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Crippling Biases
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2024-10-29 19:42:56“Where is this guild?”
“They call it the Blue Lark.” Nim said. “There is a leader among them. They call him Savage Jack, King of the Seditious. He would be the one you may wish to speak to.”
Styx lowered his head in a nod.
“But you must always let me know where you are. So, I might find you again.”
Styx drew a long breath. “Always.”
Nim gave him a long-pained look. Before opening her arms to welcome him.
He came to the other side of her bed and knelt to drop his head to her stomach. The top of his head brushing his sister’s.
She cradled them both. Feeling more comforted and at peace, then she had for decades.
Suddenly the door opened again. Banging against the wall.
Disseus stood there, with Bernus pulling on him.
“Sorry Princess!” Bernus declared.
Aardix pushed past both of them to stand next to his wife, guarding her against any potential threat.
Disseus didn’t care where everyone else
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The next morning, Lon wrapped her in the thickest fur cloak he could find from everyone’s bags. They hugged both Nim and Disseus. Surprising Nim, with their kindness. They left early, under the blanket of fog. Disseus had pointed them in the direction of the nearest village and gave them strict directions to follow the path underfoot and not let themselves get lost in the gray coating. Nierwae and his minions wouldn’t be moving in the fog. It was too hard for them to see, and too easy for them to run into something unexpected. Nim had explained last night that there were creatures that hunted demons like Nierwae and his master. They were called the Forever Knights. And they were relentless. According to Nim, they were the only thing the demons feared. “When I am done with the demon king. They’ll fear me.” Disseus said afterward. Before bidding everyone to get some rest. Warning that they’d have to wake early to stay wit
The Price of Vengeance Old Fears
Nim continued her tale. Speaking of all that had happened since they parted. After her son, Styx, had been born in the forest she’d had a time of peace. Enjoying his unconditional adoration and savoring the warm love she felt for him. But as time passed and he grew more independent. The familiar loneliness returned. In that loneliness, she’d begun a romance with a human man. And had, again, conceived. Marnie. He recognized. When she had caught tracks in the woods, belonging to Nierwae, she’d had to abandon her children and lure the demon deep into the Untamed Forest. Where she had trapped him under the Dead Place. Locking him in an underground prison. Until the day he was inadvertently released. Which had resulted in him coming for Nim and Marnie. Discovering Styx, in the process. When he’d moved to take both women, Styx had offered himself as a protegee. A prospect, Nierwae had greedily taken him up on. Leaving Nim to
The Price of Vengeance Healing
She sat back up and caught his collar, drawing him slowly back down to her.Teasing him with her lingering gaze. Beckoning him to do unholy things to her. Tempting him nearly beyond his endurance. “No, Nim.” He forced the words out through gritted teeth. Fighting all his own hunger to say them. “Though I’d love nothing more than to feel you, we don’t dare cause more injury now. Not when you are well enough to help me find him.” “And fight.” She said viciously. Eyeing him to see if he’d argue. But he knew better than to try to tell her she couldn’t fight. She’d never obey. So, the less he harmed her now, the stronger she might be, by the time they found her monster. He eyed her askance. “Then don’t tempt me, Woman. I’ve years of suppressed hunger for you.” She gave a half smile and a hooded look that didn’t reassure him, she’d refrain from pressing him to the precipice of his control. “Please.”He adde
The Price of Vengeance Stolen Moments
She was clinging to the bark of the tree behind her in a white-knuckled grip. His nimble fingers worked along her soft folds, until able to caress around her entrance. Smoothing the silky dampness there until his finger could glide smoothly into her. She drew a quick breath at the sudden sensation. He dropped his elbow against the rough bark so he could lean his face against her. Exchanging breaths with her as he discovered and challenged the depths of her. Working his finger in brushing strokes. Agonizingly slow, torturous in their expertise. Rubbing along that spot that made her writhe against his hand, yearning for more. Bark scraped under her fingernails. Perilously close to jabbing beneath as she clawed at it to steady herself. She blinked slowly but as the sensations circled through her, they forced her neck tight, driving her head upward. His lips fell to the side of that delicate throat. Wrapping warmly along the flesh and sear
