by D E Boske
Shaz dropped off to sleep soon after, fully satisfied. He still wondered why she’d approached him in the first place. But damn was he a grateful bastard.
When he woke the next morning, she was not in the bed. He almost thought it was a dream except he was not in his room. He rose up on one elbow looking around, not daring to believe his luck. Wondering what had prompted the lovely elf to engage him, he closed his eyes. He must have fallen back to sleep, though he hadn’t meant to.
Of a sudden, he was completely awake and aroused, her lips stroking him soft as silk. Her tongue teased and tasted him and he could not withhold a loud moan. She climbed on top of him as he tried to regain his senses. She kissed him, sliding her tongue across his lips. Her hips eased down and he groaned in pleasure.
He sat up, laying her down. She gave herself to him fully, denying him nothing. She felt him deep inside as he put his right arm under her left knee. He worked hard to please her; she was nothing like the bimbos he was accustomed to. He surprised himself that he even cared about her pleasure, but he did. More than ever, he wanted her to like how he made her feel. The sex was the best he’d ever had. The pleasure was so intense he had a hard time not letting go.
He could feel her blossoming and it was just in time as ecstasy took control of him.
Darian was on his way to see Tynuviel when he ran into Kelindril. “Darian,” the elf greeted.
“Kelindril,” he responded, not wanting to be rude. He did not stop to talk further, making haste to see Tynuviel; the elf following close on his heels.
“Where are you off to, Mage?” asked the Gor Li’ Khan leader.
“To see Tynuviel, why?” he asked.
“It is not natural. If The Order…” he began, but Darian cut him off.
“They will never find out. Anyway, there is much you are unaware of.”
“Like?” the elf prompted.
“I do not like to repeat myself. I explain myself to no one. Why do you care anyway?” asked the Mage.
“I don’t. Not really. What you do with your life is your business. I was just curious is all.”
“Is there something you want, Kelindril?”
“You’re not the friendly sort, are you?”
“And you are?”
“I wanted to see the girl; see for myself. What happened to her? How did Morphindinaetlus know about her?”
“I have my theories,” was the only answer Kelindril would get.
“I see. Darian… do you think the other dragons will join the fight?” asked the elf.
“And they call me paranoid,” the Mage responded. The Gor Li’ Khan actually smiled.
“Well, lately, the way things are going… If Phentilphyremorg wakes, we’ll be in trouble.”
“That is an understatement. What is the real reason you have come, Kelindril?” asked Darian.
“I told you. I was to relay a message to Nephraete from Thelarki. He wants to know that she is happy.”
“Well if he honestly cared, he never should have locked her away. Forcing her to marry someone she does not love is wrong. No wonder she left.”
“I agree. His treatment of her was abhorrent. He has not been the same since his wife’s death.”
“Why did you not step in on her behalf then? Why let him continue to mistreat her and the rest of you?” asked the sly Mage.
“It is not my job to stop him, he is king. You would have me killed?”
“That is precisely my point. If he would kill you for such foolishness, he does not deserve to remain in power.”
“Maybe, but what could I do?”
“Are you not Gor Li’ Khan? Your skills are legendary. Surely, you could silence a king?” Darian was baiting him and he suspected Kelindril knew.
“You would have me kill the king?” asked the elf, with no trace of emotion in his voice.
“I never said that, Kelindril,” replied Darian.
“You implied it,” answered the elf.
“Did I?” responded the Mage with feigned innocence. Darian opened the door to Tynuviel’s room. Kyler sat in a chair by her bedside.
“Darian… What is he doing here?”
“I merely wanted to see how she was doing, elf prince. I mean her no harm.”
“I’m sorry, Kelindril. I worry for her.”
“I understand. When will she wake?”
“Ten days, more or less,” answered the Mage.
“That long?” asked Kelindril.
“Her injuries were extensive,” replied the Mage.
“What about the prisoner? Have you questioned him yet?” asked Kelindril.
