Demon Within (28 page)

Sabe could see Kai’s agitation at the mention of Ellanor and her claims, but he remained still and continued to listen.

‘Kai, I think there’s something to all this, and Teila said if you were the son of this…Adram…and he is now fallen, then maybe it has an effect on you.’

Narrowing his eyes then raking his fingers down his cheek, Kai had to admit, it didn’t sound that farfetched.

‘Alright,’

Kai moved towards Sabe and noticed his arms braced against the table. His friend didn’t trust him and it hurt; he needed to find out more about his problem.

‘Teila’s coming for the wedding anyway, maybe we can arrange for Kiera’s new friends to come here in the morning?’

A smile spread wide over Sabe’s face. ‘I think this is a sensible option.’ He relaxed and moved towards his leader.

Kai rested his head against Sabe’s shoulder and hugged him. ‘You sure you don’t want a kiss?’ Kai chuckled.

‘Absolutely! Now we’d better tell Leon and Garlan the news.’ Pushing Kai away and gasping, he raised his hands to his head. ‘I forgot! With all the excitement earlier I didn’t get time to tell you!’

‘What?’

‘Garlan! Him and that man from Stonegarth…um…Caster….they’re brothers!’

‘Are you serious?’

‘Oh there’s more! Come on, I’ll tell you on the way, we need to let them know about Roulan before they retire to bed.’

Sabe dragged Kai out of his room and into the hall, speaking quickly and lowering his voice; he filled Kai’s ears with all that Leon told them earlier.

***

Sneaking into her bedroom holding her torn dress close to her body, Eloise gave a huge grin when she saw Nissa sat at the edge of the bed; who noticed Eloise’s state of half undress.

‘Why is your dress undone…and what’s that?’ Pointing to the wedding dress in Eloise’s hands she frowned.

‘My wedding dress, Isn’t it beautiful?’

In a state of shock, Nissa took a moment to reply but stepped forward to touch the dress.

‘It’s stunning… so, you and Kai are still going to marry?’ Nissa started to move around to Eloise’s side then seeing the broken ribbon that fastened the dress, gasped.

‘Oh you ….you-’

Nodding and grinning, ‘Yes…we did.’ Eloise couldn’t help but smile, and turning to look at Nissa, who was still gawping, she started giggling.

‘Nissa, it was unbelievable, and he’s amazing.’

Staring in disbelief, Nissa took a moment for it all to sink in.

‘So, you and Kai have made up, that’s obvious.’ She stared at her open dress. ‘What’s happening with your father and Roulan?’

‘Don’t worry, it’s all in hand, Kai’s going to speak to my father after he’s sure Sabe is alright.’

‘Why? What’s happened to Sabe?’

‘I don’t know all the details, but I suspect Kai and he came to blows.’ Eloise shrugged her shoulders at Nissa. ‘Kai said he hurt him.’

‘Oh no!.’

Taking Nissa’s hands in hers, Eloise gave her a reassuring smile. ‘I’m sure they’ll sort it, don’t worry.’

Nissa wanted to go and see Sabe, but thought it might be better to leave it, let Kai and Sabe do whatever they had to do.

Tugging at Eloise’s sleeves, Nissa helped her undress. ‘Well then, let’s get you ready for bed, if we have a big day tomorrow you need to look your best.’

‘I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep, I’m too excited.’

‘I’m sure you are, and anyway, I need details.

Staring out of the window into the busy street below Ellanor watched the people of Blackhill scurry around and go about their daily business. She’d barely slept but didn’t show any signs of tiredness, her mind was too active. After Jace had told her and Caster about Kai and what happened, she’d felt guilty. Her lover Adram told her it was against the rules for an angel to lie with a human, but he didn’t listen, neither did she. When the woman from the temple, Teila, told her he was burned alive for his sin, and still yet lives, burning for eternity, she’d felt her heart break once more. All those years ago she’d dreamed of this event, but had no realization it was fact.

Caster’s gentle embrace brings little comfort as he wraps his arms around her; Ellanor touches her fingertips to the pendant around her neck and her thoughts turn to Kai and Eloise.

‘I’d like to see Eloise before we leave, Caster.’

‘Alright my love, we’ll stop by on our way out, but I’ll send Jace to ask Kiera if it’s safe for us to visit.’

Squeezing his arms around Ellanor, Caster rested his chin on top of her head and wished they’d never made the journey. It was a foolish whim that he’d expected to find a resolution after all these years. Ellanor had told him about the lost baby when they’d first met, but not about the father, he’d respected her privacy and never asked. He knew in his heart, that Ellanor believed Kai was her son and had no reason to doubt her.

‘I’m sorry I made you bring me, you must really hate me.’ Ellanor turned in Casters arms to look at him, her gentle eyes, swollen from tears stared.

Brushing a lock of hair from her face and smiling at his gracious wife, Caster felt her pain and anguish. It tore him apart seeing her so upset.

‘Now let’s not have any of that talk.’ Pressing his head close, he gently kissed his wife.

‘I know it hasn’t turned out how we wanted, but we can’t change what’s happened. So we’ll go home and get on with our lives, and that will be the end of it.’

