Demon Within (14 page)

Stunned and still directing his head to the sky, Kai cried out; bellowing loudly, his exhilaration showed in his cry. After a few wild roars, he finally quieted. Excited eyes met; both having the same emotions, it took a moment to realize they were soaking wet.

‘Are you happy?’

Kai looked at her in disbelief at her question. A wide grin breached his face.

‘You have no idea.’ He kept staring and wondered what prize he held in his hands.

When Kai first saw her, he thought she was stunningly beautiful, and couldn’t believe this vision would become his wife. Staring in awe, his stomach churned at the thought of kissing her. His cock stirred and he had the overwhelming need to taste her lips.

The smile started to fade from Eloise’s mouth; she felt his gaze and wondered what his thoughts were. The attraction between them suddenly increased, it was as if a spark had ignited a burning passion. She’d never experienced a feeling anything like the one in her stomach right now. Trying to control her breathing, she felt her breaths labor as he slowly leaned closer. Panic overtook her.

‘Do you want me to make it stop now?’

Suddenly brought back to reality, Kai frowned.

‘No! It’s soothing, don’t you think?’

‘I’ve never thought about it.’ Eloise stuttered, looking away, she felt her cheeks burning; the cool rain splashing over them and cooled her skin.

There was something about the rain that brought calmness to Kai. He didn’t know why, he just knew when he heard the soothing fall of rain he felt different. Most would run for shelter, to avoid the downpour, but he never did. Sometimes he’d stand and spread his arms wide, with his head rose to the sky and let it fall onto his face, as if it healed him in some way.

Still amazed at her, Kai couldn’t understand why her father hadn’t mentioned anything about this ‘gift’.

‘Why didn’t your father tell me you could do this?’

His arm momentarily left the resting place of her waist as he pointed outwards, returning it swiftly he took the opportunity to give her an extra squeeze.

Eloise lowered her head and wondered if she should tell him. He was going to be her husband should know about her, and that applied to them both. Sheepishly looking back to him, she swallowed.

‘I don’t know.’ She shrugged her shoulders. ‘My father knows I have the gift, but doesn’t know how strong it is. Roulan told me I had to keep it hidden.’

‘Did he now?’ Kai’s brow arched. There was something he didn’t like about her brother but he couldn’t put his finger on it.

Nodding, Eloise watched the rain fall over the lake bed. It didn’t seem to be making a big difference to the water level yet and she wondered how long Kai wanted it to rain. She wondered if Roulan would have guessed this was her doing, and chewed her lip nervously.

Kai noticed the change in her, cocking his head to the side he frowned.

‘Why did your brother tell you to do that?’

Moving his hand from her waist, he stroked her cheek tenderly. The timid mouse staring up at him, with wide eyes made him draw in a breath. She was so fragile, and he wondered what Roulan used against her, to make her so timid.

Hesitating before answering Kai’s question, she took a deep breath.

‘He said it upsets my father.’

Her eyes saddened when she mentioned her father. Kai noticed and encouraged her to continue. Stroking her cheek with the soft pad of his finger, he dipped his head to look into her eyes directly.

‘Why would that upset him?

‘It reminds him of our mother.’ Eloise lowered her eyes, even while Kai kept her head raised.

‘Shouldn’t that be a good thing? His head cocked to the side.

Her voice quieted ‘She died because of me.’

‘And how was that?’

‘Roulan said it was a difficult birth, she died after I was born.’ Shrugging her shoulders and shaking her head, she didn’t know any of the details. Roulan had told her all of this, so she only had his words to go on.

‘Father was heartbroken and Roulan said if he sees me doing the things she could, it would make him unhappy.’

Staring into his eyes she felt tears starting to form. Kai scowled, it was obvious Roulan had found a weakness in his sister, and for whatever reason, he was controlling her.

‘I think we should return home.’ Kai hugged Eloise, resting his chin on top of her head, his eyes narrowed. He thought about Roulan, and decided he liked him even less.

Feeling Kai’s firm body, Eloise closed her eyes and accepted the warm embrace. She never felt anything like this. His touch made her tingle and she couldn’t imagine him harming anyone when he appeared so gentile. Moving her arm around his side, she clung onto his wet shirt when he kicked on his horse. They didn’t hurry, but took a slow walk in the rain back home.

