Forgemaster (Book 1 in the Spirit Guide Saga)

by H. Lee Morgan, Jr

Chapter 10

  A loud, crisp ‘Ding!’ momentarily preceded the elevator doors opening. Kanade’s hand tightened, but relaxed as Ethan’s thumb rubbed it. Storm-shadow’s golden shoes clicked the polished marble ground as he exited first.

  The open doors led to a circular corridor. The pillars lining it would offer great cover should the area be breached. They went left after seeing an Ogre receptionist in a leopard print bikini point the way. The female had a smaller horn, but a bright smile that showed off her lower canine tusks and knew what they were here for without asking.

  Kanade pointed to large doors on their way around the circular corridor which wrapped around the whole tower. “This first room belongs to Chief Magistrate Morom and his soul mate and wife Priestess Edda. This one here belongs to High Champion Crait.” That one was actually a door made from many fused swords from defeated opponents, Ethan knew from stories. “Princess Chillie stays here.” This door was made of vines and painted bright pink. “Collu and Mia reside there.” That door was made of simple redwood and spoke of simplicity. “And last belongs to High Wizard and Witch Merlin and Morgane.” Ethan already knew Kiroq lived underground like most Gargoyles. “Odin lives here.” She pointed to a door of solid gold with delicate script.

  “Do you know what all the writing means?” Ethan asked.

  “They are all the names of my children and grandchildren, Lad.” Odin said as he opened the door and stepped out as he always had, minus the wolf pelt and was exchanged for an open front black leather jacket. The sword still hung at his side and Gungnir, the simple and wicked looking spear, clutched in a large left hand. “My door has all the names and magic on it prevents any direct descendants from my loins from entering.”

  “So many…” Ethan said breathlessly. “but why does it… oh, got it. Just in case you don’t know, and they don’t, you won’t sleep with them.”

  “Got it right, Lad. I’ve lost count of all my offspring. If not for my door keeping record, I’d get in a heap more trouble.”

  “But what about the lines…”

  A twitch jumped in Odin’s eye and the patch of white skin where the other eye had once been, wrinkled some. “Dead, Lad. Some from old age, but most fell in combat or were slaughtered. Come, let’s reach the tribunal room.” The All Father ended further discussion and led the way. Ethan felt horrible for not realizing something so simple and keeping his mouth shut yet it was too late to apologize.

  It took less than a minute to come upon an unimpressive set of wooden doors, but inside was rather spacious. In the center of the room sat a crescent table all the leaders of Order could convene around and be able to seat over two hundred leaders comfortably. Off to the side were three long benches and the other side led to a heavily fortified door where Ethan and Kanade both knew Kira was inside, in a small jail cell awaiting punishment. Sunlight filled the room from open windows and a glass skylight. The room smelled clean and fresh like a pine forest after a rain.

  Around the curved table where one would stand before the leaders sat Tattoo, his impressive Amazonian wife, Morom the powerful Ogre, Chillie the Pixie princess sitting on a thick book as if it were a cliff and Morgane Le Fay. Over on one of the three long benches sat three individuals. Kanade had to tell him that the child was Minna and her very tense parents. He couldn’t remember the kid after the memory wipe. Kira’s mother looked around thirty, no more and her father was maybe thirty five. If Ethan didn’t know Witches and Wizards used spells to make themselves younger he would have sworn Kira’s mother was a twin sister. Brown hair, green eyes and a bountiful figure. Kira’s mother though was more conservatively beautiful.

  “All parties involved are here. Let us begin.” Odin’s deep voice boomed. Kira’s family were startled and turned to the door. The parents were clearly terrified, but as soon as they saw Ethan and Kanade they glowered daggers, blaming them for all this. They stopped when noticing Odin’s commanding stare aimed at them. “Morgane, summon the accused.”

  Ethan and the others moved to the end bench, staying well away from the family while the High Witch created what looked like a ball of light and snapped her fingers. It zipped soundlessly through the closed door.

  Odin took his seat in the center throne, beside his second, Tattoo.

  The door to the tribunal’s holding cells opened. The first two to step out were clearly Amazons of great stature. Their handsome female features were impassive. Behind followed Kira. She had obviously been allowed to change and clean up. She wore a long dress of light green, but a classy design. Non revealing. Her long brown hair hung loose, framing her heart shaped, delicate face. Even her makeup wasn’t so impacting as usual. Around her neck was a collar made of pure silver with magic suppressing runes. Her downturned eyes wouldn’t meet anyone’s. She followed the warrior women’s feet and stopped between them as soon as they did. Kira knew one wrong move and either powerful woman would end her very existence and not blink. Amazons were known for action, not hesitation. It was in their blood.

  Ken was surrounded in a blue energy which effectively shut him up.

  It began without any waste of time or ceremony. “Kira Penbrooke, you are accused of rape, illegal casting on fellow family, forbidden creation of illegal potions and hiding memories without specific orders from me or your leader.” Odin’s dead tone spoke volumes and the ancient Viking surely wasn’t happy. “We will hear from your leader High Witch Morgane first. Morgane, what do you have to offer the tribunal?”

  The strawberry redheaded woman picked up a vial and sat it on the table. “Last night, approximately twelve hours ago I was summoned to verify a grievous breach from of one of my kind. I purged this very potion from Ethan’s body so it didn’t compromise him any further. In it are rare herbs mixed in a specific ratio that would require blood magic to invoke properly. Kira would have had to use her own blood and that of Ethan’s to create a tether between them. It would then need to be drank and Ethan, as the magic’s target, would therefore see Kira as the person he loved and desired most. Ethan was therefore helpless against Kira who, to him, would look as his heart’s greatest desire, sound like this person, smell like them and even feel identical… For a time of up to six hours or so and be aroused for said time like an aphrodisiac.” Morgane Le Fay held up a finger that glowed at the tip and all saw at Kira’s collar that a rune that looked like combination of a T, F and S as one symbol glowed. “Kira, you are now forced to speak the truth. Since it is too dangerous to repair Ethan’s memory without damaging his mind, you will tell this room who he thought you were when you took full advantage of him.”

  Kira broke into tears and went to fall, but the large feminine guards grabbed her arms and held her easily erect. The collar burned hotter as the question was asked and when it started to hurt she was forced to say “Kanade! He thought I was Kanade.”

  Kanade bristled with anger and understanding now that she knew how it was done. She wanted to shout, but Ethan’s grip on her was grounding, like a lightning rod that protected her. Her teeth clenched so hard it hurt.

  “And where did you procure his blood?” Morgane continued after receiving the answer.

