Chain of Illusions (Bringer and the Bane) (24 page)

Images flowed through her mind. She felt Brita’s Tell within her, guiding her in projecting the visions to Fromme. Sounds of fighting rang inside her head. The urge to break her hold nearly overwhelmed her, but Brita kept her grounded. Fire blazed before her eyes, their home going up in flames and her father’s body lying lifeless on the ground. Then they were there. The Bane swarmed the area. She ran, but was plucked off the ground by a demon. Faster the images came. The Shadow World—the winged demon sucking out her soul. Her screams and then darkness.

Rell opened her eyes and stared at the man before her. His face had gone white, frozen in an expression of horror. Brita released her hold and stepped away. Slowly Rell lowered her hand. “I do not lie.”

His head shook with denial, his body trembling from the scenes that had been her life. “It wasn’t supposed to happen like that.” He continued to shake his head. “He was only to get the documents.”

“What documents?” Luc stepped forward. When Fromme only stared at him with wide eyes, he said again, “What documents?”

“No, this is another trick.” The man began backing up. “It cannot be true.”

Turning, Bagita fled out the door, muttering his denial of what he had seen. Lady Grimes edged toward the door and with a flourish, spun and followed Lord Bagita down the corridor. Rell leveled her gaze on Byrnes. “Would you like to see?”

He scowled at her, sniffed, lifted his nose in the air, and followed his friends out the door. Meran closed the door behind them and turned. “That was effective.”

Siban wrapped his arm around Rell’s waist. His touch instantly calmed the torrent of emotions that had surfaced when she’d relived the night she’d been turned Bane. “What did he mean, ‘He was only to get the documents’?”

“I think we finally know who had a hand in the night Luc lost them gambling,” Ravyn said.

“Had a hand in it?” Rell turned and looked at Luc. “It was all staged?”

He swallowed several times, his lips pinched into a tight line. “Yes. Ravyn picked up on it right after I discovered you’d been turned Bane.” His mouth relaxed. “It doesn’t matter. I shouldn’t have been so careless, Esmeralda. None of what happened to you would have occurred if I’d been more responsible.”

Jade laid her chin against his arm but said nothing.

The guilt he still carried was evident from his expression. Yes, she’d been through the worst, but it had all happened for a reason. Jade’s words came back to Rell and she said them aloud, “If everything that has occurred happened to bring us to this point now, then I would relive it all again.”

“You can’t mean that,” Luc said. “You’ve lived a nightmare.”

“And out of that nightmare I found Siban.” She slipped her arm around his waist. “And you found Jade, and Gregory has found his brother.” An understanding of the events in her life crystalized before Rell. “Because of what I went through, we might be able to heal Icarus, open the Mystic Arch again, and vanquish Vile and the Summoners.” She pressed a fist against her heart. “Our lives have been intertwined from before we were born. The Bringers, this group, are like the threads of a rope, twisted, one life crossing over the other.” Her gaze skated over each one of them. “I, for one, will die trying to make right what should have been amended a thousand years ago.” She looked back at Luc. “If you need my forgiveness, then know you have it.”

For once he seemed speechless, but from the look on his face it appeared she had lifted a burden he’d long carried. He walked to her and stopped. She looked up at him and saw that his eyes glistened with unspoken emotion. With slow movements, as if savoring the moment of freedom, he drew Rell toward him and hugged her. He pressed his mouth to a spot just above her ear. “Thank you.”

She smiled against his chest and returned his embrace, squeezing him tightly. After a second they released each other and she stepped back, cocking her head to the side. “I’m really glad we didn’t kill you.”

He nodded. “Me, too.”

“Well.” Lady Tobin clapped her hands together once and shook her head. “Let me see if I have this correct.” She pointed to Rell, her hands still pressed together. “You are Bowen’s daughter, but were turned into a Bane, but somehow these wonderful Bringers healed you.”

“Yes.” Rell repressed a smile at the woman’s exasperated expression.

“Your brother is still a Bane,” she said to Gregory. “But there’s great hope of healing him as well.”

“Correct,” the Bringer said.

“Vile is actually Ander. The Summoners still exist and are getting stronger. My grandson is still somewhere in the Shadow World.” She paused. “And I don’t even think I want to know what that business with Fromme was all about.”

Luc turned to her. “It’s probably best.”

“Well then.” She let out an abrupt sigh. “What do you need from us?”

