by D E Boske
“Shit!” he exclaimed. “What have I done?”
He remembered struggling with the Dark Magic as it threatened to overwhelm him and apparently, it succeeded. He remembered nothing more. He had no idea how long he’d been “out” either. The Dark Magic was consuming him at an alarming rate. There was no way to retrace his steps, as he had no memories after the meeting with the dragon. When he thought about what he’d learned, he became angry all over again, but quickly gained control over his emotions. He could not afford to lose control again.
He returned to the forest soon after he awoke and sought out Kyler. He was starving and wanted to have breakfast with the elf. Kyler opened the door and the look he gave the Mage let Darian know he’d done something incredibly stupid. Again.
“Darian! Where have you been? We’ve been so worried about you.”
“Sorry, Kyler. I… can we talk inside please?” asked the Mage.
“Of course. Kelindril and I have been up all night looking for you.”
“So, I’ve only been gone one day?” asked the Mage, confirming the elf’s worst fears.
“Yes. Darian, what happened?”
“I lost control of my temper and the Dark Magic took over. I can’t remember anything after I returned to my study. Where is Renlyss?” Something in Kyler’s eyes told Darian that something was gravely wrong.
“I think she left, Darian.”
“What? Why? What did I do?” asked the Mage softly.
“She said you terrified her. She said you were violent, that you threw everything from your desk, then became calm and composed. Then you opened a portal and left. Your ward repelled Kelindril and he couldn’t get to you. I came soon after you left and we went looking for you. I may have said some things to Renlyss that were a bit harsh, but she was making me angry.”
“Tell me, Kyler, please,” begged the Mage uncharacteristically.
“She told me she thought she was moving too fast with you and that you would never feel
the way she does about you. She said she didn’t really know you and that you don’t confide in her. She said all you do is have sex.” Darian’s eyes were clear, silvery grey, but they were sad.
“Why would she say that? I love our conversations, Kyler. We do have a lot of sex, though.”
“Yeah, I don’t think she’s really objecting to that, Darian. I told her she was just making up excuses to leave. I told her to go. Kelindril came by this morning to let me know that’s exactly what she did. She said she was going to visit her mother. She needed time to think. I’m sorry, Darian,” finished the elf. The Mage merely nodded.
“I guess it was too good to be true, Kyler. I’m starving, wanna’ get some breakfast?”
“Yeah, where do you want to go?”
“The Black Mare,” replied the Mage.
Kelindril, Nymdal, and Ronay sat at a table eating and talking. When the Mage entered, all talk ceased. Kelindril knocked over his chair, so forcefully did he stand up.
“Darian! Where have you been?” he asked, coming over immediately. The other Gor Li’
Khan wisely stayed in their seats.
“Kyler filled me in on what happened,” said the Mage softly. “I’m sorry, Kel. The meeting
did not go well and he told me something that enraged me. I lost control of my temper and the
Dark Magic overcame me. I don’t remember anything, so please don’t ask. I have no idea where
I went or what I did. I woke up in my tower with no recollection of going there.”
“May I ask what was said to trigger such a reaction?” asked the elven assassin, who had
the notion it must include Tynuviel.
“Please, sit with us and we can talk more. I’m starving,” said Darian, motioning to not only Kelindril, but Nymdal and Ronay as well.
Once they ordered, Darian began. “We talked of many things, the past, the present, and what path should be taken. Morphindinaetlus agrees that we should recover the book before going to Mogan Dar. He thinks doing anything else would be suicidal and I don’t disagree. I asked him whose idea it was to capture Tynuviel and he told me it was his idea, but the Dark Mage gave him the tools to succeed. I was so angry I couldn’t control my temper. I don’t know why I even asked. That was foolish of me. It just came out before I could stop myself. I guess it’s still a tender subject.”
“Darian, I’m glad you’re back and in one piece,” said Kelindril.
“I’m not an easy kill on my worst day, Kel, but I appreciate the sentiment,” said the Mage with a smile that did not touch his eyes.