  The collar burned hotter. “He’s always wounded. His combat training with Blake is severe. I actually was trying to use a new spell with it so he could heal sooner without being sleep induced.”

  “And why did you rape him. Again, remember you cannot lie without causing immediate damage to yourself or use any magic.” Morgane Le Fay ordered.

  “Because he is so kind.” She sobbed limply, unable to resist talking. “I’ve wanted him desperately. He’s not like anyone I know. I tried caring for him, offering to be his girlfriend, wanting him more than any before. He was so quiet and shy, but I could see he was suffering and wanted to end it. I started learning from Ken about healing methods because I was afraid he would kill himself from doing so much… and Blake always left him bruised and bloody.” Kira swallowed. “And then two days ago she” Kira finally looked at Kanade sadly and
with great jealously. “just suddenly shows up and Ethan didn’t look like he suffered any longer. I hated how he looked at you, Kanade. He never looked at me that way and I was there when you weren’t.” Morgane snapped her fingers and forced Kira to look at her alone, with magic. “Sorry… Well… I hated how she took him away when I really wanted him. I knew that it was over for me, but I still wanted him. I created the potion, using blood of his I already had, and when it was done… he was mine for a time. I know it was wrong, but I couldn’t stop. I slept with him and took his memories so no one would know. I don’t know how the plan went wrong…”

  “Kanade’s soul is irrevocably bound to Ethan’s.” Morgane stated. “Just as mine is to Merlin’s. Soul mates isn’t some trifle word thrown around, Child. Especially with Spirit Guides. She knew right away he wasn’t with her, but with another. If not for this potion, he would be unable to have any sexual reaction with another. Kira, if you find your soul mate no other will hold your attention in a great romantic way. By sleeping with her soul mate, you also raped her. In this, you should know. You shouldn’t have for I teach all young Witches this.” Then Morgane asked a question none in the room expected. “Kira, did you do the spell all Witches know? Are you carrying Ethan’s child?”

  “No!” Kanade shouted as she jumped. The room turned to her wide eyes. Her shout echoed several times in the stone room. Kanade began to shake and a quiet whisper she said “No, please say no…”

  “No.” Kira responded. “I didn’t drop an egg to make myself pregnant. I just wanted him, not a child… and only I would have the memory. None were to know of my discretion.”

  Kanade deflated as she sat back down and hid her face in Ethan’s neck.

  “I’m done, Lord Odin.” Morgane shifted the mantle back over.

  Odin gave a curt nod. “Dress, what have you to add?”

  The cabinet looked over and said “Kira ordered I leave till morning from her room. I thought nothing of it as she came in alone with Ken being his obnoxious self, but without knowing her actions till afterwards, she used me too. She invoked privacy so I could do nothing. Odin, I have nothing else to say.”

  “Minna Penbrooke, Prince Storm-shadow, stand front.” Minna tried hiding, but her parents got up and protectively bought her over to stand before the present council leaders. Storm-shadow’s hooves echoed as he stood proudly beside the three. In a not so threatening tone Odin said “Lass, why did your elder sister use you as a distraction?”

  “Distraction?” Minna asked in a very frightened, timid voice. Her mother knelt and whispered in her ear. “Alright mother… Lord Odin, Kira came yesterday and asked if I wanted to meet Enchantress Kanade. I did… like many other children… Kira said they were friends and would tell me stories. I like stories. Enchantress Kanade was nice and pretty, but we spoke only for a few minutes…” she went quiet.

  Storm-shadow picked up the conversation. “It seemed several minutes, Lord Odin. Kira had altered our sense of time, making it seem pass faster and I found it was two hours we had missed by the time I returned the foal to her stallion and mare. We were not seen, nor did we hear anything under the spell to notice the difference. If not for Kanade’s power and being the first to sense something amiss I fear we might still be under the influence. The foal beside me would not have the capability to remove the spell for her lineage hasn’t surfaced and I certainly was helpless. No fault lays with Minna Penbrooke in her sister’s scheme other than as another object to be used to fulfill her objectives and have my companion mount her.”

  “We are agreed. The child’s innocence isn’t in question.” Chillie, the Pixie princess said from atop her book. Minna’s parents sighed. “Truth I hear in your words. You may all leave the stage. The testimony is enough to satisfy this tribunal.”

  They left.

  Odin stood from his throne, as imposing a figure as ever. “Kira Penbrooke, your violations have been confirmed before this tribunal. Before your sentence is presented I’ll allow a moment to hear any defense you may have.”

  Still under the collar’s magic to speak true she said, and stood under her on power. “I have none.” And then she turned to the pair. “But Kanade, Ethan,” Kira swallowed a lump in her throat. “I’m sooo sorry for what I did to you both. My jealousy was inappropriate. I know it’s too late for apologies, but I regret everything. It was wrong. I was wrong. I’m so very sorry.”

  “Magistrate Morom, do you have anything to say?” The Ogre leader shook his head, silver hair shining in the lighting. “Chillie?” The Pixie mimicked the movement. “Morgane?” Same. “Queen Gra?”

  “Yes.” The beautiful and powerful queen of the Amazons rose from her seat. “Kira, if Ethan was single I would commend you on your victory of conquering another male, but as it stands he has a soul mate. What you did was hurt a sister. We are above men’s pettiness. We bring young into the world. We nurture and protect. You forget that so long as a sister has claim over a man, you do not steal her property. If Kanade were an Amazon, you would be challenged and killed. Be thankful, for any other circumstance would have been your end if she could do harm.” Icy brown eyes turned to the All Father. “Now I’m finished.” She sat.

  “Kira, by unanimous decision of this tribunal you are guilty of all the violations against you. You have two options to choose from. First is that you be banished and exiled from Order. You would therefore be thrust into the world for the remainder of your days and lose all protection the Houses offer. You would never have aid, see any friends or family. If attacked and killed, you will not have your killers brought to justice. You will be stripped of all your magic and, should the demons not realize who you are, you will die of old age like every other human.

  “The other option is to go on a solitary hunt to atone for your crimes. If you live, you may return and Dress will keep an eye on you and alert this tribunal if you ever start any suspicious behavior or creations.”

  Kira merely had to look at her miserable family to decide “I’ll take the hunt.” She didn’t want to die of old age, lose her family and powers.

  “So shall it be.” Odin slammed the butt of Gungnir on the floor like a judge would a gavel. “Tattoo, what have you preselected?”

