Redeemed by Rubies (A Dance with Destiny Book 6) (4 page)

“As you wish, Kagi Naga. Alis volat propriis.”

She stopped short. “What did you just say?”

“I was only admiring your strength, Empress. It means… She flies with her own wings. Such was not always the case. You cannot imagine how your current fierceness makes my troubled heart sing.”

She eyed him for a moment, but did not speak.

“As I said before… always do I watch you.” He sighed quietly. “You are terribly good at troubling me, Naga. And you are the only creature who ever has.”

“Troubling you? I had no idea you even existed. How in the universe could I have possibly been trouble for you?”

“You trouble my heart.”

Jenevier rolled her eyes. “Oh no. Not this old tune again.”

“No, Naga. This is a song you have never heard before. I did not fall in love with you. I would never allow that, no. But… you trouble me, nonetheless. I felt my very first pangs of jealousy because of you.”

“Oh yeah,” she said, completely uninterested. “And just when was that?”

“When you kissed Finnean that first morning… by the wild rose vines.”

Her body visibly jerked as his words took her back through that most precious memory… and all the joys and pains those years with her white warrior had brought her.

“I wasn’t jealous because I watched you fall in love, no. I was jealous because I knew I would never be blessed with feelings such as those. It is not my purpose.”

Rixx looked off then. Jenevier stared at his strangely haunting profile, but did not speak.

“And panic.” He chuckled softly, mostly to himself. “I felt my first adrenaline-fueled rush of panic because of you, little Naga.”

He glanced sideways at her, a slight smile turning up one corner of his mouth. She noticed. Of course she did. Jenevier was meticulously recording everything about this man. Still, she did not speak.

“And you know well the day that happened…” He paused.

When she did not respond, he turned to face her fully.

“The day your ninja wrapped his beautiful hair around you… and you screamed. Remember?”

She only cocked her head to the side, remaining silent.

“You were together on his balcony,” Rixx continued. “The look in that fair young man’s eyes… I couldn’t tell if it was love… or hunger. And when you screamed… I lost control.” He chuckled nervously, a bright blush now apparent on his pale cheeks. “That’s the first time
that
had ever happened, Naga—me losing control. Before the thought had even been properly formed in my mind, I found myself sitting on that same balcony railing.”

Her eyes widened then. “Ahh!” She gasped. “That was you? The shadow creature with the burning eyes?”

“Is that how you saw me?” He half chuckled. “I didn’t even realize what form I took. As I said… I did so without thought.”

“So
you’re
the one who kicked down the tree. That calloused act sliced though little Cherie’s soul. Did you know that?”

“Apologies, Naga. I meant no harm. That was the first time I had felt anger. I didn’t know how to control it.”

“How is it you say you are thousands of years old, yet simple emotions have only just found you?”

“I am Nephilim. I am neutral.”

Jenevier stared at him, waiting for his words to continue. They did not.

“Well, Nephilim… I know not what your business is with Death, but I think you should steer clear of me from now on. I have much to see to.
None
of which is any concern of yours. And, well… I’m not particularly fond of you.”

A slight smile curled up the corners of his mouth. “No… I didn’t expect you would be. Alas, I do not regret speaking with you this day. I will keep my distance so that you can be at ease. Farewell, Kagi Naga. Go. Stand within the clouds and watch.” He chuckled softly. “No matter what Uriel may think, you are more of a Grigori than even the Grigori.”

Jenevier hissed before she even realized what she was doing. “Do not play games with me, Nephilim. If you have something to say, use plain speech and be done with it.”

“Do you not understand when I say that I watch you… always? I know
everything
, Naga.” He held his hands up toward her, palms out. “Do not be angry in this. It is nothing you can stop or prevent. You have no say in the matter.” He ignored her growls and continued, “I watch you as you stand within the clouds. You perch there within the mists as if you sat atop the highest mountain… always watching, always listening. But I am the only creature who knows how you have come to spend your days, Naga. Not even the Archs are aware of your presence when they pass through.”

She softly snorted. “You think I don’t know this?”

