Demon Within (10 page)

Amos and his son Darion, raced up to the vineyard. Riding to the highest vantage point, they halted their horses and looked towards Dryden. Plumes of smoke rose into the sky, but the flames had subsided. Only a faint glow in the darkening sky was visible. Amos narrowed his eyes.

‘Let’s ride a bit closer shall we?’

It was still light, but the sun would be setting soon. They needed to hurry. Spurring on his horse, Amos didn’t wait for a reply and Darion quickly followed.

Thinking about Milo as he rode, Darion’s heart raced. If the raiders were still at Dryden, he and his father might suffer the same fate. Darion was neither coward, nor fool; but the realization he was speeding towards his death, seemed insane.

Approaching slowly, Amos and Darion kept their wits about them. They had no weapons; although a sword was no use to either of them. Farmers and not fighters, they’d never had to take up arms. Confrontations with raiders in Braxton were uncommon. Those skilled with sword and bow protected the town on these occasions while farmers stood ready with whatever tools they had as reinforcement only. Darion had never killed anyone, and as far as he knew, neither had his father.

Amos led the way cautiously. Closely followed by Darion, they wandered slowly through the town. Scanning the debris he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Almost every house and building was burned.

The smoldering wood beams were all that remained of houses. Small fires still burned in a few places, the grain stores were still ablaze.

‘Why would they do this?’

Confused, Amos shook his head in disbelief. He continued scouting the area, watching for any raiders that might still lurk.

Darion shared the same view as his father, ‘It doesn’t make sense.’ Pulling up his horse, he dismounted.

‘Get back on your horse Darion; they could still be here, watching!’ Amos looked around nervously.

Shaking his head at his father, Darion disagreed.

‘There’s no one here father.’

He looked around at the burned bodies; men, women and children lay dead, burned beyond recognition. Animals joined the pile of dead, even they had not escaped.

‘This wasn’t raiders.’

Amos frowned at Darion’s hasty deduction. ‘How do you know?’

Shaking his head, Darion casually walked towards a pigsty, the tenants were still smoldering after their roasting.

‘Because, raiders don’t kill livestock, they steal it.’

Kicking a large pig before he looked back to his father, he raised his brows. ‘This wasn’t a raid father. It was a massacre.’

Drawing his hand down his chin, Amos pulled his gray beard between his thumb and fingers. He had to agree with his son. Raiders would have taken all the foul, swine and horses. Nothing would be left for the people. But it still puzzled him why someone would do this.

‘Darion, we need to leave.’ Kicking his mount forward, he reached for Darion’s horse. ‘Let’s get back to Braxton, before we suffer the same fate as Milo.’

Arriving back in Braxton as night fell; Amos and Darion wanted to speak with the Mayor and knew he’d be over at the school. Making their way through the streets towards the school it was surprisingly quiet, considering everything that happened during the day. As they neared the building it was strange to see it in use this late. Lamps and candles burned within, it was a hive of activity. Entering the hall, they sought out the Mayor. Darion looked around. Seeing everyone with food and blankets; they were all settled for the night. It was a relief to see everyone taken care of.

‘Mayor Ridley, we should talk.’

‘I’m relieved to see you. Let’s go where it’s a little quieter shall we?’ The Mayor squeezed through a group of people and moved into the hallway, Amos and Darion followed. Checking they couldn’t be overheard, he lowered his voice and addressed both men.

‘How bad was it?’

‘It’s bad.’ Darion replied. ‘It wasn’t raiders.’ He looked at his father, waiting for him to protest, but he didn’t.

‘We don’t know who it was, that’s the problem.’ Amos quickly cut in. ‘But they’ve not left anyone, or anything alive.’

The Mayor brushed his hand over his head and down the back of his neck. Rubbing it while he stared at the ground, he wondered what to make of it all. Suddenly raising his eyes he addressed Darion.

‘Do you think whoever it was, might come here? Did you see anyone on the road?’

‘No, no one. It’s like, they vanished.’ Narrowing his brows, Darion couldn’t explain it. ‘If they’ve gone to another town, it must have been further south or maybe to the north. It seems odd they didn’t come to us though.’ He turned to look at his father, ‘Don’t you think?’

