by Nesa Miller
Upon entering Dar’s room, Etain noticed the unusual armor and sheathed sword. She walked toward the bed, her eyes on the strange pieces. “Dar, you up?” The armor looked like it would fit her perfectly.
A dragoness of gold, holding a demon by its throat, graced the right shoulder and chest of the breastplate. Why does it strike me as female? She eyed the dragon a little closer. Perhaps the delicate curves and her size allude to a feminine aspect. She noted the glittering of rubies and onyx. Her fingertips ran along the muscles of the dragon, which seemed to ripple as the light danced over its surface. The helm, shaped as the head of a great dragon, held bared, silver teeth and gleaming crimson eyes, served as a backdrop.
“I made it especially for you, mo chuisle. Try it on.”
She looked at Dar. His confirmation made her suddenly shy. “I don’t know. It’s spectacular. Are you sure-”
“It should fit you better than what you’re wearing.”
“These old things aren’t meant to fit.” She looked down at her attire and laughed. “Inferno’s shirt and an old pair of highwaters from Spirit.”
“Was there a leak?”
“No,” she said, wondering why he asked. Then realized and laughed. “When your pants are too short, you call them highwaters.” He raised a questioning brow. She dismissed the topic with a shake of her head. “Where did all this come from?” Her question sounded more like an accusation.
“It is time you had your own armor.”
“Perhaps…but that doesn’t answer my question.”
“It was crafted especially for you.”
She sauntered closer to the bed. “It is a thoughtful gesture. The workmanship is exquisite.”
A nimble hand slid up her thigh, cupping a rounded cheek. “It took me most of the day.”
She smiled, leaning down as though to caress his cheek. Instead, her hand diverted down, poking him in the ribs. “Bad boy.”
Dar flinched, grabbing the offensive hand. “Ouch.”
“Not quite one hundred percent, but better than this morning.”
Holding her hand, he swept out with his other arm and pulled her down on top of him. “Much better. The exercise was exactly what I needed.” He slipped a hand underneath her blouse, caressing her bare back. “I love the way you smell,” he whispered. “The taste of your skin.” His lips grazed her flesh, his tongue warm and wet.
“Dar,” she sighed into his ear. Her heart pounded, his hands moving over her, his body pressed to hers. Out of nowhere, her morning chat with Spirit came to mind.
“I need a shower.”
His eyes were heavy with desire, but he drew his hands back. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” She kissed him sweetly. “I really do need a shower. It was hard work clearing out the rubble, but we made a good start.”
“Tomorrow, I shall join in the effort.”
“We shall talk about it in the morning. It’s nearly suppertime, so you get up and dress while I get cleaned up.”
“It best be a feast. I believe I could eat an entire Velnoxtica on my own.” He grinned, throwing back the covers.
Etain stopped at the door. “Velnoxtica? Sounds disgusting.”
“They are, and dangerous. But if you’re clever and quick enough to kill one, then roast it slowly over an open flame…” His eyes rolled back in a show of ecstasy. “Heavenly. Well worth risking the acid drool.”
Etain felt her stomach lurch. “Ten minutes.”
Refreshed, she returned to Dar, her new sword in his hand. “Before we go down, I want you to try it.” He watched her draw it clear of the sheath. “Its balance is perfect.”
She held the sword before her, moving it easily through the air. “Why a dragon?”
“A moment of inspiration,” he said, a smile on his lips.
A single word inscribed on the handguard caught her attention. “What’s this here?”
“It is the sword’s true name. Nim’Na’Sharr, Righteous Hand of Fate. If ever you’re lost, call to her. She will come to you and guide you home. I will teach you how to wield her properly.” Standing behind her, he wrapped his arms around her waist. “For now, I think I will show you how to wield a knife and fork.”
A horrible scream shattered the comfortable ambiance. Etain was the first out of her seat. “Faux!” Rushing up the stairs, she burst into the bedroom, finding the girl thrashing about, clawing at her stomach.
“Make it stop!” she screamed. “It burns.”
“Faux, what is it? What burns?” Etain reached for her hands.
