From the Ashes (The Elder Blood Chronicles, #3)(152)

“I waited for her to call, Milord. I was ready to move, but the call never came. I cannot intervene without a direct call or by your command. As you well know, I have limited free will,” Seth said softly. “She was betrayed, Milord, by one of her healers,” Seth said, holding out a hand to show the image of Wesley as the man hovered over Jala’s still form, his hands caressing her dead flesh. Seth let the image fade and stepped back, waiting just below the throne, his head bowed and his feathered cloak thrown back over one shoulder. Seth had brought him the news so swiftly that there was no doubt in Finn’s mind that the Assassin had indeed been waiting for her to call. That didn’t silence the anger building in him though.

“You knew I wanted her to live. I shouldn’t have to give commands when you already know my will!” Finn raged as his frustration grew. He was still too unskilled with his power to find Jala amid the sea of dead. “You want to redeem yourself, Seth? Find her soul and bring her too me now!” Finn bellowed as he rose from his throne. In truth he was more angry with his own failing than he was with Seth, but then Seth didn’t need to know that.

The air before him exploded into motion as Seth’s form dissolved into Ravens, the air filling with the dark forms as they flew from the hall in all directions. Finn watched them as he dropped lightly down the stairs and began to pace the Audience hall, his arms folded behind him as he continued to search with his magic. There were so many hazards for the dead in his domain. From the demons themselves to the Forgotten, there were many souls that simply did not last long enough to reach his hall.

“It is hardly Seth’s fault that she died, though I cannot believe I’m defending Seth,” Fiona said from her post behind his throne. The woman stood still and somber in her bloodstained armor watching him with impassive eyes. Fiona had existed for so long in the Darklands that something as trivial as the arrival of a new soul no longer held any interest for her, whether she had known the soul personally or not.

“I know it’s not his fault,” Finn admitted sourly and continued to pace. “Why wouldn’t she call on him? If she knew she was going to die why couldn’t she say one name to save her life?”

“She did say a name. It was the wrong one. She called out to Valor,” Hemlock’s voice was as unwelcome as the news Seth had brought.

Slowing in his steps, Finn turned to face his newest guest with a questioning look. As always, Hemlock wore the grey cloak preventing Finn from getting even a hint of the man’s face. He knew Hemlock well enough to know the man was smiling though. “Why are you here?” Finn asked coldly. He hadn’t seen the Assassin since the day the man had plunged the dagger into his back in Sanctuary.

“Is that anyway to greet an old friend?” Hemlock asked as he dropped down into Finn’s throne, propping one leg up on the side.

“I wouldn’t exactly say we are friends. You killed me, after all,” Finn said as he stared up at the man amazed at his boldness.

“And look where it got you. You should be thanking me, Finn. You are truly a god now rather than just thinking you’re one,” Hemlock returned, waving a hand in Finn’s direction.

“You know, I find it amusing that you only appeared after Seth left the room. Did I finally manage to stumble across something that you fear Hemlock?” Finn asked, cocking his head to one side.

“Ha! Seth? No, I fear many things. Salvation, peace on Sanctuary, Kali when she is pissed off, and those little squiggly things they serve in the Seravae quarter at all of the cafes. You know the little green things with those tentacles that they eat while the things are still squirming.” Hemlock waved his fingers about for a moment mimicking his description and then shrugged with a sigh. “Although I don’t suppose you care about that,” he said letting his hand fall limply back to rest on his leg. Shaking his head slowly, Hemlock let the cloak fall back enough for Finn to see his smile. “Seth, however, I do not fear at all,” he finished with a shrug.

“Why are you here?” Finn repeated, not the least bit amused by Hemlock’s antics or the distraction from his search for Jala.

“To ensure you don’t keep Jala here with you,” Hemlock said bluntly as he rose from the throne.

“What interest do you have in it?” Finn snapped, the mere suggestion that Hemlock had an interest in Jala infuriated him. He couldn’t stomach the thought of Hemlock anywhere near her. He knew quite well what sort of man the Assassin was.

“Because our world is going to shit swiftly and I don’t want to be alone with Myth when the rest die off. Jala is still needed, or so Kali says, and I tend to listen to Kali. As I said she is scary when she is pissed,” Hemlock returned in a cheerful voice. “Besides, Finn, as I said, she called out for Valor in her moment of need. Not Seth, not Neph, not You,” he emphasized the last word as he stepped down the stairs closer to Finn.

“Why would she call out to me? She thinks I’m dead,” Finn snapped, his gaze following Hemlock as the rogue walked a tight circle around him.

“I like the new look, Finn. The black armor is very…deathly,” Hemlock said, waving a finger at Finn’s chain armor.

“You know it isn’t wise to taunt your master,” Fiona said, finally stirring herself to speak. “You serve Death remember?”

“I served the Dark lady. I have no contract with Finn,” Hemlock replied calmly, pausing in front of Finn once more. “She has forgotten about you, Finn. Do the sunlit world a favor and forget about her,” Hemlock whispered.