by Anni Antoni
Then one day everything changed, catching me completely by surprise. This is what happened…
**********
I had just finished training a group of guards when a ratty little human man crept into the training area. I recognized him immediately as one of the absent King’s blood servants, and I hadn’t seen him for years. Len was his name, I remembered.
Timidly he edged closer and pulled at my arm. “Joe, come with me. My master has ordered it.” He was sweating and smelled of fear.
“Your Master is absent. What’s going on?” I pulled him into a corner to enable him to speak more freely.
Len swiveled his head in all directions. Satisfied that no one was watching, he indicated he wanted to whisper something. I bent down so he could whisper in my ear.
“My new Master, King Malafir’s son, sent me, with King Malafir’s approval.” Len whispered hoarsely.
“His son?” I’d heard unconfirmed rumors about the King’s son, but this was the first time I’d spoken to anyone who knew him. “What does he want?”
I had to bend down to Len as he indicated he wanted to whisper again.
“He wants you to train him to fight,” Len whispered.
Spontaneous laughter burst from me. “Oh, does he now? And why should I do that? I’m busy.” I went to walk away but Len hung on to my arm.
“You don’t understand, King Malafir wants it too. You must come, or my Master will be angry.”
I shook him off. “You’re lying. The King is away, unable to communicate with the likes of you.” I frowned at the unpleasant little human, but he grabbed my arm again.
“I have a signed letter he wrote.” He was sweating profusely and the stench of his fear was growing stronger. Reaching into his pocket, he produced a crumpled piece of paper and waved it under my nose.
I grabbed the paper, opened it and read.
My child is a hybrid dog. It amuses me to own such a creature as my pet.
It is potentially strong, smart and evil, like me, and could be useful. I want you to bring out these qualities. Therefore --
1. Show it no kindness.
2. Feed it well.
3. Have it tutored by the best tutors.
4. Have it taught martial arts.
5. Reward any cruelty it shows.
6. Make it loyal and obedient to me.
I want the child to grow up an evil, seething mass of anger. How? I leave that to your imagination. But don’t break its spirit. When I return, I will assess its usefulness to me. Above all, inform me if it seems too clever. I don’t want it to become a threat.
If you do your job well, I may permit you to live a little longer.
I chuckled as I read the message. It certainly sounded like Malafir. Curiosity tickled my senses, and I owed it to Malafir to check it out. In his absence, he had left me in charge, expecting everything to be unchanged when he returned.
“All right, I’ll come, but I’m making no promises. Lead the way.”
Len put his hands together and bowed, “Thank you Joe.” He stumbled backwards towards the door and bowed again, relief stamped on his face. “Thank you, Joe.”
Malafir’s son must be harsh to induce such fear in his servant, I thought, watching him. “Enough of the thank-yous, Len. Turn around and lead the way properly.”
Len did as I asked. Using the portals that had been in operation for several centuries, we soon came to a house on the outskirts of Zedok and entered by the front door. Len immediately ran through the house, bursting through the back door. The door slammed shut behind him.
“Master, master, I have your tutor,” he called.
Standing in the grimy sitting room where Len had left me, I waited impatiently, already regretting my decision to follow him. The door opened and Len tumbled in, trying to bow to me and his Master at the same time.
I had to stop my jaw from dropping as a stern-looking boy, not fully grown, entered the room behind Len.
“Master, your tutor, this one trains the Kings guards,” Len gushed, pointing to me.
The boy stopped short. Wide-eyed, he looked up at me and his mouth dropped open for an instant, before he recovered his composure. I towered over him.
“Master? This tadpole? I’m expected to train a boy?” I slapped my thighs and doubled over with laughter.
Still chuckling, I looked the boy over. I had to admire the way he held himself under the circumstances.
“When this stink-wad came looking for someone to train you, I agreed to consider the job because you were Malafir’s son. The way he spoke, you were someone to be feared.” I sensed the boy’s nervousness, but his thoughts were all about self-control and he was determined not to show any signs of weakness. He narrowed his eyes and spoke to Len.
“Thank you, Len. You’ve done well. Now go to the kitchen with Alwyn and leave us.” Len immediately scuttled out and the boy turned to me. “I’m Esau, let’s talk,” he said.”
“They call me Joe,” I said, trying to keep a straight face.
Esau led the way to two comfortable, if shabby, chairs and motioned me to sit down. He sat on the other chair and looked me over.
“You train the Kings guards.” It was a statement rather than a question. “Who is the best of them?”
“That would be Veldun, the King’s second in command,” I replied, leaning forward and examining him.
He was a hybrid all right – I sensed a crazy mix of angel, human and only a little demon.
What else was I sensing? It felt like the first pull of Guardian energy. How was that possible? Had Marron reinstated my full Guardian privileges?
“Can you train me to beat this Veldun?” He held my gaze.
I threw back my head as spontaneous laughter burst from me again. My laughter died as I realized the boy was earnestly seeking an honest answer. He deserved my full consideration, so I examined him closer.
