Chapter 512: Ambush
I kicked my own sorry ass for the next several minutes while resolutely not meeting Ram's eyes. What was I thinking? This was serious business. Stupid romance and girly passion had no place in my mind. Or shouldn't have. I had a world to save, didn't I?
So why did I catch myself thinking about what Ram would look like with considerably less clothing on?
Syd. Girlfriend. Priorities.
At least our escort was over it, or at least had the good sense to stop with the smirking and sideways glances. They had to be all males, didn't they? I was surrounded by juveniles.
Time to get with the program. I steadfastly tuned out anything romantic and looked around to get my bearings. What I saw wasn't all that thrilling and almost disappointed me enough my demon's desire to think about Ram again nearly won.
While Milanseme was beautiful for its spiky spires and Bilhaeder stunning with its shining domes, Ilogabon bordered on ugly. All angles and odd shapes that made no sense, carved from the same red stone making up the landscape, it squatted like a bizarre growth punctuated by holes for doors and windows, reminiscent of rotten holes and cankerous disease.
I didn't have time to develop a hate-on for the place. We were only outside a moment before I was ushered through a dark red door, a few shades deeper than the building, and into cool dimness.
"Not far," our guide said as the soldiers formed up again, magic gathering as they prepared. "Just in case," he finished before we headed out.
Good advice. I called up my own power, just my demon's for now, feeling Ahbi's spirit answer, eager to move on. So Ameline had preceded us. More the better.
A short walk through dark halls, a quick street crossing and, finally, another descent underground and we entered a wide space, this one already occupied.
The waiting group of rebels were easily the largest demons I'd ever seen and I wondered if Ilogabon grew them bigger. Was this where the Guards were culled from, perhaps? But when Ram's shoulders twitched, I understood immediately, even before our escort formed up in panic.
"Ambush!" Fenukamadi attacked our opposition first, taking out a pair of Guards disguised as their own people before falling himself to a joint attack from the front line. More Guards rushed in, these in uniform, flooding the room while our group fell back. I whipped out my shielding, protecting all of us, feeling Ahbi's power protest.
Help, I sent. Or screw off. Pick one.
Her magic sighed and flooded forward, my air and earth magic connecting at the floor to seal us off.
"Back," I said through clenched teeth. "We have to retreat."
But there was no retreat, not with more Guards stomping toward us from the door we'd just exited.
"Now what?" I risked a glance at Ram whose eyes glowed and crackled with demon fire.
"Now, we fight." He flashed me a grin before howling his rage and attacking the Guards in front of us.
Fight I could manage. While the soldiers still standing backed me up, I let my power loose, not holding back any longer but unwilling to harm Dad's Guards just in case. I was already in enough trouble, thank you. So defensive magic it was.
Shaylee ripped her way through the stone floor, shattering rock with explosive power, sending Guards sprawling back. Yeah, not so defensive, I guess. But it was the only way I could make us room while my vampire chilled the air, forming a dense cloud of fog as my water magic sucked in all the moisture it could reach, air magic thickening and increasing the density until I could barely see Ram. I reached for his hand as flashes of amber fire flew blind through the magic mist, blocking the ability of the Guards to find us both with power and their eyes.
Come on. I jerked on Ram's hand, following the pull of Ahbi's geas, knowing she would lead me to an exit and escape if only so I could reach Ameline. My boot thudded against a doorsill just before my nose impacted the metal, saving me from injury. Though, from the shouting behind us, someone heard the sound, as much as it was muffled by the curling moisture in the air, and headed our way.
The door gave before me, not even bothering to search for a knob, blowing back under the pressure of my air magic. Ram and I staggered out into a long hallway, running immediately, still hand in hand. I looked back over my shoulder, spotting the shrunken band of rebels who'd escorted us chasing close behind, a group of Guards not long after them.
The hall ended in upward stairs, the sky calling us as we emerged into a busy morning street. Demons stepped aside in fear as we burst into the daylight and kept running.
"This way!" Ram tried to tug me off course, but I had my head and Ahbi's magic wasn't to be denied.
"Come with me or stay," I snarled, pulling my hand free. "Pick one. But don't ever get in my way again."
Ram stared me down before nodding and running with me across the street.
I turned to the sound of shouting and a now-familiar siren's shill screech to see the rebels emerge and spin, attacking the Guards who fell back down the stairs, only to gain ground again. The battle quickly spilled out into the street, demons diving for cover or joining the fray, cries of, "Freedom!" echoing toward us as we raced three more blocks before Ahbi's pull jerked me off the main street and onto a crossway.
Panting, fairly certain we'd dodged another bullet, I forced myself to slow to a normal walk, gulping air. Five streets later, a small, open-air cafe offered a place to blend in as I slumped into a seat, Ram joining me.
"Have any money?" I raised one eyebrow. "I seem to be out and this looks like a good place to catch our breath."
He ordered us two drinks, as casual as if we'd not just been chased by Guards and narrowly escaped a battle I could still hear raging in the distance.
"How did they know we were coming?" Ram's face looked relaxed, pleasant even, but his words held venom.