Darian returned to his chamber to find Renlyss gone, as if she’d never been there. He wasn’t really surprised, but it stung just the same. He went to check on Kizziah because he didn’t want to be alone.
She opened the door and froze, as she never expected to see the handsome Mage again. “May I come in?” he asked, as he held out fresh cut flowers.
“Of course, Darian!” she exclaimed gleefully as she tugged him inside.
“I’m sorry I didn’t come by sooner. I meant to, but something always got in the way,” he lied. “How are you, Kizzi?”
“I’m better now that you’re here,” she smiled as she spoke.
“How are you feeling?”
“I feel good as new. Thank you, Darian, for all you’ve done for me,” she said softly. She wanted the Mage to take her in his arms again, but she didn’t think he would.
“Would you like a drink?” she asked, as she put the flowers in water.
“Yes please, unless you want me to go?” he left it as a question and wasn’t disappointed with her reaction.
“No! Sorry, no don’t go, Darian. I’ve missed you so much.” He crossed the room to her and
brought his lips to hers in a searing kiss. His tongue made it past her lips and she welcomed it. She leaned into him, remembering how good his body felt against hers.
Much later, she drifted off in his arms, completely content. He remained awake for some
time, unable to find rest. When she awoke in the morning, he was long gone.
11
Grey smoke boiled across the floor as the demon emerged from the darkness. The Demon Stone that decorated the Mage’s neck guaranteed the demon materializing close to Darian’s location whether the Mage summoned him or not.
“Mage,” greeted Sigorna.
“Demon,” greeted the Mage.
“I’m sorry about Renlyss, Darian,” said Sigorna.
“Yeah, me too. I’d rather have her leave now than later though. Maybe it’s for the best. It’s about to get really dangerous and anyone close to me will be a target.”
“That may be true, but you cannot do this alone, which means that some will die. You cannot be held responsible for every death associated with The Order.”
“I don’t intend to be,” said Darian, as he took a drink of Cryvellan brandy.
“Isn’t it a little early to be drinking?”
“What are you, my mother?”
“I could be your mother,” said the demon, laughing at the look the Mage gave him. “C’mon Darian, that dame’ll come around.”
“That’s not what I’m upset about, though I know I should be,” the Mage admitted.
“Then what?” asked Sigorna.
“I went to see Morphindinaetlus yesterday. I needed to make contact and make sure the link was working properly.”
“How did that go?” asked the demon skeptically.
“About as well as you’d think. Then I start blurting shit out of my mouth that I never meant to ask aloud. I’ve never done that before and it’s very disconcerting.”
“Elaborate,” said Sigorna, more curious than he’d ever been.
“I asked whose idea it was to kidnap Tynuviel,” said the Mage, as he put his hand over his face. Sigorna wasn’t sure if it was because the Mage was ashamed of the admission or if it was because he couldn’t face the truth. Maybe a little of both?
“What did he say?
” asked Sigorna, thinking that either way, they were pretty much the same.
“He said it was his idea, but the Dark Mage gave him what he needed to get it done.”
“The bracers,” concluded the demon. “Well, we thought as much. Then what happened?”
“I went crazy, that’s what! I severed the connection so violently that I slammed back into my body hard enough to nearly knock me out of my seat. I destroyed everything in my study and then…” the Mage paused as he put his head down. He took another long drink and the demon didn’t prod him. He could tell something was bothering the young Mage. Sigorna had never seen him looking so upset, except for the kidnapping of Tynuviel.
Darian took another extensive drink of the strong liquid and said so softly, “The Dark Magic overcame me again. I felt myself losing my grip on reality. My anger only fueled the darkness swirling inside of me. I fought as long and as hard as I could, but in the end, I lost the battle.”
“It’s okay, Darian. Everyone loses control every now and then. It’s nothing to be ashamed of,” said Sigorna, trying to soothe the Mage.
