Demons of Irae

8/14/2019 Demons of Irae

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Part 1

The Vaan War

Chapter One Kaidaspalegreenknee-lengthwoodlandrobetwirledaboutherkneesasherbrown

Keele-leatherbootspaddedthroughtheundergrowth,producingnodetectablesound.Long-

bowinhand,shewovenimblythroughthethicket.Highabove,athickcanopyofwhite

leaveshidherfromthesightofanyKeelespyingfromtheskies.AKhryllhowlednearby

andshestoppedtolisten,thecrispnightairstrokingherpale,blue-whitefeaturesandlifting

her deep green curls. Kaidas slender hand ew to the quiver slung between her translucentblue wings as a gure emerged from the brambles to her right.

ItsonlymeLadyInoue.Awomansteppedfromtheshadows,herelectricbluehair

tightly coiled in a braid, tting of war. Her slim body was clothed in a thick black leather war

suit,coatedwithJanduscalesandcarefullydrawnbattlerunes.Strappedtoherthighswere

sheaths containing buttery swords and at her waist hung a Katana blade. Her wings, which

wereconsiderablysmallerthanKaidas,wereprotectedbyathickmetalmesh,whichbent

enough for her still to be able to y but was strong enough to deter the metal-hating Minkies

andKrael.HereyesboreintoKaida,untilthefaerieforcedherselftolookaway.Stooping,

Kaida chose a smooth black stone and pulling out her own buttery sword scratched a runeintothesurface.

Catch. she snapped, icking the stone through the air. The newcomer caught it eas-

ily,glanceddownatitandsmiledfaintly.

NowthatyouveestablishedthatImnotashape-shiftingFaideimpersonatingmy-

self,canwegetdowntobusiness?Ineedtoaskyouafavor.Kaidaletherbowloosen,but

keptitraisedandaimedatAiko.

You shouldnt be here General Aurelia, murmured Kaida, her dark eyes ashing.

Call me Aiko, we have talked often enough to be on rst name terms.

YouretheonlyFaerieADAhasmanagedtorecruit,youreneededonthebattle-

eld.

Im Part Faerie Kaida winced at this, Thats why I need you to rally your people,

makethemagreetoADAsproposition,ontheirowntermsifithastobe.Aikokepther

eyesontheFaeriesbow,whichKaidakeptstubbornlyraised.

The brethren will never agree to war. We have kept the peace for a millenia, and there

islittlemorewecandonowbutpreventourownracefrombeingthreatened.Kaidaspaton

theearthatherfeet.Ishouldntevenbemeetingyou,yourfatherdisgracedtheFaeriesthe

dayheranoffwithahuman.

My father was a good man.

Hebroughtshametohispeoplewhenhemarriedyourmother,andfullydeservedthe

deathpenalty.


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IftheFaerieFyrehadntkilledhim,wedbelookingacrosspeace-fulplainsnotbarrenlandscapestaintedbytheVaanwar.Youknowfullwellthattheforests

aretheonlysafeplacesnow,andeventhenthereareKhryllineveryclearing.Eventheskies

arenolongersafe!

Betterwarbetweenracesandnotwarwithinarace.

There wont be any Faeries left when the days of reckoning arrive and Irae dies! And

thenwhatwillyoudo?Blamethehumans?YoushouldknowbetterKaida.Dont try to tell me what to think, Half-blood: Kaida icked the tip of the arrow

through the air, drawing out the shapes of a re rune, and a wave of blue-green ame shot

throughthethicket,blindinglybright.Aikolaunchedherselfintotheair,herhalf-sizewings

straining to hold her weight. She landed clumsily on the scorched earth. The thicket was

alive with ame, blazing brambles spat sparks into the dark and wildlife scattered from the

heat.

IseeyouarewellsuitedtoyournamelittledragonShemuttered,drawingthebut-

tery swords and moving into a battle stance.

You have spoken one too many insults General, and you shall be punished. Tell me,how old are you? Spat Kaida, slinging the bow into her quiver and unsheathing her own

buttery swords.

Seventeen, and the best ghter the army has seen. Aiko took a step forward.

Faeriesarenotpartofthearmy,andtheyreawarrace.YouaremerelyababyAure-

lia,itsashamethatachildsoyoungasyoushoulddiehereatthehandsofatrueFaerie.I

havewalkedIraefornearlytentimesasmanyyearsasyou,andhavespentacenturywitha

boworabladeinmyhand.KaidaleaptatAiko,bladesblurring.Aikojusthadtimetoraise

her own blades in defence, and then they were knocked from her hands and ung through the

air, slicing into a tree at the other side of the thicket. The Katana blade was out of its sheathin seconds and Aiko feinted to the right then leapt left, swiping at Kaidas side. The Faerie

raisedherbladestoblockit,thenparriedandspun,aimingfortheface,forcingAikossword

upwards,Aikopushedthemaside,thenslashedatthelegs,narrowlymissingheropponents

knees,herbladecaughtatKaidasskirts,andthentheKatanawasslungbackuptobarrthe

buttery swords entry to her own esh. Kaida fought like a dog, her blades ying through

theairinalldirections.SoonshehadAikoupagainstatree,theKatanatrappedbetween

them. Her sword ashed and caught Aikos skin, tearing a deep gash into her shoulder. With

a bloodcurdling scream, the general ung the Faerie from her. Kaidas smooth leather boots

slippedonthedampleaves,butbeforeshecouldfallhercrystalbluewingsunfoldedandshe

roseintotheair,outofreachofAikossword.

Ontheground,Kaidaswingsfoldedbehindherback,reachingfromherpronounced

shoulder blades to the backs of her slim calves. It was only in ight that their magnicence

couldbetrulyobserved.Eachdelicatewingstructurestretchedtooversixfootwideand

inshaperesembledthewingsofafruitbat.Semi-transparenttheyshonewithanethereal

gleam, each strong bone showing through the esh as pearly white. They were large enough

toholdKaidasfullweightandthatoftheblades,needingtobeatonlylightlytoremainair-

bourne.