All eyes turned to Gregory. “Gather the Bringers who wish to serve. Send them to Jacob Le Daun’s manor. For now we will post out of there. His home will be easy to patrol and has already been warded. If most residents of Illuma Grand are willing to be brought to full power, then we will move our command back here. Inform the Council of what has transpired.” He exhaled. “Prepare for a war.”

Chapter Twenty-two

Never had there been a more glorious sight than Le Daun Manor. A subtle vibration hummed along Siban’s skin when they passed through the warded boundaries. The sensation sent the tension he didn’t know he’d been holding from his body. They were home and safe.

A shriek from the front door erupted. “They’re back.” Delphina stuck her head back inside the manor. “Lord Le Daun, they’re home.”

In a matter of seconds, Delphina, her children, Jacob, Odette, Okee, and a woman Siban didn’t recognize spilled onto the front landing.

Gregory stopped the line of horses in front of the steps and dismounted. The rest of the party followed suit.

“You are a sight for sore eyes.” Jacob descended the steps and clutched Gregory’s arm. “We were beginning to fear the worst.” He shuffled down the line, touching each one of the Bringers and stopping when he got to Luc to pull him into a crushing hug. “I’m so glad my fears were unfounded.”

“It’s good to be home, Father.” Luc returned the hug and didn’t pull away until Jacob released him. “But the situation has become much more perilous.”

“Now is not the time to share the unsettling details, my son.” Jacob’s gaze slid over his shoulder to the unfamiliar woman on the steps.”

“What is she doing here?” Jade asked.

Siban looked at Rell for explanation.

“She is the Splinter we found coming out of the Council Chamber.” Rell’s hand strayed to the hilt of her sword. “You’ll forgive us, Fatima, if we’re a little leery of your motives for being here right now. Listening to the Demon King’s lies and fighting his private army puts one in a less than trusting mood.”

Silence blanketed the group, all eyes turning toward the Splinter, waiting for an answer.

She shifted nervously and wrapped an arm across her torso to drape her orange shawl over her shoulder.

“Give the woman a chance to speak.” Jacob climbed the first step. “I think you’ll find what she has to say very interesting.”

“Not here.” Juna looked to the sky. “After we’ve tended the horses we’ll come inside. We can discuss matters there.”

“I agree,” said Gregory. “Vile’s spies are everywhere.”

“Very good.” Jacob turned to Delphina. “Could we get refreshments, my dear?”

“Of course.” Delphina turned to go inside.

“I would like to assist—if you will allow it,” Fatima said.

“I’ll take any help I can get when it comes to this lot.” Delphina bustled inside with Fatima gliding gracefully behind her.

“First Ravyn adopts Delphina, and now it appears the Splinter has taken Juna up on her offer for aid.” Rhys smirked. “It seems you sisters have a penchant for collecting strays.”

“I haven’t collected any strays,” Meran said, turning her horse in the direction of the stables.

Luc snorted. “Perhaps you’re forgetting about your banished demon who lurks somewhere beyond the wards.”

Meran sniffed and lifted her chin an inch. “Icarus is not my demon. He’s Gregory’s brother.”

Jacob’s mouth dropped open, his eyes leveling on Gregory. “What’s this about Icarus?”

“Yes, it appears the heir to the Bringer throne is a Bane,” Gregory said.

“Well, you know what they say.” Luc slapped him on the back. “You can’t pick your family.”

“Thank you, Luc.” Gregory tugged his horse forward. “That’s not very comforting.”

After the horses had been taken care of, the Bringers assembled back in the Great Hall. Siban took his place next to Rell and slid his hand onto her knee. Her hand slid over his and curled around his fingers.

They’d been out of the Shadow World for a little over a day and now that they were back at the manor and some of the worry over their situation had calmed, his mind turned to more enjoyable activities.

Last night had been a true test of his self-control. To let Rell sleep after that dinner had taken every shred of willpower he could muster. But they’d both needed it and he’d promised himself the next time he made love to her it would not be rushed. They’d yet to share an entire night together when more pressing matters hadn’t invaded their thoughts and put them on edge. Tonight he would share with Rell the full experience of what happened between a man and a woman.

