Path Of The Broken

15. Freedom

15

Freedom

Damien checked on Jessalan, finding she was preoccupied with practicing the exercises they had trained in the other day. He frowned, realising he was going to have to talk to her at some point about her bad habit of locking away her feelings. Nothing good would come of it. He’d seen plenty of examples of what happened to those who ranked among the Kin who did so. To say they turned into psychotic killers was a mild way to put it. Jess was Elder, or would be once she finished her transition, whether she knew it or not. At the power levels she would attain, what she would become if she continued on this path was a scary thought. Still, for now he could let it slide until an opportunity presented itself to broach the subject.

Right now, there was another more pressing matter he needed to check on. Shrouding himself in his shield, he pulled himself through the veil, passing the barrier that surrounded Ilartih without having to give it much thought. He smiled knowing that Jess was bound to work it out eventually; it was just a matter of time. By that time she would be Elder and coming fully into her powers.

He made it to his destination quickly. While he hadn’t been here before he was well aware of its location. He was careful to keep his barriers in place—it wouldn’t do for her to realise he was here right now. Uninvited guests tended to push her over the edge into madness. Damien scanned the estate below and smiled as he detected the person he was after.

Edward, I need to speak with you.

Damien smiled as he felt Edward start, followed immediately by guilt. As well he should feel guilty; Edward was well aware of his feelings on this particular topic. His eyes narrowed as Edward appeared in the veil without announcement. He was as capable of shielding his presence completely as many of the Elder were. Edward turned around slowly and, finally spotting his location above the cliffs, closed the distance between them, his expression wary.

Damien, it’s good to see you, if somewhat unexpected.

You know why I’m here Edward. Joanna still has Kyle enslaved.

It was a circumstance that he could not abide. Even though his own experiences with the subject were more years ago than he cared to think about, he still held the practice of one person enslaving another as abhorrent. It was getting increasingly difficult to convince Isabella not to intervene. Thankfully, other than her brief communication with him, she had her hands full keeping track of Alex.

I know, please give me a little more time. It is not her fault. It will be better for her state of mind if she releases him willingly.

Edward was almost pleading with him. Damien knew Edward’s own feelings were compromised where Joanna was concerned. You couldn’t be attached and involved in a relationship for as long as the pair had been and avoid it having an effect your judgement. He could feel for Edward, though. He was undoubtedly torn since he had watched over Kyle right alongside Alex and Jess since the three friends had been children playing in the veil.

Fix this, Edward. I will not allow this to continue for much longer. Regardless of the cost to Joanna’s sanity, Kyle will be granted his freedom.

Damien stared at Edward, allowing his own growing anger at the circumstances to be felt by the other. Edward nodded in acknowledgement.

One thing: we’ve lost track of Jess. Please tell me she is with you.?

Damien smiled. Yes, she is my guest at my estate in Ilarith.

With that piece of information Damien retreated through the veil, heading back to his own domain, still troubled about the situation with Kyle but willing to give Edward more time.