would have died otherwise. Darian protected this place and she supposed that she alone could honestly comprehend why it needed aggressive protection.
So far, The Order had not located his tower and neither had the Dark Mage, nor any other Mage, she knew. This was critical because if the Dark Mage knew its location, he could come for Darian at any time and that was a truly terrifying thought. If any other Mage learned its location, it would put her lover at great risk, especially now that the Dark Mage’s lackey was traveling with them. This was why he protected it at any cost and she would help him do so.
She tucked Hunter into the bed beside her. Once Darian had a chance to baby proof this place, she would feel more comfortable putting Hunter in his own room. If he got scared or woke up during the night, he may fall down the stairs and she would not be there next time. She closed and locked the door to keep him inside and climbed in to the bed with him.
“Where’s Da?” he asked, curling up against her.
“Da is entering a very dangerous place, Hunter. He sent us here to protect us and keep us
safe so he doesn’t have to worry about us. He can’t afford to be distracted,” she explained.
“Oh. Am I gonna’ have a brother or sister?” he asked, looking up at her.
“I hope so, Hunter. I hope so,” she whispered.
Soon after, Hunter fell asleep, his soft breathing comforting her. She hoped his parents didn’t mind them taking Hunter. She hoped they approved. Hunter would have died if not for them and she knew if their positions were reversed, she would be thankful that strangers took her son in as their own. She loved Hunter and would never hide the truth from him, but she would never treat him as anything other than her own son. She drifted off with thoughts of Darian on her mind.
32
Darian’s rest was fitful at best and it took him a long time for Ru Na
y’ Sha to claim him as her own. When he finally succumbed, his dreams were dark and he revisited Aslyn’s death. He saw the words scrawled in her blood. Though he was not present to witness the abhorrent event, the magic left residual energy that he was able to follow. In his own way, he was in the room when she died. And it was pure agony, her death. He vowed to make the bastard pay and in the most painful way he could think of. Not for the first time, he was thankful to The Order for the way he was raised. It would assist in his vengeance.
The young Mage tossed and turned all night and Kelindril was worried about him, but didn’t dare try to rouse him, he needed his rest. The Gor Li’ Khan was glad the Mage had sent his consort and child away from danger for now. Once they were in Kaleika Bay, it would be safe for them to rejoin the group. At least until they set out for the Haunted Lands.
That was a place that Kelindril was not keen on visiting, but he knew they had no choice. If Darian were to survive, and Kelindril swore that he would, he would need them all to remain vigilant. That Tral Nay’ Ya better be found soon. Kelindril wanted the pleasure of killing him. He’d bleed him like the Khav Li’ Ohk that he was.
Kelindril took his job seriously and he’d become close to Darian and was ashamed of how he’d treated him when they first met. He couldn’t take those actions back, but he proved that he could be trusted and counted on. He understood that Darian didn’t trust easily and as he saw the Mage’s life unfold, he began to understand why. The more he was with Darian, the less he trusted anyone with the Mage’s safety. He’d even begun to question his own Gor Li’ Khan and he’d traveled with them for decades already.
He thought of Renlyss and Hunter and clenched his fists in fury. If anything happened to them… Darian, he believed, was beginning to fall in love with Renlyss and her loss would be devastating to the Mage. Especially after the loss of Tynuviel and Aslyn, though the elf suspected the Mage had not loved Aslyn. She’d been strong and a good match for him, yes, but the elf knew Darian did not love her, even though she’d been carrying his child. Kelindril suspected Darian was just worn out and emotionally drained and asked Aslyn just to have it over with. And, of course, to hurt Renlyss.
Kelindril wanted things to work out for Darian because the Mage honestly deserved hap-
piness. Renlyss was good for him because she didn’t put up with his nonsense and readily put him in his place without batting an eye. No woman had ever done that before. Women seemed to do whatever the Mage wanted and Kelindril knew this was not what he wanted. This had been the cause for him dumping more than one lover since the elf had known him. That and getting too possessive, which was something else the Mage hated. Except, it seemed, with Renlyss. She seemed to get away with anything and it was kind of amusing to watch, too.
“Hey, Kel,” the voice had him instantly aroused, it was smooth and sexy and damn.
“Hi Kylee,” he replied, his voice a bit strained.
“I was hoping we could talk?” she asked, her gorgeous eyes holding him captive. He’d have to gouge out his traitorous orbs later.
“I’m sorry, Kylee, I can’t,” he said,
“Don’t listen to him. You kids go and have fun,” winked Nymdal and Kelindril glared murderously at him and Kylee laughed, taking his hand.
“It seems you’re free,” she said, stroking his hand with her thumb.
“It appears so,” he said through gritted teeth.
“Hey,” she said, stopping and taking his face in her hands. “Please don’t avoid me, Kel. I want to take it slowly with you, but I think we would be good together,” she admitted.
He surprised her when he leaned forward to capture her lips with his, his tongue seeking hers in urgency. She kissed him back, slipping her arms around his neck. She felt his hands on her ass, pulling her close and she felt his arousal as he deepened the kiss.
“You make me so crazy,” he whispered, his voice raw with need, but he didn’t do anything else. He took her hand again and they walked in silence for a time.
“How crazy?” she finally asked, looking over at him and witnessed one of his rare smiles.
