Chain of Illusions (Bringer and the Bane) (12 page)

The other three demons scrambled to their feet and started to back away.

“Stand your ground, idiots.” Nab rose to his full six feet, his yellow gaze driving into her. “I’ve seen you before.” He took a step toward her. “Where do I know you from?”

She leaned her shoulder against the tree and crossed her arms and legs. Siban’s anger pounded against her. Instead of ignoring it, she let it wash over her, giving her strength. “I’m hurt that you don’t remember our time together. Let me refresh your memory. Thirteen years ago.”

He stared at her and she could see him trying to place her face. After a few seconds his eyes widened. He ran his black tongue along his misshapen lower lip, smacking as if about to eat something tasty. “You’re that Bringer girl Gust brung in.”

She smiled sweetly. “So nice of you to remember.”

“But you were turned by one of Vile’s private guards.” His head wove from side to side like a snake. “Ain’t no way that you’re the same girl. Maybe she had a twin.”

“No.” Rell pushed away from the tree and lowered her arm to rest her hand on the hilt of her sword. “I’ve no twin and I’ve waited thirteen years to repay you for what you did to me that day in the Shadow World.”

Fear flashed in Nab’s eyes but he quickly recovered and laughed. “You think you’re gonna to take us four on with that tiny sword and those little balls of fire?”

Juna’s presence was suddenly inside her mind, commanding that she stand down. Unlike Siban, whose demands were not strong enough to breach her own desires, Juna’s order left no room for argument. Like a net being cast over a swarming school of fish, Juna captured her powers and reined them in, taking with it her elevated bravado.

“Absolutely.” She shrugged, acting as if she hadn’t just lost her courage. “Well, me and my friends.”

The three Bringers moved from between the trees to stand on either side of Rell.

Gregory pulled his sword from its sheath. “And you won’t be returning to the Shadow World, demon.”

Fire raced along the blade. He’d always worn the sword but Rell had never given it a second thought. Of course it would be an immortal weapon. He was the Bringer King. At least until they found his brother.

The three demons turned and ran. Juna and Siban raced after them, though as far as she knew, neither carried anything other than a mortal sword. Sensing his defeat, Nab turned and bolted in the opposite direction of his companions. Something powerful and foreign welled up inside Rell, demanding its release. The restraints Juna had put on her snapped and ancient words spilled from her lips. She lifted one hand, pointing it toward Nab. As if hitting a solid wall, the demon slammed into an invisible barrier, his body frozen in a state of fleeing.

Gregory looked at her. “How are you doing that?”

She shook her head and her hand began to quiver. “Kill him!”

He hesitated only a second and then sprinted to where Nab stood, unmoving. Gregory pulled the sword back and uttered a flurry of ancient words. Rell’s body trembled from the effort of holding the demon. Though he couldn’t move, Nab was fighting her, trying to send the black evil of the Bane into her mind.

She screamed as the familiar malevolence clawed at the mental shields she’d erected. With a thrust of his sword, Gregory drove the blade deep into the demon’s chest and then pulled it free. Not waiting, he turned and sprinted toward Rell, scooping her around the waist as her knees buckled. Half dragging, half carrying, Gregory maneuvered her into the shelter of the trees.

Nab’s screams filled her head. She slapped her hands over her ears and slid to the ground, watching the demon convulse. Siban and Juna exited the trees and stopped to take in the scene.

“Grab the woman and man and get into the trees. Hold onto something,” Gregory yelled.

Without hesitation, they ran to the two people. Siban jammed his sword into his sheath and hoisted the man’s arm around his shoulders, Juna did the same on the opposite side. They dragged him toward the woods.

“Come on!” With his free hand, Siban grabbed the woman’s wrist and tugged her behind him.

She stumbled, but let him lead her.

A large black hole formed behind Nab. His screams ricocheted through Rell’s mind, sending spikes of pain through her head. Suddenly the agony and his howls ceased. Dead silence filled the woods. She slowly sat straighter and looked around, but Gregory wouldn’t let her go.

“Hold onto the tree.” He shoved her hands against the rough bark.

