The Lord of Shadows

by E E Ewer

  “Then… what’s with the heavy security? And why is that one demon … Alastor … training new troops? I mean, if the same people are still in power and they don’t war, what’s the purpose?” Nire asked.

  “Well, there is normally peace, sure,” Miko said. “The guards are mainly just law enforcement; they keep anyone who is not supposed to be here, out.”

  “Does anyone ever try to get in?”

  “Not really. But that’s probably because of all the guards.” Miko laughed. “I doubt it would be nearly as peaceful here if we didn’t have fully armored guards standing around. Besides, just because the four quadrants have always been cooperative doesn’t mean they always will be. And as the capitol of the Realm, Eastcastle wouldn’t want to be caught undefended.”

  “I guess…” Nire said as they walked away from the gates. “Don’t you think having armies like this is a sign they don’t trust each other?” Nire added as an afterthought.

  “It’s a sign they don’t trust someone. Who that might be is a mystery,” Miko shrugged. “The last time there was ever any need for military force against another quadrant was before I was born,” she said. “I don’t know all the details, but Marge was around when it happened. There was a problem with the South…” She stopped, and thought. “The South always has problems,” the orange haired girl interjected into her own explanation. “There was a rogue band of demons that had been slaughtering and burning down villages of humans. They threatened to cross the Eastern border, so the Lord of Shadows led a campaign against them to push them back.”

  “Why didn’t the South do anything to stop them?” Nire asked as Miko led her through grassy pathways filled with trimmed hedges and flower gardens.

  “Well… Lord Azael isn’t exactly known for his appreciation of humans, so rumor is he just didn’t care. Some people think it was actually one of his own legions that went rogue. Humans are supposed to be equal citizens here, but the South is the worst place for you to be if you are one,” Miko said.

  “Why doesn’t the mighty Lord of Shadows do something about it?” Nire said in a mocking tone, causing Miko to chuckle.

  “Aside from the fact that he is the High Lord, he lets the others rule their own quadrants as they see fit -- as long as they abide by his common laws,” Miko replied. “The Lord of the South gives all the same rights to humans that are offered anywhere else in the realm. How he conducts his business is, well, out of our Lords hands. The only reason they can even exist this way is out of mutual respect. Everyone is aware the South has issues, but as long as the Lord of the South is cooperative and appears to be following common law, there’s nothing our Lord can do without breaching that respect, on one level or another.”

  The long explanation left Nire quite for a time.

  “I never liked politics,” she finally said. “Where is it we’re headed anyway?” she asked looking around at the gardens. There were quite a few more people here than she had ever seen in the Western Courtyard, many of them with oddly colored skin, horns, scales, feathers, or some other oddity that caused them to stand out in Nire’s mind.

  “We are going to the center, where the fountain is,” Miko explained.

  “Who are all these people?” Nire asked.

  “Residents, mainly,” the orange haired girl said as she noticed the questioning look on her friends face. “Demons of high status,” she continued. “Mostly Elders and Midbloods that have power and purpose. The Elders all own land somewhere in the East, but usually they spend half the year here in Eastcastle for business purposes, to avoid the travel. Most of them bring their families if they have them, so the residents are always changing. Some stay longer than others. Some never leave.”

  “Any humans of high status?” Nire asked curiously, turning her head around trying to find someone else who appeared human. The kitchens had been filled with humans, but out here it didn’t seem there was a single one.

  Miko took a moment to think. “The head scholar of the Historical Foundation,” she stated finally. “He is a permanent resident here, usually in the library, and he is highly respected.”

  “Is there a reason there is only one?” Nire asked. Humans were supposed to be equal citizens after all, and yet there seemed to be a class system that was biased towards them.

  “Life span,” Miko said plainly. “Most people who have high status are also very old, and have been a trusted member of the court for a long time. Humans live for only so long. It’s difficult to achieve a higher status in that short time. You can imagine that for those who do, it’s a great honor.”

