Demon Within (3 page)

Roulan sighed and rubbed his hand over his chin. ‘Hmm, yes, it does promise to be a rewarding contract for everyone concerned. I’m sure we can trust this… Kai of Darkmide.’

Leon took his sword from the embers and prodded cooler dirt to the side of the dying fire. He knew Roulan was trying to make a point, and already voiced his protests about the arrangement to his father. While he didn’t know the full extent of his reasons, he suspected it was something dubious. Of late Roulan had been following Eloise almost everywhere she went. Leon watched him chastise her often when she’d used her abilities. Whatever he was up to, involved controlling Eloise. He’d find out in time, Roulan wasn’t as shrewd as he thought.

Rising and testing the tip of his sword with his finger to make sure it was cool; he sheathed it then leaned towards Roulan.

‘I’m sure if there’s any trust issues, we’ll be able to wheedle them out before it's too late.’ A wide grin spread across his face. ‘I’m away to sleep, my Lord, I’ll say Goodnight and see you in the morning.

Roulan nodded and sat by the fire a little longer before retiring to his own bed; he’d try and speak with his father again in the morning but for now, he needed sleep.

***

Eloise couldn’t get comfortable and continually tossed and turned on the hard floor beneath the tent. Huffing and turning over, Eloise couldn’t imagine getting through another day and night of traveling.

‘You’re thinking too much, just try to empty your mind, and lay still.’ Nissa pressed.

Nissa ached just as much as Eloise, but knew whining and getting worked up wasn’t going to help her sleep.

‘Another two days of this will be the death of me.’ She grunted, and gave the only pillow that hadn’t received her rage, a hard punch.

‘Look on the bright side.’ Nissa burst out.

Eloise snapped back. ‘My father is marrying me off to a man that no one appears to know anything about! I’ll probably never get to sleep in a soft bed or take a hot bath ever again. Now remind me where the bright side is?’

Sighing deeply, Nissa had to agree, her future didn’t look that rosy. Eloise’s father couldn’t think much of her, even though Kai had secured a wealthy estate for himself at Blackhill and the surrounding areas, it didn’t change what he was, a slave. While his achievements should be commended, she couldn’t imagine what his existence had been like and pitied his desperate life.

The fame of his victories as his slaver fought him in the fighting pits of Darkmide, traveled throughout Middenland. Nissa heard the stories of grueling fights to the death. Sometimes the victors would die later from their horrendous wounds. It wasn’t enough they profited from his fighting, but they also used the strongest victors to breed; giving them young, fertile women for sexual pleasure and watched as they performed. They were nothing more than animals put out to stud. Nissa’s ears had been eager to listen to the gossiping among the palace servants, but hoped Eloise didn’t hear it.

Kai and his comrades in arms, causing a rebellion, slaughtered all the slavers in a night of blood and horror. The tales of what they’d done where graphic. Maybe the slavers deserved their fate; they were renowned for their cruelty and lack of compassion to the unfortunate who landed at their door. After the massacre, the pits were closed. Kai and his band of warriors patrolled the region regularly to stamp out any revival.

Knitting her lips together, Nissa raised her eyebrows in sympathy and understanding to Eloise’s plight.

Jace rested his arms over the gate and stared up the cobbled road waiting for the messenger to arrive from Brightstone. At least once a fortnight, there would be a communication for his father from a friend in Brightstone castle, advising him of King Garlan’s movements.

At twenty-two, Jace had his whole life ahead of him. Son to Caster and Ellanor of Stonegarth, he’d been graced with his mother's good looks, and his father's temperament; strong willed, honest and trustworthy.

Seeing the rider approach, Jace quickly stepped onto the road to greet him, eager to take the post to his father.

Jace marched into the breakfast room; out of breath from the long run back to the house, he greeted his mother and father.

‘It’s here!’ Jace handed the letter over to his father, who took it with eager hands.

Ellanor stared at her son with adoring eyes. Graced with her good looks, he was breathtakingly handsome. They couldn’t ask for a better son to carry forward their legacy. His dark blonde hair fell forward around his face as he bowed his head to catch his breath. Beaming to his mother, he waited a few moments before moving to stand by his father’s side.

‘You should have some breakfast Jace, sit.’

Ellanor placed a cup where Jace waited to sit. Rolling his eyes as his mother poured fresh milk into a cup; she still thought of him as her boy, he would have preferred some mead, like his father, but not wanting to offend her accepted the offered drink.

Jace had been up since the early hours, waiting for the messenger to arrive from Brightstone. He’d still be by the gates now, hunger gnawing at his stomach if he hadn’t arrived. Giving his mother a huge grin when she handed over a large plate full of bacon and sausages, he started eating.

‘You need a hearty breakfast lad.’ Caster slapped his shoulder. ‘Now let’s see what news we have from Brightstone shall we?’

The communication, from a spy within Brightstone Castle, would advise him when to make his move. Quickly opening the note, his wife and son waited for the news.

