The Crow King's Wife(10)

Seth hesitated and it was obvious from the expression on his face that he had thought Finn had turned him over for his crimes. His posture slowly relaxed as he regarded the woman who had summoned him and he nodded slowly. “At first he was confused by his new role as anyone would be, but since he has mastered his powers he has done more to help the fallen than his predecessor ever did, and Finn is not showing favoritism in his judgments as she did.” Seth began and sighed heavily with a glance of apology at Finn before he continued. “With the exception of Jala Merrodin that is, aside from that however Finn has done his duty well. More souls have been returned to the lifestream under his watch than I have seen return in the past three hundred years, and they are from all countries not simply the ones he favors. While Finn Sovaesh may personally hate the Rivasans he does not allow his feelings for them to mar his judgment of their souls. Penance is delivered fairly and is not abused as it has been in the past.” Seth finished and bowed his head to Finn.

“Do you believe the Domain of Death would do better with another master?” The woman asked with a smile.

“Place another in Finn’s place and I will kill them and take the mantle myself. I will only serve Finn Sovaesh. I will not accept another master. Make your peace with him, or deal with me, your choice.” Seth answered coldly.

“Thank you Seth.” The woman murmured happily and waved her hand once more. The demon vanished from the pit almost instantly and her eyes rose to Lutheron once more. “Seth would be much more complicated to deal with I think. He knows you personally Lutheron and he doesn’t like you much as I recall.”

“I can’t say that I blame him.” Finn muttered sourly. Things had definitely taken a turn in an unexpected direction and he wasn’t sure what to think of his ally. She had seemed charming right up until she had summoned Seth. That action in itself had annoyed him far more than Finn cared to admit. She was helping him of course, but he hadn’t asked for the help, and she had no right to summon his people.

“You have heard my case and the valid points I have to make. Now let me tell you the outcome of this.” The woman turned in her circle once more smiling at the assembled Aspects. “Regardless of what you decide you will not kill Finn Sovaesh today. He has my protection and there is nothing any of you can do against my powers. I am taking him home now, and you can all piss and fume till you turn blue for all I care. This is done and the verdict is not guilty.”

The sand beneath Finn’s feet rocked as her voice fell silent and the entire room faded from his vision as vertigo washed over him. He was standing in his own throne room when his vision cleared. His benefactor was seated comfortably in his throne while her servant reclined comfortably on the steps before her. She smiled at him and winked.

“You owe me, Finn.” She said sweetly.

“I didn’t ask for your help, and I’m not even sure that was truly helpful. I think you may have pissed them off even more than I did.” Finn snapped as he searched the room quickly for Fiona. The last thing he wanted was one of his own left behind at that assembly.

“She is safe in the Darklands, but not in here. I didn’t want to listen to her. Fiona has such a sour disposition these days.” The woman sighed and sat up straighter in the throne. “I may have pissed them off, but I gave them plenty to think about, and with me at your back they won’t be so quick to trouble you again.”

“Who are you?” Finn demanded in exasperation. Everything had moved so quickly since she had arrived he felt like the room was still spinning. He really couldn’t say what he thought of the entire situation, but he was fairly certain it wasn’t good.

“Exodus. Forgive me for not introducing myself. I thought beginning my act with introductions would steal a bit of my thunder, and I needed my presentation to leave them spinning in their seats.” Exodus smiled apologetically and shrugged at him.

“Exodus.” Finn repeated dumbly as he tried frantically to determine what Aspect the woman must represent. “Why did you help me and what do you want in return?” he asked in a calmer voice.

“I helped you so you would help me. As to what I want…” her voice trailed off and for the first time since she had arrived in the sand pit she seemed unsure. A slight frown creased her full lips and she rose from the throne. “I have power amongst the Aspects, but as far as my followers go… Well they are not powerful in a worldly sense, but more of a personal sense. They are capable individuals, but no one of significance in the grand scheme of things. You however have very powerful allies in the sunlit world.”