Alexander started to break out in a cold sweat. Why would Driskell call him out of the blue? The chances of it being a coincidence were null and void, as far as he was concerned. He had obviously somehow connected Alexander to the police station, and it goes without saying that he probably linked him to Rowanne. Damn! I should have been more careful. What the hell had I been thinking in escorting her into the police station?
That’s just great, I’m now a dead chivalric who has gotten his lady killed. He had to mentally shake himself out of his manic thoughts. He had to fix this, and fast. What was he going to do? He would have to proceed carefully if there was any chance that he could get the both of them out of this mess; otherwise known as his life. Hold on Rowanne, he thought. I’m sorry. I seem to drag you further into my world each time I enter yours. He slammed his fist into the steering wheel in frustration, but managed to hold off shattering it into pieces.
A feeling of doom pervaded Alexander as he tried to compose himself in order to calmly handle the Noble Dewain Driskell of the Dark Lake Clan. This was going to be a challenge. He had known Dewain since childhood, and they had both trained at the same academy to become the future law enforcers of Demon World.
They had both come from noble families with legacies of great defenders of their world, and so it had been natural for both young men to carry on this most noble of traditions. He remembered the Dewain who had been carefree, but at the same time a deadly expert in their field of combat. Not to mention being an excellent strategist; it did not come as much of a surprise then, that he rose to the prominent position of Enforcer to the Noble Court.
However, the days of their youth were long behind them, and each had taken a different path in life. Alexander knew that something intensely dark had occurred between Dewain and The First Family, but the details were lost in obscurity. Suffice to say, he was never the same after that, and had become the man all the Nobles feared today.
Alexander cleared his throat and answered the call. ‘Good evening, Driskell,’ he said in a cold voice, even as fear threatened to choke him. He did not fear for himself, but for the others that he might inadvertently end up dragging down with him. Mostly, he feared for her: Rowanne.
‘Come come, dear friend. I can still hear the love that you have for me, even after all these years...’ replied Driskell, laughing easily at his old friend’s discomfort which he could sense coming at him in waves over the phone. Sometimes it was good having these abilities; unique to his family alone, as far as he knew.
‘Of course, brother. I haven’t forgotten about you... Though, it’s been too long since we last spoke. Anyway, we work on the same side, the last time I checked.’ Alexander was reassured by the fact that his voice now sounded calm.
‘Yes, it has been too long. Conveniently long, some might say. Well, enough of the pleasantries. I need to see you.’ Driskell’s voice changed from wariness into something harsh and acidic that threatened to burn through anyone who dared to disobey him.
Alexander heard the change in his voice and had always expected that he would have a day of reckoning with his old friend. It had finally come, and not over ‘the incident’ as he had always thought, but over a woman of all things; and not just any woman - a human, he thought disgusted with himself. ‘Really?’ asked Alexander.
Driskell ignored the sarcasm dripping from Alexander’s voice. ‘Alexander, I warn you, I am not a man to be trifled with. You are to come immediately to The Salisbury pub. I am in need of your services,’ he added quite politely.
‘Fine, since you asked so graciously. Could you give me some time before I meet you? There are some things that need to be taken care of first,’ asked Alexander; although he knew the answer.
Driskell considered for a moment, ‘How about... right Now!’
Alexander heard the finality in the imbecile’s voice, and had no choice but to accept his respective invitation; order more like! he thought angrily. Taking a deep breath, he replied sweetly, ‘My dear Noble Lord Driskell of the Dark Lake Clan, I, your humble servant of the Black Rose Clan, would be honoured to serve you in any way I can.’ That I see fit. With that little insult, Alexander cut the call short. It was stupid of him, he knew. But if only for a moment, he got a sick satisfaction from imagining the indignation settling over his old friend.