"I have no idea," I answered, sipping the hot drink the young demon delivered after Ram handed her some small cubes of varying colors. "But I'm going to see if I can do something about it."
His brows drew together a moment, but I ignored him, the delightful taste of the best chocolate/mint/coffee/toffee I'd ever tasted on my tongue as I reached for the veil with all my strength and tried to touch Dad.
Nope. No luck. Whoever or whatever blocked me refused to budge. I tried Sassafras next, but even he wasn't accessible. While I ran through the list of people I could possibly try, a very weak voice spoke in my head.
Sydlynn? Is that you?
Theridialis. Awesome. I actually breathed a sigh of relief. Where are you?
Ilogabon, he sent. Your father asked me to come, as part of the diplomatic team. He sounded happy, delighted, even though his touch was barely there. I'm so glad to hear you're all right. Your father is desperately worried about you. We all are.
Did Sass talk to him? I had no idea if the connection would last, as it wavered and fluttered and wondered why Dad-it had to be Dad-was barricading the veil and how I could manage to break his hold.
He did, Theridialis sent. We know you're innocent. But Sydlynn, you need to go back to the Seat. Are you still in Ostrogotho's borders?
I wasn't sure why, but I immediately hesitated to tell him we were in the same city. Not because I didn't trust him. More out of wanting to limit interference. Maybe it was my grandmother's influence, but I smoothly bypassed his question with the best excuse I had. If Ahbi's damned geas would let me, I sent, I'd consider it.
Theridialis's mental nod was just discernible. Leave it to Ruler to call on our oldest power, he sent. Have you yet been successful in your quest?
Not really. I filled him in as fast as I could.
Oh my dear, he sent. The rebels. Can you trust this young demon?
Funny, your son asked me the same thing. I locked eyes with Ram as I answered, his steady gaze meeting mine before sweeping the street behind me. I think so. He's had my back so far. Aside from the kidnapping.
A minor infraction, Theridialis sent with his usual joviality.
Listen, I sent, I need you to tell Dad to call off the Guards. I filled him in on my worries about Ameline. Theridialis's mood shifted abruptly when I mentioned the Node.
The planes preserve us, he sent. Sydlynn, this is terrible. That evil girl cannot reach the Node. The results could be catastrophic.
No. Really? Sigh. The more Dad puts pressure on me with these Guards everywhere, the harder it is for me to track Ameline.
I understand, Theridialis sent. I'll speak to your father as soon as I can.
Are you having trouble reaching him? So it wasn't just me. But why would Dad cut off his own people?
Oddly, yes, Theridialis sent. Usually mental communication is frowned on in Ostrogotho, but I have Ruler's permission to contact him. But I've encountered some strange resistance. As though the veil itself is rejecting me.
Not just me. And maybe not Dad's fault after all. So how do I find this Node? I'm tired of chasing Ameline. If I can get there first, maybe I can cut her off.
Theridialis paused. It's impossible, he sent. You had me worried a moment, Sydlynn. But in order for this girl to reach her goal, she must first be a Node monitor.
I've heard that already. But if you knew Ameline the way I do, you'd know impossible just makes her want it more.
Again with a pause. I'm telling you, he sent, she won't be able to find it. A long sigh. I was once a Node monitor. And I assure you, what she's considering would take a miracle.
You were what? Ram's brows turned down in concern as my eyes flew wide, but I waved him off.
I wanted to dedicate myself to the Node, Theridialis said, some embarrassment in his tone, but there are so many wonderful things on Demonicon requiring study. How could I choose?
This is perfect. I caught myself rubbing my hands together while Ram gave me a funny look. You can show me where the Node is.
Silence. Long silence. I can't, Theridialis finally sent. I won't.
What the...? Seriously? The fate of your world might hang in the balance here, Theridialis. In case you missed the point of this whole conversation.
I promise you, he sent back, a hug just reaching my mind, I will personally contact the lead monitor and warn him about Ameline. And I will talk to your father the moment I can. He's in the middle of his own fight, I fear.
With who? Anxiety for Dad on top of everything else? Oh yeah. That was how I rolled.
The family, naturally. Theridialis sighed and sent me a soft touch, like a pat on the shoulder. He's struggling to claim the throne, Sydlynn. Every Ruler does, but Haralthazar has an extra burden.
Me. The mess. He didn't have to say it for me to know it was true.
A thought occurred to me even as my temper flared. This was Ameline's goal all along, I sent so sharply Theridialis pulled back. She didn't kill Grandmother to hurt me, she did it to raise unrest. She needed a distraction to stir everyone up so she could act without someone figuring out what she was up to.
Then I am very grateful you are on the task, Theridialis sent. Be strong, my dear. The rebellion is only a short time away from affecting the entirety of Demonicon. Take care and I'll be in touch when I can.
I broke contact, tossing down the last of the drink, but barely tasting it.
"Not good news, I take it," Ram said.
"Not good news." I thumped my mug down before climbing to my feet and offering him my hand. "If you'll trust me for once, it's time to go hunting."
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