Daniel stood with his arms crossed, his eyes focused on the woman bound before him, surrounded by interrogators. Hand chosen by Alektor himself, these Dae were specialists who excelled at the art of extracting hidden information through the Dunem Dae Espea. Beyond physical or psychological torture, these techniques attacked the spirit, which was apparently far more devastating.

  The woman’s eyes were rolled in the back of her head, and she twitched every so often. After several minutes, she grimaced and began to jerk her body violently. Daniel sighed in disgust. Torture… he thought, letting the vileness of the word linger in his mind for a time. Enough of this crap. Daniel strode forward into the interrogation circle and placed his hand on the woman’s head.

  Suddenly, he was in the middle of a rainy field; with darkened skies and blackened silhouettes of mountains on the horizon. In the center he saw a flame, with the interrogators standing around it. Muffled through the roar of the rain he heard wails of agony reaching his ears. The woman was in the middle of the fire, unable to burn to death, but feeling every lick of the inferno.

  Daniel marched forward, causing the ring of interrogators to back away in surprise as he approached the large fire. The blazing inferno opened at his presence, giving way to him as he reached into it, and placing his hand on the woman’s forehead again. The flames vanished in a moment, and she heaved in relief, no doubt because of the sudden alleviation. Daniel looked down at her, studying her face, as she slowly began to open her eyes. They widened in fear and surprise as she beheld him.

  “No!” She screamed, trying to break free of the interrogator’s bonds they had placed her in. “Please! I’ve already told you everything I know!”

  Daniel raised an eyebrow at this, though, he wasn’t entirely surprised at her reaction. “Don’t be afraid of me, girl. I’m the least of your worries right now.”

  “Spirit-Sent.” One of the interrogators spoke as he approached Daniel from behind. “We have been instructed by High King Alektor himself, to fully extract every bit of information that may be available in her and her companion’s minds. I, myself have determined that there is still a great deal she can reveal to us. But you must allow us to finish what we began.”

  “No… Please.” The woman begged, looking between her tormentors and Daniel. “We were hired by a nobleman of Domanicia. To kill the traitors to their kingdom, that’s all! We have a system in place that prevents us from knowing the true identity of our employers. Only our broker knows both parties!”

  “Lie.” Daniel barked, preventing the interrogator from replying, and glaring at her intently. “You can scream into the void all you want. Endure torture and mental tricks from these guys. But that won’t work on me.”

  She blinked at him in surprise, her previous fear somehow falling off her like a discarded mask. “I don’t know what you—”

  “Lie.” Daniel snapped, crossing his arms. “You’re convincing, I’ll give you that. Had me for a second there too.”

  “Ahem.” The interrogator coughed, trying to get Daniel’s attention back. “As I said, Spirit-Sent, if you would allow me to get back to—”

  “Your techniques won’t work on her.” Daniel said, suddenly feeling a familiar wrongness. “Take your associates, and leave here… now.”

  The Dae man paused in confusion, turning toward the woman, then back to Daniel. “My apolo—”

  “Now!” Daniel waved his hand, and in an instant, he and the Dae woman were alone. This time, all attempts of the charade were gone, and the woman had an ear-to-ear grin on her face. “You almost had me there, Dio.”

  “Almost… but not quite… soon though.” The woman’s voice melted into the familiar eerie near hiss of Dio’Mar’s voice. Her voice hummed as she chuckled. Her body changed again as well, her eyes falling behind a veil of black smoke that surrounded her entire body. Her dark, unmoving lips curled into a smile as she stepped toward him. Daniel didn’t react at all, only intensified his glare as she halted, inches from him.

  Her eyeless face seemed to study him, she had opted to appear the same height as the female Dae she had been pretending to be, several inches shorter than him. “Still… so arrogant…” She seemed to sneer in disgust as her words came from her. “Though… it matters very little… how strong and secure… you believe yourself to be… Daniel…”

  Daniel raised his hand out to the side, ready to summon his blade. “You picked the wrong place to show your fuckin’ face.”

  “You may cut this form down…” Her voice ebbed in Daniel’s mind, “but… I will find you again… besides… I have not come… to fight…”

  “No.” Daniel said, bluntly. “Why the hell should I believe anything that comes out of your sick, demonic little mouth?”

  Dio’Mar’s mouth quivered as if struggling to maintain its form. “I have come… to remind you… of your purpose here… as well as to find out… certain truths…”

  Daniel flexed his hand, and in a bright flash, his blade appeared in it.