Driskell counted to ten, not wanting to kill Alexander immediately. His blazing green eyes refused to calm. ‘You will pay for your arrogance, ‘Alexander The Great,’’ he said sarcastically. Damn Noble of the First Families, you think you are better than me? That little connection will only get you so far... he thought, and he so loved chasing these Nobles like little pawns across a chess board. They were always surprised when he knocked them over, as if they had not seen him coming. Enough, now was not the time for this. He had a duty to perform, after all.
Driskell went back down to the interview room and locked it. He opened a portal back into Demon World, and flashed back into the Noble Court. He strode purposely along the corridor and threw open the doors with no more than a thought. He was furious, barely able to keep his power in check.
He found Rowanne sitting in the chair and looking down with a confused expression. He swiftly turned his attention to Lady Enid. ‘My lady, forgive my lateness in returning. My sources turned out to be excellent, and I have discovered a new and rather interesting lead in this case.’
‘Well done, Driskell. Let us not waste our time with this one any further then,’ said Lady Enid inclining her head in Rowanne’s direction.
Driskell observed the cold and calculated look in Lady Enid’s eyes. You would just love that, wouldn’t you? However, I am not done... ‘My lady, as you went to painstaking lengths to remind me earlier that I should be most thorough in my investigation, and that each piece of evidence should not so easily be dismissed, it would therefore be remiss of me not to investigate my interviewee and cross examine her before releasing her. Would you not agree?’ Driskell asked smoothly with a sick, satisfied look.
Lady Enid was annoyed at herself for appearing too eager to let the woman go, but she managed to remain somewhat calm. In an aggrieved voice she replied, ‘That is still the case, Driskell. You mistook my meaning. I was merely thinking that if this human is not in any way relevant to the case, then we can dispense with her. Perhaps, continue the investigation back,’ and Lady Enid looked disgustedly at Rowanne, ‘in her world.’
This is going to plan, he thought, and will work to the advantage of us all. ‘Lady Enid, what a fantastic idea. I was just thinking the same thing, but I see that your sharp mind has beaten me to it,’ he smiled coldly, as he felt the waves of frustration rolling off her. He was sickened at the undue praise that he had been forced to heap on this woman, but needs must, he thought wearily. He may be a sycophant, but he enjoyed her discomfort. You will feel helpless frustration, mark my words, if it’s the last thing I ever do...
Lady Enid looked Driskell dead in the eyes, a moment’s confusion hovering over her features before once more being set in ice. ‘Are you taking her back now?’ she asked, her voice devoid of any emotion.
They call me heartless, he thought, this woman would sooner sell her... but no, now was not the time. There was always later. There would be a day of reckoning between them. He returned her measured look, even as he felt as if his heart was filled with shards of ice. ‘No, not right at this very moment. As I said, I do have an urgent lead to follow up on. Later, I will be back for her, and then I will take her back with me to her world to continue questioning.’
Driskell turned his back to Lady Enid, and walked towards the doors.
‘Driskell,’ Lady Enid called his name in quiet anger.
He stopped in his tracks, and slowly turned around to face her. ‘Yes, my lady. Was there anything else?’ Driskell had a look of cold sincerity.
‘The answer to your question is, yes,’ she replied, and gave him a poignant look.
Driskell looked at her thoughtfully. Now isn’t that inter
esting... and a wide smile broke out across his face. ‘As you wish,’ and bowing low and reverently to her, he swiftly turned back and strode out the doors, not bothering to close them after himself. All pretence at civility momentarily disregarded, as the lines were drawn, and the gauntlet thrown.
CHAPTER 9
Lady Enid waited a heartbeat for the moment she felt the portal close behind Driskell, then closed the doors to the courtroom. She came back and sat in the chair next to Rowanne.
‘That was close,’ said the entity, tilting Rowanne’s head back so that she could look at Lady Enid.
‘Entirely too close for my liking. Let us continue, we have to make it quick. I’m not sure how long we have,’ said Lady Enid.
Lady Enid tried to figure out a plan of action to get Rowanne safely back without attracting any undue attention to the both of them.
