Chain of Illusions (Bringer and the Bane) (20 page)

She was grateful for Meran’s words. Even though she had freed Icarus and had therefore enabled him to save her life, she couldn’t fight the feeling of having betrayed the group.

Siban leveled the sword at Icarus’s chest. “I find it too much of coincidence that you just happened to be here. Are you following us?”

“I am not here by chance. Sha-hera told me of your journey.”

“And you rushed to our aid?” Condescension laced Siban’s words.”

“Siban asked you a question, demon,” Rhys said, lifting the spinning ball in threat.

They stared at each other for a few seconds. Finally relenting, Icarus folded his wings behind him. “Yes”

“Why?” Ravyn asked.

“Because I wished to know what you do here,” Icarus said.

Gregory moved to stand beside Siban and placed a hand on his shoulder. “We are in your debt, Icarus.”

“That is not a place you want to be, Bringer.” The demon turned his head and stared into the crevasse. “Why are you here?”

Siban shrugged off Gregory’s hand. The group exchanged glances and then looked to Rell. She took their response as permission for her to speak for them. “We are searching for Vile and the Bringers he’s captured.”

“I am unfamiliar with this place.” The demon surveyed their surroundings. “I’ve never journeyed beyond my father’s sleeping chambers. These corridors are off-limits to all but Vile and his private guard.”

“I’m certain he didn’t want you here.” Gregory stepped forward. “We have discovered things I think you should know.”

The demon turned and looked at him, his voice thick with suspicion. “What things?”

Gregory looked at Rell, giving her an encouraging nod. Perhaps their discovery was best coming from somebody Icarus knew. Where did she begin? She pointed to Gregory. “Do you know who this is?”

Icarus’s eyes narrowed, his chin lowering a fraction of an inch to focus on Gregory. “I assume he is your leader.”

Rell tipped her head in a nod. “Yes, he is King Arron’s second son.”

“And why should this concern me?”

She looked at Gregory. This was his secret to reveal, not hers. He moved to stand next to her. “I am your half brother.”

Icarus didn’t move. Not even a flinch or shifting of his eyes. His yellow glare bore into Gregory for several seconds until finally looking at Rell for confirmation.

“It’s true, or at least we believe it to be true. You are Arron’s firstborn, Icarus. We think your uncle kidnapped you when you were just an infant and brought you through the Mystic Arch to Inness.” She mimicked his posture, not moving and barely blinking. “He changed you to a Bane before you could remember your Bringer life.” She swallowed hard. “And he’s kept you here ever since.” Silence stretched between them, but Icarus did not reply. “Do you understand what I’m saying?”

Icarus turned and walked to the edge of the ledge, peering into the darkness below. “You are saying that Vile is my uncle, not my father.”

“Yes,” Rell said.

“And that I am the heir to the Bringer throne.” He lifted his head and stared across the gorge. “That he stole my soul and forced me to serve him for these past thousand years.”

True emotion seemed to coat his words. On some small level she understood what he must be feeling, but the magnitude of realizing what he had suffered at his uncle’s hands could not be fully comprehended.

“I’m so sorry, Icarus.” Rell moved toward him, but Siban gripped her arm and drew her back.

She went willingly, realizing her actions were motivated by her own emotions not logic.

“We travel to confront Vile,” Gregory said. “To vanquish him.”

Icarus turned and faced the group. “Then you journey toward your death.” His gaze drifted over each member of the group. “And I journey to mine as well. I will confront my
father.
” He nearly spat the word. “We will travel together.”

“A truce, then?” Gregory asked.

“A truce.” Icarus gave a single nod. “Until such time as it is no longer necessary.”

“We know of the darkness that dwells inside you.” Meran glided forward, her eyes leveled on Icarus. “You have seen what we accomplished with Rell.”

Icarus cocked his head to the side, his gaze sliding down and back up Meran’s body to stop at her face. “You offer me my humanity?”

She stopped several feet from him. “It is possible. If we can locate your human form, we might be able to transform you back to Bringer.”

His laughter echoed off the cavern walls. “First I would need to possess a soul for you to save. I can assure you, Bringer, mine is beyond redemption.”