  “What about you, Miko?” Nire asked.

  “Me? Oh I doubt I will get anywhere. Alchemy is a respected study, and very important as well. Being the Alchemist at Eastcastle is also a great honor in itself … but as for being highly respected, that is unlikely.”

  “Well, sure, but I meant your life span,” said Nire.

  “Oh… a decent bit longer than a human’s,” Miko replied.

  “But now that you mention it, why wouldn’t you be highly respected?”

  “Alchemy is a dirty business,” Miko smiled. “Gaining respect from the upper classes usually means you act like them as well. Alchemists are never very sociable if you get my drift. Even the most revered in the field are what you might consider outcasts, or oddities.” She shrugged. “Not that any of them care,” she added with a smile. “There it is!” Miko suddenly shouted, pointing ahead of them.

  Nire looked away from her friend and followed her finger towards a large stone fountain that lay in the center of a circle in the garden. There were flowers floating in the water as it tumbled down from the highest tier. They were a deep, velvety purple and looked similar to water lilies, only there was no sign of an actual plant.

  “Where are those flowers from?” Nire asked as they walked towards the fountain. “They are so pretty.”

  Giggling, Miko reached into the fountain and picked up one of the flowers, flipping it over. On the bottom of the flower was a tangle of short roots. As she held it, the petals began to slowly close, until it was a small purple bulb about the size of a golf ball. Nire stared in amazement.

  “They are called ‘Hyrocanthis.’ It’s not actually a flower’ it just looks like one when it’s opened up,” Miko said. Pointing to the others that still floated in the water she continued. “See the small bit of light pink in the center? That’s the flower, the rest of it are its leaves. They live floating on water, and if the water dries up, they close and go dormant.” the fox girl said as she tossed the bulb back into the fountain. When it landed, it bobbed before floating to the surface and slowly reopening its leaves.

  Nire dropped to her knees next to the fountain and stared at the strange plants. She picked one up and watched it close. She then replaced it in the water, and watched it come back to life. Miko giggled.

  “That’s really neat!” Nire exclaimed.

  Miko smiled. “See, I knew there would be things here you would like to draw,” she said as she sat on the edge of the fountain.

  The day was warm and there was a light breeze sweeping down over the walls. Miko had brought some fruit and bread in her pouch so the girls could have lunch in the gardens. As Nire studied the different flowers, Miko lay on the grass enjoying the afternoon sun, occasionally answering a question or two. The brunette sat on a patch of grass in front of a strange orange and yellow bloom that closed immediately when she touched it, only to reopen when her touch was withdrawn.

  Closer to the castle a dark figure strode across the courtyard, and stopped in front of the fountain. There was what appeared to be a housemaid lounging in the garden, which was quite odd. As he made his way towards the gray dressed figure, a quick shot of realization ran through him. Too little too late, as Miko sat and noticed his approach. Evasion would be entirely useless at this point.

  Miko’s eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly stood up as the demon stepped forward. Nire noticed her movement and turned to see what she
was staring at. As she looked behind her, she was caught off guard by a pair of black boots, and she hesitantly moved her gaze higher as the fear in the pit of her stomach slowly rose to her throat, and lodged itself there.

  Looking down directly at her was a tall gray demon with rams horns, and golden eyes that seemed to pierce straight through her. His face was severe, and it felt as though he was looking at her very soul, and judging it. The silence only lasted a few moments, but to Nire it stretched between them for an eternity before he finally spoke.

  “You are called Nire, I understand.” His voice was dark and heavy. Nire felt as though he had dropped a pile of rocks on her chest with his words. She searched herself for a response, but none came. The demon raised an eyebrow as the small human girl struggled for words.

  “Uh huh…” she managed to quietly squeak. Miko cringed.

  “I do apologize for the sudden intrusion,” he added. “I was curious as to what a housemaid was doing sitting in the Northern Courtyard.” His golden eyes flashed at Miko, who smiled embarrassingly. “I hope I didn’t startle you,” he continued, looking back at Nire.

