Return of the Demon Sovereign (Book 1) [Version Discontinued]

80. Declaring War

Samar finished his cigarette and pulled out two black daggers as he thought about his brother-in-law.  Their friendship was something that extended past death so he looked at the daggers with deep affection.

The black blades curved a little and were complimented with an obsidian handle. They were cut beautifully and seemed to vibrate with the desire for battle. Erebus' eyes were attracted to blades that uncannily resembled his Gramr. They seemed to have noticed his gaze and the soul of the blades called to him. He had to force himself to restrain his hands from reaching out to them.

"He left these blades to me, but they are spirit weapons who have only acknowledged him. No one else could compare to him and gain their recognition." Samar said, admiring the gleam on the blade.

Erebus was still mesmerized. The blades seemed to hum to him, stirring his soul and whispered a name in his heart.

"Requies." Erebus murmured.

Samar looked up sharply. He wanted to ask how he knew the blades' name but they started to tremble in his hands, fighting to be released. Samar let go and the blades rushed out towards Erebus.

Erebus automatically caught them, making them sing with delight. A black light erupted from them and wrapped around Erebus' hands. When the light faded, a new mark of crisscrossed blades were on his wrists.

Erebus was suddenly broken from his trance and quickly held out the blades towards Samar. "I'm so sorry!"

However, Samar held up his hands with a joyous smile. "They finally found someone."

"But, sir, these are your brother's legacy."

Samar patted him on the back. "I know my brother and his blades. They fought together and knew of war. They deserve to be with a warrior and not gathering dust in my spatial ring. You can give them a new life."

Erebus examined the blades with affection. "Thank you, sir." He said quietly.

Samar laughed. "That is far too formal, especially when you are technically higher ranked than me. Call me Samar, or even Uncle if you feel inclined."

Erebus smiled warmly, grateful for Samar's kindness. He stored his old daggers, including the broken one. Before he strapped on Requies, he tapped the handles, letting it ring out through the temple.

He looked up from the blades and was surprised to see Halcyon and Leonis in the temple with them. Erebus felt embarrassed for running away from them and quickly kneeled.

"King, General. Please forgive me for my behavior earlier."

However, instead of chastising him, they sat down on the floor with him and Samar. "I see Aion's blades have chosen you." Halcyon said with a small smile. "He was supposed to be my successor years ago, but those damned Themis dogs took him early with my daughter and their newborn child... But I am proud that you have come to be my successor and now you can wield those blades in Aion's place."

Erebus caressed the blades, making them hum with delight. "The things I said in the chambers stand true. I will never do anything that breaks your trust..." He sighed heavily, the words seemed to catch in his throat. "...but my background is difficult to explain."

In reality he was one of those Themis dogs that Halcyon cursed. His father had a hand in Halcyon's daughter's death. Although Eri was a victim as well and should not be blamed for being cursed with the Themis blood, it was still a large secret to keep. He felt like he was deceiving Halcyon and that thought gutted him.

"Are you true to Shadowbane?" Halcyon asked.

Erebus nodded. "Yes. No matter how many lives I live, I will always return to Shadowbane. This is my home."