“I don’t believe that.” She drew herself to stand straighter. “And if you do not believe, then I will hold your hope for you.”

Icarus’s humorless smile faded. “Who are you?”

She cleared her throat, her hand gripping the hilt of her sword. “My name is Meran.”

With a great flourish, Icarus extended his wings. “I fear you will be gravely disappointed, Meran.”

“Then it will be my disappointment to bear,” she said.

He held her stare for a few more seconds before raising his arm and pointing to the far side of the narrow trail Rell had fallen from. “I can see a wide, flat stretch at the end of this path.” He lowered his hand. “I suggest those of you who can fly do so.” His yellow eyes traveled over Meran. “As a show of good faith I offer you passage, but I do not think you will accept.”

Meran walked toward Icarus, stopping inches away. “Then you are wrong.”

Rell could feel surprise and anxiety ripple through the group, though none seemed more surprised than Icarus. His eyes widened and what looked like a genuine smile tipped the corners of the demon’s mouth.

“You are either very brave—” He wound his arm around Meran’s waist and pulled her small frame against him. Her hands rested against his chest, but she didn’t fight his hold. “Or very stupid, Bringer.”

“I guess we’ll find out, won’t we—” she wrapped her arms around his neck—“Bane.”

Rell’s heart leaped to her throat when Icarus turned and launched himself and Meran into the air. A ripple of fear traveled back along her Tell and from the familiar touch, it was Meran who emanated the emotion. Though she’d appeared brave, the woman had put her life at risk in an attempt to anchor Icarus’s trust more firmly to the group.

They watched in silence as the two glided noiselessly along the crevasse, effectively avoiding any further illusions. Once they’d alighted on the other side of the trail, Gregory spoke. “The Shields can transport the rest of the group. We’ll do it in two groups.”

“I can fly myself,” Ravyn said. “But I don’t think any will want to touch me.”

Rell had to agree. Even though Ravyn was part of the Trilation, her strongest power was as a Shield. Unlike the other Shields, who transformed into dragons, Ravyn transformed into a phoenix. During training, Rell had watched her change and sweep the sky with fire. A blanket of blazing orange had streaked behind Ravyn as she flew. Impressive, but deadly.

“I will carry Jade across first and come back for whoever is left,” Luc said.

A groan that sounded like it came from the deepest recesses of her soul escaped Jade. “I had really hoped we were done with flying.”

“Don’t worry, Jade.” Rell rubbed her sister’s arm. “I’m sure Luc won’t toss you to the ground like I used to do.”

“Yes, remind me to repay you for your gentleness once we are out of here.” Jade turned to Luc. “No fancy flying. Just straight to the other side.”

“Your wish is my command.” Luc kissed the top of her head. “As long as you don’t retch all over me.”

Jade grimaced and stepped away from him, motioning the others to give him space. “I can neither confirm nor deny that I won’t lose what little food I’ve eaten today, but I will try my best not to.”

In an instant, Luc changed from human to dragon. Golden scales formed to cover every inch of his powerful body. His arms extended, growing razor-sharp talons that curled and scraped against the stone.

Rell remembered battling Luc as a dragon. He had been powerful even though he’d barely tested his wings. Now obviously much more in control, he swung his head to face Jade and growled at her.

Jade released a heavy breath and moved forward, climbing the dragon’s massive leg and onto its back. She gripped the horns like she would the reins of a horse and shifted to find a solid seat. “Sweet Sainted Ones, don’t let me die.”

At those words, Luc dove from the ledge. His golden wings spread to catch the updraft. At first they dipped, but the air lifted them with what looked like effortless ease to glide down the gorge—though Jade’s screams would suggest the ride was anything but smooth.

Chapter Eighteen

The golden dragon landed and faced Rell, purring at her. A thrill shot through her. Not since she’d been a Bane had she been able to fly. She glanced at Siban. “I’ve been waiting for this.”

Siban shook his head and then gave her a little shove toward the dragon.