‘
The King will travel to Littlewood in two days. He is offering his daughter’s hand in marriage in exchange for an alliance with Kai of Darkmide. I strongly advise you halt all plans. I will send word when I know more
.’

The news wasn’t what he expected. Caster looked concerned.

‘He’s marrying his daughter to a… slave?’ Jace narrowed his brows.

Kai’s reputation had reached the Highlands; a rebellious slave who’d fought his way to freedom and pillaged the Wild Plains. He’d taken over Blackhill, a large city situated in the North of the Plains. All the surrounding towns and villages soon followed and he ruled over them with a firm hand. Darkmide's gold mines were closed; Kai and his warriors stormed the mines and raged a bloody war on the slavers, and vowed no one would ever work there as long as he lived. His reputation as a tyrant had soon spread throughout the lands, but not many had encountered him to confirm the rumors.

Jace frowned. ‘Does this mean we won’t be marching to Brightstone?’

‘This letter was dated two days ago; he’ll already be nearing Littlewood and no doubt has the army of slaves as his protectors.’

Leaning back in his chair Caster ran both hands over his head and down the back of his neck before letting out a deep sigh. It had taken years to build an army strong enough to overthrow King Garlan and his forces, and now he’d forged an alliance with a powerful warrior, he didn’t stand a chance.

Pushing from the table, he rose and placed a reassuring hand on Jace’s shoulder.

‘Don’t fret, son, we need to use this information to our advantage and not see it as a problem.’

Caster needed time to think about his next move. Excusing himself he left the room while his wife and son watched.

Jace looked to his mother; he admired his father more than any man, and knew the problem would be addressed and resolved. ‘What do you think father will do now?’

Ellanor’s eyes followed Caster as he left the room. ‘I don’t know.’

Jace was eager to show off his sword skills, and fight alongside his father; although now it looked like they wouldn’t be moving on Brightstone. He paused with a forkful of sausage suspended halfway between his plate and his lips.

‘Whatever father decides, I’ll go along with.’

Ellanor smiled; their son never caused them to worry nor disobeyed their will. ‘I know you will, and don’t worry, your father will make the right decision.’

Ellanor started clearing the table after Jace pushed his plate to the side, empty of any trace of food. Wiping his mouth with a napkin then rising from the table, he smoothed his hands down his shirt.

‘I have to get off mother; I need to pay the tanner for a new scabbard he’s making for my sword, I’ll not be here for lunch.’ His eyes avoided her gaze.

Her son, at six feet four inches, stood as tall as his father, but much broader and heavier built. There wasn’t a woman in the town that hadn’t fallen for his alluring smile, or his green eyes, laced with mischief. Kind and caring, Ellanor knew he would make a good husband to whoever snared him.

‘Which of the Tanner’s daughters is drawing your attention, or are they both too tempting to choose just one?’

‘I’m sure I have no idea what you’re talking about mother.’ A mischievous grin breached his face as he bowed, then made for the door.

She planted her hands on both hips. ‘You know exactly what I’m talking about!’

Turning as he hovered in the doorway, he blew her a kiss before waving goodbye.

It was good to watch her son enjoy his youth. Her thoughts turned to her past; the loss of her first infant shortly after he was born made her thankful for Jace. He’d had the opportunity to live, be strong and happy, making him treasured above all else.

When she was young she fell pregnant. Refusing to name the father of her unborn child, her parents kept her hidden. Being highborn, the scandal of an unmarried daughter with child could compromise her father’s progression into the law courts. He strived to keep her pregnancy a secret to avoid any ramifications falling to him.

After giving birth, he’d told her it was a blessing the child died, and insisted she kept the secret so she may find a husband in the future. Her sadness at the loss of the infant boy overwhelmed her. His father would have been proud to see him grow into a man, as he watched from the heavens.

She often thought of what he’d look like if he’d lived, thinking maybe there would be similarities between him and Jace, despite having different fathers.

Thankful for her memories, but never one to dwell on the past, she smiled at how her life was now. Caster was an honest and faithful man, and she’d been fortunate to become his wife. Her mother and father would have surely been proud that she’d married someone with scruples and integrity, but she’d never know. When she’d been able to deal with the death of her baby, she left the family home in Dryden. Taking a small amount of money from her father’s reserve, she left without saying goodbye.

***

Caster found solace in one of the upper drawing rooms; the rolling hills of the highlands made his mind less active as he stared outward, giving time for new thoughts to slowly seep through. The letter from his friend, and spy at Brightstone, gave him something to think about. It changed everything. Caster saw it as a good omen. He wondered if someone was trying to send him a message; as if steering him on a better path. Taking in a deep breath, he closed his eyes and stilled his mind. After only a few moments, he opened them quickly.

‘Are you going to stand there all morning?’ Caster didn’t need to turn towards the doorway to see Ellanor; he’d known she was there soon after she arrived.

