Chain of Illusions (Bringer and the Bane) (7 page)

“I think it’s all we need—for now.” He plucked at the edge of the pillow sham. “What I feel for you goes beyond anything I’ve ever felt for another person.”

She turned and looked at him. “Me, too.”

“In the Shadow World you were the only thing that kept me fighting for my life. There were times I wanted to give up, but knowing all I had to do was hold on and I would see you again, got me through my darkest hours.” He trailed a finger along her upper arm, sending shivers of pleasure through her. “Even when you were a Bane, I loved you. When you helped me escape, it took all my will to leave you behind, but I knew the situation was growing dangerous for you. Too often you almost got caught healing me.” His fingers wrapped around her arm with a gentle but firm grip. “I spent the next year battling not only the nightmares, but how much I missed you. It was like part of my soul had been left in that prison. Then when I saw you that night on the ship, when you plucked Jade from the crow’s nest, I almost didn’t want to believe it was you.”

Her brow furrowed. “Why?”

His grip tightened. “I couldn’t bear the thought of thinking I’d found you only to be disappointed. It would have been like losing you all over again.”

“It
was
me though.” She turned to her side and twined her fingers with his. “And here we are.”

Siban exhaled. “Yes, here we are and I don’t plan on letting you go again.

More than anything she wanted to be with Siban. He understood the darkness that still affected her. She wouldn’t have to explain when she woke in a cold sweat from the nightmares. He’d loved her while she was a demon. He’d love her at her worst. “Yes, Siban, I’ll be with you.”

Chapter Six

Night had finally fallen. Folding her wings tightly against her back, Sha-hera crept from the shelter of the trees and inched toward the closest tent. Ever since Vile had banished Icarus, he’d become more secretive, less forthcoming about his plans. Long ago she’d learned to trust her instincts when it came to the powerful demon. Even though she’d served the king faithfully for millennia, her instincts screamed that events in the Shadow World were not unfolding to her advantage. With Vile’s apparent lack of action against the Bringers, she’d been forced to seek help from an outside source.

Small fires dotted the encampment and the haunting music of flutes and slow-beating drums mingled with the brisk wind rustling the leaves. She had business with the Splinters, one in particular.

Splinters were nomads, traveling in groups and stopping only long enough to bleed the locals of their gold before moving on. But to only focus on monetary gain was a great waste of their talent in Sha-hera’s opinion.

The white magic of healers paled in comparison to the force of the dark skills of the Splinters. Black magic
wanted
to be used. It fed on the greed of those who pursued it. The humans who shunned the dark ways in hopes of a normal life were like sheep, souls for those with less scruples and the Bane to feed on.

Sha-hera suspected those Splinters who heralded from the line of the Summoners were capable of far greater feats than just separating men from their gold. But she would not be the one to reveal that information. Their ignorance worked best for what she needed done.

She skirted the tent and slipped through the slit at the front. Fatima sat next to a sleeping child, stitching a veil onto a beaded strip of material. A single lantern burned on a low table and the smell of jasmine permeated the air. Fatima’s long auburn curls shielded her face, the gleaming locks something Sha-hera had always been envious of.

“So domestic.” Sha-hera cocked her head, a sneer pulling at her lip.

Fatima jumped, stabbing her finger with the needle, and looked up. The Splinter’s beauty irritated Sha-hera. The features were too perfect and innocent for a woman such as her. She glanced at the sleeping child and then back to Sha-hera, her large brown eyes wide. “What are you doing here?”

“We need to talk.” The demon took a step toward the pile of lush pillows. Once, her life had held such luxuries—pillows, silks, satins, and jewels. All the riches one could have ever wanted. But that was before she’d chosen to serve Vile. Sha-hera stared down at the little girl snuggled under the woven blanket. A child—another sacrifice she’d made for her king. “Have you entered Illuma Grand?”