Kaida sheathed her swords, and pulling out the forest bow, loosed an arrow. The rst

missed, thudding into the ground to Aikos left. Then a second sang through the chill air,

sinkingthroughtheleathercoatingAikosneckandpiercingthedelicateskinofherthroat.

The generals body convulsed and she sank to her knees, her murderer coming in to land


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gracefullyonthethickbranchofanearbytree,amilkycolouredbirdwhichlookedvaguely

likeakestrelperchedonhershoulder.AsAikoslippedintodeaththeFaerieslidtotheforest

oor and without looking back strode towards the edge of the clearing.

Darrak,shewhisperedtothebird,SendwordtothebrethrenthatIreturnfrommy

hunt.Asthebirdlauncheditselfintothecanopyofthetrees,Kaidamovedtowardswhere

Aikos buttery swords were embedded in the bark of a thick trunk and eased them out, slip-

pingthemintoaleatherbagslungaroundhertinywaist.

Chapter TwoAs Darrak ew at breakneck speed over the pearly white tree canopies of Gerad For-

est, further north in the mountain range named The Ridge, a battle raged. Large grey,

dragon-likeSkaelswoopedthroughsmoke-riddenskiesabovethebrokenwarplains.Below,

ADAs troops ung themselves into the mass of shadow-beings united against them. Blade

clashedwithbladeastheleftwingoftheattackingarmyrammedagainandagainintoADAs

right ank.

Ayoungwarrioronthedefensivesidethrustthebladeofhiskatanadownintothe

heart of the writhing Rei at his feet. With a shrill, heart-stopping shriek that revealed sharp,

pointedteeth,thelightfadedfromitsblackeyesanditsbodypulsatedbeforedissipating

into black green smoke. Felix shook his blond hair out of his face as the air lled with the ac-

ridscentofburningrubber.Coughingandwipingtearsfromhissmartinghazeleyes,heran

forward, catching a Faide (which had taken human form) in the armpit. The demon snarled

and became a metallic silver liquid, which rapidly reformed into the shape of a faerie, whos

purpleeyesgleamedasitlauncheditselfintotheair.Felixforcedhisbladeupwardsasthe

Faidesarmsmeltedintosharpmetalpoints,slashingtowardsthewarriorsthroat.Felixung himself to the ground, the tips of the Faides blades drawing two long gashes in the

esh of his back. With a roar, he pushed upwards, slashing at the Faides belly, his sword

caching at the pale skin. Then the creature became a Khryll -half man, half wolf- which leapt

at Felix, fangs bared. The warrior drove it back, forcing it into the midst of its own troops.

Switchingthekatanaintohislefthand,Felixpulledasmallrunestonefromhispocket.

Craftedoflimestone,withtheancientdemonrunefordeathcarvedintoitssurface,itwasthe

only known way of destroying a Faide. The demon danced closer, again a human, and Felix

slashed at its torso. The Faides limbs became buttery swords as it leapt into the air, propel-

lingitselftowardsFelix.ADAsprivateleantback,allowingtheFaidetogetclose,andthenhe thrust the stone between its jaws. The demon choked as the stone was thrown down its

throat, and then its eyes clouded over and it was ung backwards into the air, where it van-

ishedwithaburstofbrightlight.

Momentarily blinded, Felix staggered backwards towards his own battalion, slashing

wildlywithhissword.Asthetwoimprintedspotsbegantofadefromhisretina,heblinked,

slightlystunned.Everythingseemedtorevolvearoundhiminslowmotion,blanketedina

surreal silence. Then, from above, the silver-grey silhouette of a Skael swooped down from

theclouds,pickingoutthedefenselesswarriorbelow,itdippeditsleftwingsandarced

round,itslongspikedtailtwirlingtohelpbalanceit.Itswingsbeattheairasitpropelleditself towards Felix, its dragon-like face baring sharp yellowed fangs. Then the long, curved

talons sank into Felixs shoulders, lifting the esh from the bone. His knees buckled beneath

him,andhewasfree-fallingintoadarkabysswhereno-onewouldhearhimscream.


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*

Felixslippedinandoutofconsciousnessashisfellowwarriorscarriedhimoffthe

battleeld. His mind was taken by delirium and a fever set in as they headed towards a small

groupofgreycanvastentshuddledinaconcealedpatchofwoodlandbetweentwolarge

peaks of The Ridge. His hair stuck to his forehead with a cold sweat, and his screams and

ranting kept the Skael away, sending a shiver down the spine of everything that heard. The

mencarryinghimavertedtheireyesfromhiswoundsastheyrestrainedhisthrashinglimbsandtiedhimtoastretchercraftedfrombark,reedsandvines.

The party moved on in a mournful silence, to an outsider it would seem like a funeral

procession,astheywovethroughdensethicketsofbramblesandsprintedacrossbarrenopen

marshesandbloodstainedearth.Finally,thewarriorsreachedawoodenbarricade,guarded

byshardsofpotteryandmottledglass.

Felixs eyelids ickered while the warriors engaged in a hushed confrontation with the

guards on watch duty. Then they were allowed entry to the the camp. As they passed through,

oneoftheguardscaughtatthesleeveoftheleaderoftheparty.

Tent twelves your best bet tonight he whispered Dr. Satos on duty and theres afew empty beds waiting to be lled. He glanced at Felix, and quickly looked away again,

muttering a hurried prayer. The warriors murmured their thanks as they continued on into

the camp, thick black mud squelching under their boots. The procession moved past warri-

orswithbandagedheadsandmenwithmissinglimbs,theirstumpsboundwithbloodstained

gauze.Groansandscreamsemanatedfromthetentsastheypassed.Childrennoolderthan

eleven stood in regimented rows, swords in their belts, waiting to be lead to the battleeld,

unknowingofthebloodbathawaitingthem.

