Demon World

by Balvir Bhullar

  Amanda looked at him blankly, and before she could ask him what he had meant, the room began to grow dark. Fear consumed her as his face slowly disappeared, and the last thing she saw were his disembodied eyes that grew intense and more luminous; drawing her in until there was nothing left, and then, mercifully, her brain shut down.

  Driskell waited until he was satisfied that Amanda was under his enchantment. She fell straight into his waiting arms, and he caught her easily. He helped her to gently sit in a chair.

  He pulled up a chair and sat before her. ‘Amanda, wake up,’ his voice was weary. Her eyes slowly opened and she looked about her in a confused manner. Slowly she focused on him, panic in her eyes. Interesting... she’s stronger than I gave her credit for, thought Driskell.

  Amanda could not break free from the trance he had weaved, or from his hypnotic eyes. He was trying to compel the information from her mind by his insincere smile and soft voice; she was not fooled by it, though.

  ‘Amanda, I think you know what’s happening. Nod your head if you can understand me,’ she nodded. ‘Good. Now who is the man in this picture, and what is your connection to him?’ Driskell held up the photo he had taken from her, and pointed to the man standing next to the woman.

  Amanda wanted to lie... Do not think of the family, she repeated to herself. ‘I don’t know who he is. I’ve never seen him before,’ she replied, trying to look the picture of innocence.

  ‘Enlighten me as to who “the Family” are?’ he asked, smiling radiantly as if he’d just won first prize.

  I don’t like that demented grin of his, thought Amanda. Her eyes travelled upwards absently, noticing that his long red hair had started to come loose from its braid, little bits of it sticking out at odd angles, generally adding to his manic look.

  ‘I am pleased that you have finally noticed me and that I am to your liking. But we should really stick to the question at hand.’

  Amanda glared at him, and then smiled sweetly, ‘I was just contemplating what I’ll do once this enthrallment ends. The good Chief Inspector, I think, is perhaps a little delusional himself and has overestimated his abilities.’ She knew it was stupid to provoke him, but somebody had to knock him off that pedestal! Who the hell does he think he is?

  Driskell suddenly went still, his eyes flashing dangerously before he burst out laughing. He could not remember the last time someone had challenged him; and from such a precarious position. ‘Touché,’ said Driskell, recalling his earlier demeaning remark.

  ‘Well, it’s good that you can acknowledge your mistakes, there may yet be help for you to become a decent person,’ then again, she was being forced to answer his questions. Looking directly into his eyes, she said archly, ‘On second thoughts, perhaps not.’

  ‘How is it that you can compliment me and tear me down in a single breath?’ he asked, looking at her with a wicked gleam in his eyes.

  Amanda matched him with a saccharine look of her own, and replied, ‘It’s a gift, what can I say?’

  ‘I haven’t actually got the time to be playing these games with you, as much as I’d like to. So, one more time, who is this man, and who are “the Family”? If you choose not to cooperate, then I will be forced to bring in Ms Knight for questioning in relation to the missing security guard. I’m sure I can find evidence linking her to his disappearance. And once this information is released to the press, you will not be able to stop the story and investigation from gaining momentum; to Ms Knight’s detriment.’

  Amanda was enraged, ‘You complete-’

  ‘Now now, you know I don’t like such language. Just answer the question. I do actually have other commitments, and I’m already running late.’

  ‘Do you know what? I can’t understand you. One minute you’re trying to kill me, the next threatening the people closest to me, and then again, you save me... It’s like you have a split personality.’

  Driskell’s eyes flashed in anger, his smile bitter, ‘Don’t presume to know me... or to think I actually have a soft spot for you; that would be a grave mistake on your part.’

  Amanda wanted to scream her frustration. She would dearly like a rematch with this maniac.

  Driskell raised an eyebrow at her remark, ‘Don’t worry, we will, later...’ he replied softly, with a devious smile.

  Amanda kicked out hard despite the magic, and for a second, Driskell looked alarmed. Good. It’s nice to know he’s human in some respects.

  ‘Do not insult me by using that term, again,’ he said contemptuously.

