Tamal's Journeys
Searing blasts of energy filled the air around him. Lightning. Explosions. Debris rained down as the wall exploded beside him. What on Earth was he doing here? Talkar dodged. A blast of heat singed his arm. The space he had been standing was now a ball of flame.
His Mothers had told him there would be days like this.
Funny, the irony was not lost in the maelstrom of magic. He had always thought it would be his own people that would have killed him. He was the bastard son of an exiled Princess. That had meant he was a complete nobody to his own race. Right up until he tried to do anything, then he was a threat. An aberration to be removed.
Earth had changed all that. Here he had a family, a wife and sons. Here he was free to practice the old arts. Magic and science had always been the other thing that had set him apart. Exploring the outlawed mystic secrets fascinated him. As if there wasn't enough that made him stand out as an object of fear, fear that led to ridicule. Or worse, fear.
He was an only child in a race that engineered births to always be twins. He was a "functioning" male in a race where males had lost their powers long ago. He was "different" in a race that had ceased to allow change over a millennium before his birth. Now, if he wasn't careful, he was going to get himself killed.
He had been studying the past. He had found a way to go back. Back to the time when magic was commonplace, not a feared memory from a tragic past. He had met a woman, a woman so powerful that she had manipulated history through the centuries, changing entire worlds merely for this moment. She had finally gathered all the pieces of the 'Circle'. A centuries old collective of crystals and people that had been spread by the Fates through time and space. Stones and minds that held the secrets of Eternity. Now they were all assembled, she was determined to take that power and make it hers. With it she would be unstoppable.
He must stop her now before that happened. No one should have that much power. He had tasted its seductive sweetness. He knew it was impossible to resist. So, it must be destroyed. He had already shattered the crystals and the bodies of those she had assembled. The room was threaded with glowing shards. But it was too late, the energy was already released. She only had to draw it in. A million worlds hung in the balance.
He saw his chance. There was one moment when his enemy needed to draw the energy in. For a brief instant, as she began to harness its might, she was vulnerable. Almost without thought he struck diverting the energy through him. For one glorious moment, he *was* the Universe. The power held him, caressed him. He felt it flow through him, building until it spread through every part of his being. Then he released it. The beam hit her, throwing her body out of the Circle. Away from the Circle's protection, the forces turned on her. The struggle to control became the struggle to survive. A single moment she held the balance and then she was consumed, destroyed by the very Power that she had thought would help her rule forever.
Talkar relaxed. It was over. She was destroyed. Then he saw the tear begin. The energies were trying to escape, trying to return to their proper times and places. The Power was returning to the Circle. This time, there was no focus. The Power would feed on all it touched. He had to rechannel it, focus it back to where it belonged. He centred himself in the Circle. Now *he* was the focus. He had to hold the Power within the Circle. He had to.
Pressure, darkness and then a searing light. It was if he was being crushed against his own ribs. The pain was unbearable. The Power was eating him away, even as the room imploded around him.
Grimly he held on. He had to hold the Power within the Circle. He knew that he was going to die. He wanted to say goodbye. But there never was time. An eternity of pain and no time. Only the Circle.
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He awoke to the harshness of bark against his cheek and the feel of grass and twigs along his back. Sounds began to fight their way through the pounding of his head. Male voices, horses' hooves, the sounds of a chase. Sounds that were getting closer.
Gradually he forced his eyes to open.
A woman was galloping towards him, horse running full speed across a rolling, open meadow. She lay close to the horse's neck, unheeding of where she was fleeing, just concentrating on riding. Behind her six men rode horses bred for battle. Their harness rang with the sounds of weapons against armoured legs. Wolf - head badges on their tabards caused warning bells to ring in his mind, though he had no idea why.
Slowly, he forced himself to his knees. Stars burst through in a flash of pain. A cry from the pursuers brought his attention back to the fleeing woman. They had almost caught up to her. In spite of her lighter weight and obvious riding skills, they had the advantage of numbers. Slowly they were herding her towards the trees that would turn her back into their arms.
He looked around him. He had no armour, no clothes, but he did have a weapon, a dark sword. He gazed at it for a moment. He could not fathom what sort of metal that would give such a dark finish, but this was his weapon. Lifting it, the grip and reach were moulded to his needs. It felt right. And as he raised it, the accustomed weight almost brought him strength instead of costing him. He began to study the pursuers in depth.
Reaching for a stone, he dragged himself to his full height. Allowing the woman to pass him, he waited until the nearest pursuer was well within range. Then he let fly with all his strength. The ringing sound of stone meeting helm surprised him. His blow had unseated the rider and thrown him backwards over the horse's rump.
He realised he was quite strong. Mentally, he catalogued this amongst the other facts that he was slowly gathering. Reaching out, he tried to gather in the horse's reins. They were almost in his grasp when the pain blurred his vision again. The horse thundered past. For the moment, he tried to force his eyes to focus on the remaining attackers.
The five remaining riders saw their companion fall. As one, they veered to confront the one naked man that stood between them and their goal. Another stone flew felling another rider. The horse behind him stumbled as it tried to avoid the limp form on the ground. Its rider fell prey to another blow. An arrow seemed to appear in the ribs of another. The remaining two hesitated.
Together, they all seemed to follow the arrow's path back to its origin. More riders. He noticed that the woman had now changed course and was riding towards the new arrivals. A Ravens - head badge declared them as, if not friends, at least different enemies.
He braced himself as one of the remaining Wolf-heads rode towards him. He tried to swipe the man from his horse. His sword whistled through the air but the pain pulled his blade. So much for the dramatic. He lowered the sword and as the rider turned to attack again, he grabbed for the nearest foot. One heave pulled the man from his saddle. This time, he succeeded in taking his place.
Astride the horse he hesitated for a moment. The remaining enemy turned to flee.
The woman called to him. He turned to see her now escorted by the Raven riders. As a group they beckoned him to hurry. He rode towards them, seeming to fly across the intervening ground.
"Tamal, again you have saved me." He had barely drawn aside her, when the woman flung herself into his arms. She reached her arms around his neck, drawing him into a deep kiss.
"Highness, please, we must hurry." One of the guards eased her away, smiling indulgently at Tamal over her shoulder. The squad wheeled and galloped back over the hill.