  The sudden appearance of the sword caused Dio’Mar to flinch, ever so slightly. “I was invited here by a member of your council… Someone close to you… They seem to believe that I… will stop at nothing to slaughter you all… and have struck a deal with me to… spare you… but I do not wish that on all of you… Reku… is a subject all unto himself… but for the rest of you… I believe you will have a powerful part to play in what’s to come…”

  “Lie.” Daniel seethed with fury at her attempt at dishonesty. He wasn’t quite sure how it worked, but he was able to almost sense universal truths in certain things. It wasn’t always working, and he didn’t know how to turn it on or off, but when it was ‘on’; he knew things. And what she said, was a lie.

  “Oh…?” She tilted her head, somehow looking dejected. “And… you know these things?”

  “You could say that.” Daniel pointed his blade at her. “So, no more lies. Or the next time, it’ll be my buddy here’s turn to respond.”

  “Interesting…” She smiled again, this time more than a curled lip; her eerily white teeth showed this time. “Very well… I can see it’s pointless to lie… so I will tell you truths… and you will tell me if they are lies or not… Avria is with child…” Her smile broadened, and to Daniel’s surprise, he sensed it to be true. What? he thought, trying his best to not show any emotion. “Well…?”

  “True…” Daniel said through grit teeth.

  “Yes… she is… you humans seem to be quite potent.” She chuckled. “Now… here is my next truth… You were sent here… to end this world… Daniel… Sent by forces beyond your understanding… beyond the realm of your comprehension… And yet… you defy them.”

  Daniel heard the words, sensed the intent and validity of them, but they came up short. Though, it was a lie in reality, she believed it to be true. “Lie…” Daniel said, his look of hatred turning to one of confusion.

  “Incorrect…”

  “No.” Daniel continued. “It is a lie, only, you believe it to be truth.”

  Dio’Mar’s smile disappeared and she stared at him for a time, seeming to analyze him.

  Daniel’s blade disappeared in a flash, and he reached toward the creature, slowly. “You don’t believe me? I can show you what I’m talking about.”

  Dio’Mar’s body dissipated like black mist in a storm, then reformed several feet back. “This world will end… Daniel… It must… for the sake of every creature… for the sake of every spirit… the plague of the Dae must be extinguished… And you… and your kind were sent here to do this…”

  “Not going to happen.” Daniel steeled his resolve, his voice echoing the power that flowed through him. Again, he saw a visible reaction from the spirit. She was vulnerable to his power, he knew that. Only… he knew he wasn’t nearly strong enough to face her head on. But does she know that? Judging from her behavior, she wasn’t confident in her chances. I need to use that. It will keep her at bay, at least for a little while.

  “I know you have your reasons.” Daniel took a breath, reigning in his power a bit. “I know that you feel unfathomable rage, deep within yourself.”

  “How could… a mortal like you… even hope to understand something like… me?” The smoky cloak and cowl billowed around her as she tilted her head, smirking. “You… are still just… a sack full of meat… and blood… still a weak… and frail creature beneath all that… bluster…”

  Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

  It was Daniel’s turn to laugh. Which he did, loud and guttural as he stepped toward her aggressively. “Lie. Again, you misunderstand, even your own nature. You aren’t a god, or a deity of any kind. You’re a creature; a vile and wretched little thing that thinks she’s owed something she’s not. So, you turn your rage against the Dae. Ally with monsters and demons to bring a wrath down on the world because you’re too fucking stupid to know anything.”

  “I was here when this foul world was formed!” Dio’Mar raged, her voice no longer slow, but fierce and angry. “I beheld them in their infancy! Saw the slime on them as they stumbled through their miserable lives! The spirits were guardians to them… stewards for their safety and development… but they killed each other by the thousands… ravaged our land and even turned on us… eventually.”

  “Truth…” Daniel said, studying the spirit. Though her existence was nearly depthless to him, Daniel could still feel something emanating from her. Something ancient and powerful that desperately called to show him something; a truth to be revealed. “You’re… a great spirit…”

  Dio’Mar’s body flinched at the spoken words. And for the first time, since he had ever seen this creature, the blackened veil that covered her eyes flowed to the side, revealing white orbs beneath. “I…” Her mouth moved with the words this time, her voice was cracked and broken. “How did you…?”

  “You were betrayed…” Daniel continued, feeling the knowledge flowing into him, sensing it was time to press her. “Lied to by not just the Dae, but your brothers and sisters as well; the other great spirits!”

  Her white eyes bulged in their sockets at his words. Her face twisting into a demented mask of incalculable fury. “Silence! You can not know these things… it is impossible!”

