by L Shannon
“I think that might be the only way. They already believe I am a demon, but they want to believe you are not compromised. I’m sure they will let you free if you seem more like they expect their Captain to be.”
Bailey pulled back and narrowed his gaze. “What are you suggesting?”
He was suggesting that Bailey lie well enough to cut out his heart with a blunt stick. “When we go back, you need to convince them that you don’t want to help me. That you hate me as much as they do.”
“No,” Bailey growled. His fingers bit into Tarvyn’s arms.
He took a deep breath. This was the only option, and it shouldn’t hurt so much. It would only be pretend after all. “You have to. I can’t think of any other way to get free without breaking the rules that Pahele has set forth for us.”
“Even if my men agree to let me go, they won’t follow me after learning that we were together.”
Pain shot through him, clenching like a knot in his chest. He didn’t want to have their time together be seen in any negative light, but if it was needed, he’d push aside his own worries. “Then don’t tell them.”
“I won’t have to. They already believe it to be so, and I am not sorry that they do.” Bailey tipped his chin up and kissed him with deep possessiveness. “I’m not sorry, not at all, but I’m sure they won’t follow me.”
“Will they let you leave then?”
“Most likely they’ll be happy to see me go.” The pain in Bailey’s voice was like a hollow ache, pointing out all that his lover would lose so that they could be together.
“Then you must leave just as soon as you can. They probably won’t attempt to kill me right away. The idea of a demon among them will be too difficult to grasp. First they will test me so they can feel sure of the righteousness of their murder. Only then will they begin to think of ways which may actually harm me.” He hoped. “There are not many methods to harm someone like me, and even fewer ways to restrain us.”
“What about the straps they used before? Those seemed to hold you pretty well.”
“Yes. Tascrina’s Bindings, but those are rare.” Practically unheard of. He still wished he knew how those monks came to have one of the dangerous leather belts. Only recently had the leader of the holy order returned to rule at Pahele’s side, but his queen had yet to take control of the order. Were the monks he’d met a rogue branch working without guidance?
“What has you so serious?”
“I…” He wasn’t sure if he should tell Bailey his suspicions about the monks. What if Bailey didn’t understand? He wasn’t even sure he could explain how one branch of the church could be wrong while others were just as they seemed. He wasn’t even positive these monks were as he thought. “I was just thinking about how we can both get away. If you condemn me, or pretend to with the others, then your men and the monks should have little interest in you. You can get out first, and I can escape at night or maybe sooner and meet you.”
“Where will we meet?” Bailey asked.
He thought about that. Where was a place they would both know and be able to find easily? “How about in the forest, where we first met?” It was the only choice really. They hadn’t known each other long enough to have many places in common. His life had changed in that one moment when a soldier offered a kind word to him.
“I don’t like it. What if they hurt you during one of the tests you expect them to perform?”
He hadn’t told Bailey, but that was a worry he considered. Having a soul had plenty of benefits, but it also came with a few weaknesses. One of those was that he would be easier to kill. Still not anywhere like it would be for a mortal, but while he carried his soul, he was among the ones who could be tasced and transitioned into a new life. He wasn’t ready for that.
“What’s wrong?” Something must have shown on his face. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“I didn’t want you to worry. I am mortal while I have my soul. I can be killed when we go back.”
“Then we won’t go.”
“No, Bailey. We have to. Pahele is wise beyond all others. He would not send me back if it was not the right path. If I am to die, then I will.” His only regret would be leaving Bailey behind. Three days was not near enough time together but then, three thousand probably wouldn’t be either.
Bailey echoed his thoughts, “I don’t want to lose you after only just finding you.”
“Nor do I wish to lose you, Bailey.” He pulled Bailey into his embrace. “I will still be very difficult to harm. Only those with the right tools will be any danger to me.”
“It is time.” Pahele interrupted them. “Your plan is a good one. If you go back among them and settle the past, then you can move forward together toward your future.” Pahele glided in front of them and placed a hand to each man’s shoulder.
He folded them through the realms.
Chapter Ten
An edge of the ox cart cut into his side where it pressed. Bailey looked to his right and found Tarvyn bound once more to the cart as if the thin leather had never been cut.
“Tarvyn?”
Now, my lover. You must show them what they need to set you free.
But how could he? The men would want him to share their cruel judgment of Tarvyn, and he could never feel that way. Maybe he could just focus on regaining control of his men. Maybe then, he could get free and set their plan into motion.
“Thompson! What is the meaning of this? Get over here and cut these bonds!”
Thompson did come over, but only so he could glare at them both.
“Damn it, set me free. Have you lost what remained of your sanity? Your actions amount to rebellion, and the King’s laws say you will be hanged for such treachery.”
“Not event the King would condemn a man for killing a demon among his soldiers.” Thompson leaned closer. “Neither would he approve of his Captain lying with that demon.”
Bailey! You must do it now. You must set the blame on me and get yourself free.
He couldn’t.
You must.
