Chapter Thirty-Three
A flame shot through the building while the organ thundered, and unearthly drums boomed. Aidan blinked, realizing the fiery streak was someone riding a flaming stallion.
"How do the flames not burn him?" he asked, growing dizzy as his eyes followed the whirling flame.
"That is Kieran." Carys stepped back. "I imagine he's making an entrance. He wants to show that he is so strong that even flames cannot harm him."
The dancing commenced in earnest with the arrival of Kieran. Some steps resembled the stately dances he knew from Dalon, only faster and frenzied. One woman began clawing at her partner before licking at the streams of blood.
"I thought the spell prevented harm to the guests," he said, struggling to conceal his horror of the sickening spectacle.
"Only magic. Be ever on guard," Nyx cautioned.
Aidan instinctively pulled Carys back as a wild guest ran at her. Horrific hunger distorted the guest's face as he lurched toward Carys. Nyx stepped forward, slashing the man in the face. He howled, and Nyx punched him. The man plopped to the ground, clutching his face.
Nyx gestured for Aidan and Carys to follow her. "Attack back when people come at you. Trying to escape shows weakness."
"Wouldn't it show weakness if I'm defending Carys?" Aidan asked in a low tone.
"It wouldn't," Carys spoke up in a flat tone. "It's the same reason that I was able to attack those harming you when you first arrived. Our lives are bonded, so it would still be as if you were defending yourself."
It disturbed Aidan that he was following the selfish logic.
An informal line of people was making their way to greet Curselord Kieran. Aidan was surprised when Meical insisted that they join the queue, but according to Bradon, it was the etiquette of the Doom Ball.
Aidan's thoughts flurried, trying to come up with a way of getting Kieran alone without publically insulting Meical.
But he still paid mind to the surroundings, especially discussions from Curse Mages over sales of people.
One man was very insistent about getting virgins for sacrifice.
Aidan's hands shook, disgusted by the talk of the proper way to sacrifice and the haggling over ages.
But he caught Bradon's eyes on him and understood that he couldn't show his feelings.
As they neared the dais, Aidan was a bit impressed by Kieran remaining seated on a throne composed of green flames. The scent of flesh burning wafted through the air, but he showed no hint of pain.
His grudging admiration was immediately overwhelmed by disgust at the throne adorned with skulls. Even worse, three people were chained to the flaming throne. All three wore iron masks and were forced to kneel.
"Who are they?" he asked in a low tone.
Nyx dusted off her ebony skirt. "Enemies that Kieran would rather humiliate than execute."
Their abused bodies trembled, and Aidan couldn't believe they hadn't collapsed.
Bradon straightened his stance. "As you see, you ought to be grateful for Curselord Meical's mercy."
It was all Aidan could do not to punch the bastard.
"Watch them."
Carys had crept up behind him to hiss in his ear. He flinched, not because of Carys, but simple surprise. Carys' expression faltered, clearly assuming his response was because of her.
Reassurance died on his lips. Comfort was a weakness according to the Law of the Beasts. But the silence ate him. "Why?"
The curt question only made her stare down at the fine fabric of her gown. "Mark me, one of those prisoners may well be Gil."
Horror coursed through Aidan. "What? Is that possible?"
She exhaled. "Kieran kept one of Meical's men that way. He still might have that man. I cannot tell..."
His stomach churned. The emaciated bodies and horrific scars likely veiled any hint of familiarity. "They... they all look like they've been imprisoned for quite some time. I think it's unlikely Gil is among them."
Carys gripped her skirts. "But Gil is a shapeshifter..."
"He's your friend. You should recognize him regardless of the appearance," Shanna said with quiet fierceness. "But even if you can't tell, I shall!"
Aidan's nerves were strained to the breaking point as they reached the dais.
Kieran didn't look too different from Meical; dark curly hair, a dark beard, a black and silver tunic, and good leather boots.
Nothing seemed more dangerous than someone like Meical, not even the three helpless people at his feet.
An ashen servant introduced them. "Curse Mage Bradon and Mistress Shanna of Rali. The witch Carys of Ghost Tower and Prince Aidan of Dalon..."
The announcement of Aidan's name brought attention, and his face burned as black eyes turned to him.
But it was worse when Meical interrupted. "This is no longer Prince Aidan of Dalon. He has renounced his previous life and swore fidelity to me. He is now Aidan of the Curselands."
Aidan shuddered at the name but did nothing to correct him.