Eventually,thestretcherwascarriedintoalargerectangulartent,litbycandlesin

brass stands. Felix was set down on a small cast-iron bed in an isolated corner. The younggirlinthenextbed,whosefacewasbadlyburned,screameduncontrollablyatthesightof

Felixsinjuriesandthewarriorshurriedlypulledthecurtainstoconcealtheprivateasanurse

dispatchedherselffromchangingapatientsbandagesandrantofetchthedoctor.Dr.Sato

directedthewarriorstoabilletontheeasternedgeofthecamp,holdingbackonewhohad

obtained a deep wound to his chest which showed symptoms of gangrene. Tentatively, the

youngnurseapproachedFelixsmangledform.Sheremovedthestretcherfrombeneathhim

and cut the leather armor away from his shoulders, revealing torn and bloody esh that had

been cut down to the bone. The nurse was forced to sit down, her head reeling with the ef-

fects of sudden nausea. With tears in her eyes she hastily excused herself and hurried out ofthetent.

DoctorSatoremainedwithhisscaledbacktowardsthebodyofhispatient,carefully

selectingsuitabletoolsfromtheleathercaseonthedeskinfrontofhim.Choosingthead-

equate instruments he laid them to one side, then gathered up the remainder and cleared them

away.Finally,thedoctortookadeepbreath,andthencarefullypickedupascalpelbeforehe

turnedtowardsFelixandbegantheprocessthatthenursehadfailedtocomplete.

Felixcameroundinthehospitaltentataroundmiddayandwasinstantlyhitbythe

smellofcitrus,mintandthyme.Amaninwarriorsdress,hischestswathedinbandages,

snoredinachairbesidetheprivatesbedandanurseinahempuniformtendedtothegirl

inthenextone.FelixsmindreeledwiththememoriesoftheSkael,hopinghehadmerely

dreamt it. Then he remembered his squadron, and the seemingly endless battle they called the

Vaan War. He felt a strange urge to be back helping his friends on the battleeld. Abruptly, he


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satup,lookingfortheexit.Andthenthepainhit.Itcameinaconstantstreamofwaves,tear-

ing at his skin and crushing his skull. The private fell back onto his pillows, noticing for the

rst time the bandages which bound his arms and shoulders and encircled his torso. The left

halfofhisneckwasalsoboundwithgauzeandFelixclosedhiseyes,groaningathisown

ineptitude.

Somewhereinthedarkrecessesofthetentabellrang,startlingthewarriorinthechair

outofhisdreams.Hesatup,clutchinghischestandstaredroundbleary-eyed.Felixgroanedagainastheringingreverberatedinsidehisskulluntilhefeltasthoughhisheadwouldex-

plode with the pain. The mans attention was drawn by the sound and he blinked a few times

asthoughhecouldntbelieveFelixwasalive,beforehespoke.

Youreawake!heyawned.Felixnoddedhisheadfeebly,thengaspedatthepain,

reachingaburningarmuptofeelatthebandageswhichcoveredmostofhisneck,tightly

boundaroundhisshoulders.

Dontdothat.warnedthesoldier.ImgoingtogetDoctorSato.Heleveredhim-

selfoutofthechairandslopedofftowardstheotherendoftheward.Felixsighed.Although

hedidntyetknowthefullextentofhiswounds,heknewthattheSkaelhadtakenabigchunkofhimbeforehedlostconsciousness.Hewassurehednotbeoutofthehospitalin

the next few days. He could be unable to ght for months.

The warrior returned swiftly, a tall, dark skinned doctor shadowing him. He slumped

back into the chair, clutching his chest, his breath coming in short, painful gasps. The doctor

reachedforachippedmuganddippeditintothebowlofwaterwhichsatonalowoaktable

totherightofFelixsbed.AsheliftedthemugtoFelixslipswithsilverscaledhands,aten-

drilofthought,invisibletothenakedeye,wovethroughtheairtotouchhispatientsmind.

My name is Goro Sato, I was the Jandu on duty when you were brought here. I have

been assigned as your personal healer until your condition improves. Howbadisit?gaspedFelix.Histhroatrasped,dryandsore.

Drink, it will help.Felixgulpedtheclearwater,andfeltslightlybetter,thoughhis

throatwasstillroughandhisjawachedwhenhetriedtoframeasentence.

Speak with your thoughts, it is easier. The doctor told him.

How bad are my wounds? When will I be able to return to my squadron? How long

have I been out? Is the war still...? Felixs mind raced with all the questions he wanted to

ask.

Too many questions! The Jandu seemed amused. I can answer few.

Please!Felixbegged. Very well. Though I doubt youll be pleased with what I can tell. The doctor paused to

placethemugonthetable,thenhisgazereturnedtoFelix.Unfortunately, the war continues.

Yesterday, another child squadron was deployed. However, that is not my business. As for

your condition, your injuries were very severe, and as a result, your body has been protect-

ing itself through unconsciousness for many weeks, seventeen days, in fact. The muscles

and tendons in both your shoulders are badly damaged. Your back was also deeply gashed,

and although we managed to suture the wounds, I doubt they will ever fully heal. Both legs

sustained breaks when the Skael dropped you from a great height. Other than that, you do

not seem badly injured, except for bumps and bruises to most of your body and a few minor

cuts...

Felixsheartfell.Hisinjurieswereworsethanhedimagined,andreturningtohis

formerdutiesseemedunlikely.Gorosensedhisdistress.


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I will do everything in my power to get you out of this bed Felix Moore, whether you

can ght or not, it is a miracle that you are even alive for this conversation.Hewalkedtothe

emptybedoppositeandstoleoneofthechairsthatsatbesideit,placingittoFelixsrightand

perchingonitshardseat.