“This crazy,” he said gruffly, as he lifted her and placed her back against a nearby tree. His mouth crashed over hers and she wrapped her legs tightly around his waist. She could feel his desire pressing into her and she grew light headed as he began to grind against her.
“Takasha!” she cried, as he kissed her roughly. She gasped as she felt his thumb gently stroking her and he grinned mischievously.
“I want you, Kylee. This frightens me because I’ve been on my own for so long. I just don’t think this is a good idea,” he said, placing her back down.
“Slowly, okay? I’m not giving up on you, Kel.”
“Why, Kylee?” he asked.
“Because, I want you too,” she said, gripping him softly and he groaned.
Nymdal watched from a distance, smiling at the sight. Coming to Kiri A’ Nouell was a good decision, but becoming Darian’s personal guard was the best thing that ever happened to them. He’d noticed all of them change gradually since being with the Mage and that was a good thing. Somehow, redemption seemed to be within their grasp alongside the Mage.
Nymdal knew Darian kept Kelindril closer than the rest of them, except maybe for himself. He also knew it was because Darian did not trust anyone, but Nymdal understood why. One of the Mages was working with the Dark Mage and that meant that the Dark Mage probably knew their exact location. That was a frightening thought and one that Nym knew would have Darian on high alert. If the Dark Mage knew what Darian was planning…
The Dark Mage watched Darian as he rested, his chest rising and falling in regular rhythm. The young Mage had spared his life and that was one decision Darian would live to regret. The wicked smile that played over his lips was chilling. He needed to be more careful going forward. The coming days and months would wear down the young Mage until he had nothing left to fight for. That’s where the Dark Mage wanted him. That’s why the Dark Mage had sent him here. Although, he thought with a rueful smile, I’m a Dark Mage, too.
Where had he sent the beautiful Renlyss and their bastard child? He smiled evilly as he began to plan their demise. He became aroused at the memory of Aslyn’s death. So much blood! The message he’d scrawled in her blood would haunt Darian just as he’d intended. He knew the young Mage had not loved Aslyn, he was just filling in a gap and she was there, but the killing was no less delicious because of that. And the babe growing within her! Though the child had no chance to develop, the pain of loss would still affect Darian and throw him off balance.
The Gor Li’ Khan were ever present, which made things more challenging. Turning them was not an option because he didn’t think any of them would betray Darian. They were fiercely loyal, but now the young Mage would question everyone and keep them at bay. This would make it easier to get close enough to kill the young Mage. That son of a bitch was going to pay for everything he’d done during their time at Piri-Tuma. They would strip everything from him. Everything. They would not allow Darian any happiness, however fleeting. He silently crept closer to his target…
Nymdal spun around, swords drawn, already striking and Declan had to hurry to cast a protective shield in order to deflect the killing blows from Darian’s personal guard. Kelindril heard the commotion and came running, swords drawn and ready for battle. He threw Declan to the ground and sat on top of him, sword at his throat.
“What is the meaning of this?” asked Aganor, as he came to assist Declan.
“Get back!” shouted Nym, not backing down.
Darian was up and looking at each of them, his eyes demanding an explanation for the commotion.
“What’s going on, Kel?” Darian asked.
“This one was sneaking up on Nym, inching his way closer to you,” explained the Gor Li’ Khan leader. “Nym heard him and attacked and Aganor is questioning our loyalty. I don’t trust any of them, Darian. I’m just doing my job. You know, the one you hired me to do,”
added the elf with a quick grin, but his eyes were cold and the bloodlust was plain to see.
“Declan, are you stupid? You were seriously trying to sneak up on a Gor Li’ Khan?” asked Darian.
“I wanted to talk to him, but he freaked out and started to attack so I threw up a shield to protect myself.”
“If you were just trying to talk, why were you sneaking around and coming up behind me?” asked Nym, swords still trained on Aganor.
“Darian, please cast a shield so we can talk freely,” asked Declan and Darian humored him. He cast a shield around himself, Aganor, Declan, Kelindril, and Nymdal.
“I felt an oily darkness and just wanted to let Nymdal know that I sensed something and to remain vigilant. I thought I saw something in the trees and… We must protect you, Darian. With our lives if we must! I am loyal, but I know you don’t trust me. I don’t blame you. The Dark Mage is hard at work here, driving a wedge between you and everyone around you. He wants you alone so that you are an easy target but we cannot allow that to happen at any cost.”
“Darian, order them to stand down!” said Aganor hotly.
“I will do no such thing. They are my personal guard and Kelindril is their leader. He does not need to ask my permission for he already has it,” said the young Mage, looking at Kelindril.
“If he believes there is a threat, then he will do whatever’s necessary to end it, but he will
not make a move unless absolutely certain. Nor will he apologize for his actions, for they are well
within his right,” said Darian in a chilling tone.
Kelindril and Nymdal flashed a cold, satisfied smile at Aganor and didn’t budge.
“Convince me of your innocence,” grated Kelindril and Declan began babbling, which amused the two Gor Li’ Khan.
“I swear, everything I said is true. I am loyal to Darian and The Order! Search me if you don’t believe me,” he begged.
“That is not a viable option,” advised Darian.
“Why? You’ve done so before,” said Declan.