Nodding, Amos blew out a breath. All three men stood in silence for a moment. Not having any suggestions or ideas. Amos scratched his head. ‘We should ride to Blackhill, and ask for help.’

Darion and the Mayor were stunned at Amos’s solution.

‘Why would they aid our cause? Darion asked.

‘We trade with them. Why shouldn’t we ask for help?’

The Mayor nodded. ‘He’s right, I think you should go in the morning, and ask for help.’

‘Me?’

‘You’re younger and a better rider.’ Amos pointed between himself and the Mayor. ‘You know Blackhill better than us, and you’ve already seen Kai of Darkmide. It’s him you’ll need to ask.’

Amos rocked backwards and forwards on his feet with his arms behind his back. He knew Darion wouldn’t want to go, but they needed help. This was the best solution.

Darion’s eyes widened. Puffing out a long breath he rubbed his face with both hands before tilting his head back to look up. ‘I must be mad to let you talk me into this.’ He looked back at both men. ‘Okay, I’ll set off early in the morning.’

The Mayor slapped his hand on Darion’s shoulder. ‘Good lad!’

‘I’m going to get something to eat.’ Darion turned to leave. ‘Are you coming?’ Darion asked his father.

‘Yes, I am. I’m a bit hungry myself.’ He smiled at Mayor Ridley. ‘Good night, I’ll come and see you in the morning.’

Amos shook Mayor Ridley’s hand. ‘You’ve done a good job here.’ He pointed to everyone as they settled down for the night. ‘We’ll have everything sorted in no time, you’ll see.’ He followed Darion.

The Mayor nodded to thank Amos for his kind words.

Reaching their home, Amos and Darion settled at the table and tucked into left-over pork stew and bread. They sat in silence before reflecting on the day’s events. Many people lost their lives today, not just their friend Milo. After finishing their meal, they sat with a cup of wine each and Amos puffed on his pipe. Resting his feet up on a stool, he leaned against the table and closed his eyes.

Watching his son, Amos knew he was apprehensive about the journey. Darion wasn’t an adventurer; he liked his home too much. A little shy at times, he kept away from the tavern and didn’t socialize like other men of his age. Give him a good meal, some wine to drink and he was happy. At twenty-eight, he was still single and to his father’s knowledge, wasn’t seeing anyone. Darion worked hard, he wasn’t a shirker or a usurer, and always tried to do what was right. Admirable qualities in a man, he’d make a good husband one day.

After a while Darion started to pack for the morrow’s journey. It didn’t take long and after padding the tobacco down in his pipe, Amos addressed Darion.

‘Will you be alright son?’

Darion tied up a blanket and put it with the rest of his belongings, turning to his father he brushed his hand through his dark hair.

‘Yes, I’ll be fine. Don’t worry.’

‘You can take both horses if you need to.’ He tried to draw on his pipe, but it had gone out. Reaching for the candle on the table, he relit it, and puffed on it hard. He coughed and had to take it from his lips to catch his breath.

Darion shook his head.

Patting his chest and catching his breath, Amos decided to put down the pipe and leave it alone. ‘You should take a weapon with you, for the journey.’

‘What good will that do?’ Darion scratched his head. ‘I wouldn’t know how to use it anyway!’

Darion preferred farming to war. He’d never taken up a sword, nor wished to. He’d tried to avoid fighting at all costs, and on the rare occasion he’d had to fight, he’d always come off worse. But his father did have a point; maybe take a dagger, just in case. Looking around and happy he’d packed everything he would need, he leaned on the table and looked at his father.

‘I’m going to get an early night.’ Darion nodded towards the pipe. ‘And leave that alone, it’s no good for you.’

Rolling his eyes Amos waved his hand and shooed him away. ‘Get some sleep, I’ll see you in the morning.’

Darion turned and walked towards his bedroom. He was tired after racing around all day, but wasn’t sure he’d sleep. Thoughts about asking Kai and his warriors for assistance prayed on his mind. Trying to ease his worries, he convinced himself it wouldn’t matter if he said no. His father was right; he’d met him previously when trading at Blackhill last year. But it wasn’t like they were friends or anything.