‘You’re right.’ Ellanor rested her head against Casters chest and closed her eyes. She couldn’t wait to return home.

Interrupted by a gentle knock on the door, Caster called over his shoulder, knowing it would be Jace.

‘Come in!’

Not wanting to disturb his mother and father Jace apologized for the interruption. The horses were loaded up with their belongings and they could start their journey home when they were ready.

‘We’re all ready to go father, I’ll be outside, take your time.’

Seeing his mother’s upset, he wanted her and his father to have a few moments together. It was hard for him to see, he hated watching his mother suffer and she’d been in a state since they returned from Kai’s yesterday. He’d hoped to see Kiera before he left but after telling his father and mother of the afternoon’s events yesterday, he knew they wanted to leave as soon as possible.

Jace thought about Kiera as he waited outside with the horses. He’d never met anyone like her; she was strong, feisty and stunningly beautiful. Wishing he’d had more time, he would have enjoyed getting to know more about her. She’d already admitted her past live hadn’t been honest, but he didn’t care. Turning to see his mother and father approached from the Inn, Jace puffed out a long breath and handed over the reins to his father’s horse.

‘Thanks son, we’re going to take a little detour.’

‘We are?’

‘Your mother wants to see Eloise before we leave.’ Seeing Jace’s surprised expression and his smile, he winked at his son.

‘Thought you wouldn’t mind seeing that pretty warrior, and see if she could get a message to Eloise.’

Jace chuckled and without waiting for any further words, he mounted his horse. ‘Wait here, I’ll be quick.’

Spurring his horse and riding at speed towards the courtyard and Kai’s home, Jace couldn’t wait to see Kiera one last time. He had no idea if he’d ever see her again after they left here, and maybe if she was eager to see him, she might suggest they meet up at a later date.

He cantered into the courtyard and seeing Kai, Sabe and Kiera already there, talking with some others; he felt nervous and pulled up his horse.

‘Jace! I was just coming to see you!’

Kiera ran towards him, her dark hair flowing behind her as she approached. Quickly dismounting Jace met her and seeing her excited eyes, smiled.

‘I’m glad to see you, I was worried about coming over.’

‘Don’t worry, everything’s sorted and Kai wants your mother to come over, to talk.’

‘Really?’ Looking over her shoulder to Kai and Sabe, their mood was jovial, it seemed everything was forgiven. ‘What happened after I left?’

‘I’ll tell you later, but can you ask your mother and father to come over? Kai’s arranged for a late breakfast in the dining room, he wants to speak with your mother and he thinks maybe your father should confront his brother.’

Kiera raised her brows and grinned at seeing Jace’s surprise. Gathering up the reins, he threw himself onto his horse.

‘I’ll go get my parents; we’ll be back shortly.’ Jace leaned down to look at Kiera and gave her his infamous, seductive smile. Turning his horse he couldn’t wait to get back to his father and mother to tell them the news.

‘Kiera!’

Spinning towards Kai’s shout, she hurried back to join him and her brother.

‘Are they coming?’

Nodding with an enthusiastic smile Kiera was obviously excited. ‘Yes, he’s going to get them.’

‘Good, can you ask Eloise to join us?

‘Of course.’ Charging into the hall, Kiera was eager to aid.

Sabe cocked a brow at Kai. ‘I think you’ve just made my sisters day. She’s quite taken with Jace; I think she’s going to miss him.’

Pausing while he thought for a moment at what Sabe had said, Kai wondered if maybe Jace would like a job. ‘Is the man from Braxton still here?’

Sabe shook his head and shrugged his shoulders, ‘I expect so, and you told him you’d help his cause, so I presume he’s in town somewhere.’

‘Tell Maika to go find him and ask him to come over, I think we can make a few more people happy before the day is over.’ Grinning, and then raking his fingers through his hair, Kai raised a brow. ‘We’ll give our new recruit, Roulan, a job.’

Chuckling, ‘I’m sure he’ll love that, who else?’

‘Kiera, Saul and a couple of other warriors, and maybe Kiera’s new friend might like to go along, for the ride?’ Kai nudged Sabe with his elbow.

‘I’m impressed, I’m sure Kiera will enjoy breaking in the new recruit.’

They roared with laughter and started pushing each other; Kai slapped his hand around the back of Sabe’s neck and pulled him close.

‘I’m glad I’ve got you and Kiera by my side friend.’

‘We’re glad to be here.’

Moving inside, their arms locked over each other’s shoulders, Kai and Sabe walked towards the dining room and bumped into Leon.

‘Good morning.’ Leon addressed both of them.

‘Morning Leon, how’s everyone this morning?’ Sabe greeted him with a friendly smile.

Nodding his head, ‘They’re good, all looking forward to the day’s festivities.’ Edging closer towards Sabe, he lowered his voice. ‘Garlan’s waiting to see Roulan, is everything still as it was last night?’

‘Yes, don’t worry. If you want to bring Garlan into the courtyard, Kai’s having Roulan brought up from the cells.’

Leon grinned, ‘Does Roulan know he’s been given a reprieve?’

Grinning. ‘Not yet.’

