Ethereal - Part One

Chapter 17 - Powerless

The six of us were seated at the large dinner table, while Thoren and Clarren fixed dinner across from us in the kitchen. We were currently having a conversation I dreaded. “I entrusted Mira’s responsibility to you and Zeir as you both are worthy warriors, but you have failed on your own. If I had not taken the initiative and made contact with Torrin, we would have lost Mira to the demons”.

“What happened today…”. “I told you Ryelen, Zeir and I had things under control” I muttered through my teeth, cutting off Zeir’s speech. The way Ryelen was undermining me before everyone else was working on my last nerve. “Yeah, yeah, having Mira’s legs being chewed off by a demon is called ‘having things under control” Clarren scoffed loudly while tossing the salad in the bowl.

“If you say one more…”. “Azriel! It is of no use to argue amongst ourselves. Today the demons caught us by surprise, tomorrow things could be worse. From the time this meeting is over, I want two of us on guard, we will take turns. Thoren will work out a schedule”.

Thoren seemed as though he was about to say something but then closed his mouth in defeat. He knew better than to question Ryelen’s orders. So, he continued to fry the steaks in a hot pan without saying a word.

“It will no longer be wise to travel to town in search of the demons. We know of what they want, so all our efforts will be in protecting Mira”. “I suppose we could just examine the surrounding areas without having to venture too far away from the cabin. They more or less know of where we are and will be searching for us” Torrin suggested with a shrug.

“Yes, thank you Torrin, that is excellent. We will search in pairs of two. Along with having the area guarded, I think that will be sufficient enough”. Ryelen paused for a moment before he continued to speak.

“Azriel, I want you to resume the training with Mira, Zeir told me earlier that she is on her way to becoming a supreme warrior” I frowned at Ryelen and Zeir. Mira was ok, she was not anywhere near being called supreme.

“And training will really help her keep her mind off of things. I think seeing the demons scared her a bit” Kazier said as he made his way around the table to peek at the food that was being prepared. What was Kazier talking about? Mira was fine. Seeing the demons did not frighten her at all. Something in her dream did. And I wanted to know what it was.

“Training someone, especially a mortal is one thing, but having them square off with a fully fledged demon is another thing all on its own” Adaeon nodded. “If no one else has anything to add, then this meeting has been concluded”.

“Dinner is finished as well” Clarren said and started taking out dishes out of the cupboard. Adaeon went to her side and picked up a few dishes to set the table. Clarren started dishing up in a plate and handed it to me first with the sweetest smile on her face. She sat down next to me and leaned in closer.

“So, Mira does not know who the killer of her family is?” She whispered in my ear. I glanced sharply at her. “And I intend to keep it that way, you should know better than to threaten me”.

“Oh no, I am not threatening you, Azzie, I am merely asking a simple question. You know I would have to tell this to Adaeon and Torrin, so that they too, can keep their mouths shut, you know, we would not want Mira to hear all this”.

“Wouldn’t want me to hear what?” Came Mira’s voice. I gave a warning glare at Clarren, who would not stop smiling like a damn idiot. “Oh Mira, if you had to hear it yourself, you would simply not believe it. Azriel over here was praising you”. “Praising me?” Mira asked with a scoff. “I did tell you it would be hard to believe”.

“Mira, come sit” Kazier called with two plates in his hand. He placed both on the table and took a seat, patting the seat next to him. Mira smiled demurely and then walked around the table towards Kazier.

“Looks like Kaz has taken a liking to Mira, you should probably keep your eye on him, he would be looking for opportunities to get into her pants”. Azriel scowled in anger at the woman that sat next to him. “I could say the same about you Clarren”.

Clarren smiled viciously at Azriel and then regarded Mira from across the table. “I suppose it has been a while since I have had a mortal woman”. “Do not even think about touching my Mira” I whisper – shouted in Clarren’s ear.

“Your Mira? You know there was a time when you regarded my sister, Lahiya, as yours when she was not. The same goes for Mira. You are so consumed in keeping her away from the others, that you have not even realised that you have been pulling her towards yourself. You think you are worthy of her, Azriel? The man that killed her family?”.

“Clarren!” I yelled loud enough for everyone to glance our way. “Clarren, come and sit this side” Torrin ordered with a slight frown on his face as he gave his seat up for her and made his way to take the vacant seat next to Azriel.

“You always allow her to get under your skin”. “She says such things that anger me”. “It has been years since I have seen you and the others, but you are in much better control of your anger now. Do not let someone like Clarren ruin that”.