  She couldn’t tell if he was attempting to be sincere, intimidating, or just courteous. The tone of his voice never seemed to change, and his eyes drilled holes in her. If he had any particular intention, it was lost on Nire. She couldn’t speak. There was a rock stuck in her throat. She shook her head no -- it was a lie.

  Nire’s inability to speak obviously struck him as curious, as he waited for a reply that never seemed to come. The awkward situation left the three of them standing silently for a few moments as Nire tried to piece her shattered nerves back together. Finally, the Lord of Shadows took hold of the situation.

  “You are not from here, correct?” he asked the girl who stared at him with wide, green eyes. Nire was finally able to blink, and swallowed the stone in her throat.

  “Ye… yes…” she said looking away from him. Intimidating didn’t begin to describe his presence, and she now completely understood what Miko meant when she said it was like heat from a fire, and she tried desperately not to make eye contact as he spoke.

  “Seeing as you might be with us for some time, I will speak with Margery about keeping you busy. It’s come to my attention that she is quite overworked and looking for an assistant,” he said as he once again turned his gaze to Miko, who blushed at the implication. “I understand you have been staying with Miko. There is no need for that; we have many spare rooms…” he paused. “And I’m sure Miko can help you find something more suitable to wear than a housemaid’s uniform. After all, she might need hers back if she is to enter the castle.”

  Miko felt the blood rush through her cheeks. She knew he was being hard on her for keeping Nire a secret in the first place. In the midst of it all, Nire did notice a hint of sarcasm in his voice, and it eased the tension she was feeling to know that he might actually be joking, even if it were only a little. She was able to bring her gaze back up to his without choking on her fear, and nodded quickly.

  “Nire,” The way he said her name sent shivers down her spine. “Your situation is quite curious to me. I would like to find a time to become better acquainted with you,” the demon said. Nire raised her attention. “I will have you join me for dinner this evening, when we will have more time to… talk.”

  Nire noticed that it hadn’t been an invitation, or even a polite suggestion. It was an order. Her stomach tied itself in knots.

  “Um…” Her clarity was drowning as she struggled to find what should have been the correct response. Formalities, formalities, formalities, she reminded herself. “Yes…. My Lord…” she squeezed out. It felt forced and unnatural.

  A slight smile crossed the lips of the demon, and it occurred to her that he had found that amusing. If she weren’t so terrified, she would have been irritated.

  “There is no need for that,” he stated. Miko blinked, confused. “You may call me Lucian.”

  Miko appeared to silently panic as she glanced quickly between the two. It was entirely unheard of. No one called him that.

  Nire’s thought process stopped, and her stomach turned upside down as he held out his open hand to her. She stared at it for a moment. He’s got big hands, her inner voice commented. At the tip of each finger was a sharp, black nail. Nire gulped, and slowly reached out and took his offer of assistance. Her entire hand fit into his palm, and she watched as his fingers gently wrapped around hers and pulled her to her feet with what seemed to be no effort at all.

  Her hand trembled in his. She stood and withdrew her hand quickly, turning to brush herself off as she tried to hide the fact that she was shaking. Her actions were useless, however, as it had not gone unnoticed by the tall demon who stood next to her. Even from this perspective, Nire found that she needed to crane her neck far back to look at him.

  She was trembling all over. Her hand felt as though it was tingling. She continued to pretend to smooth her dress, trying to rub the feeling off.

  “Miko,” the demon said as he finally took his eyes off the human girl. “Please see that Nire is prepared for this evening, and locate some proper clothes for her to wear. Margery will find you shortly with details.”

  Nire could feel his eyes return to her as she focused on smoothing the nonexistent wrinkles in her dress.

  “A pleasure, Nire,” he said shortly before he turned and walked away. Shivers crawled their way down her spine again at the mention of her name.