Excitement gone, Tamal leaned back into his saddle struggling to stay conscious. To keep the darkness at bay, he began to review the things he knew. His name, evidently was Tamal. He had to admit, it sounded familiar. Familiar, just as the soldier's badges, even her "Highness's" kiss, had seemed familiar. It all seemed second hand, as if suddenly he was now a character in a favourite book. If he concentrated he could remember the road, the next turn, that tree. He could even remember the guard's name, Harold. His face brought images of evenings spent by the warmth of a fire and battles fought, some on this very ground. Carefully he examined his companions, trying to test if his memories were real, or were even his own.
The princess rode tall in the saddle. With some mental figuring, Tamal judged that, standing side by side, she would only come up to his chest. Her long, blonde hair was bound in a decorated leather thong. Untied, it fell to her waist. He remembered it in such a fashion, surrounding him in a shimmering fall of light as she leaned over him. The memory was so vivid, that for the moment it seemed real. Lightly tanned skin brought memories of horse rides and long hours in Council. Whenever she faced him, he could see the chiselled features, the beauty that used to make him lose his breath. Again, the memories battered against him, trying to make themselves his.
Tamal shifted his scrutiny to Harold. A big man, he had the heavy build that spoke of a life spent in armour. A slight greying of the hair meant of years of service. A worn face showed battles fought in the heat of summer and the snows of winter. The ready smile, though, was the real man. A fighter he may be, but he was above all a loyal follower of the King, a father of innumerable children, and a good friend. At least he was when Tamal was here before. If only he could shake the feeling that this was not real, not him.
He looked ahead. They seemed to be heading towards a village that sheltered at the feet of a stone castle. Slowly, he allowed himself to relax. It was only when Harold brought his hand up to catch him, did Tamal realise that he had started to sag. The Princess also noticed his weariness, and dropped back to ride beside him. Harold draped his cloak over Tamal's shoulders. Riding three abreast they continued their journey.
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Eventually they came to the first straw thatched cottages of the village. Townsfolk watched them pass, some cheering, others in content silence. All seemed overjoyed to see the return of their Princess. Many called out to her, some reaching up to touch her hand in greeting. She smiled down from her mount, returning the greetings, often calling the watching peasants by name.
Their reluctance seemed to stem from his presence. Some greeted him warmly but most were cautious. Maids seemed to smile only to be drawn away by guardians. Tamal started to realise that there was something other than his nakedness that caused the folks' reactions. Some seemed to be fascinated, others wary, maybe even fearful. Harold noticed Tamal gaze at one particularly fetching miss. She was definitely not afraid.
"You have not changed my friend. Still have your appetites." Harold gave a wolfish grin. "All your appetites I have no doubt. Well you should be able to satisfy them all soon enough." He seemed to be implying more, something that caused Tamal to worry and to question the implication. But before he could question Harold, the Princess heard them speaking and turned to follow their gaze.
"Yes, he will have all the fighting he can handle." She said looking back with a stern face. As Tamal looked down at her, her look softened to a smile. "And 'other' things too, if you are worthy." she added. Seeing him about to reply, she cantered forward, suddenly eager to gain the castle walls.
The horsemen clattered across the cobbles in the castle courtyard to be met by pages. As each rider dismounted, the horses were led away to the stables. Tamal again had the strange sense of remembering, knowing the stables were to the rear of the Keep. He was wondering how he knew that when the Princess was whisked away by concerned ladies in waiting. Suddenly she was the gracious Royal again. Tamal watched her go, conscious that only her slightly askew hair showed any sign of her recent ordeal. She was a strong woman.
She turned to blow him a kiss and then she was gone. It was if she was gathered into the protection of the castle like a straying chick. Her maids definitely appeared to be mother hen types. He smiled at the contrast between the confident rider, terrified girl and gracious Princess. It was interesting that they were all the same person. There seemed to be a great deal to explore in this one.
Harold returned from seeing to his men and beckoned to Tamal. "Come my friend, we have put you in your old room. There should still be some of your clothes there. I will show you the way." Harold's smile melted into a knowing, concerned look. "You have forgotten everything again have you not?"
Not knowing how to respond, Tamal merely nodded. Harold began to lead the way up a staircase to a tower room. The room was sparsely finished. The little that was there was solid and well made. It was a large room that seemed to occupy almost a full third of the top of the tower. The curve of the walls divided a small dining table and benches from a sleeping area with shelves and a large bed. The walls were decorated with thick hangings. There were no chinks to let in winter cold. Although the warmth of late spring meant that a fire was not needed, a fireplace promised warmth when needed.
These were a noble's quarters, but the tower seemed to be a strange place for them to be. Tamal studied the room, remembering them in that same strange way. It was still as if they were all from a story told to him so many times that he could picture himself there. Maybe this was all a dream. Still, he could remember so many details. The creating of this room when he first came to this castle. The relieved looks from both the staff and nobles alike when they learned he was not to stay in the Castle proper.
Harold strode to the shelves assuring himself that everything was as it should be. He turned with some clothes in his hands. "These should do you for now. I will let Mother know that you are returned. She will be glad to hear you are back." Harold then left the room to let Tamal dress.
A soft knock heralded another guest. A maid dressed in serviceable brown stood just inside the door. Her eyes were cast downwards, hands folded demurely before her. Slightly taller than Alicia, she was pretty rather than beautiful. Straight, brown hair that framed large brown eyes and rose lips on a tanned face. Peasant stock, solid but still young enough to hold the last bloom of youth. He smiled and beckoned for her to enter, wondering as he did so how he knew the Princess's name. Alicia, it was her name but he seemed to realise that very few would know it. He forced himself to concentrate on what the girl was saying.
"Lord, I have prepared you a supper." She hesitated and then slowly lifted her eyes to his face. "But if you would rather feed first." She ended on a hopeful note, hesitantly stepping closer. She reached up, drawing her hair from her throat leaving it open and inviting to his gaze.
Suddenly the need hit him. Hunger surged through his mind. He could feel his teeth ache with desire. The fight, the ride, and before.... the Circle, they all demanded that he should feed.
