We were right back where we started. Well, I was right back where I started with the damn picture puzzle. The fiend took another route—one that would lead him to a blade forged with ether core.
After our rather eventful visit to the charming albeit unfeeling sorcerer in the pines, I pried and prodded until Tristan revealed to me how he would go about the taalmin-killing weapon problem.
It was a reckless, frightful, stupid plan that involved borrowing said weapon from the delightful folks back at the Underquake.
What was his logic, one might ask? That orcs and ogres used weapons forged in ether core since the metal was within their home area. And so, there ought to have been an orc or ogre with said weapon somewhere in Evindrear.
Thus, what better place to start searching than the lawless underworld where ethereal and humans alike went to be slaughtered for amusement?
It was a stupid, stupid, stupid plan! The number of times I called this plan stupid fell on deaf ears, and I was forced to accept it because we had no choice.
********
Eight o’clock found me heading towards the stairs after supper. I stopped in my tracks when I heard that familiar husky voice that seemed to echo all around me.
“Human.”
A chill ran down my spine as I searched for him. Miss Jocelyn frozen in motion behind me, her obsidian dreary eyes gazing straight ahead. The maids’ activity in the dining room had stopped amidst clearing the table and cleaning the floors.
Madam Felicity was frozen with a grin on her face as she chatted animatedly with her husband, his hands behind his back.
Even though I had seen this display before, It still unsettled me. And more so now that I knew I was dealing with a taalmin. A force that had never before been seen with a physical form besides when it possessed other beings.
Did it want to take my soul so it could turn it into a taalmin just like it? Or did it want to kill and eat my dead body?
“Over here.”
My eyes searched the area, reverting back towards the steps where I saw the Great Owl floating above them.
Its glowing ruby eyes bore into mine, and I shivered. It was as though they looked right into my soul—hungering for it. “Glad to see you alive and well, human.”
I swallowed, willing myself to meet its unblinking gaze head on. “Can’t say the same about you. I would be even better if you didn’t exist.”
“Aw, do not be like that, human. Just enjoy the game while it lasts.”
I scoffed, scowling at him. “You mean this game that might end in my death.”
There was a chuckle that seemed to vibrate all the air and walls around me.
“Your death is guaranteed, little one,” he taunted, laughter in his voice. “Why not just live in the moment for now, as I am?”
I blinked, and he wasn’t there. I whirled around, flicking my eyes everywhere before spotting his large grey feathery frame hovering above Madam Felicity in the dining area.
YOU ARE READING
Swapped Fate
RomanceNo one would expect those of the wealthy high society to mingle with the lowly and poor; not when it's for something as sacred as a marital bond. Lady Fate, however, seems to have differing views when she lands the orphaned Mavis right into the den...
