Demon's Quest (High Demon Series #4)

by Connie Suttle

"Do we need to place a healing sleep?" Karzac appeared as if he'd been called.

  "Karzac, can you move me ten turns into the future, so all of this will go away?" I wiped tears from my face. Lendill settled me onto Auri's bed and then sat beside me, while Farzi and Nenzi climbed in on the other side.

  "No, little girl. But I will see to it that you sleep for a while, and then wake and eat with the rest of us."

  "Reah, I'm going back to Wylend." Corolan said.

  "Tell him I'm sorry I didn't make it."

  "He knows, love. Go to sleep. We'll see you soon." Corolan folded away. I didn't have time to say anything else, Karzac's fingers were against my forehead and I was out.

  * * *

  "The injured one knows the truth." Smoke was pouring from Kifirin's nostrils. Denevik, Gardevik, Glindarok and Jaydevik had all come to check on Reah. She was still sleeping, but Kifirin had appeared in Lissa's library, where they were having a drink.

  "You're saying Fes knows who attacked them?" Lissa looked up at her oldest and most powerful mate. Even he had restrictions as far as interfering went.

  "Yes, he knows. And if he does not survive, have your youngest place compulsion on Aldah to clear Reah's name."

  "I will, honey. Sit down, please. Do you want anything?"

  "Not at the moment. I do not like this persecution of my heart's daughter."

  "I want to punch that fool," Denevik growled.

  "Denny, stay away from them. We can't gain anything by threatening harm." Glinda placed a hand on Denevik's arm.

  "I know, sister. But this makes my blood boil. As if Reah would attack anyone like that. If she were going to, she'd have killed Edan Desh long ago."

  "Edan Desh will not be harmed, you know why," Kifirin turned his eyes toward Denevik.

  "I know, High Lord," Denevik inclined his head respectfully.

  "Do you think we should bring Edan and Ilvan here—for their protection?" Lissa asked.

  "It could not hurt," Kifirin agreed.

  "I'll look into it," Lissa said, sending mindspeech to Norian.

  It took roughly a click, but Ilvan and Edan were brought to Lissa inside her library. "Welcome," Lissa smiled at both of them. "I am Lissa, Queen of Le-Ath Veronis. We merely wished to bring you here for your own protection." Lissa wrinkled her nose at Norian—he'd produced his ID and hauled both of them away from Tulgalan. "We'll bring your clothing and other necessities, and you'll be guests of the Crown. Now, would you like to meet Reah's other family?"

  Edan and Ilvan looked around them in shock. The Queen was inviting them to stay, to protect them? And what was this about Reah's other family? "I am Reah's grandfather, Denevik Lith," Denevik rose and offered his hand to Edan and Ilvan. "Raedah was my daughter, that I was unaware I had."

  "I know," Edan nodded, taking Denevik's hand. Ilvan shook after Edan.

  "I am Glindarok, Queen of Kifirin and Reah's great-aunt," Glinda shook next. "And this is my husband, King Jaydevik."

  "Reah is related to royalty?" Ilvan didn't know what to think.

  "Reah is High Demon," Kifirin announced, blowing a bit more smoke.

  "I don't know what that means," Ilvan quavered.

  "We'll explain that later, we just want you to know that Reah is very, very special," Lissa said, lifting an eyebrow at Kifirin. "Very rare. In fact, High Demon females are extremely rare."

  "As are female vampires." Norian pointed out.

  "No need to worry, you will be safe here," Lissa said. "Come, we will find rooms for you, near Reah's if you'd like."

  "Will we be allowed to attend father's funeral?" Ilvan asked.

  "If you want," Lissa said. "And Reah will not be prevented from attending as well, if that is her wish."

  "But she will be heavily guarded, I do not want any of those fools near her," Denevik blew clouds of smoke from his nostrils.

  "How could Aldah even think it possible that Reah could do this?" Edan shook his head. "But then he is somewhat vindictive. He is the reason I left Desh's to work at Dee's."

  "He is the least honorable difik," Jayd snapped.

  "Difik?" Ilvan asked.

  "Idiot," Lissa supplied.

  * * *

  Farla, Addah's second wife, elevated to first after Addah divorced Marzi, watched the vid repeatedly. One part in particular. Farla watched as Reah repeated, again and again, that Farla was a good mother and her sons didn't appreciate her as much as they should. Fes had called her shortly after he, Addah and Aldah had gone to Dee's. Told her he loved her. Farla had been shocked and more than pleased—she felt her sons ignored her most of the time. Something they got from their father, Farla knew. Addah only had one use for women, and if not for the fact that she might be cut off from her sons, she might have left Addah long ago.

