Demon Singer

by Nichols, Benjamin

  Murmurs of agreement sounded around the table.

  Conversation continued at various times enthusiastic, hushed, nervous as everyone related their experiences of the day while enjoying an amazing meal together. Rondeaux was the gracious host, encouraging them to talk and giving his full attention to what they had to say.

  An elbow in his side drew his attention to Cadence who discretely showed him the Keylac's wine bottle resting in her lap. He wondered for a moment how to get it to Rondeaux without arousing suspicion. An idea occurred to him. Turning to the African woman on his left he quietly murmured, "the only thing this meal is missing is a good bottle of wine."

  "Hmmmm, I would love a bottle of Constantia."

  "Constantia?" Lyric prompted.

  "When I left home, my mother began taking me to Constantia valley in Cape Town every year. A beautiful vineyard in south Africa. I had a terrible breakup with my fiancée. My mother counseled me with Ms. Austin’s words to try the wine, it had special “healing powers on a disappointed heart” As time and my mother’s patient shoulder comforted me, I came to associate the sounds and smells of Constantia Valley with peace and joy. Gentle summer breezes cooled the homes. On quiet days you could hear the animals and insects in the distance. The sun warmed the ground and looking out across the vineyard was like looking through flowing water as the heat waves bent the vines.” Turning to Lyric, she flashed that enormous smile. "You know how some psychologists and therapists will ask you to go to a happy place in your mind? That’s my Constantia.” The whole table had stopped talking to listen to the beautifully accented voice describing her personal haven.

  "Constantia? I've been there. Excellent wine." Surfer Dude chimed in from the opposite side of the table. A few seats down Rondeaux was smiling.

  "Constantia is lovely. I have a case of 2010 Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve that was a gift from Freddy Thielemans. I had the pleasure of meeting him at a rugby match when the Goddess sent me to Brussels to recruit troops. "

  "You have people from Belgium? I thought this was just Americans for some reason," angry Latina said.

  Rondeaux shook his head, beckoning a server over. "The veil is a worldwide problem and its fall will have worldwide impact. We have soldiers from virtually every nation on the planet." To the waiting server he said, "please bring us a couple bottles of wine." Turning his attention back to his guests. Rondeaux, charming, articulate and charismatic related his experiences in some of the countries he'd visited on his mission from his Goddess. While everyone's attention was focused completely on the man, Lyric barely registered Cadence's absence. Within minutes, she was back his side. His questioning glance garnered an innocent expression and hands held wide and empty. No more wine bottle. The Singer watched the server return with the wine Rondeaux requested. He noted with interest and admiration for his companion that their bottle was one of the three brought out. Rondeaux looked over the selection and immediately grabbed the bottle Lyric and Cadence had brought. A delighted and shocked look came over the stern countenance of the general.

  "A '45 Mouton Rothschild? Where in earth did this come from? This isn't part of my collection."

  The server handed Rondeaux the small card the Keylac had provided with the bottle. He read it aloud: " 'For General Rondeaux, with respect and admiration, beginning with this bottle of wine, may you receive all that you deserve.' " He paused and looked around the table. "This is a very kind and extravagant gift, but I'm simply an old soldier," he said with what seemed to be genuine humility. "I serve my Goddess for her glory, not mine. But I also realize that Goddess Melody rewards her faithful servants and it would be offensive to scorn her generosity. So it is with reverent elation I open this bottle and share with you the fruits of surrender to her majesty." The general opened the bottle and personally served the table. Lyric found he was admiring the man in spite of himself. Rondeaux may be insane, deadly and terribly misled, but there was no sense of evil about him. He possessed that rare strength of character that displays itself best when embracing humility.

  Lyric opened his mouth and started to lean forward to stop Rondeaux from drinking his wine when Cadence laid her hand on his arm for his attention. Looking over at her, he saw her shake her head slightly. He realized he was once again falling under the man's spell.