Washing then climbing in bed, Darion pulled the covers over his shoulder and rested his tired eyes. But within moments, images of his friend’s charred body flew into his mind. His eyes filled with tears for Milo, and he knew he wouldn’t get any sleep.

The light was fading fast; Eloise couldn’t count the number of times she drifted asleep. Thanks to Nissa pulling at her sleeve or prodding her, it was a miracle she’d not fallen off her horse. Weary from traveling and talking, she wished she was home. If she wasn’t suffering from fatigue, she‘d be angry, but she’d long passed that state. When her father told them they were going onto Blackhill, everyone was amazed. Her father assured everyone it was a good idea; quick to add, they were already two thirds of the way there. It seemed a good idea at the time.

Poked, yet again, by Nissa, Eloise opened her eyes with a start.

‘I’m awake, you don’t have to prod me anymore Nissa. My arm is as numb as my…, bottom.’ Scowling at her companion, and surprised to see Nissa smile, she wondered where she found the energy. Eloise watched the path ahead, and sighed.

‘Something’s going on, look.’

Kiera had galloped ahead, and left everyone.

‘Where is she going?’ Nissa watched as she disappeared over the brow of the hill. ‘I don’t think I like her much.’

‘I don’t think she likes us either.’

Eloise watched her father and Roulan as they rode side by side, quiet. Obviously weary and tired, she noticed they hadn’t spoken for some time. Glancing over her shoulder, even Leon looked as though he was nodding off. The horses struggled up the hill, also tired. Earlier that morning, Kai said they would arrive at Blackhill before nightfall; Eloise hoped he didn’t share the same traits as her brother.

Roulan groaned as he stretched his arms behind his back. He tilted his head from side to side, freeing the knot in his neck and shoulders.

Garlan was barely awake. It was sheer luck that kept his backside in the saddle. Roulan had voiced his concerns about taking the journey to Blackhill, after his father finished speaking with Kai, but his father had told him to shut up and reminded him of his place. Not eager to annoy his father, Roulan quieted, and kept his opinion to himself. He’d tried to speak with Leon, and see if he would speak with his father. But Leon, having seen the exchange between Garlan and Roulan, avoided him.

Keeping up the rear, Leon hadn’t ridden for so long in some time. His body ached and only a hot bath and a large glass of wine would ease his suffering. Garlan was too eager to comply with Kai’s demands; Leon hoped it was worth the effort. Looking to the brow of the hill, and seeing Kai and Sabe disappeared from view, he kicked on his horse. He’d lagged behind, and wanted to catch Eloise and Nissa.

‘I trust you’re still awake, my Lady?’ Leon called to Eloise. He grinned as she looked over her shoulder at him and managed a smile.

‘Barely. I don’t know if my horse is though.’

Leon chuckled and shook his head. Impressed at how resilient she was, he hoped her intended, would treat her with respect. His first impressions of Kai had been good. Although he’d not had a chance to speak with him directly, he seemed fair and just, according to Garlan’s report. Only time would tell.

Hearing squeals of delight, he wondered what Eloise and Nissa had seen to make them so happy. Kicking his horse, the reason caused him to breathe a sigh. In the distance, Blackhill’s outer walls, lit by torches, stood out like a beacon. Everyone suddenly picked up pace; the thought of a soft bed called them.

The horses walked faster, as if they knew they were nearing home. Eloise centered her thoughts on a warm bath, something to eat, and then bed. She didn’t care if it was a small bed; just the thought of lying down made her happy. Gazing at the outer wall as they drew nearer, Eloise felt excited and nervous. This was her home.

Eloise watched Kai as he rode in the lead. Barely visible beneath the darkening sky, she’d still not had a good look at him. His horse lurched forward as he kicked it, and galloped ahead of everyone. She watched Sabe turned his horse around, and headed towards her. Pulling up on her side, he greeted both her and Nissa with a dazzling smile.

‘I’m sure you’re tired, but as you can see,’ Sabe stretched his arm out and pointed to Blackhill, ‘your beds await.’

‘We can’t wait. It’s been a long day.’ Nissa replied, eagerly. ‘Where is Kai and your sister?’

