Demonkin Read Online Free Page A

sure that they cannot return.”
    “We should send word of this discussion to Arik,” suggested Kalina. “They are best equipped to determine where they want the Doors to be.”
    “The fairy will carry our conversation to the king.” Garth nodded. “I will also send a message regarding our progress. We should also get a message to Clint. He might be able to find out where the Doors are in Zara.”
    “Where do we go next?” asked Tedi.
    “To Valdo,” answered Garth. “We need to see the rest of the Federation strongholds before the attacks begin.”
    “Tedi and Natia can go alone to Valdo,” suggested Kalina. “I need some more time here before we join them. There are things I must discuss with Sigfrid, and I want to see whatever maps they may have of Sirocca before it became buried under the Sands of Eternity. Fakir led me to believe that something important lies beneath the sands.”
    * * * *
    Deep in the Forest of Death four demons stood watching as a K'san's face clouded with pain. Although the demonkin said nothing, D'Artim watched with concern. The demonkin groaned softly and dropped to his knees.
    “What is wrong with him?” asked D'Lycind.
    “Quiet,” reprimanded D'Artim. “We will know soon enough. Observe and learn.”
    The demonkin's hands went to his neck, and the creature bared his teeth in rage. The fit lasted only a moment, and the demonkin stood as if nothing had happened. The demons waited for a report from K'san, but the creature offered no explanation.
    “Speak,” commanded D'Artim as he grew impatient. “What causes you pain?”
    “One of my kin has been defeated,” K'san replied. “A sword that is more than a sword has removed his head.”
    “Another?” groused D'Wycaram as he glared at D'Artim. “Over half of your invincible demonkin have been defeated. Not one of the Mage’s heroes has been killed.”
    “Continue with your report,” D'Artim demanded of the demonkin, ignoring the complaint from his fellow demon.
    “One of us was sent to Herinak,” replied K'san. “He was to destroy the Alcean mage. Care was taken to avoid the one with the staff, but it did not matter. He was struck down from behind with a sword.”
    D'Artim spat a glob of acidic spittle at the demonkin and waved at him in a dismissive manner. K'san turned and walked away.
    “They are worthless,” D'Lycind said with scorn.
    “They are not worthless,” argued D'Artim. “They are just not being used properly. What fool sent a K'san to Herinak?”
    “I did,” confessed D'Cavan. “Why was it foolish? The Alcean mage is powerful. She must be destroyed.”
    “K'san is well known to the Alceans,” explained D'Artim. “How easily do you think he fit in among the Occans? One glance at him and I bet they had their shields already erected. The K'sans must be used as they were intended to be used. They are to control the populace and prepare the masses for war. They must not be wasted on the Knights of Alcea.”
    “Killing the Knights of Alcea would do more to ensure victory than any other action,” argued D'Cavan.
    “Do not confuse our victory with that of the Federation,” scowled D'Artim. “I do not care who wins their petty war. Our goal is only the restoration of Alutar. I care not for the goals of others.”
    “The war is needed for the tears of millions,” D'Lycind reminded the other demon. “Besides, the death of a Knight of Alcea would be some repayment for the condition of our master.”
    The head demon stood silently for a moment and then reluctantly nodded in agreement. “There is a debt to be paid by the Knights of Alcea,” he declared, “but it cannot be obtained with the likes of K'san. Besides, K’san is not ours to use. They belong to another. Something greater than K’san is needed to collect on the debt owed to us by the Knights of Alcea.”
    Without explanation, D'Artim turned and walked away. The other three demons followed silently, and the group ended up on the shore of