Chapter 522: Meeting Of Minds
I was sure he'd say no. After all, his little rebellion seemed to be the only thing my grandfather really wanted to worry about. But when he nodded quickly to his bodyguard before meeting my gaze again, Henemordonin surprised me.
"I'm willing to talk to my son," he said. "But the first order of business is the safety of Demonicon."
Wow, that was a quick one-eighty. "Nice to hear you're being sensible," I said. "Which I find incredibly untrustworthy."
My grandfather laughed, a deep, echoing belly laugh that brought tears to his eyes.
"Oh, the Ruler you will make someday," he said.
"Only there will be no Ruler if you have your way," I shot back. "Enough of the fuzzy wuzzy compliments. Time to go."
I didn't bother to wait for his reaction, instead spinning to Ram. "We're heading for your hiding spot," I said. Ram nodded quickly, though his glance over my shoulder at Henemordonin told me my grandfather wasn't so happy being ordered around.
General Sydlynn Didn't Give A Crap.
Move it, soldier.
While Avenesequoia still wrangled Tara with care and grace, we all left the safe house, climbing an outer set of stairs to a large platform on the roof. I gulped back my fear of heights as I slid along the edge of the waiting transport, keeping my eyes from the empty edge of the launch pad though I was certain shields protected us from falling.
Sure they did. I'd heard that before.
A small group of rebels waited next to the hull, but I waved them off before turning on my grandfather. "Not invited," I said.
"And I refuse to go anywhere without an escort." He pointed up, drawing my eye and only then did I notice the three ships floating above us. "For all I know, this is some kind of trap, Sydlynhamitra. While I trust you," sure he did, about as far as he could throw me, which, I supposed, was pretty far considering his size, "your father and the rest of the royal family is another matter entirely."
"Whatever," I said. "If you want to draw attention to us, go for it. But if the Guard ships heading this way notice four transports traveling together they're going to wonder who warrants so much attention."
I hopped the edge of the hull and settled into a chair forming as I began to sit. Loved that about demon magic tech. The curve of the seat fit me perfectly. I'm sure no one missed the fact I was in the front of the transport, next to Ram at the controls. I could almost feel Belkni breathing down the back of my neck. Let him. I was running this particular show.
The shields snapped into place as Ram expertly guided the vessel into the air. He glanced sideways at me, mind reaching for mine.
You're sure this is a good idea?
You have a better one? I shook my head. I'm tired of following Ameline around. If Sassy's dad can tell me where the Node is before she can track it down, it will be worth the side trip. And maybe this little diplomatic meeting can head off the worst of the rebellion.
I had a brief flash of worry the geas wouldn't allow me to backtrack after being so close to Ameline, but either the hold of it was weakening or my grandmother's spirit understood I was trying to fulfill the promise she'd forced me into.
Either way, as the transport leveled and shot ahead, three rebel vessels in close formation, the pull remained present, but pain free. Perfect.
Do you believe Henemordonin? Ram sent. You really think he's given in to talks so easily?
Of course not. Now that I knew Ahbi's power wasn't going to tear me apart, I tried to relax for the long trip back to the waterfall outside Ostrogotho territory, knowing I was asking Ram to fly us into the heart of trouble. But he's here, isn't he?
Can you shield four transports? Ram looked up at one of them as it hovered over us, a large vessel rivaling the Guard one we'd stolen.
Not a chance, I sent.
Then we'll have to be careful, he sent.
Careful. Okay then.
The moment we left Nunaresh, the afternoon suns rising over us, Ram dipped the transport to the ground and skimmed over it, staying close to the earth. I had to close my eyes we flew so fast, getting a headache from the speed of our pace. A quick look over my shoulder told me the other three vessels had followed suit, so at least we wouldn't stand out too badly. As long as no one looked down.
A bit of a smoke screen, Ram sent. Can you block us from above?
Ah. He might have been a creepzilla at times, but he really had a brilliant mind. I couldn't surround four vessels with my shielding-it was just too much pressure with the changes in speeds and imbalance of each transport course correcting. But I could drape us in a powered cloak.
How cool was that?
The world flew by, Ilogabon racing toward us before I knew it. A thin column of smoke rose from the ugly city, making my heart suddenly ache in worry for Culectorion. He might have been a rebel leader, but I liked him and he'd been good to me. Fingers crossed we could get this Ameline thing put to bed in time to stop the rebellion and talk some sense into my grandfather.
Who was I kidding? I was talking about demons, here. Sense? Not much of that going around.
At least I had something to blame for my personal attitude.
