Accepting Evil

Accepting Evil

Book 9 of the Dimensions Saga

By T.M. Nielsen

Published by T.M. Nielsen at Smashwords

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http://www.dimensionssaga.com

Copyright © 2015 by T.M. Nielsen

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Chapter 1

Ryche belly crawled through the snow to peer over the hill’s crest. He saw an encampment blow him on the valley’s floor. He studied it and the dark-skinned elves moving around. It would be fully light soon, and the shadow elves would retire to their homes to wait out the sun. He had a very short amount of time in the dawning light to see what he could before they disappeared.

After making sure he didn’t miss anything, he crawled backwards until he could stand without being seen over the hill. Once he was obscured, he stood up and ran down the hill the rest of the way.

What did you find, Holy Knight? the knight’s captain asked when Ryche arrived back in camp.

Our scouts were right. There’s a shadow elf encampment just over that hill.

How many?

I saw fifteen tents set up. They have outlooks and the first sentries we’ve seen in the entire time we’ve searched for them.

Did you see them?

Yes, they are all heading in to sleep now. This is the perfect time to strike.

The Lady will be mad this encampment is here. She swore that shadow elves wouldn’t live in snow.

I know that’s what she said, which is why it’s the perfect spot for them to hide, Ryche said, smiling.

What do we do now? the captain asked.

As soon as they are all tucked into bed, we’ll rush the camp. I’d like to do this with as little bloodshed as possible. Those sentries will be hard to get past without them alerting the others.

Yes, my Lord. What are your orders?

Ryche turned to the rest of his knights. We’ll go in quietly. Take out the sentries and round up the elves. Restrain them and try not to kill anyone.

And if the sentries do get an alarm off?

We’ll have our knights posted outside of the encampment. They will catch the stragglers and bring them to the center.

The closest knight yelled out a few orders, and then they all moved quietly through the trees together. When they rounded the crest of the hill and descended into the sleeping encampment in the snow, no signal went off, and the sounds of snoring could be heard.

Ryche thought it was odd that no alarm had been set off, but they soon found that the sentries had been drinking and were in no condition to do their jobs. This made their attack easier.

Trying hard not to injure or kill any of the elves, the shadow elves were rounded up and hauled, kicking and screaming, to the center of town where their hands were restrained at their backs, and they were tied to the others.

Knights watched their captives while Ryche went tent to tent in search of shadow elves. He found only one, a female who was hunkered down cradling her infant son in her hands. She tried to bite Ryche, but he had very little of him that wasn’t covered in Valharan armor.

Tie her hands, Ryche said, taking the infant from her.

She screamed and thrashed, but the knights were able to get her hands behind her back and restrain them with a rope. When she was pushed down to sit with the others, Ryche gently put her son in her lap.

Is that all, Holy Knight? the knight’s captain asked.

That’s it.

Horn?

Ryche nodded, so seconds later a lone horn rang out through the frozen tundra. Its low tone rumbled past them and echoed off of the nearby mountains.

The elves were horrified. They all spoke quickly among themselves and watched the heavens, fearing the wrath of the good aligned god, Sithias.

Ryche was shocked when it wasn’t Sithias, but Erianah who came to their call. She looked angry and menacing. Her armor was made of black crow feathers, and her red hair swayed with an unseen wind.

No one had seen Erianah in the year since her rescue from the top of Mount Unrest in Paramide Dimension. Only Ryche, Kyrin, and one of the dimension knights knew how dire she was when they found her. Sithias had banned them from telling anyone, and then Sithias had taken the neutral deity into his home and nursed her back to health. To prove she was still formidable, she’d been exerting her power over her people, the Qualsax.

Ryche had heard rumors that Erianah was punishing followers for small infringements, but she was lavishing the new king of Qualsax with gifts and blessings she’d given no other before him. She was inconsistent with followers, allowing some to do things that others were killed for.

Erianah snarled slightly at the Holy Knight before waving her hand over the gathered shadow elves. They slowly faded from view and then disappeared altogether.

Thank you, Ryche told her. He knew that being polite would anger her more, but he also was assured she wouldn’t dare touch any of the Valharans, even though it was common knowledge that she loathed Kyrin and her offspring.