I know it is not easy to except, the fact you may never ght again, but at least you

will live to more than just 19! I have seen mere children dying in this hospital from wounds

inicted on that battleeld, and every one has hoped till the end that they will live to ghtagain. If that is all Irae is now, then perhaps we should let the shadows win and retreat to

Earth.Hesighed,glancingaroundtheroom.Seventeen days, you have been on the brink of

death. Now you wake and one of the rst things you ask is: When will I be able to return to

my squadron? Concentrate on getting better, then you can seek council with ADA and ask

them that. I am not learned in the ways of war. He moved to a small glass cabinet xed to the

wallandselectedrosemaryleaves,crushedmintanddrieddandelionheadsfromtheboxes

inside.Hethrewthemallintoapestleandmortarandgroundthemuntiltheywerenobigger

than grains of sand. Relling the chipped mug with water, he took a pinch of the powder and

let it run through his ngers into the mug. Then he whispered something under his breath andthesolutionsmoked,formingintoathickpaste.Gorocalledforanursewithhisthoughts

andassheremovedthestainedgauzebandagesfromFelixswoundshedippedhisleftindex

nger into the mixture.

This may sting a little.Hewarned,leaningoverFelix.

Itcantbemuchworsethanitalreadyis.Felixmurmured.

You underestimate the wide range of pain that a creature can experience. I have seen

men die of sheer pain during this treatment.

Ipridemyselfonbeinglesshumanthanothermen.

Do you also pride yourself at being better at handling pain than the faeries?Felixfellsilent.

I thought not.Goroleantforwardsandpaintedademonruneoneachwound.Felixlay

still, waiting for pain to come, but he remained surprisingly numb. The rest of the pain also

seemedtovanish,adizzinessconsuminghismindastheworldturnedblackforthesecond

time...

Felixseyelidsseemedtobegluedclosed,hismindstillfaintlyspinning.Hewas

vaguelyawareofamanhummingastrangetunetohimself,thoughhecouldnttellfrom

whichdirectionitcamefrom.

Sleep now. In the morning you will feel better, though you may discover some newaches. The doctors voice was calm, and Felix found himself obeying instantly, his mind

slippingintodreamstateashedriftedintoadeepslumber,onesuchashehadneverbefore

experienced.

Chapter 3 Kaidawadedintotheheartoftheriver,thecoolcurrentwashingthedriedbloodfrom

herskirts.Shivering,shedippedherhandsintothewater,cuppingitbetweenherpalms,

andliftingittoherlipstodrink.Ahead,shecouldseethepalelightofthemoonbreakingthroughthecanopiesofthetreeswheretheforestended.Herpacklayonthenorthernbank

beside her bow and quiver, concealed by Kaidas white silk cape, smeared with dirt.

Kaidahadtraversedoverthreehundredmilesinjustbelowaweekwithoutrest,paus-


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ing only to eat and drink. This was her rst proper rest, and she planned to make camp here

forafewdaysbeforecrossingtheborderintoKrien.

Convulsingfromthecold,Kaidadrewherselfoutoftheriverandslungonhercloak,

pullingtheheatrunesembroideredintothehemclosertoherskinforwarmth.Almostsi-

lently, she moved over to the pack and drew from it her buttery swords, tying the sheathes

to the plain strip of leather that encircled her waist. Slinging the bow and quiver across her

back, she sat down on the warm earth of the forest oor, leaning against the trunk of an oldwizenedtree.Sheclosedhereyesandrestedherheadonthedampbark,slowlyshuttingoff

eachofhersenses,concentratingonlisteningtoherimmediatesurroundings:thewindlift-

ing the pale leaves; insects scuttling across the forest oor; a white squirrel, cracking nuts

againstanearbyrock;thecoolwatersoftherapidshurtlingby.Kaidastretchedoutwards

with the tentative ngers of her mind, widening her search to a mile, listening intently for

anything that posed a threat. The forest remained calm, and uninterested in the faerie which

walked among it. Satised, she let a faint half-smile icker across her lips, before jumping to

herfeetandstridingbackintothedensewalloftrees,searchingforsuitablematerialstoset

upacamp.Geradforestsupplieditsoccupantswithavastrangeoffreshlyfallentrees,dryleaves, clay and vines, all easily retrieved. Kaida quickly collected what she needed, stacking

theminaneatpileatthefootoftwostrongtreessetalittlewaybackfromthewatersedge.

The trees had been carefully assessed by the faeries sharp eyesight. Both stood at over

onehundredfeet,failingtosproutbranchesuntilaboutathirdofthewayuptheirtrunks.

Eachwasdrapedwithlong,healthyvines,attachedtosturdybrancheshighupinthepearly

whiteuppercanopyoftheforest.Kaidahadchosenthemasthesupportsforhercamp.Now

shesteppedforward,testingthestrengthofoneofthevines,tugginghardontherope-like

plant.Onthesecondtug,itsnappedcleanintwo,whippingoutoftheairandlashingKaida

on the cheek as it fell. Cursing, she placed a long ngered hand over the shallow smartingwound, her ngers coming away coated in dark crimson blood. She wiped it away with the

back of her hand, then tested a second vine. Finding it of adequate strength she began to

build.

Ittookhermostoftheday,buteventuallytheshelterwascomplete.Asmallhut,slung

between the two trees, made up her camp. The hut was a round structure, built from carefully

cutbranches,boundtogetherbyvinesandcoatedinathicklayerofredclay.Boththebase

androofwerecraftedfromslatsslicedfromfallentreetrunks,strungtogetherandheldupby

morevines.Atinybalcony,toosmalltobeanythingbutalandingplatform,juttedoutfrom

thehutoutsideasmallholecutintothewall,coveredbyathickcurtainofwovenvines.Awoodenparapetprotrudedfromtheroofatasteepangle,preventingthebalconyfrombe-

ing boarded by anything from above with wings. There was no ladder. Kaida could easily y

thethirtyfourfeettotheplatform,anditwouldactasasimpledeterrentforbeingsdevoid

of ight. Pausing for a moment to admire her handiwork, she gathered her belongings and

spread her wings, propelling herself upwards. Within moments her feet came to rest on the

roughsurfaceofthebalconyandshepushedasidethecurtainofvinesandenteredthesmall

enclosedspace.Usingthepackasapillowandpullingthecloaktighterforherblanket,

Kaidafellintotheprecariousstateofdreaming.