  Rondeaux was nothing Lyric had imagined when he pictured the military power behind Melody's planned coup. He'd had visions of a bloodthirsty monster, senseless and violent. The General was possessed of such poise, dignity and consideration for others that even without his mind control he was the kind of man that inspired devotion from others. Lyric realized this made him far more dangerous than the alternative. Keeping his mouth shut, he sat back and watched the man enjoy his wine.

  "Sir," Gary Polph spoke into the silence. "I was wondering if you could tell us more about these soul singers you'd mentioned earlier."

  The peaceful smile on Rondeaux's face fled before the thunder of his lowered eyebrows.

  "Many years ago there were two men, brothers actually. They lived far away from America, some place them in the upper reaches of Nepal, and some say they come from what is present day Iraq. Still others place them in Brazil, Greenland even Russia and Ireland. Though the Goddess chooses to maintain the mystery of their origin this much is certain, they found a way to conquer and control the souls of deceased men and women. So many of the science fiction and fantasy tales find their root in the work of these two, the original soul singers. Esp, telekinesis, astral projection, magic, these are just some of the legends attributed to them.

  "In short, the brothers were singers the likes of which had never been heard. Something in their singing allowed them access to mysteries better left unplumbed. A struggle ensued between the two and they lost control of the dreadful power they wielded. Some say the result was the sinking of Atlantis, the Deluge, the destruction of the Aztec Empire. Regardless the setting and cast the tale is the same. The brothers fought and their homeland paid a terrible price."

  Rondeaux took another sip of his wine, the clouds upon his expression yielded to gentle sadness.

  "In the end, only the two remained. One vowed never to sing again. The other left his brother to bring this power to other men for their benefit." The soldier smiled. "I've seen enough senseless death; I've watched the chaos behind the veil that reflects the chaos of men's wicked hearts. The weary fighting man in me wants desperately to believe the brother who left had noble intentions. Regardless of those intentions, the war veteran in me has seen nothing to compare with the horror possible at the hands of these soul singers. I have battled them myself, and never have I witnessed such dreadful power. At their song, stone becomes water, air becomes sand. Their familiars have lost all semblance of humanity. Some are beautiful, some are the stuff of nightmares. They are incredibly strong, faster than thought and impervious to virtually every weapon devised by men. Each seems to be unique but all of them serve their singing masters regardless the cost to themselves or others. The singers themselves are stronger than ordinary men. Their unholy bond allows them to live longer and healthier lives than the rest of us."

  "Who can stand against such men?" The African woman asked.

  "Aaah, that's just it," Rondeaux smiled at her as though she were a prize pupil with the correct answer. "They are men and women. They are human, flesh and blood. Their power is terrible and great, yes, but they are mortals, and they can be killed." He drained his cup and took on a more assertive posture. "And kill them we must.

  "Recently we learned one of their members has a thirst for more than human souls. He has reached into the darkness of the third veil and pulled an abomination from Hell itself to do his bidding. Although the cost was heavy, I am pleased to inform you that some of my soldiers managed to send his demon back to Hell, mortally wounded by an old magic even a demon couldn't resist. Unfortunately, the Singer is still alive out there somewhere, and very dangerous. Though measures are being taken to nullify the threat."

&nb
sp; "What measures?" Lyric asked before thinking.

  "No need to worry about that Mr. West. Rest assured the problem is being handled. I need you all to focus on the issue at hand. Now if you'll all kindly freeze exactly where you are we'll get down to business."

  * * *

  The sun was flirting with the horizon when Acheron materialized in the passenger seat to him.

  "Where's your pet, Lover?"

  Lyric smiled happily.

  "Cadence has been given the honor of being selected to serve the Goddess Melody in the upcoming battle."

  The demoness arched an eyebrow as she carefully surveyed her Singer's glow. All of the familiar beauty was there, but something extra now shone around his ears. An odd silvery gray cloud seemed to cover both sides of his head. With a sigh she realized Rondeaux had worked his whammy on Lyric, but to what purpose?

  "Sounds neat, so where are we headed?" The demoness stretched seductively, watching for the telltale interest Lyric tried to deny. Nothing. This Rondeaux character was good.