The Price of Vengeance Feared Most
He rushed to catch up to her. Sweeping her around the waist and pulling her backward against him. She reflexively leaned forward and gripped his hands. As if to pull him off. He turned and whispered against her temple. “I’ll never let him lay a finger on you again, Nim. I swear by all that’s holy, I’ll rip him apart first.” She twisted to peer at him. Her eyes filled with unshed tears. “Never again, Nim. You’ll never suffer again.” “What about by you?” He sighed. Straightening with her and kissing her cheek. “I’m far from charming, Sweetheart. But I’ve no intention of hurting you.” “Not even amidst the sheets?” He blinked slowly. “We’re a bit older and I’ve some curiosities about your proclivities I’m keen on inspecting more thoroughly he wiggled his brows. But only pain with pleasure.” “And if we fight?” “I don’t ever want to fight with you again, Woman. I’d rather burn.” She turned her head. Sw
The Price of Vengeance The Harbingers
Men, or what had once been fey men, launched from the trees. Their black wings splaying and whooshing like sails in a breeze. Their long hair resting down their bare chests and backs and along their unclad arms. Only worn pants covered their legs. Dark brown fur rested along their cheekbones and across their brows. Circling their sides and wrapping their hips. The mark of demonkind. He recognized. “Brother.” Clawdus, the closest to a friend Disseus had once known, landed nearest him. “Welcome!” Disseus hadn’t seen him since they were children. Only beginning to emerge into manhood. He was opening his arms in greeting. A wide grinning spreading the face that was now so much different from the one he’d known as a child. “I’m not here for you.” Disseus dismissed. “Well. That’s a shame.” He tilted his head. His hair, once as bluish white as Disseus’ was now singed a coarse brown. “Because we’re here for you.” “I’ve no quar
The Price of Vengeance Who We Fear Most
Disseus’ body unraveled like a piece of fabric covering a beast. Falling away and peeling apart, to release the bigger thing. His neck jutted out until it dropped back onto the ground with a thump. His back stretching and wings unfurling to expose the charcoal coloring. Which was trimmed in silver along every wing, his brows, and the spines running up his snout. His body covering in the charcoal skin which was sleek but thick and armored. He fell forward, landing on his palms which were quickly turning to claws. Everyone had stopped moving. Watching mesmerized as his body changed. The other Harbingers were confused. This isn’t how they change. Disseus knew the extent of their conversion was sprouting the wings along their backs and their highly increased speed and strength. But Disseus was quite another matter. His scalp still had a span of the same bluish silver hair. It started between his ears and ran in a mane, up his neck, to sto
The Price of Vengeance The Myth
Every Harbinger knew the ancient myth. A song once sang by the elders. Of both the First Water Fey and the Harbinger kind, alike. It told of one born from demon blood and harbinger fey that would emerge as the strongest among them. One to lead them all. One that would demand utter obedience and destroy them. It was sang that this Dark Harbinger would irrevocably change the ways of First Water Fey and Harbingers. Clawdus and the injured fey next to him, looked from Disseus monopolizing the air to Nierwae who stood with trees bowing in toward him. So tall that he bent them. And the words of that song echoed in their minds. As did Clawdus’ words. ‘Who do we fear most?’ His meaning was clear. The harbingers were going to have to choose who they’d continue to attack. More were getting injured. Raining from the sky in crumpled heaps. Seeming to have little effect on the densely armored skin of the airborne Dar
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The Price of Vengeance A Broken World
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
The Price of Vengeance Goodbyes
“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.
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“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
The Price of Vengeance A Place of Chaos
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
The Price of Vengeance The Legend and the Man
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
The Price of Vengeance Are We Going?
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.
The Price of Vengeance Growing
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.
The Price of Vengeance Together Again
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
The Price of Vengeance They Already Know
“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
