Chapter 71: Enclave XLI

Chapter 71: Enclave XLI

Kilvius and Nethtari arrived first, Kilvius in a ceremonial robethe most dressed up Id ever seen him, and Nethtari in a modest white dress. She leaned against him and laughed as Casikas regaled them with exaggerated stories of failed experiments.

Ralakos, ever the gracious host, circled the room, ensuring everyone had enough to drink. From the corner of my eye, I saw Erdos watching us, a puzzled look on his face.

One of Ralakoss butlers was managing Agarin, slightly flustered with the hyperactive child.

Jorra chased one of Ralakoss nephews around the furniture, nearly tripping over the unfamiliar fancy robe.

Nethtari snorted at something Kilvius whispered in her ear, then held a hand to her face in embarrassment.

I drank, perhaps more than was wise, but less than was needed.

I smacked Jorra on the back of the head as he passed, and sidled up next to Nethtari and Kilvius.

Have a good time?

Yes, thank you. Its been too long since we all got out of the house. Nethtaris monotone voice had a slightly drunken lilt.

Kilvius rubbed his wifes shoulder affectionately. This ones been working too hard.

I always work too hard.

My point stands.

As always when it came to foodRalakos had gone above and beyond. There was raw fish served on eel-paper, various spicy delicacies, and a desert carousel. Jorra picked at the food constantly until Nethtari pushed him away.

Once everyone had eaten, I stood and clapped my hands.

Bard! I clapped my hands. The infernal scampered down from the podium to my side.

Yes, my lord?

I smiled at him and held my glass high. I require accompaniment.

Are there chords you prefer? He asked.

Something upbeat.

The bard began to play. I stood on my chair to give myself more height, and surveyed the room.

You know, your daughter said something to me. I inclined my glass to Kilvius and Nethtari. A warning, really. She told me I would have no friends in the Enclave. And Im happy to report that though she is almost always right, in this small thing, she was wrong. There arent many, but they are as precious as they are few. And I am pleased to have each and every one of them in this room with me tonight.

The bard picked up on the tone of my voice immediately, and switched to something dulcet and smooth.

Casikas! I raised my glass to him. Now, I know that recent transaction have colored your bias I paused as the man laughed, but I have to be the worst employee to ever grace your shop. Thank you for your never-ending patience, and my never ending tab.

There was a smattering of applause and laughter.

Jorra. I turned to him and he grinned. Weve gotten up to more shit than I can list on one hand. As my training partner, and partner in crime, I look forward to seeing what fresh hell we can raise. The sanctum is right around the corner.

Jorra thumped one hand against the table. I hoped he wouldnt hold it against me if I broke that promise.

Ralakos. Youve had my back since day one. Even when I didnt have yours. Thank you for feeding me I waved an arm at the spread, teaching me, and always looking out for me.

Finally I turned to Nethtari and Kilvius. Kilvius was smiling, but Nethtaris expression had slipped. She studied me quietly.

Kilvius, Nethtari. You took me into your home. Before youd even spoken to me, despite the litany of responsibilities, you defended and fought for me. You took your daughter at her word, certainly, but I will never forget that debt. Thank you for accepting me into your family.

To all of you. May the frost always wane in your waking. I held my glass out in front of me and drained it.

----

Id stepped outside to clear my head. The scrape of gravel gave away quiet footsteps. I jumped and turned around to see Nethtari coming my way. Shed continued to drink throughout the night and was slightly buzzed

Hi, I said.

Hello Cairn, She sank down on the step next to me. So, what happened? Her voice was as monotone as always. Decide to say goodbye before you left?

I flinched. There was an accusation in the statement, though not a mean-spirited one. I dont know what you mean.

Nethtari rolled her eyes. I was walking home yesterday when, lo and behold, I see my pasty pink child running like a bat out of hell towards the front gate.Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

I frowned. Alright, pasty is a little mean.

Im sorry. This is why I dont drink. Nethtari drew circles on her knee. But you were saying goodbye. I heard you, even if no one else did.

I was. There was no point in denying it. Nethtari had proven time and time again she could read me like a book.

Where are you going? She asked.

Hopefully, nowhere. It wasnt a goodbye, goodbye. I thought I was being subtle, I groused.

Where are you going? Nethtari repeated. She was pushy when she was drunk.

I was going to talk to you about this in the morning.

Well, were here. Talk to me about it now.

Alright! Elphion. I rubbed my head. I need your help.

Nethtari absorbed that and seemed to sober up.

Tell me.

Why slaughter your own people? The confusion in my voice was as real as it got.

