Blood of Half Gods: Kallen's Tale (23 page)

“Well, yeah.  I’m pretty sure people have been telling you that for a few days now.”

Ellu puts a hand to his head and stumbles a bit.  I pull Xandra back a few feet.  I do not want Ellu crushing us if he falls.  “Are you okay?” Xandra asks.  I am amazed she is so calm when confronted with her kidnapper.

Ellu waves the hand that is not holding his head in our general direction.  “I am fine.”

“You don’t look fine,” Xandra informs him.  “You look like you’re going to fall down.”

“Perhaps I should sit down,” he says.  He walks to one of the dusty chairs and sits on it.  A little dust storm is created when his body hits the seat, causing him to sneeze.  Finally looking at us again, he asks, “Have you come to declare war as my advisors have warned?”

I am tempted to put the old Giant out of his misery right now.  If Xandra was not with me, I probably would have.  Reading my mind, Xandra is quick to say, “Actually, I’m here to try to prevent it.”

Ellu raises one brow in disbelief.  “Why would you do that?”

Xandra shrugs.  “I’m a pacifist, I guess.”  I cannot help but snort.  She does not have a passive bone in her body.  Xandra hits me with a sour glance.

Ellu rises unsteadily to his feet.  “Ah, the delusions of youth.  Peace and pacifism do not go hand in hand.  It is the threat of war that brings peace, just as war brings sorrow and pain.”

Xandra rolls her eyes.  “Can we skip the philosophy lesson?  I came to ask why you’re sending your Giants out to attack the Devas.”

The old Giant looks puzzled.  “You are not the first to claim I have done such things.  Yet, I do not remember doing so.”  He puts his hand to his head again.  “In fact, I do not remember much that has happened these past months.  Your father came yesterday, and it was as if he woke me from a year’s slumber.  It has been a full day, and I have still not been able to shed the exhaustion that overcame me so long ago.”  He puts his hand on the back of the chair he was sitting on to steady himself as he almost stumbles again.

“Why aren’t you mad that we’re here?” Xandra asks.  A brief look at me and she can tell that I am mad we are here.  She turns back to Ellu.

He chuckles but there is no humor in it.  “I have no doubt that you expect a sinister response, but all I can say to you is, I am pleased to be in the presence of the King’s daughter.  I have no ill feelings towards you, and like the King, you are welcome in my home whenever you please.”  Xandra’s brow wrinkles in confusion.  She is starting to buy it. 

I, on the other hand, am having a hard time believing that Ellu is somehow an innocent bystander in all of this.  “You say those words, yet you send your Giants to kill those of the Devas, picking them off one by one in ambushes, instead of facing them in a fair fight.  How do you reconcile that with the image you are trying to set forth at this moment?” I ask him.

Instead of answering, Ellu falls to the floor.  He is suddenly sprawled out on the carpet and unconscious.  Drool pools on one side of his mouth.  I feel Xandra reach out to him with magic, probably preparing to heal him.  I want to tell her not to bother, but this has me wondering if there is some truth to Ellu’s confusion.  Giants do not faint.

Pulling her magic back, Xandra turns to me.  “He’s under someone’s spell.  He’s full of magic, and I think it’s black.” 

Part of me still wants to take Xandra’s kidnapping out on him, despite the building evidence that he may not have been involved.  “It could be a spell he requested from an errant Fairy that has gone awry.”

She narrows her eyes.  “And what would the point be.  So he can pass out during important conversations?”

I sigh.  “Xandra, I understand that you do not agree with this war.  That does not mean that it should not happen.”

She puts her hands on her hips.  “I thought Sheehogue Fairies were supposed to be anti-war.”

She is throwing my own words back at me.  “I may be Sheehogue, but that does not mean that I will stand idly by when threats are made on your life.”

“I know, but Kallen, look at him.”  She gestures to Ellu’s unconscious form.  “Does he look like he’s in any condition to mastermind a plot to kill me?  The man can hardly stand up straight when he’s conscious.  And I tasted that spell.  I don’t think it’s one that anyone would ask to have put on them.”

