by D E Boske
“Have you lost your mind?!” Kelindril was irate and the Mage had been expecting this.
“Kel, I will wrap them in layers of magic similar to what I myself am,” explained Darian.
“Why not exactly? I’ve heard the demon say how closely you’re guarded by your wards and protective spells.”
“Because much of them are for Mages only and tied to my magic, which they do not have. Shivvendari magic, that is,” clarified Darian as he saw the elf was about to object.
“What will you do, Mage, if something happens to them? I’m sorry, it is my job to protect them as much as it is to protect you and you’re making it extremely difficult. How can I guarantee their safety, Darian?” Darian saw that the elf was really concerned and it touched him deeply.
“Between the two of us, I’d say they should be safe, wouldn’t you?” asked the Mage.
“I’d like to double the guards going with us. I’d like to add at least fifty more Gor Li’ Khan.”
“Dalyn has made it to the Haunted Lands and back safely before,” Darian began. “Do you
know how? He is but one and was able to slip past whatever’s guarding the land. The more we
bring, the greater the risk of discovery,” said Darian.
“We can use our innate abilities,” argued Kelindril.
“We don’t even know if they work against those that protect that land. We must restrict the number to guarantee success,” Darian argued back.
“Replace a portion with Gor Li’ Khan, then,” tried Kelindril.
“I will take it under advisement, but I make no promises. Most of those coming have a specific skill that I need, Kelindril. I understand your concerns but on this, you will do as I say.”
Kelindril was frustrated with the Mage’s lack of concern for his own safety. How could he be so damn blithe? With everything they’d encountered on their journey to Kaleika Bay, Kelindril would think that the Mage would go along with his suggestions. He oversaw Darian’s security and the Gor Li’ Khan leader took his job seriously. Darian was his friend and the elf didn’t want anything to happen to him. Kelindril was afraid that if Darian died, he would revert to his wicked ways. He wasn’t sure that Kylee would be enough to keep him from backsliding.
A pleasant fragrance filled the bathroom as the Mage began to wash his body and hair. It was a more masculine scent and the elf knew that women liked it. He’d heard more than one woman comment on the scent that Darian used. It seemed to drive them to distraction.
Once out of the bath, the Mage preened in front of the floor length mirror and Kelindril just shook his head. The Mage’s appearance was extremely important to him and he spent quality time taking care of himself.
“Let’s get something to eat, I’m starving,” said Darian, as he finished up his hair.
“I’ll have it brought in. I’m assuming you want to keep an eye on Renlyss?” asked Kelindril.
“I do. Please ask Kylee to join us,” said Darian and the elf nodded.
Kelindril went to pick up Kylee and smiled in anticipation. He stopped to pick up flowers and knocked on her door, hoping she was awake. They hadn’t planned anything for today and he hoped she’d be available and that she’d want to see him again. She opened the door and when she saw him standing there, a smile erupted on her beautiful face.
“Kel! Good morning,” she said, embracing him and kissing him on the cheek.
“Good morning, Kylee,” he said almost shyly, handing her the bouquet.
“C’mon in,” she held the door for him and he stepped inside.
“Darian would like you to join us for breakfast,” he said, holding out his arm.
“Oh ok, let me put these in water and I’ll be right back,” she squeezed his hand and took care of the flowers, as he watched her elegant form moving about the room.
His mind drifted to her cries of pleasure the other night and he grew distracted. He wanted to make love to her again. He’d never wanted a woman this much and though it frightened him, it also filled him with hope and purpose.
“I’m ready, Kel.” Her soft voice brought his attention back to the present and she slipped her delicate hand in his.
They returned to Darian’s room and Kel opened the door and took Kylee’s hand and brought it to his lips. The other Gor Li’ Khan wisely kept silent. Whatever was happening with Kelindril, they didn’t want to hinder his progress. They’d never seen him happy before nor had they seen him with a woman.
“Good morning, Kylee. Thank you for graciously accepting my invitation,” said Darian, as he strode into the room looking confident and sexy. His smile was radiant and he was so damn good looking that her heart clenched at the sight of him.