The servant seemed disconcerted by the interruption, glancing apprehensively at Kieran. "A...Aidan of the Curselands," she amended. "And this is..."
"I know these two." Kieran leaned forward, sparks flying from the flaming throne. "Nyx the faithless and Curselord Meical."
Nyx clenched her jaw at the insult while Meical just looked amused. "You have quite the gathering. I would never have expected this many to show up to your miserable hovel. It doesn't quite compare to the last time you hosted the Doom Ball, seven years back."
Kieran shrugged. "I had a very different property at that time. But people will always come to the Doom Ball."
Meical smiled coldly. "You didn't come last year."
"I have no interest in seeing what the current tenant has done with it." Kieran's expression didn't change, but Aidan sensed malevolence directed at Meical. A chill ran through Aidan when Kieran directed his stare at him.
Meical bobbed his head at Nyx, who brought a satchel over to him. "You'll be pleased to know I was clearing it out and found some of your old belongings."
Kieran's expression didn't change. "That is much like you, my brother in darkness. Other guests bring precious gifts and you bring pilfered items."
"Pilfering is part of the Law of the Beasts. Yet I would never be so churlish to show with no gifts." Meical nodded to Bradon, who handed him a wooden box. "This is a gift that many in the Curselands would desire."
Kieran remained still. Only Aidan's practiced eye picked up a slight finger gesture. Mona came forward and took the items from Bradon and Nyx. She handed her father the box first, reminding Aidan of when his brother was given fine gifts before bad news.
Aidan grimaced.
The cold Curselord took the box and opened it. An uneasy moment passed before he pulled out an orange. His hand tightened ever so slightly, as if he would crush it. Then he smiled and took a bite. "Scrumptious. I can taste the Dalon prince's blood in it."
Aidan fought to remain still. Kieran's black eyes remained fixed on him as he took another bite of the orange.
Meical cocked his head. "Blood is the flavor of life."
Kieran handed the partially eaten orange to his daughter and took the satchel. "Was that meant to put on a show, Meical? Your pet Starblood can grow oranges. Do you really think that will entice any to your cause?"
Aidan bristled at the insult.
Meical grinned. "I can't imagine that it would...so I brought a few more of my people with gifts for all."
The Curse Raven flew through the main hall before landing on Meical's shoulder. When it landed, there was a loud commotion by the entrance. A wagon, led by winged Curse Stallions, was brought inside. Even from his distance, Aidan saw it was overflowing with greenery and food, items from the garden.
"He must have stripped it bare," Carys whispered.
Distress cracked her voice, and Aidan understood. "Aye, it will be a great undertaking to replenish it," he said, rubbing the spots on his arm where blood had been drawn.
Carys winced. "I didn't mean..."
Whatever she had to say was drowned out by the noise of people approaching the wagon. Meical clapped his hands. "Yes, my brothers and sister in darkness. I share my bounty. Nothing is free in this life, but I am repaying people for putting aside their petty concerns and attending this tradition."
Aidan didn't understand everything about Curselands politics, but understood it was an insult to Kieran. Not only did Meical seem to be usurping hosting responsibilities, but he was openly mocking Kieran for not attending the previous Doom Ball.
There was no indication that Kieran understood the insult. He just took the satchel from his daughter. "What pilfered bounty have you in here?"
"Something I've no more use for," Meical said easily.
Kieran pulled out a foul, gnarled object. Aidan blinked and squinted his eyes, certain that he was seeing it wrong.
He wasn't seeing it wrong. Kieran held a mummified hand.
"Do you recognize it?" Meical asked.
Kieran held the hand as if receiving severed limbs was a commonplace occurrence. "Should I?"
"I'd say you should," Nyx spoke up. "That's your dear brother's hand. I chopped Garvin's body to bits after Meical dispatched him. It wasn't as satisfying as chopping him to bits when he was living, but leastways Meical was able to get some use out of his mystical body."
"Too loyal to Meical. You could have gone further if you had put those bits to your own use." Kieran shook his head. "You objected so vehemently to being a slave of Garvan, but it is your nature, Nyx, like all women. You cannot lead, you must always follow."
Aidan was sure that Nyx would attack Kieran, but she smiled at him, swishing her raven skirts.
"Law of the Beasts says that we must all serve the strongest. By all rights, you should be down on your knees before Meical.
Of course, I didn't share all the pieces.