It had all been building. It was not until Elizabeth, (again a name surfacing unbidden from his memory), had offered herself, did he realise what he had been feeling. It was strange. He had no memory of himself, of anything, and yet all these things seemed natural. He knew that Elizabeth had offered herself before. And that he had accepted. Then. Tonight, something held him back. There was too much happening. Could he trust himself when there was so much he could not remember? He was not sure he could.
"Not tonight, I am tired. I will have the supper and then retire."
Subdued, she immediately lowered her eyes again, "Yes, my Lord." She pored him water to wash in and helped him dress for bed. He barely managed to finish the small bowl of gruel before he found himself dozing. He dragged himself to the bed to find it turned down and warmed. Slowly he eased between the sheets. In spite of the thoughts coursing through his mind, his eyes were closed almost before his head hit the pillow.
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A stream of sunlight awoke him in the morning. The warmth and position told him that the morning was almost past. He could hear the sounds of the Keep and the village, horses and men training, women and children doing the multitude of tasks that are necessary to keep the Castle running.
He lay there for a moment feeling content. He felt as if he was home. Then the realities of the previous day began to make themselves felt. He had no idea who he was, where he was, why everyone seemed to know him...and why he seemed to know everyone else. Nothing seemed to make sense. He could hear the sounds of someone approaching the door to his rooms. Sitting up in bed, he saw the door open to reveal Elizabeth.
She was carrying two buckets that were filled with hot water, if the steam rising from them was a guide. She was wearing an undertunic with the soft hide overtunic only partially laced. This revealed ample leg, and as she bent to empty the buckets into a wooden tub, a more than ample cleavage. She straightened and noticed his gaze. A blush began to warm her face. It reminded him of his hunger. Last night his mind was a maelstrom. In the morning's light, the storm seemed to have calmed. Now he could trust himself. Or so he hoped. His need would no longer brook an argument.
She came towards him, loosening her laces even further until her bodice slipped from her shoulders. A bare throat and shoulders seem to fill his vision. He became aware of the girl only when she spoke. Her soft voice drew him back from the edge of the hunger. "Lord, I carried the water myself, the way you like it. I should please your taste." She pressed herself against him, again drawing her hair away from her throat. This time he gave in to himself.
Using one arm to draw her still closer, he brought a hand to her throat. He could feel her pulse racing beneath his touch. Gently, he tilted her chin. His head lowered towards her. Lips brushed against warm skin. Teeth brushed against her pulse beat. His tongue followed the same path, invoking an involuntary sigh. He felt her breath against his own throat. He could feel her heart speed, responding to his touch. He smelt her excitement. This is what he craved. That proof of life, that flow of power that each being held inside them. The power, the strength that he needed. He took it.
She tensed as his teeth entered her throat. Then her mind was his. Her blood surged, filling his senses with her. For that moment there was nothing else. Only the release, the pleasure, her complete surrender to him and his need. Finally he released her. Their breathing came in pants as their hearts tried to return to normal. For a brief moment two hearts had beat as one. Now he could feel his own beat return to normal. Tamal watched Elizabeth's chest heave as regained her composure. She sank to her knees, trembling legs unable to hold her. She looked up into his eyes, holding his gaze. One word, one breath told of her feelings, "My Lord."
Harold arrived later to find the remains of a more traditional breakfast, and Tamal relaxing in the bath. Elizabeth had massaged a great deal of the previous day's stiffness away. Tamal had lain there enjoying her attentions. Somehow, he could not rid himself of the feeling that someone else had done this for him. Someone trained to provide pleasure. Elizabeth seemed to be doing just fine though.
"You better get yourself dressed. You have been called to attend the King. Seven years is a long time between audiences. He has a great deal to say to you." Harold dismissed the girl with a nod. Then he sat himself at the table with the last of the breakfast.
Tamal tried to picture the King. He was interrupted by his companion's voice. "Why do you travel like that if it always robs you of your memory?" He turned to see Harold watching him.
"I could probably answer you if I knew what you meant."
Harold laughed in reply. Tamal continued. "For instance, how often have I been here? How long has it been since my last visit? Where do I travel from?"
Seeing that Tamal was serious, Harold sobered. He ran his hand through his hair. "Well, you have only made one other visit that I know of, but the legends of demon visits go back into the distant past. I do not know if those visits were also you. As to how long it has been since your last visit, well it has been seven summers, enough time for a boy to grow old enough to know. You will have to ask the Priest where you travel from. I will tell you one thing though, your arrival at this time will set a lot of tongues wagging about our Princess again. She is supposed to be the Witch that summoned you. Still, however it happened, I for one am glad to see you here."
Tamal nodded his acceptance of his friend's words. All the time though, his head was spinning trying to make sense of it all. He reluctantly left the bath. Going over to the shelves, he selected suitable clothes for the audience. Before he put them on, he stood before the mirror that Elizabeth had brought in for him.
It was the first chance he had to find out what he looked like. Just over six feet two, he was lightly tanned, with broad shoulders narrowing to well-muscled arms and legs. At first glance, he seemed a strong man with nothing to separate him from the norm. Only a slight point showed his canines to be fangs at rest. Only when needed did they make themselves noticed.
He turned slightly to try to catch his back in the mirror's reflection. His shoulders and legs were slightly more muscled than normal, but it was not noticeable. A casual viewer would not remark, until Tamal summoned his wings or other forms from the darkness. He shook his head. There again, the memories flooding into his mind. He knew that shapeshifting was not a power he had, and yet, this body knew the skill. And now so did he. His hair was still damp from the bath, but it hung past his shoulders in waves of colour. The left hand side was raven black, almost blue. The right was the deep red of a setting sun. Between the two colors lay a streak of white blonde. He began almost unconsciously to plait the centre colours into a braid that flowed from forehead back to his neck. As his hands worked, he kept taking stock of this body that he still did not quite feel was his.
It was a body crisscrossed with scars, the most noticeable being a deep gash from his right shoulder down across his chest to the bottom of his left ribs. It looked recent but fully healed. He estimated it had been inflicted some six months ago. Now it was a white streak that could tell a story, if only he could remember what story it was. He stared into the face before him. Was it really his? Golden eyes stared back at him filled with a haunted curiosity.
"Come my friend, even demons do not keep their King waiting, especially not you." Harold rose from his seat and started towards the door.