The woman set her sewing aside and stood, wrapping her bright orange shawl more tightly around her. “I go tomorrow.” Her mouth curved in a look of disgust. “I’m to enter through his private entrance. I doubt he’ll allow me beyond his chambers.”

Sha-hera smiled. “I’m sure you’ll think of some way to persuade him.”

The Bringer fortress was impenetrable to the Bane, warded against their kind. But any human could easily breach the boundaries.

“He’s not as susceptible to my dancing as the others. What if he doesn’t grant me permission?”

“It would be a pity.” Sha-hera squatted next to the child and stroked the blanket covering her leg. “Such a pretty girl.” She let the threat hang in the air.

Fatima stiffened. “I will see it done.”

“Good.” Sha-hera’s hand lingered on the child’s leg for a second before she stood. “We must know what lies beyond the Council Chamber doors.”

“You will assure Vile that I am making progress?”

“Of course.” She would reveal the minimal truth. The Demon King’s lack of punishment toward Icarus’s treachery had been the last failure Sha-hera would endure from her king. If Vile did not wish to take this war to the Bringers, then she would do it herself. “I’m sure he’ll be pleased with your efforts.”

The woman’s stance relaxed. “Where should I meet you next?”

“Don’t vex yourself. I will find you when it suits me.” Sha-hera took a step toward her and to Fatima’s credit, she didn’t shy away. “You and I are not so different.” She ran a talon down the woman’s flawless cheek. “We are unappreciated by those we serve, but I promise
I
will reward you for your loyalty.” Fatima didn’t move, her face a stony mask. Sha-hera lowered her hand and looked once again at the child. “If you succeed, you and your child will have my protection and want for nothing.”

“What of Vile’s protection?”

Sha-hera repressed the urge to laugh. There was no such thing. He did as he pleased and took what he wanted. “As far as you’re concerned, we are one and the same.”

“Thank you.” The woman’s words lacked conviction.

Tired of the conversation, Sha-hera turned and walked to the slit in the tent. “You’ve done well thus far, Fatima.” She glanced over her shoulder. “See that you continue.

Not waiting for the Splinter’s reply, she slipped into the night. Though the wind swooshed through the trees, she thought she heard Fatima’s sigh of relief.

Once back in the shelter of the woods, Sha-hera stopped to contemplate her next move. Being around the Splinter dredged up memories from long ago, servicing men and gaining power the only way she knew how—with her body. Where had it gotten her? Nowhere and alone. Most of the soldiers in her succubus army had sworn loyalty to Vile, not to her. When Sha-hera wanted to continue her attacks on the Bringers, all had refused to go against Vile’s orders. They were coward. Just as much sheep as the humans.

It was of no consequence now. She’d made her decision to continue the fight without her king’s approval. After Fatima seduced Fromme Bagita into revealing what lay within the Council Chamber, she would have the secrets Vile refused to share with her. Perhaps those confidences would lead her to the Abyss of Souls. If that were true, she’d find a way to open it and command the army herself. When this battle was finished, Icarus would be dead and Vile would be bowing at her feet.

Chapter Seven

For Rell the next week at Lord Le Daun’s manor consisted of long, grueling days of hand-to-hand combat, learning the art of conjuring energy to use as a weapon, and mastering control over her Tell. Not to mention the extensive history lessons about the Bringers. Each night she fell into bed exhausted. The restlessness inside her had abated and she finally felt like she was gaining some semblance of normalcy in her life.

Brita had taken over imparting information to them since she had been King Arron’s top advisor. She’d shown them Arron’s peaceful reign and Queen Anna’s plea for him to open the Mystic Arch and help her people—the humans. The hardest vision to watch had been Arron’s death in battle against the Bane. He’d never known that Anna was pregnant with his child, Gregory. Having now witnessed the actual events, Rell was quite certain that Gregory fought not only to complete his mother and father’s vision for their people, but also to avenge both their deaths.