‘Kiera was sent ahead, to alert the household we’re almost home. We’re going to want feeding aren’t we? Kai wanted to make sure the rooms were made up for you, this wasn’t expected as you well know.’

‘Oh, I see.’ Eloise paused before continuing and nodded towards her father, ‘I hope there’s going to be plenty of food?’

Nissa stifled a giggle when Eloise bit her lip and grinned. She didn’t usually make fun of her father, but she couldn’t resist.

As they approached the gate a foul smell hit everyone, making them cover their faces. Sabe forgot about the thieves hung up at the sides of the main gate. Reaching for the reins of Eloise’s horse, he kicked his forward and moved both of them along, with Nissa trying to keep up as he hurried. Unable to avoid the corpses, Eloise balked.

Nailed to boards by their shoulders and arms, both men were headless. Their heads hung from ropes tied around their feet. Noticing the hands were missing, Eloise squinted and saw them nailed above their shoulders. One of them had been cut open. But there was nothing left inside the cavity. Rotting and partly eaten, they barely resembled men. Swallowing hard, Eloise closed her eyes as Sabe lead her through the gate. Nissa’s stomach was a little stronger, and she couldn’t help gawping, she’d never seen anything so vile.

‘What did they do?’ Nissa asked.

‘They were thieves.’

Both Eloise and Nissa gasped. Eloise thought it seemed extreme for thieving. Moving away from the smell, they could finally remove their hands from their faces. Looking at Roulan he must have been enjoying looking at the blood and gore; he sneered at her over his shoulder before he turned his head back.

Roulan looked around the large courtyard. The vast buildings, with its archways and terraces looked impressive. He leaned towards his father to speak.

‘It’s a little grand for a slave. I’m guessing the previous owners are the ones nailed to the gate.’ He chuckled, but quickly stopped when his father glared.

‘Lower your voice!’ He snarled.

Garlan looked at the people gathered along the road, and gave them a halfhearted smile. Turning to look past Roulan as Sabe pulled up, he continued his smile.

‘Be careful Prince, you may be joining them.’ Sabe gave Roulan a harsh glare before spurring his horse forward.

Garlan hissed. ‘You’ll get us killed! Keep your mouth shut!’ Garlan was no fool, and while he maybe King in Middenland, he wasn’t here. This was Kai’s territory.

The household staff gathered and waited for the guests to arrive. Following orders from Kai, relayed by Kiera, all of their rooms were ready. A moderate feast awaited them once they’d freshened up.

As the party approached, the stable hands took their mounts. Garlan thought he’d never be able to walk again after he finally managed to climb down from his horse. The others followed his lead, they could barely stand. Riding all-day, and with only a short rest here and there for nature calls, it took them a few moments to regain their posture.

The stable hands lead away the horses, leaving everyone standing outside the main terrace and entrance to the building. It was early evening and dark. The lanterns and torches lit up the courtyard and Eloise looked around. It wasn’t what she expected.

Kai appeared from under the porch and moved towards the main door. Sorry the journey took so long, and if there had been more notice, he would have prepared a better reception for his guests.

‘Welcome to my home.’

Garlan smiled and nodded. Stepping forward, he held out his hand to Kai.

‘Thank you. We’re very pleased to be here. I speak for all of us, of course.’

He felt uneasy. Roulan’s comments, heard by Sabe had him worried. They’d be in trouble if he relayed it to Kai. He would speak with his son in private and make sure he wasn’t so stupid in the future.

Sabe moved to Kai’s side and whispered in his hear, Kai nodded.

‘My staff will show you to your rooms. Wash and rest a while, then we’ll feast.’

Kai steered the guests to follow the women that appeared from under the terrace. Following, like lost sheep, Garlan was first, quickly shadowed by Roulan and then the others. Kai watched Eloise as she passed him and looked forward to speaking with her later. Nissa took her hand and gave it a squeeze as they hurried after everyone else.

Eloise breathed a huge sigh when they reached their assigned quarters. She and Nissa had separate rooms and hers was larger, and with a smaller room off to the side. A copper bath stood in the middle of it, making her beam a wide smile.