*

Caerne rang with the high song of the pple ute as the faeries danced and sang,

dressed in all their nery. Children ran between the trees, towards the lake, towing parents

and siblings with strong ngers. Kaida recognized the tune that rode on the wind, emanating


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from the waters. It was Song of Joy, a festival song that was heard on the brink of each mil-

lennium, and at the weddings of the brethren.

Come, my love. Makoto was at Kaidas side, offering her his arm.

Of course, husband. Kaida bowed her head, then took the proffered arm. They be-

gan to walk with the crowd towards the lake.

How delectable you look. At his comment Kaida glanced down at what she was

wearing. It was a long, traditional faerie dress, white in colour, the upper half like a shirt,with bell sleeves, the bodice billowing out into a long trailing skirt. The waist was cinched

in by a thick brown leather belt, that covered from her hip to below her bust, fastened by

four large silver buckles. Her feet were bare, and a chain of daisies made up the wreath with

which she was crowned.

What is the cause for such celebration? she asked.

Why, it is a wedding of course.

But whose...?

Only you could forget your eldest daughters marital bonds are being exchanged to-

day! Makoto laughed. It is the naming day, where they will choose their true names, cast-ing out the baby name and nd what their inner self desires.

And where is Haruko and the others?

Haruko is baby-sitting.

Now that wont do, I wont have them missing their sisters naming day. Fetch them

at once! Makoto laughed again, his beautiful voice tinkling.

He is baby-sitting them by the lake while I fetch you! Now hurry, or we shall miss all

the fun! The couple ran together, hand in hand to the lake.

Mummy! The twins cried when they saw her.

Utas going to pick her name? Why cant we? Its not fair! We dont want to be Kimiand Emiko forever! Kimi complained, her wild brown locks ying about her face. Emiko

thumped her sister. I like my name, thank you very much. It means Im pretty mummy said

so!

Youll get your turn soon enough Kimi, when you are married.

Quiet girls! This was Haruko, her eldest son. In his arms was cradled Satu, weep-

ing copiously. Mama, he will not shut up! Haruko complained. He was eight. and looked

considerably bored. Papa, do I have to watch? I want to try out my new bow. He handed

Satu to Kaida, his eyes pleading his father to let him run home.

Of course you must stay Haruko, we must all sing and feast for your sister and hernew family to prosper. Makoto and Kaida sat on the reed matting that surrounded the wa-

ter, joining in with the songs and watching the lake, where two boats were being rowed to a

plinth in the center. Kaida recognized Uta in the bridal boat, her green hair (she was the only

child to have inherited Kaidas hair) piled upon her head, woven with red poppies, the blood-

red wedding cape billowing behind her in the breeze. In the other boat sat a tall dark haired

gure, clad all in gold, as was tradition. Kaida remembered him from the halls.

Who is the groom? Is he of the Blades? she asked, trying to remember when shed

seen him before.

Yes, it is your brothers son, Akio. He has grown since you last spoke on his birthing

day, has he not?

Ais son? Oh, yes, I remember him now. Haruko used to tail him everywhere.

Its a shame the two boys had such a large age gap. Akio is thirty-three now, a tting


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match for Utas eighteen years.

The two boats had reached the plinth and bride and groom stepped out, trailing the

ne cloaks across the rocks behind them. The songs stopped, and the couple began the bind-

ing chants.

The wedding was over almost as soon as it had started, unlike the weddings Kaida

remembered, and she wondered whether time passed differently in her dreams. Now the cou-

ple turned to the naming ceremony, Akio was eldest and so went rst, breathing in incense toreach towards his inner self and nd what name it desired.

Kaemon. His voice called, ringing clear as a bell through the stiff night air.

Akio of Blades, you choose the name Kaemon meaning joyful is this your true call-

ing?

As the blood of faeries runs in my veins, my heart tells me so.

Then it is passed. The faerie presiding over the ceremonies penned the name into

the Brethrens book, then handed Kaemon a silver goblet lled with water from the lake.

Kaemon drank, then poured the remainder of the water back into the lake. May my spirit

be encased in the white lake for all eternity. He recited, before stepping down so Uta couldchoose her name. Uta breathed deep the fumes from the incense sticks, a look of pure con-

centration on her face.

Koto. She called.

Uta of Blades, heir to the ladyship, you choose the name Koto meaning harp is this

your true calling?

As the blood of the faeries runs in my veins, my heart tells me no. The onlookers let

out a collective gasp.

No faerie has ever said that before. Murmured Makoto at Kaidas side.

Then what, maiden, is your true calling?Uta paused, and then her voice split the tension. Leiko.

NO! Kaida gasped.

Uta of Blades, heir to the ladyship, you choose the name Leiko meaning arrogant is

this your true calling?

As the blood of the faeries runs in my veins, my heart tells me so.

Then it is passed. The faerie wrote the name in the book, then lled the goblet and

passed it to Leiko. She drank quickly, then poured the water into the lake chanting;

May my spirit be incased in the black lake for all eternity. at her words, screams

and shouts of horror rose up among the crowds. Only faeries with dark intentions cast theirsouls into the keeping of the black lake. Leiko handed the goblet back to the shocked faerie,

then returned to her new husband, who looked at her as though worried she might throttle

him there and then.

Why does my daughter think so strangely of herself? Why is she cursed? Kaida

wept.

This is your doing! Makoto roared. She follows too closely in your footsteps,

dragon!

How dare you blame me? It takes two to raise a child!

Yet it seems it takes only one to corrupt it, leaving Caerne without permission! Mur-

der in cold blood! Kaida froze in shock, no-one knew! why was Makoto so well informed?!

I have never killed in cold blood! something tugged at her sleeve. She turned to

see Emiko looking up at her. Emiko was by far the most beautiful of all her offspring, with


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perfect features framed by obedient auburn ringlets. Her crimson lips opened as she spoke

revealing straight, pearly white teeth;

Dont you remember mummy? she asked, and as Kaida watched, her daughters

beautiful face contorted with pain, blood welled from where an arrow pierced her neck, her

eyes glazed over and her mouth opened in a terrible, silent scream.