Rixx continued to smile. “The change in you amazes me, Death Angel. I did not believe you capable of such strength. Yet, I am glad for it.” He sighed. “You now watch over the layers instead of sipping tea with your loved ones. You have become the great watcher, Naga. Something the Grigori have long failed in.”

Jenevier shrugged her shoulders. “So what? I wish to know what is stirring about in the universe. What’s the big deal? I am curious. That’s all.”

He smiled knowingly and cast her a sideways glance. “That’s all, huh? Are you certain it has nothing to do with that beautiful, troublesome granddaughter of yours?”

She snorted again. “I am certain it has nothing to do with
you
.”

He did not answer, only continued to smile.

“Can my blades truly rend you, Nephilim?”

“Yes, as they can any creature.”

“And you still thought it wise to reveal yourself to me?”

“I have done nothing worthy of your reaping, Naga. I watch only.”

“Yet… not today.” She tilted her head and narrowed her gaze. “Tell me. What has changed, Nephilim? I am not so foolish as to think today’s sorrow was enough to cause you to reveal your long-held secrets. If you have truly been watching me as you say… today’s tears are
nothing
compared to my past.”

He half snorted. “You speak true, Kagi Naga.” Rixx turned his back to her then. “Alas, something is coming. Something as we have never seen before. The ancient seals are being threatened, little one. And, as is your damnable Fate…
much
will be required of you in the near future.”

Jenevier growled, an instant before her eyes flashed red.

Chapter 4

Lala

(LAH-lah)

“We have time,” Duhrias said. “The Empress is still out on a summons and we don’t have to be in Iga until tomorrow. The
irritating
King of that layer invited you personally. Remember?”

“Why did you say
irritating
like that?” Lala turned to face the sell-sword. “The King of Dimthe Leard is one of the most gracious, honorable men I have ever met. There’s nothing about him that’s
irritating
.”

“He fawns over you.” Duhrias glanced away. “That’s irritating,” he mumbled.

Lala snickered. “Aww… is my devoted River Spirit jealous?”

“Do not tease me,” he grumbled. “It shows poor manners and an improper upbringing. Neither of which you have.”

“Stop pouting.
You’re
the one pushing this trip.”

“That’s because I’m curious. Aren’t you? Getting to see a live telling of their history—actors and singers and poets all performing for our pleasure—it will be amazing.”

“They are not performing for
our
pleasure, Dimples. We were just lucky enough to receive an invitation.”

“A
royal
invitation, yes.” Duhrias pulled her close. “So… are we going?”

Lala only smiled.

*****

“In ancient times… through clandestine means and in sundry manners…”

Duhrias squeezed Lala’s hand, but kept his gaze fixed upon the storyteller—center stage.

“Our forefathers sought always to ensure their lineage… to ensure our future—the survival of
man
.” He lifted his arms. “We are a strong people, sturdy of build and sharp of mind. This we owe, in whole and in part, to a young boy known then only as… Thacius.”

The low sound of drums began to softly echo throughout the theatre as the lone man stepped back into the shadows, and two costumed actors took his place.

“Man was but one of many creatures to wander the hills and valleys of Dimthe Leard. He was not the most powerful. He was not the wisest. Yet, he was the most honorable.”

The silent actors mimicked the orator’s words through mime and dance.

“The Elves sought wisdom and beauty over all things. They worshipped the forest and sang their own praises through elaborate song and dance.”

The spotlight fell upon the actor dressed as a regal Elf.

“The Grindocs were the Elves mirror opposites.”

The spotlight then shifted to the other performer.

“Where the Elf Lords saw beauty and magic… the Grindoc Mages sought only darkness and power. And man… well, man’s heart was pure and undefiled. They were as babes before the other races. Their unfettered innocence, a blessing to be sure, was laughable not only to the dark and twisted ones, but to the high and enlightened ones as well.”

The elaborately arrayed actors gracefully spun towards the outer wings of the stage, and a humbly adorned family approached the center. The man family began acting out their days as farmers—tilling the ground and sowing their seeds—hope and joy ever present on their dirty, yet smiling faces.

“And so it was that man flourished in the North, and the North flourished under the diligent care of its noble keepers. Man stood as one, spoke as one, and communed as one.”

