Demon Within (20 page)

Caster and his family arrived in Darkmide mid-morning. Many people and traders filled the streets, and surprised at the thriving community, they wandered around with bewildered eyes, eventually finding a table at a small Inn. Having eaten their fill, and now just enjoying a drink of wine, they listened to the chatter regarding an upcoming spectacular event.

Seemingly the marriage between the Princess and the Slave was the main news for the last two days. Caster overheard a conversation from patrons seated at a nearby table. His eyes widened and he suddenly turned to his family.

‘It’s tomorrow!’ He tried to keep his voice low, but hearing the wedding was planned for tomorrow caught him off guard.

Jace frowned. ‘But, that means-’

‘They’re at Blackhill already!’

Caster sighed deeply. Their plan wasn’t going to work; there was no way he could speak with Kai now, not if Garlan was already here. Shaking his head in disbelief, Caster leaned his elbows on the table and covered his head with his hands.

Ellanor leaned closer, rubbing her hand across her husband’s tense shoulders. ‘This doesn’t change anything; you can still speak with Kai.

Watching his father’s disappointment, Jace pursed his lips. They’d made a difficult and tiring journey to get to Darkmide, and they still had a few hours traveling before they reached their destination, but it seemed pointless now. Seeing his mother trying to comfort Caster, he excused himself and gave his mother a gentle kiss on her cheek.

‘I know you’ll think of a way to make this work mother, I’ll be back in a little while.’

He may be young in years, but Jace knew when to leave things alone. Leaving their table Jace left the Inn and started towards the blade smiths.

When they’d arrived and settled their horses, he’d seen a spectacular selection of swords, daggers and fighting knives laid out on a table where the blade smith was working. Jace returned to the stall, but immediately his eyes were drawn to something else other than swords and daggers.

A shapely female stood in front of him, clad in doeskin trousers and high black boots, distracting his attention from the shiny blades. The tan waistcoat fitting snugly around her body drew in tighter at her waist, defining her curves. As she examined the blade in her hands, Jace watched the grace and beauty of her slender fingers; running along the blade edge, then smoothing across the gold and silver hilt. Her weapons knowledge was obvious. Jace’s eyes fixed on the fighting swords strapped to her back, cradled in a leather brace; he could see she was experienced in fighting and swordsmanship.

‘I’ve never seen anything so exquisite.’

‘Place your unwanted flattery somewhere else if you want to keep your tongue stranger.’

Glancing over her shoulder in the direction of the voice, Kiera’s eyes widened when they met the speaker.

Her eyes raked up and down the man standing behind her. It wasn’t usual for her to be so distracted by a man, but this one had something familiar about him. But nevertheless, Kiera rebuffed the admiring comment.

While her words cut into him like a dagger on display from the stall, he grinned and pointed to the sword in her hands.

‘Damascus steel, the sword, it’s beautiful.’

Kiera’s cheeks flushed, regretting her outburst and glancing to the sword she held, she nodded in agreement.

‘It is.’ Kiera finally smiled ‘You have good taste.’

‘I do.’

He wasn’t thinking about the sword at this moment, and concentrated his eyes on her exotic features. Never meeting anyone previously with her olive skin and almost black eyes, he concluded that she must be from the South. Her silky hair tousled around her face in the breeze, Jace was mesmerized by its effect as it brushed over her skin. As well as the two fighting swords braced at her back, he noted the hilt of a knife peaking at the top of her boot, while a smaller dagger was strapped to her thigh; she was a walking armory.

Cocking her head to the side, Kiera studied the man in front of her. Feigning disinterest whilst being extremely curios, she pointed the sword at his chest, maintaining a cool demeanor.

‘You’re not from Darkmide?’

Jace took a slow step forward and let the point of the sword press against his chest. He didn’t flinch or move away and sustained eye contact.

‘No. I’m from Stonegarth, in the Highlands.’

