Alorian Ascension

By T.M. Nielsen

Dark times fall on Paragoy Dimension. The peaceful lives of the Valharans are threatened by a new formidable presence. Alric and Kyrin strive to restore the serenity of their Kingdom, while Kyrin fights off demons of her own. Even the god Sithias is affected by the happenings in his dimension when Erianah disappears.

While Alric begins to build an Army like no other seen in Paragoy before, Kyrin is repeatedly sent out into the dimensions after an item with immeasurable power. Until she finds it, she’s become a danger to everyone around her.

Alric finally agrees to an alliance with Valhara’s sworn enemy, all in the hopes of returning Paragoy to its former, peaceful state. Side-by-side, the nobles of Valhara lead the way to a well-balanced dimension free from the turmoil and strife that’ve become commonplace.

• Language: English
• Publisher: T.M. Nielsen
• Release date: Aug 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311155313

T.M. Nielsen

T.M. Nielsen doesn't necessarily consider herself an author. She's an every-day woman who had a story to tell. Never intending to let anyone else read it, she decided to put it all down on paper. What she ended up with is a fascinating tale filling books full of drama, adventure, action, romance, and excitement.When asked why she decided to publish, she stated, "I want for others to be able to forget about problems in life and to lose themselves in my world... the world of the heku. While I write, I laugh, cry, grin, gasp, and my heart races. I want others to experience that too."T.M. Nielsen is a computer tech by trade and lives with her husband and two beautiful daughters. She's the author of Amazon.com's bestselling series The Heku Series and the Dimensions Saga, along with a Heku Series spin-off book called Return of the Encala. She's been listed numerous times on Apple's Breakout Books and on Amazon.com's top 20 in Fantasy.**** From TM ****I updated my books all the time! Check back often for new, cleaner versions. I can't afford an editor, but any time I hear of an error, I fix it immediately.

Book preview

Alorian Ascension

Book 8 of the Dimensions Saga

By T.M. Nielsen

Published by T.M. Nielsen at Smashwords

Find us at

http://www.dimensionssaga.com

Copyright © 2014 by T.M. Nielsen

Digital Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter 1

I can’t go in there, Sithias said. So brace for it.

Kyrin eyed him suspiciously. What do you mean by that?

Just be careful, find what you’re looking for, and call for me when you are done.

No, tell me what you mean by brace for it.

Kyrin didn’t have time for an answer. She suddenly felt herself falling, moments before she crashed to the hard, stone floor inside of Daemionis’ palace. She caught her breath and then stumbled to her feet, silently cursing Sithias for the rough landing. A sound behind her startled her and she spun with her flail already out.

What the hell?! Kyrin yelled. She watched as Ryche, three dimension knights, and a strange priest recovered from the fall. Why are you here?

Ryche lifted a finger, indicating that he couldn’t currently speak.

Sithias! You didn’t tell me I wasn’t doing this alone, Kyrin said angrily.

He felt it behooved everyone if you had us with you, the priest said calmly. He was the first of the new arrivals to recover from the fall.

Well, he can behoove you all out of here.

Mom, calm down, Ryche said, walking up to her. She glared at him, and it was obvious that she was most upset that he was there.

Don’t call me that here! Kyrin whispered furiously. You’ll get us both killed.

I’m sorry.

Get your asses back into Paragoy!

Lord Sithias sent us as backup, Ryche explained. He grabbed the handle on his long-sword and looked around the dark room. He could see his breath from the cold temperatures in the abandoned palace.

I don’t care what Sithias said. I do this alone.

The priest smoothed down his crumpled purple robe. I am here for healing. The dimension knights are here in case this place isn’t as abandoned as first thought, and the Holy Knight is here for spiritual guidance on this endeavor.

Kyrin just stared at him. She was too mad to respond to that.

She doesn’t like when we’re called dimension knights, one of them explained to him.

I apologize then.

Are we all ready? Ryche asked.

Kyrin got in his face. Get out of here!

Ryche took a step back. We’re here on orders of Lord Sithias. I suggest we find whatever it is you’re looking for and then leave.

You don’t know why I’m here?

No, Lord Sithias said we didn’t need to know and that if you felt it prudent, you would tell us.

Well, I don’t find this entire thing prudent!

Do you know what that word means? the priest asked her.

