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The Price of Vengeance Rebuffed
“So...Good night?” Lon’s familiar voice cut through the blissful peace of slumber.Disseus peeled open his eyes to see Lonnix standing over him. Peering over his wide belly with a knowing smirk.“Was.” Disseus rolled over to get up. “’Til I woke to your face.”Where the hell is she?She wasn’t next to him.In-fact she was nowhere in sight. He frowned at Lonnix.“Don’t glare at me, My Friend.” Lon frowned. “Wasn’t my doing that drove her off. She headed down to the river.”“Said she had to go ‘wash off a mistake’.” Lon mimicked a shrill womanly voice.“So…how good a mistake was it?” He wiggled his brows suggestively. “Was it?”I’m not talking about that. Disseus glared at him.“She can wash all she wants.” He called loudly down to the river. “But she won’t be able to wash away what she did.”Came to me warm, wet and willing.That was no fault of mine.Glancing over his shoulder toward the bank, Lonnix winced and shuffled away. Unwilling to see her come stalking back after biting that b
The Price of Vengeance Who Was Nim?
“Who is she?” Almora rode close now.Disseus had been oblivious to her long scrutiny. I forget how perceptive she is.He lifted his head to stare at her back. “She calls herself Nealinim now. I knew her as Nim.”“I didn’t ask her name.”I know what she’s asking.He eyed her. “She’s a woman wanting to save her son.”“Disseus,” Almora sighed. “I’m asking who she is to you.”I know…After a long look, he sighed. “She was a young First Water fey girl when I met her. She wanted to be a warrior like her father before her. She was orphaned young and wanted to honor his memory.”He stared at her back thoughtfully.“Fey named her, because she was too little to remember her name. They dubbed her Nealinim, meaning ‘lost warrior’ in our tongue.” He explained. Giving a harsh laugh.“As if someone knew what she’d become.”She has indeed become a warrior.“Elders said she was freckled with copper hair and meek eyes and would not be able to marry well. First Water Fey are supposed to aspire beyond th
The Price of Vengeance Guardians Arriving
The rest of the ride was relatively peaceful until a sound like flapping ship sails.Tilting up their heads, they watched a giant orange bird fly over. Its shadow engulfing them.“Guardians.” Disseus hissed yanking up his hood and folding his cloak carefully around him.Did she call to them? He sent Nim a sharp look.Horses shying, they moved from the landing path of the massive bird.Descending through the trees it shrank, wings disappearing. Legs reducing and scales falling away. Clothes climbing up his length like snakes winding over him. Polished boots crunched over the branches as he took a few steps and came to a stop.“Nim.” He greeted. His solemn face typically impassive.She gave a slight nod.She knows him. Disseus looked from her to the Guardian. Waiting to find out exactly what he was here after.Pulling his hood low over his forehead Disseus willed his features to be mottled and slack again. Tipping his head sideways he leaned away from them.***Fortunately, Bernus had e
The Price of Vengeance Need of a Harbinger
Lonnix watched Marnie with rapt attention. Even as Disseus moved to put him in his place he noticed the young man at her side watching Lonnix carefully.“This is my husband, Aardix Mane.”The giant Guardian.Disseus eyed him warily. Wondering if this was some trap that Nim had established to get him taken back to Enuchte.“The young prince.” Disseus interjected a bit too astutely for the blustering fool he appeared to be. He reminded himself to slow his responses.Several surprised glances went his way.Too late.“Yes.” The regal young man nodded in confirmation.“I must speak to you.” Bernus murmured, gesturing for Nim to step aside with him.To discuss what? Disseus’ head whipped. Feeling like a cornered animal.She did.But they weren’t far enough Disseus couldn’t hear them. Even Nim underestimated his acute senses.“We need the Harbinger, Nim.”Me.***Disseus’ head spun as he honed in on their conversation.“I understand the importance of your mission but-” Bernus began but she c
The Price of Vengeance Readings All Around
“Be a sport.” Lonnix pressed. “The rest of us did so at our own expense.”Shaking her head, Nim drew another careful sip.Lonnix and Disseus exchanged a look. In unison they laughingly lunged for her. Though Lonnix was far quicker than expected it was, of course, Disseus that reached her before she could react. Cup clattering as he laughingly hooked her under the armpits and hoisted her up.Still dangling helplessly in shock, she failed to struggle until he pushed her down before the witch. Nearly singeing her hair in the fire.Objecting she hissed profanity at him.“Shush.” He put a finger to his lips and gestured to Almora commandingly.***Snarling up at him, Nim glared from beneath lowered brows as she thrust her rigid hand out as he’d made it obvious, he’d not be letting her up until she complied.And she won’t have me touching her any longer than necessary. That thought caused a bitter twinge to rush through him, but he pushed it aside as he awaited Almora. Unable to resist a li
The Price of Vengeance Don't Go
“She never used to be this bad.” Disseus could recall warmth and laughter and rolling through flowers and being tackled by a woman in skirts dropping out of a tree.Days of sunshine and laughter. He looked around him now and saw everything through darker eyes. Reminding himself that those days were long gone.Almora was still giving him a quizzical look.But I don’t have any answers to offer her.Almora clearly wanted to know what had changed so much in Nim.I don’t know. It wasn’t my fault. She left me. His thoughts turned bitter, and he shifted away from the witch. Making it clear the conversation was over and he cared to discuss it no further.***But thinking over what Almora had said made him curious.I know some of the more ugly parts of her story. Of the time she was gone. But I’d like to know the rest… Yet he feared asking to fill in the blanks would likely cause him pain.But his hunger to know was making him restless.What did happen to her the years since I knew her? Other
The Price of Vengeance Fears
“Are you afraid?” Disseus queried. Hungering to see if she’d admit her vulnerability.Become a bit closer to me through a hint of truth. If she’s even capable of that…“No.” She choked a little. “I just can’t protect both your friend and your mistress by myself.”He scoffed.“Almora isn’t my mistress, as you know very well. I’ve only ever wanted one woman.” Catching her chin, he turned her face back to him. Giving her a long look that conveyed his disbelief.But she promptly jerked her head away.“Look at me.”“How do you somehow make your commands seem coaxing?”She wants to do what I’m asking but it defies every instinct she has to protect herself. Some part of him could faintly understand that. She had no one else to look after her for a long time.But that thought made the old bitter part of him return to the fore. That was her own doing.I’d have been there.“Because I’m asking you to obey.” He reached for her again, but she turned away.“Don’t.” There was pleading in her soft vo
The Price of Vengeance Hunting Me
Thunder cracked above Disseus and Nim jerked. Making Disseus’ arms tighten protectively around her. Protecting her as she slept. He let his wild reveries play out in his mind’s eye. After she’d spotted him up on Black Rock’s that foggy morning and he’d fired a warning arrow past her to let her know he was aware of her presence, he’d climbed down the rocks and headed into the trees with her nipping at his heels like a small yappy dog. She was so close on his heels, and therefore slammed into his back as he abruptly stopped and pulled a spiced flower from a bush. Looking at it thoughtfully. “I know enough.” “You don’t know anything.” She countered. Turning fully, he lifted a quizzical brow. Knocking her hood back he eyed her face as she gasped in surprise at how rapidly he rounded on her. His face relaxed. “Nealinim.” He finished as if it confirmed what he’d already known. I could always sense when she was near. Smell that sweet scent that is hers alone. “You know me?” She blink
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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.
The Price of Vengeance Playful People
“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
