Demon(#Wattys2017 Entry)

Chapter 63: Descent

Thorne stood in the center of the tent, smiling."Ah...I wish there were happier faces around me, I truly do." Stated the Grandmaster. He was in the large tent that serves as the war chambers for All Sons. The Incarnate were gathered around at a long table, save for gaps at two spots.

One was rather distinct, a scorched patch of earth beside Pynax, where Kaurren had stood during their meetings. Pynax noticed a few of the guards standing around the tent staring at the spot, and quickly slid his foot over it, burying the ashes.

The other was almost unnoticeable, save for the sullen-faced Tilens who sat next to it. He'd insisted not only on attending the meeting, despite his wounds, but had also demanded that they set out a chair for Arvin.

Thorne sighed."I know it's bleak. We had ten, we're down to eight. Well..." He looked over at Gem, who had been brought by Pynax. She kept her arms crossed, glancing disdainfully over the group, with an occasional extra glare shot towards Pynax."...Eight-and-part, we'll say." Finished Thorne, sighing.

Paricht sighed."And don't forget the army marching here because of her!" He hissed, gesturing towards Gem.

Pynax sighed."As I recall, you voted for her abduction, didn't you Parry?" He replied."Bit hypocritical of you now, isn't it?"

Mar'ply glared."And you didn't vote at all, if I recall right."

Savir nodded."And he does recall right." She stated."You said you did not care what was done, as long as you got a new partner."

Thorne sighed."Now, now, none of this. We'll not have an argument on what's been done. Now, if you wish to argue what will be done, then please, be my guest! Because I can assure you, as an Eisen who's lived a very long time, that's always been far more-Ah, perfect!"

Pearl walked in, bowing slightly."It has been dealt with." She said to Thorne.

He nodded."Good, good...Any survivors among the prisoners?"

She raised her head, allowing herself a smirk."Not anymore, my Grandmaster."

He nodded."Good girl. Sit please."

She nodded and sat between Tilens and Paricht, looking at the former."...Geez, who died?"

Tilens stood, growling."You're sitting in his seat!" He snapped furiously. He swung at her, and though she ducked, the sudden shift knocked the chair over."Get up, damnit! Get up and fight me, how dare you-"

Sanwit moved like a wraith across the room and clasped his shoulder."Tilens...Do you remember earlier? I asked if you were feeling alright? Suggested you rest up, let your wounds heal?" His eyes flashed for a moment."I'm not suggesting anymore."

Tilens turned, growling, but blinked. His eyes widened, and he looked at Sanwit with a look of admiration, actually smiling."Ah...Yes, my Angel. I...I don't know what came over me...I'll go lie down now." He turned and walked off.

Thorne sighed massaging his forehead."Aaaah...Thank you Sanwit, that charm of yours is always so useful."

Sanwit nodded silently and returned to Thorne's side."Hmph. Seemed the best way to deal with it, the Angel trick never takes much effort."

Gem just blinked. Even with all she'd seen thus far, the powers of the Incarnate continued to astound her. Even just this one, the power of this Sanwit person, had been startling, almost a polar opposite of the power she'd seen from Pynax. Rather than consumed with fear, Tilens seemed overcome by joy, as though he'd thought of Sanwit as not an enemy, but a friend...it was no less horrifying, or deadly, she noted, if used in the midst of a fight.