Ryche reached out and grabbed Kyrin’s arm when she started toward the priest. Enough. I don’t like it in here in the former home of Daemionis. I can’t feel Sithias, and it makes me nervous. Let’s find what we came for and get out.

I can do this alone, Kyrin said, still glaring at the priest.

I know you can. However, Lord Sithias asked us to come, and we were happy to help.

I don’t want my sons out of Paragoy.

Then let’s finish and get back. Dad’s having a hard time with the entire idea, and he won’t rest until we return.

Kyrin tore her arm away from Ryche and holstered her flail. Fine, because I don’t have a choice. Just remember that I’m in command. You do what I say, when I say it, and you don’t ask questions.

By rank, the Holy Knight is in charge, the priest corrected.

She can lead, Ryche said quickly. He gave the priest a glance that said to be quiet.

There will be traps in here. I won’t have time to explain why I’m telling you to do something, so just do it.

Lead on, my Lady, the closest dimension knight said.

Kyrin sighed and looked around the massive room. She saw the portal that led out into Paramide Dimension, and it made her heart sink. She still missed Creteloc, even after this long.

We’re not supposed to shift, Ryche whispered when he saw her watching the portal.

Why would I shift? she asked, irritated.

I don’t know. I was just saying.

I haven’t been in most of this palace, Kyrin explained. There were only a few parts that were accessible to Daemionis’ followers. That means we’re going to have to search everything.

How big is it?

No one knows. He always said that his palace is in Paramide, but I shift to get in here, and I shift to return to Paramide. So, I’ve always assumed that his palace takes up this entire dimension, and that he just claimed it’s in Paramide because the only portal leads there.

Let’s get started then, Ryche said, smiling.

Kyrin looked around carefully and then walked down the dark corridor on their left. She started to cast a spell to light up the passageway, but the others from Paragoy had brought along torches to see with. Not sure why this irritated her even more, she walked down the hallway angrily once they were lit.

Lord Sithias said that when Daemionis died, this place was immediately sealed, Ryche whispered. For some reason, the complete silence of the dark building made speaking out loud seem intrusive.

I hope the trolls got out.

Trolls? the priest asked, cringing.

Yes, he had trolls as servants. If this place sealed before they got out, then we’ll find their bodies.

Are you going to bring one back to life? he asked, and swallowed hard.

Kyrin just smiled and led the way. They had walked for several minutes before coming to a large stone door.

This is where his priests and priestesses met, Kyrin said. She reached out, looked behind her at the others, and then slowly opened the door.

The torches they carried lit up the room immediately. It was oval shaped, and the walls were lined with deep red drapes that obscured the black rock walls. Oval steps surrounded the center, and they were padded in dark reds and blacks. In the center was a large oval cushion that had blankets and sheets lying around it.

This is where the priests and priestesses of Daemionis met? the priest asked, walking down the soft steps toward the middle.

A smile formed on Kyrin’s face, and she crossed her arms and watched him.

What kind of meeting place was this? he asked. The priest almost fell when he stepped onto the ground and found it was a soft landing, not the solid floor he was expecting. I mean, why are there sheets on the bottom?

Ryche looked over at Kyrin and then turned to the priest when he saw that she was highly amused at something.

Why don’t you come back up here? Ryche suggested to him.

The priest reached down and picked up a red silken sheet. Did they sleep in here?

Seriously, come up here, Ryche said again.

The priest looked up at him, nodded, and then dropped the sheet before heading back up the steps. Peculiar place.

What’s so funny? Ryche asked Kyrin. Moments before entering the room, she had been furious, but now she was grinning broadly.

The priest studied her and then looked back down at the sheets and blankets. Do you know what was done in here?

Oh, yes I’m very much aware of what went on here.

What kind of meetings require soft floors and sheets?

Orgies

The priest frowned slightly. Excuse me?

Orgies, Kyrin said again. Do you know what that word means?

Yes, but I don’t see how it relates to priests and priestesses.

It was demonic entertainment, Kyrin said, trying not to laugh. She’d peeked into this room once toward the end of her life with the demon, and she saw Daemionis watching his highest followers.

The priest looked down at his hand and wiped it on his robe. His face held the look of pure disgust.

Do you really want to continue on? Kyrin asked him.

Ryche turned to her and whispered, Were you serious about the purpose of this room?

Do you know what an orgy is? she asked him, not bothering to lower her voice.

Ryche nodded and looked nervously at the padded stairs and lush blankets.

How do you know about it?