Kiera’s interested peaked further; Garlan’s threat was from Stonegarth in the Highlands. Whoever he was, he showed courage; brave was the man who didn’t run from her sword.

Narrowing her eyes Kiera was drawn in by the self-assured manner of the man. She had never found interest in a man other than Kai; this bold stranger brought thoughts to her mind that she’d not felt for anyone else. He was taller than her by a good few inches and his clothing and weapons implied he was wealthy or highborn. It didn’t matter to Kiera. Intense, green eyes looked down at her and she could sense he was studying her, as she was him.

Kiera, still unsure if this man was friend or foe, raked her eyes from his tan boots to connecting her eyes with his, the sword pressed against his chest.

‘You don’t look like a trader; I suppose you’re here for the…’ She sneered, ‘Wedding.’

Moving the swords tip from the foreigner’s chest to the floor, Kiera rested both hands on the hilt.

Jace noticed her expression when she mentioned the wedding, obviously unimpressed with the event; he wondered if she worked for the King, as a bodyguard perhaps.

‘I didn’t know about the wedding. I’m here with my parents; we were hoping to speak with Kai of Darkmide regarding another issue.’

Her interest peaked, ‘What issue?’

Jace folded his arms. ‘Why do you want to know?’

Kiera stepped closer, her eyes blazed with hostility as she looked up at him. ‘If you want to speak with Kai, I’m your only way in.’

Jace, frowning in suspicion. ‘And what gives you the entitlement?’

About to turn her back and leave, his reply stopped her. Turning back towards him. ‘Put it this way, no one gets to see Kai without going through me or my brother.’

Realizing she stands in high regard with the Kai, he lowered his head in humility. ‘I’m here for an alliance, from the Highlands; we’re looking to make an agreement and joining forces with the warriors of Blackhill.’

This urged an aggressive response.

‘You’ll have to take your sister back to the Highlands, a deal has already been made; Kai’s marrying a Princess from Brightstone in exchange for an alliance with the King.’

Furrowed brows glared at him. Evidently it was a sore point with this female warrior given her swift comment about a sister. There was one good thing that could come out of this conversation; she might take him and his parents to meet with Kai. Certainly from her manner, she wasn’t happy about the current agreement.

‘I don’t have a sister.’ Jace curtly replied, ‘And if I did, I wouldn’t be marrying her off to sweeten a contract for my own ends.’

Her head cocked to the side. ‘That’s good to know.’ Standing down, she liked the way he thought and gave him a dazzling smile.

‘I’m Kiera, and my brother and I, are the closest Kai has to family. If you want to meet him, then you need to come with me to Blackhill.’

Astounded she’d warmed to him, Jace returned an equally stunning smile. ‘Thank you.’ Jace dipped slightly and lowered his head as he continued smiling. ‘I’m Jace.’

His interest in weapons and his handsome features made him easy to warm to; he was someone she wanted to know more about.

‘We should get going; Kai’s bonding ceremony is this afternoon. Where are your parents?’

‘They’re eating at one of the Inn’s. I’ll collect our horses and meet you back here.’

Excited and eager to return back to Kiera, Jace ran off to collect the horses and find his mother and father.

Kiera watched Jace until he was out of sight then gave the sword back to the blade smith, telling him that Kai wanted a pair of gold bands for tomorrow. He frowned, but as Kiera tossed the purse full of coins in her hand, his eyes widened.

‘Are they for Kai?’

‘No, they’re a wedding gift for his bride.’ Kiera casually remarked.

The smithy raked his eyes over her before they finally rested onto her arms.

‘Is she about your size?’

Kiera knew what was coming next and sliding the dagger from its sheath on her thigh, she tossed it in the air a couple of times before answering.

‘Yes, I guess so.’

Nervously the smithy dipped his fat hand into the pocket of his apron, and took out a long piece of string with knots placed at equal distanced apart. Hesitating, he held out his hands.

‘I need to measure you.’