“My stomach. Oh shit. It hurts!”
“Faux,” Etain tried to talk over the screams. “You've got to stop. You'll make it worse.”
Spirit came in, followed by Inferno, who carried a small case. She instructed him to place it on the bedside table. “I was hoping this wouldn’t happen.”
“What's happening to her?” Etain asked.
“Poison from his blade. It's slow to start, but once it does, heaven help the victim.” She opened the case, pulling out a small pestle and mortar. Sprinkling several different herbs into the small bowl, she crushed the fragrant plants, chanting as she worked.
“If you knew she was poisoned, why didn’t you do something earlier?” Etain tried to soothe the frantic girl. “Faux, you’ve got to relax.”
Covered in sweat, Dar stumbled through the door. The trek up the stairs had proven difficult. He climbed onto the bed, taking hold of Faux’s flailing hands, holding her down. It only served to heighten her panic. “No! Get away! Don't touch me. It hurts.”
Dar clenched his teeth. “Damn my brother. I should have known he would pull something like this.”
Inferno answered Etain’s question on Spirit’s behalf. “She has her reasons for waiting. She can’t talk because she's enchanting the poultice, making it strong. Once she starts, she can’t stop or it’ll fail. When it's ready, she'll put it to the wound. It should draw out the poison.”
“Should?” Etain asked.
He shrugged. “Ya never know with these things.”
Straining to hold the girl, Etain gave Dar a nervous look. His calm demeanor reassured her. “Spirit knows what she's doing. It will work. She will save her.”
Concoction complete, Spirit straddled her patient, asking Inferno to cut away the remnants of the bandage. The edges of the wound pulsated with a green glow. She scooped the poultice into her hands, spreading it over the opening. “Goddess of the life-giving force, fill me with your power. Strengthen my blood, strengthen my spirit, strengthen my faith. Give me health in abundance that I may save an innocent. Take the poison from her veins, banish all evil within. With the blessing of the Goddess, I heal thee now.”
She continued the chant, motioning Dar and Etain to raise the girl up. Faux screamed when the salve touched the wound in her back. Eyes aflame, she tried to head-butt the mage. Dar stopped her with his free hand, pulling her close to him. “My precious girl, don't fight. It makes the pain worse and the poison work more quickly. Be still. Shhh.”
Etain caught Dar’s eye, giving a supportive smile. “Is there anything that will put her to sleep? Dar is fading fast.” She wasn’t happy with the pallor of his skin or that his shirt was soaked with sweat.
Spirit barked instructions at her husband. “Break up some valerian root, love. Mix it with water. Quickly.”
Inferno moved fast, crumbling the root, crushing it in the mortar. Adding just enough water to make a liquid, he poured it into a vial and handed it to Spirit. Etain shifted, getting a better hold on Faux, hoping to relieve Dar to some degree. The mage pushed the vial between the demon girl’s lips, tipping the liquid into her mouth and forcing her to swallow. Faux went limp within seconds.
The three sat back, breathing hard. Etain kept an eye on Dar, but her question was for Spirit. “How long before we know it worked?”
“The glow is subsiding. We’ll know more come morning.”
“Dar!”
All the color had drai
ned from his face. Etain made a grab for him, but couldn’t hold on. Inferno caught him before he fell off the bed.
Spirit went to where he slumped against the headboard, touched his forehead, and frowned. “Let me have a look at your wounds, love.”
“No, I am fine. Just a little-”
“Too big for your britches,” Etain finished. “Relax and let someone help you for a change.” His eyes narrowed, but she cut him off. “You don’t have to be the hero all the time.”
Spirit turned his head, checking his eyes. “You’re burning up. Whether it’s from the fight or the poison, I’d not take any chances. There’s some poultice left.” She didn’t wait for his acquiescence. “Etain, remove those bandages. Inferno, hand me the mortar.”
She used every drop on his wounds. “The valerian root will help with the pain.” Tying off the last bandage, she said, “Get back to bed and rest.”
