Jezebel

Part One: 21

The beetles marked the way and Devani followed. They crawled in a line at both sides of the wide road that led to the palace gate. As though aware of her arrival, a huge man with an aura as black as tar marched forward. He stood as tall as Jireh but his countenance was fierce and the thin scar across his neck did little to soften his beastly appearance. She avoided eye contact.

When he grabbed her arm, Devani struggled to keep from crumbling to the floor. She could see him—she could see what lived in him. Its arms were everywhere and it was without a face.

Mother, help me.

Fear had made it impossible to look with awe at her environment, so she only noticed with passing interest the opulence of the palace. The servants paid her no attention and those dressed richly enough ignored their existence. More Raakshas joined them as they made it up the steps of the corridors. They emerged out of the shadows and fell in line. When another leapt in front of her and waved ropey arms about widely, Devani gasped and halted.

"So, she's the one..." His grin was wide and yellow, and his skin was like that of a lizard. The sheer hideousness of his appearance rooted her to the spot. "You are the runner, eh?"

"Move." The huge man shoved her. Stumbling forward, Devani passed right through the vile spirit. A cold shiver racked her body.

I'm doomed.

At last, they stopped in front of a double door. Her captor entered without knocking, pulling her along.

"She is found."

The place smelled of sandalwood and burnt hair. Odd. Devani's gaze roved about the place. Polished wooden furniture, floor mats, and colourful rugs were all she was able to notice. Her eyes halted its wandering when it rested upon a greying woman. Her smile was small and her eyes shone with vitality.

"You, my dear, have been quite elusive." Her smile widened a notch and it appeared as though she was struggling not to give in to a full-fledged grin.

"On your knees." She waved a hand as though she were brushing off a fly before strolling to a chair by the window.

The man forced Devani's knees to the floor.

"There is a future coming." The woman stared out the window. An elbow rested on the arm of the chair and her fist held her chin up. She appeared poised and calm but the being that flashed occasionally from her inside was a distraction. He was much stronger than the spirits she saw around. His frame was bent and his skin grey but that was all she was able to glimpse before the image vanished from her vision.

"You are a very useful tool in that future." When she turned to Devani, an eerie grin stretched her face. The action forced wrinkles around her mouth and left a wild look in her eyes. "Do you understand the need for power, control... presence?" When she rose to her feet, she bunched a handful of her embroidered white gown and took leisurely steps in her direction. "Those three are what matter. In pursuit of those, we must be certain of loyalty and obedience."

Devani trembled, willing the woman not to come any closer.

"Long after you die, we remain. If you fail us, we would make your pitiful short existence even shorter." When she stopped in front of Devani, her grin disappeared. "I would hate to make your life painfully short. But do not fret. Such a possibility can be totally avoided if you obey. Can you do that?" Her grin returned, a bright menacing glow. "Please?"

Devani nodded. She would be out of her mind to refuse.

"Excellent." The woman clapped and bounced on her feet. "Now that we have found a mutually beneficial ground, there is someone I want you to meet. Do well to listen to her." Walking back to her seat, she sat regally and snatched a goblet off a golden salver. All the while she drank its content, Devani remained on her knees but this time her eyes were fixed on the floor.