  The deceptively deadly man in the wheelchair lifted a sheet of paper to say “For a hunt that will fit the crimes, my network has confirmed reports of nine confirmed missing young women who were found dead after recently giving birth nine months after being reported missing in Amsterdam. Through one of our Nagai scouts and a Spirit Guide telling the all the girls souls being killed intentionally to eat, thereby breaking the accords, we are stepping in. The Nagai was able to catch the scent of the perpetrators and followed the trail to an abandoned farm outside the city. One of my aerial mini spy planes not an hour ago penetrated the building and showed thirty heat signatures inside.” Tattoo dropped the paper and looked at the Witch. “Kira, you will be hunting down and eliminating no less than a dozen Incubi. My scan of the building couldn’t positively tell which were incubus or woman, but your task is to kill them all and free the kidnapped women. There is a high probability they will be pregnant and be in great need.”

  Kira went sheet white at the task given. Her mother collapsed while her father looked at Tattoo as if the man lost his damn mind. Kira’s mother knew she was listening to her daughter’s death sentence and couldn’t bare consciousness.

  What broke the silence startled the whole room was a growl. “No.”

  Heads turned to none other than Ethan who slowly stood. Kanade watched him move forward and couldn’t believe how calm he was. No one stopped him from stepping in front of Kira, effectively shielding her from the tribunal’s sight. The two Amazons looked at each other curiously. “Tattoo, that hunt is too dangerous for Kira.”

  The second in command stared evenly at the Elemental. “It is her punishment for her crimes.”

  “And I’m not saying she shouldn’t be punished. Just pick a different one. Sending a woman alone to an In
cubus nest? Even I know that is a suicide mission and I’ve never seen one of them demons.” His calmness had everyone staring, except the mother who hadn’t recovered.

  “Oh?” Odin finally grinned. “If you’ve never met an Incubus, how would you classify it as a suicide mission?”

  “My angel and companion’s stories matched. After I died and returned with the spirit egg to wait and be revived, Kanade told me about many of the creatures, especially those I’ll be facing. Storm-shadow further explained how Order hunts certain demons who’ve gone out of line and started killing people to eat their souls. Firstly, if your assessment is right, this is a band consisting of nothing more than the greatest predator to women. They must not have a master or owe allegiance and are threatening to reveal the supernatural because suspicion is already being raised. What I’m saying is what I’ve been taught and if I’m wrong, I’ll apologize. Storm said you never take a woman to hunt even one incubus, not even Amazons. The incubus power is a honey trap to all women. Just setting eyes on one will make them an Incubus sex slave who will do anything to please him… just as you would never send a man to take down a Succubus. It does the same thing. Kira would be helpless and end up like the other kidnapped victims and I’ll not stand by for such a punishment. I’m none too thrilled on what she did to me, but I can’t watch her go alone into a hungry bear’s den covered in raw meat and bathed in syrup.”

  “Ethan,” Tattoo sighed. “You are still new, but Kira brought this on herself. If she cannot resist her nature to save the lives of innocent women… well she will atone in death and still be avenged. This is the tribunal’s unanimous decision. Kira is going to kill the nest or die trying.”

  The Elemental looked at the ancient gazes on him. “If you haven’t forgotten,” he looked each leader in the eye. “I took the Warrior’s oath. I vowed to endanger myself to protect another. Fate gave me a second chance on the words I become that warrior. Sending Kira alone would violate my oath, no matter what she did to me. I can’t in good conscience allow this… Even if it means withdrawing what happened.”

  Eyebrows raised and Kanade sat with a dropped jaw that matched Storm-shadow’s. “Quite a large pair you got, Lad.” Odin seemed pleased, but remained neutral. “Unfortunately it isn’t your decision, but ours. Kira’s been long overdue for consequences not even you know of. Because she is our strongest Witch she pushes her craft in dangerous and forbidden areas. She will get someone killed because she doesn’t have the humility you possess. Kira will verify the situation and eliminate the demons, but” Odin held up a lone finger. “there is a condition in our laws that will allow you to retain your vows.”

  “I’m listening, Sir.” Ethan calmed further while Kira was speechless behind him.

  “Kira will require a supervisor in her hunt. All who break the law require it to keep them on track and from running away. As you say, Incubi are a honey trap for the fairer sex. You are male and therefore immune to their charms. Those women need to be found and rescued before they end up like the others. I also know you are combat ready from Blake’s daily reports to be capable of defending yourself against those lower class demons. If you feel as you sound, you may be her supervisor so you can maintain your oath to protect this family. This will be the only concession I’ll allow the tribunal to discuss.”

  Ethan turned to Kanade and said “Angel, I can’t stand by and watch anyone die and if they don’t kill her outright, they’ll rape her too. I know she hurt y…”

  “I know.” Kanade finally smiled, knowing her soul mate wasn’t the kind of person to stand by when others were in danger. “I might not like this idea, but it’s why everyone loves you. You’re honor bound and more mature than I about this.”

  “Alright.” Ethan told the assembled. “I’ll keep an eye on Kira.”

  “There is one condition you must swear to.” Morom said as his large blue body shifted forward. “As a supervisor of the prisoner you may not intervene in her hunt unless there is a clear piece of missing information. If there are only Incubi and Kira gets killed, you must let her die, but if she does you may step in and burn them with your power to protect her soul. Only then may you show yourself, Ethan. If she dies or through misinformation are you allowed to intervene. Is that understood?” The Ogre’s large eye bored into Ethan’s.

  Ethan made a hard fist that turned his knuckles white. He did maintain a calm presence and tone though. “Understood, Sir.” Over his shoulder he said. “Kira, if you die I promise to keep your soul from being eaten.” She could only stare.

  Odin looked to each leader who all nodded in agreement. “Very well, Ethan, go ready yourself and return here after lunch, Lad. Use the remainder to prepare for the hunt. It will be only the two of you. You know what must be done. Lives are at stake. Amazons, take the prisoner wherever she must to prepare for her hunt.” The two muscle bound women turned Kira around and she followed out the door, completely unable to believe what just happened.

  When the doors shut Tattoo said “Ethan, that was a brave thing you just did.” His wife agreed with a curt nod. “After yesterday’s incident, I know very few who even took the Warrior’s oath who would stand anywhere near someone who did such a despicable act of betrayal. I know I wouldn’t have done it.”

  “That’s because I would have snapped her in half.” Gra said seriously.

