by J E Mueller
“I’ve really got to stop fighting with demons. I’m clearly terrible at it.” I said as I finished changing.
“It wouldn’t be as bad if they weren’t powered by fire.” Lee shrugged. “They have too many advantages.”
“Agreed.” I rubbed my scars. The new one was still tender but not painful. “Guess I should be happy to have survived.”
“I can’t disagree with that. I wish I could have helped you sooner, but I felt Emmyth’s presence and knew if I stopped fighting things would have been worse.” Lee sat next to me. “I hated that decision more than anything.”
“It worked out.” I yawned.
“Yes, it did.” He kissed my forehead. “Sleep. You need it.”
I didn’t argue. I slept for a few hours before Emmyth knocked on our and interrupted our slumber.
He came to check on us and showed Lee how to follow up on healing me. Not caring myself, since I didn't have any healing abilities, I went back to sleep quickly from a combination of still being tired and their healing magic. Their voices were not loud enough to wake me.
When morning finally woke me, I found myself alone. Confused, I got up and noticed that Lee had left everything here, even his sword, so it was doubtful he had gone far. Getting up and getting ready for the day, I went out to see Kegan.
“The boys went somewhere, wouldn’t say where. They’ll be back.” She relayed the message to me.
“That’s annoying,” I grumbled.
“People leaving without notice? Never heard of it.” she teased me.
“Anything I can help with?” I asked, ignoring her comment.
“Sure. I’ll let you wash some dishes, but that’s the most of it. No heavy labor after that injury. Emmyth explained more about that. Best be careful.”
“It wasn’t my intention to get hurt,” I replied, trying not to roll my eyes. “Let’s see those dishes.”
They didn’t take long to do as her small staff had already done most of the work. With my time still free, I decided I should pay Celia a visit. The walk was short and refreshing. It felt good to roam around town again. The second I entered the shop, Celia jumped up from around the counter. I met her with a hug.
“What brings you by?” she asked frantically. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes and no,” I said. “Are you busy? I can catch you up on all the nonsense.”
“Oh dear,” she said and pulled me behind the counter. “I have no extra help today, so you’ll have to make due between customers. There haven’t been many so you should have plenty of time.”
And I did, with only one interruption. Celia sat and listened patiently until the end.
“Oh, I hope Juni is all right!” Celia just about cried. “Hardly a kinder soul in the world. Do you think you’ll be able to rescue her soon?”
“We hope, but I’ve no idea how. I’m hoping that’s part of what the boys are doing, but I’ve no idea,” I explained.
“They’re probably letting you sit out of the action for a bit so you can heal,” Celia pointed out.
I waved that off. “Either way, they can’t expect me to stay out for too long.”
“If Lee doesn’t know that by now, I’d be surprised.” Celia smiled.
“True, and he does have the advantage of knowing when they’re near. I don’t.” I glanced around for a moment feeling a bit uneasy.
“It’s probably for the best we don’t know everything.” Celia patted me on the shoulder.
“Easier said than done right now,” I sighed. “Anyway, I should see if I can find him. Maybe there’s finally a tangible plan.” I hopped off my stool and paused. “Wait, you can see the future right? Is there any guidance you can offer?”
Celia thought for a moment and then concentrated on her magic. Her eyes glazed over with power for a few moments before she finally spoke. “The answers will come to you soon, but not in a way you’ll like.” The magic faded from her eyes. “But it’ll be the path you’re looking for.”
“Is there any way to avoid the unpleasantries?” I asked hopefully.
“Too many fixed events lay in the path.” She shrugged. “None are the end of the world, none will be what pushes you off the cliff. A paper cut is something we wish we can avoid, but it’ll heal in time.”
“That’s the worst phrase I’ve heard about fixed events, and that’s all I’ve been hearing about recently.”
“Good!” Celia laughed. “Anywho see the future hates them. There are no clear answers like looking into the past. Just more or less likely paths, and events that sit like a stone. While stones can move, you can’t change the fact that they are stones.”
“Is there a handbook on annoying things to repeat with your visions?” I complained as I headed for the door. “Thanks for your help, though. It was really nice chatting with you again.”
“Likewise,” Celia agreed, waving me off as a customer entered. “Don’t be a stranger now. Come back safe and visit longer.”
Heading back to Kegan’s I thought a bit about what Celia had said and wondered what she had seen. Her words were vague and fairly unhelpful, but at least I was on the right path. If there was a right path.
When I got inside, Kegan was leaning against the wall behind the bar and looking out the window.
“Did anything interesting go on while I was out?” I asked.
Kegan nodded. “There’s always something going on here. As for what you’re really wanting to know, no he didn’t come back, but I figure they’ve gone to the guild.”
“Where would that be?” I asked curiously.
“They won’t let you in. You’re not Blessed.” She shook her head. “No shame in rules, but it’s a pain when you’re looking for someone.”
“That is very annoying.” I crossed my arms, trying not to be upset.
“Kyle!” she called into the back. “I’m going out, mind the front.” She waved me to follow her out the door. “I’ll show ya, but it’s not going to help any.”
