Hell's Ascendant (Mantles of Power Book 3) Read online

  “Precisely!” Kitania said, relaxing as she leaned on the cloudpiercer, letting her flight magic lapse. She took a breath, then continued the explanation. “The nature of a cloudpiercer, and the style of combat it’s used for, isn’t good when you’re trying to keep formation. I’m honestly not sure why it’s traditionally angelic since it seems more like glaives and other polearms intended to dismount soldiers, and mounts aren’t used by angels, but that really doesn’t matter. The art is beautiful, but in an army its use is limited. Anna always told me that was why it was so rarely used there, and even among the Holy Council’s guards it was falling into disuse.”

  “Really?” Isalla asked, glancing at Rose curiously, and the other angel pursed her lips, looking like she was thinking. Kitania took the moment to admire Isalla, who looked particularly beautiful in the morning light.

  The three of them were in the palace of the goddess Alserah, the patron of the Forest of Sighs, and numerous elves were observing from around the training field, though most of them were at least pretending to train. There were rather more of them than there had been a few days prior, which probably was due to the monsters that had assaulted the country only two days earlier.

  Even the thought of the attacks almost ruined Kitania’s mood, and her smile faded as she thought about the last couple of days. Ten hellfire worms and an equal number of storm phoenixes had assaulted the Forest of Sighs across its breadth, and the damage reports were still coming in. Alserah was doing what she could to help the recovery, but so far there were at least three thousand dead, and all of it because some angels had decided to make an example of the country.

  “Anna is right, though I suspect she’s even older than I thought, if cloudpiercers were commonly used in the Council Guard,” Rose said at last, her expression thoughtful. “I’ve known a few people who wielded them, but most of the practitioners were among the nobility, and especially those who didn’t expect to see combat. It just isn’t considered that practical of a weapon, even if you do extremely well with it, Kitania.”

  “That’s perfectly fair,” Kitania replied, slowly relaxing as she smiled at the two angels. She hesitated, considering what to say, then continued. “Based on what I’ve heard, she met Mother before she inherited her mantle, during the Blackstone War.”

  “Heavens! She’s been in the hells for four thousand years?” Isalla demanded incredulously, almost dropping her practice sword, and Kitania couldn’t help a laugh at her reaction and how Rose’s jaw was hanging open. “That’s the fourth crusade, when Anathiel was still leading the armies!”

  “Something like that, yes,” Kitania confirmed, smiling even more, and she carefully ignored the mention of the ancient archangel of war. She had her suspicions about what had happened to her, after all. “I don’t know the details, mind you, but I know she’s been in the hells for longer than most demons have been alive. I’m more impressed that she’s retained her skill with how she stays in the spire most of the time.”

  “That’s… impressive. And daunting, I’ll admit,” Rose said, straightening as she regained her poise. “I knew some of the other angels had been in the hells for around a millennium, but the idea of Anna having been there for four times that long never even crossed my mind. She seemed to know the heavens so well, or at least the orders.”

  “We’re demons, and you’re angels. Our societies change at a slow pace, if at all,” Kitania pointed out, shaking her head as she smiled. “Anyway, enough of that. Shall we go see if there’s any news from the captive?”

  “We may as well, though I don’t have high hopes,” Isalla said, her smile fading. “We really can’t wait much longer.”

  “Agreed,” Kitania said, nervousness welling up inside her, though it wasn’t just for what was coming.

  Her relationships had gotten incredibly complicated over the last couple of days, and it was giving her a headache.

  “I’m afraid that we haven’t been able to get any further information out of the prisoner who’s still alive,” Alserah said with a grim expression. “The man has been extremely stubborn, and it likely will take a great deal of work to make him speak. Perhaps the others would have been easier to convince, but there’s nothing to be done about it at this point.”

  “True enough,” Rose agreed, her expression darkening, and Kitania’s did as well.