Siban shifted his attention to the problem at hand, a Splinter among them. Instead of taking his place at the front of the table as he usually did, Gregory scooted onto the end of the wooden bench next to Magnus. Siban couldn’t help but notice that the man looked tired. He couldn’t blame him. What they’d gone through in the Shadow World was a lot to contend with but to find out that your brother had been a Demon Bane for the last thousand years must be difficult to reconcile.

His thoughts turned to Icarus. What was to be done about him? Though his opinion about the demon’s motives had changed after he had saved Rell and confronted Vile, Siban still didn’t trust him. From his time in the Shadow World and the torture inflicted upon him, he’d tasted the strength of the darkness that Bane used to control those they dominated. But his respect for Icarus had increased. If the demon could truly be healed, he would have accomplished the impossible—keeping the suffocating black evil at bay for a millennia.

The Bringers drank deep of the ale Delphina and Fatima had delivered, waiting for Gregory to speak. Jacob presented two stools for the women to sit on.

“I’ve got things to do in the kitchen,” Delphina said, waving away the offer.

“Sit.” Jacob gripped her arm and gently led her to the stool. “This concerns you as well.”

She glanced at the Bringers as if asking permission.

“He’s right,” Rhys said. “You and your children are part of our group and fall under our protection. As such you deserve to know where things stand and what to expect.”

Delphina smoothed her hands down the front of her skirt and sat next to Fatima. The two women exchanged worried glances.

The rest of the Bringers took their places at the table but didn’t speak, waiting for Gregory to begin.

He released a soul weary sigh. “First, Jacob, please introduce our new guest and explain why we now seem to have a Splinter in residence.”

Before Jacob could speak, Juna cut him off. “I’ll do the honors.” She sat across from Gregory, but turned her body to face the woman. “Her name is Fatima. She has a child. We caught her sneaking out of the Council Chamber when we stopped at Illuma Grand on the way to the Shadow World. She said she had been invited there to dance for Fromme Bagita, but in reality she was sent there by Vile and Sha-hera to search for immortal weapons, which she did not find.” Juna’s tone was matter of fact. She cocked her head to the side. “Did I leave anything out?”

Fatima held her gaze for several seconds before lowering her eyes to her lap. “You left out that I no longer wish to serve the Bane.”

“Why not?” Rell asked. She tapped her index finger with a steady beat against the wood of the table. “Why should we believe you?

The woman toyed with the fringe on her orange shawl. “I know you can read me.” She tapped her chin, indicating Rell’s Tell tattoo. “There are enough of you to know whether or not I am lying when I say I no longer serve Sha-hera and Vile.”

“And again I’ll ask, why?” Rell said.

Fatima took a deep breath. “After you found me at Illuma Grand, I began to think about what you said—that Sha-hera would take my child anyway no matter what I did for her.”

“At the time you didn’t seem to believe me.” Rell’s tapping stopped. “What changed your mind?”

“She came to me again.” Despite the intense stares of the Bringers, the woman didn’t quell under their scrutiny. “This time her orders were more—demanding.”

Gregory cupped his hands around his mug and leaned forward, his gaze narrowing. “What did she want you to do?”

“She demanded that I gather the Splinters from my clan, and said I should send messengers to other clans. They are to occupy cities around Itta, Alba, and Faela.”

“For what purpose?” Juna asked. “After what I’ve seen in the Shadow World, Vile doesn’t needs the Splinters to battle for him.”

“I don’t believe Sha-hera speaks for Vile any longer. She seemed angry, saying we were to report only to her.” Fatima shook her head. “Then she told me that I, along with the women of my clan, were to travel north and meet her at the boundaries of the Frost Lands, a town called Pillager’s Peak. That’s when I realized the price she demanded I pay for her protection was too steep.”

“The Frost Lands?” Rhys asked. “What purpose would she have there?”

“I asked, but all she said was that I should ask fewer questions and to make sure I was at Pillager’s Point in three weeks’ time.” Fatima was silent for a few seconds, her hand still toying with the fringe on her shawl. “But before Sha-hera left she said something about Vile’s precious cargo.”

Furtive glances ricocheted between the Bringers.

“And she did not say what this cargo was?” Gregory asked.

“No.” Fatima smoothed her hands over her knees. “I was too scared to push for more information. But when I got back to camp I gathered our belongings and my daughter and traveled here.” She lowered her gaze to her lap again. “When I danced for Fromme, I was able to—coax information about the Bringers from him. That’s how I knew to come here.”

“Very resourceful,” Meran said. “And where is your child now?”