Let’s leave, Ryche said, heading for the door.

By now, the dimension knights were laughing to each other, and the priest was still wiping his hands on his robe.

Kyrin nodded and opened the door. This isn’t where Daemionis would keep them anyway.

Do we get to know what we’re looking for? Ryche asked, following her out.

No

We can help you find it.

I don’t need help.

Is there a place I can wash up? the priest asked, gagging slightly.

Kyrin laughed before answering. Welcome to the dimensions, boy. You won’t find a place to wash up anywhere but in Paragoy.

So, those sheets...

Have never been washed. Kyrin was laughing again as she headed down the hallway.

The dimension knights were having a hard time containing their laughter too, while Ryche tried to reassure the priest that he wasn’t going to die from some exotic disease.

I haven’t been in this room, Kyrin said. She stopped in front of double wooden doors that had a lock on them. It’s got to be good though.

Ryche bent down to look at the lock. That’s pretty sturdy.

Step back.

Ryche did as he was told, and he watched Kyrin summon a spell that required an incantation in shadow elf. He ducked back when the entire door exploded, sending shards of wood in every direction and filling the corridor with smoke.

Kyrin waved the smoke away. Damn, that was a little stronger than it was supposed to be.

Can you not use spells that require shadow elf? Ryche asked her.

I guess I could avoid it if I wanted to.

We’re on a peaceful mission. We’ll all be more comfortable if you stick with our language.

We’ll see, Kyrin said, heading inside. She carefully stepped over the wooden fragments of what used to be the door. Torture room.

The priest stopped before entering. You’re certain?

Kyrin turned with an oddly shaped tool in her hand. I sure am. I’ve seen this used.

I’ll watch you from out here.

She smiled and turned back to the room. There were the remains of someone hanging from shackles on the far wall. His bare skull left a macabre grin across his face, which looked even stranger below the large crack in his skull.

I hope he’s at peace, Ryche said, and he drew the cross of Sithias on the skeleton’s forehead.

Kyrin went over to a small dresser and started going through the drawers. One of the dimension knights joined her, while the others decided to get the skeleton down from the shackles and lay him on the floor.

Why did you do that? Kyrin asked them.

This is more dignified.

Do you think he cares?

I would care.

She shrugged and went through the drawers again. She took a few items and tucked them into her bag.

What are you taking? Ryche asked, walking over to her.

Just stuff.

May I see it?

No

Why? Is it something evil?

No

Then why can’t I see it?

Because you can mind your own business. I take what I want. He owes me.

Things kept by a demon may not be welcome in Paragoy.

Kyrin just headed for the door. We have to move faster if we’re going to be done within the week.

Week? the priest squeaked.

If this palace is as big as the dimension holding it, then yes.

He nodded and looked nervously at Ryche.

Across the hallway from the exploded door, was a tapestry bearing the familiar ‘D’ mark that Daemionis branded on his followers. Kyrin hadn’t seen it when they went to the door, but she saw it now and stopped to study it.

Ryche joined her. After a few minutes, he looked over at her and frowned. Kyrin?

She didn’t reply.

Kyrin, are you okay?

Without a word, Kyrin walked up to the tapestry and tore it off of the wall. She tossed it into a heap on the ground and then cast a quick spell, catching it on fire. She stood silently and watched it burn. No one wanted to interrupt her. She suddenly seemed upset, and they knew the stories of the interactions between Kyrin and her demon god.

When the tapestry was nothing but ash, Kyrin glanced at the smooth skin on her wrist where she’d once bore the ‘D’ brand required of all of Daemionis’ followers. She suddenly proceeded down the hallway.

Kyrin? Ryche asked, catching up to her.

What? she replied. She turned and saw that the others were following a ways behind her.

Let me help you.

With what?

Spiritual advice, Ryche said. I’m here to support you by offering the strength of Sithias.

I don’t need spiritual strength or spiritual guidance right now.

I think you do. Is being here upsetting?

No

Talk to me, Ryche said, taking her arm.

I don’t need to talk.

It looked to me like you were upset by seeing Daemionis’ symbol.

I’m not.

I can help you.

Drop it, Ryche, Kyrin said. She started walking again, mumbling about her son trying to replace Alric as her link to Sithias.

Ryche sighed and followed her. He knew she wasn’t going to warm up to the idea that he was above her in the world of Sithias, and that he could lend her strength in times of need, but he had to at least try.

