Chapter 521: Conversation With Grandfather
Belkni's watchful eyes met mine as I entered the lounge where Tara sat next to Avenesequoia and approached him.
"I need to talk to my grandfather." Not Leader. No nonsense. My intention to make an impression either did the job or not, but Belkni nodded regardless.
"I'll see to it," he said. "About the girl, I presume?"
I wasn't sure if he was referring to Ameline or Tara, but I nodded anyway.
"I have more information he needs," I said. "Some of it might change his mind about his present course of action."
Belkni didn't respond, instead spinning and leaving the room in his long, fluid stride, flowing black hair a rippling rope dangling to his ankles. My demon rumbled happily as she watched him go, while I sighed and rolled my eyes.
What was it with my magical parts? The moment I found myself in danger, they went all one-track mind on me.
I beg your pardon, my vampire sent while Shaylee huffed and my demon chuckled.
Honestly.
I was just sitting down next to Avenesequoia when Belkni returned, but not alone. Henemordonin strode before him, my grandfather's charisma preceding him.
"That didn't take long," I said, irritation rising. He'd been following me, had he?
"We simply chose the same safe house in a time of need," my grandfather said. "I'm pleased to see you again so soon."
"You might not be when you hear what I have to say." I filled him in quickly on the situation, everything Sassafras uncovered and, from the growing concern on Henemordonin's face, I'd finally gotten through to him.
His amber eyes settled on Tara as he spoke in a hushed voice to match my own quiet but urgent tone. "There are things in motion I am unable to stop at this point, Sydlynhamitra." He shook his head, meeting my gaze, looking more like Dad with worry creasing his face. "The rebellion can't be stopped."
"To hell with the rebellion," I said. "I need help with this now." I did, too. Chasing Ameline around on my own was getting me nowhere-or captured, chased, kidnapped at least. And always one step behind her. Having my grandfather's support and firepower behind me could make moving around a little easier.
Then again, now that he'd set off the rebellion, getting around at all could become a problem.
"You can't pull back a little?" I chewed my lower lip as I thought of how Dad would react to an open rebellion. He'd have no choice but to dispense Guards to Nunaresh, independent or not. And that would mean the city would be on lockdown. Something I couldn't have.
Henemordonin looked skeptical, but he sighed and shrugged, slumping just a fraction. How much weight was he carrying on his broad shoulders? For the briefest moment, he looked old, at least for a demon, before he chuckled and nodded.
"For my brave and uncompromising granddaughter," he said, "I'll do what I can."
"You do realize," Avenesequoia spoke up, telling me we hadn't been as circumspect as we'd intended, "this civil war will do its own part to unbalance the Node?" Though delicate in appearance, there was nothing soft in her voice. "The expenditure of power, fighting the old way, draining and turning on demon battle frenzy again... this was our problem in the first place, Leader."
He scowled at her. "I thought you were on the side of right."
"I am." Such fierceness from such a tiny demon. I wouldn't have wanted to face her in a dark alley. "I believe all demons must be equal. But if arriving there means devolving into barbarism to achieve equality, I'm afraid I've sorely misjudged your intentions, Henemordonin."
I caught a quiver of movement out of the corner of my eye, watched as Belkni eased silently forward, face grim but body relaxed. My jaw clenched as I threw up a wall of magic to block him. He turned to meet my eyes, a warning in them, but I ignored it.
"Touch her for expressing her opinion," I said, "and I'll toss you over the balcony and see how many levels you drop before you finally hit something."
Henemordonin waved Belkni off, the bodyguard standing down immediately. "I never wanted this," he grumbled as he began to pace the room. "If Ahbi had only listened to reason. Yet I believe she was listening, near her end." I caught Ram's little smile and short shake of his head. Yeah, I didn't believe that particular lie either. My grandfather spun back on me, hands clasped behind his back, looking every inch a statesman. "I'll do what I can to still the tide of the movement," he said, "but you must know, such an effort could well fail. Now the demons who have long sought freedom have been told to act, it won't be easy to rein them in."
"If anyone can, it's you, Leader." Sequoia met my eyes. "But we must leave Nunaresh immediately."
"There will be Guards coming." I turned to Belkni. "We need a transport. Something fast."
His eyes flickered to my grandfather before he nodded and left the room. That was irritating. Instead of taking it out on Henemordonin, I instead called on Sassafras.
He touched my mind immediately, much closer this time. Syd.
I need to reach Dad, I sent. Right now.
Sass didn't argue, simply let me inside his mind. Using his power as a boost and a shield for my own, I reached out for Dad.
It took a moment, but when he responded, his voice came through loud and clear, all the power of Demonicon boosting his range against the block on the veil.
Sassafras? What is it?
Dad. I let him feel me then, absorbed his shock.
Syd. His mind hugged me even as I felt him moving, had the vision of a crowded room full of screaming demons cut off abruptly as he closed a door. Are you all right? We've been looking everywhere for you.
Didn't you talk to Sass? More frustration.
I did, he sent. You think Ameline is trying to steal Node power?
I'm positive. I filled him in quickly before showing him who I was with. Dad gasped softly in my head. I need you to talk to your father, I sent. He's set this damned rebellion in motion, but I know if you offer him something he'll back off, Dad.
Hesitation told me what I needed to know. Syd, his mental voice groaned, I can't. Not yet. I'm barely holding on as it is. His concern for me cracked, opening his mind to me, showing me how much pressure he was under-his power being pushed and pulled in a million directions as the demons he called family fought for position and his magic. It's all I can do to keep the peace here. But if Father has started the rebellion... Dad groaned. Syd, this is a disaster.
You think? I scowled at my grandfather who watched with calm. He had to know I was talking to Dad. Just do what you can to keep things together. I'll deal with Ameline.
I know you will. He hugged me again. I wish things were different. I would give anything to have your grandmother back, no matter how I hated her at times, Syd.
Tell me about it. I squeezed him as hard as I could. Listen, just on the off-chance it's your doing, can you pull your block on the veil?
I'm afraid it's not me, he sent, grim and dark. I've been investigating myself. But I'm under so much attention, it's been difficult to find the source.
I remembered the stone in Ameline's hand, the one from my dream. Could it be Ameline? I sent him an image of the black teardrop. I think she has some kind of crystal she's using.
Sorcery doesn't work on Demonicon, Dad sent in a mutter as he focused on what I was showing him. It has to be something else... Silence. And then he cursed so long and so loud I wished I could plug my mental ears without risking losing the connection. I have something to look into, he finally snarled. I'll be in touch.
Dad, I sent. What?
Stay safe, he sent. And cut me off.
Hello? Information was helpful. Swearing and dumping me was not.
I let him go, hugging Sass in thanks. Did you get that?
I did. He sounded bemused and more than a little pissed off. I wish I could tell you what that was about.
No worries, I sent, still staring at Henemordonin. It's time we pull this thing together. Don't come to Nunaresh.
But... where then?
I showed him the image of the cave under the waterfall. Know it?
Do I, he sent. I made it. Smartass cat. See you there-how soon?
As soon as possible. I smiled sweetly at my grandfather who narrowed his eyes. I'll be bringing a special guest.
Sass let that go when he released me as I crossed the room and continued to smile up at Henemordonin.
"You want to help?" I jerked my thumb over my shoulder toward the exit as Belkni returned. "Come for a ride."
***
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