Nim lay awake in the dark. Awash with fear and pain.
Perhaps it was the cold. Perhaps it was that Disseus wasn't there to warm her.
But most likely it was that Lon and Disseus had vanished with the fading pink sun but only Lon crept back. Quiet as his bumbling feet would take him, he woke Almora.
After he’d escorted her somewhere, he’d returned to curl up in the Dread’s bedroll. Inhaling deeply, before sighing.
Some scouting. Nim thought hatefully. They were supposed to be preparing to leave to get her son on the morrow but instead Disseus was sneaking off for a dalliance with the gorgeous woman.
So, after all Almora's pretty words and lovely attempts at friendship, the Dread had persuaded him to stall another night so they could sneak off together.
Nim flopped to her other side and heard her teeth grinding. She hadn’t even realized she was doing it. She was nearly quaking with rage.
***
Disseus lay next to the
“Disseus! You’re-” Lon’s elated shout was cut short by his friend’s liberal head shake which made him finish blandly. “Back.” “You charmed the dogs.” Disseus commented. Eyes alight with pride. How was she doing it? “I charm most things.” Shouldering past him she hopped on Disseus’ stallion. Except me, she means. His blue eyes shined silver as they narrowed on her. What’s wrong with her this morning? Lifting her chin impatiently she said nastily. “If you two are quite done, I’d like to save my son.” She looked meaningfully from Almora to Disseus, her eyes lingering on the blanket wrapped around him. All I could reach when I’d heard her shriek. But his jaw ticked, seeing now what she was thinking. Blinking dully up at her realization dawned on Almora’s face. Straightening her gown she pulled a handful of hair out far enough to eye the twigs and brambles caught within. “O
“You’re far too close.” She grumbled an hour later. Wiggling uncomfortably in the saddle. Oblivious to what she was doing to his body in the process. Or pretending to be. “What? I can’t ride my horse now?” His voice was chiding. “And I’ll be the one guiding him. Thank you.” Pulling the lead from her hand completely made his broad shoulders swallow her back and corded brown arms fold around her to steer the animal. She squeezed her shoulders together and her body tightened against him. “I’m perfectly capable of leading him!” “Not well.” “Is it even possible to do a poor job of guiding a mount?” She asked chidingly. “It is mine. Do you know him?” No, she does not. “He’s a horse. Like any other.” Not nearly. She sensed his dubious look. “Were you bored with your men?” His abrupt conversation caught her off-guard. “What?” Nim twisted to blink at him over her shoulde
But Nim's focus was drawn to her own accelerated heart rate. She’d forgotten how good it felt to soar through endless skies. To feel wind beneath her feathers and a breeze both lifting her and pressing her down. Clouds seemed close enough to taste. There was a sort of peace in the humming air parting to make way for her. Above the castle wall they saw no movement. Nothing skittered through the bailey. No guards marked the towers. No warning cry echoed at their descent. Disseus didn't like it. Something is wrong. They should be scurrying around trying to see what's preparing to land in their fortress. It made his gut sink. He knows we're coming. He knows we're bringing her to him. Nierwae was clearly willing to let them walk right in with his prize. Nealinim. The abandoned silence leant an eerie feel to the vine covered stone walls. Making it seem like everything was dead here. Every beat of h
The whole time they’d stood in the Great Hall they’d been completely surrounded by silent Firoque. Firoque which were now shrieking as they alerted each other of a threat. Alarms went off in Nealinim’s head. There were far too many Cimmerii in this room to take on. With Nierwae’s focus on Disseus, Nim mouthed to Styx. “Are you bound down by magic?” Eyes wide he lowered his head in assent. Nim winced. Nierwae was powerful and she had limited time to break the spell. While her mind raced, the Demon King’s next words drew her attention. “You’re no regular Harbinger though. Are you Boy? If you were...I could read you.” Nim’s eyes moved to Disseus. Wondering what he was talking about. A muscle in Disseus’ jaw ticked rhythmically. His level gaze was ice cool. “I’m the result of a Harbinger and a First Water Guardian.” “A Dark Harbinger.” Nierwae murmured in fascination. “What?” Nim froze in shock. How
Nierwae’s prominent brows drew together as he looked from Disseus to Nim. Before he said in an almost whining voice. “She’s mine...” “Look at her.” Disseus ordered. Releasing her hand, he stepped aside so Nierwae could fully take in the sight of her rigid stance and contempt-filled eyes. “She doesn’t appear broken.” Disseus mocked. “Nor does she appear to have missed you.” “That-” He took a step toward the demon and turned to point at herwith the shining sword tip. “Is hatred on her face. If you’d known a thing about her, you’d have known that.” I ought to know. Her cold stare was unflinching. With an enraged snarl, Nierwae charged down the steps at her. Losing all remnant of control overhis emotions. Swords belonging to Disseus and Styx, crossed before her. Barring the Demon King’s path. Styx stepped forward to shove the demon back, before Disseus could. He’s fast. Disseus noticed.