“Good morning, Darian. Thank you for having me over,” she replied.
“It’s my pleasure, Kylee.”
Kylee noticed the Mage was being unusually quiet, making sure to keep his voice low and soft. Her questioning gaze made the Mage smile and he looked in the direction of his bedroom.
“Renlyss is still resting,” he explained.
“Oh, is she ill? I’ll check on her,” she began, but the Mage stopped her.
“She’s fine, thank you, Kylee. She is pregnant and needs her rest,” said the Mage quietly as he held a finger to his luscious looking lips.
Kylee had no idea how to respond to that. Even though she was with Kelindril and she didn’t want Darian, she felt crushed just the same. For long moments she couldn’t draw breath. The admission stupefied her and she just stared blankly until Kel touched her shoulder. She came back to herself quickly and looked up at him with a smile.
“Darian, that’s good news! Congratulations!” she said enthusiastically.
“Thank you. Tell no one of this news. I think it best that as few know as possible, what with the Dark Mage snooping about. I trust you, Kylee. I’ve known you for years. Please don’t betray that trust,” said Darian.
He embraced her and she had to remind herself that she didn’t want him. He smelled so damn good and she just wanted a taste… but she saw that he wasn’t even interested. He wasn’t even attempting to seduce her.
Shit! He’s in love with Renlyss ! She thought. She never imagined he’d fall for another woman. After Tynuviel’s dismissal of him, they’d both been a wreck. Though Darian hid it well, Kylee knew it had cut him deep. She had no idea that he’d been seeing Renlyss either. Darian was secretive so she wasn’t surprised. Renlyss was strong and beautiful, a compliment to him.
“Let’s eat, I’m starving,” Darian said.
Kelindril held the chair for Kylee and Nym watched the display with a grin. If Kel could
change, then the rest of them could too. Kelindril was as bloodthirsty as they came and Nym
didn’t think he’d ever see him with a woman and yet, here he was.
Darian had changed each of them without even trying to or so it seemed. The Mage had some disarming quality about him even as he was deadly, putting you at ease and drawing you near for the kill. And you went willingly. Even now, Nym could feel the desire to be who the Mage wanted him to be. He didn’t want to let Darian down and he strived to be the kind of elf the Mage could respect.
Darian piled eggs, bacon, fresh baked bread, and potatoes onto his plate. He hadn’t lied when he said he was hungry. He began to eat and didn’t speak much until he finished his first helping.
Upon fixing another plate, he relaxed and joined in the conversation. “Kylee, I’d like to get together with you and go over some ideas for spells and possible components. Kel, you’d be an invaluable resource for me as you know this land well. We may have questions that only the Gor Li’ Khan can answer.”
“Of course, Darian. Whatever you need,” Kylee responded, looking to Kel who merely nodded.
“What did you have in mind?” she asked and the conversation flowed from there.
Gone was the playful flirting that had always accompanied their conversations. Darian didn’t even glance at her partially exposed b
reasts as her low-cut dress shifted with her to expose the full roundness of her cleavage. His eyes never strayed from her face and Kelindril was shocked. He knew Darian was in love with Renlyss but didn’t think that would stop his wayward glances.
Renlyss woke a few hours later and the Mage doted lovingly on her. He made sure she had a fresh, hot meal and plenty of water. He wouldn’t allow her to imbibe any alcohol but she didn’t want to anyway. She wanted this baby and she would do everything she could to ensure it was healthy. She smiled at him sleepily and put her head on his shoulder. He held her as he and Kylee continued to discuss ideas and Renlyss listened intently.
“That won’t work, Kylee. Blisswood doesn’t react violently with dandelion nectar,” said Renlyss, taking a healthy drink of water.
“Can I have some milk, please?” she asked and Brandiel was quick to assist, pouring a glass and handing it to her.
“Thank you,” she said and the elf nodded, stepping back.
“Oh, you’re right!” exclaimed Kylee. “I was thinking of Blister root. How did I get those two confused?” she asked, clucking her tongue in mock disgust. Kel wrapped his right arm around her and gently squeezed her shoulder as he kissed her forehead.