With smooth movements, Tamal dressed and followed him. Harold led the way through the corridors. Tamal drew abreast when the corridor widened. "What do you mean, especially me? There is something you are not telling me my friend."
Harold's face creased in mock sternness, "The man may be a King, but he is still a father. A father with a bedded daughter."
"Bedded?" Tamal saw again in his mind's eye, the golden wave of Alicia's hair. Well, whatever happened when he arrived at the King's audience, he knew one thing, he would not be able to deny that someone had bedded the Princess. If only he could rid himself of the feeling that it was this body, if not him, that had held her.
Harold seemed ready to say something else when he paused at the doors to the Throne Room. He shook his head. "I am not sure whether to tell you or not, but a man needs a chance to blink." Harold gave him a wry smile. "There is proof positive that it happened my friend, and he is definitely yours."
Tamal barely had one moment to think the word and the significance it held before the doors swung open. "He?"
The Throne Room was filled with almost the entire Court. As one, they turned to watch him walk towards the Thrones. The room was as he 'remembered' it, large, carved columns holding a high roof, stone floors and walls covered by rugs and tapestries that told of generations in these halls. Seated on the raised dais, the King waited for him. On the slightly smaller throne beside him, Alicia sat impassively, pure Royal again. Both could be made of the same carved wood as their seats. They were statues clothed in royal purple. Beside the King stood his advisers. A massive man in both height and girth stood in clerics robes. Beside him was his opposite, a gaunt, short man dressed as a courtier. The cleric's warm smile was more than matched by the glower of his companion. Mushtuk and Thenlorn, at least they had not changed. Tamal was surprised but the warmth that accompanied that unbidden thought.
The feeling from the crowd washed over him. It was as if they were watching him before they decided whether he was friend or foe. It was the same as the village, smiles from some, others just watching, and from all fear. It was as if they were gazing on a stilled lion. Whether they wanted to stroke it, admire it, or burn it, they all wanted to make sure it was dead first.
It felt as if he had walked a mile against a torrent by the time he reached the Thrones. Harold left his side, and he stood before the King alone. For a moment he hesitated. He sensed a reluctance in himself to bow before any man. But respect for the man before him seemed to spring up to counter this. He compromised with a bow that kept his eyes firmly on the King's own. A brief smile passed across the King's face, then it was gone as if it had never been. Tamal turned slightly to include the Princess in his bow. Her smile was a great deal warmer and stayed brightening her face. As Tamal straightened, he could sense the King studying his daughter.
"It seems you have returned to us, and once again I am to thank you for saving my daughter." The King's deep voice filled the Court without effort. Tamal studied his face before replying. There were lines that had not been there before, not in these memories he could not prove were his own. But there was still the essence of a king.
Although without the same bulk as his erstwhile cleric, he still was a solid man. The grey in his beard did not diminishing the sheer force and power that he held in his eyes. Standing before him, Tamal was struck once again with the presence of this man. But he was waiting for his reply.
"It is always a pleasure to save someone so beautiful," Tamal said with another small bow towards the Princess. He continued quickly to counter the fatherly protection he could see growing, "And at the same time serve such a noble King."
"Still the courtier I see. It is a pity that you come at such a troubled time. We do not have the time to waste on pretty words, like those from the past." The King looked across at his daughter. She blushed and lowered her eyes. He turned the same meaningful stare on Tamal. A slight swell of laughter went through the Court behind him.
Tamal chose to say nothing.
"Why do you come to us now, on the eve of war, Demon?" The King's tone brooked no more familiarity.
Tamal's thoughts raced as he tried to plan an answer. In the end, he decided on the truth. "I do not know. I was brought here by the Fates. They alone know why I was brought here. It may be that I was needed." Tamal's voice rang confidently through the Court. He may have not been sure of his own name, but he did not doubt his power.
The King nodded slowly. "That may be. It would be good to have you returned by my side." For an instant Tamal could see a brief look of love?? cross the King's face. A brief flash of his borrowed memory brought the image of the King standing before the Court with his arm over Tamal's shoulders and the cheers of the Court. Tamal's attention was brought back to the present with a sharp exclamation.
"Your Majesty, you can not be serious." Thenlorn had stepped forward as if to physically drive his point home. Mushtuk strode forward to stand beside him. Thenlorn continued quickly before the cleric could cut him off. "Majesty, no one is disputing Tamal's abilities in battle, but he is not a suitable...being to represent you in battle. His 'indiscretions' aside," the thin Courtier gave Tamal a withering glance, "he has been gone from our kingdom for over seven years. We can not trust him. Common sense alone forbids all consideration of it. That is without even considering the laws of propriety."
It was Mushtuk's turn to let out a snort. "You are an old complaining woman Thenlorn, you always have been." A few laughs rose from the Court at the insult. "You have said it yourself, he is the best weapon on the field we have ever had. We need every man we can get, and he is worth ten of any other soldiers in reputation alone. Why five enemies drop dead out of fear before he even raises the soul stealing sword of his. And what of his 'indiscretions?'" Mushtuk glanced at the Princess. "You can hardly blame him." His smile was almost paternal as he watched Alicia's face turn an even darker crimson. "One thing we can not doubt though is his loyalty." His voice rose in volume even as it deepened in tone. His last words where rumbling quakes felt in the bones.
Calmly, Tamal stood before the Court, watching the two as if it was one of their countless arguments on religion or philosophy, and not his honour that was being discussed before the whole Court. He glanced toward the King.
The King had leaned back on his throne. He let the words of his two advisers wash over him. He had often said that he kept the two because they could never agree on anything. He could listen to both sides of any argument before he passed judgment. The only problem was that they argued over everything.
Tamal returned his attention to the two men. They were just warming up. He recognised the start of a long argument. Even the Court started to settle on the benches scattered through the room. They all knew how long these two could talk. Even as Tamal tried to concentrate, he could hear Harold's words going through his head. "He is definitely yours." He...a son? It would have to be. Tamal remembered taking Alicia into his arms, into his bed. It was possible. Did he really have a son by her? There was only way one to find out.
Tamal opened his mind. Gradually he let it flow through the room. Between the two thrones. It would be the logical place for someone who wanted to see but not be seen. Tamal sent out a thought. "Hello."
