The Cost of Betrayal

Chapter Fifteen

    Birsha got home that night and decided to try to get back to see that mysterious man from the woods. He waited until his parents had fallen asleep before standing in the middle of his room and thinking about that place. He tried to remember the smells, the trees, and even those strange creatures. "What did he call that place?" He uttered to himself as he thought hard about it. "Oh, yeah, Daemonium Isle." Before he could even register what he was doing, he vanished from his room. 

    "Ahh, young Master Birsha, Master has been waiting for you," a familiar voice said softly. While Birsha remembered the voice, the body that held it looked much different than the last time he had seen him. More weathered, and broken, if that were possible.  

    Birsha remembered what the mysterious man had told him, and didn't thank the creature. He just nodded, "Well, I had to make the time. Take me to him," he ordered. It felt good to order this man about, it gave Birsha a sense of power. And that was what he wanted, power. The pair walked in silence. It was only a few minutes into their travel when it dawned on Birsha that it was marginally warmer on the Isle than home. He wondered exactly where this place was. And what it was doing to the inhabitants of it. 

    "Finally, it's about time!" the mysterious man snapped. "You've been gone for far too long! I'm nearly finished!" The man strode to Birsha and took him in, he could see that the influence from his last visit was taking hold. He wondered what the mother was teaching this boy. He could see that he would have to work a little harder on him, for him to succeed. 

    "Nearly finished? With what?" Birsha asked. 

    The man laughed maniacally, as he brandished his latest creation, "This." 

    Birsha gasped at the sight before him, "It's gorgeous!" He said, making his way closer to the weapon the man held in his hands. 

    "Yes, it is, but it's missing something! The last three swords have failed as soon as I strike!" His voice held frustration and anger that shocked Birsha and made the creature cower in fear. 

    Birsha studied the sword, its intricate design teasing the back of his mind. It looked familiar to him, the ornate hilt and etching were tickling his memories. "But where do I come in?" he asked.  

    When the man laughed, it struck a chord of unease in Birsha's heart. How could this be? He decided to question the man, keeping it lighthearted. "So, are there any nightclubs around here?" He thought if he could be light about it, the man would open up a bit. 

    "Night club?" 

    Birsha chuckled, "Yeah, you know, where you could find a chick?" he asked. He gave the man a look that suggested Birsha needed to release some tension.

    The man was confused, "What do you want with a chicken at night? Are you hungry?" He turned to the man, "Go fetch, Kitch and tell her to fix the boy some food." His barked order sent the man scurrying away, quickly. 

    "No, no, I'm not hungry. I want a female," Birsha hesitated and blushed slightly. He picked his head up, "And I'm not a boy." 

    "Oh," the man shrugged, "You mean a brothel? There are none of those here, but you can go by ferry to the mainland." He pointed at Birsha then, "Yes, you are a boy. You can't even ask for bawd without blushing." He turned away from the boy and huffed loudly. "What the hell has your mother been teaching you?" 

    Birsha was about to ask him when the servant came back with a tray laden with chicken and fruits. Birsha was intrigued by how quickly the food appeared. 

    The man smirked, "Eat, and I can explain more." 

    Birsha lifted a piece of chicken to his lips and began to eat with gusto. He didn't realize he was this hungry. The food was delicious and the tray was polished off before he knew it. He looked at the man that delivered the food, "Tell Kitch it was amazing." 

    The man scowled, "It's her job to do as she's told. If they don't they are punished. They signed up for this, what happens, happens. Do not thank them again." 

    His tone was enough to send a shiver of fear down Birsha's spine. He looked up at the man, "You mentioned my parents, how do you know them?" He decided to try this approach, he didn't want to anger him further. Birsha watched the man's expression change from anger to lust in a matter of seconds. 

    "Your mother was my wife," he said. 

    "But my mother is married," Birsha countered, puzzled by the man's words. 

    The man chuckled, and pointed to the amulet, "Is she now?" 

    Birsha's hand went to the chain around his neck, "Yes, she is and she has been married to my father for years."  He didn't like how the man was talking about his parents. They had nothing to do with this man. 

    The man's voice became softer and more sinister, "Have you bothered to look up what your amulet says?" 

    Birsha grew defiant, "I don't need to, my parents gave it to me on my birthday. The inscription says that they love me very much." 

    The man howled with laughter, his actions causing the minion to cower beneath them. Birsha could hear him mumbling, "Master is not happy, Master is not happy. Look what the child did. He is supposed to help Master, not anger him." 

    "You don't know, do you?" the man said as his laughter subsided. 

    Birsha eyed the man suspiciously now, he turned hot and cold way too quickly. "Know what?" 

    "Who you are," he said simply. 

    "My name is Birsha, and I am the son of Ferrox and Damara of the Blacktree Coven." 

    "Uh uh," the man said, realizing what happened, but was unsure of how. "I think you need to do a little reading," he flicked his wrist and a small book appeared. "Take it, read it, and find me when you're through. You are of no help to me until then." 

    Birsha could see the man's frustration as he opened the book and attempted to read. The writing was one he was had never seen before, he looked up. "I can't read this. I recognize the language." He closed the book and looked at the man apologetically. 

    The man scowled, "Then I suggest you find someone that can help you." 

    Before Birsha could say anything else he was back in his room. The book was no longer in his hand. "How am I supposed to get help reading something I don't even have? And who will help me?" 

    ***************

    Maura smiled as she opened her gifts, her heart melted when she laid her eyes on the books from her grandmother. "Thank you so much!" She traced the leather-bound books and her heart raced. She could barely contain her excitement over the books on ancient languages. 

    Her gamma smiled, she was happy that the books would make her happy. "I know that you'll put them to good use." 

    "You know I will!" 

    With the hustle and bustle of the morning over, Maura took her books and made her way to her room. She barely made herself cozy on her bed when she got the feeling she was being watched. She shook the feeling and opened her book. "Atlantis, the lost language."