  There was little love in her husband, unless it was for cooking and making money. Now, Farla hoped her eldest son would wake. Without Fes, Desh's would likely die. None of the others had the talent in the kitchen like Addah or Fes. Edan looked to be a rival, but all along, it had been Reah making Desh's number two so successful. It had crashed shortly after she'd been conscripted by the Alliance, and now number two struggled against two other successful restaurants in Shirves.

  Reah was no longer a member of the family—she'd separated herself legally five years earlier. None of the family had any pull with her, and Aldah, the fool, had accused her of killing Addah when date-stamped, tamper-proof vids showed her with Teeg San Gerxon on Campiaa at the time of the murder. Who knew she was married to that one? And still she was engaged to the King of Karathia as well. Reah had done more than well for herself. Had powerful friends, mates and allies. Farla could only see disaster coming for the Desh family. Addah kept the best recipes to himself, suspicious of his children, even, and so refused to share his knowledge. All that died with him.

  "Farla, the constables are here again," Teena, now second wife, walked into Farla's sitting room. Teena, Indiva, Hilde and Baretis had each borne five sons for Addah. A few had some skill, but most worked on the business side of the restaurants. Desh's number three, in Cardon, was barely keeping its head above water, although Baretis' eldest, Halde, was very good at stretching a budget.

  "What do they want?" Farla stood, prepared to answer even more questions regarding her husband's death.

  "They've arrested Aldah. Rane turned him in."

  * * *

  "Just stay back while Karzac wakes her—you don't want to tangle with Farzi and Nenzi." Tory was trying hard not to smile as Edan and Ilvan shrank back after spotting the two lion snakes in Reah's bed. Nenzi was coiled beneath Reah's chin, Farzi was draped over her waist. Both had lifted their heads and spread their hoods when Tory brought Reah's uncles into the room.

  Both reptanoids knew Karzac now. They also knew that Karzac would only protect Reah, as they sought to do. Retracting their hoods, they moved aside so Karzac could wake Reah.

  * * *

  "Huh?" My voice was thick with sleep and my mouth was as dry as a desert.

  "Reah wake now." Nenzi kissed my chin—he'd just turned from lion snake.

  "Sweet man," I wrapped my arms around him. Farzi was hugging me from behind now, so I turned my head and gave him a sleepy peck.

  Tory cleared his throat nearby. I hadn't realized he was in the room. "What, hon?" I asked.

  "Your uh, father and uncle are here."

  I turned to see Edan and Ilvan standing with Tory, both not far from my bed.

  "Are you awake now? Where's my help in the kitchen?" Radolf stalked in, mock indignation all over his face.

  "What are we making?" Farzi and Nenzi scooted off the bed and trotted toward my bathroom—they were naked. Edan and Ilvan watched them go, a bit of shock consuming them, I think.

  "Did you explain they're shapeshifters?" I glared at Tory.

  "No time," Tory grinned.

  "They won't hurt you as long as you don't threaten Reah," Radolf explained. "Now, are you coming to help? I'm trying to put that duck thing tog
ether."

  "I'll come help with the duck thing if you'll give me something to drink." I came off the bed while Karzac watched silently.

  "My heart's love, you sound as if I'll leave you parched." Radolf had a fist at his heart.

  "Let me get changed. And since Edan and Ilvan are here, maybe they'll help too." I offered Radolf a big smile.

  "I'll come watch, as soon as Reah gets some decent clothes on," Tory grinned.

  All of us ended up in the kitchen—Edan, Ilvan, Farzi, Nenzi and Tory. Lok walked in with Lendill, Drake and Drew. Lok looked as if Drake and Drew had been sparring with him.

  I put a fruit drink together for all of us, while Radolf and I got five stuffed ducks into the ovens.

  "Is this a new recipe?" Ilvan asked. He'd helped put the stuffing together while Edan trussed the ducks afterward.

  "We cooked it together for the first time on Karathia," Radolf said. "It turned out great—it just needed minor adjustments. We'll see if we got it right this time."

  "Reah?" Denevik walked into the kitchen.

  "Em-pah?" I went to give him a hug.

  "How's my baby?" he whispered.

