Demon Singer (35 page)

Lyric blinked and looked around in confusion.  Apparently that was all the revelation he was to receive today.

33 TRAITOR

Lyric turned back to Cadence to see her awake and looking at him.  He smiled at her while simultaneously wondering what she saw and what she knew.  Her expression grew perplexed as she felt her left wrist with her right hand.  Carefully she removed her long glove and both she and Lyric looked in wonder at her scar.  She still bore the handprint, but it was no longer black and twisted.  Her skin was smooth and healthy, it just happened to have a violet handprint on it.

She touched it gingerly then smiled as there was apparently no discomfort.  Holding it out she indicated Lyric should touch it too.   Carefully he touched the smooth skin.  Immediately Cadence fell over on the bed.  Lyric came close to panic when the warrior sat back up shaking with silent laughter.

"Really? I'm losing my mind and you've got jokes?"  Lyric couldn't help smiling.  "I'm glad your arm is better.  Were you awake at all for our visitor?"

Cadence shook her head.

"I met someone who knows who you are; he's a friend of your father.  Have you ever heard of Nephilim?"  

Cadence shook her head again.

"That's what you are.  Your father was an angel and your mother was a human.  Most of your kind were giants.  Regardless of size though they were men and women who did amazing things."  Lyric watched for a spark of recognition but the warrior simply maintained her curious look while she listened.  "Anything ringing a bell?" Head shake.  "You are the original Verger.  You must be immensely powerful.  You fought Acheron in the Verge when you both tied to my soul song. She said she's never fought anyone like you." Shrug. Lyric's smile faltered. "The pain you've been experiencing.  It's from the tie between Acheron and us.  An angel named Revelation healed you so it won't hurt anymore."  Lyric impulsively grabbed Cadence's hands.  "I'm sorry, Cadence.  I'm sorry for everything you've been through on my behalf and I'm sorry for all the pain I've caused you.  I wish I could..." words failed the humbled Singer.

Cadence gently placed three fingers on his lips to stop him.  Tears in her own eyes she pulled him close and hugged him tight.  

The tension melted out of Lyric as he allowed himself to be comforted by this strange and amazing woman.

A brisk knock on the door heralded the arrival of the giant butler.

"Pardon me, sir, King Branigan has requested you meet him in the western observation tower as soon as possible."

Lyric and Cadence followed him down the corridor.

"Acheron!"

The demoness appeared in a swirl of smoke and fell into step beside them.

"Markhato will fall if the three of us don't work together.  Cadence, I want you to reinforce the Eastern side.  Acheron, find Ceylan and protect her. Nothing is to happen to her."

"Send your bodyguard," the demoness said irritably.   "You're going to need me."

Lyric rounded on her, preparing to unload his rage and frustration.  Instead, he remembered the advice of Joe, the old Mute and Revelation.

"I have treated you poorly, Acheron, and ask you forgive me."

The demoness was stunned, she felt sincerity flowing gently across the tie. It burned so sweetly.

"We're fine, Lyric, I don't judge."

"I need you to protect Ceylan.  I cannot function while worrying about her safety."

"You don't even know her.  Your feelings aren't real, she's half fairy."

"So I heard, but they're real to me." Lyric fought the shortness of breath that threatened at the thought of anything happening the princess.   "You're the only one I can count on to keep her safe.  I need you to do this.  Please."

Acheron looked ready to protest, then she just rolled her eyes and smoked out.  Cadence headed down the corridor leading to the eastern battlements.  Lyric reached steps of the tower and took them two at a time.  Upon entering the tower he discovered king Branigan already there.

"You sent for me, sir."

Branigan regarded him for a moment before speaking.

"You are dangerous, Demon Singer.  My daughter told me how you destroyed your cell." His jovial face was drawn in worry. "The question on everyone's minds is, are you more dangerous to us or to our enemies?"

"I don't have words to convince you, majesty, so I will be content to act and let you decide for yourself."

Branigan nodded, looking down at the sea of bodies that surrounded the city.

"I grew up in this city and I take for granted its wonders.  Yet this one remains.  The idea that a million soldiers could gather like this and not be noticed by the rest of the world is ludicrous to me.  I understand that it is because of the veil, but if the rest of the world can't see what we see." He turned back to Lyric. "It makes me wonder what
we
can't see."

Lyric wondered where this was going.

"Your grandfather is the best man I know.  His love for your mother has inspired me to be a better father. I fear my daughter has too much of her mother in her.  I have turned a blind eye to alarming events that I can no longer ignore."

"Majesty?"

