“The problem is, young man, this army has been compelled to fight to the death. There is no stopping them while I live.”
The air vibrated with the tension as Cadence and Acheron waited for Lyric to give the word.
“Don’t do this, general, call them off. Compel them to stop.”
Rondeaux smiled sadly.
“It doesn’t work that way, boy. I wish I’d met you first.” The general whipped his sword out and lunged for Lyric. Cadence moved faster and the general’s head joined the two on the ground.
Lyric didn’t bother hiding the tears that came. He was so tired of needless death. He looked at the general’s messenger pointedly. The white-faced young man, younger even than Lyric, raised the flag for retreat. A slow roar built up, filling the air and confusing Lyric at first until he realized that the army was free of Rondeaux’s compulsion. They were cheering.
* * *
Generals Sabre and Tagshout stood atop the Western tower with Lyric and his companions.
“Markhato's going to have a hard time in the months ahead. At least three of the kings were well loved. With Ceylan dead, your mother missing and the absence of any other heirs, you alone stand to inherit the throne." Sabre said.
Lyric shook his head.
"Even if I was so inclined, my vows forbid me to accept any position of political power. It's time to elect new kings."
"Will the Soul Singers Guild send help?”
Lyric nodded silently, watching the unbeaten legion carefully and respectfully tend the wounded and dead of both sides.
“We don’t need their help,” Tagshout growled. “We’ll be fine, just leave us be.”
“General Sabre, you are an excellent leader. I’m leaving you in charge.” Lyric said. Tagshout looked like he was about to explode at Lyric's casual audacity. Lyric smiled at him. “Tagshout, you’re an asshole. If your men hadn't performed so admirably over the past few days I'd dissolve you're commission. Try to be more reasonable.”
Lyric waited, giving the man an opportunity to respond. When the general choked down his anger and remained silent the Singer nodded.
"Gentlemen, my business here is concluded. It's time to find my mother. Thank you for your service to this city and these people. More importantly, thank you for your service to the Composer." Without another word, he turned and left.
* * *
They drove in silence for a while, simply enjoying the prospect of peace when Lyric’s phone rang.
“Lyric,” Nit’s voice sounded unusually sober.
“What’s up, Nit? We’re on our way back.”
“Ervin sent me word, Lyric. He was dead by the time I got there.”
“The barber?” Lyric’s heart lurched at this new loss. Cadence looked at him in concern.
“He’s not a barber, Lyric, he was the High Master of the Guild. “
Lyric’s blood went cold.
“What?”
“He’s dead, Lyric, the High Master is dead. They’re all dead. It’s gone. Demons got in somehow. Everyone is dead. The Soul Singers Guild has fallen.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I own the sun. I'm President of Atlantis and know exactly how many shoelaces are in existence at any given moment. I can hold my breath for seconds at a time and don't care if my skin gets water on it... because I'm water resistant... skin-wise.
Naturally you doubt some of the information you've read so far. I guarantee at least some of it is true.
I am a husband, father, Christian musician, choir director, composer, pianist, artist, graphic designer, videographer, photographer, photoshopper, cook, baker and author.
If you believe a writer needs to be a tortured soul who lives for his craft, I'm not your guy. If you believe a writer is someone who writes a story you might enjoy, then purchase your copy of Demon Singer today. I'm looking forward to millions of people purchasing my book and can't wait for it to be turned into a movie. I'm hard at work on the sequel and the sequel's sequel.
I will never use the Lord's Name in vain and am highly unlikely to ever put the F-bomb in one of my books. That said, my writing - were it a movie already - would likely garner a PG-13 rating. It's not for children, and really, maybe not for teens.
I am a Christian. I love God. I also have a potty mouth. I've stopped apologizing for that. I'm not a Republican or a Democrat. I think both have wonderful qualities and stupid qualities (wonderfully stupid?) I am a patriot and believe the United States of America is the best place to live on earth... though I'd really like to visit Scotland.
I feel like you probably know enough about me for now. If you'd like to learn more, stalk me on facebook.
Demon Singer Page 33