It was the last city we saw, passing around a number of small communities in the wilds of Demonicon, over rivers and through a thin mountain pass that almost gave me a heart attack. No more touring of the cities-we were on a straight shot to the waterfall and made impressive time.
Belkni hadn't scrimped on speed for the ship he found us. It couldn't have been two hours later we circled the foaming waters of the falls, pink mist filming over the shielding as we floated down toward the water. Ram guided us carefully through the heavy fall, the same rocking sensation taking us as we passed through and into the cavern.
I stepped out when the bubble collapsed, ignoring the three rebel ships crowding behind us in the vast cave. We were the first ones to arrive and that made me nervous. Sass should have been here long before us.
They'll be here, Ram sent. I made good time.
You did. I sent a little squeeze of thanks his way through our thoughts. Stay alert.
No kidding. But he was grinning, despite his comment. I didn't get to shoot anything back, not with the water parting and two small vessels joining us in the cave.
The first one touched down, bubble flickering out as a silver streak of fur leaped to the ground and raced to my side. I bent to catch Sassafras as he propelled himself into my arms, paws over my shoulders, nose against my cheek as he purred so loud my teeth rattled together. I hugged him, let the warmth and comfort of the rumbling sound calm my heart, kissing him gently on the top of the head.
Thanks, Sass, I sent.
He leaned back, touched my cheek with one paw. You're okay? You really are?
I almost laughed. You too, yeah?
Yes. His amber gaze flickered over my shoulder, ears flattening sideways. I can't believe you brought him with you.
I turned to see Henemordonin striding toward us, eyes fixed not on Sass but Theridialis who had hoisted himself over the edge of his transport's hull and huffed his way forward.
He says he wants to talk, I sent.
I'll believe that when his mouth opens, Sass sent. He's set a trap?
Probably. I watched the rebel soldiers he'd brought fan out and form a double line beside our transports. But if he thinks he can take more valuable hostages in this little endeavor, he's got another thing coming.
Sass's wicked laughter echoed in my head. Have you been bullying your elders, Sydlynn?
A little. I gestured to the trembling demon with the doll features who gazed at us in adoration. But before the whole place goes up, you have a reunion to attend to.
I set my silver Persian down, watched him cringe, whiskers sagging, tail drooped low as Avenesequoia crouched next to him, stroking his fur.
"Sassafras," she said with clear delight, tears on her cheeks. "I've missed you so."
"Bitty," he said. Stopped. "I guess I'm the itty bitty one now."
She laughed and lifted him into her arms. "I always hated that nick name," she said. "But I don't so much anymore."
Happy reunion or not, I had other things to worry about, leaving my silver Persian with his sister to follow my grandfather. I just reached his side in time to catch half of his demands to Theridialis.
"-Haralthazar to allow us our freedom." The same old song and dance, sounded like.
Theridialis, much to his credit, didn't flinch or seem flustered. Instead, he bowed his head to my grandfather and offered his hands. "My Ruler is more than willing to discuss the future of Demonicon with you, great and revered Prince Henemordonin. The safety and happiness of all demons is Ruler's first priority."
If Henemordonin was surprised by the response, he didn't show it. Instead, he threw his shoulders back and spread his hands wide. "I am heartened to hear it," he said. "Though I doubt you speak for your Ruler, Theridialis, as much as you have his ear."
"He doesn't," a familiar voice said as Meira appeared over Theridialis's shoulder from the second transport. At least, I thought it was Meira. "But I do." Her eyes met mine a moment.
Fear chilled me to the bone. I had no idea who lived inside my sister, but it wasn't the Meems I knew.
"Meira." I took a step toward her, horrified by the change She glowed with power, and I could smell the taint of nectar on her. It had aged her, matured her features until she looked older than me, filled her out so she rivaled Dad's height. Ahbi's. Broad-shouldered and muscular, magic rippling around her in waves of amber sparks, my sister-if she was still my sister-ignored me as she faced our grandfather down.
"I represent my father," she said. Not our father. "Ruler's voice is my voice."
Henemordonin glanced at me, a frown pulling his brows together. "As second daughter," he said in his most condescending voice, "your place is behind your sister, child."
Oh. Freaking. Hell. She did not like that. Even one little bit. She raised one hand, a cascade of fire falling from her fingertips as she gestured toward the wall of water beside us. The moment she did, a rush of transports filled the space, Guard vehicles blocking our exit.
"By the power of Demonicon," my sister said, "you are all under arrest for conspiring against your Ruler."
***
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