Darion was making good time, he’d reach Darkmide by the afternoon; pleased he’d set off before dawn, estimated he’d arrive at his destination before sundown. He had to ride through Darkmide to keep on the main road and would stop and rest a while there before continuing onto Blackhill. Stopping for only a short while that morning, to have a light snack he’d wanted to press on. He didn’t like sleeping outside, and would be happier in a room at one of the taverns. It wasn’t a difficult journey, the road was well traveled. Many traders from Braxton and other towns and villages, used it often. Already meeting a few merchants, selling fruit and other perishable goods, he‘d refused an offer to journey to Blackhill together. He wasn’t in the mood for company, thoughts about Milo and the other victims of Dryden prayed on his mind. Wishing the traders a good morning, he’d quickened his horse to put some distance between them; using the excuse he had urgent business at Blackhill.

The previous year, Darion and Milo had taken the journey to Blackhill together; selling the surplus of wine, it had been a good year. They looked to make a good profit from their hard work. He and Milo would spend a few days in town; see the sights as it were. Not that it had any. But a change of scenery, from the usual drudgery of Braxton made a welcomed change. Neither of them traveled much, both enjoying their quiet lives. They kept away from trouble whenever they could. Farmers not fighters, they sought a quieter lifestyle.

Darion wasn’t the tallest of men, although at five feet-eleven he wasn’t exactly small. Fit from working the vineyards and fields, his lean body notable. Darker skin, bronzed by the sun from constant work outside, it complemented his dark hair and ruddy complexion. He loved working outside. Freedom, peace and quiet was all he wanted. Food on the table and a comfortable bed to sleep in made him happy. It was the same for Milo. Lowering his head, he would miss his friend. They worked side by side every day. Some evenings they’d share a jug of wine or ale with Darion’s father at their home; it wouldn’t be the same without him. He wished he could have stopped him from riding onto Dryden yesterday. If he’d insisted he waited, he’d still be alive. Milo was hot-headed and often acted irrationally. Both Darion and his father had warned him on many occasions, he’d get into trouble one day. He hated that they were right.

Turning his thoughts to Blackhill and Kai of Darkmide, he hoped he’d be able to convince him to aid their cause. Knowing the reputation of the former slave, his struggle to gain freedom after his life in servitude, maybe he’d feel it was a just cause. The previous year when Darion and Milo were in Blackhill, they’d seen and admired the way he ruled over Blackhill. Having less crime in the town, made Blackhill a good place to live. Fearing the punishment, he ruled with a strong hand, but it worked. Foolish was the man who chose Blackhill as his thieving ground.

Staring ahead and squinting, he could make the outline of Darkmide. Kicking on his horse, he looked forward to a drink and a short break.

Darion found a place to rest and have a bite to eat. The Inn had plenty of clients, and although he had to wait for his food longer than expected, he took the time to rest. Listening to people as they chattered, it seemed the topic of conversation focused on a wedding. Doubts and concerns were expressed and Darion heard the name ‘Kai’ and the word ‘Princess’ in the same sentence. He tried to concentrate on the conversation at the table to his side. Curiosity got the better of him, turning to address one of the men, he tapped his arm.

‘Forgive me. Did I hear you mention a wedding?’

‘Yes, at Blackhill in two days. Kai’s going to marry a princess, from Middenland.’ He nodded before turning back to his friends at the table.

This was going to mess up things; Darion didn’t think he’d get the chance to speak with Kai, if he was busy with his wedding. Surprised he was marrying into royalty, though, suspected it was a land deal or something similar; it wasn’t uncommon for marriages to be arranged. Slumping forward and resting his head in his hands, he wasn’t sure if he should continue onto Blackhill or return home. The waitress brought over his food and placed it on the table, making him straighten. The soup didn’t look very appetizing. Puffing out a sigh, he scratched the side of his jaw and thought. If he returned home without having attempted to speak with Kai, he wouldn’t be very popular. On the other hand, he could travel to Blackhill and not get the opportunity anyway, so either way he would be out of luck.

Staring into the bowl of soup he decided to continue and see how it turned out. At least that way, he could say he tried. Dipping the spoon into the watery liquid, he hesitated as he drew it nearer his mouth. It didn’t smell good and pushed the bowl to the side. Leaving a few coins on the table, he rose and left the Inn.

Darion retrieved his horse and while he was preparing to leave, he watched four soldiers exiting the city on the main road, they were in a hurry. He only noticed them because they were dressed formally; all wearing the same colors and with an emblem on their backs, he assumed they might be in the wedding party. Not thinking anymore on the matter and mounting quickly, he headed in the direction of the soldiers.