Staring for a few moments then tossing the dagger casually one more time, she held it in her hand while reaching out her other arm.

Sweating and shaking while he wrapped the string around her bicep, keeping an eye on the dagger in her other hand, the smith pulled away as soon as he had what he wanted.

Kiera smirked and watched him jot down the measurements before opening the purse recovered from her pocket.

‘Here’s half now, you’ll get the rest in the morning when you deliver them.’

Gasping, the smithy shook his head. ‘I can’t have them ready for tomorrow!’

Seeing Kiera’s raised brow and her fingertip run along the edge of the dagger, he quickly added. ‘Well, it would mean working into the night, but… I guess I can do that.’

Smiling wide and sheathing her dagger, Kiera nodded and left him to start his work.

Her horse was with the blacksmith, he was checking a loose shoe, and sprinting over quickly she hoped he’d finished. She didn’t want her new friend to think she’d gone without him.

Jace was about to enter the Inn when he heard his father call his name. Looking in the direction of the voice, his already excited face beamed a wide smile as his father and mother approached him with the horses in tow.

‘We need to go now!’ Racing towards his parents and taking the reins to his horse, he led them towards the blade smith, and to where Kiera would be waiting.

‘What’s the rush?’ Caster marched up behind him and tugged at the sleeve of his shirt. ‘Hey! Wait son, what’s got your breeches in a bunch?’

Jace barely stopped, but did slow and turn to his father with an over excited grin.

‘I’ve found someone who’s going to take us to see Kai, now.’

Suddenly halting and staring at his son, Caster’s jaw slackened as he stared. ‘You have? Who?’

Eager to keep moving, Jace grabbed at his father’s waistcoat and started walking briskly; looking over his father’s shoulder to make sure his mother was keeping up. ‘Come on, she’s waiting for us.’

‘She?’ With a roll of his eyes Caster shook his head. ‘I thought it had to be a woman that got you all excited.

Standing on his toes to look over towards the blade smiths, Jace eagerly searched, but he couldn’t see her. Sighing and looking at his father, he continued.

‘She’s called Kiera, and she and her brother are Kai’s warriors. She’s going to get us in to see him. It’s not what you think father.’

‘Oh, isn’t it?’ Caster grinned at Ellanor behind him.

Jace frowned and continued leading his horse. His face lit up when he saw Kiera waiting further along the road.

‘There! She’s there! Come on, hurry!’

His heart beat hard against his chest as he drew closer and once again saw how stunning she was. Seeing her smile from where he was, he had to think she liked him, but it was too early to be sure. She was looking at his parents as they caught up, Jace held out his hands.

‘This is my mother Ellanor, and my father Caster.’

Kiera forced a smile and looked over their horses. ‘We need to hurry; I hope your nags are up for it.’

Without looking at Jace, she threw her leg over the saddle of her horse and mounted. Caster wasn’t sure, but he swore he heard Jace sigh as she did.

‘Well, it’s nice to meet you too.’ Sarcasm dripped from Caster’s tongue as he watched the warrior gather up her reins and kick her horse forward. Shaking his head and giving Jace a look, he helped Ellanor onto her horse before mounting his own.

With a huff, ‘Let’s go then, before she leaves us.’ Caster wasn’t impressed with the arrangement, with a sigh and shake of his head, he followed.

Pacing nervously, eager for the arrival of the Priestess from the temple, Kai exhaled a long breath.

‘Sit down! You’re making me dizzy.’ Sabe rolled his eyes, sitting on a bench under the terrace with his feet resting on a stool.

‘She’s late.’ Kai snapped.

‘You can’t blame her; all the rain yesterday has probably caused flooding. Relax, she’ll be here soon.’

Pausing and resting his hands on his hips, Kai raised his head to the sky and took a deep breath. The bonding ceremony could be the make or break between him and Eloise. Having no idea what questions she would ask, he hoped she’d not repel away from his replies and hate him. Swallowing hard and blowing out another breath, his head spun towards the sound of approaching horses on the cobbles.