  “Nevertheless, Ethan, before you go, come here for a moment.” The Elemental stepped forward to the desk, passing Chillie as she flew out an open window. Tattoo reached behind his low backrest and dug in his bag till finding what he sought and pulled it out. “Here, you’ll need this.” The object turned out to be a strange earpiece with a thin bar holding a clear oval lens. It looked remarkably like half of a pair of adjustable glasses. “This is an invention of mine that I’ve patented and costs eight hundred thousand points. I’ll start taking five hundred each month from your account till it’s paid off in a century or if you pay more. The U.S. military really wants their hands on these. It serves many functions which will come in handy. It has multiple voice command functions you’ll need to learn. I’ll send an APP guide to your computer to learn all its uses. At the corner of the lens is a tiny camera the size of a pinhead and directional sound amplifier microphone thirty years ahead of anything even considered experimental. The microphone can pick up sounds from over a mile away from you, if it has a clear line of sight, and sends the amplified sounds to the earpiece here.” He pointed. “The camera can act like a sniper’s scope, but also give readouts to the lens which also maps distance, temperature, infrared, wind speeds and also calculates the speed at which you travel. The most important function is it records everything up to a hundred hours of data and is both solar powered and by heat. For a Fire Elemental you’ll have no problems in that department. Also it has been spelled to see beyond the veil so nothing will be missed and will self destruct if a person not recognized by Order picks it up. It is a safety function. Just know once it’s attached to your head it won’t run out of power.”

  “But how? It is all so thin and fragile looking.”

  Tattoo smiled. “It’s more durable than it looks. Also you may use it to contact me or one of my workers anywhere in the world. When it’s over, call and the nearest Pixie on duty will send you back here. Now go and brush up on the basics. This device will be primarily used to record Kira’s hunt. Once it learns your voice it cannot imprint on another unless it’s returned and I wipe it’s databanks.”

  “And to make sure I follow orders. Got it.” Ethan hooked it around his left ear and adjusted the lens till it felt comfortable.

  He turned around to find Kanade with her hands together, fidgeting and went to go say he was sorry, but was stopped by a little hand. Minna looked up with teary eyes as her mother was just coming around. “Mister Ethan, take care of my sister…”

  “Enough Minna.” Her father said and pulled her back before looking Ethan over and saying “I’m truly sorry for what happened, Young Man.” Ethan didn’t know h
ow old this Wizard is, but was odd because they looked around the same age. “And your wife is right. That was quite mature, what you did for my little girl… and I would like to offer thanks that you chose to be her supervisor. I don’t know what I’d do if they did kill her and devour her soul. But what I do know is you can save hers if it happens. You have my thanks, but now I must take care of my family and visit Kira one last time, just in case.” The man tuned and he and his family left.

  Kanade took Ethan’s hand and wrapped her arms and wings around him. “Oh Ethan,” she whispered. “I wish I could go, but can’t. I really don’t want you goin’ with her, but I’m glad you aren’t as petty as me. Let’s go home.”

  “Ethan,” Storm-shadow stopped them. “nor may I go. I do have advice though.” Ethan looked over as Kanade’s wings spread. “Do not reveal your presence, but stay near your charge. Defend yourself if attacked and burn them to ash.”

  Fire exploded from Ethan’s fist. “No problem there. I’ve finally got somewhere I belong to return to.”

  Kanade grabbed the fiery hand. “And if all is well, there will be a surprise.”

  “What kind?” Ethan perked up.

  “It wouldn’t be much of a surprise if I told you now would it?”

  “Guess not.” He chuckled. “Storm, do Spirit Guides have surprises like human’s?”

  “I’m not so familiar with biped customs. What is this surprise you speak of?” Kanade giggled at the bold faced lie. Storm-shadow snickered. “Never mind. I’m not part of your filly’s plans… or am I?”

  “Certainly not.” Kanade winked at the stallion.

  “Then I must watch over the herds again. My sire has tended to my duty long enough. We will meet for lunch. If rules were different I would accompany you to battle, but this is the one instance I cannot.” Storm-shadow galloped straight through the nearest window.

  “Come, let us go home. I will make you as protected as I can before you go.” He went for the door, but she pulled him into her soft bosom and leapt outside like other fliers. She asked when she leveled off “Comfortable?”

  “Between these fluffy pillows? Definitely!” He kissed her neck. “I just wish I could fly beside you. It would at least make me feel less dependent in our relationship.”

  In a soothing tone she pulled him up so they were face to face, soaring over the ground. “Don’t say that. I’m the one who is now dependent. I’ve never enjoyed flyin’ half as much since I’ve had you. Right now I would not have you any other way. And if you could fly, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy my pillows as much as I love usin’ them on you.”

  He reddened and she kissed him quickly, but then laughed as she was poked in the eye by the device over his eye and attached at the ear. “That was interestin’.”

  For the next hour Ethan sat in his room, learning about the headset on his bed with the tablet running the eye-piece’s programs. Kanade sat behind him with him between her legs. In her hand she clutched a simple piece of rock she spelled to protect him in event of an emergency that would shield him for five minutes from any demon or physical attack. Enchanting objects took time and effort. Even one hour wasn’t enough for her, but she did her best while he taught the device to listen to his commands and how to use it to the best of his abilities.

  Then they had lunch and both were so nervous they skipped it. Ethan for this being the first time he’d left the grounds for a mission and Kanade for seeing her soul mate about to depart for danger.

  “There they are.” Ethan pointed on the road outside the main entrance.

  Beside the two Amazons from before stood Kira, her family and a Pixie flitting around impatiently. Kira had changed into something more appropriate. Skintight black leather pants and top that closed at the neck. Around her waist was a belt containing several potions as well as a thin, sheathed dagger. Sunglasses hung on top of her head while her hair was tightly braided in a long rope. She even wore boots made of soft leather. Kira’s image was striking, more than usual for she actually looked quite like a deadly Witch. The only distraction was Ken hanging from her shoulder. When Ethan, Kanade and Storm-shadow were seen, Kira’s parents and sister gave one last hug.

  “Are you ready, Kira?” Ethan asked. Kira saw Ethan wore his boots, but changed into a dark brown pair of jeans and a green shirt with sleeves that hid his reflective silvery bracelets. Over one eye was an active headset that she noticed calculating several things from the eye-screen. She noticed he was as nervous as Kanade, but knew he was not only powerful, but looked it now.

  “I… I am, Boyo.” The Witch swallowed.

  “Aren’t you going to ask me?” Ken demanded.

  “Couldn’t care less.” Ethan’s nerves settled. “In fact, why don’t I do Minna a favor and destroy your container so you don’t corrupt anyone else? I’m in no mood for your bullshit. If you don’t straighten up, Ken, or get Kira killed, you won’t need to worry about your ownership going to her.”