"Westfall tells me you are a hero in a Guild that is full of heroes. He says you have a reputation for integrity.  He knew those two Singers sent to retrieve you were trouble and we all know how dangerous soul singers are.  He had to get you away from them without raising suspicion.  Otherwise, he'd never have locked you up. He trusts you."  Lyric blinked in surprise.  He knew precious little about his grandfather, but everything he'd been told indicated the man either didn't know or care about Lyric's existence.  Branigan handed him a piece of paper that had been scribbled all over.  Lyric examined it as Branigan continued.  "You are now the only Singer here and I trust David Westfall more than anyone else I've ever met."  He gestured to the paper Lyric held. "I had my daughter's room searched an hour ago.  That is the top sheet of a notebook from her desk."

Lyric was looking at a map that detailed a tunnel that led from far beyond the outer walls of the city to a basement in the palace.  The implication was obvious and heartbreaking.

"Ceylan is the traitor."

* * *

Cadence reached the eastern battlements and immediately saw General Sabre.  The man radiated calm in the midst of the fighting.  All the way down the battlements in both directions, the enemy was scaling the wall and beyond pushed back by the Milleytes Lux.

The small warrior approached the general to make herself known. Sabre nodded a brief greeting and continued barking orders at his men.

"They're made of flesh and bone just like you, men, cut them down."

The general turned to Cadence.

"Where's the singer?"

Cadence gestured back to the west.  

"I saw you fight.  You're a member of the Standard aren't you?"  Cadence was mystified by the man's words, though it seemed like the Standard should mean something. Sabre took her silence for affirmation. "It's a well stated truth, cut off the head of the snake and the body dies.  These soldiers are zealots, right?   They believe this Melody person is a god or some such nonsense.  I've found a man who has a plan that'll probably get him killed, but might just shorten this fight and save some lives on both sides.  None of my soldiers are trained for covert ops.  I'm sending him behind enemy lines to retrieve her head.  I'd like his chances better if a member of the Standard accompanied him. Will you go?"

Cadence nodded.

"Excellent, he's down the wall a ways getting ready.  Name's Fugue.  Go with him."

* * *

Acheron found Ceylan in the kitchens preparing food to take to the soldiers.  The girl saw her at the same time and intercepted her at the doorway

"What are
you
doing here?"  She asked coldly.

"My Singer has asked me to protect you."  Acheron didn't have to try hard to sound bored.

"Thank you for the kind offer, I don't need protection though.  The Milleytes Lux has never been beaten."

"Yet," Acheron said.  "They've never faced an enemy like this either.  I don't much care whether you like it or not.  It's me and you baby girl."

Ceylan didn't respond, instead focusing on the task at hand.

Acheron felt a twinge along the tie and focused on Lyric's thoughts as they came across.

Someone is using Ceylan to gain entry to the castle through a basement beneath one of the kitchens.  Guards are already looking for her. Protect her until I get there.

Are you serious?  
Acheron shot back
the little bitch is a traitor and you're coming to the rescue?

Yes, keep her safe.

Acheron looked at Ceylan who was staring at her.

"I assume you're fairy half is buzzing a warning at you right now," she hopped on the counter where Ceylan was working.  "Anything you want to tell me?"

The girl looked like she was ready to cry when suddenly her demeanor changed completely.

"Get your ass off my vegetables you skank."

"Ooo, she has a backbone."

"It's too late, demon-"

"Demoness."

"My men are already on the way to the war room, preparing to take Markhato down from within.  They're all going to die.  My father, the other kings, the soldiers and their families.  Everyone will be purged, men, women and children.  Even your precious Singer.  And don't think I can't.  My mistress helped me kill three singers at once just a few weeks ago.  One won't be a problem, especially after we've severed your tie."  Ceylan was all confidence and hate.  Acheron found her much more attractive this way.

"Your mistress sounds fascinating, when can I meet her?"  
Lyric, stay away, Ceylan is Melody.

What?!

"No dice, bitch."  Ceylan pulled a knife from her skirt.  Acheron decided she was going to be more surprised when the knife being used to threaten her
wasn't
a banishing blade. "You're on your way back to hell for a while."

"Cute knife, where'd Lisian go?"

Acheron I'm almost there.

Stay away dammit!

"How dare you foul my mistress' name with your whore mouth?"  Ceylan thrust the blade at Acheron who smoked out and reappeared behind her.

"I'm a whore?  You obviously don't know Lisian."

Ceylan whirled, brandishing the knife like a crazy person.

Acheron, don't hurt her!

"So you're the big badass Melody that has everyone in a tizzy." Acheron deftly plucked the blade from the woman's hand.  "How old are you, twelve?"

Melody reached out and clamped her hand on Acheron's shoulder.

"Get on your knees, demon."

Acheron sighed in exasperation.

"Demoness, dammit.  Why can't anyone get that right?"  She noticed Melody’s face turning red and a vein threatening to pop in her neck.  "Oh wait.  Are you trying to shift me?  Oh that's adorable.  Who do you think taught Lisian that trick?  You really are just a sad piece of shit aren't you?"

Melody gasped and released Acheron, holding her wrist as though her hand hurt.

"It doesn't matter," she snarled, "my mistress will see to you as soon as I kill your Singer."