‘Hold on a moment, how is it now possible for you to actually speak through Rowanne? Before, I could only hear you communicate telepathically.’ Lady Enid was bewildered by how much the entity seemed to be growing in power.
The entity looked confused, it was evident that this was also new for her as well. ‘I thought that I was still speaking to you telepathically. I did not realise when the change occurred, and I spoke through her vocal cords. It seems to be a natural progression.’
‘I think your possession of her is growing. Perhaps more so, because you are a demon.’ Lady Enid feared for the young woman, whilst speculating how far this would continue, and ultimately meet its unforeseeable end.
The entity wondered in what other ways she would begin to merge with Rowanne. The fact that it had happened unconsciously on her part at least, was something to be anxious about. ‘I don’t like this, one single bit. This is not a good sign. It may appear that I am at an advantage here, but this bodes ill for both of us.’
‘Is Rowanne’s spirit growing weaker inside you?’ asked Lady Enid, concerned for both Rowanne and the entity.
‘No. She’s still strong, but if we do not separate her from my spirit, I’m not sure what may happen. The human vessel should only ever hold its own essence, sharing it with another might weaken, or even destroy it. So far, her body has accepted me, but not her mind. Her mind knows that there is an intruder, and eventually it will do something...’
‘There must be something we can do. How long do you think we have before Rowanne’s body and mind begin to assail you?’ Lady Enid’s mind reeled with the thought of loss, all over again. She could barely find the strength within herself to go on. She alone knew how she had coped with her own loss.
‘It’s impossible to put a time frame on this situation, as it is more complex now that she is part demon. The other possibility is that nothing happens, and I stay merged, or ‘trapped’ as I call it, within her forever; this is an unacceptable scenario. I’m sorry, but I need to be freed. Please, do not feel sorrow on my behalf,’ said the entity, at the horrified look on Lady Enid’s face.
‘You seem to take everything in your stride, my dear. But how can you willingly accept your demise?’ Lady Enid spoke with sorrow in her voice. She was ashamed that she could not disguise it, when this entity had with good grace, chosen to do this noble deed. She was shocked when the entity held her hands in comfort and solidarity. It felt as if the entity was speaking to her soul, telling her that she was not alone in her grief. This is madness. How can I feel so much in so short a time, for someone I have just met?
‘We are immortal, and yet we are not, do you not agree, Lady Enid?’ The entity laughed wryly.
Lady Enid looked faraway, and all she could see was an eternal void. What is an eternity without those you love? she wondered sadly. ‘It is both a gift and a curse that we choose for ourselves. Though, some of us have less choice than others.’
‘Yes, that is true. And I assume, you allude to being both a daughter and matriarch of the First Family?’ The entity wore a knowing look.
Just how much did she know of the First Families? And had she belonged to one of them? What had been the entity’s position in Demon World? These questions churned inside Lady Enid’s mind. ‘It is true, my dear, that I have little choice in immortality since there are so few of us. Especially since I must carry the mantle until... Well, you know...’
‘I understand,’ the entity replied softly, perfectly comprehending the responsibility and burden of such a position. To forever toil, with no end in sight. The entity decided that they must for now put away their sorrows, and focus on Rowanne. ‘We will come up with a solution to this, later. You know, you were a little too eager to have me sent back. I could sense him trying to read you, to figure out your motive,’ said the entity, concerned.
‘I admit that my common sense momentarily deserted me. You’re right, I should have behaved differently. I got carried away in our conversation but at least he is taking you back. That is a positive outcome.’
‘Perhaps. Or perhaps not, depending upon the way you look at the situation. If his angle is to rile you, then he might not make it easy. He will surely use Rowanne as a pawn against you.’
‘That did actually cross my mind. I do not fear him, but for this young woman. It’s foolish I know...’
The entity stayed quiet, contemplating, before replying, ‘How do you intend to get us back to Earth?’