A thought strikes me.  “Unless he did not know what it would really do.”

Xandra picks up on my line of thinking.  “You think someone tricked him into agreeing to a spell that would hurt him?” 

I run my fingers through my hair.  I hate having to admit defeat.  “History is filled with such situations.”

“But who, do you think.  And why?”

I give her a half smile.  “I am only now conceding to the possibility.  You cannot expect me to have the answers.”

Ellu twitches a little, bringing our attention back to him.  “Should we do something with him?” Xandra asks.

I shrug.  “He seems fine where he is.  Having him remain unconscious may help us determine who would want him to act so erratically, to the point of inciting war.”

A female voice in the hallway makes us forget about Ellu.  “She is here.  She is with Ellu.”

“Excellent,” a male voice says as the doorknob turns.  I move to Xandra’s side, ready for attack.  Though, when another Ellu walks through the door, I have difficulty maintaining a blank face.

“Ah, you have joined the party, finally,” the new Ellu says.  He is wearing black dress pants and a gray sweater.  Glancing at the other Ellu on the floor, he purses his lips.  “Nasty business that you had to find out about this.”

“Who are you?” I demand.

New Ellu’s lips turn up into a pleasant smile as he looks down and gestures from his chest to his feet.  “It seems obvious who I am.”

“Okay, then who is he?” Xandra asks, pointing to the floor. 

New Ellu shrugs.  “A cog in the wheel.”

Frustrated with his vague answers, Xandra says, “Just spit it out, will you?  You’re getting really annoying.”  There is a threat in her eyes proving my point about her pacifism.

His eyes tighten.  “Spending time with you does not get better with frequency.”

Xandra ignores the insult.  “You act like you’ve spent time with me before.”

A wicked smile forms on his lips and I want nothing more than to hit him.  It is sheer force of will that I remain by Xandra’s side.  “Oh, but I have,” New Ellu says.  “Simply not in this form.  I do take back my earlier statement.  Spending time in bed with you was certainly enjoyable.”

My magic hits him so hard and fast, he cannot shield himself.  He hits the wall hard enough to shatter some of the stones.  He slumps in a heap to the floor.  “Xandra, we need to go,” I say, grabbing her hand.

“But the party has just begun,” a voice behind us says.  It is the one who calls her Rhamba.

“Sorry, we didn’t RSVP and we don’t want to be rude,” Xandra says.

Rhamba laughs.  “Oh, you are amusing.  What a wonderful pet you will make.”

Xandra and I are both taken aback by her words.  “So, I take it everyone in this house is insane?” Xandra says.

“No, dear.  We are perfectly sane.  We are also more powerful than you, as I demonstrated earlier.”

“You took us by surprise, is all,” I growl.

Rhamba rolls her eyes.  “Tilattoma, take care of that.”

As fast as my magic flew at the Ellu clone, Tilattoma’s magic hits me.  I feel myself falling into a sleep-like trance and I have lost control of my body.  I have no idea why I am still upright.  As if through a fog, I hear Xandra ask, “What are you doing to him?”

“Nothing that will permanently damage him,” Rhamba assures her. 

Xandra’s voice is pure steel when she says, “Tell her to stop or I’ll make her stop.”

Pealing laughter follows.  “Xandra, we are demi-gods.  You are born of Witches and Fairies.  You are not a threat to us.”  They left out the fact that she has Angel blood.  Do they not know?  I find my mind becoming too foggy to ponder that any further.

Not giving away that they do not know her as well as they think they do, Xandra asks, “Why are you trying to start a war between the Giant tribes?”

“Because nothing brings about more passion than fighting for your life,” the one that looks like Ellu says.  He must of regained consciousness.  I cannot see him as my eyes have developed a film across them. 

Scornfully, Xandra asks, “That’s what this is about – passion?”

I believe it is the Ellu clone responds.  My ears do not seem to work as well as they had, so I cannot be sure.  “I have felt the passion in your soul.  Surely, you understand what a powerful motivator it can be.”