  They’d originally had three captives from the battle with Haral and her allies, after which they’d first focused on eliminating the remaining hellfire worms and storm phoenixes. Unfortunately, that delay had proven disastrous in some ways, as the afternoon after they’d returned to the palace two of the prisoners had fallen over dead. If it hadn’t been for Vinara quickly dismantling the spell on the last captive, one whose wing Kitania had broken, he’d likely be dead as well. As it was, it was a rather depressing situation.

  “It does mean that continuing to wait is a poor decision,” Vinara chimed in, the green-skinned succubus’s eyes dark and her arms crossed in front of her. “I informed Queen Estalia of what happened, and she told me that she has no new information, which concerns me. We don’t have time to let the Society of Golden Dawn do as they please.”

  “No, we don’t. Unfortunately, as much as I want to help, my absence would be counterproductive at this time,” Alserah said, anger flickering through her eyes, then she shook her head as she continued. “We’re having enough trouble keeping anyone from attacking some of the angels that live here. Part of me wishes that we’d been able to keep the involvement of angels in the attacks quiet, but then it would’ve been blamed on the hells.”

  “I do understand,” Kitania said, wincing at the thought. She could barely fathom how many elves felt about the attacks which had come from nowhere, and at least they’d been rather visible in helping Alserah fight the monsters. That had blunted some of the suspicion where she and Vinara were concerned, but even if Isalla and Rose had helped, they’d been on the receiving end of some accusatory looks.

  “What are you planning to do, Your Grace?” Rose asked politely, exchanging a concerned glance with Isalla, which made Kitania wonder what they were thinking.

  “I have a number of deities as allies, and this attack… they’re likely concerned but keeping their distance since I haven’t requested help. I’m going to ask them to come here and inform them of what I know,” Alserah said, looking up at the angels calmly, her green eyes almost blazing with anger now. After a moment she continued, her voice soft, yet deadly. “I would like you to continue your investigation and keep me informed. When you’ve determined the source of this infection, I believe it’s time to excise it.”

  For a long moment the room went quiet, and even Kitania felt her blood run cold. If multiple deities took the field against angels, especially if they were traditionally aligned with the heavens, it could be disastrous. She opened her mouth to speak, but it was Isalla who reacted first.

  “Are you sure you want to do that, Your Grace?” Isalla asked hesitantly, her concern obvious as she swallowed hard. “I don’t know what consequences it might have, but I know you’ve been allied with the heavens for… what, fifteen hundred years?”

  “More, if you count my predecessor,” Alserah said, sitting back in her chair as she looked at them, considering before she nodded gravely, her voice soft. “As to that… yes, I’m certain. I’ve never been comfortable with how the heavens seem to take our alliance for granted. The Holy Council often barely pays attention to mortal borders or desires, though at least they don’t usually make demands for assistance. However, this? This is a betrayal on so many levels I cannot begin to express it. I will not let it pass, not when thousands of my people have died, and others have had their livelihoods destroyed. We can recover, and will, but I will not allow the infection to remain, even if it means an end to our alliance.”

  “I see,” Isalla said, bowing her head slightly and hesitating, then spoke more firmly. “In that case, I won’t try to dissuade you. However, our current leads indicate we nee
d to travel to Uthren, and possibly to Uthren’s Throne itself. Dare I hope that your allies include their gods?”

  “Uthren?” Alserah asked, her eyebrows rising, and Kitania couldn’t help a wince.

  Uthren was one of the oldest human kingdoms, located on the Harth Plateau on the far northern continent of Ness. Even in the War of Decimation the demons hadn’t managed to breach Uthren’s borders and had instead chosen to assault a gateway to the heavens well short of the nation. Kitania didn’t look forward to trying to go there, especially since all three of the angelic orders had major garrisons there.