‘I’m going to keep my promise.’ She trailed her fingers along the top of the bath. ‘You won’t get me out of here for hours.’ They giggled, remembering the previous night’s conversation.

Nissa looked around, checking the vanity unit; opening the drawers she pulled out linen and various bottles with oils and perfumes.

‘I didn’t expect this at all.’ Her eyes widened with each new item she found in a drawer or cupboard. Holding up two gold hair combs, she gasped.

‘Eloise! Look at these, they’re beautiful.’ She quickly marched towards her mistress. ‘Do you think they’re a gift for you, from Kai?’

Shrugging her shoulders. ‘I don’t know, but, this is my room, so they must be.’

Eloise stared at the combs and thought about the story Dori had told her. Gold didn’t have the same luster it once held; she put them on the dresser and walked back into the main room.

Quickly following, Nissa brushed her hand over the linen covering the bed.

‘It's beautiful. Where do you suppose it all came from?’ Pressing both hands on the bed, she tested it for softness then climbed on top. Throwing herself backwards, she squealed.

‘You’re going to love this bed! Come and try it.’ Nissa held her hand out to Eloise, but noticed the sadness appearing and quickly sat up.

Panic suddenly struck Eloise. Every time she’d thought about the wedding, it hadn’t felt real; it was a dream. Looking around the room now, the realization hit her. Tears ran down her cheeks, and when Nissa sprang off the bed to hold her, she broke down.

‘Oh Eloise, I’m sure everything will be fine.’ Nissa tried to comfort her, but in reality she was just as fearful. She had no idea what to expect in the coming days, but she couldn’t let Eloise know she was afraid too. Holding Eloise tightly, she fell silent. No words would comfort her mistress right now.

***

Drinking wine from a large cup, Kai enjoyed a moment of peace and quiet before supper. Not in a partying mood, he hoped everyone would retire early. It would be a trying three days, and not known for his patience, he feared he might upset someone. Preparations would start tomorrow for the wedding; he hoped he didn’t have to deal with any lawbreakers while the guests were here; they wouldn’t understand his methods of punishment. No one had commented, so far, about the bodies hanging at the gate. Forgetting all about them until he’d smelled the rotting flesh, he wished they’d been removed.

Kai hadn’t planned for the wedding to be at Blackhill. When first discussed, he’d not given any thoughts about it. But that morning, meeting Eloise, he knew he didn’t want to wait. If the King and his party had gone back to Brightstone, who knew how long it would take for them to make the arrangements. This way, he controlled when and where. Knowing his reputation had reached every region, holding the wedding here was the best solution. Grateful he had Sabe to delegate and organize everything, he took another large mouthful of wine and closed his eyes as he leaned his head against the back of the chair.

‘Is there any left?’

Kai’s moment of tranquility ended as Sabe joined him. Kicking out a chair, Sabe sat opposite him and drummed his fingers on the table. The cooks had laid out a few platters of cold meats, and were still preparing the rest.

‘You look dreadful, I hope you’re going to bed early tonight.’

Kai smirked; used to Sabe’s jibes, ignored him and took another drink.

Sabe puffed out an irritated breath with raised brows. He rested his elbows on the table, and waved Kai to lean forward.

‘Do you want me to tell you what’s wrong with Kiera or should I save it for tomorrow?’ Smirking, he rested his face on his hand.

After a short pause, and a glare, Kai finally gave him what he wanted.

‘Come on then, out with it, before everyone gets here.’ Slamming his empty cup on the table, he reached for a bottle of wine and filled it back up. Sipping slowly, he knew Sabe would make him wait and shoved a piece of cold meat in his mouth.

Sabe loved testing Kai’s patience, and in four years, he’d never received a punch, yet. He prided himself on his astonishing feat.

‘It seems my sister is jealous of Eloise.’ He spoke in a calm, monotone voice.

Kai raised his brows.

‘She’s not spoken to me since this morning, and if someone doesn’t explain to her... that she wasn’t in the running anyway, it’s going to be very unpleasant around here.’

Sabe didn’t move and his face still rested on his hand. He waited for Kai to make a comment and blinked a few times, when he didn’t.