  "I'm all right," I said, bumping my forehead against his chest. He gave me an extra hug and accepted the drink that Radolf handed over. "How is Jusef?" I asked. "I've missed both of you."

  "Jusef is fine and busy herding the help around in Glinda's palace kitchen," my grandfather smiled.

  "He's a good cook," I said.

  "Jusef?" Radolf asked.

  "Amterean Dwarf," I said, pulling Denevik toward a barstool at the island. Tory, Drake, Drew and Lok were already there, having their drinks and a light snack.

  "Reah," Lissa and Gavin walked into the kitchen, "your name has been cleared. The police on Tulgalan just arrested Aldah for his father's murder."

  Chapter 10

  The breath caught in my throat and I was paralyzed for several ticks. "But—how? Why?" I couldn't understand this. Fes and Aldah had always been Addah's prize pupils.

  "His brother—Rane? Is that right? Turned him in," Lissa explained at my nod. Edan and Ilvan were both just as stunned as I was.

  "Did Rane see it?"

  "No. He caught Aldah washing one of his cooking knives off in the house," Lissa said. "He saw blood. Aldah didn't see him, and Rane didn't say anything at first. But with Fes in the condition he is, Rane said he wanted justice for his oldest brother."

  "That had to be a kick in the stomach for Rane," I muttered. Addah had always belittled him, so Rane settled for doing Addah's books.

  "Is it safe to go back to Tulgalan?" Ilvan asked.

  "You're still welcome to stay here if you want," Lissa smiled at him.

  "I could use a couple of good assistants," Radolf remarked, tossing a hand in the air dramatically.

  "Are you serious? Work in this kitchen?" Ilvan sounded thrilled.

  "I'm willing, if you're serious about the offer," Edan nodded. "I'd prefer to go back to school and get a medical degree so I can practice medicine again, but since I have no funds, this is the next-best thing."

  "What did you just say?" Lissa came around to stare at Edan.

  "I'd like to practice medicine again?"

  "Yeah. That's the one. Karzac!" Karzac was there in a moment, his light-brown hair a bit ruffled, as if he'd ripped a surgical cap off quickly before folding in.

  "Lissa?" He lifted an eyebrow at her.

  "Do you have room in your teaching classes for this one? He wants to practice medicine again." Lissa nodded toward Edan.

  "What sort of medicine did you practice before?" Karzac was sizing Edan up.

  "Pediatrics," Edan admitted. "I worked with a group that provided free medical care to indigent worlds," he added.

  "Good enough. I'll fit you in," Karzac said.

  "But I can't pay—I have no funds."

  "Not a problem," Karzac waved it off. "Tuition here is free to all residents. Cook if you want to earn your pocket money."

  "I'll help." The words were out of my mouth before I thought.

  "Reah, no. Let me do this on my own," Edan was there and pulling me into a hug.

  "Can we plan to go to Addah's funeral?" Ilvan was next to us, hugging us both and sobbing.

  "Ilvan, honey, it's all right," I was rubbing his back. This had hit him harder than I thought. With Tory, Drake and Drew helping, we got Ilvan onto a barstool and a stiff drink in his hand. I was rubbing his back still, while Radolf offered a towel.

  "I can arrange to send flowers and monetary assistance." Wylend folded in with Corolan and Erland.

  "Would you?" I looked at my Karathian Warlock mate.

  "Done," Wylend said.

  "I'll handle it," Erland agreed.

  "I'll write the card," Corolan offered.

  * * *

  "Farla, there's a mountain of flowers in the entry, and this came with them." Indiva handed a thick card to Farla. The envelope was addressed to her and the Desh family. It also bore the royal crest of Karathia.

  We wish to express our deepest condolences to you and your family, the card read. We hope that this contribution will assist you in some way during your time of grief. Sincerely, Wylend, King of Karathia and Reah, Queen to be. Inside, nestled in a protective wrapper, was a credit chip worth one hundred thousand Alliance credits. Farla fainted.

  * * *

  "Wylend sent flowers and a credit chip for a hundred thousand," Dee said, setting the comp-vid in front of Gavril. What do you want to do?"

  "Exactly the same," Gavril grinned.

  "Wise choice," Dee smiled and went to make it so.

  * * *

  "Farla, this just came, along with another flower delivery," Baretis handed over the envelope, this time. This one bore the newly designed crest of the Campiaan Alliance. Farla sat down to read this one.

