Convergence

Convergence Chapter 23

I didn't sleep very well, at least not as well as I would've liked. Sleeping inside of a hideout that looked exactly like a tree should have been fun. I had that sinking feeling that Rick was dead and Azazel was far stronger than I ever could have dreamed. After hearing Tyler mention it, I was convinced Azazel had concealed a portion of his magic. It was probably the only way for him to stay in hiding for so long. The magic I had left was so weak. It terrified me to think that I would have to confront him soon.

I walked outside and took in a deep breath. The air was a bit chilly but refreshing. As I stood admiring the countryside, I heard a familiar voice behind me.

"Hey there, Princess."

I turned around but wasn't surprised to find him there. Not really. "You look like hell, Rick."

"Well, what did you expect? I'm basically a minion now." He tried to chuckle but it was no laughing matter.

"Did he send you to bring me back?"

"Why do you always ask questions you already know the answer to?"

"You used the locator stone to find me."

"You're so much stronger than you were when we met. I'm glad."

"Why did he send that giant eyeball after me if you had the locator stone?"

"I recommended it."

"Any particular reason?"

He shook his head. "I didn't want to be the one to take you to him. I couldn't be the one to take you to him." His voice was breaking. "I just couldn't."

"And yet here we are."

He closed his eyes tightly and balled his hand into a fist at his side. "And yet here we are."

I made my way over putting my head in his chest and wrapping my arms around him. "Do what you must."

His breathing changed and he kept his arms at his side. "Kari, please run or call Squeak or something." His voice was pleading.

"No."

"Kari, run away!"

"I won't!" I looked up at his face. His jaw was tight and grinding. "You followed Azazel. I am his heir. You will follow me now." My voice was an order.

I felt a shift. It was like a weight being added to what little power I had left. The shift made me take in a huge breath.

He looked at me then. "What? What did you just say?"

"You will follow my orders, Ricardo de Jesus Ortega. I am your master now."

Rick hunched over. It took a lot for me to hold him up, but it was only for a moment.

"Rick? Are you okay now?"

He stood up with his hand on his head. "I-I'm not sure." He looked into my eyes. "I'm...." He glanced around. "What?"

The human version of Tyler came rushed out and charged at Rick. "Release her at once!" He pushed Rick out of my space.

"Tyler, no! Stop this now." I held him back.

"He works for The Dark King," Tyler protested.

"No," Rick's voice sounded strained. "I don't." He let out a sigh of relief and stood. "I only obey my mistress." He started laughing. "I only obey my mistress!"

"Impossible," said Tyler.

"Not really," I replied. "You told me that all I have to do is tell my magic what to do and it will obey. I may not have it all, but it did what I told it to."

Rick rushed over and took me in his arms. "I'm myself again. How did you know?"

"Just a guess." I took his face in my hands. "Just a very hopeful guess."

"I just wish I thought of it when I found out about the family curse." Rick pulled my hands from his face and held them in his. "Command me again. Bind me to your mother's bloodline so Azazel can't take me back."

"You're already bound to Howe," said Tyler. "Her power called all of you to all of her."

"Is everyone here?" I asked.

"Yes, My Queen. We can start immediately."

"What's going on? Start what?"

"Rick, this is probably going to sound crazy, but I need you to take me to my father."

He touched my cheek with his finger. "I'm not going to let him hurt you, Kari."

"I know, but I need to see him. I have a few questions I need to ask him."