“Upstairs playing with Hayden.” Delphina smiled at Fatima. “The two get along like mutton and gravy.”

Gregory glanced down the table. “What say you? Is she telling the truth?”

“Yes.” Juna’s gaze slid from Fatima to Gregory. “As far as I can tell.”

Next he looked at Brita. She nodded but didn’t add further remarks. His stare leveled on Siban. “What is your impression?”

Everything Fatima said rang with truth and no vibrations of dishonesty registered against Siban’s Tell. He, for one, was willing to trust her at her word—for now. At the risk of more conflict with Rell, he spoke what he felt. “Her words ring with truth.”

Gregory nodded and leveled his gaze on Rell. “You seem more skeptical than the others, Rell. It is important that we are united in decisions that affect us all. What do you think about what Fatima has said?”

“I am living proof that one can make poor decisions, grow to regret them, and endeavor to make amends.” Rell swirled her finger in a circular pattern on the table but didn’t look up. “But I also know the treacherous nature of the dark entities that give the Splinters their powers.” She lifted her head, her gaze locking with Fatima’s. “So though what you say feels like truth, know that I will be watching you and will expect lies. But most of all, know that I will be the first to run you through with my blade if you do lie to us.”

The room was silent for a few seconds, the tension taut. A slow smile spread across Gregory’s face. He nodded and looked back at Fatima. “It appears you are to be trusted for now. If you fight and serve with the Bringers, we will protect you to our dying breath.”

Fatima stared at the group. “I have never had anybody willing to die for me.”

“It is a great responsibility,” Rell said. “Do not take it lightly.”

“I won’t.” The Splinter inhaled. “My child is the most important thing to me. I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. And whatever it takes to keep her from growing up in the same world I did.”

“A child is a strong catalyst,” Brita said. “Sha-hera knew this and she used it against you.” She bestowed one of her soul soothing smiles to Fatima. “You’ve made the right decision coming here.”

“I believe it, too.” Fatima stood. “That is all the information I have for you. If it’s all right, I’d like to go check on Aurora.”

“Of course.” Gregory stood, watching her depart. When the click of her footsteps had faded, he turned to the group. “It seems we are picking up some unexpected allies.”

“One,” Juna said. “There is no telling if Sha-hera has made other contacts among the group.” She rested her elbows on the table. “I doubt the Splinters as a whole would be open to aiding us.”

“I agree,” Meran said. “Fatima seems the exception in a community of black magic doers. Even if her priorities have not been straight before Sha-hera’s demands, I feel they are now.”

“I’m curious as to what the precious cargo is that the demons will be transporting.” Rhys looked at the group. “What are the chances it’s the missing Bringers?”

“My thoughts exactly.” Jacob picked at the rough edge of the table. “But why the Frost Lands?”

Luc let out a frustrated grunt and shook his head. “Your guess is as good as mine, but rest assured, Vile has a purpose.”

“Gregory?” Rhys turned his attention to their leader. “Are there other Bringers from your party in the north?”

“Yes.” He braced his hands against the table and leaned in. “Near Pillager’s Peak, as a matter of fact. I had several establish themselves there among the people, but from their reports, the land is desolate and nothing travels beyond the border towns.”

“Which would be perfect if Vile wanted to hide something there,” Ravyn added.

“True, but he has hundreds of miles of caverns where he could keep the Bringers and we’d probably never find them.” Jade shrugged. “Why go to all the trouble of moving the Bringers north?”

Gregory was silent for a few seconds, his gaze leveling on Brita and then Magnus. Siban opened himself up to the three’s silent exchange. They suspected something, but he couldn’t decipher anything further. “You suspect something?” Siban looked back to Gregory. “What is it you’re not telling us?”

He sighed. “There is a rumor of a place far beyond the boundary of the Frost Lands. It is said to be watched by sentinels.”

“Bane?” Juna asked.

“I don’t know.” Gregory straightened and paced a short path in front of the table. “But from the tales, this place was once a portal.” He stopped and looked at them. “It’s called the Threshold.”

“I’ve never heard of it,” Rhys said.

“Only those who came from Bael would have heard of it,” Magnus said. “Though even there it was part of legend.”

“Is it another portal into Bael?” Meran asked.

“Not necessarily.” Gregory began pacing again. “It is said that the Threshold can open into thousands of different worlds.”