Erianah looked over the encampment. Burn this.

We plan on it, Ryche said, seconds before she disappeared in a thunderous clap.

Well, she’s lovely today, the knight’s captain said, looking over at his Holy Knight.

Yes, quite pleasant. Burn it, Ryche said, and then started toward their camp.

By the time he arrived at camp, a black plume of smoke rose up from the all-white terrain and blocked out part of the winter sun. They stayed one more night to watch for shadow elves they might have missed, and when none were found, set off for Valhara the next morning. They rode quickly. They had been gone from home for almost two months, and they were anxious to return for some rest.

The knights rode into Valhara three days later. The streets were no longer packed with tents and homeless elves, but people came out of their houses to greet them and bring them food they’d made in their honor.

The elves of Minathim were now living outside of the Valharan town of Afteses, home to the priest school. The once abandoned ghost town was teeming with life and quickly growing into a city the elves could be proud of and call home. The first thing to be built was a thick stone wall with high turrets for the elven archers to stand on and protect the city.

Kyrin wouldn’t speak of the rebuilding of the city, because the elves had renamed their new library in her honor. She couldn’t read, so she assumed it was erected in her name to mock her, when in actuality, it was to repay her for the way she cared for the elves when Minathim was wiped out.

Ryche kept riding when his knights stopped in the center of Valhara. He wanted to get to the castle and get an update on the other groups of knights who were hunting down the remaining shadow elves.

Ryche!

He dismounted and then turned toward his little sister, who ran at him and threw her arms around him. The young girl was dressed in a long peach dress, and her dark hair was hanging down against her skirts.

What a welcome, Ryche said, pulling away from her.

She took his hands. You promised me you’d be gone only a month.

I’m sorry. We just kept finding more and more of them.

She smiled broadly. I missed you.

He mussed her hair and then went inside. Are the others back?

Mom came back just this morning, Branwyn said, taking his hand again. Dad’s been back for a month, and Finn’s group is still out.

They sent Finn out? Ryche asked, shocked.

Yes, he won some kind of bet with Emerisa and got to go out with some knights.

I’m surprised he would do that with only one arm.

That’s what Mom said, so he drew on her, Branwyn said, giggling.

Ryche froze. Finn, with one arm, took on Mom?

She nodded.

How’d that end?

It ended when Sedomer froze them both! Branwyn was anxious to tell someone the exciting story. Everyone in town already knew.

Sed froze Mom?! Ryche asked, surprised.

Yes, but the second she unfroze, she turned to him and started pelting him with spells.

Ryche winced.

Sed’s shield only held for a few minutes before it started to fade. By then, Mom was too angry to stop. She was throwing the most colorful spells I’ve ever seen.

Is Sed alive?

Barely. Dad showed up and managed to calm Mom. Mom isn’t talking to Sed anymore though, Branwyn explained. Then when Finn unfroze, he ran after Sedomer, who took off back for the temple.

Poor Finn, Ryche said, walking again.

When Finn ran off, Mom followed him, yelling that it was her son, and she brought him into Paragoy and would be the one to send him to Lord Sithias.

I thought Dad calmed her down.

He did, until Finn ran after Sedomer. Mom thought Finn’d kill him.

I’ve heard that Finn takes personal offense to that spell.

Yes, well no one caught up with Sedomer.

How? Ryche asked, stopping at the foot of the long staircase to look at his sister. Mom can outrun Sedomer.

Branwyn smiled. Lord Sithias took him for a bit.

Lord Sithias took Sed so Mom wouldn’t kill him?

She nodded.

Great. Where’s Finn now?

He went back when another shadow elf sighting came in.

Where’s Dad?

In his office, Branwyn told him. They started up the stairs together.

Is Sedomer back yet?

He’s in Afteses, Branwyn whispered. We’re not supposed to tell Mom though.

So Saith is back?

No, Rodrick is watching the temple.

This froze Ryche again. Rodrick’s not a High Priest.

I know, but by blood, he’s the highest ranking priest, which puts him in command. Dad said he’s doing a wonderful job too.