Disgusted, Xandra says, “So, there’s no point to this war whatsoever other than to amuse you and let you feel more passionate?”  I am disgusted by this as well, but I am too wrapped up in a demi-god’s magic to declare this.

“We have not come to quench our need for passion.  We answer the call of those seeking justice,” Rhamba says.  “Something you seem to understand.  That is why you would be a wonderful asset to have.”

“I am not anyone’s asset,” Xandra snarls.  In another situation, that comment would have made me chuckle.  Steering the conversation back to them, she asks, “Where are you from?”

“We are half gods, where else could we be from but the heavens.”

“Oh, please.  You’re a half god?  I don’t think so.  Half demon, maybe.”

There is anger in Rhamba’s voice when she says, “Your insolence will not be tolerated any longer.”

“And why is that?” Xandra demands.  In my fog, I am still able to put a warning hand on her shoulder.  Probably because I have done it so often now, the action is hardwired into my nervous system.

Instead of answering, Rhamba rises from the ground and her head falls back.  Magic swirls around her in a muddy cloud.  Then, with great force, she throws it at Xandra.    Unphased, Xandra puts up a magical wall, blocking it.  I suddenly find myself released from my trance-like state.  The wall must have cut off the path of the magic holding me.  Xandra gives me a quick, relieved glance but then focuses all of her attention on her magic.  Even through her magical wall, I can feel the force of Rhamba’s magic.  It is coating Xandra’s, looking for any weakness.  She is a powerful being but Xandra’s magic holds. 

After several minutes of not being able to penetrate Xandra’s wall, Rhamba loses the pleasant smile and her face becomes harsh, almost hag-like.  Knowing that the situation could take a turn for the worse now, Xandra grabs my hand and teleports us back to Dagda’s.

Chapter 26

Surprised gasps echo around the library when we appear out of thin air.  At least there is no screaming this time.  Unfortunately, Xandra is still perfecting her landings.  She drops us onto a chair and we both tumble to the floor.

“Where have you been?!” Dagda demands as we get to our feet.  He is pissed.  “We were about to organize a search party.”

“Um, sorry,” Xandra says, avoiding the question.

“Quinn says he can be ready with his men just after sunrise.  We will attack then.”  Quinn nods from where he’s leaning against the window sill.

Xandra shakes her head.  “Listen, I know you guys all want to go to war, but it’s not necessary.  It’s not even Ellu who’s responsible for what’s been going on.  There’s someone impersonating him.  One of the wood nymphs I told you about before.”

Dagda  is losing patience with her.  “Xandra, we have already discussed this. 
There is no such thing as wood nymphs!
”

“I saw them, as well, Uncle,” I say, putting an arm around Xandra’s shoulders in a show of solidarity.

“What are the two of you talking about?” Quinn asks.  His voice is harsh, he does not want us to talk Dagda out of war.

“We were at Ellu’s…” Xandra is able to say before Dagda cuts her off.

“You were where?!”  If she was not stronger than him magically, I believe he would be tempted to forcibly lock her in her room.  Even if it is in disrepair at the moment.

Xandra sighs and rolls her eyes.  “Yes, I know you’re mad.  But, I had to try to find an alternative to war, and I have.  It’s not Ellu that’s causing the trouble.  It’s the wood nymphs, or whatever they are.  They said they were demi-gods.  They can impersonate people and they’re really powerful.  Powerful enough to convince people to do things they don’t want to do.”

Dagda opens his mouth to say something then stops.  Spinning around, he goes to a shelf in the far corner of the library.  He scans a couple of rows of books before he finds the one he is looking for.  He pulls it out and puts it on a small table.  He flips through the pages until he finds the one he is looking for.  Looking up at Xandra, he asks, “Are you certain that one of these nymphs, as you call them, is impersonating Ellu?”

Xandra nods.  “Yes.  And not just him.  I’m positive they’re the ones who were posing as my parents and who posed as me and Kallen earlier.”  Her cheeks turn scarlet.  I glare at Quinn when he snickers, understanding in his eyes.

