The Elder Blood Chronicles – Book Three(181)

“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.

The flutter of wings drew Finn’s attention for a moment and when he turned back Hemlock was gone. With a heavy sigh, Finn watched as Seth settled once more on the floor of the hall and shifted back to his human form. Bowing to Finn he held both hands outstretched a faint glow emanating from each.

Carefully Finn took the soul stones and retreated back to his throne examining them as he walked. “You brought the Bendazzi too,” Finn murmured as he sat once more. “Stay, Seth. Allow me to deal with this and then I have more work for you,” Finn said.

Carefully Finn cracked the soulstone containing Jala and watched as her spirit coalesced in front of him. She had a confused look on her face as she gazed slowly around the hall. He watched her in silence, drinking in her beauty and it took all his willpower to not approach her. Her eyes found him finally and they widened, her lips parting slightly in shock.

“Finn!” Jala whispered his name and her expression shifted to a look of pure agony. “I thought you were dead.” The words were spoken so softly he almost missed them entirely.