With so much training and the constant flow of people, the opportunity to get reacquainted with her mother had not presented itself. But guilt over keeping her and Jade’s existence from their mother still plagued her

During meals Rell sensed Willa’s restlessness to return to her husband and other children. The thought of her mother’s other life no longer made her angry or insecure. She’d found her place within the Bringers and with Siban. When the evening meal was finished, Rell and Siban picked up the last of the dishes and carried them to the kitchen.

As she entered the room, Hayden ducked behind his mother’s skirt. Obviously he hadn’t gotten used to seeing her as a person yet. She couldn’t blame him since she still struggled with it herself.

“Just give those to Serena,” Delphina said, gesturing with a wet rag to her oldest daughter. “That the last of them?”

“Yes.” She handed the young girl her dishes, noticing Serena’s red hands when she took the plates. Dirty dishes were piled on the table and Delphina’s hair lay slick with sweat against her forehead. Her hands were also red from the hot water and the effort to scour the pots. “Can I help you with kitchen duties?”

The older woman stopped her scrubbing and smiled. “Thank you for offering, but no.”

“Are you sure?” Rell remembered the domestic work she’d done around their home before she’d been turned Bane. The tasks of cooking, cleaning, and sewing were now so foreign to her. Swordplay and her Tell powers had replaced all other duties but she still remembered how to do them. “I’d like to help.”

“That’s very sweet, my lady, but I enjoy the hard work. It makes me feel useful.” Her smile grew determined. “It helps me remember what I’ve risen above, thanks to the help of the Bringers.” She flicked her head, motioning to Serena, who diligently scraped the drying food into a bowl. “And it does my children good to see their ma doing honest work.”

At that moment, Willa shuffled in, hauling a large bucket of water. Siban crossed the room and relieved her of the burden. “Thank you. Just set it by the fire.”

Unsure how to ease into a conversation that didn’t sound rehearsed, Rell said the first thing that came to her mind. “The meal was excellent, as usual.”

“Thank you, sweetheart.” Her mother wiped her hands on the dirty rag draped around her hips. “Delphina has been a godsend. She’ll have no problem cooking for the group after I return home.”

Willa’s disquiet washed over Rell. “Will you be leaving soon?”

“It’s been nearly three weeks. I have to return sometime.” Her mother sighed and picked up the first plate. With more vigor than the dish required, she scraped the remains into a bowl. Now that the mission preparations are almost complete, it’s time I make arrangements for ship’s passage home.” She sniffed and cleared her throat. “I’ll leave after the group has left for the Shadow World.”

This surprised Rell. “You won’t wait until after we return?”

“No.” She appeared to blink back threatening tears. “Better I receive word of your mission’s success while I’m with Orvis and the children.” She picked up the next plate and scraped it as if to rid herself of the unpleasant possibility that they might not return. “Whether we celebrate or grieve, I’ll want to be with them.”

“I understand.” Finally she did comprehend the depth one person could feel for those they loved. “I will miss you.”

Willa’s haunted expression softened. “And I will miss you.” She set the plate down. “Promise you will come to the inn immediately after the Shadow World.”

Could she promise such a thing? Perhaps it was more the security in believing the Bringers
would
make it than actually keeping her word. “I promise.”

Siban wrapped an arm around her waist. “We promise.”

His words brought a smile to Rell’s lips.

“So, it’s you and my daughter, is it?” Willa crossed her arms. Delphina stopped her scrubbing, no longer pretending to ignore the conversation. “I won’t ask if you love her because that much is obvious.” She leveled an assessing stare at both of them. “But remember, she’s still my little girl.” She paused. “Which means she’s stubborn.”

“With all due respect, my lady, I believe we’ve already seen the worst of each other.”

“Maybe so. Maybe so.” She leaned against the wooden island in the center of the kitchen. “But trust me, someday she’s going to do something or say something that will make you so angry you’ll wonder what you ever saw in her.”