  "The best way to serve Goddess Melody is to go home and share the message of her love and peace to the Soul Singers Guild and if asked, report to them the size of the army I saw."

  Acheron raised both lovely brows in surprise.

  "How big is the army?"

  "A couple thousand filthy malcontents from the fringes of society. My guess is once the Guild knows what they're facing they won't even bother getting involved."

  Acheron frowned trying to make sense of Rondeaux's ploy. Lyric was obviously under another's influence, anyone knew him would see that. So if Rondeaux knew he was a soul singer, why would he send him back to the Guild with an obviously bogus message? Acheron had no love for the Guild, but they were smart, especially the High Master. There's no way this would get past them, so what was the point?

  "So you're not concerned anything will happen to your pet?"

  Lyric laughed.

  "Of course not. She kicked your ass and the goddess' army isn't likely to face anything worse than you."

  "Gee thanks," the demoness said sourly. She needed to snap Lyric out of Rondeaux's thrall. Well, let's try the direct approach. "Lyric, you do realize you're being controlled by Rondeaux don't you?"

  Lyric smiled patiently.

  "I completely understand what you mean. I realize it seems strange that I'm going in the complete opposite direction from my original destination. But the guild needs to hear Melody's message. I could call them over the phone but it won't have the same weight it would if I show up in person. They need to understand what the situation is before they escalate it into something it doesn't need to be. Why waste lives and resources on a threat that isn't a threat? The Milleytes Lux is more than enough to handle what we saw in the valley."

  "And it doesn't bother you that Cadence is under Rondeaux's control right now?"

  "Rondeaux is dead, Acheron. Besides, even if he wasn't, you've seen her fight, should I be worried?"

  "Yes! She's alone in the enemy camp, you should definitely be worried."

  Lyric scoffed. "You and I have supernatural abilities and magic. Between the three of us, Cadence took out the majority of the weres at the factory. She went toe to toe with a yeti and won. Not to mention that neat trick she pulled at the campsite. Cadence is more than able to take care of herself."

  Acheron regarded him silently for a moment.

  "Lyric, may I have permission to explore your mind?"

  Lyric shot her a confused glance.

  "Um, why?"

  "Because if you give me access I can learn faster and I'd be very interested in seeing what you saw in Rondeaux's little training camp."

  "Go ahead."

  Acheron zipped through Lyric's memories of the last 24 hours and smiled smugly at how many times he thought of her. She frowned at the pig faced giant and beautiful woman. Legion had resurfaced faster than she expected. The woman she knew she'd never seen, but something seemed familiar about her. Their conversation was interesting, she wished Lyric had heard more. She continued with the highlights reel but didn't encounter anything interesting until the dinner with Rondeaux.

  She watched in surprise as the man's demeanor went from affable, charming to steely, and commanding. He ordered everyone to remain still and tell him the truth. Swiftly he went through an intense interrogation of each individual finally coming to Lyric.

  "What are you?"

  "I'm a soul singer." Lyric sounded stoned.

  "Why are you here?"

  "I'm paying off a debt."

  "Elaborate."

  "You are annoying hell. I'm in debt and one of my payments is to poison you."

  If this bothered Rondeaux, he gave no indication.

  "How will you accomplish this?"

  "Already did. The wine you drank was poisoned."

  "So you willingly and knowingly poisoned everyone at this table, including yourself and your companion, to assassinate me?"

  "No, the poison is tailored to you and is non lethal. It will remove your ability to control minds."

  "Really? Interesting. If I'm annoying Hell why wouldn't they just kill me?"

  "I refused."

  "Why?"

  "I'm not a murderer."

  Rondeaux considered Lyric in silence for a moment.

  "What's your name?"

  "Lyrical Sound of the Evening, though everyone calls me Lyric."

  Rondeaux's eyes widened in surprise.

  "And who is your companion?"

  "Her name is Cadence. She's my protector."

  Rondeaux looked to Lyric's right where Acheron assumed Cadence was sitting. A covetous look sparked in his eye.