Esau was strong, fit and well built. Even more important, I sensed the measure of his resolve, as if he was asking a life and death question. “Yes! I can train you to beat him.” I nodded emphatically. “How old are you boy, twelve, thirteen?”
“I’m ten,” Esau replied, lifting his chin in defiance.
“Only ten?” I whistled softly. For a ten-year-old he was amazing. How had he managed to control Len and his wife at such a young age? He must have extraordinary talents, and intelligence. “I like you Esau. I’ll take you on.” The Guardian energy surged within my breast.
“Why shouldn’t I command Veldun to teach me, if he’s the best?” asked Esau.
“Because I can beat him.” I leaned towards him, barely able to contain my laughter at his question.
It was Esau’s turn to laugh. My reply seemed to delight him. “I like you too, Joe. When do we start?” After a heartbeat. he grinned at me as if he had decided to trust me, and my Guardian energy flowed through me as though a floodgate had opened. I would protect this child with my life.
“How about now? I left a selection of weapons outside the front door. We can spar with sticks for a start.” I stood, eager to see his potential as a fighter.
Several hours later we returned from our exercises. I had pushed Esau hard, but he took everything I threw at him, and he limped inside, bruised, exhausted yet happy. He would make a wonderful pupil and I looked forward to teaching him.
Alwyn, Len’s wife, prepared a delicious rabbit stew with vegetables from the back garden. She had even made a cake in my honor.
Esau ate heartily, obviously starving, after the long workout we’d had together. The orderliness of his household, which he obviously controlled, amazed me.
On the back porch after dinner, as we relaxed in the gloomy grey dusk, we spoke at length, getting to know each other. I could feel his trust in me growing.
The Guardian energy had me captured. I was his. And I couldn't have been prouder of his obvious abilities. Joy flooded through me for the first time in eons.
There was no resisting. I didn't want to. I had res
isted becoming a Guardian again because I feared I’d fail and cause harm to my charges.
Now it had happened I was glad. Esau faced enormous danger here in the Underworld and needed guidance and protection to survive.
In his wisdom, Marron had made this possible, but I was certain he never thought it would happen in the Underworld – neither did I.
A strong knowing surfaced within me as Esau and I sat talking. The boy did not belong here.
He would eventually leave the Underworld and make his home in the human world. I would go with him to watch over him and protect him until he needed me no more. I shook my head in wonder.
How things could change in a heartbeat.
**********
The person in his head relaxed, content. That is the end of my story, Joe communicated. The rest is for Esau to tell. I have no more to say. Thank you for listening. Communicating with you has helped me put things into perspective, you may be pleased to know. Now I must decide whether to stay here or return to the Underworld. I have kept my bargain with you, and our time together must come to an end. Goodbye.
Joe reluctantly shut the person out of his thoughts, he had become used to the human presence in his head, and he’d had to force himself to put up the barrier.
In truth, he ached for human contact. He was tempted to open the channel of communication, to see if the human was still thinking of him, but thought better of it. There was no point.
He had been created to guide and guard humans in their life on Earth, and he would probably need to put that aside and go back to the demon world again.
If his usefulness as a Guardian to humans was not needed, he had no choice. The demon world was where he could do the greatest good.
Joe sighed, got up and righted his bike, resigned to his fate. He wheeled it along the side of the road, until, in the distance, signs of human habitation became visible.
What looked like a small town came into view. There was still time before he had to make his final decision. Getting gas was his next task, then he could decide what to do.
Chapter 36.
New Possibilities
As Joe drew closer to the town, wheeling his bike along the road, he crossed over a low bridge. Looking down, he saw a stream below and a wide grassy verge which looked like it was used by the townspeople as a picnic area.
The early warmth of the rising sun soothed his back as he looked down at a small group of people gathered on the grass. Odd. Why would people be around this early?
Looking closer he saw the group consisted of four burly men standing around a young woman. She was tall with a shock of short, unruly black hair, wearing a short, pink, flouncy skirt and heavy combat boots. What an odd combination, Joe thought.
Alarm bells rang in his head. The men’s energy was not friendly. They were intent on capturing the girl and taking her somewhere. No thoughts came from the girl. Her mind was a blank. Weird.
He wheeled his bike down the embankment, coming up behind the group. The girl had her back to him, and none of the men noticed him. They were focused on grabbing the girl, their thoughts erratic, confused and wary.
He put the bike down on the grass, to go to her rescue, when something stopped him. The girl was in control of things, he sensed.
The men, in a semicircle around her, inched closer. Joe stopped walking, stood still, and watched, ready to act if necessary.
The girl pointed at one man. “Hey, fart breath, you’re covered in spiders. They’re crawling all over you. Look -- snakes are coming now. You'd better run,” she yelled.
The man looked down and wildly brushed at his clothes while screaming in panic, even though nothing was there. “Run,” she yelled. “They’re coming for you.” He ran away shrieking, still beating and brushing at his clothes.