“No,” said Darian, not elaborating.
“Don’t you think you should?” pressed the assassin.
Any further discussion was cut off as grey smoke rolled across the floor, signaling the demon’s presence. Kelindril kept his face blank, revealing nothing.
“Ahhh, it’s good to be back,” said Sigorna.
“Yeah, I’ve missed you,” replied Darian.
“How is she?” asked the Falahari.
“Unchanged,” said the Mage.
The demon took up his guard position, watching everything. His deep red eyes missed nothing. He knew Kelindril was not comfortable around him, though he tried to hide it. Now that was amusing. Kelindril was responsible for countless deaths, Sigorna knew. So why then, was he uncomfortable around the demon?
The Gor Li’ Khan stayed for a little while then took his leave. “Wow, I thought he’d never leave,” said Sigorna. “Is it just me, or was there tension in the room?”
Darian laughed, “Yeah.”
“Darian, I’m sorry about, you know,” Kyler said softly.
“Yeah, forget it. I know you worry for her. But she will be fine.”
“You want a drink?” asked the elf.
“Duh,” responded the Mage and Kyler laughed.
He poured two glasses, handing one to his friend. They sat by the bed where they could talk freely. They did not speak until they were on their second glass of Nykessa.
“I’m sorry, Darian. You’re absolutely right. I had no business demanding answers. I should not put you in that position. If she wants to tell me I will listen. I will always be here for both of you.”
“Kyler, I know you worry for her, but there is nothing you can do to ease her pain. Just be there for her when she needs you.”
“I will. Darian, how are you feeling?” asked the elf, concerned.
“Ack, I’m fine,” he lied. Kyler did not miss the look the demon shot the Mage.
“Oh really? You wouldn’t be lying to me again, would you, Darian?”
“Me? Lie? Um so how’s Nephraete?” asked the Mage.
“That’s what I thought. How bad is it Darian? And don’t lie to me please, I deserve the truth.”
“All right Kyler. I was hoping to never have this conversation with you.” He was quiet for a long time before speaking once more. “I don’t think I’m going to make it.”
“What are you talking about, Mage? Are you telling me you’re dying? You are Shivvendar, you cannot die.”
“Yes, Kyler. I don’t have much time.”
“How can you be so sure?” asked the elf as a dark chasm opened inside him. He felt sick, but he must know the truth.
“Back in Piri-Tuma, I read some very disturbing reports. I found them hidden in the library and knew they must be important.”
“What were they, Darian?” asked Kyler, desperation welling up to choke him.
“Accounts of the Dark Mages and the effects of the magic on them. Do you know why Dark Magic was banned Kyler? It is because it is too unstable; it cannot be controlled and certainly never trusted. The Mages using it became evil, committing crimes. Unthinkable crimes! They experimented on fellow Mages and when they were denied access, they turned to themselves. Terrible pain did they suffer, going mad with it for there was no relief. The Dark Magic burned them from inside out, driving them mad. On rare occasions, some experienced violent
vomiting;
a black tar like substance. Terrible headaches and drastic personality changes are also symptoms.”
“Why haven’t you said anything before Darian? Surely, we can find a cure. We’ll find something that will help.”
Darian smiled bitterly, “The only cure Kyler, is death. There is nothing that can be done. It is too late for me. Before too long, I will become a danger to anyone around me. I do not want to become twisted like they did.”
“But Darian… you can’t give up! There’s got to be something we can do.” Kyler felt the cold truth of Darian’s words wash over him like a tidal wave, chilling him to the bone. “Darian, what can I do?” asked the elf hopelessly.
“Nothing, it is taken care of. The Falahari will kill me at the appointed time. He knows what has to be done and will carry out my commands.”
“Why him and not me Darian?” asked Kyler, hurt that the Mage would choose the demon over him.
“I could never ask that of you my friend. I do not want you to live with those memories. The demon will relish it and will not feel guilty. It would kill you, Kyler and you know it so don’t pretend otherwise.”