No! Disseus paused. His head shooting up like a startled buck. “Nim!” Nierwae had returned to the throne and taken the massive seat to watch the scene avidly. An evil smirk turning his lips. “We’ll see who has her now?” Seeing his Firoque blade stuck in her had not taken her off her feet, he announced. “I’ve changed my mind. Save the pretty little ruby for my hands. I’ll make her pay for her misplaced loyalties...” He was giving Disseus a challenging look. “Save her now, Harbinger…” “I’ll kill them all.” Nim warned. Cradling her injured shoulder around the blade. That sent fear shooting through Disseus. Knowing her determination he was sure she wouldn’t stop until she was dead. He wasn’t about to let her die alone. She’ll never be alone again. “With one arm?” Nierwae asked her, doubtfully. Laughing coldly, he gave a dismissive gesture. “You’ll soon grow weary my delicate.” Another Firoq
Firoque screamed and writhed. Littering the floor as they lay dying. For the first time Nierwae could recall, he felt the prickling of fear. He’d never seen anything that moved like this Dark Harbinger. Only when Disseus stood at the foot of the vaulting steps, did Nierwae rise. “You think to fight me, Boy?” Nierwae took one lumbering step down. His thighs as wide as tree trunks. And towering three feet over Disseus’s own height. His shoulders at least twice as broad. He's a mammoth of a man. Disseus' eyes narrowed. Noting scars on the man's knees. And one ankle where a bit of bone was displaced. Weak points. “I think to kill you Firoque. It’s what I do.” “Unless you wish to let us leave peacefully.” Lon cut in desperately, from where he ducked several blades and panted heavily. Flushed nearly purple from his efforts. Nierwae shook his head. “Feral don’t!” Nealinim shouted in terror. “We can leave. Get
“Now!” Disseus roared. So, commandingly that Styx nodded. Finally climbing up. Kicking a few of the Cimmerii rodents off his legs to get up. great weight was already bearing her down. Making her duck lower on weary legs. “Go!” Disseus fought the demons back in a ring around her, trying to give her room. Running ahead far enough to make a path for her. She stumbled across the bailey, attempting to get enough momentum to go up. As she launched into the air, Disseus followed. Catching her foot and sheathing his sword to hang onto her claw with both hands. Waiting until the last moment to add his weight to the nearly unbearable mix. Cimmerii surged after them in a wave. Piling atop each other as they strained to reach Disseus’s swinging feet. But they weren’t quite able to touch them. All Nierwae could do was stand in the bailey shrieking furiously. He watched Nim take to the air over the bailey wall. Disseus stared down at him. Swinging t
Nim looked down the valley and finally saw at least part of what they had done, at the same moment the wind came up and the smell of smoke and rot filled her sinuses. The sticky sweet scent lingering there in a way that made her want to vomit. It clung to her throat. Only one thing could smell like that. Nierwae’s fortress had possessed that same horrendous odor. The scent of death and demons. A village in the distance emitted too much smoke to be from hut fires. There were spots of smoke in various directions that looked the same. Once they walked a bit down the hill, they came down the backside of the rise, she found the whole valley bottom was covered in bark like darkness. It looked like rotting tree roots with spots of pus and splitting boils. Twining over the ground. From this vantage point, it was apparent that the nearest village was abandoned. Long since, torn to shreds. “How long were you gone?” Disseus look
“Come.” Disseus caught the sleeve of Sebastian’s frilled shirt and pulled him along with him. Growing more certain by the moment, that if left alone, Sebastian would continue to taunt Teverius until the other man returned to take the bait. “If you wish to.” Sebastian didn’t seem to mind though. Stumbling along for a moment while laughing over his shoulder at Teverius. Bright turquoise eyes dancing. Then he focused on the group ahead of them. “I find your Bernus, a bit unpleasant.” Sebastian sobered, to comment. A man who clearly says whatever he’s thinking. It was a trait Disseus could appreciate. “We do as well.” Nim agreed. “Was he always like that?” “No.” Nim said. Surprising Disseus. “He was a nice child.” “Unfortunately, children grow up.” There was a sudden sadness in Sebastian’s voice. But before either Nim or Disseus could mention it, Sebastian walked a bit faster. Catching up to Lonnix and Almora.