‘I didn’t want to disturb your thoughts, but only wanted to make sure you were alright.’

‘I’m fine.’ He drew in a deep breath, ‘Though I’d be much better if you came in and told me what you’re thinking.’

Peering at her from behind the chair he was greeted by a warm smile and he beckoned her with a crook of his finger. Unhurried steps, gave his eyes time to linger. She was his lifesaver. For five years he’d forgotten who he was, had no family that he knew of, and no money. But she’d taken care of him, with nothing more than a promise of loyalty and love, and that one day he would repay her acts of kindness with richness, and good living. He had kept his promise, and never regretted one moment of his life with her by his side.

Extending his hand as she approached, he pulled her to sit on his lap.

‘Now then wife, tell me your thoughts.’

Ellanor laughed as she settled against him, her hand touched his weathered cheek as she looked into warm eyes. Their soft hazel color reminded her of fallen leaves in the autumn, gold and brown with flecks of brighter fawns making her feel warm inside. She traced her finger across his cheek and remembered how she’d fallen in love with him.

Injured and unconscious when brought into the Inn where she lived. Compelled to care for him she offered aid to the physician who examined him. Advising he would need care for some time she’d agreed to tend his wounds as instructed, until he was able to fend for himself.

It was mere chance hunters found him in the forest. They didn’t know he was alive until they moved him. Crying out in agony, he begged for aid. Looking up towards the ledge he’d tumbled from, it was a miracle he’d survived. With a broken leg, covered in cuts, and a large open wound on his shoulder where the jagged rocks had cut him, he was a mess. The journey back to town, where the physician examined him, took some time and he’d fallen in and out of consciousness throughout the journey. The doctor advised his recovery would be slow, but with care, he could be back to full strength and not suffer any long-term problems.

After the initial fall, he thought death would take him, but when Ellanor offered to take care of him, he felt fate had other plans. Making a remarkable recovery, aided by Ellanor’s tender care, Caster thanked the gods for her nursing. She treated his injuries with lotions and herb remedies as instructed by the doctor. Suffering from amnesia, he had no knowledge of who he was, and spent the next five years making a new life, until he recalled everything.

His beard felt soft as her finger brushed across his jaw towards his lips, leaning forward she kissed him tenderly.

‘I’m not sure my thoughts will help you, as they’re nothing to do with this morning’s event.’ Her eyebrows rose, aided by a smirk.

‘Is that so?’ Caster grinned. ‘Maybe we should discuss this further, in the bedroom, then?’ Nestling his face against her neck, he pulled her closer.

‘I think that would be a good start to the day, and since Jace won’t be back for lunch, we could make an afternoon of it.’

Ellanor smoothed her hand down to his open shirt; she popped another button, and then slid her hand inside before she brushed her fingertips over his chest.

‘What’s he doing? Or is that a silly question?’

‘Yes, it’s a silly question.’ She laughed. ‘He’s got so many young ladies after him I don’t think he knows what to do with them all.’ Frowning, she corrected her words. ‘Well, he does, but I think he’s testing all of them. You can’t blame him, he’s handsome.’ Pinching his whiskers she leaned closer. ‘Just like his father.’

‘Flattery will get you everywhere.’ Chuckling, he gave her a squeeze.

He could only hope that his son will be fortunate, and find a good woman to make him happy, as Ellanor had done for him.

After twenty-four years of marriage, Ellanor loved that they were playful together; but now it was time to be serious. Always offering guidance to Caster she never told him what to do, but gave him her thoughts and left it with him to do as he pleased.

‘I know the letter has brought unexpected news, what are your thoughts?’

Caster’s expression became serious as he thought before answering.

‘I wonder if this is a sign, that there’s another option to be had.’ Hesitating, his eyes met hers. ‘And my plans to continue with the siege of Brightstone Castle will not be the right path to take.’

Surprised at his reply, Ellanor couldn’t speak. For nineteen years, since his memories returned after the accident, he’d set his mind on revenge for what had been taken from him.

‘I know, you think I’ve gone mad.’ He added.

‘No, I don’t.’ She touched her fingertips to his lips, and stopped him before he continued.

His hand wrapped around her fingers that were pressed to his mouth, and pulled them to rest in his lap.

‘I think you’re right to look for another resolution, and you know I’ve never spoken against your plans for the overthrow of Brightstone Castle. But I’m pleased that you’re thinking your issue can be resolved by other means.’

‘You don’t think me a coward?’

‘No, my love, I don’t. There’s more bravery in admitting you want to look for another way to resolve this, rather than continuing your plans.’

‘What about Jace? I don’t think he’ll feel the same.’

‘Have faith in your son Caster. He loves you, and will do whatever you command, without question or doubting your reasons.’

Ellanor moved her hand to his face and stroked his cheek. Kissing his forehead, she rested her lips against him for a moment before pulling away to look at him.