FIREFANGED: Demon in Exile
Page 20
“Perhaps the Divine intervenes,” I suggested, wondering if it wasn’t just the opposite.
“We have asked our more esoteric resources for readings that could help explain the current state of the Infernal Cycle,” Loeb continued. “Vigil Snow believes that a demonic invasion of our Realm is underway.”
“And what of these resources? Who are they, and what did they tell you?” I asked.
“Just as Bastian has its Shamanic Order, we have a cabal known as the Witches Divine with a presence in the Capital. Their most recent reading was of concern due to its unusual brevity, offering us but a single name.”
“And the name?” I pressed, guessing where this might be going.
“Firefanged,” he said.
“I heard the same word in Bastian. Do you know what it means?” I asked.
“No, but the Witches felt it was a name for a powerful entity beholden to the Prince of Darkest Reality himself. Its presence seems to have masked the Infernal Cycle from their prying third eyes.”
After a brief pause, counting to eleven, I reached into my pack.
“Now, I have something to show you, something that indeed changes things here in the worst possible way.” I handed him the ornate wooden lid.
“After we dispatched the Hell-Knights, I destroyed a ritual box that was holding the Hell-gate in place, but I kept this lid as evidence. Perhaps we can ask your divine witches about it and find out its source. Bastian’s Hell-gate also had a human-made object, a chalice of silver. The King and Head Counselor in Bastian were of the strong opinion that the portal was created by a neighboring realm as an act of war. We must inform the King that such a portal has been found within the borders of Colivar.”
Loeb handed back the lid, saying, “Ara, once the Duke’s men arrive, you must ride south with this to Maidenhall.”
Inquisitor Loeb ended the long meeting by handing me a sealed letter from Vigil Snow:
Vigil Ara Storm,
You are now an Entity in the land of Colivar. There is no higher law or power above you besides the true Divine. As a Vigil, you are sealed to defend this land from all demonic threats. Your spirit and determination have been well documented for the King, all his Dukes, and your Vigil brethren. Doors will open at your command. As such, let no man or demon stand in the way of your calling.
The resources of the Vigil, King, and Colivar are at your disposal. As your organization grows, you will be expected to name a seat for your Vigil watch. Just as I have planted my flag in Berykholt, and Vigil Thorn has built her stronghold in Dungarr out East, the Crown will fund a permanent site for House Storm. Your choice is entirely up to you, though having a Vigil positioned central to the Realm and within a reasonable distance of the King would be advantageous for us all. Please consider it.
I have seen you begin to grow your Company already, and nothing is more critical to a Vigil than to have a well-founded and loyal organization around him. Don’t hesitate to pull in the people you need, but make sure that they are given a choice. I know that this sounds at odds with the way that you were treated, but a Vigil is a different matter, critical to the survival of us all. Know that you and I wear the same scars on the outside. How we right the balance with those on the inside makes all the difference.
You are but one man in the most dangerous of positions.
With Respect,
Vigil Meryck Snow
PS. My daughter Lynda sends her regards and gratitude for your friendship. She wanted me to mention that her twentieth birthday will be celebrated during the Winter promotion event and that you are invited to attend.
Author’s Note
Translated works are notoriously difficult to execute. Part homage, part history, part academic undertaking, they require both candor and honesty to render the story as viewed through the eyes and pen of the original author. One must wield a disdain for the ever-changing social and linguistical norms that sever our minds from the distant meanings, planted as seeds, millennia before.
Of the manuscripts unearthed from the Archives of the Infernal Order, I have fought to glean their truest meaning and original style. Throughout the text, where applicable, I have chosen to italicize those words or names where a suitably accurate translation was lacking for the language at hand, especially for the many named demons and weapons, lacking an adequate word for their broader, immortal, alien existence. As they may still be around, I loathe to offend. Also, at times, I have done the same for passages that are clearly the author’s unguarded thoughts. Please bear with me as more works are brought to light.
The Divine forgives.
Aurora Surtain, Sister in Training
Coming Next:
The Scarred Man
Grateful Acknowledgements
This personal endeavor could not have happened without the support of my family, which allowed me to focus on my art in the midst of 2020. As such, I also want to thank the year and the inspiration that it provided.
Several friends were also there to share their insights and support as the creative process took place. Rob, Greg, and T have my deepest gratitude.
People change. A year ago, I wouldn’t have considered writing a book, my day job all-consuming, and my brain wired for the task at hand. As an avid reader of fantasy fiction, I had to get over the daunting talent of the published authors already making their mark before making my own contribution. I have learned much and grown throughout the process.
As a reader, if you made it this far, then thank you and just know that the next book will be even better!
End Notes
The Demon in Exile series targeted release dates:
Firefanged (Oct 2020)
The Scarred Man (Dec 2020)
Sorrow's Twin (Feb 2021)
Wind Catcher (Apr 2021)
And more books are in the works...
With the 2020 lockdowns, a great deal of progress has been made in writing, and the above schedule may shift, arriving earlier than expected. To show my commitment to the series, Books 2 - 4 are now available for Pre-Order on Amazon and, with enough interest, I may pull in their launch dates. Very soon we will have a real series to enjoy and new characters to meet.
In the meantime please follow the Demon in Exile page on Facebook @demoninexilebooks or my Author Page on Amazon for news on releases, writing, artwork updates, queries, and sharing of kind words.
And finally, PLEASE leave a positive REVIEW of Firefanged on Amazon. It really helps.
Rory Surtain
The winds are out of the South