by Patti Larsen
Way to change the subject. I'd deal with the whole betrayal of all that was good and Sydly later. He seemed to be listening at last, a real frown on his face, so I shrugged and let it go.
“It's the reason I'm here in the first place,” I said, diving into the story. He stopped me when I told him about finding Ahbi, skimming over her death as best I could. Grandfather—Henemordonin—needed more details.
After telling him what I remembered of Ahbi's death, I let him feel the geas she'd laid on me, watching his face crumple slightly, real grief clouding his eyes as his hand once again settled on mine.
“She was an incredible woman,” he said. “Stubborn. Self-righteous. Old fashioned and set in her ways. But I've never met anyone who I loved more than Ahbi Sanghamitra.”
I caught the small scowl on Sekaniphestat's face, gone as quickly as it came at his words and wondered where her real loyalties lay.
I finished my story while my empathy grew for my grandfather in spite of myself, understanding he was who he was not by choice, but as a result of the pressure of his culture. By the time I finished off with what we'd learned of Ameline's goals and the warning of how we'd been tracked by Guards to every destination, Henemordonin seemed much more real to me than the mask he'd worn when we first met.
“Troubling indeed, my dear,” he said while everyone watched him, including his protector. And me. I had to admit, he oozed charisma naturally, much like Ahbi , like my father did, only with the practiced ease of long centuries of use. “Though I have to agree with Theridialis of Fourth. The Node is inaccessible to those without monitor status.”
Avenesequoia frowned into her cup as though wanting to disagree and I made a note to corner her the moment I had the chance. The furtive looks she cast my way told me I wouldn't have to force her to talk to me, at least.
“This rebellion has been brewing for centuries,” Henemordonin said while his people sighed as one, nodding as though he spoke gospel. I scowled internally before forcing myself to listen and pay attention. If I was going to talk him down, I needed to understand as much as I could about his motivations. “I fought with your grandmother for what seemed like an age, but I always respected her.” A slow wink, a bit of a smile, the benevolent Leader shone through before he went on. “But because of her refusal to accept other viewpoints, I have been forced to work behind the scenes, gathering to me those who are willing and able to free our people from her oppression.”
Sounded like a well-practiced speech to me. “By starting a civil war.”
Henemordonin nodded slowly, sadness returning, but the fake kind this time. He was demon enough, I was sure, to relish a real battle. “I have been prompting unrest since we broke our mating, shortly after your father was born. I gave up my position as Second Seat to work for my people's greater good.” The watching demons were going to clap any second now. Seriously.
“Is it really worth it to start a war that will destroy all the good that's been done?” I was preaching to a deaf audience, I could tell almost immediately. Except for Ram, who hadn't touched a bite and watched me out of the corner of his eye, no one else paid the slightest attention to what I said.
“We will create even greater good, Sydlynhamitra,” Henemordonin said with grand poise and a hearty smile for his followers, raising his glass. “It will come through fire and through hell, yes. But when we are through, all demons will be equal.” Mugs thudded against the tabletop as they saluted him.
“What exactly are you aiming for?” Felt like communism to me. Not that I had anything against the idea. But it never worked out the way anyone intended. There were always those stronger and those weaker. Equality was a sad pipe dream.
Hey. I'd been paying attention in history after all. Wicked.
“Only what your own human people enjoy,” my grandfather said. “I believe you call it democracy.”
I had to laugh. Choked on it, flushing it back with a gulp of water while my memory teased me with Ram’s mention of voting for city commanders. Was he really serious? “Demons won't survive democracy,” I said. The very idea was ludicrous. What was he thinking? “You're going to rule by vote? Do you have any idea how many people would die every time there was an election?” I could see it now.
“We have no intention of lifting our laws against killing each other,” Henemordonin said somewhat coldly. “But the status system serves no one any longer. No one but the aristocracy.”
Such bullpucky. “You do realize cream rises to the top?” I looked around the table at the adoring faces of his followers. “There will always be leaders, rulers, in a way. Even in democracy, someone has to take the reins.”