  “And yet, I do.” Daniel looked her up and down, shaking his head in disappointment. “You could have been the savior of this world, you know? Could have brought sanity back to fools and warmongers who wanted to tear each other down. Instead, you chose violence and death.” He took a moment, seeing if she would say anything to him in reply. She didn’t, only stared at him with a mixture of rage, confusion, and awe, expressed on her pale face.

  “It doesn’t matter though…” Daniel continued. “We were sent here to stop you. And save this world.

  “By demons…” Her rasped voice oozed sarcasm.

  “No, something far more powerful.” Daniel raised his hand into the air, giving her a final look of sympathy. “Till we meet again, great spirit.” With a flash of golden light, the spirit realm became reality. Daniel found himself again in the interrogation room, surrounded by dozens of people. Katrina, Alektor, Telmos, and Avria, along with Angelo, and the Domanician Lords among the crowd. Daniel turned to observe the room, then realized that the body of the Dae woman who was being interrogated, was no longer even there.

  ~

  Robert entered the council chambers having been woken up in the middle of the night. He stifled a yawn, but saw that there were many members of the council present. Along with dozens of noble men and women. What the hell is going on? He thought, taking his seat next to Katrina, who was sullenly looking at the large stone table in the center of the chamber.

  “What did I miss, Kat?” He asked her, pulling her attention to him.

  “Oh! Hey Rob…” She yelped, “It’s… uh… yeah, lot’s of stuff is… well.”

  “Come on, spit it out.” Robert chuckled, looking at the other occupants, conversing with one another; trying to gauge what all the fuss was about.

  “Daniel… had a run in with… uh, Dio’Mar.” She eked out, wincing.

  Robert’s mind slowed to a near crawl as he attempted to process the news. He turned to see Daniel right across the table, locked in a conversation with Alektor and Avria. “He had a run-in? When? How? He’s right over there.” Anger started to build in his chest at the thought of the monster that tried to slaughter his children.

  “Here… and… about an hour ago.” Katrina placed a hand on his shoulder, clearly trying to soothe him.

  She’s in the city? He thought with sudden panic. He rose, abruptly. Knocking his stone chair over as he did. “I need to get back to my family, Kat. If she’s here, then they’re in serious danger.”

  “Reku.” The cool and calm voice of Alektor echoed loudly in the chamber, bringing silence to the murmurs of conversation. “You need not fear for your children; not even Dio’Mar would dare attempt to slay them here.” He gestured with his hand at the fallen chair. “Please, take a seat. So, we can begin.”

  Robert’s mind flashed with vivid intrusive thoughts of fear, violence, and death, but ultimately, he picked the chair up off the ground and took his seat. After which, Alektor and the rest of the council members in attendance did the same.

  “As many of you have no doubt’ already heard.” Alektor began, “There was an incident two days ago at one of the noble parties that often takes place here in the palace. One of our esteemed guests from Domanicia was attacked by an assassin, and nearly killed. By the spirit’s mercy, Lord Bre’kon survived the encounter, and the remaining perpetrators were caught, thanks to the quick thinking and precision of our very own, Prince Daniel.” Daniel all but rolled his eyes at the recognition; only nodding slightly in response. “As dire as that situation was… it is what happened afterword that gave reason for pulling you out of the warmth of your beds at this late hour. Firstly, our enemy has finally revealed herself again. The evil spirit, Dio’Mar, the creature responsible for many of the wrongs committed against us, revealed herself in the form of one of the assassins. As of now, we are still unsure as to what her goal was, but rest assured, we will soon enough.”

  Alektor turned to face Robert. “I know this brings you little peace, Reku. But know that you and your family are under the highest level of protection we can provide.” Robert felt Katrina’s hand rest on his, squeezing it in an effort to comfort him. It did little to quell the torrent of emotion gnashing and whirling within him, but he appreciated the gesture.

  Alektor took a moment to scan the rest of the faces around the table “The mere fact that this creature has revealed herself, means we must be on our guard. There is no telling what she’s capable of. We already suspect she is responsible for the recent aggression from Visoth as well as Domanicia. An action that has all but plunged us into all-out war with both countries.”

  “Pardon me, your highness.” Telmos asked, leaning forward and steepling his fingers. “What should we do then? I have called for the mobilization of our forces, time and time again. And, in your absence, the council has denied this necessary action. I am hoping that, should I call again, that you will support me, now that you’re here.”

  “Our Kingdom is still healing, King Telmos.” Athica said; she had apparently entered after Robert did, and taken a seat at the far end of the table. “To call our warriors back into the field of battle after so much violence would be detrimental to us. We must pursue peace at all costs.”

