Chapter 73: Enclave XLIII

Chapter 73: Enclave XLIII

This was what misplaced loyalty wrought.

I watched silently, forcing myself to take it in, committing it to memory. This was what would happen to my friends, my allies, if I was too weak to face Thoth when the time came. They would be on the wrong side of history, and she would make them suffer for it.

Nethtari was tucked away near the back of the room, watching from behind a pillar. I felt her eyes on me.Read latest chapters at nov(e)lbin.com Only

What must she think of me now?

I told myself it didnt matter. Ephira had rushed towards the stone staircase only to be struck down. Her throat was cut. This time, the that blood seeped from between was bright red. She choked and gurgled. The front of her face was nestled in the stairway, features hidden in shadow except for one milky-white eye tinged pink that pierced straight through me.

The betrayal itself hadnt hurt me. I barely knew Ephira. What haunted me was the idea that someone seemingly intelligent and rational was willing to sell her soul to oppose me. Was the idea of a united Uskar really so foreign, so unlikely?

There was a final moan from somewhere in the corner of the room which was quickly stamped out.

You gave up.

The idea nagged at me. Had there been a better solution? Was there, still? I didnt think so. At least not one available to me as I was. If I was stronger, then maybe, none of this would have happened.

No.

I shook my head to clear it, vehemently. Even within the loop there would always be people stronger than me. Ozra spoke to that. Hell, even Ralakos spoke to that. If the enclave had taught me anything, it was that brute strength and dedication could only get me so far. No matter how hard I pushed myself there were beings that had been at this for hundreds, even thousands of years longer than I had.

I needed to be smarter.

The demons cleared out the bodies. I found myself wondering what, exactly, they intended to do with them, then decided I was better off not knowing. Nethtari stood beside me, though I noted her distance was slightly greater than before.

Before we left the cavern, Ozra brought up the topic of a demon to bind. They were strangely reverent towards me, Ozra included. I wondered how common it was for someone in my position to do what I had donejudging from the reaction, it seemed as if it was particularly rare.

He offered several beasts. One had legs as thick around as oak trees, and massive claws that could easily cut a person in half. I considered it. I was lacking in brute strength.

I moved on to the next. It was a shadowy greater demon with black claws and a feminine form. I recognized her as the same variety that had struck down that girl in the alley. A hit-and-run fighter not unlike myself. But she wasnt what I was looking for.

The final greater demon Ozra had arranged was a simple floating wisp, with a globule of black oil in the center that could have served for an eye. It was an exceptional caster. Ozra stated with the flare of a horse salesman that it had access to water, fire, and electric elements, all nearing the third stage.

That seems incredibly valuable. I said, considering the choice.

Indeed. The sort of demon an infernal at the menagerie would never be offered. Only the best for you, your grace. When Ozra said your grace, the inflection made it sound like he was telling a little joke.

Something about it still didnt feel quite right. Considering the cost, a bit of pickiness was to be expected. I surveyed the room. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the blindfolded, lipless demon who had been negotiating with Nethtari earlier skulking in the back, as if he was hiding.

Ozra followed my gaze, and his brow lowered in displeasure. Ah. Vogrin. Come forth. The demon skulked forwards. The tightly fitted coat and dark formal wear looked like they would have been more at home in a Panthanian court.

Yes, master. Vogrins voice was ear-thrummingly deep with a slight a nasal tinge.

Ozra stared at his servant, clearly displeased. Vogrin is my Shlackfei.

I tried to parse the word. Uh. Academic?

We will need to work on your demonic. Close, but no. The suffix means master, the prefix could be interpreted as knowledge. A sense of looming danger emitted from Ozra. Though he has hardly lived up to that title as of late.

My apologies. Though it was clearly stated that contracts were not my specialty, arch-fiend. There was just enough vestigial attitude in the statement for me to smile.

If your failures were limited to the contract, I would only curse your line and be done with it. Ozra rubbed his face.

The enclave is specifically warded against greater demons, arch-fiend. Were it any other city-

Yes, weve had this conversation before. It does not change the fact that you failed me.

I changed the subject. Thank you, for accompanying me Nethtari. I know it wasnt easy.

It was the least I could do.

It really wasnt.

The silence expanded outwards into the surrounding cave. I looked up at the elven ruins that first foray into the Twilight Chambers had been ambushed from, so very long ago.

It was finally over.

----

The enclave came back into focus. It was like the filter of doom and suffering had lifted, and I could once again see how beautiful it was. A gaggle of children raced through the crowded streets, dodging under carts and around perturbed folk who scoffed at them and went on their way. A merchant called out, advertising a recent shipment of fine silks. And the flow of people curved around a particularly strange mixing of people that waited at the docks. Some nodded and bowed to councilor Ralakos, who smiled magnanimously and waved them on their way. Several called out to Kilvius, who held a babbling toddler in his arms. No one, however, seemed to recognize the woman dressed in a cloak for the lynchpin of the underworld that she was.

Nethtari departed the boat first, and ran to Kilvius, pulling him into a hug, Agarin between them. The grime and despondency of everything that had happened within the twilight chambers, the stain upon my soul, seemed to evaporate.

I take it things did not end amicably. Ralakos asked.

Unfortunately I winced. Erdos?

He tried to escape, and when he could not, he fought to his last breath.

I winced, immediately thinking of Bell. His daughter?

Ill see to her. It is the least I can do. Ralakos held out an arm. When I took it, he pulled me into an embrace. Dimension gate or not, I will remember this, Prince Cairn.

Persephone chuckled. For someone I just met, you certainly know how to make an impression. Gods its good to be free of her.

I didnt have to ask who Persephone meant. You and Ralakos didnt have any problems manipulating the double once the scepter was out of range? I asked. Wed tested it, but it was still a worry in my mind.

Yes. Persephone said. Ephira announced that she would be stepping down from the council to focus on her duties. Her eyes slid over to Ralakos slyly. I knew why, though I declined to comment. There would be a hell of a vacuum in the enclave markets with Ephira goneand I had no doubt Persephone would be there to capitalize on the opening.

I need to get going, Ralakos said, and pointed at me. You will be joining me for dinner later? Tomorrow? Well drink wine. Ill have the chefs prepare sceo

Ill join you, but please, no more slugs. I winced.

Persephone extended her hand to me. The sultry air shed played up all those months ago was still there, but significantly dialed down. Come to me before you enter the Sanctum. I dont like owing people, and I have access to wares that will help, which you wont be getting in the Enclave. She leaned in and whispered in my ear. Thank you, for the other thing.

She took her leave.

Jorra flicked a small projectile of water at me to get my attention. I instinctively summoned an aegis and blocked it, though it was smaller than an egg.

Tell me what the hells going on later? Jorra asked in a low tone, looking up at both his parents in irritation.

Sure, I lied

Kilvius ruffled my hair. I know Ive said it before, but I really am proud of you, Cairn.

The weight in my chest lifted, if only for a moment.

Ready to go home?

Id decided some time ago that when this was over, I was going to take Ralakos up on his offer of a spare room, at least for a while. Nethtari would need some space, after what shed seen, and I had no doubt that when she shared what had happened with Kilvius, it would affect his perception of me. Still. I could worry about that tomorrow.

I closed the door of Mayas room behind me. The very muscles in my back seemed tense, begging me to lay down and relax. But I couldnt. Not yet. I sat back up and summoned Vogrin. He appeared before me on one knee.

What is your command, master?

There was one last thing I needed to do.