Stop! STOP IT! Kaida shrieked, as Satu began to cry in her arms. She looked

down at the infant, and screamed uncontrollably, he was in the same state as Emiko. Kaidaglanced around desperately, but everyone was clutching at their throats where blood owed

endlessly from the arrows at their throats, running into the white waters of the lake and

staining its surface with deep blue faerie-blood.

HELP! Kaida screamed NO! SOMEBODY HEL- her voice was cut off abruptly

by something constricting her windpipe. She raised a hand to feel at her throat, and her n-

gers clasped an arrow-shaft...

*

Kaidawoke,sweatpouringfromherskin.Sheclawedfranticallyatherthroat,and

was relieved to nd the arrow had been a gment of her imagination. Her head had slippedoffherpackandherneckachedfromthepositionshehadsleptin.Sheshivereduncontrolla-

bly,thoughnotfromthecold.Itwasgettinglight,andthemorningwasunexpectedlywarm.

Pullingherselftoherfeet,shestaggeredontothebalconyandwasviolentlysickontothe

mossandlichenbelow.Pullingherselftogether,shewipedhermouthandturnedtofetchher

bow.

Morning! Kaidajumped,almostfallingfromtheplatform.

Darrak...shegrowled.

Strange, I dont normally catch you off guard. Is your carelessness to do with the large

amount of vomit that I nearly had an impromptu shower in? No,Itwasadream,thatisall.

What kind of dream makes you bring back your supper so violently? -Wait, let me an-

swer that one... It was a premonition wasnt it?

No,justadreamthatsall.Itwas...strange.Itcaughtmeoff-guard.

If you say so. Good to see you by the way. Makoto requests you hurry home.

Why?

Apparently the council is unhappy with you, it seems they noticed you had left Caerne

against their will... again. I might add, what exactly were you leaving Caerne for this time?

I wanted news on which side is winning the war. When the Council was unable toprovidemewithit,Isoughtitformyself.

In other words, you didnt want to attend the latest ball, and you thought being nosy

would be a good excuse for missing it.

YouknowmetoowellDarrak.Now,youmusttellmeofmyfamily.Comeinside,it

is comer, and it makes it harder for nosy people to eavesdrop. She grinned at the bird, then

heldasidethecurtainsohecouldenterthehut,beforefollowinghimthrough.

The days passed quicker with Darrak for company, and the pair soon destroyed the

shelter and slipped across the Inglend-Krien border into lands owned by the demons. They

trekkedthroughtheGreymountains,Kaidasavingherwingsforopenground,whenthey

would need to move as fast as possible. After over a month of on and off ying, they reached

thecoast.AheadlayagroupofIslandsthatlinkedKrienandCaerne,theSteppingStones.

Behind,theGalleDesertwasawideoppressiveexpanseofheatandloose,sandyrock.


13/18

Faerieandbirdrestedonthecliffs,roostinginsmallcavesjustabovesealevel.Itwasonone

ofthesenightswhentheywerestayinginthecavesthatKaidaspottedthemerchantships.

Shewasreturningfromahunt,ayoungantelopeslungoverhershoulder,herbowinhand.

The dhows ew no colors to show their allegiance, but were moving at a leisurely pace, the

lightseabreezecatchinginthesinglecrimsonsailofeachboatandpropellingtheircargo

overthesmoothsurfaceoftheocean.

Kaida spread her wings and ew swiftly to the cave they had chosen that night, depos-iting her catch on the rough stone oor.

Darrak?Shewhispered.

Yes?Cametheanswer,rightbyherear.

Two dhows head this way. Find out what they carry, where they go, and whether they

arefriendorfoe.

Ill be right back. The bird spread his wings and swept out of the cave. He returned

minuteslater.Kaidahadskinnedtheantelopescarcassandhadbeguntocookitoverfaerie

fyre.

They are merchant ships. They carry fabrics, spices and liquor. They y no ag be-cause they owe allegiance to everyone and no-one. The crew are Jandu, and they travel to

a rich village in the white lands, where they can still sell silk and velvet. ADA only cares for

leather now, the Katana Isles have been emptied, Caerne is closed to merchants and Jebezzia

is too poor to do business with these traders.

Merchants? Kaida turned the meat, exposing the uncooked half of the esh to the

ames. Perhaps we should trade with them.

What do we have to trade with?

I have two extra blades that could be sold to ADA. Kaida said, Aikos buttery

bladesremainedinherpack.ShehadnotthoughtofthemsinceshetookthemfromtheclearinginGeradForest.

They are trading weapons for excessive amounts of gold...

Good.Dothedhowsplantosailalargedistancetonight?

The sails are loose, and they cruise through the water. The crew has hardly slept since

they sailed from Eiek a moon ago. My guess is theyll anchor at Gree, the port is three miles

from here, as I y, along the coast of Krien. They may be there for a few days, their supplies

are depleted so they will hunt to ll the stores.

That suits us ne. Go feed, Darrak. We shall feast well tonight, and rest our weary

limbs. Then, tomorrow we shall meet with the traders and procure some gifts for the chil-dren.IdobelieveIvemissedthetwinsfourthbirthingday.

Im sure the brats wont mind... much. Make sure you get them presents of the same

size this year. My head still hurts from the complaints last time. Kimi and Emiko dont half

have mouths on them.

DontspeakofmychildrenlikethatDarrak,unlessyouwantaheadacheandsinged

feathers!

I swear thats where the brats get it... ARG!Darrakspedoutofthecave,divinginto

the sea to extinguish the ames that had sprung up on his tail feathers. He returned to Kaidas

side,mutteringinsultsunderhisbreath.

Ididwarnyou.Kaidaremindedhimsolemnly.