  “Oh go to Hell. I’m done listening to you prattle like a bent over whore. I’ll do as I damn well please and have fun doing it. If I want to ruin this hunt you will damn sure believe I’ll do it! So go Fuc…”

  Ethan grabbed the tome and pulled it from Kira who was instantly afraid. He glared and growled. “I’ll make certain your terror of influence ends right now. I can’t trust you to not mess things up.” He looked up and whistled as a passing Spirit Guide flew overhead. The ethereal giant of a man with ruby red wings and hair looked down. “Hey! Big Red, C’mere!” The Spirit Guide landed nearby and was highly curious if his smirk said anything. Ethan looked to Kira’s mother and asked “Do I have your permission to get rid of him?”

  The mother stared openly before seeing the seriousness burn in his eyes. She answered after looking at her children. “It cannot be done. The enchantments are too powerful. If you could, I would say yes. I hate that vile man. Got my sister killed after he left my possession. Our line has tried to rid that bloody fool… our mistake for centuries. He taunted me to no end and you can’t shut him up forever. If I could spare Minna…”

  Ethan turned to the ten foot tall Guide. “Get ready to play catch. One soul with an express ticket to Torment long overdue is about to be released.”

  Before anyone could stop him, Ethan engulfed Ken in a white hot bonfire. The soul bound to leather cried “NO!!!” as the brown skin began blackening inch by inch every second. Everyone jumped back, except Kanade and the amused Spirit Guide who was nodding while looking at a sheet of silver paper that wasn’t there a moment ago. “Stop!” Ken screamed in true agony.

  Kira’s mother looked horrified as she screamed “THE PAGES!”

  Then it all ended as the leather was consumed and tuned to ash. Without the bindings of powerful magic, Ken’s soul was released in a slightly burning white orb. The souls screams ended as Ken no longer was bound. “What? Oh no…”

  The red winged Spirit Guide stepped forward and opened his mouth. With a quick intake of air the soul of Ken was safely stored. “My thanks, Fire-thrower.” The Guide said in a deep bass voice. “Kennith Gowdie is as you say, long overdue. He will be taken soon to Spirit World and sentenced for twenty thousand years as ordered by Fate.” And then he flew off.

  Ethan walked up to the family with a handful of unburned aged papers and a smile. “The cretin is gone. You forget I perfectly control fire. All the contents are unharmed, but I’m afraid the enchantments burnt away with the leather. Since this is your family’s, you’ll need to protect it. Now you’ll have to suffer through silence and figure out how to find spells by turning the page.”

  The heavy pages dropped into stunned hands. “But how? When? He’s gone? Ken is really gone?” she dropped to her knees. “The family curse is lifted?”

  “And now Kira’s chances are better without him giving away she’s a Witch.” He corrected. “Now we’re ready to go.”

  The Pixie went to clap and stopped as Kanade stepped forward saying “One moment.” Then the Enchantress’s harde
ning gaze locked on green. “Kira, what you did was unforgivable. And I can say I despise you and you know I mean it, but” She paused as Kira looked down in shame. “I do not wish you to die. Ethan is a good man and I know that is what drew you to him. He will protect you. And I’m warnin’ you, do not touch him again. He is my angel, my mate. Just because I cannot harm you doesn’t mean I’m not furious. You better come back and prove you are a better woman because of this hunt. If you don’t change I’ll use my influence as Enchantress to ban you from this House. We fight for Order, but you actions were in line with Chaos.”

  “I completely understand, Kanade.” Kira said in a small voice. “After this hunt, you can be assured I learned my lesson.”

  “Now can I send them?” The Pixie asked impatiently.

  “Yes.” Kanade gave Ethan a quick kiss. “Be safe.”

  “With Ken gone, it’ll be safer for sure.” He replied. There was a clap and they vanished. Kanade moved to the nearest tree, broke down and wept. Storm-shadow laid down in front of her, blocking others from seeing her in such a vulnerable state. Especially how her mate went off with a woman who already violated him.

  Shade cast from a thick woodland canopy was the first thing they noticed as the Pixie had transferred them into the heart of a dense forest. It was so thick nothing could be determined as anything beyond four yards was heavily obscured. Ethan immediately spoke a sequence of commands and the lens instantly recalculated from the instant travel from Gairlochy, Scotland to somewhere just outside Amsterdam. The Heads Up Display or HUD finished its processing in a lone second, he turned his head till a green dot centered and pulsed in the center of the screen lens while the compass in the upper right read NNE and he said “We’re five miles from the target building, Kira. You ready?”

  “Do I have a choice?” She asked rhetorically and he turned to see her shiver in the leather outfit.

  “Look, I won’t send you in till your nerves settle. It’s five miles through thick brush so we have time to chat. Besides, you’ll get through this.”

  “How come you sound so confident?” She had to ask.

  “Adrenaline is helping. Tell you the truth, I’m scared witless too. But in the month I’ve spent at the House, I got a lot done. And compared to Blake beating me senseless and running me ragged, a group of molesters will be easy to smoke out. Besides, my power can end this in a second if things go sideways… Speaking of power, what’s your plan.”

  “Not to die.” She replied darkly. “Which way is it? Why couldn’t the demons pick a city where we don’t have to hoof it through woods?”

  “This way.” He pointed. “And these rapists stole women who are likely terrified if not drugged. A populated city would draw too much attention I’d wager. One scream and if someone heard… well the police wouldn’t be able to handle one Incubus, let alone however many are there.”

  She sighed and led the way. Kira was quieter not only because she was smaller, but because she had been on hunts before. As the most powerful Witch at the First House it was almost a prerequisite to support other hunters as a warrior too. Behind, Ethan was a bit more clumsy, but he kept up and thankfully didn’t trip.

  Branches snapped, leaves crunched under foot, telling it had been quite awhile since it rained last. They skirted trees and hopped dry streambeds. After a mile they came upon an old game trail which Ethan said “Kira, you’ve been awfully quiet. This trail seems to be going in the general direction we’re headed and is likely their usual path.”

  The Witch turned her green eyes to him and he saw she was in pure misery. “I just don’t understand, Boyo. Why?”

  “Context here would be helpful.”

  “Men.” She threw up her arms and wiped her wet cheeks. “Why are you doing this for me after what I did? I feel horrible enough and now you’re my supervisor. For the past hour I’d hope you would burn me alive just to make it quick and painless. I know you enough that you aren’t taking pleasure in this and I know you are angry, as you should be. I just wanted a few hours with you and no one was supposed to know, not even you. Now I have to face my worst nightmare and the enemy of all women. What are you getting out of all this?”

  “Kira,” Ethan sighed. “look, you’ve been a great friend this past month.. if a little too straightforward. Even if you hadn’t given me that roofie and did this to another, as your friend, I would still be here right now. I’m going to do everything in my power to keep you alive and just because I’m justifiably mad doesn’t mean I’ll stand by and watch you die. And I know I’m being recorded, but I’m going to disobey orders to see you survive no matter what Odin or the council decides. You also heard Kanade, she doesn’t want you to die either. So get it through that thick skull of yours that you will see your family again. You are just twenty three, Kira, you have a lot more to see and I hope you never forget this lesson. This isn’t a suicide mission, but a rescue one. You’ll do as much work as you can, but if it gets too risky I’m going in.”