  ‘Perhaps you should kill me, then! After all, I’m half human.’ Amanda was desperate to hide her family’s identity, including her great-grand-uncle.

  Driskell got up sharply, pushing his chair back. He stood before her so that she was forced to look up at him; he could tell that she detested this. With a snap of his fingers, the magic vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

  Amanda was confused. Suddenly she found that she could think clearly, and more importantly, move as well. She quickly stood up, facing the man before her, ready to fight for her life if need be.

  ‘By the way, you are entirely too cavalier with your life; always ready to throw it away... And don’t insult me by thinking that I care for demons or humans, either way. I do that which serves my interests, and for the moment, I need you close to me.’

  Amanda looked at him with a disgusted expression, and asked, ‘What am I to you, Chief Inspector?’

  ‘Leverage. I’m sure there’ll be some powerful people looking for you; so much the better for me if they find you, don’t you agree?’ he asked acerbically. There was a dark look in his eyes, ‘Please, do me the courtesy of sitting down,’ he gestured to the couch.

  Amanda thought he really must be crazy, and wondered whether he ever tired from his mood swings; it was certainly wearing her out. If she stayed in his company for too long; she’d end up an emotional wreck. She finally settled into the couch, not too sure of where this was all leading to, and felt dread in the pit of her stomach.

  She stiffened as Driskell sat next to her; she was on edge.

  ‘This man is your great-grand-uncle,’ he stated. Her eyes widened in horror of him reading her mind, realising she’d let slip vital information.

  No! thought Amanda. I’m dead... everyone’s dead! She never truly got emotional, but tears gathered at the edge of her eyes. She didn’t want her traitorous tears to make her look weak; especially in front of her enemy.

  Driskell unexpectedly produced a handkerchief of silk and passed it to her; much to her mistrust. He laughed softly, ‘Is that what we are? Well, at least you think of me, that’s something I suppose.’

  Amanda wanted to turn her back to him to wipe away her tears, but you never turn your back on a snake. She sullenly dabbed at her eyes, never breaking contact with him, so that she was forced to look into the sparkling eyes of her adversary. He looked world weary, not that she cared, and some of his bravado had seemed to slip. He seemed like a man. Just a man. Yeah right, thought the cynical, and therefore the wisest, part of her. Don’t be fooled.

  Driskell thought that she was quite adept at coming up with adjectives to portray him. They were at opposite ends of the spectrum. It would do for a start, but he planned on bridging the distance... not that she’d like it.

  Amanda wished that she could block out his thoughts as effectively as covering her ears would surely muffle his voice. To her mortification, he laughed as if he had heard her.

  ‘What do you plan on doing with the information?’ she asked sharply.

  ‘So, Elisedd is your great-grand-uncle! Then... that makes you a Knight?!’ asked Driskell in wonder, completely ignoring her question.

  ‘Like Arthur, you mean?’ asked Amanda, trying to deter him. He narrowed his eyes, and she could tell by the look on his face that he was hell-bent on getting the information out of her. With a sigh, she replied, ‘Fine. Yes, I’m a Knight. But how do you know my great-grand-uncle?’ she asked. After all, she had questio
ns of her own.

  Driskell’s face lost some of its colour at her confirmation. He could not believe it... He felt like a man drowning on the ocean of his past. He knew one day he’d have to face his demons... That’s funny, he thought, and started laughing hysterically.

  Amanda worried that he had finally snapped. What was wrong with him? She ran to a room she assumed was the kitchen, and thankfully she was right. She brought back a cup of water for him, hating to be this close to his demented proximity; but she needed him somewhat coherent to find out exactly how much he knew.

  Driskell abruptly stopped, and looked suspiciously at the cup before taking it, inadvertently touching her hand in the process. She jumped back in alarm, which amused him to no end. He kept his eyes on her while he drank.

  That’s just plain weird, she thought. Although, I shouldn’t have overreacted. Even so, she dearly wanted to wipe her hand, and barely managed to refrain from doing so. I’m acting a little nutty myself... what’s wrong with me?

  ‘Don’t worry, it’s not poisoned. I leave that Machiavellian crap to you oh so special Nobles,’ said Amanda blithely.