Yes, but I didnt believe you. Ive been your loyal companion ever since your hun-

dredth birthing day when you grew your wings and we were bonded together with ancient


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faerie magyk.

Kaidadreamedagainthatnight.Shewokescreaming,andclampedahandoverher

mouthasitechoedaroundher.Ittookheramomenttorememberwhereshewas,andwhen

shedid,thetradersdhowssprangtomind.Lightstreamedinthroughthemouthofthecave,

andfromthepositionofthesunsheguesseditwasnearingnoon.

Darrak?Shewhispered.

Go away, Im trying to sleep. Which is particularly hard when your back end is peel-ing.

Iamsorry.

No youre not. Youre a faerie. You dont understand the concept of sorry.

Fine. Well, Im going to trade with the merchants. She extracted the buttery blades

fromherpackandslunghercloakoverhershoulders.

Im awake now, I might as well come. Darrak ew up and perched on her shoulder,

nippingheraffectionatelyontheear.

Good.FlyaheadandtellthemImeanthemnoharm,andIwishtoseetheirgoods.

Tell them I have valuable items I can trade. See you there! Darrak took ight, swooping out of the cave and into the azure sky.

Kaidapausedforamomenttogivehimtimetowarnthemerchantsofhercoming,thenshe

tooletherwingscarryherweightandleftthecave.

Chapter 4Felix sat in bed, propped up by pillows. The warrior who had helped carry him to the

campsatinthechairbesidehisbed.Duringhisrecovery,Felixhadlearntthattheyoung

mans name was Dexter, and he had acquired his wound from the blades of a Faide. UnlikeFelix, Dexter was happy to be away from the ghting, he was sixteen, and had been con-

scripted only recently from the Katana Isles. Most of his family had escaped on a pirate ship

headedforJebezzia,andDexterplannedtoslipawayandjointhemthere.Nowtheytalked

quietly to each other, careful not to wake sleeping patients.

Doyouthinkitwouldbepossibletoescapefromthiscamp?Dexterasked.

UnlessyouhaveagrantfromADA,oryouremarchingoutaspartofabattalion,the

guardswillcutyoudownifyoutryandleave.Felixanswered.HedidntunderstandDex-

ters plight. He wanted to help ADA and its people, he wanted glory on the battleeld.

Then Ill have to sign up. Dexter murmured, lost in thought. Shouts rose up outsidethe tent. The noise broke Dexter out of his reverie and he rose to his feet and strode to the

tent ap to see what was causing the commotion.

Oneofthecaptainshasreturned.HecalledtoFelix.

Oneminute!Felixcalledback,dragginghimselfoutofbedandpullingonhisboots.

Helimpedtotheentranceandpeeredout.Agroupofsoldiersonhorsebackhadarrived,

leadingalonglineoftiredpeople,dressedinciviliansclothesmadeofwoolandroughcot-

ton.Attheheadofthecolumnrodeatallmousy-hairedman.Hewasinhisearlytwenties,

withroughfeaturesscarredfromwar.Herodeinfullarmor,hishelmgrippedunderhisarm.

Hissteedwasabaystallionwhichtosseditsheadatthedistressingnoisesemanatingfromthetents.

CaptainAvisHuntoftheseventhbattalion.Felixwhispered.

Who is he? Dexter asked.


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Hesmybrother.Felixsmiled,beforeduckingbackintothetenttoretrievehiscloak

andsword.

When he emerged, the new arrivals were crowded in one of the mess tents, being

servedbreadandcheese.Hesearchedforhisbrothersface,buthecouldseeitnowhere.

Then Felix spotted one of his brothers Lieutenants pacing between the tables. He hurried

forwardandcaughthissleeve.

Alban, where is my brother? Where is the captain?He is reporting to the eld marshal. Youll nd him at the Marshals tents.

Isheinjured?

No,weonlyhadacoupleofinjuriesandyourbrotherwasntoneofthem.Ifyou

hurryyoumightcatchhimbeforeheretirestohistent.

Thankyou. Felix grabbed Dexters arm and hurried away, towing his friend behind

him.

The Marshals tents were in a quiet corner, a few feet from the eastern billets. Felix

foundhisbrothershorse,Ajax,tetheredtoapostoutsidethesmallestofthetents,andhe

stopped to stroke his nose and murmur comforting words to him before he burst into the eldmarshalstent.

Ah, Private Hunt. What brings you here? Faxon, the eld marshal asked kindly. He

wasseatedbehindaebonywritingdesk,anditwasapparenthehadbeenpenningAvissre-

portasthecaptainspoke.FelixsbrotherstoodafewmetersawayfromFaxon,abroadsmile

onhisface.

Goodmorninglittlebrother.Hechuckled,openinghisarms.Felixthrewhimself

intohisbrothersembrace.

Where have you been? He inquired.

Jebezzia. Weve had to conscript more men, were losing too many on the battle-eld. Felix glanced back at the tent ap where Dexter was waiting with Ajax. He wondered

whetheranyofhisfamilyhadbeenpickedup.

We can nish your report later Captain Hunt. Faxon smiled, Go and enjoy your

timetogether.

Thankyou sir. Felix and Avis left the tent together. Dexter had vanished, and Felix

wonderedifhehadoverheardtheconversationfromoutsidethetent.

Ride with me brother? Avis asked.

Ilithyaisinthenorthernstables.Felixhadbeendeployedasafootsoldier,andhad

not taken the mare with him to the battleeld. Ajaxcancarryusbothtothestables.YoucansaddleIlithyawhileIgetagrantfrom

ADA.Ifweclaimtobehuntingforsupplies,theyllgiveittous.

YoucanspeakwithADA?Felixasked,awestruck.

No, silly. I can speak to their secretary. He deals with grants. Only the eld marshals

can speak with ADA. Which reminds me, I asked Faxon about the three children that we owe

allegianceto,likeyouwanted.

Theyre children?

Younger than you. They are Korbin, Laraine and Marinel. Triplets, each with seven

years. They are the only surviving bloodline of Ave Clementine, and that is what gives them

therighttorule.