“You don’t understand,” said the Mage in a tortured voice. “I lost myself last night. I have no recollection of what I did or where I went. That’s why Renlyss left. Because of what she saw. She doesn’t want to be with me and I don’t blame her. I don’t even know who I am anymore. Were you able to see anything?”
“No, you must have blocked me. I didn’t see anything until yesterday morning when you returned. That’s how I knew about Renlyss. Did you come back here after…?” asked Sigorna.
“No, I woke up in my tower with no memory of how I got there. It’s happening more frequently and I don’t know how to stop it.”
“You know how to stop it, Darian. We need to get moving and quickly, before we lose you
completely. And that’s something I will not tolerate,” said the demon in a biting tone.
“We have almost everything we need. Kyler and Asa will be gone for a few days as they complete their rounds, ensuring there are no weak spots in the barrier. We will leave upon their return, which means I need to talk to the Mages and find out if any are willing to accompany me.”
“What do you mean, if they’re willing? Command them, Mage and don’t put up with their petty bullshit! You need to show them that you’re in charge. Make them fear you and what you will do should they fail you,” said the demon, pounding his fist into his other clawed hand.
“I want them to help me willingly, demon.”
“Screw that!” Said the demon. “C’mon,” urged Sigorna.
“Where are we going?”
“We’re going to go tell these weak, Vazaalhen Shila Ti’ Ho’s who’s in charge and then make them tag along,” said the demon, helping the Mage to his feet. Sigorna didn’t know how long Darian’d been drinking before he arrived, but the Mage did not look the worse for it. He
looked strong and powerful as he always did.
“Did you just use the Shivvendar and Elvish languages to call them effen assholes?” asked Darian, shaking his head and laughing.
“Your acknowledgment of the implication is as relevant as the association,” replied the demon with a grin.
“Ah Falahari, subtle as ever,” said Darian, amused.
“If the Shryvven fits,” said the demon and Darian chuckled.
Sigorna opened the door to find Kelindril and Nymdal. “C’mon boys, you won’t want to miss this,” said the demon with a smile.
The demon took the lead with Darian and Kelindril behind him and Nymdal bringing up the rear. The demon pounded on Betremen’s door. When the Mage opened it, he went white as a sheet.
“What’s the meaning of this?” he asked, trying to regain his composure.
“We’re having a meeting, now,” advised the demon. He turned on his heel and walked to each Mage, commanding they appear. He didn’t wait for a response; he just assumed they wouldn’t be stupid enough to refuse. He led them all to Aganor who was the only one who did not show any fear. However, he was more than curious as to why all the Mages were present.
“Please, come in,” said Aganor.
Sigorna began without preamble. “As you know, Darian and I will be leaving soon to recover an artifact of great import. The journey will be dangerous to be sure, but it will also be the stuff of legend. Songs will be written about this quest and those who are in attendance will gain notoriety, fortune and pussy. For women love a man who is a hero. You all like women, don’t you?” At their nods and shouts of approval, Sigorna continued.
“We have need of only the strongest and surest of Mages. No cowards or weaklings allowed, for we do intend to return. Who among you will accompany us?”
“He needs you to do his dirty work?” asked a voice from the back. Darian knew it was Alvos keeping up appearances. But the demon didn’t know that.
“He deserves respect and respect you shall give him!” roared the demon, as he stomped his huge foot on the walkway. The room trembled with the force of it.
“And what are you going to do if we don’t, huh demon?” asked the same voice.
Okay, now you’re taking it too far, Alvos, thought Darian. The demon will eat you.
“What will I do? I will rip of your head, fuck you in the ass and feed you to my pet. Not necessarily in that order. But don’t worry about what I’ll do to you. Worry about what Darian will do to you. He is your Shangmarrum, lest you forget. He did not ask me to represent him; I do so out of respect. We have a history together, as I know all of you do too. Where ours has been profitable for both of us, yours is full of jealousy and rage, as you plot how to be rid of him. How stupid and foolish are you? He is the only one who can defeat the Dark Mage and restore The Order to its former glory!”