Just as she tightened her grip the breath was sucked from her body. Gregory wrapped his arms around her and grabbed onto the tree as well. Rell coughed, trying to suck air into her lungs but it was as if no air existed. Her legs slid out from under her, drawn toward the black hole growing within the clearing. By panting she managed to get a shallow breath.

Branches and rocks rolled toward the hole. She pressed her mouth and nose against her shoulder to shield her face from the leaves and sticks flying through the air. Her body lifted from the ground. Gregory tossed his leg over hers, smashing them back down.

Nab screamed again, this time his howls were not in her head. She looked at the demon and gasped. His body was stretching and being sucked into the black void, headfirst. A roar like thunder rumbled through the clearing and the ground shook. Small trees uprooted and flew toward the black hole, smashing into Nab’s body.

First his arms disappeared into the blackness, followed by his shoulders, and finally his head. All at once his legs slipped inside, and he was swallowed completely. The hole expanded and pulsed. The image reminded Rell of a huge black mouth chewing its prey. Another peal of thunder rumbled through the clearing and the black hole vanished.

Her body dropped, suddenly feeling many times heavier than it really was. Gregory’s knee pressed into her stomach and she gasped, pulling in a lungful of air as cool wind swirled around her.

He rolled off her and to his knees. “Are you all right?”

Rell coughed and released her grip on the tree. Her fingers ached from clawing the bark to avoid being dragged toward the void. “Yes. I’m fine.” She stumbled to her feet but rested her hands on her knees. “What was that?”

His breath came out in short pants. “That was the Abyss of Souls and from its strength I would say it’s getting very full.”

“The Abyss?” She straightened and stared out at the now empty clearing. “Sweet Sainted Ones, that was horrifying.”

He nodded. “It is not supposed to be pleasant.”

Siban raced from the trees, his footsteps pounding across the clearing. Without stopping, he barreled into Rell, sweeping her in his arms and crushing her to him. Once again the breath rushed from her body.

“Siban.” Her voice squeezed from her. “I can’t breathe.”

He released her and held her at arm’s length. “Are you all right?”

She gripped his forearms in an effort not to fall. “Yes. I’m fine.”

“What were you thinking by confronting those Bane by yourself.” He shook her hard. “You could have been killed.”

“But I wasn’t.” She circled her hands under his arms, breaking his hold. He reached for her again but she sidestepped him. “I’m not a child, Siban.”

His mouth compressed into a hard line and his gaze narrowed. “Your actions would prove otherwise. We were to assess the situation and work as a team.”

Embarrassed by his chastisement in front of Gregory, she turned her back to Siban. “It worked out for the best. Nab is dead.”

Siban turned to the king for support. “Do you agree that she was careless, Gregory?”

Rell faced their leader. She
had
been careless but hadn’t been able to stop herself. That was not something she would tell Siban. They’d only been on this quest for a little more than an hour and already he was harping on her—and already she had nearly gotten herself killed.

“I’m sorry if I overstepped my place, Gregory.” She inhaled slowly. “He was one of the demons who helped turn me. One I had slated for revenge.”

Gregory searched her face and after a few seconds he said, “You had every right to revenge yourself, Rell, but there are unknown forces we are dealing with. Next time we encounter the Bane, I must be able to trust that you will fight as one of the group, not alone.”

She nodded. “Of course. I’m sorry.”

“For now there is no harm done.” Siban harrumphed but Gregory and Rell ignored him. “Where are Juna and the others?”

“Across the clearing.” Siban glared at Rell. “The man was still unconscious, but the woman said they were on their way back to Illuma Grand.”

“Bringers?” Intent on going to assist Juna, Rell took a step, but Siban blocked her path.

“I will help Juna. Go get the others. We will need their help.” He continued to scowl at her, lowering his voice. “We will speak more about this later.”

Rell stepped away from Siban but didn’t reply. She had been rash, but the woman had needed help. Instinct had taken over and until Juna had reined her in, she’d been more than willing to take the four demons on herself. Though she wouldn’t admit it to Siban, she knew her actions had been careless.

“Guide them over to the trees just beyond.” Gregory pointed across the clearing. “It seems we’ll need to make a stop at Illuma Grand to safely return these two—and find out if Lord Bagita has lost even more of his Bringers.