“Come here,” Dagda says.  He starts reading the page he has open.  “Does this sound like these creatures?  Apsaras: A trio of demon and Cowan spawn who can be summoned by a fallen hero or a woman scorned.  Each excels in a different area of magic.  Rhamba, the leader of the three, moves about as demons do, able to teleport from place to place.  Tilattoma, also known as the Enchantress, can invade dreams and create illusions as ways to control prey.  Manaka incites lust and passion, causing her victims to lose themselves for hours at a time.”  He gives Xandra and me a pointed look before he continues.  “Once called, the three may not be controlled.  They will appear only to those whom they wish to see them, and will take the form of others at will.  Their demon magic is strong, making it almost impossible to kill them.” 

“Um, yeah,” Xandra says, her cheeks still blazing.  “That sounds like them.”

Quinn’s brow is pinched together tightly as if he is struggling to think.  An exercise I am sure he is not used to performing.  “And you believe it is these Apsaras, these demi-gods, who have been attacking the Devas?”

Xandra nods.  “Yes, I do.”

“For what purpose?”

Dagda responds before Xandra can.  “There are only two who can summon them.  Can you think of anyone who falls into either category?”

Quinn purses his lips and thinks about it, then shakes his head.  “No, I cannot.  Before the last few months, the most recent truce between us and the Daityas had inspired many years of peace.  I cannot think of anyone who would want to bring these Apsaras upon us.”

A gleam of insight appears in my mind.  “What if they are not seeking revenge against the Devas?” I say.

Xandra turns a puzzled face to me.  “What do you mean?”

Turning to Quinn, I say, “You believe that a war between the Devas and Daityas would have a given outcome.  Perhaps someone who agrees with you is angry enough with the Daityas to incite war, believing that the Daityas will fall under the swords and crossbows of the Devas.  Thereby killing the one who wronged him or her.”

Xandra knows where I am going with this.  “I think I know who would have summoned them.”  Everyone in the room is surprised except me.  “Breena and Ellu broke up recently.  She does act like a woman scorned.”

Quinn pushes away from the window sill and crosses his arms over his chest.  “That is impossible.  She is Devas and he is Daityas.  It is forbidden.”

Xandra rolls her eyes.  “Yeah, because history isn’t full of forbidden love and the tragedies that surround it.”  She does have a point.  That is a theme that crosses all realms.

Dagda just might be convinced.  “Radella, please find Breena and escort her here.”

Radella nods to two of her security team and the three of them walk out of the library in search of Breena.  She better have returned here after leaving us in the tunnel.  If not, I will hunt her down myself. 

The room is quiet as we wait for word on whether Radella and her team have found her.  I spend the time massaging Xandra’s shoulders, trying to get the knots out of them.  My mind keeps straying to other parts of her body that I would like to massage. 

Radella returns a short time later with Breena in tow.  The Giant seems surprised to see Xandra and me.  So, she had been leading us into a trap.  She fully expected the demi-gods to kill us.  Xandra flinches when my hands tighten on her shoulders as my anger unfolds within me.

Not knowing how much we have figured out, she tries to mask her surprise with subservience.  “Your majesty, there is something you wish from me?”

Even Quinn is having difficulty not going over and throttling her.  His hands are in such tight fists, his knuckles are pure white.  He remains silent, though.

“Yes,” Dagda says, as if he is about to ask her to pour coffee.  “There have been some unusual reports coming in.  The security teams are seeing what they describe as nymphs wandering the area.  Have you heard anything about this?  Were there sightings before we came here?”  This is an unusual approach he is taking.

Breena’s body tenses, but she tries to keep her face impassive.  “I have not heard of any such sightings, your Majesty.”

Dagda pushes harder.  “What about someone posing as another?” She shakes her head but sweat is gleaming on her brow. 

Xandra is too impatient for Dagda’s roundabout questioning.  “Did you summon the Apsaras or not?” she asks.  Dagda gives her a hard look but Quinn is both amused and impressed by her directness.  I am also, but I keep my face blank.