“Don’t beat yourself up, Kylee. Their properties are almost identical and easily confused,”
said Renlyss graciously.
“I wanted to say congratulations, Renlyss! I’m so happy for you both. You look good together,” said Kylee, wisely not mentioning the pregnancy.
“Thank you, Kylee,” Renlyss responded, smile radiant.
By the end of the day, Darian had a generous list to begin working on if Renlyss was up to it. If not, he would begin working with Kylee and Lorin. On a whim, Darian called the demon to his side and sent him to look for Lorin. He hadn’t seen the mage in days and it was unlike the steadfast elf to remain absent.
Sigorna sniffed the air and followed the foul trail. Something dark had been here recently. Darkness stained the once beautiful land, oozing like blackened puss from a diseased wound across the landscape.
It took the demon long moments to decipher the trail because the heavy feeling was coming from everywhere and nowhere. He stood silent for a long time, becoming comfortable with the land and its feel.
Of a sudden, he took off toward the trees that separated the elves from the human towns. The feeling of dread increased the closer he came. He’d need to be careful now, if any humans spotted him, he’d have a difficult time of it.
A small group of Darian’s Gor Li’ Khan flanked the demon and readied themselves for the worst. The air was humid and moist, heavy with the promise of rain. A foul wind picked up, sweeping the stench of death and decay the demon’s way and he inhaled it deeply.
“Smells like home,” he grinned and sprinted off, following the scent into the trees.
The elves ran after him, swords drawn, expecting mayhem. The forest, once light and fragrant, had now taken on an oppressive, evil feeling. The heavens opened, lightning raced across the sky and heavy rain pelted anything exposed to the elements.
Lightning struck a nearby tree, severing its life link with the soil. The tree split in half, the resounding crack deafening, as it tumbled to the earth. The impact sent vibrations rocketing through the ground, throwing the elves off balance and aiding the enemy.
The smell of sulfur was sharp and heavy in the air as a dark light limned several forms fighting to be first through the portal that opened to their right. A massive, winged form knocked the smaller creatures sprawling, its huge form tearing through the doorway of the damned and into their midst.
The Falahari demon tossed its head back and screamed a victory cry that curdled the elves’ blood. Sigorna didn’t waste any time and attacked the Falahari immediately. Sigorna was bigger, stronger, and had an advantage. He was tied to a Mage of The Order. Darian would feel everything through the Demon Stone and quickly respond.
The Falahari saw the larger demon step forward and spun out of the way, impaling an elf in the process. The ground was still reverberating from the impact of the fallen tree and the Gor Li’ Khan were just regaining their footing. The demon licked the blood from its claws and grinned. The other Gor Li’ Khan used their innate abilities and blended into their surroundings but not before another elf was ripped apart. There were just too many of the wicked beasts for so small a group. Sigorna reached out to Darian through the Demon Stone, his warning dire and the Mage reacted quickly.
Darian stood up so fast he knocked his chair back and Kelindril began ordering the Gor Li’ Khan to assemble. The Mage opened a portal and began ushering the elves through, leaving Renlyss and Kylee behind. He hastily closed the portal so that they couldn’t attempt to join them. He would not take a chance with his consort and unborn child.
Darian brought his staff to bear and simultaneously ordered Sigorna to bring demons through the Death Portal. Sigorna smirked as he was already doing just that. A portal opened close to Sigorna and hundreds of demons answered his call. Sigorna was huge and powerful and the smaller Falahari knew its quest was doomed.
The Staff of Power glowed brightly as Darian commanded it to life. The Falahari’s hungry gaze fell over the staff and Darian made sure he got a good look. The Mage called on the Weave and sent the full force of magic hurtling into the Falahari and its demon horde. The Falahari wasn’t expecting such brute force in a magical attack and fell backward, losing its balance. The Gor Li’ Khan surrounded him, hacking and slashing until only bloody pulp remained. Oily smoke swirled around the heap of flesh sending it back to Oblivion.