The remaining men drew closer to the girl. One laughed. “I know that trick, you can't fool me.” He inched forward, warily.
The girl moved like lightning. She ran at him. “Then taste my boots, dung bucket.” She kicked him hard, right between the legs and he collapsed, wheezing, fighting to breathe.
Wow, this girl is amazing. Joe grinned and took a fresh look at her, taking in her tall, slender figure, and, although he couldn't see her face, he knew she was beautiful. He would have bet on it. Enjoying the show she was putting on, he leaned against a walled seating area and folded his arms.
“Who's next?” she said, beckoning to the men who remained standing.
“You can't fool me either,” shouted another man.
She turned towards him. “OK, weasel face. Want a taste of my boots as well?” As deadly as a feral animal pouncing, one, two, she kicked him forcibly in the knees, and he went down, clutching at them, swearing and rolling on the grass.
There was one man standing. He twitched as though he was about to rush her. At this time, Joe thought it prudent to go to her aid.
He loomed quietly behind the man, tapped him on the shoulder and looked him in the eyes. “Beat it,” he whispered, following up with a grin only those who knew demons could manage.
The man stopped in mid-stride, paled and backed away. He turned and ran off while the young lady was still busy with the man whose knees she had incapacitated, boxing his ears.
“Ow, ow, ow,” he cried as she pummeled him.
“Had enough, slime-bag?” she said, standing over him. He curled into a ball on the ground, whimpering.
Suddenly she turned to Joe. “Stay away!” she said, pointing at him.
“Hey, I'm one of the good guys,” he said, raising his hands and chuckling.
“I don't care. Don't you dare come any closer.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t.” he said. “You’re as intimidating as a room full of demons.”
She drew herself up to her full height and put her hands on her hips. “And you're about as appealing as a hat full of turds,” she said.
Joe had to smile. This girl had spirit. “Well then, you're all right I take it? Don’t need my help?”
Two of her attackers had run away and were out of sight. The others rolled helplessly on the ground in pain.
“Yeah, I’m good. Thanks for your offer, but I can handle things from here.” She brushed hair out of her eyes with her hand and looked around.
“Good to know. I like the way you handled these creeps. Is there anything you need from me?” Always a gentleman, Joe felt wrong about abandoning her, even though she was obviously capable.
She shook her head. “Wait, is that your bike? she asked, pointing to where he had left it on the grass.”
Joe nodded.
“I'd like a lift if you're able to,” she said.
“I need gas first. Can you tell me where the nearest gas station is?”
“It’s not far from here. I'll show you if you can give me a lift afterwards.”
“I'd be happy to,” Joe said. Once again, a familiar stirring filled his chest. The Guardian bond, was making its presence felt. This one will be a handful, he thought, chuckling to himself. He couldn't imagine what sort of trouble she was in, but it was clear she needed the help of a Guardian.
And it was the oddest thing, her mind was still unreadable -- a complete blank. She intrigued him, and a blinding certainty told him he would be seeing more of her.
“Thanks.” She turned and smiled at him, the early morning sun bathing her in a golden glow. “The name’s Kat. Kat Spur.”
Her smile melted Joe’s heart. “They call me Joe.” He grinned back at her.
The decision had been made for him. The human world called him for now and he couldn’t have been happier.
The End.
Now Joe’s self-imposed penance in the Underworld is over, his next adventure is in the human world with Kat.
Savage Redemption, their thrilling story, will be available late October 2017.
Follow me on Amazon to make sure you don’t miss the release of this or any other of my new books.
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Betrayal a review on Amazon. Reviews help readers make the decision to buy a book, and each review gives me the warm fuzzies and encourages me to keep writing.
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Many thanks, Anni
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From the Author
Thank you for reading Savage Betrayal. Other books of mine you may enjoy are listed below.
Please accept the following book, with my compliments:-
Go to http://anniantoni.com for your copy of Esau Demon Prince
Other books I have written are listed below. All my stories can stand alone, even when written as part of a series. However, when read in the following order, they form a richer experience.
Thief Catcher – Urban Guardians 1
Esau Demon Prince – A Taste of the Urban Guardians World
Esau My Demon King – Urban Guardians 2
Bad Angel a stand-alone short story that introduces the character Of West, who appears in Urban Guardians 3
West Remembered – Urban Guardians 3
The Wish Angel – A Short Paranormal Romance
Cat’s Purrfect Storm – A Short Tale of Witchcraft and Enchantment
All above books can be seen in more detail on my Amazon author page: -
https://www.amazon.com/Anni-Antoni/e/B015BYFDDI
I love to interact with my readers.
You can find me and say hi on Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/anniantoni/
Or visit my site: - http://anniantoni.com/blog
Or follow me on Amazon to get news of new releases.
Coming Soon – The dramatic romance between Joe and Kat. Who met in Savage Betrayal.
Savage Redemption -- A Dark Urban Guardians Fantasy