How long was I gone? Ryche sighed, and then started for Alric’s office.

Too long. It’s not fun without you here.

Sounds like I missed a bunch.

Well, Mom said you’re her favorite son.

I bet. You said she’s back now? Ryche asked, stopping outside of Alric’s office.

Yes, but she’s asleep.

He nodded and then knocked and walked in when Alric called for him.

Welcome back, Alric said. He stood to greet his son.

Ryche bowed to his king and then sat down when Alric did. It’s good to be home.

What did you find?

Over the last two months, we cleaned out six encampments. The largest was this latest one in the mountains of Egami.

They were in the snow?

Yes, which I’ll boast to Mom later.

Any deaths?

We had fourteen elven suicides in all, but we didn’t kill a single shadow elf.

I suspect we may be done.

I hope so. I’d like to stay home for a bit.

Sariah’s been checking every day for you.

Ryche fought back an embarrassed grin. He hated how a simple word from his father could make him feel like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Okay.

Did you hear about your mother and Sedomer?

Yeah, Branwyn told me.

He’ll need to return soon, Alric said, still laughing at the entire incident.

Can I help?

When he does come back, just stay close and make sure Kyrin doesn’t kill him.

I can’t believe he froze her.

He did what he thought was right.

And you agree?

Most certainly not, Alric said, sitting back in his chair. Freezing Kyrin with her own spell is madness.

Branwyn also said that Rodrick’s over the temple in town at the moment?

Yes, and he’s doing a great job. I’m very pleased.

I doubted him for a while.

I realize that. He just took a little longer to gain control.

Is there anything else I should know? Ryche asked him.

No, other than everyone on your team can take a week off. Let them relax for a while and warm up.

They’ll appreciate that, Ryche told him. He stood, bowed again, and then walked out.

Branwyn wasn’t waiting for him, so Ryche decided to go see if Sariah was still around. They’d been together for nearly six months before he left to track down the shadow elves.

He’d just gotten to the ground floor when he heard her call out for him.

Ryche turned and smiled. Sariah.

She ran into his arms. He was glad that he’d taken his armor off already. He hated holding her when he was in armor. The cold, hard metal got in the way of her soft touch.

You were away for so long, Sariah whispered against his chest.

Ryche tightened his arms around her. We kept finding more. We have the week off now though.

Ryche, Sariah whispered, stepping suddenly away from him.

Ryche turned and saw Kyrin watching them.

Kyrin eyed the young girl and then smiled at Ryche. Welcome back.

Thanks, he said a little awkwardly.

Kyrin was watching his girlfriend, and he wasn’t sure if it was in a negative way or not. Kyrin knew they were dating, but she hadn’t spoken to him about it or said anything to Sariah.

Kyrin finally looked at her son. She didn’t seem in a pleasant mood, so he decided not to tell her that she was wrong about the shadow elves not being in the snow.

My Lady, Sariah said, curtsying to the Lady of Valhara.

Kyrin didn’t reply, but walked up to Ryche. Are you done for a while?

Yes, Dad gave us the week off.

Ryche couldn’t help but notice that she was still geared up for a fight. Most of the shadow elf men they’d encountered wore identical black leather to what she was wearing at the moment. Her flail hung at her side and had recently had its handle re-tied.

Ryche knew though, that if she was attacked, she didn’t have to have steel. Her magic would more quickly take out most opponents.

When you are free, I need something, Kyrin said to him, again ignoring Sariah.

Is it an emergency? I was hoping to relax tonight.

Morning’s fine, she said rather stiffly. She turned and started up the stairs. Halfway up, Ryche saw her check her flail handle and then disappear toward Alric’s office.

Sariah took a deep breath of relief when Kyrin left.

Ryche turned, smiled, and then pulled her close to him. I wish you weren’t afraid of her.

How can I not be? She’s the Lady of Valhara.

Respect is deserved, yes. However, don’t fear her.

Ryche, Sariah whispered. Father told me to be careful around her.

Her and Dad?

No, not the king.

I hate that my mom is feared, Ryche said, hugging her tightly.

Sariah looked up, and their lips met briefly.