Chapter Eleven

It took all of Siban’s willpower not to rage at Rell. He couldn’t believe his eyes when she’d strolled directly into the path of danger, only thinking of her need for revenge. She’d been unreachable. Her anger had swamped him as he had tried connecting and corralling her back to their mission. Between that and freeing Icarus, Siban was starting to trust her judgment less and less—no matter how much she argued that her reasoning was sound. Now she sat on her horse, her spine stiff with defiance. He’d known she still struggled with the dark stain on her soul, but this was the first time he’d seen it manifested. With the other Bringers around he’d have to wait to say his piece until they were alone. Saints help her when he did.

The unknown woman sat in front of Gregory on his horse, and Trace supported the still unconscious man in front of him. It appeared the Saints had decided to smile upon them for a brief period. No other incidents disrupted their course to Illuma Grand. Siban didn’t know how he would react if Rell acted so rashly again. He stilled his anger. And to think that they’d only just begun the journey.

They entered the gates of Illuma Grand a few hours after sunup, and already the place bustled with activity. Their arrival caused quite a stir. Riding two abreast, the line of Bringers dominated the roadway leading to the palatial structure. The people of Illuma Grand pointed, some touching their chins and whispering, obviously knowing enough about Bringers to recognize Siban and the other Tells’ more visible tattoos.

The white stone entrance of the main building stretched across the grounds, its archways teeming with inhabitants as they filed out to see what the excitement was about. Gregory stopped at the wide steps and dismounted before helping the woman down from his horse.

An older woman’s cry ripped through the air, drawing all attention to her. She pushed her way through the crowd and ran to the young woman who had been attacked by the Bane, enveloping her in her arms. Three men clad in gray took command of the unconscious man and carried him through the crowd and into the first archway.

Siban and the rest of the Bringers dismounted, handing their reins to several more gray-clad men, who led the horses away. Rell stood amongst the activity with her arms wrapped around her like a shield. Siban moved to stand beside her and placed an arm around her waist. Instantly she relaxed.

“What is going on here?” said a large man from the top step.

Though Siban had never met him, he recognized Fromme Bagita at once. Ornately dressed, he wore enough gold around his neck to feed a small village for a year. Though only one of the ruling Bringer Council, the man held himself like a king, which from what they’d been told, was exactly his goal. The arrogant lord had no idea that the true king was already in residence.

While Gregory removed his gloves, he climbed the steps to meet Fromme. “My group and I encountered these two young people on our journey this morning. They had been captured by four Demon Bane.”

Gasps and cries of shock traveled through those assembled, intensifying the din to a dull roar. From the smug look on Gregory’s face, that had been his goal. Fromme’s refusal to believe that the Bane were again rising was well known.

“Calm down.” Fromme waved his meaty, bejeweled fingers in the air. “I’m sure Sir Gregory is exaggerating the situation.”

“He’s not.” The woman they had saved from the demons pushed free of the older woman’s hold. “We were a mile beyond the boundaries of Illuma Grand when we were set upon by Bane.” She walked to the steps and climbed the first three, turning to the crowd. “The Bane are real, and they are after Bringers.” She looked up at Fromme. “They said that Liam and I would make a nice addition to King Vile’s collection.”

Again the outrage of the crowd swelled, sending a wave of anger and fear through Siban. He clamped down on his mental barriers, trying to block out the people’s panic. The emotions lessened enough for him to concentrate on what was happening around him.

“I’m sure you’re mistaken, MaryBeth.” Fromme’s nervous stare bounced around the crowd and leveled back at the woman. “Perhaps you and Liam were sneaking away for an intimate rendezvous.”

The older woman gasped and pushed forward, glaring up at him. “How dare you sully my granddaughter’s reputation. She is a good girl, and Liam is a respectable boy. He has been severely injured but instead of helping him, you cast aspersions at him.” She climbed two steps. “I want to know what you’re going to do about this, Lord Bagita. Too many of our people have gone missing already. What are you doing to prevent the Bane from taking more of us?”

A heavy silence fell over the crowd, all eyes turning to their supposed leader, a man, in Siban’s opinion, who had an interest in nobody’s welfare but his own.

