Vision Quest (The Demon's Apprentice Book 3)

by Ben Reeder

  “Wounds from the Maxilla,” I said softly, “never heal. The blade has tasted your blood, and if you show back up on this plane again, it’s going to want to finish the job. And so will I.”

  Beside me, Lucas pulled the hammer back and thumbed the lever down to fall on the twenty-gauge lower barrel.

  “We might want to be back a ways before you pull the trigger on that one,” I told him.

  He nodded and we retreated to what I figured was a safe distance. For a moment, he just stood there, then he thumbed the hammer forward and shook his head.

  “Let him suffer,” he said.

  “No,” Wanda said as she took his hand and brought the gun up again. “It’s not the right thing to do.”

  “What is the right thing?” Lucas asked incredulously.

  “We’re the good guys,” she said. “We don’t make people suffer longer than we have to.” He nodded, and I turned away, my face suddenly hot. Behind me, the gun went off again, and the night lit up as Lucas put Dulka out of his misery and sent him screaming back to Hell.

  Moments later, Sentinels came out of the woods with their paramiir in blade form. Carter, square jaw leading the way, walked up to me and scowled.

  “Gunfire, demons, and explosions,” he said with a trace of humor in his voice. “And you at the middle of it. Why am I not surprised?”

  “This time, none of that was me,” I said.

  “What’s the deal with the boy?” he said as more Sentinels entered the clearing. “His old man says he turned the demon down.” Two Sentinels escorted Gilbert into the brighter light, and Dr. Corwyn and Gage emerged right behind them.

  “He did,” I said. “On his own. He also didn’t technically summon the demon. It was already here.”

  “He cast the circle, he called its name,” Carter said. “That was all he needed to do.”

  “His family has already been through enough,” I said. “Don’t do the extra crispy justice thing on him. I’ll even vouch for him.”

  “Lucky for you, Corwyn already did, but I’ll hold you to it, kid. The Council meets tomorrow night. Be there.”

  “I will be,” I said.

  Twenty minutes later, the fire was out and the world was once again calm, if a little scorched in places. Aversion runes hung in the area around the collapsed circle, deflecting any attention away from the area for the next few days. Lucas and I were standing at the edge of the clearing, though where I really wanted to be was halfway across the opening with Shade. An awkward silence was stretching between us, and I couldn’t figure out how to be diplomatic, so I just forged ahead.

  “I told you I didn’t want his family involved,” I said, letting a little heat creep into my voice.

  “Why not?” Lucas said. “What he was doing affected their lives.”

  “Because I was afraid they’d go and put themselves in harm’s way. And guess what, that’s exactly what they did.”

  “And that’s exactly why I brought them,” he said, his own voice louder now. “Because that was the only thing that was certain to convince him to turn Dulka down.”

  “I almost had him there on my own. Now he’s going to have to live with them seeing that for the rest of his life.”

  “And maybe he should!” Lucas yelled. “You had to live with your choices, no one gave you the easy out there. So excuse the hell out of me if I think this guy needs to face the music for his.” He stared at me, his jaw set, eyes ablaze, and I was reminded again of a Chihuahua with an attitude. Still, he was wrong about one thing.

  “No, Lucas, you’re the one who had to live with my stupid decisions,” I said.

  “Stop it,” he said, and he punched me in the chest. “Wanda was right. What your father did, that’s all on him. The only thing I need to know …” he stopped, his voice thick. “Is he going to pay for it? Or are you going to keep on taking the blame for him?”

  Years of rage welled up in my chest, and I could feel it creeping into my aura. “My father has a lot to answer for,” I said. “And I swear to you, he will.” The rush of ethereal wind lifted a few strands of my hair, and I saw his flutter a little as well as my whole body tingled with the power of that promise. His eyes went wide at the sensation that a mage’s promise left.

  “Does that happen to you a lot?” he asked.

  “Every time I make a promise,” I told him. “A mage’s oath is binding.”