I had better go back. I have to make a delivery, Sariah told him.

To where? I was hoping we could stay in.

I have to take new swords out to Corethin.

I better go then.

She smiled. You don’t have to. I’d love to have you along though.

I’m surprised the weaponsmith would send weapons out with you, actually, Ryche said, following her. That seems dangerous.

How can it be dangerous?

If Qualsax finds out a load of weapons are being transported by a single woman, they would attack, and we would arm the enemy.

She frowned and looked up at him. Do you think they would attack?

I don’t put anything past the Qualsax.

You’ll go then? Just in case?

Ryche nodded and squared his shoulders a bit more. They won’t mess with you while I’m around.

She latched onto his arm and walked toward the blacksmith.

***

Kyrin walked up and knocked on Alric’s door. He called for her, and she stepped in after checking her flail.

I wish you’d stand down, Alric said, smiling at her.

I got a delivery today, Kyrin replied seriously.

From whom?

She handed over a letter that bore the wax seal of the Qualsax. I don’t know who it’s from.

He studied it before looking up at her. Would you like me to read it?

I don’t know yet.

What harm can it do?

I’m too busy to clean up some mess that Qualsax starts.

I think we’re done with the shadow elves.

I don’t.

Alric sat down and tapped the letter on the desk. What makes you think that?

They’re masters at hiding. I just get the feeling we’ll be finding stragglers for years.

I hope you’re wrong, but if that’s true, we’ll handle it.

She nodded and finally sat down.

Did you see Ryche?

Yes, with Sariah.

This one’s serious.

Sariah has lasted longer than the others, but I think she’s too flighty.

Flighty? Alric asked.

Every time I see her, she looks scared to death and ready to bolt. I’ve never done anything to her.

It’s just that you’re nobility.

So is her boyfriend.

You’re more intimidating than Ryche, Alric told her. He still thought that was funny somehow.

I guess.

Shall I read this? Alric asked, holding up the letter.

Fine

Alric carefully broke the Qualsax seal and then opened the parchment to read it.

Kyrin, Lady of Valhara, Magic User, Shifter, Follower of Sithias, former slave to the Shadowmere, mistress of Finn

Wait! Are you kidding me? Kyrin yelled.

That is what they have as your title, Alric said, frowning.

Keep going. Now I’m mad.

You are hereby summoned to appear before the Qualsax Court to face judgment for the wanton murder of the former king of Qualsax along with 102 of his advisors and dozens of warriors.

I didn’t kill that king, Kyrin interrupted.

I realize that. I’m just reading.

Go ahead.

Court will be held on the first full moon after you receive this. Failure to answer this summons will result in a warrant for your death.

Signed King Qualsax, son of Warish, house of Qualsax, High Adherent of Erianah, Honoree of the Award of Battle, High Trainer of Busnes, Keeper of the Tome of Cantrip...

How many titles does he have? Kyrin asked, peeking over at the letter.

Quite a few more, Alric said, laughing. Shall I go on?

Is Brazen Idiot a title?

Nope. They missed that one.

I didn’t kill their king, and I sure as hell am not going to answer their summons to court.

I would hope not. Maybe we should write them back.

Or we ignore it and let them try and come get me, Kyrin suggested.

I don’t want them attacking you. Let’s write them a letter and state plainly that you didn’t do as accused.

Fine, then you write them back. I’m taking Branwyn to her lessons.

Is that today? Alric asked. He pulled out parchment and began to write.

Yes, but she’s been hiding.

She hates those lessons.

I know, Kyrin said with a smile before leaving.

Kyrin ran down the stairs and met up with Finn, who was just coming into the castle.

You’re back, Kyrin said, watching him.

Finn nodded. Yep, we cleared out the south desert.

Did you find any shadow elves?

Quite a few. They seem to like the arid temperatures.

Now you have to face Emerisa.

Nope, this was all legal, Finn said, wiping his brow.

I’m surprised you went out with only one arm.

I can still hold my own.

I thought you retired.

I am retired.

Kyrin nodded and looked around the lobby. Have you seen Branwyn?

Yes, she’s out hiding in the orchard. I take it you’re taking her for training.