Kyler hung his head, he knew the Mage was right. He could never take his friend’s life, but he wasn’t about to let the demon do it either. He didn’t care what Darian said, he was not giving up. Not now, not after everything they’d been through. He looked to the demon and saw confirmation there. Sigorna did not look happy about it either. Good, maybe he could use that to his advantage.
“Tomorrow, I will talk to the prisoner. I want you and Nephraete there with me.”
“Of course, whatever you need, Darian,” replied the elf.
“I want you there as well Falahari,” said the Mage.
“Yes, master,” the demon quipped.
“For now though, let us drink.” Darian raised his glass for a refill. They drank long into the night as they talked of the days to come.
24
In the morning, Darian gathered the ones he would need and went in search of the prisoner. He was right where he’d been left, of course, for where else could he go? The Mage walked boldly toward the cage, fearing nothing. Nephraete stayed close to him because she did not really trust his restraint.
The cage was made from poles that were lashed together with thick vines. When occupied, it hung suspended from one of the tallest trees near the palace, more than two hundred feet off the ground. It was far enough out that should the prisoner get out, he would never be able to make it to the tree safely. The nearest platform was more than twenty feet away.
Darian did not need to get too close to the Mage within to question him and make him talk. He cast his first spell over the imprisoned Mage. As the magic fell over him, he hissed in anger, but he was no match for Darian’s magic. As Darian’s incantation hit the climax, the Mage froze, unable to move.
His next spell hit the creature in the chest, boring into him, looking deep inside. He was bound with Dark Magic! Why would that be? Darian’s curiosity was piqued. He delved deeper, finding it wherever he looked.
Pulling The Staff of Power free, he used its magic to help him unravel the puzzle that was the disfigured Mage. He was perplexed because the creature wore the robes of the Dregian order. Darian’s order. Aganor’s order. What the hell was going on?
The Staff of Power glowed a fierce red as it lashed out at the caged creature. The man just laughed, apparently unaware of the Mage’s power that stood before him.
It took Darian over an hour to dismantle the magic encasing the Mage. When at last he did, he fell back in shock and disbelief. Cowering in the corner was a ghost from Darian’s past. He was not sure if he was grateful to the seer or not. A part of him wished she would not have stopped him when he tried to kill him in Morphindinaetlus’s lair. Looking out at him with fear and confusion was none other than his friend he believed had been killed so long ago.
“Raschel? What the hell are you doing here? I thought you were dead! You will wish you were before I’m done with you. You son of a bitch!” Darian snarled angrily, gripping his staff, but Nephraete stopped him.
“Darian, don’t. Remember what I told you before?” The warning in her voice was clear.
Instead, he used his magic to block his former ally. He had the guards bring the cage closer so he could pull him out. Grabbing the other by the front of his robes, he threw him against the railing; his hands tight around Raschel’s neck. The confusion in his eyes was clear. Obviously, he had no idea what was going on or how he got here.
“Darian? Is it really you? I feel as though I’ve been asleep for a very long time. Where am I?” he asked, as Darian’s mouth worked, but no sound was forthcoming.
“Darian, you cannot believe his lies! Remember what he did to Tynuviel. Don’t let him get away with it,” demanded Kyler.
Once more, Nephraete put her life on the line for a Mage she did not know. She risked everything because Kyler was angry with her for stopping them.
“Kyler, I know you are upset with me, but you must know that I would not interfere unless it was important. I have seen this in my vision. It is part of what I told Darian,” she whispered softly in elvish so Raschel would not hear.
“Nephraete, do you know what you ask of me? I don’t know that I can forgive him for what he’s done to Tynuviel,” he replied in the tongue of the elves.
“We all must find a way Kyler. He has no idea what he’s been made to do. He cannot be held accountable for his actions, they were not his own.”
“Bring him before the council,” ordered Kyler in a steely voice.