At first there was nothing, then a faint wisp of curiosity. Tamal focused on it. He could feel a mind, young, strong. He could break the link forming between their minds, if he so chose, but he stopped, amazed at its vigour. Even this young, he could sense a resolute block trying to keep the mind hidden. Tamal knew that there was no one else at Court with the power of telepathy. The boy must have learnt on his own. That was impressive. He allowed that thought to float towards the boy. He could feel the slight swelling of pride at his praise.
"Enough!" came the King's voice as he raised himself on the Throne until he was once again pure monarch. "I have decided. The Demon is here now, and we must use him. But first he has a duty. He must show his son what he truly is. Every man must know what he truly is."
The King nodded to himself, now sure of what he was doing. Alicia looked across to her father, doubt on her face. The King looked at her and nodded. Alicia's eyes went from the King to Tamal and back again. Then she reached out her hand behind her. From between the Thrones, a boy stepped forward. He stared at Tamal with open curiosity. Alicia's hand stayed on his shoulder. The King's hand rested on his opposite shoulder. The boy looked at each of them and they smiled in return. Somehow it seemed important to Tamal that both Mother & Grandfather looked on the boy with open love and affection.
Alicia looked up at Tamal, concerned for both him and the boy. The King leaned back in his throne, gesturing for Alicia to do likewise.
"His name is Simon", the King's voice rumbled. "Simon, this is your Father."
The boy tilted his head as if reserving judgment on that fact. Then he looked at Tamal with frank curiosity. Tamal gazed back. If looks were anything to go by, he definitely was his son. Deep red hair fell to his shoulders, parted by a blonde stripe. He had Tamal's colouring but he had Alicia's features and build.
Tamal repeated his earlier greeting, this time aloud. "Hello."
"Will show me how to be powerful?" The boy asked with no hesitation. It was if he had known about Tamal's arrival and planned his question before time. Considering the Court's ability to gossip, it was highly likely the boy had known Tamal had arrived, even if his Mother or Grandfather had not told him. Still, Tamal found the choice of question oddly disturbing.
The King interrupted any reply. "First he will show you his own power. Guards!"
The guards a side door part and four prisoners were dragged through. One Tamal recognized as the escaped Wolf rider from yesterday. Another was a Noble from the Court, judging by his clothing. The remaining two were dressed as servants. Going by the colours, Tamal guessed they were the Noble's own household.
"Cousin, why am I to be subjected to this outrage as if I was a common criminal?" The Noble spoke, confirming Tamal's earlier conclusion.
"Because you are worse than a common criminal. You have betrayed your King. For that offence there is no punishment too harsh." The King seemed to blaze his anger down. Tamal noted with interest that although his fellows cringed away from the King, the Noble did not. Traitor he might be, but at least he was brave. Or perhaps he knew something that made him brave. Tamal watched with more interest.
The King continued. "There is a way to deal with traitors. They must be interrogated, and they must die. One of you will live to tell of the fate of the others." The King leaned further forward. He pointed to the Noble. "But it will not be you that lives." With that statement ringing in the Court's ears, the King gestured to the guards. They each grabbed an arm, and forced the Noble to his knees before Tamal. One reached forward to the man's collar and ripped it away. The rich fabric tore, leaving his throat exposed. One guard roughly dragged the Noble's head to the side. Now, for the first time, the man was afraid. Tamal could smell it. His fear called to him. His hand reached out, almost on its own. Tamal could feel his breath growing sharper as the Hunger gnawed at him again. To take this man, to drain his mind, it was almost as intoxicating as the thought of draining his body of its strength. Again he felt the familiar ache. His fangs began calling for the blood he could hear pounding through this man's veins. It made him wish he knew the man's name, but of course as a Noble, no one knew his real name but his own parents. Still, Tamal could take it, take control and read the man's mind even as he took his blood. Once he had that, the man's life was his.
Then Tamal stopped. He could feel another Hunger in the room. He looked up to meet the eyes of Simon. He stood there, fangs extended, echoing Tamal's own need. 'Show me the Power.' The thought screamed in his mind.
Tamal stepped back from the kneeling Noble. What was he doing? He could feel the memories of doing this before. He could see himself, standing wings outstretched, the victim cowering before him. He could feel himself enjoying it. But this was not right! It was not him! Holding his son's eye, he raised his voice so the whole room could hear.
"I am no Demon. I will use my powers to help the Throne and its rightful King, but I have learned that there are other ways." Tamal was torn between the look of puzzlement on Simon's face, and the look of quiet approval on the face of the King. The sigh of relief from his feet drew his full attention downwards. "But this man is still a traitor, and must pay for his crimes." His hand went to his belt, finding the hilt of his sword.
The look of relief on the traitor's face froze. A startled cry left the Noble's lips as he focused on Tamal's blade at his throat. Tamal was reaching for the man's mind, when overwhelming fear swept from it. The man leapt to his feet driving Tamal's sword through his throat. Tamal forced his mind through the pain. He tried desperately to find the cause for the man's fear, a fear so great, he would take his own life.
He only caught a glimpse before he had to retreat from Death. He saw only a fear of magic, fear of the demon. He could not shake the feeling that it was not him that terrified the man. He had seen another like him somewhere. Maybe someone who would be able to explain? Maybe someone who was responsible?
Slowly Tamal withdrew his blade. For a moment, the whole room seemed to still. For him there was nothing but the blade and the blood. Then his eyes returned to Simon. The boy's eyes were locked on the blade too. 'Why did you not take him?' The child's thought echoed his bewilderment.
Tamal pondered briefly before his thoughts replied, 'You have to control the power or it will control you. If you continually use fear, it will turn on you one day. There are other ways...better ways.' Tamal was convinced with the explanation, but he could not remember why.
The King's voice interrupted. He gestured at the body, "Clear that away. And deal with the others. Chose one to bear the news back to my dear Cousin. I will not allow harm to me or mine. I now have the power to back that up. I will not tolerate any further intrusions. Further spies will be killed out of hand."
The guards dragged the remaining spies out of the room. The King rose of his Throne. "This Court is adjourned." He gestured towards Tamal drawing him in closer. "You have grown my son. It is a good thing to see", he paused looking at his daughter and grandson, "especially now." He smiled and held out his hand. "Walk with me, we have a great deal to discuss."