Sabe shook his head, and seeing Leon’s amused grin started laughing. He whispered close to his ear. ‘I expect he’s not had much sleep, and he’s going to be in a bit of a state when he’s brought into the yard.’

They exchanged looks of equal delight at the thought of Roulan’s anxious state. Leon hadn’t kept his feelings for Roulan a secret, it was obvious he thought of him as a sniveling coward, and watching him grovel would make his day after all the torment he’d caused Eloise over the years.

‘I’ll go and get Garlan.’ Leon nodded to Sabe then moved towards the hallway. Seeing Kiera and Eloise both smiling, he returned their smiles and excused himself.

‘Eloise, why don’t you join Kai in the dining room, I need to speak with my sister for a moment.’

Eloise smiled and nodded, eager to see Kai she marched towards the door and left Sabe to speak with his sister.

Sabe addressed his sister and smiled. ‘I think you and I should have a talk, about your new friend, don’t you?’

Lowering her head and blushing, Kiera wasn’t sure she wanted to speak with her brother about Jace, but he obviously had something on his mind.

‘If you want to; is there something wrong?’

‘No, nothing. I just wanted to let you know Kai’s happy for him to stay, if it’s what you’d like.’

Her surprised look caused Sabe to grin. ‘It’s obvious you have a liking for each other, and he seems a good man. From the way he’s conducted himself since being here, he’s made a good impression.’

Kiera felt her stomach turn over. Her brothers approval of him, and Kai’s too, caused her to think about the possibility that she’d finally met someone she considered worth getting to know.

‘I do like him, and I was worried Kai wouldn’t want him here.’

‘Kai’s blind not stupid.’ He chortled. ‘He’s happy for him to stay, we can find something to keep him occupied I’m sure.’ He wiggled his brows and laughed.

Throwing her arms around Sabe’s neck, Kiera gave her brother a hug.

‘Thank you! I’ll speak to him after Kai’s spoken to his mother.’

Kiera released her brother and turned to look outside to see Saul leading Roulan by his chains.

Sabe huffed out a breath. ‘It’s show time, bring Garlan and Leon outside when they get here from upstairs, I’ll go fetch Kai.’

Eloise had been awake since the dawn and eager to see Kai after their night of passion, she ran into his arms and greeted him with excitement. Equally happy, Kai raised her off the floor and hugged her tightly.

‘Morning princess, did you sleep well?’

‘No, not really.’ She giggled. ‘I was too excited.’

Kai’s husky voice sent a pleasant shiver through her body as he pressed his lips against her ear. ‘Then we’ll have an early night.’ He kissed her neck then slowly moved towards her lips and covered her mouth with his.

Her arms wrapped tightened around his neck as she melted against him. She couldn’t wait to be married and alone with him.

Sabe coughed to interrupt the lovers. ‘Sorry, it gives me no pleasure to come between a man and his bride-to-be, but Roulan’s in the courtyard.’

Reluctantly releasing Eloise from a passionate embrace, he took her hand and drew in a long breath before letting it out slowly.

‘You should wait here.’

‘No, I want to be there when you give him the news.’

Eloise stared up at Kai with her gentle brown eyes and melted his heart. He couldn’t refuse her anything.

‘You sure?’

Eloise nodded and took Kai’s hand. ‘Yes, let’s get it over with.’

Kai smiled then stole a kiss before turning towards the door and stepping outside, closely followed by everyone else.

It was a pitiful sight, watching Roulan cower on his knees. Stepping forward, Kai rested his hands on the fighting knives at his sides and stared down at him.

‘Look at me!’

Kai impatiently waited for Roulan to look up and when finally greeted with Roulan’s pathetic face, he grinned.

‘I think your father would like a word with you.’

Waving his hand to the side, and not taking his eyes away from Roulan, Kai motioned for Garlan to step forward.

Roulan’s eyes screwed up tight as he waited to hear what his father might have to say, and hoped he would plead with Kai to stay his execution.

‘You’ve shamed me.’ Staring down at his son, Garlan’s distain at Roulan’s antics was obvious. ‘I warned you.’

‘Father! Please!’

‘You deserve everything you get!’

Lowering her head at hearing her brother’s pleas, Eloise felt sorry for Roulan, despite his disloyalty to their father and Kai.

‘I’m sorry! I’ll be your obedient servant, father!’ Roulan started crying and Garlan turned to look at Kai and nodded.

‘Stand up!’ Kai barked. He nodded to Saul to help him up.

He cried like a child and only when Kai spoke, did he stop.

‘You’re not going to die…’ Kai leaned forward and widened his eyes. ‘… today.’

Roulan raised his head; greeted by Kai’s predatory smile his brows raised.

‘I’m not?’

‘You’re going to work for me, with my warriors, instead of being executed…and you have your sister to thank for my mercy.’

Roulan remained quiet and looked to his father and then Eloise. He knew he’d been lucky in escaping execution.

Kai nodded to Saul for him to unlock the cuffs on Roulan’s hands. ‘Saul is going to look after you, think of him as your bodyguard.’ Glaring one last time before turning to face Garlan, Kai smirked. ‘Let’s get inside; we’ve got some guests joining us for breakfast.’ Kai ushered Garlan towards the door.