  “Yes, that’s right,” Rose confirmed, letting out a soft sigh as she shrugged helplessly. “While Eziel couldn’t give us a lot of information, she was able to give a few names, one of which was Rathien the Blue, a high-ranking officer in the Order of the Dragon, and he’s stationed in Uthren’s Throne, or was the last time we heard about him. On the other hand, there are a few officers in the Order of the Phoenix I believe I can trust there as well. The problem will be getting to them.”

  “I believe I understand, but unfortunately I’m not on good terms with any of the deities of Uthren,” Alserah said, her smile fading as she shook her head. “It’s unfortunate, but there isn’t anything I can do to make it easier for you. However, I can provide transportation to Ness, and even a guide. I’m certain I can get you into the country, but nothing beyond that.”

  “Even that much would be an immense help, Your Grace!” Isalla said, her expression brightening as she smiled.

  “I do see a problem, however,” Kitania said, frustration starting to well up inside her.

  “Oh? What’s that?” Rose asked, looking at her curiously.

  “Me. If I want to help… Uthren is famously dogmatic, to the point that even I know how dangerous it is for a demon there,” Kitania explained, bottling her frustration as best she could, then continuing. “I want to help you, but with my tendency to throw off transformation spells, I can’t really come along. I suppose I could send Eziel with you, but—”

  “Fortunately for you, I have a solution for that,” Vinara interrupted, just as the angels were beginning to frown.

  “Really? What sort of solution might that be?” Alserah asked, looking intrigued.

  “It’s a simple one, honestly. The problem with Kitania is her appearance, but nothing prevents illusions from being used. As a matter of fact, I came up with one that would help some time ago, and made an illusion in my spare time back in Estalia,” Vinara said, smiling broadly. “See, she has horns, fangs, almost claw-like nails, and a tail, yes? What if we were to overlay that with the illusion of her having draconic blood? Make her eyes slit like a dragon’s, and her horns and fangs a little more draconic as well, while giving her a normal skin tone, and make the tail look like it’s scaled, almost like a snake’s.”

  “That… would probably work, yes,” Kitania said, blinking as she thought about the idea, but she did see one flaw that made her unhappy. “My only issue is that if anyone touches my tail, it’ll be readily apparent it isn’t scaled.”

  “That’s why you wear the tail armor in public, of course!” Vinara said, looking at Kitania with a smug smile. “The illusion will go over the armor, and it has the right texture to fit the appearance. It might not be incredibly comfortable, but it won’t be too bad, not since the enchantments make the armor fit far better.”

  Kitania’s worries eased at the explanation, and she smiled after a few moments, nodding as she murmured. “Yes, that would do it, wouldn’t it? I’m assuming this would be an enchanted item of some sort?”

  “That’s right,” Vinara said, nodding calmly as she added. “It’s a bracelet, so you’ll be able to keep it on pretty much constantly without worries. Hopefully no one can see through the illusion, but that’s why it just changes the appearance of your body, instead of modifying you extensively.”

  The others looked at each other, and Kitania saw relief on Isalla’s face, as well as how Rose had relaxed. It improved her mood, since that meant that they really did want Kitania to come with them.

  “It sounds like you have a plan, then,” Alserah said, sitting up straighter as she tapped the table, then added. “It will take a few days to arrange your transport, likely two but possibly three, considering the damage that Naer took, but I’m certain it will be arranged quickly. I’m not happy sending you away so quickly, but I see little choice.”

  “I don’t think we blame you for that, Your Grace. If anything, I should thank you for the immense amount of help you’ve provided,” Isalla quickly assured the goddess, standing and bowing deeply.

  “You’re most welcome. I look forward to seeing each of you at dinner tonight,” Alserah replied, standing gracefully, and everyone else did as well.

  As they prepared to leave, Vinara stepped closer and spoke brightly. “Now you just have to let Niadra know that you’re leaving, hm? Maybe you’ll even be nice and do it in person.”

  “Oh, shut up,” Kitania retorted, glowering at her old friend.

  Some days it was really hard not to punch the succubus.