She pushed her sword into its sheath, and avoiding the curved talons, stepped onto his thigh and climbed up his flank. The scales appeared smooth but to the touch the texture was rough and held her footing. Once on his back, she did as she’d seen Jade do, and gripped the spiraled horns. Her heart beat faster as she braced herself for the dragon’s launch.

This time he spread his wings halfway and pushed off the ledge. They nosed downward, the cold wind rushing over them, before he fully extended his wings and looped upward. Joyous laughter rolled out of her when Luc banked steeply to the right and glided so close to the wall she felt as if she should draw in her feet.

She closed her eyes and let the freedom flow through her. Though their journey to the other side took only a minute, it would forever remain as one of her favorite memories.

“That was incredible.” She patted the dragon’s neck. “If we get out of this alive, perhaps you will take me flying one night.”

The dragon purred again and then transformed back to Luc, his leathery scales shrinking to reform his clothing. “At last, somebody who appreciates my skillful flying.”

“You mean somebody who is as daft as you are,” Jade said.

“I’ve heard it said you must try something twelve times before you like it,” Ravyn said.

Jade glared at her. “It will be a cold day in the Abyss before I willingly climb on that beast again.”

“Careful, sister.” Rell stepped back to allow an incoming dragon to land. “This just might be that day.”

Since the ledges were not large enough for four dragons to land on at once, Rhys, Gregory, Trace, and Luc had to transport in shifts. The process went fairly quickly and for once, nothing unexpected happened.

Once each of the Shields had transformed back to a Bringer, the group congregated at the head of the path. Instead of a narrow, treacherous path along the ridge, they were now heading into a tunnel. The blackness within was so thick no light penetrated beyond a few feet inside.

“Lovely,” Juna said, sticking her head inside. “Another dark, dank tunnel.”

Gregory rolled his wrist forward and produced an orb of light in his free hand. “If you are able to control the fire, I suggest producing an orb to not only light the way, but as a first line of defense.” He circumvented Juna and moved into the cave. “There should be no shortage of Bane presence from which to draw your power.”

Rell’s fingers tingled and vibrations skittered along her arms and prickled in her palms. The sensation was new and she wasn’t sure what would happen if she allowed the power to pool. Exhaling, she gave over to her Tell’s desire. A tiny blue spark crackled weakly in her hand. She refocused her concentration, letting her Tell fuel rather than force the energy. The orb grew stronger. It took a full minute, but in the end, she held a brilliant ball of spinning white light in her palm. “I did it.” Unlike the fire of the Shields, her glimmering orb was not made of fire. If they got out of here alive, she would practice to see what new powers this ability held. She turned to show Siban and she scowled. His flared more brightly. “Show off.”

“You inspire me.” He waved his sword toward the tunnel. “After you.”

Rell started to open her mouth, but bit back her retort when she saw Icarus watching her and Siban. His expression was guarded, as if expecting one of the Bringers to hurl the orb of light at him. “Would you like to go first?”

A sneer turned up the corner of his lip. “No, thank you. I will follow behind.”

Rell didn’t know if that was a good decision. The best choice would have probably been to have Icarus lead the group. His presence might delay an attack from the Bane, but she certainly understood his reluctance.

The tunnel wound for what seemed like forever. The light from their orbs illuminated the passage a few yards ahead and then the tunnel fell into blackness. If there was an attack awaiting them, the only warning they’d have would be from the increased gnawing that heralded the Bane’s presence. The menacing itch had increased as they’d headed deeper into the caverns and with Icarus so close behind, it took a concerted effort for Rell to not constantly scrub her arm and try and sense other dangers beyond the big demon on their heels.

The tunnel turned to the right. At the end a pinpoint of light glowed. Their pace slowed, Gregory growing more cautious the closer they drew to the opening. Would this lead to yet another trail or had they finally arrived at their destination?

A clawing sensation traveled up Rell’s back. She rolled her shoulders, trying to ignore the warning. At the entrance, Gregory stopped for a few seconds and then proceeded into the light. From where Rell stood she saw a wide expanse of rock, and when she stepped out of the tunnel, panic welled up inside of her. They’d arrived.