“Ah, but duly selected by their peers,” Henemordonin said.
“Who've been brow beaten and brainwashed into believing what each of the candidates wants them to believe.” This was a disaster waiting to happen. It barely worked for us on my plane. Put demons in a position where they could be led by popular vote?
Shudder.
“So you think a small family of so-called noble blood should continue to control all of our destinies?” My grandfather patted my hand with a disdainful expression. “You've been influenced by your position, my dear.”
Anger stewed, churning in my stomach around the food I'd just eaten. “You fail to recall I wasn’t raised on Demonicon.” Temper, Syd. Diplomacy. “My position, as you call it, has brought me nothing but trouble.” Story of my life. Deep breaths. “Have you even for a moment considered talking to Dad about this? He's not Ahbi, you know.”
“I have great respect for Haralthazar,” my grandfather said. “He resisted his mother far longer than any other demon has been able—myself included. But he is a son of the ruling class, sits in Ruler's seat. As much as I love my son, he is now my enemy.”
Talk about black and white.
“And even if he did listen,” Henemordonin continued, “he is a young Ruler, not yet in control of his own family and position. While he might side with the rebellion, there is no promise the rest of Demonicon's ruling class will follow suit. No,” he sighed as though in regret, the liar, “we've been complacent long enough. Though regrettable, your grandmother's passing is a sign we have to move, and quickly, to ensure we succeed in our goals for the future of all demons.”
A murmur of agreement traveled the table, though Sassy's sister and Ram seemed to hold their peace, as did Henemordonin's protector.
Whatever. Let them implode, self-destruct. Dad had his hands full. But I had another job to do, one that would hopefully ensure he had the chance to kick his own father's ass.
I pushed my chair back and stood up. “Well, good luck with that.” Protector demon tensed as my grandfather rose. A chorus of chairs scraping backward filled the silence as everyone else joined us on our feet. “Thanks for dinner and everything. Nice meeting you. But I have something to take care of and you, clearly, have plotting and mayhem to sort out.” My eyes flickered from Henemordonin to his hovering demon attack cat and back. “Let me know how it turns out. Next family reunion.”
“I'm afraid I'll have to insist on your company for a little longer, my dear.” Henemordonin gestured, his lanky bodyguard coming forward instantly, power flowing under his taut skin and over long, lean muscle. “While you are my beloved granddaughter,” yeah, right, “you are also the daughter of Ruler. Which means you are valuable in this beyond measure.”
Oh he did not just call me a pawn in so many words.
“Bakari,” he said, finally giving a name to the very dangerous demon I'd not once underestimated, “please escort my granddaughter to her new quarters.”
***
Chapter Twenty Two
Good thing I was prepared for the worst. Had already begun to gather my power, calling on my healthy paranoia and the fact I was so used to walking around with my shields as a daily wardrobe choice I merely had to boost them with the magic I held in reserve, more than enough to block Bakari's slim, large hand from reaching me.
His po
wer pressed against mine, not as a weight, but a slim blade, trying to slice through my wards and tear them open. I was ready for that, too, had read him like an open book, figured his quiet nature meant a more subtle style. I'd gone up against vampire Queens and Brotherhood sorcerers, demon princes and an Unseelie lord. And though I was well aware how dangerous my grandfather's bodyguard likely was, I was also confident he'd underestimated me.
I was so right. His edged attack failed, skittering over the surface of my wards as I reached under him with my earth magic, Shaylee's green power surging forward to play and pinned him against the wall. Firmly. Not enough to crush anything vital, but hard enough I heard his head knock on stone.
They rushed me, almost as a group, Ram leaping to my rescue, trying to put himself in front of me, but he couldn't reach me either. And as the gathered demons summoned their own power, I showed them what I'd shown my grandfather.
They wanted scary bitch Syd? They could have her.