Because that is the cost of deliverance, Ephira snarled. I have tried to do things the proper way for years. I have tried to show them that the humans will not release us until they have sucked away every last thing that makes us unique, but they are happy to pay their taxes, even as the boot clamps down on their throats.

So you trigger a war, I said slowly. You slaughter your own folk. And then you open the dimensional gate and point the finger at my father, who promptly scatters you to dust.

Her surprise faded into grim resolve. I was right to take so many precautions.

Surely you can see how foolish that is. How wasteful. Theyre your people, Ephira!

I will spend the rest of my life making amends, and beyond. She said quietly. My soul is no longer mine. I will never leave hades. I will never live another life. But if I must dirty myself, to emancipate my people from greed, I am happy to make that sacrifice.

Youre Insane. I stopped myself before the word could slip out. It was a word I often used to describe someone else. Only, Id come to realize he wasnt insane. Just brutal and calculating.

I started again. The way youre talking. The insistence that violence is the only answer. Thats the same rationale the king you hate uses to justify every atrocity.

Ephira stiffened.

We can fix this together. I insisted. Let me open the dimensional gate. After I am crowned, I will give the Enclave its freedom. We can coexist. We can thrive.

Ephiras expression finally thawed, and she no longer looked raving and mad. Instead she looked tired. Exhausted.

It doesnt matter.

Why?

Maybe you can stave off your baser nature. But its not you I worry about, Cairn. Its the one that comes after you. And the one that comes after him. And the one after him. Kings wield too much power. Power is inevitably abused.

I said three words I never thought Id say. Ill absolve it.

What? Ephiras head snapped up.

Ive never really cared about the crown. I said, the idea taking root in my mind. The monarchy is a means to an end. A great darkness is coming. Thoths twisted, snarling face flashed in before me in vivid detail. You may not like me, Ephira, but I promise you. The one who is coming is worse. A monster that will strip us of everything that makes us decent folk. I looked around at the demons, who had fallen silent. And it will make this genocide you intend to carry out pale in comparison.

Ephiras expression told me she wasnt convinced. This is hardly the first time the ruling class has used an existential threat to excuse grabbing for resources and power. Even if the threat is real, the promises made before the war comes to pass are rarely held to afterward.

I took a step forward. My name is Cairn of House Valen. Son of King Gil, the Tyrant. Heir to the throne. And I swear this to the Elder gods I held out my hand. If you join with me now, once the threat has been dealt with, I will absolve the monarchy.

She considered it. Weighed the possibilities in her head.

And them? She indicated the demons around us.

Let me worry about the asmodials. Ill speak at your trial, ensure a lighter sentence. And eventually, I will convince the enclave to commute your sentence and have you sent to me as an advisor. I thought of the carefully planned brilliance that everything shed accomplished had required. I could use someone like you at my side.

The room was so quiet I could hear the demons breathing. After what felt like hours, Ephira finally spoke.

The trouble is, Cairn, I have no idea if anything youre saying is true. In fact, its likely exactly what you think I need to hear. And power is never quite so easy to cede.

I prayed to all the gods.

Please.

I admit that I judged you too harshly. Ephira said. Her voice was sad. But there is too much blood. Even if I wasnt already committed, I could never trust you, just as you could never trust me.

I gnashed my teeth together and stared down at the ground. This wasnt how it was supposed to go. This wasnt who I was supposed to be.

Id failed.

Take him. Dont torture him. Just kill him quickly. Ephira commanded.

The greater demon didnt move to take my arms. A demon with long claws stroked my cheek, her sharp dagger-like finger scraping against my skin. When she spoke, it was like her voice was being inhaled, rather than exhaled, words thick and raspy.

What a performance.

The demons began to laugh, and titter, and cackle.

What a wonderful, wonderful lie.

What does that mean? What does she mean? Ephira turned towards Ozra, whose face was stoic. Kill him!

The demon stroked my head and stared deep into my eyes in wonder.

I cringed away.

He does not mourn for himself, infernal. He mourns for you.

Ephira turned from side to side, panicking. Her guards were grabbed and forced to their knees.

Ozra rose from his throne and descended.

They pushed me forward towards him in a writhing black mass, claws rustling my hair, my clothes. Ozra led me up to the throne and held out an arm, inviting me to sit.

I told you it was pointless. He said.

Ephiras mouth was agape in horror. What did you promise them? Cairn? What the fuck did you promise them?

A greater demon placed a twisted black circlet of ivy around my head in the mockery of a crown. I stared down at her, my chest clenching, overcome with grief. For what I had lost and what was required of me now.

For the world my mother had dreamed of.

What did you promise them, Cairn? The despair in Ephiras voice was palpable.

The same thing you did, I said.