He fought the urge to look at his lover, sure his true feelings would show. Instead, he desperately sought another option but found nothing. Dear God, he had to actually do this… “Thompson, you know me far better than that. If such a thing happened, you can be sure it was not found in my nature. You know damn well, I’m not like Buckingham. If I were, I’d be higher ranked by now.” He forced a rough chuckle out while meeting Thompson’s nervous gaze.
“What are you saying?” Thompson asked suspiciously.
He looked over at Tarvyn to gather his courage and spout out his lies. “I believe the demon took control of my mind. All that I recall is flaming red eyes...and then darkness.”
Thompson glared at him. “You condemn the beast as a demon?”
“Aye. Not but a filthy demon bent on tearing me from my post. But for what goal, I do not know.”
Thompson looked as if the reasons mattered little. In that moment it became obvious that the younger soldier was using the excuse to force Bailey out of the King’s service.
Did he have a deeper purpose? He studied the man and the calculating glint in his eyes. Was it to advance his own service or claim his ship? It made no sense and mattered little. He would probably never know the reason.
Most of the soldiers had returned to pack up their camp. Only Thompson and two others waited nearby with nearly a dozen monks. The group slowly gathered around the remaining ox cart where they were bound.
The monk who had spoken earlier stepped forward once more. “You have regained control of your mind? Would you now face this devil and aid us in destroying it?”
Say yes. You must say yes.
He couldn’t. He wouldn’t. He closed his eyes and remembered how Tarvyn’s eyes stared up at him, offering so much acceptance and love. He couldn’t turn away even to save his life.
I love you, Bailey, but you must do this for both of us. Nothing I say can get you free. Nothing either of us say will get m
e unbound. You must get yourself loose and away so that when I can escape, we can leave this place and be together.
“I…” The words would not come, but he forced his head to nod in agreement with the monk’s vile words.
“Then you should not be bound beside such a foul creature.” The monk moved forward and cut his bonds free.
Thompson’s hand moved to his sword and stoked the leather-bound hilt as if for comfort. “What do we do now, Father Gregory?”
“The sun rises soon, and we will begin with the first test for the demon.”
“The sun?” Tarvyn? Will the sun hurt you? Please tell me it won’t.
I don’t know. It is said that we demons can walk in the sun when we carry our souls, but I have never seen the sun in all my years.
You’ve never seen the sun?
Never. For a soulless demon to walk under the Creator’s greatest gift is to be burned to ash. There was a peculiar catch in Tarvyn’s mental tone.
He couldn’t help searching Tarvyn’s face, and what he saw shocked him. Tarvyn, so full of joy and passion, stood ridged and straight backed with his eyes tightly clenched shut. What’s wrong? Talk to me!
A shudder ran so strongly through Tarvyn’s body, Bailey felt it through their mental touch.
I’m scared.
Tarvyn’s fear slammed into his gut like a punch. The lad was strong and brave and should never have to face something so bad as to shake that courage. So he did all he could think of.
Tarvyn. Hear my voice. Remember that I am here with you. You are not alone. He clenched his fist tight. Feel my hand holding yours. We stand together, and you are about to feel the touch of the sun.
Even as he whispered the words into Tarvyn’s mind, the sun rose and broke through the thin gray clouds. A single clear ray streamed across the land as if guided straight to Tarvyn’s shaking body. The light settled over his form and did no harm.
Open your eyes, Tarvyn, and feel the light of the sun as you have never felt before.
His lover lifted his face, slowly opening his eyes then letting them fall closed once more as he stood in the ray of light and basked in the joy of his first touch of sunlight.
Chapter Eleven
The Creator has blessed us both, Tarvyn cried out silently. The warmth on his skin was the comforting touch he had always yearned to feel. The caress of the Creator. It was a gift beyond measure. He squeezed his hand tight, clinging to the phantom touch of Bailey’s fingers.
“I thought you said he would be burned by the sunlight, Father Gregory,” the soldier next to Bailey said, anger in his tone.
“This one is stronger than I expected,” the heavier monk murmured. “His eyes tear from the light, but never before have I seen one who did not at least cry out from the pain.”
“Could you be wrong? I don’t wish to be killing a man who has done nothing.” This from another soldier who Tarvyn didn’t know.
Thompson pushed the other soldier roughly. “You know what he is guilty of.”
“We will do as we set out to do. The next test will be of fire,” Father Gregory sneered.
Bailey wanted to strike out at the monk, but instead looked around as if seeking wood. I cannot stand by and watch while they burn you alive.
I would rather not face that either. I don’t even know if the fire will harm me or not. Most fire does not. I don’t know if having my soul will make a difference.
Although Tarvyn once more looked full of courage, he didn’t know if he could face his lover in the grip of fear again. Can we fight together to get free?
If I use my strength to get free, they will see I am not human.
If they set you on fire and you don’t burn, they will see the same. Come, let’s break free of this together, now. Even the thought of them setting fire to Tarvyn left him nauseous. He’d faced hundreds of battles, but the thought of Tarvyn being harmed was enough to leave him weak.
Do you trust me? Tarvyn asked.
Yes. Of course, he trusted Tarvyn.