“Thank you, Mother.” Rell enunciated the word mother, not sure if she should laugh or be offended by Willa’s prediction.

“Esmeralda, I loved your father more than anything in the world, but the man could get me so angry that I contemplated bashing him in the head with the fire iron when he wasn’t looking.” She held up a hand. “So trust me when I say, I speak from experience.” Willa sighed. “I can see you don’t believe me, and that’s all right. But remember one thing.” She addressed Siban. “Even though she lived as a Bane and experienced things that make me shudder inside, Esmeralda has only been a woman for a few weeks.”

Siban tipped his head in acknowledgment. “I assure you, my lady, I only have Rell’s best interest at heart.”

“I’m sure you do, Siban. That’s why I’m trusting you to keep her safe. I just got my daughter back.” Her voice cracked with emotion. I don’t know what I would do if she was taken away from me again.”

He didn’t say anything for a few seconds. “Likewise, my lady.”

Willa sniffed again and straightened. “Then it’s settled. You both will come to Dragon’s Head Inn to meet Orvis and the children. I know they are all very excited about the prospect of two new sisters.”

Tears burned behind Rell’s eyes. It was an odd sensation and one she’d experienced several times over the last two weeks. That was one thing about being a demon. No pesky emotions except for anger to deal with. “I can’t wait.”

Siban smiled and nodded.

Delphina threw down the rag. “You’re going to need a new gown for when you meet your new family.”

“What’s wrong with what I’ve got on?” Rell smoothed her hand over the black tunic. Thanks to Delphina and her mother’s cooking, she’d finally begun to fill it out. “They’re comfortable.”

“Nothing wrong with them, but don’t you want to look like a lady?” A wistful expression crossed Delphina’s face. “I know I would if I was ever lucky enough to meet my family.” She blinked a few times and then looked at Rell. “I’ve got a fair bit of skill when it comes to sewing and my daughter is an artist when it comes to embellishing fabric. She used to make extra coin by selling what she made in the market on Saturdays.”

Shame pinched at Rell. It was easy to believe that others hadn’t suffered as greatly as she had when she was a Bane. But when Delphina spoke of her life, Rell was humbled by the woman’s strength. “I’m sure she does beautiful work.”

Delphina beamed at the girl, causing Serena to blush.

“Perhaps I can start making the gown while you lot are gone.” The woman circumvented the island in the middle of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “I’ll just need to take your measurements before you leave.”

Taken aback by Delphina’s generous gift, Rell struggled to find the right words. “Thank you. That’s incredibly generous.”

She waved a hand in the air. “It’s my pleasure.” She looked at Willa. “As long as your mum don’t mind me taking the reins on this. I don’t want to overstep my position.”

“Of course I don’t mind.” Willa untied the dirty rag from about her waist. “Perhaps Jacob has some old gowns we can repurpose.” She propped her hands on her hips and smiled at Delphina. “Or if we’re really lucky, maybe he’ll take us to the market to purchase everything we need. Jade told me about a little shop that carries the most amazing fabric.”

Lord Le Daun’s feeling for Delphina were apparent, but she was a bit more difficult to read. Unable to resist, Rell smirked and said, “I believe if you allow Delphina to ask him, you’ll get everything you need.”

The woman’s eyes grew wide and she sputtered an incoherent retort. Willa cupped a hand over her mouth in an unsuccessful effort to hide her smile. Obviously enjoying her mother’s discomfort, Serena giggled.

“Come now, Delphina,” Siban said, joining in the fun. “Surely you’ve seen the way he looks at you?”

“Lord Le Daun is a gentleman and would never be drawn to the likes of me.”

Willa’s expression softened. “You mean a beautiful woman who has turned his cold manor into a home again?”

Delphina opened her mouth to reply and then closed it, her gaze drifting to the wooden island. She scratched her thumbnail against the grain and fidgeted. “He couldn’t possibly fancy me.” She paused, sliding a glance to her daughter. “I’m soiled.”