  Wanda and Shade came over, their faces expressing varied degrees of “What the fuck?” Shade put her arm around my waist and gave me a level look.

  “What did you just do?” Wanda asked.

  “You felt that?”

  “Baby, I think everyone within a mile of you felt it,” Shade said with a shake of her head and a smile. “Now, answer the question, before an adult asks it.” She nodded toward Carter and Dr. C, who were both headed our way with more demanding expressions clouding their brows. Gage was in tow, trying to look serious but mostly succeeding in looking lost.

  “I promised Lucas I’d make my father pay for the things he’s done.”

  “I’m coming with you,” Shade said. “Try and stop me,” she added before I could even think of protesting. I shook my head and held up one hand.

  “Not stupid,” I said. “I’ll be glad to know you have my back.”

  “Always,” she said, her voice bordering on a growl in its intensity. “And you have mine.”

  By then, Dr. C and Carter had made it to our little circle.

  “What oath did you just make?” Carter demanded.

  “I’m claiming the right to carry out justice against my father,” I said. Dr. C’s expression went from demanding to shocked, while Carter’s turned thoughtful.

  “Are you sure about this, Chance?” Dr. C asked. “If he kills you or beats you somehow, the Council can’t step in, and he’s off the hook for everything. You’ve already risked more than I would have liked.”

  “I’m sure. I made a promise to Lucas. I’m not going to break it.”

  “As the wronged party, we gave you the option of calling for justice,” the Sentinel said. “Not the option to exercise it on your own.”

  “He can, however, challenge his father,” Dr. C said quietly. “Procurso Judacatem, Trial by combat.”

  “The man isn’t a mage,” Carter said, sounding more disappointed than upset. “He can’t be called to face the Procurso Judacatem.”

  “Technically, he’s a warlock,” Dr. C reminded him. “As such, Chance can challenge him like he could any other mage.”

  “He did summon a demon, and he does have access to focuses for releasing spells,” I added.

  Carter nodded and smiled. “It’s an old tradition, and pretty much no one uses it anymore,” he said, and held his paramiir sword out in front of him with his free hand on the blade. He nodded to me, and I placed my hand on the blade beside his. “But it’s still valid. Chance Fortunato, the Council has found that you have been wronged by your father. You have chosen to forego the Council’s justice and in its stead have exercised your right to Procurso Judacatem. You may challenge Stavros Fortunato to seek satisfaction by battle judgment. The Council agrees to abide by the outcome of this challenge, and will consider justice done.”

  “I understand,” I said.

  “Then the burden is yours. Settle this quickly, and do not let the sun set on your vengeance.”

  “Oh, I don’t plan on letting the sun rise on it,” I said.

  “I approve,” Carter said. “If he refuses to meet you honorably, your second can fight at your side. If you can find one, an impartial witness is recommended.”

  “I’ll stand as witness,” Gage said. I did a double take and frowned at him. Carter smiled and clapped a hand on his shoulder.

  “You’re way too happy about this,” I told him.

  “I thought the Hands of Death should have asked for your forgiveness for killing him, not your permission,” he said.

  “I have my reasons for keeping him alive,” I said. He grunted at that
, and I turned to Shade and Gage. “Let’s go do some damage.” I felt like a bad ass as we headed for the trail to the parking lot. Halfway there, I remembered I didn’t have my keys.

  Chapter 10

  ~ Barbarism with the trappings of civility, without the irritation of mutual consent. ~ 18th century pamphlet calling for the abolition of Procurso Judacatem

  “So, who are you and what have you done with Winthrop Gage?” I asked as I pulled out of the parking lot. “I mean, I’m glad you’re coming along … at least, I think I am, but a few days ago, I was lower than whale shit as far as you were concerned.” He was quiet for a few minutes, and I looked over at him to make sure he was still awake and breathing.