The next few rooms they came to were much larger. One appeared to be a kitchen, but the stench of rotten food made it almost impossible to search well. Kyrin went in with one of the dimension knights and did a quick walk through before running out the door and latching it shut behind them. The others were just basic rooms with nothing in them.

When Kyrin walked out of one of the empty rooms, she saw that the knights were putting bed rolls down in the hallway. What are you doing?

It’s getting late, Ryche told her. We’re going to set up a camp and get something to eat.

We don’t stop to sleep! We have to search this place, and it’ll be faster if we keep going.

We can’t be in top shape without rest and food.

You sound like your dad, she said, and sat down against the wall.

Ryche just smiled and began gathering supplies to start a fire. Kyrin pulled an apple out of her pack and ate while the others roasted up some dried deer they had in their pack. Water was passed around and then a watch rotation was set up. Before long, everyone but the first watch was asleep in the silent palace.

Kyrin was on the last watch with Ryche. They joked around and talked about weird things in the palace. Ryche was surprised that there were no torches lining the hallways. Kyrin explained that both Daemionis and the trolls could see well in the dark, so it wasn’t necessary to have light all the time.

When the others woke up, the priest pulled eggs out of his bag, much to Kyrin’s shock, and scrambled them up for breakfast. It seemed like an immense waste of time to Kyrin, but she forced a smile and took her plate when it was offered.

They sat back to eat and then started to pack as soon as they were finished. It didn’t take long for them to start down the corridor. It seemed never ending, and they were all anxious to find whatever they were after, so they could get out of the dark, damp palace.

I know this door too, Kyrin said, stopping at a metal door. This is where the sacrificial room is.

He had a room for that? the priest asked.

Of course. Kyrin opened the door and stepped in, aided by the torch light from the others. There was a large ‘D’ painted across the floor, and the walls and ceiling had blood stains on them. One end of the room had a drain in the floor, and there were some dried flesh pieces stuck in it.

Did you ever sacrifice in here? Ryche whispered.

Kyrin just nodded.

The priest backed into the corner of the room, so the others just covered their noses with their tunics and walked in. The walls had shackles on them, and then different types of swords were hanging from beside them. Kyrin walked over to the only flail, and she pulled it off the wall and weighed it in her hand.

Are you going to take that? one of the dimension knights asked her.

She answered by putting it into her bag.

One of the swords was a long-sword that was richly adorned with gems and fine metals. One of the knights was studying it.

Want it? Kyrin asked him.

He turned and looked hopeful. Really?

Sure, it’s just going to rot in here.

May I? he asked Ryche.

Ryche walked over to study it. It looks like a demon etched into the hilt.

I saw that.

You can take it, but we’ll need to get it approved by Dad for you to keep.

He smiled and pulled the sword off the wall. He swung it a few times, marveling at the light weight and how comfortable a fit it was. Once he’d checked it out, Kyrin took it and shoved it into her bag.

What kind of bag is that? the priest asked. There was no way that the sword should have fit into the medium-sized bag.

It’s bigger than it looks, she told him.

I guess.

It’s enchanted to be weightless too. I once had a man in there.

You did?! he gasped.

She nodded.

Is she being serious? the priest asked Ryche.

I honestly don’t know.

Kyrin walked up to the far wall and lightly touched scorch marks. She ran her fingers along the deep grooves and then looked at the ash on her fingers.

It’s a burn, the priest said, walking up to look.

I know. I did it, Kyrin said softly. The faraway tone of her voice made the others look over to see what they were talking about.

You cast in here?

Yes

So you threw a spell at a sacrifice?

No, it was defensive.

The sacrifice fought back?

I was the sacrifice, Kyrin said, and then she turned and walked out of the room.

The priest looked shocked. Lord Sithias needs to know about that.

Dad knows, Ryche said to him. Don’t bring it up again. He can handle this best.

I can give her spiritual comfort if this bothers her.

She won’t take it. Just let it go.

Yes, Holy Knight, the priest said before following Kyrin out of the room.

The next room they came to had a locked door also. This time, Kyrin managed to open it without blowing the entire door into shards. They walked in and saw that it was more like a cave than a room. There were massive columns reaching from ceiling to floor, and they could hear water dripping from deeper into the room.

What is this place? one of the dimension knights asked.

