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2023-01-30 04:14:03Bernus was inside the cottage. Sitting in the chair, tipped sideways, with his head craned back against the rest as he watched the door. His large feet were firmly planted on the dirt floor. His posture was relaxed. He'd been here far too long for him to be tense any longer.
He’d gotten the message the Edre had left him. And he was to meet her here. So where is she?
He’d been waiting for over a day and was now beginning to wonder if the woman he so respected was playing him for a fool.
She’s wasting my time.
There was much he could be doing as a guardian of Enuchte. Wasting time along the surface of Ardae was not something he enjoyed.
Bernus was a man set on achieving goals and moving on.
Calm down, Old Boy. He told himself. Reminding himself that if he was wrong, what he desperately wanted was well on its way in this direction.
She could be bringing my target straight to me.
Pati
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Styx’s eyes glittered like rubies and his mouth tightened in the direction of the guardian. Not missing the open contempt, the guardian was presenting. “I’m no Firoque.” “A full Cimmerii then?” Bernus was implying he was upgraded from a firoque, which was still a twisted human under Radix’s sway. But a Cimmerii was something purely demonic. With no more humanity. Styx snorted. Refusing to be insulted by the guardian. “Not hardly.” “You look a hell of a lot like one.” Bernus sneered. Styx opened his mouth with a vicious retort but Lon’s voice silenced their interchange. “So, you need a Harbinger to fight your battles? Why don’t you fight your own?” Lon asked shrewdly. His fingertips sawing across his thumbs as he eyed the other man. Badly wanting to sock the smirk right off the guardian’s face. But all he could do that moment was stand there, wondering if there was any chancehe was quick enough to
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Having uttered the ominous warning, Bernus turned his head and his eyes narrowed meaningfully on Lon, as if to warn Almora what he'd do to the chubby man. I won’t hurt her, if she runs, I’ll hurt him. Lon was clearly too far out of shape to run for anything. He’d be easy to catch. Bernus’ gaze flitted over to the demon male with them. Watching him warily. “I don’t like you.” Almora hissed, as she turned to face Bernus. He shrugged. Unsurprising. She marched back over to stand by Lonnix. He laughed coldly. “Most don’t. My job is not an easy one. But I do what I must.” “Perhaps you should consider doing something else.” Lon commented. Bernus' laughter was a rough bark. Shaking his head, he leaned back and watched out the window. Before asking more soberly. “When are they coming?” “I don’t know.” Lon deflated. Surrendering his little act that they weren't on their way.
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“Your elders didn’t want us to have attachments because they believed we were weaker with them. They could be used against us.” Dissues sighed as he took a small, corked bottle from the drawer. At Bernus’ confused silence, Disseus barely spared him a slow glance before saying “Do you know that, not so long ago, we were accepted into the First Water Fey? Considered their elite?” Bernus’ brow furrowed in disbelief mingled with confusion. “Until it was found,” Disseus continued. “That we’re just as at risk for burning, as you. But not born at as fast a rate. So, the more that died, the fewer there were. So, yourelders, none of which were harbingers, decided to keep us separate from the women.” He sneered. “Because if we never had the chance to love, we could never burn. Right?” Bernus shifted. Discomforted by this tale. “That’s not why.” “No? Then what were you told?” He cleared his throat. Shifting again.
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Disseus cradled Nim’s head in his lap and peered down at her. Silvery blue hair falling around their faces in a secretive curtain. “Yes.” “That’s what happened to your back?” She recalled when he’d nearly lit on fire. “Yes.” He sighed and dropped his head back against the wall with a thunk. “You’ve nearly killed me, more than once.” She grimaced at those words. “I didn’t know.” “How could you? You didn’t stay long enough for me to tell you?” But his usual accusing note was gone. Instead, there was only sadness. “That’s impossible.” Bernus stared at them wide-eyed. “Why?” Disseus’ lip curled in contempt. “At the end of the day, we are still fey, contrary to what you First Water like to tell yourselves. We still love, still yearn, still grow lonely. The efforts of your kind to isolate us only darkened us and sent us to others, for comfort. The loss of your Harbingers is your own doing.” That accusation dropped in the air like a b
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For some reason, those words cut him to the quick. Piercing him more deeply than any sword could’ve ever done. His brows lifted and his mouth opened with about a thousand questions. However, he didn’t have the chance to get any out before Marnie caught his forearm and marched him out the door. Tugging his attention away from Nim. Bernus was on their heels. Curious how this would go. And like dutiful seconds, Almora and Lon followed until all had gone. It was easy to forget the lone presence lurking so darkly. That was his nature, to go unnoted. To be forgotten. “Why have you pushed him away so long, Mother?” Styx’s voice made her head snap to him and reminded her of his presence. She gasped at the surprising question and her lack of answer. “I’ve done many things I regret, My Son, and that is certainly among them.” “Have you redeemed yourself for your crimes?” “That is not my decision to make.” Strain ap
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“No!” Marnie declared. “We must think this over, carefully.” Bernus advised. Looking to the prince for support. “He is right, Little One.” Prince Mane said carefully. “Your mother is weak. And even if she were whole, we don’t know she could do it alone. We need him.” “Will you do it for any other prize?” Prince Mane asked slowly. Disseus stood solidly. Refusing to give any ground. Nim’s words came back to him. For once defend yourself. She’s right. For once, he was going to demand what he wanted from these fey. “I’ve done much to protect her.” His gaze dropped from Bernus to Marnie. His next words seeming to settle her. “I will always protect her.” He jutted his chin stubbornly. “Give me her. And I will go back to your lands with her.” He paused. Considering the next words before pronouncing them. Condemning himself to whatever fate awaited him there. “I’ll protect them and your people…
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“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
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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
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“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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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“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