‘Tell me one thing first: would it not be better to tell this human the truth? Perhaps the safest thing would be for her to know everything, “Praemonitus Praemunitus.” Forewarned is forearmed.’ Lady Enid looked earnest.
‘I don’t think that she could handle it yet. Rowanne’s mental state is very precarious at the moment. The slightest mishap causes her undue agitation. Though, I can’t really blame her for that. I feel like her present state is a result of everything that’s happened to her in so short a period; prior to this, she was a completely different person,’ replied the entity sadly.
‘Wait a moment, you said “not yet”. So, is there a chance that we can eventually get through to her?’ asked Lady Enid.
‘There are some unexpected complications and I’m not sure, if I should even tell you...’ The entity was afraid of revealing more.
Lady Enid took the entity’s hands into her own, and smiled kindly. ‘Look, my dear, do not be afraid of me. Had I wanted to turn you in, I would have by now. You asked for my trust and I gave it. Can you bring yourself to trust me further?’
The entity considered for a moment before replying. ‘Lady Enid,’ the entity proceeded cautiously, ‘you belong to the First Family, and your position therefore demands that you uphold the law, is this not the case?’
‘Yes,’ Lady Enid replied baffled, wondering where this was leading to.
‘Do you want to know about the laws that were broken?’ The entity asked in a very matter-of-fact way, wanting to know precisely where she stood when it came to asking for Lady Enid’s help.
Lady Enid thought very seriously on the matter, but finally came to a resolution; that had not entirely come as a surprise. Perhaps she had always known that she would reach this point after the first time. She breathed to ease the lump in her throat as she thought of her dark past. Some things you never get over, not really. They say that in time it becomes easier, that you learn to live with your past, you make a compromise. And for the rest of the world, it appears as if you have gotten over it, moved on, as they say, but only time does that, so ruthlessly; efficiently like clockwork.
The entity squeezed Lady Enid’s hands, and spoke softly under her breath, ‘“Tempus Fugit,”’ and closed her eyes, as a single tear rolled down her ashen cheek. She understood all too well, the world had moved on without her.
Lady Enid looked up sharply, ‘Did you say something?’ For just a moment, she had felt the reassurance behind the words, light as the wind, and softer than a whisper, brushing gently by her. And she knew that she was not alone; the entity understood her.
The entity momentarily turned away to wipe away the offending evidence before replying, ‘No,
my lady.’
But Lady Enid had seen, and it weighed on her mind. She took out her handkerchief and dabbed at Rowanne’s eyes as she gently tilted her head so that she could look at her. Just the very act of being able to care for someone again eased the pain in her heart. It has been too long, after all. She could see the inner turmoil playing behind the entity’s very expressive green eyes. ‘Let’s continue, my dear. I take full responsibility for what you are about to say. I understand that rules may have been broken, and I will shoulder the burden with you.’
‘No! You do not understand what it is that you are asking of me. I cannot let you!’ said the entity anxiously.
‘Let me deal with the repercussions. Do not worry on my behalf; I am not as fragile as I appear. I can rise to the occasion when required,’ said Lady Enid pointedly.
‘Fine. If you’re willing, then I can do no less than share what I know. Rowanne is not alone in this situation, someone else is involved with her.’
‘Who?’ asked Lady Enid, her interest piqued.
‘A demon no less, who resides in both worlds.’ The entity proceeded cautiously, lest it backfire; then it would have been for nothing.
‘A demon involved with a human? But how? You must tell me, it’s very important.’ Lady Enid was alarmed. I did ask, she reminded herself. Telling the truth was akin to the human game of Russian roulette; you would never quite know the outcome.
‘Not in the way you might imagine. Only so far as carrying out his duty,’ replied the entity.
‘Who is he and what duty involved his coming into contact with Rowanne?’
She’s more open-minded than people give her credit for, thought the entity. Taking a deep breath, she decided to trust Lady Enid. Whether it was a good idea or not remained to be seen, but she was the only person that she could truly talk to right now. Who else would entertain a spirit?
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