The soldiers were traveling on the same road and towards Blackhill but the speed they rode took them out of sight within no time. Darion had no plans to hurry; he didn’t mind taking a slower ride. Thinking about the wedding, he hoped there would be rooms available, it could be difficult finding somewhere to stay if there were guests and visitors staying. He’d slept many times rough, so while he’d miss a comfortable bed; it wasn’t the end of the world.

Finishing the slice of pie and wiping his hands on a cloth, Jace could easily have eaten more. Selecting a piece of fruit instead he looked around at the countryside while he ate. They’d managed a good portion of the journey already, and according to his father, they should arrive in Darkmide by noon tomorrow. Jace watched his father check the horses and clean their hooves.

‘Do you want some more wine father?’ He shook the flask and smiled.

‘Well, if you insist.’ They were almost at the border between Wild Plains and the Highlands. Stopping for a bit to eat and a chance to stretch, they’d chosen a good resting place. Still high enough to get a wide view, it was impressive to see.

Taking the flask and sitting next to Jace, Caster took a large mouthful.

‘Damn fine wine. I’ve heard Blackhill has a good supply we’ll be good then eh?’

Jace shook his head in amusement. While he appreciated good wine, he was no connoisseur. He knew what he liked and that was all that mattered. His father was a little pickier, but it didn’t stop him drinking it.

‘Is your mother still washing?’

‘Yes, she’s behind us somewhere.’ He cocked his head, nodding behind them. ‘She’s doing well, isn’t she?’ His smile bordered on a grin, and his cheeky remark didn’t go unnoticed.

‘She is, but if you tell her I said so, I’ll slap you.’ Caster smirked.

Jace thought the world of his parents. He was lucky to have both, others were less fortunate. The banter between his mother and father made him appreciate his family and home life. He checked over his shoulder to see if they were still alone.

‘Can I ask you something father?’

‘Yes, what is it?’

‘Did you know that mother was the one when you met her?’

Raising his brow to stare, Caster remembered Jace’s subdued mood yesterday.

‘I did son.’ He nodded. ‘I never saw anyone so beautiful.

‘How did you know?’

‘I can’t explain it. It sort of… just felt right.’

Jace thought for a moment, he’d felt nothing with Caitlin, nor any other of the young women he’d taken out. ‘Do you think there’s someone special for everyone?’

‘Of course!’ Furrowing his brows. Slapping his hand on Jace’s thigh, ‘Trust me Jace, when you see her, whoever she is, you’ll know.’

Jace nodded, sure his father was right.

‘Did something upset you yesterday?’ Caster leaned closer. ‘Something that made you doubt yourself?’

Drawing in a deep breath then puffing out, Jace thought he’d tell his father about what happened with Caitlin. After listening, Caster moved his arm to Jace’s shoulder and squeezed it.

‘My son, you’re a fine looking man.’

Jace snorted.

‘There’s always going to be those women who see you nothing more than a provider. We may not be wealthy by some standards, but…we do alright.’

Pausing while he finished the last of the wine. ‘So you need to be careful where you put your… what you do, shall we say.’ He gave him a look and nodded.

Jace laughed and lowered his head. ‘I understand that. I’m sure I’ll meet someone special, like you say, and know it.’

‘You have to trust your heart lad. You’ll know when you see her, trust me.’

Slapping his shoulder and feeling a bit woozy after the wine, Caster tried to stand. He was a bit wobbly and Jace steadied him. Shaking his head at his father he quickly snatched the flask when he heard his mother arrive; Ellanor gave Caster and Jace a frown.

‘What have you two been up to?’

‘Nothing, just having something to eat.’

‘And a drink!’ She sighed before grinning at Casters slightly tipsy state.

‘Come on, you old goat.’ She took his arm, ‘shall I help you up onto your horse, or can you manage?’

Ellanor giggled and looked at Jace. ‘Should we tie him on so he doesn’t fall off?’

Matching his mother’s laughter, Jace put away the empty flask and moved towards his parents. He was about to aid his father to get back on his horse but was pushed away.

‘I’m not that drunk! I’ve only had a few mouthfuls!’ He grinned with a slight wobble ‘But maybe a leg up wouldn’t hurt.’

Ellanor shook her head and left him with Jace. She had herself to sort out. Gathering up the uneaten food and checking they’d not left anything, she mounted her horse. To her own amazement, she’d traveled well, and had been surprised she’d not found it more tiring. Checking to see if Caster and Jace were ready, she sidled next to Caster.

‘You’ve not forgotten the way have you?’ She raised her brows in amusement.

‘Of course not woman! I’m drunk, not daft!’ Looking around, he kicked on his horse. ‘It’s this way, trust me.