But,wecanttrusttheirjudgement,theyrechildren!Felixspluttered,ashepulled

himselfintoAjaxssaddlebehindAlexander.


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I agree, however, men are needed to ght. We have even started sending out women

and daughters. Everyone over ten is training or ghting, or patrolling our borders. Look at

thevillagersIconscriptedthispastmonth.Halfhaventseenenoughsummerstobecalled

anything more than a child, but ADA expects them to ght.

Fight,yes,butaretheyexpectedtomakedecisionswherethewrongonescouldcost

lives?

Laraine keeps her brothers in check. They want to send out every warrior to Krien todrivethedemonsout,butshereasonsagainstit.Allthreehavebeentaughtthewaysofwar

since they were naught but babes, but they make wrong decisions everyday. They still kill

faeriescaughtovertheborder,evenwhentherearepeacetreatiesbetweenthemandus,and

wearetryingtorecruitthem!

But faeries are treacherous, magyk folk. They cant be trusted, they would slay us in

ourbedsassoonashelpus!

Thats what you were told. But have you thought about it? Ive had time to think on

this long journey. Ive met General Aurelia, and her father was a faerie. They are no different

to us. They do not trust us because wedonottrustthem,theykillusbecausewekillthem.Allthislandwasoncetheirsbutwe took it. They had rituals to keep the demons at bay but

weletthemcome.ADAhastwistedourmindsagainstthem.Look,hereweare.Avisreined

Ajaxin,andthehorsecametoahaltattheentrancetothenorthernstables.Felixdismount-

ed,thenturnedandlookedupathisbrother.

Hurryback.

Iwill.Isthereanarmorynearhere?

Yes.

Fetch a pair of hunting bows and quivers, we might as well hunt while were out, if

thatswhatImtellingADA.HespunAjaxround,andcaptainandhorsedisappearedintothesmokethathungoverthecamplikeacloak.

Ilithya nickered in greeting when Felix entered the stables. The beautiful grey mare

stoodpatientlywhileheapproached,loweringherheadtolookhimintheeye.

Ilithya.Felixmurmured,raisingahandtostrokeherneck.Astableboyappearedat

hisside.Hewasyoung,noolderthannine,butFelixhadseenyoungerworkingthesesta-

bles, he himself had done it when he was too young to ght.

I need this horse saddled and ready to leave, quickly, Captain Avis Hunt is riding with

me, and he is not a patient man. The boy nodded, he had seen them arrive and rumors cir-

culatedthecampthatthecaptainswereshorttemperedandcruel.Hehurriedaway,glancingbackoverhisshoulderatFelix,whowatchedhimgo.

When Avis and Ajax returned, Felix was waiting with Ilithya. Slung across his back

was a quiver of thirteen arrows, a bow strung and clutched in his left hand, which also held

Ilithyas reins. His right held an identical bow and quiver, which he passed up to Avis before

swinginghimselfintoIlithyassaddle.

Lets go quickly, Ive been trapped in a tent for the past month, and I cant stand an-

othermomentinthisplace.FelixdughisheelsintoIlithyassides,pushingherintoacanter.

Ajaxstayedalongside,andthetwobrothersrodeawayfromthestables,towardsthegate.

Felixthrilledatthespeed,androdeinsilence,enjoyingthefeelofthehorserunningbeneath

him. They reached the hospital tents, and Felix was reminded of the Jandu that had nursed

himbacktohealth.

Wait! He shouted over the rush of air lling his ears. He drew in his reins, shifting


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hisbodyweightbackwards,andIlithyaslowedtoawalk.Heguidedhertoalineofposts

outsidetenttwelveanddismounted,tetheringhernexttoalargeblackstallion.Avisdrew

Ajaxupalongside.

What are we stopping for?

Wait here a minute. Felix pulled aside the tent ap and stepped into the gloomy inte-

rior of the tent he had been conned to during his recovery.

DoctorSato?!Hecalled,takingafewtentativestepsforward.Itfeltwrongtobere-turningherewhenhewashealed,andhehadtostophimselfturningandrunningfortheexit.

Goro?!Doctor?!

Hesnothere.Felixturnedtowardsthespeaker,whosatinachairwithhisbackto

the tent ap.

Dexter?Heasked.

I looked. They didnt catch them.

Catchwho?Oh,yourfamily.FelixwatchedasDexterstood,castingatallshadow

against the wall of the tent. Then and idea formed in his head.

Dexter, we can get you out, get you back to them. Today, now. How?Dexterasked,spinningtofacehim,excitementandhopelightinguphiseyes,

makingthemsparkle.

My brother has a grant to leave the camp hunting. Were leaving now. Come with us,

thenyoucanmakeabreakforit.Icankeepmybrotherfromfollowingyou.Youcanrideto

Jebezzia, nd your family. Dexter was silent. What do you think?

Idontknow.Itsrisky...ifIgotcaught...andyoudgetintroubleforlettingme

go...

Comeon,thisisyourdream,itsallyoueverthinkabout.Comewithus,livealit-

tle. Dexter paused for a moment, indecision plain in his expression. Then he picked up hissword, slung his cloak over his shoulders and strode towards the tent ap.

Letsdoit.

They passed out of the camp with no questions asked, Dexter riding his horse, Egan,

the black stallion which had been tethered at the entrance to the tent. The guards merely

glancedatthegrant,thethreediamondssignifyingcaptaincyonAvisshouldersspokefor

themselves,andtheprivatesonguarddutyknewnottobothertheirsuperiorsiftheywanted

to be promoted. They kept their mouths shut and waved them through the gate. The three

horsesgallopedacrosstheopenground,tailsstreamingbehindthem,bearingtheirriders

awayfromthebarracks.


18/18

This is as far as it goes, youll have to buy the book to read the rest

(whenitgetspublished-whichmightneverhappen!)

Thanks for reading, please comment - I want to know!

Holly Marsh, author.

Documents

Demons of Irae