  “There is no hope for peace.” Daniel sighed, shaking his head. “You cannot reason with the diabolical. You can hope and wish with all your being, that your words find a way through their thick ass skulls, but eventually you will need to accept the fact, that sometimes, bad people just want to do bad things. Whether it’s their fault or not, they need to be stopped. Dio’Mar told me, herself, that she means to end this world… OUR world. And I refuse to allow that to happen. But sitting here and betting on the peace option isn’t going to do jack.” Daniel stood from his seat, then offered his hand to Avria, who sat beside him. She took it, and stood up beside him. “Now, if you’d all excuse me. It’s been a tense night. I’m going to get my ass to bed. I’ve said all that needs to be said, now let’s reconvene in the morning.”

  With that, Daniel and Avria made their way through the exit, leaving the chamber in a tense silence.

  “He’s right.” Robert said, turning to Athica. “If Dio’Mar is behind the Visothian aggression, then we can assume they mean to follow through, in the worst possible way.” Robert leaned toward her, his eyes pleading. “Remember the monster she sent for you and our daughter, Athica.” At his words, he saw her eyes sink in fear, no doubt due to the memory of the demon. “Remember that relentless violence and hatred. Remember the fear you felt in the face of it. She was behind that, and she is behind this… and it WILL be the same. I agree with Daniel and King Telmos… we need to prepare for war.”

  The chamber all but erupted in conversations and discussions among the council members and attendees. This was allowed to go on for the better part of a minute before Alektor’s voice boomed over the chaos. “Enough! Silence yourselves.” Order was restored at his words, and he stood, taking a deep breath. “We will vote on this formally in the morning. But be mindful, we all know there is only one course of action available to us.” He wrapped his stone sphere on the table, signifying an end to the assembly. And turned to leave. As he did, the rest of those present began to funnel out after him.

  Robert did so as well, but grabbed Athica on his way out the door. “Are you alright?” He asked, feeling a slight pang of guilt for causing her to relive her trauma.

  “I’m fine, Reku…” She replied, but her sunken eyes told him a different story. “Just tired, that’s all.”

  Robert walked with her to their royal wing in silence, stopping at the nursery, they went inside, and stood over the two sleeping forms of Diana and James. Robert felt Athica’s grip tighten around his arm as they looked on in silence. After several minutes, they left as quietly as they had entered, and moved to her quarters next. She nodded at him, silently thanking him for the escort, then moved to her door, but stopped before entering. She turned to face him, slowly, looking as though she had more to say.

  “Reku… I don’t wish to be alone tonight… would it be—”

  “Of course.” Robert smiled reassuringly, before moving to follow her in.

  It had been a long time since he and Athica had shared a bed together, on their wedding night. Both then, and ever since, he had not felt any particular longing for her. No urge to continue their relations. His heart throbbed with pain as the memory of Demessa surfaced again. He quickly suppressed it, bringing his mind to the present. Athica needed him now; his children needed him now. Mourning would have to wait.

  Athica sat down on a couch in the sitting area after pouring herself a healthy bowl of wine. Robert followed her, opting for water instead though.

  “I know you’re right…” Athica began, her eyes wandering. “What you, Daniel, and Telmos said is true… I just… I don’t want to be afraid anymore, Reku. I have felt that fear all my life. Fear of being deposed, or replaced by jealous nobles, or assassins, or enemies… and now… demons.” She let out a pained sigh, before downing half of the contents of her bowl all at once.

  “I know what you mean.” Robert spoke with as tender a voice as he could muster. “Everything we’ve been through. I know the longing for safety like nobody ever could… but there is a time for peace. And it will come, eventually. But we have to fight for it, Athica. Carve it out of the fucking mountains with our bare hands if we have to. We just can’t ever give up. Despair is victory for the enemy. I’ve felt it like you did when that demon was hunting you down. And I won’t ever feel like that again. And neither will you; I’ll make sure of it.”

  Athica laughed, drinking the last of her wine. She smiled at him, but Robert could see the pain in her eyes. Tears were streaming from them as she spoke. “I believe you, Reku.” She stood from her seat and made her way to him. With a tenderness he had only seen from her, in her interactions with Diana, she gently kissed his forehead, before excusing herself to the changing area.

  As Robert found himself alone for the moment, he looked toward the large and luxurious bed in the center of the main room. A thought crossed his mind, but he shook it off, thinking better of it. “Nope. It’s the couch for me tonight.”