  Chapter 2

  “Sorm? What’re you doing?” Haral asked, leaning against the doorway unsteadily as the rain drummed softly on the roof.

  Looking up from the equipment spread across the table, Sorm’s stomach tightened at the sight of Haral and his lips pressed together tighter. Haral was still paler than she should’ve been, and he didn’t see more than the barest hints of her usual confidence and poise. While he was sure she’d recover, the hesitation in her voice was almost alien, and that made him angry.

  It hadn’t been long since she’d returned, missing half her left arm and right wing. Sorm was just relieved that he’d been able to get one of the society’s healers to come regenerate Haral’s limbs quickly, but that hadn’t helped with the mental trauma she’d suffered. She’d been resting ever since, and this was only the fourth time she’d left bed in the last two days.

  “Sorm?” Haral prompted, and he shook off his distraction, instead smiling at her, reaching up to rub his beard as his wings rustled.

  “Sorry, I got caught up thinking. I’m glad to see that you’re up, since you haven’t been moving much the last couple of days,” Sorm replied, clearing his throat as he straightened. “I was getting worried.”

  “I’d say you have good reason for that. However… this has me concerned,” Haral said, slowly crossing the room to lean on the table. She picked up a wickedly barbed crossbow bolt with runes carved into it, studying it for a moment before looking at the other items on the table, her voice soft. “Explosive armor-piercing bolts, a stealth veil, incineration stones, a storm inducer… this doesn’t look like the sort of items you’d need for your usual activities, Sorm.”

  “Of course they aren’t,” Sorm said, his smile fading as he sighed, then continued more solemnly. “I’ve requested permission to harry Isalla, Roselynn, and their companions. My request was granted.”

  “You did what?” Haral demanded, dropping the bolt as she looked up at him, her eyes flashing with anger and more of the confidence he remembered her having. That gave him hope, even if her outrage was directed at him. “What in all the stars do you think you’re doing? You saw what they did to me, and they didn’t even know that I was there until a few days before I was injured.”

  “I know. Believe me, I know what they did, and that’s why I’m going after them,” Sorm said, gritting his teeth for a moment as anger surged through him, but he forced it down, banking the rage for use later. Instead he continued after a moment, his voice soft but deadly. “I’m not going to strike anywhere that I think the goddess will be involved, believe me. My goal isn’t to kill them all, Haral, it’s to strike and run. I’m going to tear them apart one at a time and vanish into the mists before they have time to react. Or at least I’ll try. If I have a good opportunity to kill them all, I’ll take it.”

  Sorm calmly reached over and picked up the bolt that Haral had dropped, care
fully placing it on the rest of the pile as he looked up at her, meeting her gaze as he focused on her, trying to share his determination as he continued. “They hurt you terribly, and if I hadn’t been here you might have died. I will never allow that to pass, my love.”

  “I…” Haral blushed slightly, then looked away, her blonde hair shifting as a breeze wafted through the room. Eventually she spoke, her voice soft. “I’m happy that you care so much, but how are you going to do that, with the demoness able to regenerate? We don’t know how to kill her!”

  “No, we don’t. But you said that the princess and several others were with her, including Alserah,” Sorm said calmly, smiling more like a shark as he continued savagely. “I don’t know if she cares about them, but believe me, if she does… I’m going to make her regret that. I’ll destroy those around her, until she’s the only one left. Then we’ll find out just how far her ability to regenerate goes. And if all else fails, why kill her? Why not throw her off the continent into the void and let her fall endlessly?”

  Haral paused, staring at him for a long moment, then slowly smiled as she murmured. “That… well, that does seem like it’d work, wouldn’t it? It’d be a lovely way to punish her for what she’s done, and I like it. I’m still worried about you, but if you’re going to be careful…”

  “Oh, believe me, I don’t want them to catch so much as a hint of me at first. I want to destroy them without giving them the slightest chance to fight back,” Sorm said, his voice flat now, his anger cooling ever so slightly at the smile on Haral’s face.