  Reah and I wish to express our condolences on your loss. Please accept this contribution toward your expenses at this difficult time—Teeg San Gerxon, Founding Member, Campiaan Alliance. Another credit chip, also for one hundred thousand Alliance credits, was tucked inside the envelope. Farla fanned herself with this envelope, attempting to retain consciousness.

  * * *

  Wylend stayed for dinner, and the duck was perfect. "This is the recipe we'll use in the restaurant," I clinked wineglasses with Radolf. Wylend and Corolan spent the night. They took very good care of me, leaving early the following morning. Radolf was there afterward, and we didn't get out of bed for a while.

  "My heart's love," Radolf kissed my hand then pressed my fingers to his chest. His heartbeat was steady and strong beneath my hand.

  "Where did you come from, love?" I asked him. "You are a gift to me."

  "Just what I always wanted to hear," he smiled, leaning down to kiss me.

  * * *

  "Mother, Fes is waking!" Farla had arrived at the hospital to check on her eldest before making final arrangements for Addah's funeral. Rane had come earlier to sit with his brother.

  "Thank the stars," Farla was nearly running down the hall toward Fes' room.

  A doctor stood beside Fes' bed, checking his vitals. The physician smiled, his green-gold eyes twinkling a little. "He should be fine now. Let the staff know if you need anything." The doctor left the room.

  "Mother," Fes reached out a shaking hand to Farla.

  "Fes," Farla was in tears as she grasped his fingers in hers.

  "Mother, Aldah has gone mad. He killed Father and then turned on me."

  "They've already arrested him," Rane said. Farla was sobbing.

  "Fes, do you know why he did this?" Rane asked softly. He couldn't fathom why his brother had stooped to this measure.

  "He became angry, because father still refused to share some of his special recipes with us. He accused father of keeping all of us under his thumb by withholding what we were entitled to. Father shouted back, of course. All this happened in the car on the way home. Then, when Landor let us out at the front gate, Aldah pulled one of his cook's k
nives from its case and stabbed Father. I tried to stop him, that's how I got this." Fes held up his bandaged hands. "When Father fell, Aldah stabbed me. Twice."

  "We were so worried," Farla lifted her tear-stained face to her oldest son.

  "I think I will be fine now," Fes sighed. "Do you think they will allow me some water?"

  * * *

  "Gavril and Wylend will escort you here," I blinked at the vid-map that Lendill had splashed on a wall of his office. Lendill pointed to a spot on the map showing where the family would be and then where I was expected to sit—nearby but not with the family at Addah's funeral. "Lok, Tory, Erland, Rylend and I will provide security, in addition to Gavril's four warlocks. I believe Farzi and Nenzi may also be there with you, Reah."

  "I want them with me," I nodded. Ilvan and Edan were also in this meeting, but they were welcome to sit with the family. I'd separated from them, so I was no longer entitled. It didn't matter—none of those there, except for Edan and Ilvan, would likely recognize me.

  "I will sit with Reah," Edan said. "If she'll allow it."

  Turning to Edan, I nodded at him. Slowly I was getting used to him. Becoming accustomed to the face that was so different now. Before, Edan would get angry over nothing. This one I had yet to see angry. What was your name before? I sent mindspeech. The effort was likely useless, but this was an easier way to ask.

  What? How did you? His voice came through clearly.

  You have mindspeech. Likely Kifirin gave it to you, I answered.

  Come rest your head on my shoulder and I'll tell you, he returned. Blinking at him, I worked to make the decision. Rising from my seat, I went to sit beside Edan on Lendill's sofa. He pulled my head onto his shoulder and kissed my temple. My name was Eldan, he told me. Not far from Edan, don't you think?

  No. Not far off, I agreed.

  I was nearly two hundred when I was brought here, he added.

  I'm glad it's you, instead, I told him. He ran a hand over my hair.

  * * *

  "You are allowed to attend under the bereavement clause," the Warden examined Marzi Desh with distaste. She'd kept the last name against her ex-husband's wishes. Marzi was a troublemaker inside the prison—had most of her neighbors in conflict at all times. Even now, she was blinking her beautiful blue eyes at the Warden. He huffed at her pitiful attempts at flirting—his taste ran to males. Of course, she wouldn't know that—Marzi wasn't bright enough to read the signals. She did know how to keep things unsettled around her, however. Warden Brig Andlen pursed his lips at the thought.