  Driskell laughed so hard, he thought his sides would split. ‘Where have you been all my life, my flaxen haired lady?’ he asked archly.

  Amanda regarded him coolly, ‘For one thing, in your dreams,’ You complete nutter, she thought sweetly. ‘Secondly, does that line actually work? No, don’t tell me, you alter it accordingly.’

  He smiled broadly, ‘Back to your great-grand-uncle,’ he said abruptly.

  Amanda nearly got whiplash from how fast he’d switched topics. ‘What was he to you?’ she asked sincerely.

  ‘How long do you have?’ he replied seriously.

  ‘Well, I was about to leave but since you’ve asked so politely, I think I’ll stay awhile longer.’

  ‘Get comfortable. Where to start... So, you’re a Knight. Remarkable,’ he said, getting distracted again. Suddenly another piece of the puzzle fell into place for him with a loud resounding thud, like an echo long forgotten carried back on the winds of time. ‘Knight!’ he said sharply, causing Amanda to jump in alarm.

  He could not believe he had been so dim-witted. All this time he’d had the answers right under his nose, but his mind had refused to join the dots. He had wondered why Rowanne’s surname had stirred something within him; something dark and long buried, but never forgotten.

  Amanda felt like she needed to be wearing a seat belt whenever she was around him; she could never be at ease in his presence. She felt on edge, especially since she knew what she had to do... I may have to face the wrath of the courts, but so be it. If he knows too much, then I can’t let him endanger us all...

  Driskell chose to pointedly ignore her childlike threats. After all, there was a line of people who would dearly love to finish him off. ‘Is that why I always find you hovering at Ms Rowanne Knight’s,’ he emphasised; knowing his point wasn’t lost on her, ‘side? I thought it quite unfortunate that you always seemed to turn up at the wrong place and time...’

  ‘That’s your opinion. But I don’t think Rowanne would see it in quite the same light.’

  Driskell looked at her steadily, and came to another realisation - he was on top form tonight. ‘I take it Ms Knight is unaware of your connection, or your true identity?’ he asked rhetorically. ‘Don’t answer, that look is enough.’ He had a lot to consider.

  Amanda knew that the time was drawing near to end this, especially at the alarming rate at which he was gathering information; he’d have the complete picture before dawn broke.

  Driskell gave her a look of mild annoyance; she seemed to be obsessed with the transience of his life.

  Amanda looked at him steadily. I have to. I can do this... What other choice do I have? If he lives, they die, she thought. But then, why was she stalling if it was really the right thing to do…?

  Driskell looked at her solemnly, having made his mind up. ‘There’s nothing for it, then, I suppose. There’s really only one option left to me... The two of you will now be under my protection. Great, this is getting better and better,’ he said in an aggravated tone, less than pleased with the task ahead.

  Amanda’s jaw dropped, flabbergasted. This was the last thing she’d expected him to say. She narrowed her eyes, disbelieving of what she had just heard.

  She was about to question him further when a knock on the door made them both jump. He swivelled his head around quickly, and turning to Amanda, he placed a finger on his lips to indicate she shouldn’t make a noise.

  The knocking became louder, and deciding that it was too late to do anything else, he scooted closer to Amanda, who was about to protest loudly, but he quickly covered her mouth with his hand to mute her insults.

  Driskell quickly whispered, ‘Look, you need to go now. Trust me when I say, you do not want to go a second round with the lady on the other side of the door.’

  So, it’s her, Lady Blaze. Lady my foot. And actually I wouldn’t mind going a second round; or a third for that matter. She won’t find me quite so easy a target when I’m on guard and standing before her...

  ‘If I remove my hand, you won’t make a sound, right?’ asked Driskell quietly, trying hard to keep a straight face. He was sure that this time, Amanda would emerge the victor. She nodded, and he tentatively removed his hand.

  She was about to whisper that he certainly had a lot of explaining to do, when suddenly, he leaned in close and smiled wickedly, causing her mind to go blank. This close, she could see his eyes swirling a beautiful shade of malachite.

  ‘See you later, my Scythian warrior,’ whispered Driskell. Her eyes inflamed, and before she had time to react, he pulled her upright. Opening a portal, he quickly propelled her through it unceremoniously, and then closed it.