“That’s it for you, mate.” Inferno helped Dar off the bed, draping the Krymerian’s arm over his shoulder, holding him around the waist.
Etain slipped under his other arm, giving support. “He can’t walk, Inferno.”
“Then how the hell do ya expect to get this lump of a demon to his bed?”
“Hold on.” Lighting in a blue shimmer, electrical charges flashed around her body, extending out and engulfing the men.
Transported to the High Lord’s bedroom, they maneuvered him onto the bed. Etain wet a washcloth, dabbing it over Dar’s face and chest. “Thank you, Inferno. You have a truly kind heart.”
“No reason to kick a man when he's down.” He placed a hand on her shoulder. “Looks like you have it in hand. I'll leave ya to it then.”
She noticed Dar watching her. “You will keep to your bed. No getting up. No more making armor. No slaying demons.” He opened his mouth. “No. You’ll do as you’re told.” Her fingers ran across his forehead, over his cheek, and down his neck. Lightly caressing his chest, her touch moved to his belly, stopping just above the band of his pants. She lingered, cutting her eyes up to his. “I need you healthy and strong,” she said, her voice husky with emotion.
He brushed her hair back over her shoulder. “Aye, milady.” Closing her eyes, she leaned back as he traced the bones at the base of her neck, trailing down the center of her chest. When her eyes opened, he pulled back. “I won't.”
She took his hand in hers, placing it over her heart. “Soon.”
With Dar settled, Etain left, walking down the hall into Faux’s room. “Any change?”
Sitting on the side of the bed, Spirit smiled at her. “None yet. Whatever he used was strong, but mine is stronger. She'll be better by morning.” She came to her feet, taking hold of Etain’s hand. “You asked why I didn’t treat the poison earlier.” Spirit appreciated the blush in the girl’s cheeks. “I thought there was a possibility, but wasn’t one hundred percent sure until the symptoms manifested. It would’ve been a risk either way it went. Not knowing the poison used, I could’ve given her the wrong antidote. That would’ve killed her as effectively as the poison.”
“I should know better than to doubt you. I’m sorry.”
“We’re not out of the woods yet.” She guided Etain toward the window, motioning to Inferno to join them. “How’s Dar?”
“He’s resting okay.”
Spirit nodded, confident the man would fare better than Faux. “We must cast a protection spell around the house.”
Etain looked around the room. “You really think we need a protection spell? Dar said-”
“Makes no difference. When it comes to Dar’s brother, I’ll not take any chances.”
“What do you need me to do?” Etain asked.
“There’s a few items I’ll need. Love, come with me.” She took hold of Inferno’s hand. “Meet us downstairs, lass.”
Casting staff in hand, Spirit walked out the front doors, followed by Inferno, who carried a bowl of what looked to be silver glitter. A light breeze lifted the silver ribbons tied to the staff. The mage motioned Etain closer, then cast a sacred circle around them. She turned to each direction, tapping her staff while chanting. “I call those who guard the watchtowers of the (West, South, East, North), to guide me through the darkness and ensure my safety.”
The watchtowers invoked, she modified the chant, naming each direction as she turned. To the North… “Hear me knights of the ancient laws.” To the East… “Hear me knights who have passed this way.” To the South… “Hear me knights who fought for good.” To the West… “Hear me knights whose blades were sure.”
She stepped into the center of the circle. “I summon you this day to the aid of the true. I invoke thee to the protection of the innocent. As you fought in life, now fight in spirit. Hear me, dead knights. Present your mighty blades. I invoke thee to the protection of our house. Surround this place with your spiritual armor. Envelop these walls with your sacred honor. Inundate these grounds with your power. I invoke you, dead knights. Hear me and come to my aid. Fight the evils we cannot see. Protect us from the dark. Protect us from the heinous spirits.” Once again, she faced each direction and chanted, “I invoke thee. I invoke thee. I invoke thee. I invoke thee. Let my will be done. Let it be. Let it be. Let it be. Let it be.” She cast the glitter to close the circle.
Inferno unwrapped a chocolate bar. Spirit caught Etain’s curious look and chuckled. “Got to keep my strength up.”