The furious elves turned their attention to the largest adversary with the same results. An obscenely loud siren went off and Kelindril looked to Darian immediately, as the blood in his veins turned to ice. The siren was a dire warning that something had attempted an attack on the Mage, but Darian’s wards and shield protected him. The Gor Li’ Khan leader had no idea what had done so, but the waves of raw power emanating from the Mage had those closest to him clutching their heads and one even bent over vomiting.
A Dark Wave of Power tore through the trees, crashing into the exposed elves and tearing them to shreds. Kelindril was horrified by the slaughter and how easy it had been to take out the expert killers. Blood spattered everything within fifty feet of the blast in all directions, painting the forest in elven blood.
The carnage and the loss of elves pissed Darian off. He’d need to better protect them in the future but wasn’t sure how to go about doing so. Despite the massacre, he was glad that so many followed him through the portal.
Brandiel danced through the crowd of demons, hacking and slashing, his blades spatter-
ing the leaves and the ground with black blood. Of a sudden, three large Glundorn demons surrounded him, displaying their wicked claws and grinning. He attacked the closest one, then ducked as it swiped at his head, sheathing his sword in the same movement. He bent backward until his palms were flat on the ground, then pivoted to the right, bringing his left leg across his body to land in the Glundorn’s midsection, knocking it back.
Nym was there, keeping them at bay until Brandiel regained his footing. Nym’s hands worked independently, making healthy gashes on either side of the demon in front of him. Foul blood erupted from the wounds to splash Nym’s handsome face, which was set in a determined scowl.
Brandiel was back in control and faced off against the closest adversary. He glanced in the Mage’s direction and saw he was very much alive. And pissed off. Darian wielded the Staff of Power and his enemies trembled before him.
The summoned demons felt the Mage’s power, felt the ties to the towering Falahari at his side and shrank away from them, turning to a foe they believed they had a chance against. The Gor Li’ Khan.
A furious battle took place that lasted the remainder of the afternoon, the evening, and dragged into the early morning hours. Darian knew the Dark Mage was shielding the battleground, otherwise he would’ve expected to see more Gor Li’ Khan join
the fray. The opposing demons were dwindling in number, they’d banished the lesser demons hours ago, and all that remained were the higher-ranking soldiers of the damned. The Dark Mage’s power must be tapering off as well, he’d summoned no more demons to replace those lost. Unless he was saving his energy…
The earth began to rumble and Darian told everyone to get down and take cover but some were not fast enough to heed the warning. Black lightning tore through their ranks, instantly killing dozens of elves and sending opposing demons back to Oblivion by the score.
One elf, Darian did not recall his name, had been torn in half, his bloody torso still alive and fighting the demon hovering over him. The elf had heart but there was nothing Darian could do. He was beyond even Darian’s accomplished skills.
Shenna visited many times during the long night and once more she spoke to Darian, which completely baffled him as to why the goddess would even bother.
“Renlyss is a smart match. She is strong and knowledgeable and will balance you nicely, Darian. You both walk a dangerous road now that you are bound and she carries your child. Protect them at all costs. Are you happy?”
“What?” Darian retorted before he could stop himself. What kind of question was that?
“Are you happy? You seem so to me and you deserve to be. You are a powerful ally, Mage,
and it’s good to see you smile.” Darian was shocked, but that didn’t stop his sexy smile from touching his lips. Even the goddess was affected by his charm, though it was obvious he wasn’t interested.
Kelindril just shook his head in amusement. Only Darian could attract a goddess. The definite interest was readily apparent in her eyes but she made no move to act on it.
Black lightning tore through the forest and Starshenna clasped her hands to her breast and closed her eyes in concentration. Brilliant golden light erupted around her, holding the darkness at bay. Her light slowly spread outward, engulfing the Dark Magic, but it was clear her magic would not be enough to contain it.
The Weave whispered to Darian, urging him into action. On impulse, Darian reached out with his magic, combining it with the goddess’s. Shenna’s eyes flew open as she felt the Mage’s deft touch. The raw, sexual sensation of his magic touching hers had her chest heaving and her nipples puckering. He glanced at her and smirked. She surprised him when she stuck her tongue out at him and he laughed, causing her to flush with warmth.