  Tears stemmed their flow. “What happened to the shy nerd who likes talking about the latest issue of X-men or the Incredible Spider-man? You sounded quite mature just then.” She tried to joke and got him to actually smile.

  “It’s the Amazing Spider-man I’ll have you know. Incredible belongs to the Hulk. Kira, I’ll always be a nerd at heart, just as you will remain a powerful Witch. Now that you’ve got that out of your system, what is your plan? I won’t step in if I don’t need to, just to keep Morom from chewing my head off about my last comment. You chose this over exile and it’s your show. I don’t want to mess up anything.”

  Kira grabbed the collar of her tight leather and flapped it to cool herself some. “Alright… well my plan is to hope these don’t fail me.” She took off her sunglasses and twirled one of the stems around her hand. “My spells of protection aren’t near that of Kanade’s or are permanent, but I can place a few spells that will let me keep my senses if I spot an Incubus and not try to mount it… so long as it won’t look at me.”

  “And if it does?”

  “Then its sexual powers will overwhelm the spells on my glasses and I’ll be helpless to his whims… much like you were.” She looked down.

  Ethan growled and she shrunk back, remembering the primal sound from last night and the slight burns still on her wrist from when he found out and dragged her from the bedroom. “Enough Kira. You can beat yourself up later. It’s done, over with. Right now focus. Get your act together and put back that cocky, self sure attitude that makes you who you are.”

  “Kind of hard to do without my ancestor making me mad… Thank you by the way. It’s good to have silence again. And thanks for saving Minna from his vile mouth and personality.”

  “Ken would have gotten you killed.” He stated the truth.

  “You aren’t going to find an argument from me. He’s almost got me killed four times on group hunts. He hated what my ancestors did to him and has been a curse no one could undo till today.” That cocky, sultry smile began its return. “The look on Mother’s face was priceless. The family is in your debt and if I do die, I know my sister won’t need to worry about him… Actually I have a request.” He tilted his head openly. “If it happens… I want my soul bound to the new spell book. I’ll protect my family secrets and be much kinder…”

  “Got it.” He stepped forward and knocked on her head pretty hard. “EARTH TO KIRA! Stop worrying.”

  “Ow!” she stepped back and rubbed her head. “Don’t mess up my hair!”

  Ethan grinned. “What else is in your plan? You can’t be relying on just a pair of sunglasses.”

  She shook her head as she put the sunglasses on and licked her lips. “No,” she touched her stocked waist-belt. “these potions have different properties. When we get within two miles I’ll wipe myself down so they won’t smell me. Incubi have a nose for Witches and women in their sexual prime. You’re safe. They don’t react to men. It will allow me to get close. And until I can see where the lads are nesting, these ot
hers might come in handy. My hope is they will be together so I can alter their perception like I did yesterday to Kanade, Storm and Minna. Then I can move around and get any girls out before I cast spells which will collapse the building and send a blast of Spirit Energy in a spike of grass blades to kill them.”

  “Grass?” he was skeptical.

  Kira made a swift motion with her finger and a single blade of dry grass plucked from the ground, snapped straight like a knife blade as a light blue energy surrounded it and with a simple motion, shot it completely through a thick tree and buried it half in a rock. “Impressive no?”

  “Alright then.” He swallowed and felt new respect was earned for the Caster community. “But why must you get close?”

  “Distance. The closer the stronger my spells will be. Levitating is easy, but perception altering isn’t feasible over long distance. Casted too far, the spells won’t make time seem slow enough. And as for killing, adding Spirit Energy to sharpen grass lasts only a second or two. If I shoot from afar, nothing will happen. I can’t do any of my more powerful spells or risk hurting the humans.” She explained.

  “Much better.” He nodded, glad to hear her plan. “Now you can hear mine.” Ethan pulled a smooth stone from his pocket covered almost entirely by dozens of tiny runes and showed her. “Kanade made this after we got to our room. Some are word activated, but she left a single space for you to activate a single spell to protect yourself.” He knelt on the path and drew a symbol with his finger. “She said you would know this rune.”

  Kira’s eyes blinked quickly, not realizing the depths of how good these two truly are. “Yes, it means ‘to split.’ But without another sequence it will have no direction.”

  “That is what she told me too.” He put the rock back in his pocket. “If something happens and you can get to me, it will split light and effectively make us disappear for five minutes at most. By then you will have time to recover and counter… unless I need to step in.”

  “I’ve got a lot to make up for.” She swallowed.

  “Sure do.” He reinforced seriously.

  With calmer minds and purpose to survive, they quickly followed the path.

  Every step brought them closer. Kira’s greater experience during hunts saved Ethan from stepping on a tripwire made from fishing line. He didn’t see it till she held an arm out because not only was it unexpected and hair thin, it proved the Incubus nest was set up to kill unwelcome visitors. Kira disabled the trap and found a second not four yards later. If the first was avoided, the second waited for the foolish who expected nothing else. Wooden spikes would kill instantly.

  Two miles before starting the final leg, Kira pulled a cloth from between her breasts along with a vial of green liquid and soaked the cloth before rubbing every inch of herself, even her thick braid of hair. The application turned clear as it soaked in. “Help me with my back please. Just the leather. It’ll trap my scent.”

  “Must be stifling in there.” He said as he wiped the black leather.

  “Extremely,” Kira admitted. “but I need it. Leather is a good medium for retaining magic. The potion I’m wearing would last ten minutes on cotton and other fabrics. Leather will maintain it for five hours. Leather is just treated skin and skin holds magic longer as Spirit Energy recognizes a proper container… except for enchanters who aren’t limited in power and can craft permanent runes.”

  “Yes, but even I know you can do spells even Kanade cannot.” He returned the cloth she stuffed back down her cleavage and zipped up the opening to the hollow of her throat. “Kanade cannot make sharpened ice, create fire or make levitated objects into deadly projectiles. Her magic can only protect, not destroy. It is a tradeoff, Kira.”

  “You do learn quick.”

  “Only because my assumptions get me in trouble and I hate trouble.”