  “Less than a day after I met you, you fought a demon,” he said slowly. “Since then, your mother has been arrested, your friend’s family has been killed, and, if your sister’s dreams are accurate, you’ve been beaten nearly senseless several times by your father.” His voice was soft, every word seeming like it belonged to someone other than the guy I had met back in San Angelo. Hearing the last week described all at once made it sound more than a little overwhelming.

  “Not my best week ever,” I said.

  He let out a strangled laugh. “And you’re still an incorrigible wit,” he said. “Tonight, I find out you put your own soul on the line to save a stranger. And that you fought another demon.”

  “I had some help with that,” I said.

  “I heard,” he said. “Your friends gambled their own souls alongside you. Even after you told them to stay away.” He fell silent for a few moments after that. “I don’t know anyone who would do that for me.”

  “And all of this somehow adds up to ‘Chance is a good guy’?” I asked.

  “Good may be going a bit far,” he said with a slow smile. “Dedicated is the word I’d use. You have endured hardship after hardship, some of it by choice and still you persevere. How can I do anything less than see my own task through to the end?”

  “Even if it means following me into a war zone?” I asked.

  “Even so. I am a Gage and I will not shame my family name. Besides, I don’t think your father is going to be nearly as much of a challenge as a demon.”

  “He can surprise you,” I said as we turned onto the road leading into the Pittsburgh district. As we did, my cell phone rang. I handed it to Gage and asked, “Whose name is on the screen?”

  “It says Jeremy,” he read back. I pushed the button to answer it.

  “Put it on speaker,” I said. Once Gage nodded, I spoke again. “Jeremy, what’s up?”

  “The young woman who works for that loathsome creature is here, along with her … bodyguard,” he said, his accent somehow even more proper than ever. “She seems quite agitated, and she’s informed your father that you are not in the house. He’s most upset, and I fear he’s going to do something most unpleasant. He’s already made threats against several people whom you care for, including your mother.”

  “Jeremy, get the hell out of there,” I said. “Pack a bag if you can and go.”

  “Tell him to take his passport,” Gage said.

  “Did you hear that, Jeremy?” I asked.

  “I did, sir,” he said, his voice sounding a little more distant, like he’d moved his mouth away from the phone. “May I ask why?”

  “I’m on my way there right now. And if things go right, you may be unemployed come morning.”

  “Thank heavens, sir,” he said. “And thank you.”

  “You’re welcome,” I told him. “I’m sorry it took me so long.”

  “Not at all, Master Chance. He’ll no doubt have his men on alert. Do be careful, and, if you don’t mind my saying, good hunting, sir.” He disconnected the line, and I tossed the phone to Gage.

  “Dial the first number,” I said as I handed him a sheet of paper. Moments later, I heard the ringing of a phone as Gage put the call on the speaker.

  “Who the hell is this?” my father’s voice came over the line. “Who gave you this number?”

  “Hi, Dad,” I said.

  “Chance!” he bellowed. “You worthless little son of a bitch! I hope you said goodbye to your friends, that bitch you call a girlfriend, and that asshole Corwyn, because I’m gonna kill every last one of them unless you bring your ass back here right now!”

  “Shut up and listen, old man,” I growled. “I’m coming for you. I challenge you to trial by combat, Procurso Judacatem. Meet me at the gate, and you might walk away from this with just an ass beating.”

  “Fuck you!” he said. “I’m no wizard.”

  “No, you’re a warlock,” I said. “You summoned a demon and you made a deal with it. That’s mage enough. If you’re not at the gate in ten minutes, I’m gonna huff and I’m gonna puff and I’m gonna blow your house down.” I ended the call and tossed the phone in the back seat.

  “That was dramatic,” Gage said. I shrugged.

  “I’ve done better, but I couldn’t come up with a good movie line,” I said. “Do me a favor? Take the white-marked hopper off of the Ariakon, and put the one with the blue tape on instead.”

  “What are those?”

  “Knock-out doses. Grab a couple of the red ones, too. They’re a little more … explosive.”

  “You don’t think he’s going to meet you at the gate, do you?”