My shoulders spread wide as I grew in a rush, Ahbi's power showing me the way. The tornado of my family’s magic burst around me, whipping my hair around, sending the table flying back, knocking some of the demons aside like a flat, rectangular bowling ball. It would have been funny if the other half of them hadn't thrown their power at me while Henemordonin stood back and watched, Sassy's sister looking desperately unhappy at his side.
Sekaniphestat staring with narrowed eyes, chewing her lower lip as though she'd made a terrible miscalculation.
The attacking magic I simply absorbed, sucking it into my shields to reinforce my power, a little vampire trick my demon happily adopted while she roared her fury at their nerve. I had no idea how powerful any of the gathered demons were, but their combined magic, while no real match for me, did pack a pretty good wallop.
Another swipe of earth magic rippled the ground and sent them tumbling, air magic pinning them to the walls, the ceiling, the crumpled floor.
“Enough!” I turned on Henemordonin and reached out with my power, scooping him up and dragging him forward, though his magic fought me as powerfully as Ahbi's aided me. If I only had her to help me, perhaps he would have succeeded. She knew him well enough, her magic familiar with his tactics she was able to pin him and hold him hostage, but it was the combined magicks of my vampire, Shaylee and the burning blue family power I possessed that put the fight to a very rapid end.
I didn't go so far as to force my grandfather to his knees. Humiliating him would get me nowhere. But I was done being pushed around, kidnapped, betrayed and bullied.
Done.
Henemordonin made a gesture at last, a cutting motion with one hand, and his people fell back. I expected fury from him, outrage. Instead, he laughed.
“Well done,” he said. “Haralthazar has raised a most excellent child.”
“Miriam Hayle raised me,” I snarled. “And a coven of amazing witches.” Bitterness toward Dad flooded me. Old anger I thought I'd dealt with already, but clearly hadn't. Maybe the fact he hadn't had the strength to free me in the first place when I was arrested for Ahbi's murder made things worse. Or facing down this arrogant ass who was his father. No matter the reason, I squeezed Henemordonin a little tighter before letting him go roughly, watching him stagger as I regained my normal size, shields still firmly in place and Bakari pinned to the wall like a roach. “And I'm no one's pawn.”
Henemordonin's eyes narrowed as he caught himself, his gathered supporters still snapping with fury at how I treated their beloved Leader. Let them. I'd take them all on again, and gladly.
Definitely Ahbi talking.
“Leader, please listen.” Avenesequoia clung to the large demon's arm, face twisted in upset. “You cannot win against such might. And Sydlynhamitra,” she turned to me, “has proven she has our people's best interest at heart by going after a threat to our safety.” She returned her gaze to him. “Our rebellion is already on the move. Surely we don't need to make an enemy of someone who could be a friend when we need her most?”
Clever girl. Too clever? Sassafras was brilliant, so it bore out his sister would be, too. But was she manipulating Henemordonin, or me?
Ah, cynicism and suspicion. My dear, dear friends.
“I believe this threat is as real as the war coming to our people,” the little doll demon said. “And thanks to our former Ruler, Sydlynhamitra is the only one who can stop her.”
“I also agree,” Ram spoke up, the first words out of his mouth since the bridge. “Leader, I've been on this journey with her since I rescued,” kidnapped, creeporama, get it right, “her from Ostrogotho. The Ameline she speaks of puts us all in danger.” Ram took a step closer to my grandfather, head bowed. “Please allow her to finish her task while we focus on our freedom.”
Henemordonin's eyes locked on mine. You understand I had to try. His mental voice was powerful, though the block in the veil made his words echo.
I'm not interested in your stupid rebellion, I shot back. I owe Ameline for far more than killing Grandmother. So you damned well better get the hell out of my way or I will take interest. Capisce?
Henemordonin nodded, ever so slightly before relaxing and smiling at me.
“Accept our gratitude for your vigilance,” he said, motioning for the others to relent. Which they did, without question. That kind of unwavering loyalty made me very, very nervous.