  They moved from on carefully and a mile later they got off the path the enemy obviously used frequently. More traps and simple warning creations would only make following it further in more dangerous. Kira became more anxious with each step, but felt more at ease with Ethan beside her. It was well known Ethan, when determined, focuses on one thing and blocks everything else out. His earlier hesitation and attempts of levity turned serious and removed distraction. Kira, deep down, was glad he was there and not as a reminder of her crime. Steel grey eyes narrowed through the woods. The HUD over his eye began counting down the feet after the last mile ended and gradually his awkward traveling through the woods became as quiet as any jungle cat on the hunt. Kira was surprised to say the least.

  As they crept up a small hill she stopped as his large hand gripped her shoulder and pushed her down easily. In a whisper he said “We’re here. Now I need to verify if this is the place.” They laid side by side in the thick vegetation and as Kira heard him command his headset, she looked over the hill slowly.

  Ahead, hidden beside a pond was a dilapidated cabin or maybe it could have been a barn at one time. Around it were thick trees that offered much cover. Old windows were cracked and the roof was in desperate need of repair. Vines, grass and shrubs grew wild and Kira doubted anyone lived there, but she could feel it was a perfect place to avoid attention and was so remote that it was a miracle a place like this had been tracked down. But then as the wind shifted she caught a scent that made her shiver in sexual delight. It was a strong musk with floral undertones that only males could wear and not seem feminine in the least. She felt more sexually excited over this scent than the whole of her life and knew it was undoubtedly Incubus musk, incredibly powerful. She remembered it as all women of Order must so that if they smell it to run to safety or be trapped by the sexual demon.

  Ethan touched her shoulder and she shook her head to clear it. He still looked straight at the building and Kira noticed the lens had gone from clear to dark blues, reds and oranges in color. “With all the trees blocking, it’s impossible to see any warm bodies through the walls, but I hear voices. I count three male voices. We’re about two hundred feet away. Can you tell anything, Kira?”

  “Only that there is definitely an Incubus. I can smell him?”

  “Really?” He sniffed. “I smell only forest.”

  “You wouldn’t be able to.” She whispered. “Only females can smell an Incubus. I wouldn’t be able to smell a Succubus, but you could. And if one was here, you would certainly know, just as I do. Ethan, mind if I use that? Before I even think of getting close I want to know as much as possible.” He took it off without hesitation and handed it over without taking his eyes away from the large cabin. He didn’t want to miss anything.

  For the next thirty minutes they laid on the hill in silence and to avoid detection, Kira looking as best she could and listening to idle conversation of four deep voiced individuals through the headset. Their speech was nearly hypnotic and Kira knew that these demons already affected her and her resistance was barely keeping the thoughts of what she wanted from surfacing at bay. But she heard whimpering and knew a woman was inside, but the images on screen were useless and couldn’t see through walls just like natural eyes. “This is it, I’m heading in.” Kira said as she returned his device and watched him readjust it while she pulled two vials from her belt in event of an emergency.

  “Good luck.” She heard and she lightly stepped over to a thick tree and dropped low. Peeking around it she moved away from the window, trying to use the trees as cover and utilize natural blind spots. The potent odor increased with each step closer, but she maintained composure. Her small feet avoided dry sticks as best possible and she moved slow so as to avoid crunching the grass.

  Two hundred feet took a half hour to approach a shrub that grew up beside the building. So close to a window she could now hear that there were more women inside mewling for more attention by the group of Incubi. The fully naked humans were helpless against their captors power and wanted to couple all day and night long. They were quite literally turned into loyal sex-slaves, unable to resist the demons and were incapable of thinki
ng anything else. Even if the humans couldn’t see through the veil, demonic power still worked. Kira slowly peeked into a room and was startled to see eleven women bound to a dirty bedroll, six with swollen bellies and looked full term, ready to give birth any day. Worse yet, on the other side of the room were a dozen cribs with baby Incubi being tended to by a mature one. It was a breeding nest that had to end.

  The Incubus watching over the young was a man of six feet and built like a tank. His skin was lavender in tone with long golden hair that flowed down his shoulder blades. He wore simple jeans and no shoes. Kira felt the drawling sexual energy intensify within her own genital folds swelling and wetting for penetration, but her sunglasses blocked the innate Incubus power just enough to retain sanity. Still, from the back, the demon was raw manly power with long limbs, narrow waist and bulging with muscle in all the right places.

  The demon’s muscles twitched and Kira drew away from the window just in time to not lose control. Her heart hammered wildly and she struggled to control her breathing. Inside, she heard a door shut and the women inside quieted down.

  Kira went to move to the next window.

  Unknowingly to her, two more Incubi were silently coming from a hidden nearby pond after fishing and caught sight of her. They smiled greedily to each other and stalked up behind as she peeked into another window where their brothers relaxed and slept.

  Cold fear shot down Kira’s back when there came a voice as soft as silk that offered great sex and endless pleasures. “Welcome to our humble abode.” The words both terrified and exhilarated her. Before she could use the potions, one of the brothers spun Kira around and the direct azure gaze overwhelmed her sunglasses. The second brother increased the power over her and made her completely helpless. The first delicately held out his large, erotic hands she wanted caressing her. “Now Love, hand over those toys so we can play like adults. It’s been awhile since a Witch was in our midst.” Kira wanted to desperately please and gave over not just what was in her hands, but every potion, sunglasses and even her small dagger.

  Nothing of her remained except to please them. All was freely given.

  “Brothers!” the second crowed. “Special Delivery! And what a looker!”

  Five more came outside immediately to find Kira pawing the second brother, rubbing herself against him. With so many Incubi focusing their powers, she was unable to speak, but her body turned into a machine of lust. The eldest brother and largest grinned, the shirtless one from the nursery and breeding room. “Well done! A Witch? She must have been a very bad girl to be sent after us. It means we are now on Order’s radar. She will be good for breeding our sons, but we can no longer stay here. If she was sent to kill us, her supervisor will have left the moment she was caught and shall soon return with actual warriors. Keep her near. The master must know we have been compromised. Until he tell us what to do, we cannot leave. Keep the Witch near, but pack our things and ready our sons. The sluts too. He will likely let us keep them since they are all ours. We’ll need to set up a watch soon.”

  The seven hurried inside to begin packing.

  Ethan watched in fury as Kira helplessly rubbed herself over one while a second groped through her top to feel her exceptionally well endowed breast, but he was too far when he saw the supermodel men with light purple skin hurry back inside. Kira disappeared too and for the moment, he overheard everything and made a field decision. With seven physically powerful demons inside packing in a rush, Ethan took a gamble and ran down the hill to jump into a patch of shrubs close to the open door.

  Just as the camouflage of greenery stilled the largest demon with big blue-green eyes stepped outside with a cell phone and was dialing. In the man’s bare shoulder was a brand that looked like a caged eagle that was seared into his skin. A lesser demon lord’s mark. He flicked his platinum blonde hair away from a youthful face to say “Master, we’ve been discovered.”