Before them rose two gigantic doors, reaching thirty feet at least in height. Intricate carvings covered the wood, but Rell stood too far away to make out the images. However, the two Demon Bane standing guard in front of the doors sent ripples of fear through her. Their wings spread across the front of the exit. The spears they held reached three feet above their heads and were tipped with heavy iron points. Thick horns spiraled upward from their heads and gold rings adorned their ears, while gold bands encircled their biceps and ankles. They wore leather breastplates studded with gold and at the center was the symbol of the Summoners. Unlike the other demons she’d encountered in the Shadow World, these Bane emanated power and much like Icarus, they were horrifyingly beautiful.

Their yellow gazes remained focused on the group, but they did not move to stop the Bringers’ approach. Rell searched the ceiling and sent her Tell into the dark recesses that could easily hide more Bane, but nothing besides the guards registered.

“Why do they not attack?” Juna asked.

“They guard whatever lies beyond the doors.” Gregory was quiet for a few seconds. “We must get past them.”

Rell’s orb pulsed in her hand, growing to twice its size. The other Bringers lifted their swords, readying for a fight, but still no attack came. Icarus exited the tunnel and moved to stand next to Gregory. He said nothing, only stared.

At his appearance, the guards looked at each other, as if at a loss to understand why one of their own was with the enemy. But the demons quickly recovered their emotionless mask and continued to guard the door.

The Bringers and Icarus approached cautiously and when they were about twenty feet from the door, the demon’s lowered their spears, pointing them directly at Icarus and Gregory.

“I will speak to them,” Icarus said, striding forward without waiting for Gregory’s response. He stopped ten feet in front of the guards. “I wish to see Vile.”

“You are not welcome here, Banished One.” The guard lowered his spear several more inches, bringing it to chest level.

“Those who travel with the enemy are not permitted into the Sanctuary.” The second demon took a step forward, as if to do battle.

Seemingly undaunted, Icarus did not move. “What is the Sanctuary?”

Neither demon spoke. Rell’s heart pounded. Tremors danced along her skin, wanting to be released. A few of the Bringers shifted nervously. Rell sent out her Tell, trying to sense what lay beyond the doors, but it was as if a barrier blocked out any effort to scan beyond the guards.

She noticed the sentries’ skin. Every inch was covered with tattoos and she could only guess that they were Summoners as well.

A heavy
thud
and loud creaking issued from the doors. The guards remained in place but glanced at each other. With aching slowness the giant doors began to swing inward, the grinding of the hinges reverberating off the walls. Icarus took several steps back, but did not rejoin the group.

Blue light and icy wind poured from between the expanding crack. Shivers rippled along Rell’s skin, making her colder than she had been, if that was possible. A glistening expanse of black floor extended down a long walkway and at the very end a thick wall of pulsing blue ice rose up behind an enormous throne. On the seat sat the Demon King.

“Let our visitors in.” Vile’s voice sprang from inside. “After all, they’ve had a long journey.

The guards snapped to attention, lifting their spears and taking their places on either side of the entrance again.

“Come in,” Vile said. “I’ve been expecting you.”

The Bringers exchanged glances. Icarus did not turn to consult the others about what to do, but strode forward. Rell looked at Siban. She wanted to take his hand, but showing preference to him could mean his death if Vile decided to teach them a lesson. Whatever waited inside could possibly kill her. But it was the realization that even if she survived, Siban might not, that took her breath away. Always their arguments had been about her safety. What would her life be like if he didn’t make it?

She looked at him. “Don’t die.”

He inhaled and nodded. “You either.”

The group walked forward. Every nerve in Rell’s body felt ultrasensitive. She tensed when they passed the guards, expecting them to attack from behind. When they didn’t, she relaxed slightly—until they entered the Sanctuary.

Her mouth dropped open at the sheer magnitude of the hall. Obelisks of black stone soared from floor to ceiling, their smooth surfaces glimmering with bits of silver and iridescent blue. Between the pillars, blue flames as tall as Rell burned in giant hearths. No heat radiated from the fire. If anything, the blaze seemed to suck the warmth from the hall.

