We each took the places we sat in the previous night around the fire, where now only smoldering embers glowed. With Ariton by my side, I glared at Cason over tiny tendrils of smoke that rose above the ring and beckoned us to feed the dying flame.
"We need to do this quickly," said Cason. He crossed his arms over his chest annoyed at my refusal to leave the cave. He wanted to pack up everything and start heading out, then fill me in along the way. That wasn't going to happen. Heading out to where, and why, I required to know first. "There must be an encampment close if that Hellion was here. That means they could return at any moment. We can't stay here any longer."
"Why don't you start by telling me exactly what Hellions are and why they are here." I spoke in complete disregard to Cason's urgency to leave. Yet it was false disregard. A facade, in hopes that Cason would spill as much information as possible, as quickly as possible, so that we could get out the hell out of Dodge. I shuddered at the thought of coming across another Hellion, despite still having no understanding of what or who they were. I guessed they were angels of some sort. Why not angels? fairies and demons were real.
Cason sighed, deflating like a balloon as he gave in to my will. "Understanding Hellions is a good place to start I suppose. They are fallen angels, Princess," said Cason. Bingo!
Ariton gasped. He leaned forward bracing himself on his knees, still afflicted from using his magic. Concern gripped my insides. I wasn't sure he would be ready to leave the cave any time soon. Sweat beaded up on his forehead and dripped down forming a puddle between his feet. He wavered slightly. I could tell it took great effort for him to stay erect. I watched Cason's eyes, which he kindly returned to the nice hazel color, flick over at Ariton every few moments. He seemed to be as worried about him as I was.
Cason rummaged through a satchel while he continued, "The thing is, they don't belong in Eden. Not anymore. But they want it back and they are here to take it."
"Well, where do they come from and what do you mean they want it back?" I asked. Ariton sat in silence. Cason pulled a small parcel from the satchel and unfolded a leather wrapper. He passed to me the contents which was some sort of hardtack biscuit.
"Eat this. You need some nutrition." I looked at it hesitantly. The last time I put something in my mouth in this place I passed out.
"It's just food. I promise. The only side effect is quelling your hunger." I put it to my nose and sniffed. It smelled good, like oats and honey and my stomach gurgled as if it it knew food was near.
"Are you going to eat some?" I asked Cason. I didn't bother asking Ariton. He was in no shape to eat at the moment.
"No, I'm not hungry." He waved me off. I thought it was odd. I had not seen him eat since he arrived. Maybe his kind did not need to eat as often as I did. I took a small nibble from the edge of the biscuit. It was tasty and I found myself devouring it in an instant. Cason passed me two more then continued.
"They were here in the beginning just like your kind and humans." My kind? Fey he must have meant. "The Light Bringer and his associates. Actually...they were here before humans. Sent from Heaven and charged with caring for the first of mankind in Eden."
"The Light Bringer? Lucifer? Do you mean the Devil?"
"Ay, I suppose that's what humans call him," Cason snorted. "There is no such thing as the Devil. I'm more of a devil than anything in Hell." He pounded his fist on his chest indicating himself as if he were proud of that association. "Melrennon had once gained notoriety as the devil. He liked to play hooky on Earth from time to time and scare humans."
YOU ARE READING
Changeling
Fantasy"What, Calliope? You thought you wouldn't feel my hand, did you?" A timid smile pulled at the corners of his lovely mouth. "I don't know what I thought." I stared down at our hands resting together on the bed. A long concelaled and tightly w...