  “Smart money isn’t on that bet,” I said. “Before we get there, I need to know. Are you just an observer here? Or can I count on you to fight?”

  “Do your father’s people know the difference? Or respect it?” he asked. I shook my head. “Then you can count on me to fight. Strictly in self-defense, of course.”

  “Of course,” I said. “Then get that light spell of yours ready.”

  My father wasn’t waiting for me at the gate. Lucinda and Ryker, however, were. Ryker took up an acre of driveway, and I was willing to bet that the blue sweat pants that he’d cut off at the knee on him would be a lot bigger on me. I didn’t even want to think of the stress his tank top was under. Behind him, I had almost missed Lucinda, partly because she was in the shadow of my headlights. As Shade pulled up beside me and cast the bike’s headlight on her, I realized that she was also wearing black. Just not very much of it. A black pleather bra and hot pants both rode low on their respective parts, while a pair of black hose covered her legs until they were swallowed up by the knee-high boots she wore. She had on a pair of matching half-gloves and a black leather hood with cat ears over the top half of her face. The most important accessory she wore was the belt around her hips, with the pouches that I would have bet the entirety of my non-existent fortune were full of focuses.

  I stepped out of the car and stepped into the light with Shade on my left and Gage on my right. Ryker looked down at Lucinda, and she took a step forward.

  “Okay,” I said. “Looks like the old man is a no show. We can—”

  “Kneel!” Lucinda barked as she waved a black riding crop at me. “Pareo!” The glyphs of the compulsion spell flared a faint red in my aura sight, but with Dulka banished, it was amazing that she had any power at all.

  “That’s your focus?” I said, pointing at the riding crop and laughing.

  “Pareo!” she repeated. The compulsion hit my defenses with all the power of a gnat on a windshield. I let out an exasperated sigh.

  “About that,” I said. I brought my right hand up with my new wand in it. “Compulsis negatis.” The glyphs fizzled and disappeared, and Lucinda’s eyes went wide. Her hand went for the belt, and I had a split second to react.

  “Obex!” I said, and the black darts of energy she’d thrown at me sizzled against the invisible barrier that I’d erected between us. “Gage! Now!” Even as I said it, I closed my eyes.

  “Fotizei!” he called out, and even with my eyes closed, I could see the flash of white. I heard two different voices cry out, and I opened my eyes. Lucinda and Ryker were both blinking and looking around as if trying to find something. The Ariakon came up as I walked forward and
pulled the trigger three times. Lucinda made a confused-sounding noise before she hit the ground, and Ryker turned toward me with his teeth bared and a look of pure hate in his eyes. He started to move toward me, and I tried to bring the paintball gun to bear on him. I still had seven shots left; hopefully it would be enough to drop him. His fist drew back as his feet pushed him forward. Before I could pull the trigger even once, a dark form leapt in front of him. His right fist came forward in a blur, and the dark figure held up one hand.

  His fist hit the open palm in front of it and stopped cold. For a moment, he just looked at his hand, his brows together. In the split second that things were still, the dark figure resolved into Shade’s hybrid form, mostly human-shaped but with a lot of wolf showing. Her body was covered in fur, and two-inch-long claws tipped each finger. Her hair was a mane of black that fell down to the small of her back, and I could see every muscle flex as she held Ryker back. He grimaced and let out a grunt as he leaned forward, trying to overpower her. For a moment, it looked like he was making progress, but while his strength was beyond even human maximums, it was still no match for Shade’s. She adjusted her stance and slowly straightened her left arm, pushing Ryker back until she was at full extension. He roared and swung with his left, but Shade was simply not there, ducking under the punch as she sprang back, crouched and then leaped straight up. Her feet came up as she reached the top of her arc, about shoulder height on Ryker, then shot forward to slam into his chest. He flew backward and hit the iron gate as Shade arched her back and did a handspring so that she landed on her feet beside me. The gate bent under the impact, then fell backward, its top hinge snapped.