My grandfather approached me slowly as I dropped my surface shielding and faced him down. One hand reached for mine, took it gently. “I am grateful for you,” he said as he bent to kiss my cheek while I did my best not to shake my head at his arrogance. “Knowing I have such a fine, strong granddaughter makes my choices all worth it.”
I bit back a sharp comment while Ahbi's power prodded me with a snarky comment. I could tell she loved him, but if he was this annoying most of the time, no wonder they didn't get along.
“I must oversee the movement,” he said, backing away from me. Turning to look at his guard still pinned to the wall. Bakari didn't fight me, just hung there as though he belonged, eyes never leaving me, not an ounce of animosity present. “Your journey will be a dangerous one,” Henemordonin said. “I must insist you take help with you, the best I can provide.” Bakari's eyes finally showed emotion, flickering to my grandfather with a measure of surprise. “Go with Sydlynhamitra, my faithful one,” he said. “Keep her safe as you would me, against all comers.”
Great. Saddled with a sociopathic killing machine. Which, in all honesty, described Charlotte, my bodywere back home. Who would right now be going into apoplectic shock because of my absence if she wasn't deep in it already. So no big change there. Except this particular bodyguard wasn't on my payroll, so to speak.
I approached Bakari as my grandfather then swept from the room without a backward glance, Sekaniphestat at his side. She spared me one last look, though her dark humor had returned. I glared at her, hating her for Sassy's sake as well as my own, as my grandfather's entourage followed after him. Only Ram and Avenesequoia remained while I turned to stare up at the lean protector.
“My game, my rules.” I tapped his chest with one finger. “First sign of trouble from you, you're entering orbit. Read me?”
He nodded, just able to move his head in Shaylee's grasp. “Leader has ordered me to protect you,” he said in his quiet voice, “and I will do so with my life.”
Lovely. I asked my Sidhe princess politely to let him down, knowing how much fun she was having and hugging her with thanks when she pouted over not being allowed to crush him to a pulp. I really had to have a chat with the personalities inside me. Their bloodthirsty natures were rubbing off on each other.
The bodyguard bowed to me as though he hadn't just been this close to death by squishing. “You asked me my name and, rudely, I didn't answer.” As he straightened, he met my eyes. “I am Bakariatuman, but you may call me Bakari.”
“Coolness,” I said, turning on Ram. Pushing him hard with both hands on his chest so he staggered back. “You do that again,” I sai
d, still pissed, but not as angry as I had been, the residue of his betrayal enough to save his sorry hide, “and you're joining wonderdemon over here.”
Ram nodded quickly, real regret on his face. “I'm sorry, Syd. I swear I didn't know he would try to keep you prisoner.”
Avenesequoia snorted, grabbing my hand and tugging me away from the other two before hugging me with a fierce strength that made my ribs ache. “Idiots,” she said. “But I knew you'd be well.” She smiled suddenly. “He trained you to fight, didn't he, my dear Sassafras?”
I grinned back, unable to help myself. “He did,” I said. “Has spent his whole life trying to whip me into shape.”
Tears welled in her eyes as she linked arms with me and steered me toward the door. “You must tell me everything,” she said, “while we search for this terrible infiltrator.”
I had my suspicions about who the traitor's traitor might be, but kept silent. I pulled her to a halt while Ram and Bakari joined us at the exit to the room, realizing what she'd said. “I'm sorry?” I hadn't signed up for another passenger.
“I'm coming with you, naturally,” she said. “Any friend of my brother's can't go into battle alone.”
Oh boy.
I didn't resist as the tiny demon marched me out into the street, nor when Bakari escorted us deeper into the city while I literally followed my gut and the steady pull, though I told myself in no uncertain terms the second one of them screwed with me, I was dumping all of them over the side without a second thought.
***
Chapter Twenty Three
I was just getting my bearings when a voice in my head brought me up short.
Syd! Meira's faint connection grew stronger by the second. Was she in Nunaresh? Why?
