The Crow King's Wife(75)

“Is he well?” she demanded when he tried to walk past her.

Seth paused and turned to her. He despised the woman, but knew she was needed for now. “Am I reporting to you or War?” he asked coldly. Fiona might pretend she served Death, but he knew better. He was certain Finn realized it too.

“Just answer the question.” Fiona snapped in irritation and glanced back toward the double doors that led to Finn’s throne. It was obvious that Finn had banished her from his sight or the woman would have already been inside and directing her questions to Finn.

“He is angry which is better than depressed, and I am busy so skulk in the shadows a while longer and maybe he will summon you.” Seth replied coldly. The feathers of his cloak fluttered as he turned quickly and he ignored her as she called after him. There will be a time when Finn’s patience with her wears as thin as mine has and he will give her to me just as he did Yasny. Seth promised himself silently. The thought brought a smile to his face as he stepped from the warmth of the palace into the cold air of the Darklands.

His hands dropped reflexively to his belt as he surveyed the city and his fingers wrapped lightly around his dagger hilts. There were several that he would have to check on tonight. He knew the troublemakers amongst the demons, and he knew the ones he would have to kill. The rest would require reminders of who held the power, but no more than that. A bit of pain and they would be cowed once more. He was the top of the food chain and by morning they would all remember that.

As long as he supported Finn the Lord of Death’s reign was secure. That thought gave him pause, but he didn’t allow himself to focus on it. Finn was the first man he had ever willingly given his loyalty to. In the past his loyalty had always been forced and he had spent all of his time plotting escape, and now his energy was turned toward preserving his master. It was unsettling if he dwelled on it, so he pushed it aside. For now he was loyal and it was as simple as that.





*





His steps slowed as he neared the palace. He had only been gone for a few hours and yet the entire landscape of his home had changed. The forbidding black stone walls had become soft grey stone work with wide sweeping windows. Dark vines twisted over the entry gate and rose along the stone wall of the building itself. What had been a stronghold now resembled a noble’s country manor.

Seth’s eyes rose slowly to the upper stories where his tower had once been. There was still a spire there, but it was graceful rather than foreboding. Balconies lined the upper stories as well as wide open windows. He could see curtains of gauze flowing through some. His mouth went dry at the sight. There was no way to defend this building. Invaders could swarm the palace and find entry at a hundred different points.

“He has gone mad.” Fiona declared loudly from the wide double doors.

Seth gazed at her in dismay. He hadn’t even heard the doors open. The doors of the old palace had been made of two foot of oak and iron and they had groaned as they creaked open. He watched in silence as Fiona stepped lightly down the curving stairs toward him. Her mouth was set in a grim line and her gold eyes were flashing with fury.

“It’s not just this he plans to change. He intends to shift the entire Darklands.” She informed him acidly. He could see the tension in her muscles as she drew closer. Had Fiona Veirasha still lived her face would have been red with anger. She waved a hand back at the palace and a look of disgust formed on her features. “Does this look like the Palace of Death to you? How can he possible believe the condemned souls will respond to this? It looks like they are taking a bloody vacation in the country rather than being judged for their sins.” The words poured out of her in a flood as she stared at him in accusation.

Silently Seth composed himself and studied the building once more. With a slow breath he folded his hands behind his back and gazed down at Fiona. She was only a few inches shorter than him, but what she lacked in height she made up for in temperament and skill. She was one of the more powerful creatures in the Darklands, but it wasn’t her strength or anger that was unsettling him, it was the fact that he agreed with her. Their opinions were usually so different that he could barely stand to be in the same room as her, and yet, she was right. Finn had chosen very unwisely, and it was all because of his suggestion to change his home to suit him.

“Did he give a reason for his choice?” Seth asked carefully in a neutral tone.

“Of course he didn’t.” Fiona snapped and her eyes narrowed. “He said you suggested he make some changes and that he thought it was an idea with merit. I warn you Seth if you are trying to weaken his defenses with this so that you can gain...”