36
We walked for a while until we ended up in a fairly quiet part of town. There weren’t many people wandering the streets here, and the few we saw were clearly on their way somewhere else. Kegan pointed out a nice older building made of stone, painted glass windows, and with strange statues around the outside of it. There was a person sitting on the steps right outside the door playing a flute. The melody was oddly sad but soothing.
“It looks so unique. How is this even a secret?” I mused.
“Something unique in a plain face town brings whispers. Whispers lead to fear. Many think it’s haunted. The people in the neighborhood here know that the bards stay here. As few others know there’s more than meets the eye.” Kegan turned to walk back, but I hesitated.
“That song is so sad for such a lively instrument…” I said softly.
The young man playing stopped and looked up at me. There was no way he could have heard me and yet he eyed me curiously.
“We had best be getting back.” Kegan nudged me.
I nodded and turned to follow her when the young man shouted, “You’ve got the markings of being healed.”
Kegan and I turned in surprise.
“They don’t speak to many passersby.” She nodded for me to respond.
I walked over to him so I wouldn’t have to shout. “Yes. It’s been an interesting year.”
“I know Emmyth’s work anywhere. What brings you here?” he asked curiously.
“Emmyth is somewhere with Lee. I’m trying to find him and see if he’s learned anything about our current quest.”
The young man scratched his head, “Maybe that’s the new guy Emmyth was with? Don’t know what’s going on there. I’m outside today. You’re right to think they’re here. It’s safe here.”
“Can it really be considered safe anywhere?”
He flashed a sly smile. “Yes it can.” His voice was booming with confidence. “If they have their deals and magic for demon affairs, why can’t we have ours?”
It was a fair point, and one I had mused on myself. “That’s good. Our trip here was eventful.”
Nodding, he studied me for a moment. “Just yesterday from the looks of it. What’d you do to attract their attention?”
“Live,” I replied honestly. I couldn’t help but give a small laugh.
“I see you’re Cursed born, no big deal there, but to be hurt as such you’d have to do more to attract that level of rage.”
“About half a year ago we slew a demon. I guess another one knew of it and wasn’t happy about that.”
He nodded, satisfied with my reply. “They do get enraged about that.” He gave another nod towards Kegan. “There’s a wonderful performance due tonight at our lovely friend Kegan’s Inn. If you’d like to talk more to the others, that would be a better time.” Done talking, he started playing his sad tune again.
I rejoined Kegan and headed back. The conversation was odd, and I had no idea how he could see someone else's healing magic. Did it linger? How long did the traces hold on? Or was it just this one person’s gift? There were too many new questions that weren’t relevant to the quest I wanted to complete. Yet I desired the answers for them as well, even though part of me wanted to keep it simple. I just wanted to get Juni back and have things go back to normal, minus the demons being involved.
Instead of lingering on my thoughts, I helped out where Kegan let me. There was quickly nothing to do since much of the prep for tonight's show was best left up to the professionals. So I napped. It wasn't until I hit the bed that I realized how tired I actually was.
Old memories swam in my dreams. I remembered Isaac and how my curse had first come to light. The conversations I had had about being careful. About learning how not to kill others instead of how to work with my gifts, even as I got older.
Unexpectedly, I dreamt of Tella. Her training had to be progressing. She was gifted and determined to acquire many useful skills. Tella’s passion was wonderful and I hoped she kept up with it while I was gone. I hoped even more she’d continue to practice once she reached the level of proficiency she was aiming to meet.
When I finally awoke, I was surprised to see Emmyth there and not Lee.
“Sorry to startle you.” He apologized, “Your injuries are completely healed now.”
“Great, but where’s Lee?” I asked, shaking off the remainder of my drowsiness.
“Training,” Emmyth replied. “He’s got much to learn if he wishes to complete this quest to save his mother.”
There was something about his tone that didn’t seem right. “He’s not just training for this quest, is he?”
“There is no chance he’ll succeed if he stays in his current state,” Emmyth replied carefully. “He’s decided to undertake our initiation.”
“What does that involve?”
“Our rites are secret, but I assume what you’re concerned about is the contract involved,” Emmyth replied without hesitation. “Everyone's different, but in the end, it’s the same. You must serve the Order for some time, and that involves slaying demons. It’ll give him the powers he needs to vanquish many demons on his own, along with the ability to travel to a realm above and below the one we are in.”
“And the one below is likely where Juni is, isn’t it?” I asked, not liking where this was going.
“Telling him one of us could accomplish it wasn’t enough. He wants to be part of the effort to rescue his mother,” he supplied.
“She’s very important to him. A very uniquely wonderful person,” I agreed. It wasn’t a surprise he’d do whatever it took to help her. “I’d probably do the same if the choice were mine.” Sighing, I glanced toward the door. “He’s not coming back any time soon, is he?”
“No,” Emmyth confirmed. “It’ll take twenty-four hours to complete, and if our sources are right, you’ll be busy enough with other events.”
“The fixed events are on my path, aren’t they?”
“Yes, they are. But I promised I’d help if possible,” Emmyth replied. I wondered how much reassuring it took Lee to agree to any of this.
“Do you have any idea what’s to come?” I finally got up and out of bed.