Tamal followed the King into his private room behind the Thrones. Mushtuk, Thenlorn and Harold joined them. The King seated himself at the head of the table before a jug and platter. He gestured to the others to seat themselves. Then he seemed to sag. It struck Tamal again how much he seemed to have aged in the few years he had been away. The King's normally fluid grace, now tempered with age. His step was heavier and his face more deeply lined. The weight of the world seemed to be pulling at his shoulders. What had happened?
The King poured them all a drink. "To your timely arrival and the safe return of my daughter." He toasted Tamal. Tamal watched as they drank deeply from the goblets. He took a sip from his own. Almost instantly, he could feel the warmth of the drink flow into his cheeks. He threw a wry look at the goblet. The King noticed his reaction and laughed. "So the Demon, still can not stand the demon drink. Maybe we should make you drink the whole goblet. Then you might be drunk enough to tell us what really brings you here."
Tamal smiled at the friendly chiding, but he caught the undercurrent of seriousness. He let the title Demon pass for the moment. "Even with my gift for drinking, I do not think there is enough wine in your whole Kingdom to answer that question. I am afraid I do not know why I am here." Tamal looked into his goblet. "I seem not to know a great many things." He muttered to himself. The other men also looked into their drinks, as if the answer was written in the cool, red depths. Each of them nodded slowly. For a moment, they all sat in companionable silence.
The King shook himself out of his reverie. "Well, we must just take your arrival as a good omen and a timely one. We have had all too many bad ones of late." Seeing Tamal's curious look, the King continued. "We are on the eve of war. Ever since the Princess's failure to marry ", the King paused to look at Tamal. The pause was filled with a sniff from Thenlorn, followed by a kick from Mushtuk. The King smiled and continued. "My Lord has used the excuse to raise forces against me. Spies fill the Court. Yesterday's incident with Alicia just showed that they are ready to move. They never would have shown their hand here unless they were ready for war. Perhaps now, we are ready too."
Tamal regarded the King for a moment. "I appreciate your confidence, but I think you overestimate my powers. I am not a Demon. You should know that more than any other. I am merely a magic user. Your army is one of the best I have ever fought with. Have things really changed that much that magic is so important?"
"There appear to be a great many thing you *do* still remember." The King again chided warmly, even Tamal to again wonder at the strength of his memories. The only thing that seemed more powerful was their stubbornness in surfacing to his consciousness.
"Unfortunately, the answer, my friend, is yes. My Lord has found himself his own Demon, and he has no qualms about being Demon or magician. The Outer Tribes are flocking to his side. They know as well as we do the spoils to be gained when an Empire falls. Now that they have the Magic on their side as well".
"I have lost my hold over them. It has been a hard year. The harvests were small. I can not give them anything but reminders of past aid and glory. People have a bad memory when their bellies are rumbling." The King rubbed his hands over his face. "I have lost them."
Mushtuk leaned forward, concern for his King showing in his face. "Not true, there are still many loyal to you. And we do not know that the rumours of another Demon are true. Those loyal to you will still fight, regardless."
The King smiled at his old friend. "So I look forward to a civil war. Maybe if I have lost all loyalty, I could just step aside and avoid the war all together. But no, I have to fight. I will not let that murdering bastard take my Lands, or subjugate my people." The old fire returned to his eyes for a moment as he stirred in his chair. It quickly faded. "We have to plan. We have a long day ahead of us my friends."
Together the five pored over the maps of the area. It was decided that the most likely place for an attack would be on the plain near the border. It was decided that Tamal would take a small force and scout the area to find out if the rumours of gathering forces were true. "You would also be able to find out if there is another Demon there. There was a recent skirmish in that area. Apparently, a freak storm allowed the enemy to escape. I want you there to see if it was caused by Mother Nature or by the Hells."
"I will," Tamal replied, "but before I go, I want to make sure of the defences here. If there is another magic-user out there, I want to make sure there are no spells around the Castle. "
"Harold will assist you with all you need." The King nodded towards Harold who acknowledged the task. Battle strategies made, the King allowed himself to relax. Pouring himself another drink, he looked towards Tamal. "I am glad that you think you have things here to defend. I only wish that I could allow more time for you to be with them before you go."
Tamal rose with a gesture to Harold. "My Liege, I have always considered this place a home to protect. And sometimes duty comes before personal needs." The King smiled approvingly and gestured his permission for them to leave."
Tamal was almost through the door when he heard Thenlorn's sour voice mutter, "It would have been nice if he had remembered that before all this began." Tamal smiled as he heard the king's chuckle, and Mushtuk's rebuke. He reflected that, if you were to have fathered a son, it did not hurt for him to be the grandson of the King. Especially, as the King did not seem to mind.
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Harold led Tamal on a tour through the Castle. At each level they conferred, ordering more light, tightening the guard. As Tamal walked, he focused all his powers on trying to detect any spells. In the morning, he would come back and cast his own. Finally, the tour was finished. Tamal walked Harold to Harold's own rooms. They were greeted by a flood of children. The smell of cooking food wafted out, pushed by squeals and laughter.
"Mother, we are home." Harold called from the door, unable to go through for the moment because of the twins, one wrapped around each leg.
"About time, the meal would have been ruined in five minutes more." Mary, Harold's plump wife came to the door. Her face was red from the steam of the stew. Her hair was in its usual untidy bun. When she saw Tamal, she gave a cry of joy.
"My poor boy, it is true, you have come back! Children let him in. Harold, again you did not tell me of a guest." Mary chided as she took hold of an arm and pulled Tamal into the room. "Let me look at you. Handsome as always. And hungry I bet. Come, let me give you one decent meal before you starve out there on the plains."
Tamal shook his head. Mary never ceased to amaze him. Fourteen children, and a few more now by the look of it, did not stop her from knowing more about the business of the castle than even the King himself. Add to that the ability to cook for any number of people and make it taste wonderful, and she was a miracle worker. "Mother, I could not stay away. If it was not for Harold, I would have taken you with me so that I could eat your cooking, and gaze on your beauty."
"You are still a terror. Come sit, eat."