  With a smile on his face and a spring in his step, he walked slowly for his amusement; much to the annoyance of the Noble he was about to entertain. He opened the door, ‘Lady Blaze, you do me the honour of visiting my home.’

  She looked at him condescendingly, ‘I was expecting you at my place more than an hour ago. I do not like to be kept waiting. I thought I’d come pay you a visit, to find out exactly what was so important that it kept you from your duty,’ she smiled beguilingly while her eyes studied everything carefully, not missing a single thing.

  ‘You seem to be my lady Morning Star’s companion these days,’ said Driskell calculatedly. ‘Please, this way my lady,’ he said in his most charming voice. She obliged him by sitting on the couch, and then had the audacity to sneer at her surroundings. What was it with these women? Be they demon or half demon, and not forgetting the all important humans, they all had more in common then they’d care to admit; for one thing, they loathed his choice of furnishings. And secondly, and most importantly, they were united in their hatred of him. I’m a giver, what can I say? Just doing my civic duty, just ask any Demon World citizen... he thought, coldly. He felt a warm glow inside that left him hollow much like his existence.

  ‘I’m merely helping her,’ Evelyn replied. ‘You know how hard it was for her when she lost Lillian.’ She deliberately brought up the one topic designed to cause him pain as well as enrage him. She liked the look of pain he wore. Raw. Naked, for the whole world to see. She looked at him dispassionately, ‘Are you okay, Driskell? You seem pale, what’s the matter? Was it something I said...?’ she added. She was vindictive, and she knew it. But so what? This was but one of her few pleasures in life.

  ‘No, my lady.’ How he hated these Nobles. The women were more vicious than the men; cold and merciless. But then again, that’s probably what they call me, he laughed darkly, and saw the first twitch of annoyance on Lady Blaze’s face.

  There was a time when she was just Evelyn, and he, Dewain; two friends, no titles. He realised just how naive he had been growing up.

  ‘Yes, you were the one that was always there for her.’ The emphasis, he noted, was wasted on Evelyn.

  ‘Yes, well, she had a lot to deal with.
.. And I felt it only right that a fellow Noble be the one to help her. Who else could understand her predicament, especially as our families are so close.’

  ‘Third in line,’ close, but not too close. Almost within reach, her fingertips brush The Crown. She looked sharply in his direction, but it only added to his dark delight.

  ‘I beg your pardon?’ her voice was low and insidious.

  ‘I was just saying how close the two of you have become.’ He watched her eyes regard him like an insect that may need to be crushed; especially if he escaped her web.

  ‘Lillian was my best friend... it killed me to lose her.’ She showed signs of sadness as the tears painfully leaked out of the side of her sparkling eyes, and some even hung on her eyelashes; a beautiful testament to her loss.

  Driskell came closer, ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it.’ He felt remorse for having hurt her.

  Evelyn sensed his feelings, ‘We were friends once, before all of this,’ she waved her hands to encompass her title, the ranks of their world, and lastly, the things that drew them apart. She looked around carefully.

  ‘What is it, my lady?’ asked Driskell. She appeared nervous, and hesitant to speak.

  ‘Stop calling me, that! Leave it for the Courts of Demon World. Here, I’m just Evelyn to you. And you’re just Dewain. Let’s drop the pretence,’ she said, and gave him a real smile. Tentative at first, but as she watched him relax, it broadened. Evelyn debated internally for a moment then became serious. ‘I have long wanted to discuss a matter dear to both our hearts, but I was afraid to bring it up in case... I didn’t have your support.’ She looked at him wearily, less like a noble woman and more like the girl he had known long ago.

  ‘You know, you could have told me anything. You can trust me now with whatever you have to say.’ He sat opposite to her; as was proper, but she indicated that he should join her, and so he did, and she gently held his hand.

  ‘I have always wanted to find the demon, be it Noble or lesser, who destroyed her. I get into a rage whenever I think about it. I shouldn’t be saying this, but do you have any idea how many nights I put Lady Enid to sleep, only to find a wet pillow in the morning.’ She crushed his hand at the painful memory.