I’m not sure, Kyrin whispered. The atmosphere was foreboding. The air seemed heavier, and suddenly, everyone was tense. The knights all drew their swords, but Kyrin just let her hand rest on her flail as she walked deeper into the room.

The priest walked up to an unlit torch that was hanging on the wall and lit it using his own. He was shocked when other torches lit automatically, and the entire room became bright.

Kyrin glanced at him before walking up to a massive stone bed. This must be his bedroom.

Demons sleep? Ryche asked quietly.

I don’t know. I never saw him sleep.

The stone bed couldn’t be comfortable.

It could be in here, Kyrin said. I need to search every inch of this room.

If you’ll tell us what we’re looking for, we can help.

No

Kyrin, this room is massive. There are tons of drawers and lots of stuff. It could take ages to search.

Then I better get started.

Not having much of a choice, the others stood back and watched Kyrin meticulously go through everything. No drawer was left untouched. She opened every book and searched in every nook and cranny. Ryche called a rest at night time, but Kyrin picked up where she left off early the next morning.

She was being very quiet, and Ryche started to wonder if things she was seeing were upsetting. No one but Kyrin got a very good look at anything in the room. She was moving so quickly that the others found it easier to stay back out of her way. They also felt somewhat threatened by her new, solemn mood. They were afraid it could turn to anger if she came across the wrong item.

She sat down beside a large pile of golden objects and started inspecting each one. When she was done, she put them into her enchanted bag and moved onto the next.

That’s some fortune, one of the dimension knights said after she’d put the fifth golden statue into her bag.

It’s worthless.

Isn’t it gold?

Yes, demon’s gold though.

I don’t understand.

Kyrin didn’t stop her close scrutiny of the objects while she spoke. Demon’s gold is soul bound to them. The only way to get it is if the demon gives it to you willingly.

So, what happens to it if you steal it?

It’s not stealing if they are dead, Kyrin whispered.

The dimension knight caught a hint of annoyance in her voice. I apologize. I wasn’t insinuating that you are stealing. What happens if you possess demon’s gold that wasn’t given to you?

It turns to blood.

The dimension knight looked over at Ryche. He no longer felt comfortable discussing this issue with the Lady.

Then why are you taking it? Ryche asked her.

It’ll turn to demon’s blood, Kyrin said. The tone of her voice told Ryche that she assumed he knew the significance behind that.

Kyrin, why do you want demon’s blood?

Poisons

You’re still making those?

Kyrin didn’t respond. She put several more pieces of gold into her bag before moving over to a large dresser. Each drawer was almost three feet high. She pulled it open with some effort and then began going through its contents. The clothing she withdrew had no markings or anything special about it. It seemed strange to the others that the clothing was human size and wouldn’t come even close to fitting the massive demon.

Ryche didn’t want to bother Kyrin any more though. She was concentrating too hard, and no one wanted to interrupt that and possibly make her angry.

The top drawer, which Kyrin crawled up to using the lower drawers as steps, contained jewelry. She started grabbing handfuls of it and throwing it down to the floor when she was done with it.

The priest moved forward and inspected the growing pile, but he didn’t get close enough to touch any of it. He wasn’t sure if this was demon’s gold or regular gold, and he didn’t want to risk touching demon’s blood.

Kyrin finally turned, and the others saw that she had a thick ring in her fingers. It was obviously a man’s ring and had a large garnet adorned with diamonds.

Are you going to keep that ring? Ryche asked her.

She was studying it and just nodded.

Is that what we came for?

No, Kyrin replied, and jumped down off of the shelf.

Ryche moved closer to see. It won’t be worth much.

It’s worth more than you can imagine. I didn’t know Daemionis had this.

That ring?

She just nodded and put it into her bag.

Whose ring is it? Ryche asked her.

It used to belong to the king of Hohosh Dimension.

What happened to him?

He lost it in a bet with the king of Forbush Dimension, Kyrin explained. So in the bet, the king of Forbush won the entire Hohosh Dimension. You show ownership with this ring.

So did Daemionis steal it from the king of Forbush?

He would have had to kill him.

Wouldn’t that make Daemionis the king? You once said to become king, you had to kill the king.

Kyrin smiled crookedly. Actually, at this moment, I own Hohosh.

You’re the Queen?

Yes

Okay, Ryche said, confused. He wasn’t quite sure where to go from there.

I’ll give it to Sithias, Kyrin said, heading for the door. I’m done in here.