“I told you,” She said softly. “I need higher assurance then yours, that we will get to live together in peace.” “Without First Water interference.” Disseus felt the need to clarify. “I’m coming.” Another stranger pushed through the fey guardians, and Trap, working his way to the front to peer across the clearing at the Forever Knight leader. “Alpha.” He lowered his head, covered in long white hair, in deference. “Marcus Teverius.” The alpha eased. Eyeing him. “You know these from the lower lands?” “I speak for their Netherland Region.” Teverius said, nodding. “I know their King well.” “He calls you, his King of the Netherlands, does he not?” The alpha clarified. More for the fey’s sake, than his own, obviously. Disseus had heard of the fey King of the Netherlands, though in all his travels, he’d never glimpsed the man. He wouldn’t have denied he was just as curious to watch everything unfolding, as all the re
Disseus’s and Nim’s gaze followed all the rest. Taking in the shadow under two huge trees. Generating massive amounts of power. “This must be the strangest morning...” Almora muttered. Wondering who this newest interloper could possibly be. “Who is that?” Lon pondered. “Ah, hell!” Trap, the other Harbinger, swore. Backing further into the crowd of fey guardians, in an effort to blend. Disseus recognized the blonde man sauntering into view, as the man that had helped heal Nim. The Forever Knight called Sebastian. A black-haired man emerged next to Sebastian. His face was an unreadable mask. Cutting blue eyes slid over the scene. He exuded authority and power unlike any Disseus had seen before. What is he? The way Sebastian eased a bit behind him, was telling. The dark hair is the leader. RedBayne was still grumbling profanity as he ambled out of the grove to join them
It was reasonable that Lon would mourn the death of all they’d built together. It had been Lonnix that had spread news of Disseus’s feats far and wide. Inspiring others to hire him. And keep our pockets fat with coin. It was Lonnix that built the name. “You keep it going.” Disseus suggested. “Most only dealt with you anyway.” They’d hardly know my face were I standing before them. “Nobody would believe that!” Lon cried in appall. “Talk to King Phalanx, he’ll back your story as a favor to me. Remind him how he became King of the Paladines.” Disseus gave him a stunned look. Disseus knew Lon had it in him to do the job. But at the very least, Phalanx would offer Lonnix a job or a new Ardae assassin to befriend. Lon had a cunning way about him that made him very personable. “Don’t fear yet.” Nim assured. “We’ve a bit before we must go.” “No.” Another voice interjected as Bernus
Disseus sat on that rock, holding Nealinim well into the night. Relieved and in awe to have all his joy back in his arms. What a strange journey it has been. She’d fallen asleep at some point. Lying on that rock with her head on his leg while he stroked her hair. Listening to the water and her soft breathing. As much as he yearned to make love to her. He wanted her to heal more. She needs her strength now more than ever. He heard a branch snap behind him and knew what he’d suspected for a while now. “How long have you been there.” “I’m a bit ashamed to admit, the whole time.” He rumbled from the shadows. His dark skin blending with the night darkness. Only the orange of his eyes glowed from the trees. “Why?” “You weren’t here when she wandered off.” Styx explained. “I was worried about her out here alone. Away from camp. Especially after all she’s been through.” “You as well.” Disseus reminded.
Marnie’s quiet words shattered Disseus’s composure. He watched Marnie walking away. As if dropping that tidbit hadn’t just rocked him to his core. He needed to get away for a bit of fresh air. He wandered into the dark. Letting the cool evening air fan his skin as he listened to the happy laughter coming from the camp. He could smell the burning wood and what remained of the boar. Mixing with the freshness of the burbling river nearby. He must’ve wandered out there longer than he thought. As he aimed back toward the camp, he realized the laughter had stopped. In-fact he now caught Lon’s soft snoring. As he drew closer, he heard another sound. Something soft and lilting. Barely separated from the sound of the river. Disseus followed it hypnotically. Drawn to the rhythmic sound. It was soft and alluring and he was moving irrevocably toward it. A beautiful voice he’d have known anywhere. Even though I’ve never heard her hum before.
Disseus hesitated. They were all inviting him to climb atop Aardix. Though he would be in bird form, it didn’t particularly change how Disseus felt about it. The idea of mounting another man’s back, even in the shape of an animal, was a bit more than he could tolerate. “No need.” No chance in hell, I’m doing that. “You’ll fly?” Nim turned to him. He nodded slowly. “I’m well-behaved as long as your near.” I hope. He felt more connected to his monster form now than he ever did before. More confident that he could control the Dark Harbinger’s thirst for blood. Even in that shape, all I wanted was to protect her. The Dark Harbinger was no longer some terrifyingly unpredictable creature. It was just another part of him that would look after her. At least it seems that way. He was willing to give it another try and find out. Nim would protect them if I get out of line. The Dar
“I missed you, Son.” Nim confessed to her lumbering offspring. Drawing back from him to give him a loving study. Still holding his arms as she looked at him like any proud mama assessing her child. Styx towered over her. Looking at her with heart wrenching affection that belied the terrifying look of him. “And I, you.” “I was worried when the wound took you.” He confessed. “I feared I might lose you again.” “Never.” She shook her head. Forcing a strong smile as she banished thoughts of old pain. She smiled softly as she asked. “Have you seen your sister?” “No. Not yet.” She likely doesn’t know yet that he’s free. Disseus guessed word hadn’t reached her yet. Disseus dismounted the prancing horse, to join them. Leading the mare as he walked. “Thank you.” Disseus mentioned to Styx. Nodding to Lon and Almora who were now sitting up. Blinking blearily. “For looking after them.” If he hadn’t, and we were anyone e