Then please do as we planned and do it soon. Get free and meet me when the sun sets. Then we shall both have freedom.
Tarvyn…
Do it before they set me on fire. I won’t attempt escape until you are safely away, and I would prefer to flee before they set me on fire rather than after. The humor in Tarvyn’s mind almost forced a laugh from Bailey.
He looked up and met his lover’s gaze filled with a glint of humor and an iron determination. Tarvyn was right. Now was the time. “Thompson and Jonah, go and get the wood. There should be plenty enough already gathered around our camp.”
Jonah turned immediately to follow the command, but Thompson jerked him to a halt.
“You are no longer our Captain. You don’t give orders, and we do not take them. You gave up your duties when you turned aside your honor and welcomed him into your—camp.”
The pain of their rejection stung, but was not a surprise. He’d known all along that the men, and Thompson specifically, his second in command, wouldn’t trust him. Yet, he must have harbored a hope that they would understand.
They didn’t.
All that remained for him was Tarvyn and whatever future they could find together.
Is that so bad, Bailey?
No, it’s not bad at all. He was a greedy bastard and wanted it all, wanted the impossible. He felt fingers that were not real brush over his jaw just as Tarvyn always did, and then felt the press of his lover’s lips.
It was worth it.
Now he had a new duty to see to and, if he knew anything, it was how to see to duty. He turned his focus back to the men who had yet to do anything.
“Well, follow my orders or not. Up to you. But you might want to think about the fact that these monks seem to think the demon is weakened by the sunlight and that only gives you three hours or less until that storm hits and offers the demon a reprieve.” The men started in surprise, including the monks. He’d surprised them and didn’t want to loose the edge. “I’m right, aren’t I? Any testing you wish to do should be done in the bright light if possible.”
“Yes,” Father Gregory said quietly. “The light is our best weapon to keep the beast contained. Usually the light is all we need to destroy them.”
He doubted other demons just stood around and waited for the sunrise, but at least the others were starting to think he’d come to his senses.
“So you are free of the demon’s influence?”
“I am.” He met the man’s gaze. “I don’t know what happened. How can they take a man’s will so easily? Why would they bother to do so?”
“They are nothing more than evil formed to flesh. They corrupt all they come in contact with.” The monk took out a square of leather and held it out toward Bailey. “Take this protection.”
“What is it?” He hesitated to accept the monk’s protection, not knowing what it would do to him or to Tarvyn.
“It is only a piece of leather, cut with a holy symbol. It will not harm you, but the soulless cannot touch it without pain.” The thing pressed into his hand and caused no pain. It felt warm to the touch. “I believe it was once the sleeve of a coat belonging to the strongest demon hunter we have ever known. But the truth has been long lost. Just hold it, and we can be sure you won’t be influenced again.”
“Then we should get the wood. Jonah, head over there and collect what was beaten down by the battle,” Thompson ordered before turning back to face the monk. “What else will you need for your fire testing? Will you need a post or something? I can see to it so we can get this all behind us before the rain comes.”
The monk and Thompson spoke for a moment, conferring on the best way to burn a demon.
Tarvyn reached for Bailey’s mind but met only a blank wall, as if he was shut away from his lover. The separation left him wondering why and a little bit scared.
He pulled at the binding they used to tie him to the cart. It was the same one Bailey had cut him free of before he’d taken them home. Now it wa
s uncut and sturdy against his strength. But he didn’t understand enough about Tascrina’s Bindings to know why it would hold him even now with his soul. He’d always believed that the binding would only hold evil, but he wasn’t evil, and they held him here to face whatever fate would be forced on him.
His only hope was that Bailey would escape before they moved him to wherever they would set the fire. They would have to untie him to move him, so that would be his best chance to get away.
But all too soon, they were motioning to a newly cut tree and the pile of dry wood around its base. Their test of fire was nearly ready, and Bailey had yet to make his escape.
Bailey! You must get away now! Do whatever it takes to run from this place. Still there was no response to his pleas. Please, my love, you must do this.
Bailey’s gaze slid over him then rooted to where the post-like tree waited. There was a glassy look to his eyes that terrified Tarvyn.
Bailey!
Suddenly, Bailey jumped back, away from them. He threw the branded leather away as if it’d burned him. His expression one of fear. “Get out of my head, demon!” He backed farther away, tripping over a rock and knocking over the soldier he’d called Jonah. “I’ve got to get out of here. Have to get away from it. The creature will take me, take my mind.” His words were shouted, and he struggled to crawl over the soldier, leaping up to bolt away from them all.
Thompson would have gone after him, but the heavy monk caught his arm. “Let him go. Only by killing the creature can we set your Captain free.” With a nod, they both turned back to face him.
Was Bailey just acting out his part? It’d been a convincing job, more so than he was comfortable with. The thought of Bailey leaving him in fear curled up a stone lump in his gut. Surely not. Surely it had just been an act.
The pounding of horse feet carrying Bailey away to safety was a balm that let Tarvyn face these men who would see him dead.
“Drive the oxen closer to the tree, and we will get on with the testing.”