“No. I’ve no talent for visions, and your ability to attract the worst of a situation is mind boggling. You always prevail though, so whatever's going to come will pass.”
“Are you ever negative?” I sighed, heading to the door.
“Plenty. I’m only human after all.” He chuckled.
“I’ve yet to see that.”
“Part of one of the training exercises we do is practicing sword fights around hanging balls of fire. I hold the record for the most outbursts of swearing in a fifteen minute period while not being set on fire.” He smiled, joining me at the door. “The things we practice so demons can’t even phase us...”
“I can’t see Lee doing that.” I laughed, trying to picture the training Emmyth described.
“It’s standard training, though he may skip that part since he’s already survived several demon related fights,” Emmyth mused.
“I don’t want to think about him being set on fire. Let’s go enjoy the show. It sounds like there won’t be many upcoming chances for fun like this.”
Kegan’s dining room was full and a group of bards were already on the small stage. They were playing an upbeat tune and singing something I’d never heard before. We sat at the bar and Kegan brought out some food for us.
“Where’s Lee?” she asked, eyeing Emmyth suspiciously.
“Training,” Emmyth supplied, taking a sip of his drink without shame.
“I don’t like how you talk everyone into that.” She pointed at him.
“I can’t talk someone out of saving a loved one. We told him we could do it, but if you had to choose to stand by or fight, what would you choose?” Emmyth rebutted, unphased.
“I’d be leading the damned army, as we all know.” Kegan rolled her eyes at him. “Doesn’t mean I like the choices. You could have not told him and just done it yourselves.”
“We’re required to explain to others of our nature what they can obtain by joining us. Required to explain, mind you, not persuade nor bribe. What value he sees is all up to him, and he may be more stubborn than me.” Emmyth shrugged off her comment and took a long drink.
“So I’ve heard.” Kegan shook her head and continued on her rounds.
“You’ve explained things before haven’t you?” I asked.
“Bits and parts. No one said I had to explain it all at once, so I told him what he needed to know at first. Last night he asked for more information, so I filled him in on the rest. He wanted to hear about our order and made his own decision. I wish he had been patient and let us handle it, but he’s too honorable and noble. He’ll do what’s right no matter what it costs him.”
“Hopefully it won’t cost him too much.” I picked at my food for a moment. “Is he going to be able to have any normal life after this?”
“Yes and no. There’ll be moments for it, and moments for work that can last weeks or months on end,” Emmyth replied. “I doubt that’ll be a problem for you. I’m sure, much to his dismay, you’d join him in traveling.”
“Of course. The traveling isn’t the problem. It’s the not being killed by demons that’s the tough stuff.” I laughed for a moment, my expression sobering. There really wasn’t an end to this.
“I’d recommend some commitment to training. You’ve got the strength from your gifts, just not the skill to use it to its full power. While you can’t deal a kill shot through magic, you can do damage just the same.”
“I’m glad you think so. I didn’t think I stood any bit of a chance,” I replied, pleasantly surprised.
“You’ve got a two-fold gift. Fire has a lot of power to back your attack, and with it a demon’s fire magic can’t sufficiently harm you. It’s not the biggest advantage, but as long as you’re not facing a master level demon, you’d be able to hold your own. Again, with training.”
“
I should probably commit some time to it now that I seem to have my magic under enough control,” I agreed, trying to be optimistic.
The bards picked up a louder and more rowdy tune, and I turned to watch for a moment.
“Does this mean all of you can play well?” I watched the band get into their instruments. The audience was absorbed into the show.
“Those who started young enough play well. The ones like Lee aren’t as easy to teach, having already grown into skills of their own. At that point though, most have their own way to blend in. You’d never guess how many of us are here.”
Glancing around the room, it was hard to distinguish normal people from Blessed. There were clearly many with magic, but that didn’t make them part of his order.
“Maybe six or seven?” I guessed.
“Nope.” He laughed.
“How many?” I asked, trying to figure out if my guess was too high or too low.
“There are five people here who aren’t Blessed. Only you and the staff are not.” Emmyth smiled slyly.
“What?” I asked, confused.
“When anyone gets back from a particularly difficult mission, we come here to celebrate. Our leader had one of the worst missions recently. He lets loose by playing for the lot of us, if you can believe this is his way of relaxing. Everyone’s invited, so here we are. Those that decided to come anyway.”
“I can’t even sense magic in most of them…” My voice trailed off, amazed.
“That’s a difficult part of training to reach. It’s a good way for us to hide, and while a few are showing that they have magic, none are letting signs show that they are Blessed.”
“I don't know how you’ve managed to do that.” I watched the group with more interest.
“Lots of practice. Lots and lots…” Emmyth nodded while taking a drink. “We’re ready for the next part of the mission. Who knew it’d play out on the same night?”
“What do you mean?” I asked, turning my attention to him.
“There are about eight demons that have been slowly gathering around you today. A great way to bring Lee to the open and cause him to lose control. We’re just counting down to the fireworks.” He set his drink down, “I’m sorry I didn’t mention it sooner. Not that you could do much to stop it. They’re blinded by their want to ambush you, so you’re the bait to lure them out.”