  Finally, Nire let out a long breath that she must have been holding for a while, and promptly sat back on the grass. Her legs felt like jelly, and her stomach was turning summersaults. It was all she could do to manage to stand for the few short moments she had. Miko bent over next to her and placed her hands on the shaking girl’s shoulders.

  “You okay?” she asked.

  “Yup. I’m okay,” Nire’s response came as she shook.

  “You… sure?”

  “Mhm. Fine. Just dying. That’s all. Otherwise, I’m great.” Nire’s voice was high and strained, and she spoke in staccato. Miko laughed a little.

  “Sorry… I guess we really should have found you something other than the housemaids dress to wear before coming out here.”

  “No, really, I’m ok. I’m just… trying to collect my senses. It was good… anyway. Maybe now I can find a way home,” she reasoned, staring blankly into the grass. Miko nodded.

  “Well, let’s get you back inside. You will need a dress for this evening and its already afternoon,” Miko said.

  “Right,” Nire nodded.

  Chapter 6

  Table of Contents

  By the time Miko and Nire had returned to the alchemists hut, Margery was already waiting for them. She was standing with her arms crossed over her chest, and appeared irritated.

  “Well it seems the two of you drew some attention today,” she said almost scolding. Miko smiled sheepishly.

  “Yeah… sorry Marge.” Miko rubbed the back of her head as she apologized. She old woman sighed.

  “All right, you two follow me. I’ve been given instructions to show Nire to her new room. After that, Miko, you and I can work on finding a dress that will fit her in the next two hours.” Marge made sure her annoyance rang clearly in her voice.

  Nire grabbed her things and the two girls followed Margery up through the kitchens and, much to Nire’s surprise, out through the large doors.

  “You’ll have to get used to the main hallways as well now,” Margery stated. “Try to remember your way back.”

  Nire nodded quietly and attempted to memorize the way they walked. From the kitchens it was a fairly good distance through the North Wing up to the higher floors of the castle where the majority of the residents lived. The old woman led them up three large staircases, and down a long hallway that was open to the floors below. At the end of the hallway was yet another staircase, this one curved and spiraled on its ascent.

  When the three women finally reached the top of the staircase there wa
s a moderately sized set of double doors. It was wooden, but painted green and had gold trimmings that swirled and cascaded around its edges. The paint seemed worn, and it didn’t look like this room was used very often. Nire cocked her head to one side. There were no other doors like this anywhere in the castle, but she felt like she’d seen it before. Probably just something from a movie, she thought to herself as Margery opened the doors and the three of them went inside.

  Margery let out a heavy sigh as she looked around the room. Good thing she had ordered it kept clean…

  “Something wrong, Marge?” Miko asked.

  “Hmm? No. Just haven’t seen this room in a while.”

  “Why did his Lordship want her to have this room? I figured he would just have her stay on the second floor with most of the other guests,” Miko thought out loud.

  “Oh. I’m sure he has his reasons,” Margery said, not wanting to stir up anymore questions. Just then the two women looked at Nire, who was staring at the room with an extremely confused expression. She hadn’t heard a single word that had been said since they walked in.

  “Nire?” Miko asked. The green eyed girl just continued to stare into space. “NIRE!” Miko shouted. The girl blinked.

  “Huh? What?”

  “What’s wrong?” Miko asked. “You seem… weird.” It was the best description she could come up with for the way Nire had been looking about the place.

  “It’s just… I don’t know. This room makes me think of when I was a little girl.” She paused and thought. “Like the memory of a doll house, or an old toy… but I don’t actually remember anything like it.” Marge suddenly grew curious.

  “Is that so?” she asked, seeing if the girl would give up any more information.

  “It’s like… seeing the picture of a relative and recognizing them, but not having any actual memories of ever being with them,” Nire tried to explain. “Maybe from a story book I read once.” As Nire kept trying to imagine where she would have seen something similar, the disembodied clock that always seemed to be within earshot began to chime. It was 4:00.