But it was the army of Bane that nearly stopped Rell in her tracks. A single demon stood in front of each obelisk. Much like the guards outside, these demons were beautiful but terrifying. Each wore the breastplate with the Summoner’s symbol emblazoned on the front, but these sentinels wore skirts of what looked like rectangular gold plates hinged together with rings. Beneath the skirt their legs were clad in leather and each was adorned with the same gold bands around their biceps.

It was as if she’d walked into her worst nightmare, trapped beneath the earth with the creatures that had turned her life into years of living desolation. She shifted the sword in her hand, gripping the hilt more firmly. The weapon gave her comfort but she doubted it would be much use against so many of the Bane/Summoners.

They walked along the wide path, making sure to stay away from the deep gorge that opened between the walkways of each black obelisk. Towering stone sculptures of Bringers dwarfed the end of their path, each statue bearing the mark of the Summoner.

As they approached the throne, Rell’s eyes settled on the wall behind Vile. Her hand snaked out to grab Siban’s arm. When he looked at her, Rell flicked her head toward the towering blue ice. “The Bringers.”

He sucked in a breath. Frozen in their peaceful state were the Bringers they’d been searching for. Level upon level, the exhibition was like a horrific sculpture that climbed and disappeared into the darkness above.

Siban leaned toward Magnus and pointed. “The Bringers.”

Quickly the message traveled through the group, each reaction equally as appalled as Rell’s had been. How could they possibly free them from the ice wall that reached a hundred feet or more above them?

“I see you’ve bested my illusion traps.” Vile said, watching their approach. He sat regally on his throne, as if he truly was a king. “And I see you’ve brought my son. Now that is a surprise.”

Icarus stopped several yards from the throne, causing the group to halt a few paces behind him. “Am I?”

Vile cocked his head. “Are you what?”

“Your son?” Though asked as a question, Icarus’s words held no inquiry. He seemed to have accepted the Bringers’ explanation.

“Clever boy.” Vile leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “How did you figure it out?” His gaze slid to the group. “No doubt your new friends helped you to this conclusion.” When Icarus didn’t reply, Vile stood. “I like to think I was more than just a father to you.”

“Yes, warden, kidnapper, tormentor.” Icarus took a step forward. “Why?”

Vile raised his hands in the air. “Why? For revenge of course.”

“Against whom?” Gregory asked.

“And who do we have here?” Vile’s gaze leveled on him, a wicked smile spreading across his face. “Another surprise, I think.” He pointed a talon at Gregory. “Your eyes give you away.” He lowered his arm. “But how, when I made sure the only heir to the throne would be Icarus? Perhaps you are the son of that whore who started the Bane war.” He folded his hand in front of his chest, his voice taking on a simpering tone. “Please, King Arron, help my people.”

Gregory raised his sword, directing it at Vile’s chest. “You will not speak so about my mother.”

Vile laughed. “You are in my realm now. None dictate to me.”

While the Demon King’s attention was directed at Gregory and Icarus, Rell searched the hall. Craning her neck, she looked upward. A tiny sliver of light, barely visible, glowed hundreds of feet above. Perhaps it was an escape or maybe just another illusion.

“You spoke of revenge,” Icarus said. “Against whom?”

“My brother.” A sneer curled Vile’s lip. He paced in front of the throne. “Harlin thought to imprison me as he did our mother simply because we were Summoners.” His pacing stopped and he glared at them. “He feared us. We were stronger, more powerful than the other clans. My brother ambushed all the Summoners and locked them in the Abyss.” His sneer softened. He lowered his voice to a whisper. “But I begged for my freedom, told him I would live out my days in a warded prison if he would do me the kindness owed to a brother and not sentence me to an eternity of torment as he had our mother.” Vile’s laughter ricocheted around the cavernous hall. “And he believed me.”

“How did you escape?” Icarus posture was stiff, his stare boring into Vile.

Though his wings were folded, Rell could feel the rage pouring from him. She shielded her mind, trying to block out the intense flow of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. Siban reached for her. Instantly their connection calmed the chaos swirling through her. She twined her fingers with his, no longer caring if their joined hands revealed their love for each other.