‘Ah, there you see, I told you not to worry.’ Sabe jumped up from his shady resting place and joined Kai, elbowing him as he grinned. ‘Just think about bathing Eloise and don’t worry about anything else. According to Nissa, she’s really looking forward to it.’

Kai smirked and shoved his friend before stepping out of the shade to greet the Priestess.

Eloise sat on the edge of the bed, unable to stop shaking. ‘I don’t think I can do this Nissa.’ Raising shaky fingers to her mouth, she gnawed on a fingernail.

‘Stop that! Nissa surprised her, slapping her hand away from her mouth. ‘Now we’ve been over this, it’s going to be fine. There’s someone there with you to make sure everything is official.’

There couldn’t be anything more terrifying than having to bathe a man, let alone be watched by others; Nissa was worried, but she couldn’t let Eloise know.

A soft knock on the door made both of them gasp. It was time to go. Racing to answer, Nissa gingerly opened it and smiled when Sabe whispered.

‘How’s she doing?’

Rolling her eyes and shaking her head Nissa didn’t need to reply.

‘That good, eh? Kai’s the same.’ He chuckled. ‘We have to leave soon, but the Priestess wants to speak with Kai and Eloise here first, so you’d better follow me.’

Taking a deep breath, Nissa pushed the door open wider and called to her mistress. Eloise’s stomach churned and twisted so much she thought she’d vomit. Sighing and pushing up from the bed, slowly walking towards the door, her eyes lowered.

‘I’m ready.’

***

Led into the rear gardens Nissa exchanged a look of surprise with Eloise at the sheer beauty of the secluded space. It was quiet with no one able to overlook the tall hedge surrounding it; a perfect hideaway. A huge willow tree with cascading leaves of deep gold and olive green swayed gently in the center, with a seating area underneath.

Eloise inhaled sharply when she saw Kai sitting under the shade of the flowing tendrils. She stopped when she spotted the rogue woman by his side; who moments ago was lead there by Kai after exchanging pleasantries.

Sabe parted the long vines of leaves and bowed as he ushered Eloise towards the vacant chair. Tentatively stepping forward, she glanced at the woman dressed in amethyst robes before taking her seat.

Kai watched Eloise, and seeing her nervous expression knew Sabe had lied earlier. He questioned his decision to go ahead with the ceremony but they were here now and it was too late.

Sliding his hand over to Eloise and taking her fingers in his, he gave a gentle squeeze of reassurance. Sharing a loving glance, it was only the woman’s curt voice that distracted them. Quickly whipping their heads to look at her as she spoke, they both took a deep breath.

‘Before I explain the ceremony, I need to know if you are both here of your own free will.’

Her voice was hard and devoid of any emotion, having no obvious expression, she seemed empty. The flowing robes covered her body and head; there were many layers of varying shades of amethyst, leaving only a few wisps of greying hair around her face. Her boney structure and harsh features were unattractive. No one knew how old she was, but some rumors had said she was over a hundred. People usually exaggerate, it seemed impossible that a woman of her age would still ride down from the mountains to visit marrying couples. She settled her eyes on Eloise as she waited for a reply.

Answering first, indignant of her implication, Kai’s reply was equally curt.

‘We are.’

There was a lengthy pause and the priestess waited for Eloise to confirm, scowling, she encouraged her to hurry.

‘Yes, we are.’ Eloise’s trembling voice broke the silence.

‘Very well then, we can begin.’

Pointing her finger towards Sabe and Nissa standing behind the veil of the willow tree she ordered. ‘You two need to leave, the ritual is not for your ears.’ Once out of earshot, she continued.

‘I am Teila, High Priestess of the Temple of Truth and appointed there by the order of the twelve.’