I kept one piece that Garvan prized above all and fed it to one of my beasts before releasing the creature into the wild.
And Kieran? It has a taste for your family's blood. "
Horror crossed Mona's face. Aidan tensed at the dangerous way Kieran's eyes narrowed until screams shattered the icy moment. One Curse Mage had gotten too greedy for the vegetation and summoned a ball of black fire, sending it at one of the guests.
Carys flinched. "Oh no..."
Meical snorted. "Always one."
Before the ball of fire touched the other mage, it reversed course.
The black fire struck the original caster, ebony flames tearing into the skin.
Hellish screams overpowered the music. Unease rippled through Aidan at the lack of reaction.
People just kept taking more of Meical's gifts, walking around the unintentional self-immolation as if it was nothing.
After an uncomfortable amount of time, the screams died out, and the flames extinguished.
All that remained was a blackened corpse on the floor.
"Not even anything to feed to the beasts," Kieran said regretfully.
"Meical, you can't go anywhere without dividing people and causing pointless deaths.
That is why you will never succeed. You are still that impulsive warrior whose only victory came through trickery.
Your plan to return to the Starlands relies on the notion that they will surrender if you simply attack enough.
That isn't a plan, it's wishful thinking that will end in failure.
Your hints of healing the Curselands are only scraps of life. "
"And you just sit on your arse, like one of those Starlands kings, never willing to do anything."
"At least I don't abandon those who serve me." Kieran's black eyes almost shone. "You can bring people to your side with petty baubles and cheap promises, but you fail them."
"Dragon shit," Meical said. "Your brother's wife turned on both of you and brought many of your people with her. And it's why you're rotting away on this rock."
Kieran leaned back, the flames twisting around his body. "Does it ever worry you that those faithless followers will forsake you? You harbor those who turned on their masters. It doesn't endear you to your fellow Curselords, and it certainly doesn't ensure the loyalty of your ill-gotten followers."
Meical nodded his head back at the people marveling and grappling for the bounty of nature. "I think it's clear who can offer more to the forsaken in this world."
"Is that true?" Kieran clasped his hands. "I've someone to show you. Mona?"
Apprehension passed over his daughter's face, but she went to whisper to one of Kieran's guards.
"What are you scheming, Kieran?" Meical crossed his arms.
Something that resembled a smile flickered on Kieran's face. "You brought me gifts, Meical. It's only fair that I give you something in return. Nothing in this life is free."
Discomfort ate at Aidan. Carys' face went unnaturally still, Nyx balled her hands, and Bradon appeared thoughtful. Shanna didn't seem to be paying mind at all.
"First step back. The first present, I think you'll like quite a bit." Kieran gestured for them to move back and then leaped off his throne.
Aidan tried not to wrinkle his nose at the scent of burnt leather following Kieran as he neared them. The Curselord turned in his direction, and a terrible sensation washed through Aidan, as if Kieran saw right through him.
Kieran held out his hand, and one of his attendants smeared a dark substance on it. The burning scent covered up any stink, but Aidan was far too acquainted with that substance lately.
Blood.
Kieran leaned down, rubbing the stain on the floor. Only now, Aidan saw the stone floor was covered in runes. Kieran finished bloodying the runes in a semicircle shape and stepped back.
Meical cleared his throat, a bored expression on his face. "Blood of a virgin? Rather rare down here."
Kieran shrugged. "I always keep a few for when needed. I assume that's why you kept your sister untouched for so long." He tilted his head. "And still do."
Aidan shuddered. Carys clutched her skirt with such a tight grip that the fabric appeared ready to rip.
Kieran clasped his hands together and mumbled the words of a spell.
A dark look shadowed Nyx's face, and she stepped back.
Bradon and Carys hastened to do the same.
The steady ground swayed and churned like a whirlpool.
A tide seemed to tug at Aidan's soul, urging him forward.
The unnatural inclination disturbed him, and he scooted back next to Carys.
"What...what's happening?" he whispered.
"A Jumping Portal?" Nyx asked. "Is that how you mean to do us all in, Kieran? One of your experimental spells to summon a Jumping Portal?"
Kieran held up as his hands as the ground disappeared into a churning vortex of ebony.
"I have vowed not to harm my guests for the Doom Ball and unlike some people, I don't break solemn vows.
" He gave Nyx a pointed look. "But if Meical wants to show what he can accomplish, I will do the same.
I am mastering control of Jumping Portals.