You’re giving the ring to Lord Sithias? the priest asked, not sure he heard right.

Yes

Wouldn’t that mean that Lord Sithias will own Hohosh Dimension?

Yes

That’s quite a gift.

She just shrugged and started down the hallway again.

I take it you didn’t find what we’re after, Ryche said, running to catch up with his mom.

No, I didn’t.

Are you going to tell Dad about the demon gold blood thing?

Why would I?

He should know if you bring demon’s blood into Valhara. That goes double for bringing Daemionis’ blood into Valhara.

Why would he care?

You’re creating poisons. He told me you once used the Fountain of Sithias to make a poison.

Yeah, one I saved that no-good elf princess with.

Still

You used the Holy Water of Sithias for a poison?! the priest yelled.

Lord Sithias, Saith, and my father all know, Ryche told him. He gave the priest a stern glance, indicating it wasn’t to be brought up again either.

The priest nodded and moved back with the others.

When they came to the next door, it was locked too. Kyrin tried several spells, but none of them would damage the door.

Odd how this one’s more protected than even the demon’s bedroom, one of the dimension knights commented.

Kyrin rubbed her hands together and cast again. This time, the words were in shadow elf, and it caused the ground to shake badly enough that the others fell toward the walls to try and hold on.

This is too strange, Kyrin mumbled to herself. When she started to cast again, Ryche grabbed her wrist.

Stop, before you hurt someone.

It can be in there though. He’d leave it somewhere protected.

Ryche reached out and tried the door handle.

Really? You don’t think I tried that.

Sorry, but I’m not sure pounding it with spells is going to help.

What else do you suggest?

Ryche touched the door and ran his fingers along it. The door is wooden. Maybe we can find an axe.

If my spells can’t get through it, then an axe isn’t going to work either.

We can try again in the morning.

No! We aren’t sleeping.

It’s late, Ryche told her.

You all can rest. I want in this door, Kyrin said. She said something in shadow elf, but Ryche interrupted her.

Kyrin, no. Stop casting in shadow elf.

You can’t tell me what to do, Ryche.

It’s my duty as the spiritual advisor on this mission to inform you how inappropriate that is.

I’ll tell you what. Why don’t you shove the spiritual advisor crap and run it by your brother when we get back?

Ryche just smiled and shook his head. That’s not going to work. Let’s rest, and during dinner, we can think of a way through that door.

I can get through it if you’ll leave me alone, Kyrin said.

I can’t leave you alone if you’re going to cast evil spells.

What does it matter?

This place radiates evil, the priest said, coming to Ryche’s defense. It’s dangerous to speak such things.

Kyrin rolled her eyes and sat down beside where the knights had already started a fire. She offered to take the first watch along with one of the dimension knights. As soon as Ryche and the priest were asleep, Kyrin stood up and went over to the door. She lightly ran her hands down the smooth wooden surface.

Any ideas how to get in? the dimension knight whispered.

Kyrin glanced at him and then shook her head.

Let’s do as the Holy Knight asked and wait for morning.

Go back and keep watch. I’ll be there in a few minutes.

I can’t leave you alone.

Why not? Kyrin asked, irritated.

I’m supposed to ensure you don’t do anything evil to try and get in that door.

Ozehshiesh, Kyrin said, smiling at him.

The knight instantly froze, and she turned to the wooden door. After whispering a few spells in shadow elf, Kyrin looked over at the knight. She saw he had a dagger on his side in a sheath. She pulled it out and turned to the door.

The knight was just starting to move when Kyrin sliced into her palm and said something he didn’t understand. She put her hand against the door and was pulled into the room, leaving the knight speechless behind her.

Kyrin righted herself and looked around as she pulled a cloth out of her pack and tied it around her bleeding palm. She slipped the dagger into her belt and studied the massive bedroom. This room confused her. It was the only room they’d seen with any decorations at all. It was someone’s bedroom, but the person it belonged to was human sized.

The bed was round and surrounded in black netting. The walls were still black rock, but golden adornments were placed as decoration. Kyrin walked up to a dresser and looked at the items on top.

The first thing she saw was a ceremonial dagger similar to the one she used to carry. She touched it lightly and then picked up a box that was sitting beside it. When she opened the top, music began to play. She hadn’t heard the tune before, and she thought it was strange. She hadn’t even heard of a music box until Emerisa showed her one in Valhara.