  "Not any more. Lyric, you will be pleased to learn that Cadence will be my companion from now on. I want you to drive straight back to the Guild and report to them that all you have learned of Goddess Melody is that she extends peace and love to all. If asked about military information, you saw no more than a few hundred rag tag hoodlums from the fringes of society with rumors of a couple thousand more. As for the man Rondeaux, I'm not him, you saw him poisoned fatally and he is no longer a concern. Do you understand my instructions?"

  "Yes."

  "Good. Don't bother packing, get in your car and drive away right now. Don't stop for anything but gas until you get to the Guild."

  Lyric got up and left the room.

  Acheron pulled herself out of Lyric's head and looked at her singer. As always, even with the vacant expression in his eyes from being under the influence of the General, she was torn between wanting to love Him and wanting to twist his head off. She wondered if the day would come when her love for him would cease to be enough to conquer the hate.

  "Lover," she sighed. "What am I going to do with you?" She looked out the window at the sunrise, watching purple and blue hills blush at the first caress of the morning. The familiar sadness and sense of loss threatened to pull her deeper into her madness.

  Whatever sorrows plagued mankind, none could compare to enjoying all the glory that lies behind the third veil and rejecting it for shiny promises and sweet lies. This Hell she existed in would be sweeter than all of earth's treasures if only the Voice would Sing to her here. She looked back at her Singer, wondering again at the mystery of his song.

  She'd been wandering the edge of the pit, taunting the tortured souls in the fire. Part of her psychotic logic was that the more she acclimated herself to it, the less traumatizing it would be when she faced final judgment and joined those screaming eternally. As she cruelly conjured a glass of cold water and drank it before her audience of the damned, the screaming stopped.

  The sudden change shocked her so much she almost slipped into the bowels of the furnace. It wasn't silence though. A song flew through the air, simple, childlike and radiant. The souls below her stared upward and she looked up to see a brilliant strand of light. She'd been hunting in the Verge long enough to recognize the visible manifestation of a soul song. Her jaw dropped at the ludicrous notion that it had
just appeared in Hell all the way to the very edge of the pit itself. Realizing the uniqueness of this event, she hurled herself at the gossamer line, expecting it to dissolve at her touch. To her surprise, it not only held firm but also pulled her with amazing power out of Hell and across the Verge.

  She clung to the line fiercely, determined to follow it to its source. A shadow rose up from the mists of the forsaken valley just a hundred yards ahead of her. She saw with alarm that the figure clung to her line and with rage, she raced toward it and engaged in one of the fiercest battles of her long existence. The other fought savagely, but Acheron was one of hell's generals for very good reasons. The battle lasted only a short while, and her opponent gave her a lovely scar that stubbornly remained beyond her natural ability to heal herself, but ultimately she was the victor. Only to find herself standing before Lyric. What a shock he was. She'd seduced and destroyed men and women for millennia and never had she encountered a Soul Song the likes of his. If there was any way, it had to be him. Another sigh escaped her lips as she realized that if Lyric was to help her, she'd have to help him rescue his little pet. What a pain.

  "How long till you need gas?"

  Lyric looked at his gas gauge.

  "At least an hour."

  Acheron settled back in the passenger seat and started planning.

  * * *

  Cadence looked around in confusion. Where was he? She searched the sea of unfamiliar faces starting to feel desperate. Everything was wrong. She fought the strange surge of panic that threatened to take up residence in her chest. Forcing her way roughly through the crowd, she ignored the protests and cursing that followed her. Each second without him was painful. Nothing else mattered. She had to find him. A large gnome blocked her path and grinned, his already wide features seemed about to split his face.

  "You seem troubled little sister," his odd croaking voice was difficult to understand. Cadence stopped short and glared at the salamander-like elemental. Her expression was very clear but the gnome chuckled. "Let Giderg help, he can make you forget everything that vexes you." A long fingered hand decked with bejeweled rings lifted to touch her face. A flash of steel and the hand was on the ground. Giderg's expression changed from lecherous to annoyed. "He doesn't think you should be so unfriendly, little sister." Cadence had already put her knife back and continued searching for the only man that mattered, Giderg already forgotten.