  Thanks to Tattoo’s creation, Ethan targeted the man’s too handsome face and picked up the conversation with the headset. “By whom!?”

  “A Witch. We didn’t smell her and there was no other woman with her. We got her and she is in her prime, big breasts and wide hips. She will bear an army of sons if we tell her to use magic on herself. Every six weeks she would. What do you wish of us?”

  “I’ll be there in a moment to get you.” The call ended.

  Not five seconds later an Elf popped right in front of the Incubus. The Elf’s sickly yellow skin was mostly covered in a child’s blue jeans and a beige shirt. Around his chest was a wicked bow, also at his back was a quiver full of short arrows and several throwing knives were at his belt. Ethan knew that the Elf might be no taller than four feet and the weapons small, they were lethal. Any Elf could match speeds of a Naga and notch an arrow in the blink of an eye and have the strength of two men with which could draw the string of the bow that was deceptively powerful. Ethan held completely still, even he stopped breathing because the Elf’s long pointed ears were powerful and stood not ten yards away. “Be quick, Oaf!” The Elf hissed. “If the enemy comes soon we’re all dead. Don’t waste time with the pregnant women or young. We do not have time. Bring me the Witch, slay the rest.”

  The Elf hissed as he spun when there came a growl from a bush. It exploded in a burst of fire. Centered in it was a man rising into a standing position. The Elf notched an arrow and loosed it, but it exploded from a superheated ‘BOOM!’ that threw the two demons into a tree with a mighty shockwave. Ethan growled “Not today! I’m ending this.”

  Fire shot from Ethan’s palm at them, but he watched as the Elf suddenly disappeared without clapping like a Pixie, but the wild look in those beady black eyes were terrified. The leader Incubus on the other hand was wrapped in fire that burned him alive. He couldn’t even scream as he inhaled pure flame.

  Six Incubi came running out with weapons after hearing the explosion. One carried a weight bar with four hundred pounds in a hand like it weighed nothing. Ethan knew they were hopped up on souls of women who they raped and killed while feeding off their sexual energies and each one was well fed and in their prime.

  None of that made a difference in front of a Fire Elemental who was done sitting around. Their moment of hesitation lingered on their dead bother and a man cloaked in flames had cost them everything. “Raaa!” Ethan roared while aiming a palm at them and loosing a stream of red and orange heat like a flame thrower that clung to them like napalm. Agonizing pain lasted shortly as every one of the six were burned alive for their inexcusable crimes of rape, murder and destroying souls of those who bore their children life.

  When all were nothing but charred husks and no more surprises were forthcoming, Ethan pulled the fire to himself and ended it. Smoke and the smell of burnt pork filled the air, enough to make Ethan gag, but nothing else was so much as singed, not the grass or even dead leaves. It wasn’t over yet as Ethan said “You really think you got away don’t you.” He grinned and remembered every detail of the Elf mastermind, held out his hand and a softball size Drone appeared. “Too bad so sad. You let me see you. Big mistake.” He said more to himself, cocked his arm back and threw the ethereal fireball. After it left his had it shot immediately around and past his shoulder like an indestructible bullet. The Drone shot through trees and the forest, only getting faster as no solid matter could stop it. It would ruthlessly seek the Elf for all eternity till it was killed.

  Ethan stepped around the dead killers and into the house to find Kira curled into a ball in the corner with a pleasured look on her face as her hands were down in her leather pants, pleasing herself. “Kira, snap out of it.” He shook her, but her green eyes were glazed over. “I hope Kanade is right.” Ethan gently slapped Kira, but didn’t get a rise. A second, harder smack broke the spell.

  Kira shook her head, touching her throbbing cheek. The Incubus odor still unsettled her, but she looked around a little more like herself. Then she shook violently as she remembered it all. Her lower lip trembled as she said “E
than, you… saved me… it was horrible. I couldn’t stop myself from doing that. I feel so dirty… Are they all…?”

  “Dead?” he finished slowly and helped her up. “Yes. The crispy critters are outside. Right now you need to focus.” There came the cry of several babies. “Kids? Kira what are we supposed to do now? I don’t think it’s over.”

  “It’s not. The children need to die. I’ll erase the memories of the women, but…”

  Ethan stepped in front of her and said determinedly “No. You will not kill a baby, even a demon baby. They didn’t violate the accords or eat their mother’s soul. So long as the demon doesn’t kill, I say let it be. Especially a baby. You can save the women by taking memories, but we must send the kids somewhere safe.”

  Kira grimaced, but couldn’t say no. Not even she agreed with her idea that came from her lips. “The job’s done. Send the call.” And she ran outside to leave the stench that filled the room.

  Ethan followed her after scanning the next room and forcing himself not to retch, knowing she needed to be watched, but upon seeing the overdone husks, he needed to destroy all evidence and cremated the bones to ash while saying “Priority contact, First House, Ethan Volorum for mission completed. Send in Pixie to pick us up at my location and dial Tattoo or nearest officer on call.” His earpiece went ‘Beep. Beep.’ As it sent the message and awaited response.

  There was a ‘Click’ sound as if a phone was picked up and Tattoo’s face appeared on the lens’ screen. Ethan was highly surprised to see the video conference. “Got a message you’re done? But why did you call me? I’m a busy man, Ethan.”

  “I know, but there’s been a bit of a snag.”

  Tattoo listened to the report and nodded. “Good call, Kid. Kira must have been highly affected by the Incubus control to suggest slaughtering a helpless child. We’re not demons. You have my word that the demons will be sent to Demon World as is required by our law and another less affected Witch will cloud the women’s memories of the incident and have the unborn safely delivered or shed if early enough. They will have the best care, I’ll assure you. Kira’s hunt is over. Send the recording as soon as you can, for review of her case.” The image cut out and was done.

  By the time the bones were even less than ash and scattered by the wind a Pixie appeared and sent Ethan and Kira back to the First House.

  Lurking unnoticed in the shadows of the dense woods nearby were a pair of glowing, elliptical sea blue eyes. They were watching in secret the entire time and also heard it all. His greatest surprise was the scent of the Fire Elemental Order has been keeping secret. The hidden demon knew it was very weak, but he knew the underlying scent of that bearded man and it had to been reported immediately. As the man called Ethan and Witch Kira vanished with the Pixie, a grin spread and feline whisker’s twitched. “The king will sure be surprised to hear of this.” The demon said gleefully as he stood and pulled an enchanted demon seed from a pocket from his belt and threw it into the pond before jumping through the portal the seed opened, straight to Demon World.