“I stand with Darian!” exclaimed Aganor.
“Of course, you do, Aganor. He’s always been your favorite,” said Alvos, sneering. “I will go along as well, but for very different reasons. I want to be there to see that dimwit fail.”
“I would come too,” said Betremen and Darian frowned.
“I said no sissies!” Exclaimed Sigorna. “We want to make it back in one piece, Betremen.”
“I am an accomplished Mage and I would be an asset on this trip,” argued Betremen.
“If I allow you to come along, you will stop questioning me and second guessing my decisions. I am tired of it. Although I always welcome your thoughts and opinions, I will not sanction you treating me like an idiot again,” said Darian.
“Permit me to prove my fealty, Darian,” said Betremen. “You won’t regret it.”
“See that I don’t,” replied the young Mage, his cold grey eyes locking with Betremen.
“I will accompany you, Darian,” added Declan. Darian was pleased, but did not show it. Declan was from his own order, strong and accomplished.
“I would be happy to have you, Declan.”
“Darian, I believe I speak for the three of us when I say, Hell Yeah! We’re in!” yelled Thimkur as he, Heshen, and Graynor stepped forward to join the others. Darian could not keep his grin to himself. This was better than he’d hoped. All the Mages he’d wanted were coming. He had to put up with Betremen, but if he kept to his promise, Darian could work with him.
“When do we leave, Darian?” asked Aganor.
“Upon Kyler’s return.”
“Where did he go?” asked Aganor.
“He and Asa went to fortify the border.”
“Darian, is there anything special you need us to bring along?” asked Thimkur.
“Just your brilliance and strength,” said the young Mage with a smile. Thimkur clasped Darian’s hand and brought it to his chest.
“I have long awaited the day that you would take over The Order. Whatever you need, you will have it. I pledge my life and all that I have in service to you,” he said as he went down on his left knee, still holding Darian’s hand. A joke was on Darian’s lips, but this was a pivotal moment and he couldn’t ruin it. He nee
ded to show strength and power to bend them all to his will.
“Rise, Thimkur. I accept your gracious offer and I look forward to working with you.”
“Darian, I cannot follow that with anything worthwhile except to say that I would gladly
die in service to you. I have long recognized your worth and I am glad that we are on the same side,” said Graynor, as he too went to his left knee pledging his fealty. Darian took it all in stride as each Mage that was coming, pledged their allegiance.
He made it back to his chamber late that night as they all went out to get drinks and talk about the best road to take. Sigorna dissipated into grey smoke, but not before shooting the Mage a triumphant grin.
“Thank you, Falahari. I could not have done this without you.”
“Oh, you could have, it just wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun.” Darian waited until he was gone and blocked him out. He was exhausted and he needed rest. He didn’t know what the hell he’d been up to in his absence, but whatever it was, he felt drained.
He was just about to get undressed, when he heard a knock on the door. He groaned inwardly, because all he wanted was rest. He opened the door to find beautiful, captivating Nephraete in his doorway. She smelled incredible and he grew instantly aroused, forgetting about rest altogether.
“Darian, can we talk, please?” she looked upset. No, that wasn’t right. Not upset, but…
“Of course, come in,” he replied.
“I’m sorry, I know it’s late, but I had to see you,” she said, her face flushed.
“What is it, little seer?” he asked, as he felt his body respond to her nearness.
“I can’t stop thinking about you. All those stolen kisses. My lips still burn with the memory of them.”
“Nephraete, what’s wrong with you?” asked Darian. “Are you feeling okay?”
“Darian, sorry to interrupt…” began Kelindril, as he walked in without knocking. What happened next stunned everyone in the room.
“Get out!” commanded the tiny seer. “How dare you barge your way into his chamber without so much as a knock? I have matters of great import to discuss with the Mage and cannot be disturbed!” Nephraete stared down the elven assassin who never even looked at Darian to see if he was in agreement, he merely turned around and left, leaving them alone.