You can grow a few trees and flowers? I can bring down whole forests. "
The ground trembled, and Carys jostled into Aidan. He couldn't help clutching her, trying to steady her.
Bradon wobbled and backed up further. "More likely, you'll bring the whole fortress down."
"That won't happen." Shanna's silvery eyes reflected the dark vortex. "The runes are keeping the energy fixed in one place. It will stay still until it has to jump to the next place."
Bradon still took another step back.
Kieran squared his shoulders. "Perhaps you ought to dive into that portal. The Curselands are no place for a coward."
Bradon glowered but remained still.
Fear burned Aidan as Kieran's attention landed on him again. "Perhaps the Dalon prince ought to take advantage of this opportunity. All he needs to do is leap into the portal, and he would be free of the mummery of feigned loyalty to his abductor."
"I am his brother, and he has chosen loyalty," Meical said.
"I'm sure," Kieran murmured.
Words failed Aidan as his stomach churned in tandem with the vortex. Meical likely expected some sort of loyal show, but Aidan couldn't tear his eyes away from the blackness.
Knowing blue skies were on the other side.
His skin tingled, and he raised his head to meet Kieran's gaze. Kieran nodded. "Nothing is stopping you. I know all about the curse binding you to Meical's sister. Don't let some misbegotten notion of love hold you back, otherwise Meical shall destroy you."
There was nothing right to say. If Aidan claimed love held him back, he would look weak. If he claimed loyalty to Meical, he would be a liar.
He was saved from having to speak as one of Kieran's guards pulled a struggling young woman in chains.
Mona followed behind, an unhappy look on her lovely face.
The guard tossed the prisoner to the ground.
She didn't appear older than Aidan, threadbare clothing barely concealing a frail body.
Her head raised, and a strange look came over her gray eyes.
She lowered her head, as if unable to stand being seen.
"Do you recognize that one, Meical?" Kieran asked, returning to the dais and sitting upon his flaming throne.
Meical remained silent. Aidan frowned, his stomach unsettled by the familiar gray eyes.
Kieran tilted his head. "That is one of your servants.
They betrayed you, shared secrets, and begged to be in my service.
Obviously, I wouldn't take a two-faced traitor into my service.
Unlike certain self-proclaimed Curselords, I am no fool.
But we are brothers in darkness, Meical.
I will kill this miserable shit for you. That will be my gift to you."
"You are the model of graciousness." Meical stared straight at Kieran. "But that isn't my servant. I don't know what lies they told you, but they've no claim to me."
Carys croaked. Aidan looked over and found she had gone absolutely white.
Kieran spread his hands out. "Is that so, my brother in darkness?
Then this person is making a false claim and you ought to do away with them now.
They've been in the Curselands long enough.
..send them through the portal. It will do the job.
Any other fitting death cannot be done during the Doom Ball. "
"No," Carys whispered, seemingly unaware that she spoke at all.
A strange sensation clutched Aidan's heart, more than the imminent unjust death of someone. There was something about this girl.
Something familiar.
Kieran rested his hands on the burning arms of the chair. "Is there a reason for delay? Do you feel some sort of sympathy for a girl using your name in vain?"
"Of course not," Meical said, leaning down and yanking the girl up.
The wrongness choked Aidan. Whatever the girl did, she didn't deserve death. He opened his mouth, ready to yell at Meical.
"Don't!"
The words didn't come from him. Shanna stepped forward, ethereal beauty fading into a frightful countenance, The word made the chained girl stop short and stare back at Shanna.
Meical didn't stop. He pulled the girl to the edge of the portal.
"Don't you dare do this, Meical!" Shanna spat.
The girl shook her head, ash blonde hair bouncing around. "It's fine, Shanna. All will be well."
Meical put his hand around the girl's throat. "All will not be well. Only death awaits those who defy me or lie about me."
He leaned down and hissed something in the girl's ear. The girl's eyes widened, taking on a silvery sheen.
Aidan could no longer ignore the familiarity.
He stepped forward. "Meical..."
His words failed as Meical thrust the chained girl into the portal. She slipped into the darkness, vanishing as if never there at all.
Aidan shook, assaulted by memories of when Meical threw him down the portal.
But that wasn't the greatest reason for his shaking. He could no longer pretend ignorance of the girl's identity. Not with Carys' naked horror. Not with the earsplitting scream from Shanna. Not with the truth that Aidan had known since the girl was brought out.