For the first time since Rell had been turned, she felt a kinship with another female. In a rare urge to comfort, she stepped forward and took Delphina’s hand. “You are no more tainted than I am.”

The woman looked at her and swallowed hard. “But you didn’t have no control over being turned Bane.”

“And you didn’t have any control over your mother selling you to a pleasure house.” Whether from Delphina’s emotions or her own outrage, fury rolled through Rell. “Even though life was difficult, you not only survived, but cared for your children and put their needs above your own.” Rell inhaled, trying to get control of her ire. “You are not soiled.”

Serena wound her arms around her mother’s waist. “Mummy, you’re the best person I know.”

Delphina swallowed and hugged her daughter. “No, you are the best person I know, love.”

“Jacob Le Daun is lucky that you are in his life.” Trying to lighten the mood, Rell gave a half smile. “But I think he already realizes that.”

Siban chuckled. “As a matter of fact, I think you are the only one who hasn’t realized that.”

“Well…” Delphina straightened away from Serena and ran her hands down the front of her skirt. “The man must be daft.” She patted her hair. “I look like a scullery maid.”

Willa walked around behind Delphina and untied her apron. “Now, why don’t you freshen up and then go ask Jacob about buying supplies for Rell’s gown. I’m fairly certain he’ll say yes.”

Delphina bustled out of the kitchen, muttering to herself.

“If I know Jacob,” Willa said, “he’d give her the world if she asked.”

Siban squeezed Rell’s shoulder. “Love will do that to you.”

One more day and they would leave the safety of the warded grounds and head back into the world where Rell’s nightmares had originated. Knowing she would not be able to sleep much, she volunteered to take the first night watch with Siban and Meran.

The evening was unseasonably warm, the nip in the air tempered by breezes from the south. The buzz from night hoppers seesawed from the darkness, their mating song a comfort as Rell patrolled the perimeter of the warded boundaries of the manor.

This was the third watch she’d taken, but the first she’d actually done by herself. Siban’s constant vigilance rarely left her time alone. She stared at the night sky, realizing how much she enjoyed and needed privacy. Once social and outgoing, she now preferred solitude.

Keeping with protocol, she guided her Tell outward to the far corner of the warded area. All was as it should be. She let it seep beyond the distance she normally extended her powers. Always she endeavored to improve her skills, to become stronger, striving to regain the level of power she had experienced as a Bane.

Her senses ghosted across an aberration, instantly drawing her attention. No taint of Bane bit against her skin, but neither had she ever felt this kind of disruption in her surroundings.

A sparkle winked at the corner of her vision. She snapped her head to the right, but the object had disappeared. Again she sent her Tell toward the area she thought she’d seen the light. Her awareness flickered across the anomaly again and then it winked out.

Straining to see beyond the dark line of trees, she prowled the edge of the perimeter. Nothing appeared out of place. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that all was not as it seemed.

She crept along the warded barrier until she reached the opposite end. The sensation of a thousand stinging bees spread along her arms. Without warning, searing heat burned through her body and gathered in her palms. She fisted her hands, trying to control her Bringer reaction to a nearby Bane. Juna had explained what would happen when encountering demons, even going as far as saying the reaction would be swift and powerful. That seemed a bit of an understatement.

Rell stepped away from the border. Though protected by the wards, she couldn’t get careless and cross onto unprotected ground. Thin spindles of lightning sparked between her fingers and palm when she clenched and unclenched her fists, trying to get control of her power.

She inhaled a calming breath. The action soothed her nerves, but also brought with it a scent of the familiar. With a slow, silent exhale, she focused her awareness several yards beyond the ward near the forest. Her Tell slithered across the ground like an encroaching fog until it found the demon. Her pulse quickened. Though he had been lurking the night of her transformation, she’d not felt him since.

“Icarus?” She took a small step forward. “I know you’re there. It’s me, Rell.”