The background drums grew louder.

“Until the day… terror came to Atlaug
and
to young Thacius.”

As an elegantly arrayed woman came to stand within the spotlight, eyes closed, the narrator continued.

“And
this
… is his tragic story…”

The lone woman opened her eyes then and began to sing. The accompanying music was a sorrowful duet of a soft harp and an ancient flute. The haunting words were as poignant as was the tune.

The woman’s melodic voice was the most enchanting, most heartrending Lala had ever heard. Her breath caught, as painful tears burned the backs of her sapphire eyes. The song she heard that day… would remain in Lala’s weeping heart for as long as she yet drew breath.

These
are the words that pierced her through and through…

In olden times… There was a river

Ran between… Two mountain walls

And the place… From where it started

Was a place… Called Haunted Falls

On the banks… There lived a good man

With his son… And daughters, three

And their shouts… Of pain and sorrow

Echoed with… Their shouts of glee

To the little… Town, the brother

For some meal… One day had gone

Left his Pa… And loving sisters

For one… Quiet hour alone

Hark, the sound… Of trampling horses

Then the father… Turned in fright

Just in time… To draw the door bolt

As four Grindocs… Rode in sight

Then he seized… And kissed his children

Bade them neither… Speak nor cry

Placed them in… A secret closet

And prepared… Himself to die

With one cruel… Push the Grindoc

Flung the bolt… From off the door

Grabbed him by… His long brown tresses

Drug him to… The river shore

There they sang… And danced about him

Paid no heed… To his piteous cry

Tossed him down… To the rocks beneath them

Where in agony… He died

Then they mounted… On their horses

As they started… Back through town

First they burned… Those crying children

And the dwelling… To the ground

Now a young… Man sadly wanders

Round the place… Where the dwelling stood

And the people… Of that village

Call that place… The Haunted Wood

*****

The play went on to tell how—after the gruesome death of his entire family—Thacius had trained hard every day, how he had rallied the good people of Atlaug against the Grindocs, and how they had finally gained their hard-won peace.

The narrator finished his epic tale with Thacius finding his true love in the midst of war, being crowned the first King of Atlaug, and happily living out his remaining days surrounded by his many beautiful daughters.

The elaborate performance ended with the knowledge that one of the first King’s ancient blood still ruled over the people of Dimthe Leard.

*****

“Are you gonna be okay, Princess?” Duhrias wrapped her up in his arms and kissed the top of her head. “It was beautiful, wasn’t it?”

Lala nodded. “Tragically so, yes.”

“The haunting story of Dimthe Leard’s first King—Thacius.”

“Yes…” She sniffed. “And I will ever after shed tears within my heart for that valiant man.”

“As will I,” Duhrias whispered. “But it ended well, did it not?”

Lala wiped her eyes as she gazed up at her loving River Spirit. “Yes. I am glad he had so many daughters. After losing his whole family like that… I’m glad he found love, and that Father blessed him with so many replacements for his precious sisters.”

“Replacements for his sisters?” Duhrias tilted his head to the side. “Is that how you saw it?”

Lala shrugged her shoulders. “I suppose so, yeah. I mean… it just sort of made sense to me like that. He had three sisters, right?”

Duhrias nodded.

“He ended up having twelve daughters—four for each little sister he lost.”

“Perhaps,” Duhrias mumbled. “I mean… he set four guards to each daughter.”

“Yes, but I believe that was because four Grindocs killed his family. Four skilled guards for every female in his household—zero chance of Grindocs ever getting to them.”

“Perhaps.” He pulled her back to him. “One thing I know for sure… King Thacius was the most honorable man who has ever lived.”

“Yes,” Lala said. “After hearing his story, I am hard pressed to believe any noble could ever match his great heart.”

“Agreed.” He hugged her and gazed out upon the lavender. “Naga would
love
to hear that story. You know how curious she is about such things.”

Lala smiled. “Yes. The next time we visit Dimthe Leard, we must ask the King when the next performance will be. I’m definitely taking Obaasan with us.”

Duhrias only smiled and closed his eyes, as he rested his cheek atop Lala’s head.