His blank face was devoid of any emotion, his green cold eyes, the eyes of a predator, were taking me in. "Don't run, Callida, I'll catch you", his smooth but manly voice warned.
Callida is a human girl living in the harsh world of Desa. Destiny has...
I didn't miss the back of my horse at all. No, we would never be real friends. The horse was a good natured animal but I was in no way enjoying the ride. Not, if it turned out to be hours of pure torture. My back hurt like I've been trampled by elephants. I thought my spine would jump out of my skin.
We were on our way to the City of Nefaria, a two days ride from the Immaniters'. Even the name "Nefaria" wasn't very inviting. It was Latin and meant "infamy". Indeed the name fit - a lot of stories circulated around the repuation the city held: to be notorious in its way of living.
The name was given to the city because its first baillif was known for his ways with women. He reigned upon the "chiad oidhche". It was a disgusting law only a sick and lecherous man could deploy. The baillif had the right of the first night with a bride, any bride he wanted. He could use her body on her own wedding-night. And the husband had to endure this showcase of power. It was a lawful rape and utterly against any morals, even in our world of strength!
Seems like the reputation ran in the family because the actual baillif Keallach was a direct descendant of the first infamous name generator. Keallach's harama was the biggest in Desa. But he had only fathered two children with the woman he once loved.
Desa was founded on strength and mutual benefit. Gaisgeil's father was known as a smart ruler, calculating his decisions on his gain. There was no room for feelings or emotions. He knew how to win the loyalty of his supporters by bonding and bribing. If that didn't work he would use blackmail. And if this intimidation failed than he'd use force until his opponents bent their knees to his will.
The actual baillif's loyalty was won by bonding. I didn't know the exact details but Gordan and Nefaria never had any problems with each other. Nefaria was a big city and Keallach was a fox, smart and ambitious. Too ambitious for his own good?
Keallach, baillif of Nefaria
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His daughter was also well-known in Desa. Legends and tales were told about her. It was said that Ceallach was a wild, dark beauty, passionate, self-confident and a fierce warrior. Like her father she was a Creachadair, favoured by Keallach for her fierceness and leadership skills.
In contrast her twin brother Ainmire was a reclusive character. At least, that's what Ai told me about him. His name meant "great lord" but he was more of a withdrawn intellectual than a ruler who would reign by a strong will. Ceallach's and his mother was a human, loved and treasured by Keallach ...although this love didn't stop him from enjoying his harama.
While Ceallach gave in to her creature, Ainmire was born a human. It was clear as day, that his sister would become the next baillif.
Ceallach
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