Tamal sat, for the moment content to eat the meal and soak up the warmth and happiness that always seemed to be part of this home. Again memories returned. He had taken many meals at this table, spent many nights by the hearth fires. For the next few hours, he added another memory to the one's that purported themselves to be his own.
By the time he left he felt as if he would burst. Mary's conviction that the world would starve if it did not have a decent meal had taken its toll again. He stood outside their door and stretched. Overhead, the stars blazed in the sky. He stood watching, listening, for the moment he was content to just be.
Then it hit him again. The feeling that he was out of place that he was not meant to be in this body. The stars seem to swim for a moment almost as if they were trying to show a different pattern. The arguing of the twins reminded him of different voices. Here he felt at home, in a family, but he could not fight the feeling that there was another family somewhere. One he truly, instinctively felt part of.
Then it stopped, as suddenly as it had begun. The longer he was here, the less he seemed to remember of that past life, and the more he became Tamal. As he rubbed his full belly, he wondered if that was such a bad thing.
He stretched again, deciding where he should go. He should return to his rooms for rest, but he was still too full of questions to sleep. A light caught his eye. Mushtuk must have his lantern on. That would mean the old priest would be sitting reading his manuscripts. Tamal decided he would drop in on his old friend. He was the best source of answers. Perhaps something in his books would tell him what had happened, why he was here, who he was.
He shook his head. The conflict of memory and feelings hit harder. His memories showed him a Tamal afraid to use magic but relishing its power. They showed him a picture of himself so reverent of books that to merely open one was a ritual in itself. Why did he feel that this was wrong for him? Why did he glimpse moments in time when he was someone else, somewhere else? Deep inside himself he could feel that magic, power, books, were just tools to use. But what was he supposed to use them for? He would visit his old friend, but he would keep his concerns to himself. After all, Mushtuk was the only other magic user he knew. Maybe it was him that had summoned the demon here?
"Tamal, come in. I have just been reading about a form of stone that can store magic. I would appreciate your help in testing the theory. There was another debate about the origin of the Mountains that I would like to discuss too, and a new....."
"Wait, wait, I have barely gotten back inside the door. And I must leave soon. I will help you when I come back my friend."
Mushtuk snorted. "Huh, that is what you said last time. And you never did." Seeing Tamal's face freeze, Mushtuk leaned forward to put a hand on his knee. "Harold told me you have lost your memory again. It must be quite a shock to lose your life and gain a son all on the same day." He chuckled to himself. After a while, Tamal joined in. Mushtuk had a way of lightening the mood. It made him trust him, for now. What real choice did he have? "What do you want to know?" the cleric asked closing his book.
Tamal sat back in his chair, his face creased in thought. "There is so much. I suppose the most important thing is my involvement in this war. What did the King mean when he said about the Princess's failure to marry?"
Mushtuk reached for his pipe. With the practiced movements of a story-teller, he made himself comfortable, and lit his pipe. All the while, Tamal knew, he was balancing what he should say against what Tamal needed to know.
"You were chosen to escort Her Highness to His Lord. They had been betrothed since her birth. It was our one chance to combine the two houses. It meant the clear line of succession would be established and that the Empire would have a strong rule. The King knew that his Lord was headstrong, but he was counting on the Princess's calming influence. It was a gamble, but one we had to take".
"Well, all was fine except for one thing. You two fell in love. At least, that is what Alicia tells me. I am still not sure a demon...sorry, magic user...is capable of falling in love." Tamal saw Mushtuk study him for a moment, a puzzled look in his eye. It was gone in a heartbeat, but Tamal received the impression the Priest was trying to see if he really was who he seemed to be. Tamal considered telling him about the other memories, but the moment was lost. Mushtuk had continued with his story.
"It was my fault in a way. I saw that she wanted you, but I was guilty of still thinking of her as a little girl. I thought you did as well. Alicia swore to me that you did not touch her until released from your obligations as escort, so you do not have to worry about that." He paused laughing at the look on Tamal's face. That was the least of his worries. But then, Tamal got the feeling that there was a time when that would have meant a great deal to him. The confusion grew. What sort of being allows themselves to be used as a fear device, but cares about the laws of Hospitality? Tamal rubbed his chin and gestured for Mushtuk to continue.
"Well, one night she came to you for protection against his anger. I believe one thing led to another. There are some things a lady does not even tell her priest." He took another puff from his pipe. Thoughtfully he said, almost to himself, "It might have been for the best anyway. I was reluctant to see Alicia in that sort of marriage. More importantly for the Empire, he was an unsuitable King. He has an unfortunate habit of losing his temper and burning down a village or two. It would have been only a matter of time before war erupted regardless. At least this way, we have the King to rally behind. The Empire has a chance." Mushtuk spoke calmly, but Tamal could see the hidden anger in his eyes. The same anger the King had shown earlier.
"Burned down a village or two?" Tamal had to ask the question.
"You had purchased Alicia back, paid a new bride price. Lord was forced to release you both. You would not have known it at the time, but he burnt every village that offered you shelter on the way home. Men, women and children. He disguised it as a pirate border attack, but his men were seen, throwing the people back into the flames as they tried to escape. We still have no proof, but he has admitted as much. Not where we can use the information of course. For all his faults, he is a brilliant strategist. It will make him hard to defeat.....very hard." Mushtuk shook himself. "But with your help my friend, we will overcome him."
They sat completely still, the serious conviction in Mushtuk's voice surprising them both. Eventually, Tamal rose out of his chair. "If I am to be the Empire's saviour, I should get some rest. I would like to borrow some of your spell books if I can. I want to Ward the Castle first thing in the morning."
"Of course my dear boy, anything you wish. Just promise me one thing."
"Hmm."
"Promise me you will tell me which ones actually work." Tamal laughed.
It was not long before he was walking towards his own rooms, arms laden with books. Nearing his door, he noticed it was slightly ajar. Pausing outside, he listened. There was someone inside. It was not Elizabeth. He could hear the beat of a heart, and its sound was not of hers...similar though. Shifting the books away from his sword arm, he walked in. Putting the books on the table, he walked the few steps around the corner.