Finn watched Kyrin walk out toward the orchard before going to check in with the king. Finn knocked and then walked in and sat down while Alric wrote.

It was a few minutes later when Alric put his quill away. The Qualsax want to try Kyrin for the death of their former king.

Maybe they should try themselves. They’re the ones who teamed up with the shadow elves.

My thoughts exactly. What did you find in the desert? Alric asked, sitting back in his chair to get comfortable.

Lots of elves. They were everywhere.

Kyrin said they like it hot.

What do you mean Qualsax wants Kyrin? Finn asked after a few seconds.

They sent her a letter demanding she come to their court.

Is she going?

No, why would she?

To prove a point.

Alric thought about that for a moment and then sighed. I hadn’t considered she might do that.

I’d like to think she wouldn’t, but I can see her facing them head-on, so she doesn’t appear afraid of them.

Damn

Finn smiled. I’d like to see her face them.

Well, the last time she faced a Qualsax king in person, she ended up carving a flower into his chest and removing his ears.

It was deserved.

Alric fought back a smile.

Is the new Qualsax still going by King Qualsax?

I would imagine so. We know very little about him at this point.

They both looked toward the door when someone knocked.

Come, Alric called out.

Kyrin came in and smiled at Finn before sitting down. Problem?

No, we were just…, Alric stopped talking when Kyrin disappeared from in front of him.

That’s going to tick her off, Finn commented, staring at the empty chair.

I wonder what Lord Sithias has her doing now.

There’s no telling. I just hope she’s not gone for too long.

***

Kyrin landed on the gravel in a crouch. She stayed low and looked around the familiar streets before standing up and checking to make sure her flail was on her side.

Really? No explanation at all? Kyrin asked no one in particular.

You don’t know? The voice came from behind her, and she had her flail out when she spun on him.

Anders? she asked the dimension knight. He was in robes and standing with the other knight she’d spent time in the dimensions with.

It’s just us, he said, putting his hands out.

Kyrin holstered her flail and looked at the dark streets.

Where are we? one of the knights asked, though he was pretty sure he knew. The streets were dark and full of trash. There was a smell of decay on the wind.

Kyrstalis Dimension, Anders explained before Kyrin could. Home to the Consortiums.

What are we doing here?

Anders turned to Kyrin. My Lady?

I have no idea, Kyrin whispered. She heard footsteps approaching, so she drew her flail and turned to face them. When she saw a heavily armed man heading toward her, she sheathed her flail and ran into his open arms.

Anders and the other knight were leery of this man. He had an angry scowl and looked on the verge of killing someone, but Kyrin didn’t seem to think he was a threat.

Eljay, why are you back here? she asked, stepping away to look at him with a warm smile.

You know me, Kyrin. I can’t stay away from the Bazaar for long.

It’s dangerous here. You know that.

I can protect myself. Besides, Stephan and Kory are here.

You are all together again?

He smiled broadly. Of course. We can’t trust anyone else.

I wish the three of you would go back to Ware Dimension and stay away from Kyrstalis.

We just came to check on the store. What about you? You shouldn’t be here either.

I don’t know why I’m here yet. I’ve missed you though.

This encounter shocked Anders. Kyrin had always claimed to have no friends in the dimensions, but this man, as intimidating and mean as he looked, was obviously a good friend of hers.

Then get out. The Clemency are being pesky lately. I’ve never seen them this riled up before, Eljay said, and carefully surveyed the area to make sure no Clemency were around.

I will as soon as I find why my deity dropped me here, Kyrin explained.

You have a deity? He seemed shocked.

Yes, and he hasn’t explained why I’m here.

We’re shifting out in a few hours, Eljay explained. Why don’t you come with us?

Oh, I wish I could. I miss running missions with you three.

Nothing’s stopping you from joining. A fourth shifter is never a bad thing, and your magic is no longer illegal.

I still have something to do here, Kyrin said. She took Eljay’s hand and looked carefully around the road. Finding a dark shadow, she pulled him into it and whispered, Don’t say anything.

Eljay nodded and watched Kyrin begin to dig in her bag. She produced a flask full of clear, clean Valharan water along with several food rations. She handed it over to Eljay.