The guards hauled him up, binding his hands so he could not cast any magic. They were not gentle with him as they pushed him roughly down the walkway towards the council room.
“Darian please, you have to believe me! I cannot remember anything. Help me Darian! Please!” Raschel called, as panic began to set in. Where am I? What have I done? He thought to himself. It must be bad, I’ve never seen Darian so angry before. Why can’t I remember anything? What’s happening to me?
Darian shut his eyes so he couldn’t see Raschel’s face. Could what he was saying be true? Had the Dark Mage used him as well, twisting him into… The reports! He recalled The Order’s reports on the Dark Mages and how they manipulated their peers. It all made terrifying sense.
Raschel was innocent. Another victim in the Dark Mage’s plans. After all this time, he couldn’t believe his friend was alive. All these years and the guilt he’d carried around. What a waste. All of it. But he couldn’t forget the man before him and what he’d done to Tynuviel. Rage ran unchecked through him. Could he ever forgive Raschel for what had happened? When Raschel found out the things he’d done, would he be able to forgive himself?
Raschel was a gentle soul. That’s probably why he’d been chosen. He would make that bastard pay! The Dark Mage had taken everything from Darian. It was no coincidence that he’d chosen Raschel. The Dark Mage chose him because of his friendship with Darian. Then he forced him to hurt Tynuviel because of her love for Darian.
They made it to the council room, which was full by the time they arrived. Kyler’s message had been urgent and Kinistaya wasted no time assembling everyone.
When the guards ushered the prisoner into the room, looks of confusion greeted them. They were expecting the deformed Mage, not the handsome young Shivvendar who appeared.
“Kyler, Darian, what is the meaning of this?” demanded Galavad.
Darian shot Kyler a meaningful look, he wanted to be the one to explain. For now he understood fully.
“Galavad, elves of Kiri A’ Nouell, there has been a great and terrible deception going on for far too long. The Dark Mage has usurped his power! When I was in Piri-Tuma, I saw secret records, old records, that The Order keeps about the Dark Mages and Dark Magic.
“It appears that the Dark Mage picks up right where the others left off. He used Dark Magic to take control of the innocent who stands before you now. He twisted his f
eatures, making him unrecognizable and faked his death. A death I have long blamed myself for. His mind has long been asleep, only awakened when I broke the spells that subdued him.”
“Darian, what are you asking of this council? Surely you do not ask us to forgive the one responsible for the heinous crimes he committed?” asked Galavad, taken aback by Darian’s unspoken request.
“I do not ask. I demand it be done,” replied the Mage.
At Darian’s words, the council room erupted; the elves shouted in anger to be heard. Darian looked on, showing no emotion, just passive indifference. He would never let the elves have their way with Raschel. He’d found him again, and this time he would do what he could not before; protect him.
Raschel stared at Darian with tears in his eyes. He could not believe the trouble he went to for him. They hadn’t seen each other in centuries and still Darian did not desert him. Obviously, the elves believed he was responsible for some crime, but what it was he couldn’t begin to guess.
“You will explain yourself to this council, Darian,” said Galavad, once order could be restored. “How dare you come here and demand this? I was under the impression that you were as upset as we are by his crimes. Why then, do you demand his release?” asked Galavad. Kyler looked at his friend, shock and denial on his fair face.
“Please, allow me to explain,” said Darian, looking at each face assembled there. “This is the one I spoke of before. His name is Raschel Midrin.”
At this announcement, chaos broke out in the chamber. Galavad sat staring at Darian and Raschel in absolute horror. It appeared he understood what the Mage was trying to communicate.
“You must understand, this is what the Dark Mage wants. He wants us at odds, arguing over everything. He took Raschel’s life and turned it upside down. He let The Order think Raschel was dead! He abused him; used him for his purpose. You cannot tell me that you think that is fair. Will you stand there and tell me that you believe the broken creature before you deserves to die?