There, in his bed, was Alicia. Quickly, Tamal scanned the room. There was no one else there. He returned his gaze to the princess. Her eyes were closed in sleep and she was breathing slowly. Her hair was spread out across the cushions. A blanket was draped across her. It failed to cover one shapely leg and enough of her breasts to make it plain that the blanket rested against her flesh, unhampered by a gown. Slowly her eyes opened. She saw him standing there and smiled sleepily. Stretching, she sat up, reaching towards him. She seemed completely unaware of the blanket falling away, leaving her body open to his gaze. He stood for a moment drinking her in.
"I have been waiting for you." She murmured, her voice husky from sleep. "I wanted to thank you for saving me." She eyes turned away for a moment. A soft blush began to climb into her cheeks. It was then that she noticed the blanket. Instinctively she grabbed for it. Then it seemed she made a conscious effort to stop. Biting her lip, she left the blanket where it lay, and stretched back against the cushions. She lay there, breasts slowly rising and falling as she watched him. He followed the soft curve upwards to her throat, and then to her face. "I have been waiting for a very long time." She looked at him, her eyes filled with uncertainty.
He stood there. Images piled into his mind. Alicia sitting beside the fire, riding beside him, running towards him, her eyes filled with fear and tears. Simon standing before the Court. There were so many questions in his mind. There was only one thing he did not doubt. Right now, he knew he wanted her, regardless of the consequences. He moved towards the side of the bed.
His eyes never leaving her face, Tamal touched one finger to the inside of her ankle. Gently he traced a path along her calf. Alicia pressed back against the cushions, closing her eyes. A quiet sigh escaped her as he traced the curve of her knee. Her breathing quickened to become a moan as his caress reached her thighs. She reached up for him. "Tamal, please..", she begged for his deeper touch, for his kiss, his bite.
"Later." He waited until she had sunk back down against the cushions again. Then his hand continued its journey across her belly. He softly traced the edge of her navel, stooping to kiss just below where his hand rested. He felt her muscles tense and the shudder of her breath as it caught in her throat. He raised his head, again watching her face. Now two fingers traced a path of fire across her belly. Tamal felt as well as heard her heartbeat increase. His own rose to match it. He could smell her, feel her warmth. As his fingertips brushed the curve of her breasts, he felt them react to his touch. Aroused softness became harder as he stroked. Once more he lowered his head.
The smell of her surrounded him. The warm, musky smell of desire. He waited till his breathing slowed and then gently took a nipple into his mouth. His tongue brushed against its tip. Tamal felt her fingers stroke along his back. They tangled themselves in his hair, holding him against her. Her back arched, trying to bring him closer still. Slipping his hands under her back, he held her easily. She raised her head, bringing her lips to his throat. She nipped at his pulse.
"I said later." His voice gruff with need. His Hunger was growing. Every breath that brushed her breast against his arm, reminded him of her blood, of the life flowing in her veins. Her thoughts filled his mind. She wanted him. He glimpsed hours spent thinking of him, nights spent lying in the dark. She had taken no other lover before him or since. The only relief from her aching desire had been from stolen moments alone. Her own desperate touch and memories had not woken the same burning that his hands now gave her. She had dreamt so many times of the ecstasy she had felt that one time they had made love. Now she wanted it again.
Tamal forced his head back. He looked at her, his eyes burning with the need she had aroused in him. His fangs began to ache, needing to be inside her. To taste that same warmth that filled his senses.
Winding her legs around his, pressing her body still closer, Alicia drew him back into a kiss. He lowered her onto the bed, his own body being drawn down with her. Laying full length against her, he lost himself in the sensation. Her lips pressed harder against his. He felt the shudder go through her as his hands explored. He felt her tongue brush against his lips. His mouth opened at its touch. Gently it probed, brushing against his teeth. Then she ran it gently across the tip of his fangs. Now it was his turn to quake. The Hunger traced fire through his entire body. Now he had to have her. He fought back from the kiss, trying to free himself from the robes that were becoming more and more restricting. He drove a thought through to her. She had waited this long. She could wait a little longer.
Rising from the bed, he managed to free himself from his clothes. He watched her eyes devour his body. The thought came back to him, 'You want me too.'
He almost laughed. It was if his entire body ached for her. For now, the demands of his Hunger had been replaced. Now he wanted all of her, the warmth of her body, not just her blood.
He strode to the end of the bed. Kneeling on the edge, he brushed his lips against her toes. Slowly, he worked his way upward, caressing and kissing. She twisted under his touch, begging for him to enter her, to feed. His breath was coming in pants by the time he reached her thighs. Again the need hit him like a wave.
His lips brushed against the pulse there. Alicia arched back, opening herself to his touch. He could feel her pleasure. She felt him in her mind, and gripped both her breasts, squeezing and moaning with the pleasure it gave. The sensation hit his mind even as his own pleasure went through his body. He opened his mind to her. Then he slowly, deliberately rubbed his tongue across her. The taste of her, the warmth, the echoed pleasure, it threatened to overwhelm them both. He continued upwards, moving her hands from her breasts and replacing them with his own. Lying against her, he kissed her mouth, her jaw, her throat. The Hunger hit him again as he felt her pulse through the soft, warm skin. When he could stand it no longer, he entered her.
The link in their minds blazed with sensations as their bodies joined. For a moment he waited till the waves of pleasure slowed. Then he pushed forward, feeling her all around him, holding him, driving him deeper. Each stroke caused another tidal wave of pleasure amplifying across their minds and bodies, pleasure felt and felt again, as they shared their longing. Each moment seemed to last forever until there was nothing else. Tamal felt his conscious mind slip away. There was nothing but this need to fill. Then he bit. Her cry filled his ears, even as her blood traced fire through every part of his body. He felt her give herself over completely to the pleasure filling her body. For a moment, her mind blanked as it withdrew from the sensations too great to bear. Then he withdrew.
Lying beside her, he gently gathered her face into his hands. "Alicia?" he whispered.
She opened her eyes, her face filled with the glow that came after love. "I missed you, whoever you are." she murmured in response. Then her eyes closed and she burrowed against him. Within moments, she was asleep. Tamal was content just to watch her for the moment. Then he whispered, "I would have missed you, too." For long moments he lay there, wondering what would happen next. Unable to sleep, he reached for the first of the books.