No, Kyrin. I can’t take this, he said, looking longingly at the flask.

Take it. You three will need it, and I have more.

He hesitated and then took the items and quickly tucked them into his bag. I can’t thank you enough.

Thank me by getting out of Kyrstalis.

Eljay gave Kyrin another hug and then disappeared down the nearest dark alleyway. He had to get the water to safety before someone found out he had it.

Kyrin stepped out of the shadow and heard footsteps approaching. She heard the knights behind her draw their swords just as she pulled her flail.

When Waymen, leader of the Shadowmere, came toward her, she glared at him and watched him approach.

Disarm, Waymen said haughtily. We’re not here to attack.

Then you won’t mind if we shift out, Kyrin said angrily.

Why shift out when we’re the ones who asked for you?

You did?

Yes

Why?

Waymen began to slowly circle around the Valharans. We know about the band of shadow elves that were in Paragoy and then banished. We also know that four of those shadow elves are wanted by the Clemency. When word got out that they attempted to start a Consortium, their bounty was raised.

I still don’t see why I’m here, Kyrin told him.

The Clemency has issued taxes against the Shadowmere. We need those shadow elves to pay them.

A slow smile formed across her lips. What did you do to the Clemency?

It was a misunderstanding.

What did you do?

That’s none of your concern. However, we’re exchanging something with you for their capture.

You mean you’re exchanging something with Sithias.

Yes

What could you possibly have that he would want?

That’s none of your business either.

There’s a small problem with this plan of yours, Kyrin told him.

What’s that?

I don’t know where those shadow elves are. Once they left Paragoy, I lost interest in tracking them.

We at least need you to look through the list of the Clemency’s wanted and see if you recognize any of them.

Kyrin crossed her arms. What do I get out of this deal?

I happen to know for certain that you don’t need anything. Waymen was haughty and still looked down at Kyrin with disgust.

I’m not doing it for free.

Waymen started to get angry. You’re living in the lap of luxury, in a dimension with food and water, and you still want more!?

Yes, I do. If you want my help, then you’ll have to pay me.

With what? he snapped. What could you possibly want from us?

You know what I want, Kyrin told him.

No!

Those are my terms.

No, Waymen said again. We’ll find another way.

This is our last option, Waymen, one of the other Shadowmere said, watching Kyrin.

I’m not giving in to her demands!

Kyrin just watched them with a smirk.

Name something else, Waymen demanded.

No, Kyrin said. If you want to pay off the debts to the Clemency, then you’ll pay me what I ask.

Our gods arranged this. Nothing was said about paying you personally.

I don’t do anything for free, Kyrin said, walking up to him. She lowered her voice to a harsh whisper, I owe you nothing, and I will give you nothing without suitable payment. Give me what I want, or I shift out of here and you can find another way to pay the Clemency.

Waymen snarled slightly, and the two dimension knights moved closer to Kyrin, in case he attacked. He was obviously about to lose his temper with her.

Pay me for it, Kyrin said, barely audible. The hatred was apparent in her voice, and her eyes darkened.

Waymen spun away from her and started for the front door to the Shadowmere’s compound. Fine.

Kyrin smiled and started after him as soon as she checked her flail and made sure the Valharan knights were with her. They were on guard and watching around them closely. No one wanted to come back from a mission to tell their king that his wife was injured or killed while in their presence.

The massive double doors of the Shadowmere’s compound came into view a few minutes later. Kyrin felt a foreboding about going into the compound willingly, but she was determined to make Waymen give her what she wanted.

Shadowmere stepped out of rooms to watch them pass. Most of them scowled at Kyrin, and a few spat curses at her in a language that the knights didn’t know. She didn’t seem affected by their words, but the knights grew more nervous, the deeper into the compound they went.

One particularly nasty looking dwarf appeared from a side-room and looked surprised to see Kyrin inside of the Shadowmere compound. His shocked look turned quickly to anger, and he stepped out toward her.

Without even a word, Kyrin slammed her elbow into the dwarf’s neck, and he fell back against the wall and dropped a dagger he’d been carrying secretly