Kyrin shut the lid, thereby stopping the music, and she returned it to the dresser. She then opened one of the drawers and started sifting through stacks of black clothing.

This doesn’t make any sense, Kyrin whispered to herself. She opened up the other drawers and found slight variations of what was in the first one.

Just beside the dresser was a large closet. Kyrin stepped inside, marveling at how big it was. She began going through the clothes hanging in there. Again, everything was black, and it wasn’t until she found a row of black leather, shadow elf made cloaks that she inhaled sharply and stepped backwards, out of the closet.

Kyrin looked again at the room and her eyes grew wide. This room was for Creteloc.

She got a cold shiver when she mentioned the name of the deceased assassin. This room all made sense now. Kyrin had always suspected that Daemionis loved Creteloc, and this room proved it. She had never before seen anything this lavish in the dimensions, and it would take a god to find the resources to do.

Did she even know it was here? Kyrin whispered as she walked up to the bed. The black comforter was silk, and she ran her hand along it lightly.

Kyrin spun quickly with her flail out when she heard a soft whisper from behind her. She strained to see into the dark shadows of the room but didn’t see anyone. Who’s there?

She stood perfectly still while she waited for an answer.

Ryche? Kyrin called out.

It remained silent, and she started to wonder if she’d imagined the entire thing. Kyrin walked over to a chest that was sitting up against a wall. It was padded on top and could double as a seat. She easily lifted the chest and saw that it was full of jewelry, gold, and gems. She picked up a handful to look at closer.

Pulling a single necklace from the pile, Kyrin’s breath caught. She’d seen Creteloc wear that necklace before. It was the only piece of jewelry Kyrin had ever seen her wear. She glanced at the room again. So you knew about this place.

No one answered, and Kyrin was feeling stress from being in the room. The air was thick and heavy, and she kept feeling like someone was watching her.

She quickly put the contents of the chest into her bag. There was no reason letting that much gold go to waste.

Kyrin looked around the room again. This would be the perfect place to hide what she was looking for, because last Kyrin had seen it, Creteloc was in possession of it. The final place to look was under the round bed.

She got down on her knees and peeked beneath the mattress. She screamed and scrambled backwards, pulling her flail. Standing ready, she watched the bed, but nothing came out at her. Her heart finally quit pounding, so she knelt and moved the comforter aside with her flail to look beneath it again.

Yellow glowing eyes stared out at her. She forced herself to stay perfectly still, and she saw that the eyes never moved or blinked. Casting a quick light spell, Kyrin directed it under the bed and saw a dead troll lying there, staring out at nothing.

Kyrin sat back and calmed herself. The room’s evil presence was wearing on her, and she was having to fight against the thoughts of violence that had filled her from the moment she walked in. She finally covered the dead troll again so she didn’t have to see his eyes. Trolls were the only creature she knew that emitted a substance when dead that made their eyes glow.

Kyrin stood up and smoothed down her tunic. Where is it?

Just when she started to think she wasn’t going to find anything else, a slight variation in the bricks caught her eye. She walked over and pushed against the wall, which slid back easily, revealing a room behind it.

Kyrin walked in and looked around. It was another torture room. This one was filled with items Kyrin knew Creteloc to use often. This just substantiated her feeling that the room belonged to the assassin. She saw the doll sitting high on a shelf, and she grabbed it quickly. It only took a few seconds for her to realize that it wasn’t the doll she wanted. This one had reddish brown hair coming from its hastily stitched head.

Who was this for? Kyrin asked, though no one was around.

She sighed and put it back on the shelf. The floor in the room was coated with blood, and it still had the smell of decay, but Kyrin had to look closer. The room wasn’t kept as pristine as Kyrin remembered Creteloc’s house being. It seemed uncharacteristic for Creteloc to have such a messy area. Deciding that Creteloc may have been too sick to clean, Kyrin turned for the door but saw a lone figure hanging from shackles behind it.

She moved closer. Tight, mummified skin clung to rotten flesh and yellowing bones. It was a man, and he was in the robes that Daemionis’ priests wore. Kyrin took his skeletal hand and studied the hardened flesh on his wrist. She could distinctly make out the shape of a ‘D’ scar.

Kyrin wasn’t surprised that Creteloc had a dead priest in her torture room. Kyrin had once seen Daemionis kill his own priest, and then allow his other followers to eat his flesh and bathe in his blood.

What did you do? Kyrin whispered to him. "It