Breena’s face hardens.  “You could not leave things alone, could you?  The moment I heard you were coming, I knew you would be trouble.”

Xandra shows no reaction to her outburst other than to say, “That’s why you sent the Apsaras after me on the carriage ride here.”

“Ah, pet, you are quick,” Rhamba says from behind us, making us both jump.    We spin around in unison. 

“I am not your pet,” Xandra growls.

Rhamba smiles.  “You will be.  Yes, Breena asked us to dispose of you however we saw fit, but you were much too valuable to kill.  Your abilities far outshine any other magical creatures we have met outside of ourselves.  Your passion is mighty, and your determination is inspiring.”

Xandra is not impressed by the flattery.  “Thanks for the great build up, but I’m still not interested in being your pet.”

Rhamba raises both brows in amusement.  “How lovely that you truly believe you have a choice in the matter.”

Rhamba has no idea she is pushing all the wrong buttons with Xandra.  “Isn’t it?” Xandra purrs.  “Oh, and by the way, I guess I was right on the money when I said you were demons, not gods.  We just read all about you and your friends.”

Rhamba’s smile does not falter.  “Am I supposed to be concerned about you reading of us?  If anything, it will help you understand the futility of your resistance.”

“Futility of my resistance?” Xandra laughs, honest amusement in her voice.  “That sounds like a cheesy line from Star Trek.”  And now she has lost everyone in the room.  What is ‘Star Trek’?

Rhamba is growing impatient with the conversation.  “Xandra, this is your last opportunity to join us willingly.  If you refuse again, we will begin killing off the people you love.”

As if on cue, Menaka shows up behind her with Alita in tow.  Alita looks miserable, suffering greatly from such close proximity with a demon’s spawn.   

Xandra is pulling magic in waves and her words are ice cold as they leave her mouth.  “Leave.  Her.  Alone.” 

Menaka laughs at Xandra’s growing anger.   “You are no match for Rhamba, little Witch Fairy.”

Those words might as well have been spoken as a challenge.  Assessing the room, Xandra takes in where everyone is standing, including Kegan who has moved in behind Menaka and Alita.  Xandra’s magic bursts forward.  Taking the shape of a snake, it tears at Menaka’s neck.  The demon lets go of Alita as it tries to free itself.  This gives Kegan the opportunity to push Menaka to the floor and grab Alita.  Swooping her up in his arms, he races to the door and out in the hall and then beyond, getting Alita as far from this room as possible.

Menaka is pissed to have lost her prey.  She charges towards Xandra who creates a trip wire of magic in her path.  Menaka goes sprawling to the floor again, her face now a distorted and bloody mask of rage.  “You will pay for that,” she roars at Xandra. 

“Enough!” Rhamba shouts.  She sends her own magic flying towards Xandra.  Xandra repels it without even the barest of struggles.  She is angry enough to have complete control over the ocean of magic she has pulled from the earth.

A strange expression takes root on Xandra’s face.  Her magic falters a moment as she goes completely still, her mind searching for something.  Still, her magic keeps the demons at bay while she ponders whatever it is.  Turning to me, she says, “When we’re right hand-fasted, I want a blue ring like I saw a few days ago in the carriage.”

What the hell is she talking about?  Has she gone insane?  But then I notice the sly smile on her face and I suddenly know what she is talking about.  My lips widen into a grin.  “Anything you want,” I say.  I reach out with my mind and send a message to Sindri.

Rhamba looks incredulous.  “You are discussing a hand-fasting?  You are never going to be hand-fasted.  You will be my pet or you will die.”

Xandra gives her a sour look.  “Could you tone down the drama?  I’m planning my wedding details here.”  I cannot help the chuckle that starts in my throat and will not be held back my lips.  But I notice a tiny slip in Xandra’s bravado.  Not enough for anyone else to see, but enough for me to see.  I smile in encouragement and lace my fingers with hers.  All the while, she and Rhamba continue to hold back the other’s magic.  Everyone else in the room is perfectly still, not wanting to distract Xandra.  Or they could just be fearful like Radella obviously is.