Teila raised her chin as she spoke; proud of her position. She paused briefly then removed her outer cloak, pushing away the cowl covering her greying hair; she made herself comfortable and placed her hands on her lap.

‘You have agreed to take the ceremony of bonding and must comply with all requirements for it to be effective. The ceremony will bring the two of you closer; you will reveal your fears and deepest secrets in the bathing pool while tending each other.’

Eloise tried to swallow, but her throat was too dry. This was going to be a long day and she didn’t think her stomach could stand it as it turned over once more.

‘You will answer truthfully to each question posed and failure to reply honestly will be noted, you must illuminate the cave before allowed to leave.’

Kai frowned, he didn’t understand, but sensing his question, she raised her hand before he could speak.

‘You will each be given one candle and this represents your soul. As you reveal something unknown or hidden to your intended, the natural fluorescence in the minerals of the roof in the cave will brighten.’

Teila continued aware they didn’t fully understand the concept.

‘Our temple was a gift from the angel, Amitiel, many centuries ago; we are the conduit between humans and the seraphim. Amitiel guides everyone to the truth. By taking the bonding ceremony you reveal yourselves to one another, honesty and truth are the base and foundation on which your marriage is structured, after that everything else may follow. But if there are secrets or lies at the beginning, the structure is unstable, and you may find it all crumble to dust. You will pass the ceremony and be blessed only after you have brought light where there is darkness.’

Taking a slow breath, Teila held out both hands to Kai and Eloise and nodded for them to hold them. Hesitantly they followed her instruction and Teila smiled, which looked very strange; it seemed false. Closing her eyes and raising her head upward, she made her announcement.

‘I Teila, High Priestess of the Temple of Truth, promise to guide Kai and Eloise into the light and follow the path of truth.’

Kai cleared his throat and shuffled in his chair. Feeling uncomfortable and wishing he’d told Sabe he wanted to cancel the ceremony, he sighed. Glancing sideways to Eloise and seeing her perplexed expression, he wondered if she was having second thoughts about it too.

‘Now we shall go. You may each choose one person to be your attendant.’

Teila released their hands and pulled her hood back over her hair before rising. Without waiting for Kai or Eloise she marched across the garden and disappeared into the building.

Kai puffed out a breath and leaned to Eloise. ‘Are you alright?’

Brushing a lock of hair away from her face. ‘I think I’ll feel a lot better when this is over.’

Rising from his seat and offering his hand to Eloise, he led her back towards the building. Sabe met them in the doorway and raised a brow while grinning. ‘She’s intense.’

Shaking his head and softly growling, Kai whispered against his ear. ‘I’m not going to let you talk me into anything ever again.’

Sabe chuckled. ‘I need to talk to you before we leave for the temple.’ His lips pursed in a narrow line, something serious on his mind.

Addressing Eloise, Kai released her hand and pointed towards the entrance hall. ‘Please wait for me in the hall, we won’t be long.’

Nodding and frowning, Eloise begrudgingly followed Kai’s instructions and left to find Nissa.

As Eloise disappeared, Sabe addressed Kai. ‘Sorry, but I wanted to let you know that Saul and Maika have asked if you’d speak with a traveler from Braxton.’

Kai frowned. ‘Braxton? What does he want?’

‘There’s been a raid on a nearby town, Dryden I think it was, and they don’t know who did it.’

Sabe hesitated and recalled the details. ‘He’d said everything was burned and whoever it was left nothing alive.’ With both brows raised, he sighed.

‘Raiders?’

‘According to the man from Braxton, he didn’t seem to think so. He’s asked if you’d help, and send someone back with him in case his town is next.’

‘We trade with Braxton and I won’t have raiders or anyone else causing trouble. Is he here?’

‘Yes, he’s waiting by the stables with Saul. Shall I tell him you’ll see him now or leave it until we return?’

‘I’ll go and find him.’ Slapping Sabe’s shoulder and chuckling. ‘Make sure no one leaves without me.’