They shared a light supper, rather than reheat the earlier meal, then retired for the night. The couple escorted Etain to her room, reminding her the clan would be there in the morning. She gave each a hug and slipped into her room. Waiting just inside the door, she listened to their footsteps recede. When all was quiet, she peered into the hallway. Placing a foot outside the door, Felix and Ruby came out of nowhere, tails wagging, whining for her attention.
“Shh…” She spoke in a loud whisper. “Please be quiet.” Ruby slipped past her and through the open door. As she made a grab for her collar, Felix also darted into the room. “For fuck’s sake,” she said, running a hand through her hair. “Come on y’all. You can’t stay in here.”
Ruby licked her hand and seemed to be smiling. Felix made himself at home on the bed. Sighing, Etain closed the door.
“Fine. But don’t think for a second either of you are sleeping in the bed with me.” Ruby barked and joined Felix. Etain rolled her eyes. “I’m taking a bath. You two enjoy it while you can.”
The quick shower earlier had been invigorating, but hadn’t done much to ease the tensions of the day. In the bath, her thoughts drifted to the man in the room across the hall. Visions of his muscular body pressed to hers intertwined with fantasies of him whispering in her ear. The memory of his laugh brought a smile to her lips. Slipping further into the water, her visions turned in another direction.
Two young men stood at the water's edge, facing each other, eyes full of venomous fire… One shining in a golden light, the other surrounded by darkness. The dark attacked first with a ball of black fire. The light staggered back several feet. Recovering, he released a golden orb, hitting the other in the chest. The dark stomped into the river, raising his hands, arcing the waters toward the golden warrior on the other side. She screamed a warning.
In the next moment, she was floating below the sparkling surface, confused. Am I a fish? The light watched through the shimmering curtain as the dark pushed her deeper with his staff. She fought to avoid the offensive stick, but it continued to push. Why didn’t the golden warrior save her? “I thought you loved me,” she cried. Her vision darkened as she sank to the river's bottom. I thought you loved me. I thought you loved me. I thought...you...loved...me.
Feeling a viselike grip on her arms, her eyes flew open, water cascading down her naked body.
“Tartarus, woman! What has gotten into you?”
“W-what? I-I was taking a bath,” she said, gasping for air.
Felix and Ruby, standing on either side of Dar, added their opinions to the situation.
�
��Hush, you two, before you wake the house.” The dogs quieted, keeping an eye on him, as well as his charge. Dar wrapped an oversized towel around her shivering body. “You have a strange way of going about it.” He moved to pick her up.
“No, you shouldn't be out of bed. I can get out myself.”
Nonetheless, he offered a hand as she stepped over the edge of the bath, but her foot slipped on the wet floor. Ignoring her protests, he scooped her into his arms and walked into the bedroom. He dumped his package onto the bed, whipping away the towel.
“Damn, ribs,” he said, grabbing his side. After sucking in a slow breath, he gave her a stern look. “What the devil were you doing, Etain?”
She pulled the covers over her body. “I told you. I was taking a bath. What’re you doing in here? You should be asleep.”
“Felix woke me. Wouldn’t leave me alone until I followed him.”
She cast an eye on the black scoundrel. “The door was closed. How’d he get out?”
Dar carefully sat on the side of the bed. “The how does not matter. What does matter is this new obsession of yours.”
“What? Bathing?”
“Drowning.”
“I wasn’t trying to drown...” The look in his eye made her add, “this time.”
“Then tell me what you were doing…besides bathing.”
Although safely ensconced in layers of bedding, she felt more exposed now than when naked. “I-I was…thinking…dreaming…”
“Etain, for this to work between us, we must be honest with one another. Aye?”
“Aye.”
Dar slipped off the bed, twisting and stretching out the stiffness from his torso. The effectiveness of the poultice was impressive. His fever was gone, and he felt almost normal. At the balcony doors, along with admiring the evening’s beauty, he sensed the magic surrounding the castle, quietly appreciating the mage’s ingenuity. “What did you see?”