A greasy smile spread across Fromme’s face in an attempt to distract the crowd. “I will meet with Lord Gregory.” He paused and motioned toward their party. “And the rest of his people, and I promise we will figure out a solution.”

Heads bobbed up and down with approval. The people began to talk amongst themselves, tossing out theories and solutions. Gregory motioned his party forward and a path opened, allowing the Bringers to pass. Siban’s hand remained at Rell’s waist and she made no attempt to detach herself from his touch. His ire lessened. It was obvious she struggled with not only her powers, but also with being a part of a now highly visible group. He would not add to her anxiety by stating his piece. What she needed right now was his comfort.

Lord Bagita led them through the marble halls, the
click
of his boot heels echoing off the high walls. Siban scanned the rooms as they passed them, but nothing registered as odd. People stepped aside but continued to follow them with surprised stares.

The group followed Fromme to the far end of a wide hallway. Two giant doors that looked as if they were made of gold spanned the width of the wall. Without stopping or knocking, Fromme threw the doors wide open and strode inside, taking his place in an oversized chair that reminded Siban of a throne.

Before entering, Gregory stopped and turned to the Bringers. “I need a group to stand guard outside the room and make sure we are not interrupted.” He dropped his voice to a whisper, his gaze leveling on Juna. “See what you can find out from the people about any more missing Bringers. Also I need a group to search the Council Chamber. Juna will know what to look for. You have an hour at best.”

Ravyn nodded. “I’ll go.”

“So will I,” Jade said.

“Me, too.” Rell stepped forward but Siban wrapped his hand around her arm, halting her. She looked at his hold and then at his face. “Let go.”

The statement was laced with determination. Not wanting to cause a scene, he released her and stepped away. Though they were lovers, he was not her keeper, and she seemed bent on reminding him of that.

…

Rell thought that Siban would protest, and from the way he had grabbed her, the thought had crossed his mind. He had let her go, albeit reluctantly.

Though Juna was a powerful Tell, as witnessed by the way she’d bound Rell’s powers this morning, and probably didn’t need her help, Rell wanted to try and make up for her carelessness earlier. Reconciling the anger she’d felt when seeing Nab and understanding the overwhelming euphoria of power when she’d released her mental shields was difficult. Now, an hour after the incident, she could see the danger she’d put herself and the group in. The Bringers fought as one and would have risked their lives if she’d gotten in trouble. She pushed back the twinge of shame and moved to stand beside Jade.

The twins, Odette and Okee, took their post on either side of the chamber, and the remaining eight Bringers filed inside. Gregory gave the women a pointed stared before closing the door behind him.

“The best thing to do would be to head directly to the Council Chamber,” Ravyn said. “We can work our way up from there and speak with the people once we’ve done our search.”

“I agree. I’ve tried to search the chamber twice, but somebody has always interrupted me.” Juna fell in beside Ravyn as they made their trek back down the hallway. “Hopefully this time we’ll turn up something.”

Jade gave an unladylike snort. “We always find something interesting when we visit Illuma Grand. It’s inevitable.”

“That doesn’t sound too reassuring.” Rell looked at her sister and smirked. “Then again, you do have a talent for finding trouble.”

Ravyn glanced over her shoulder. “On that point we definitely agree.”

“Me?” Jade glowered at her. “I’m not the one who charged into a horde of Bane.”

Rell harrumphed. There was no defending herself on that point.

They continued back into the public area of the building. The beauty of the structure struck Rell. Never had she seen ceilings that soared so high or stone polished to such a glassy shine. The one prominent contrast was the dull gray outfits nearly all the people wore. Unlike Lord Bagita’s opulent display of wealth, these mixed-blooded Bringers looked more like servants.

Juna and Ravyn led the way, both obviously knowing where the Council Chamber was located. Rell strode with her eyes forward, acting as if they had every right to be there. Nobody stopped them or asked if they needed help. The four took a wide staircase that spiraled downward. Rell poked her head over the railing. The drop was more than a hundred feet below them.

“How far down are we going?” Rell asked, hopping down two steps at a time to catch up.

“All the way to the bottom,” Ravyn said.

They passed niches and alcoves that housed beautiful statues and paintings. Rell let out a low whistle. “There’s a lot of money lying around Illuma Grand. I’m surprised somebody hasn’t stolen these pieces yet.”

“They have,” Juna said. “We’re certain that Bagita had replicas made and sold the originals. Most of these are fakes.” She lowered her voice. “He’s an idiot.”

Jade glanced at Rell and smiled. The more she was around Juna, the more Rell liked her. Ravyn’s sister had a no-nonsense attitude and didn’t engage in a lot of small talk. That was something Rell could identify with.

“The pieces he didn’t deem worthy of selling are actually the most valuable. Some are priceless, brought through the Mystic Arch during the Bane War,” Juna continued. “But because they’re not encrusted with gold and jewels, the imbecile thinks they’re worthless.” She shook her head. “All the better for us. At least if they stay within these walls the relics will remain safe.”

“I’m liking Lord Bagita less and less,” Rell said.

“He does have that effect on people,” Ravyn replied.

As they continued their trek, the crowds of people thinned until nobody but the four of them remained. At the bottom step Ravyn peeked around the corner and then motioned them forward. Heat rippled across Rell’s skin, sinking into her muscles. She shook her arms.

Jade looked at her. “You feel it too?”

“What is that?” She regarded the empty outer chamber. There was nothing but low-burning braziers and stone benches set into deep alcoves. The place had a hollow feel, as if nothing living should exist within the hall. She rubbed her arms to chase away a sense of foreboding. “It doesn’t feel like the rest of Illuma Grand.”

“This is sacred ground.” Juna turned to face them. “The original site of the Mystic Arch.”

The three women glanced at each other and then back to Juna. A thought occurred to Rell. “Original site? You mean the Mystic Arch is still there?”

“Yes, this is where we entered when Gregory opened the passage. We didn’t realize Illuma Grand had been built around the Arch.” Juna scowled. “It’s a blessing and a curse. If we can open the portal once the heir is found, then we’ll be able to bring more soldiers through safely. They won’t be set upon when crossing into Inness.”

“That’s fortunate, and would give the Bringers an upper hand,” Jade said.

“Yes, but if our reinforcements are followed through the Arch by those who oppose Gregory, they could infiltrate this stronghold and bring down the wards.”

“Best we don’t let them through then, eh?” Rell said.

Her sister nodded. “But this won’t be an issue unless we find the heir.”

“And the immortal weapons.” Ravyn looked at Juna, cocking her head. “That’s why we’re searching the Council Chambers, isn’t it.”

Her sister gave a single nod. “Yes, Gregory has long suspected that the weapons were hidden near the Arch so they would be easily accessible to the Bringers who crossed. He’s searched the Chamber himself many times, but has found nothing.”

“There is something about the Chamber,” Ravyn said. “When the Council questioned me, it felt like the room itself intensified all three of my Bringer senses.”

“That’s why Gregory wanted us to try. My Tell is stronger than Ravyn’s, but because she is part of the Trilation, she still has the abilities. With the two of us—” Juna pointed to Rell. “And another Tell, we are more likely to pick up on the subtle vibrations the immortal weapons give off.”

“What if they’ve been moved?” Jade asked. “Luc and I found one of the daggers in the market of Faela. What’s to say that somebody hasn’t removed all of them?”

“Most likely that is what’s happened.” Juna strode toward the two ornately carved doors. Which is probably why Gregory hasn’t found anything thus far.”

Before Juna could reach for the handle, one of the doors creaked open and a woman slipped out. The stinging bite, similar to that of the Bane, bit into Rell’s arms. The woman’s bright orange shawl instantly marked her as an enemy. The
zing
of four swords being simultaneously dragged from sheaths rang through the hall.

From her time as a Bane spent ferreting out information about Luc, Rell had become all too familiar with the black magic clans. She held the point of her blade against the woman’s neck. “A Splinter.” Rell pushed the tip against the woman’s skin. “Now what would a black-magic bitch like you be doing inside the Bringer fortress?”

A little cry slipped from the woman. She slowly turned to face them, her large brown eyes round with fear. “Please don’t kill me.” Her gaze bounced between the Bringers, searching their faces and dress, taking in information. “You’re full Bringers—but how? I was told none of you existed any longer.”