These events occur immediately after Devon recovered the Rune of Power from Glaston… 

Sanguinar…

 

“Darkstar? Welcome. What brings you here at such an unusual hour?” The Lycan guard inquired.

 

“I’m afraid I have news the Alpha will not be pleased to hear but nonetheless should hear from me.”

 

“I see.” The White Wolf is sleeping. Shall I wake her?”

 

“No. I’ll wait.”

 

“Very well. Please sit.”

 

“Thank you Indrik.”

 

Devon sat quietly in the foyer of the cabin waiting for her to rise. He closed his eyes focusing his sharp hearing and blindsight around him. He wasn’t afraid he would be attacked or that there was any real danger, he just wanted to be ready when she woke. Some hours later she did.

 

“Devon.” She said, somewhat surprised by his early morning arrival. “Is everything ok pup?”

 

“I don’t think so.”

 

“Come in. Explain.”

 

“I’m afraid I did something that could very well cause some hard feelings between the pack and the horde. The barbarian chieftain was in possession of a celestial artifact, one deemed far too powerful to remain in mortal hands. It’s called a rune of creation. I was directed by the greater powers to retrieve it.”

 

“You said, was in possession.”

 

“I did. I went to the village as tasked by the Parliament of Concordance and hoped to remove it without being detected. Unfortunately Glaston became aware of my presence and I was forced to take it from him. I did not harm him or his people but I fear the loss of such a powerful magic item will definitely draw his ire. As a member of the pack I didn’t want my actions to reflect poorly on you or the others.”

 

Kasha sighed heavily. “Yet they do Devon. We’ve made great strides in improving our relationship with the barbarians. Stonehaven has few allies. Even if not by my order your actions can be interpreted as the acts of a member of my pack.”

 

“I understand. That’s why I’m here. I wanted you to hear it from me.”

 

“You’ve put me in a difficult position, pup.” She shook her head dismayed.

 

“I know. That’s why I’m here. I’m sorry. I had no choice.”

 

“The Pale Lady will not be happy.”

 

“The Pale Lady will understand. I assure you.”

 

A moment later Dyson walked in. He looked at Devon and nodded. “My Alpha. The chieftain of the barbarians is here with his shaman. He seeks an audience with you.”

 

“Dyson, take two others and show them in.”

 

He bowed and left. 

 

She turned her attention to Devon. “You sit over there and wait.”

 

Devon nodded and did as he was bade.

 

Dyson escorted Glaston in as two other lycans walked on either side of M’bogo. The chieftain caught sight of Devon and glared at him. Devon remained quiet but didn’t look away.

 

“Good morning Glaston.” Kasha greeted. “What brings you to Stonehaven?”

 

“Greetings Alpha. You might notice that I am without my mantle and the very rare stone affixed to it that I so proudly wore on every occasion that we’ve met.”

 

“I do.”

 

“Well that is because it was stolen from me. He…” The chieftain sneered, pointing at Devon, “… came to my home, uninvited and stole it from me. I demand it’s return. A member of your pack did this. I require restitution.”

 

“If I may.” Devon said. “I do not deny that I took the artifact as I have already explained but I did not do so as a member of the pack but as a representative of powers far beyond your understanding.”

 

The chieftain’s face was flush with anger and fury.

 

“I understand Glaston. I will consider your complaint and we’ll talk again shortly. For now, you may return to your village.”

 

He turned to look at Devon, rage welling in his face, as Dyson interposed himself. The chieftain wheeled around and left.

 

Kasha shook her head. “Come pup. We’re going to see the Pale Lady.”

 

Devon nodded and took her hand. With a shimmer they were in Wrathgate, arriving in the sitting room of Radcliffe Manor. It wasn’t long before they found themselves in her audience chamber. Claire looked at Kasha and eyed Devon curiously.

 

“I’ll assume there is a problem that has brought the two of you calling at the same time. What happened?”

 

“Lady Radcliffe, Devon stole from the barbarian chieftain, a rune of creation he calls it. Glaston blames the pack for this.”

 

“So.” Claire looked disinterested in the barbarian’s complaint. “A rune creation Devon?”

 

“Yes Lady. I returned it to the parliament and put it in the hands of the Arch Penitar herself.”

 

“Excellent. So why do I care if the human is angry?”

 

“As you know Lady, I’ve been working quite hard at strengthening the alliance between us and the horde. This could become a problem. He demands the return of the artifact.”

 

“Well that’s not going to happen. Is Sanguinar in danger?”

 

“No. But he demands…”

 

“I don’t care what he demands. How does he know Devon took it?”

 

“He saw me Lady. I took it while he was still wearing it. I had no other options.”

 

Claire narrowed her eyes. “You were caught? One of my most talented slayers trained by my most formidable slayer was caught by a human? Did you learn nothing from the string test?”

 

“He wields…”

 

“Silence.” She interrupted him.

 

“Go to this chieftain. See what he wants in compensation. He will not be getting the rune back.”

 

“Yes Lady.”

 

“Devon. You are to remain here until such time as this inconvenience is resolved. Am I clear?”

 

“Yes mother.”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

A few days later Kasha returned. Devon was summoned to the audience hall. 

 

“Have you come to an agreement with the human Kasha?”

 

“I have Lady. Tentatively and conditional on your approval.” She looked unhappy with her answer.

 

“So?”

 

“The Barbarian chieftain requests an exchange of two of his people for two of my own to settle and learn from each other’s culture.”

 

“Are there wolves agreeable to this?”

 

“There are Lady.” 

 

“Fine. What else.”

 

“He invokes the right of Hammurabi.”

 

Claire narrowed her eyes.

 

“He is a human. What makes him think he may invoke the laws of Sanguinar?”

 

“He is an ally and one of ours committed the crime. Devon does not deny it.”

 

“What’s Hammurabi?” Devon asked. “I learned all the laws of Sanguinar. Why have I not heard of this?”

 

“Perhaps if you spent more time among your people instead of cavorting with dragons you might.” Claire chastised him sharply.

 

“I’m truly sorry pup. I hate to ask it.” Kasha said with downcast eyes.

 

“Ask what?”

 

“Hammurabi. The law of glaz za glaz.”

 

“Eye for an eye? Does he want an artifact to replace the one I took?”

 

“No pup. He wants the hand that took it.”

 

“What? You can’t be serious.”

 

“Oh it’s quite serious boy. Your hand.”

 

Devon looked shocked by the order. “Mother, you know I had to do what I did.”

 

“I do, childe. And I know you got caught doing it. The laws of Sanguinar are harsh…or have you forgotten that too?”

 

Devon bowed. “Which hand?”

 

“The right.” Claire announced.

 

Devon removed the ring from his finger and placed in his belt pouch then extended his arm. Claire swung down with her kukri severing the limb. Devon yelped in pain as the appendage fell into a bag. Blood spurted across the room and he quickly wrapped the wound in cloth.

 

“Take it. The debt is paid.”

 

Kasha bowed as she accepted the bag.

 

“And you.” She scolded. “I know you can heal this quite readily so as punishment for your carelessness you are not to replace the hand for six moon cycles. Three to help you remember never to get caught in the future and three more for not killing him after you were discovered.”

 

“He’s Gunther’s son.” Devon replied quietly.

 

“Is six months not enough?”

 

Devon lowered his head. “Yes mother.”

 

“Furthermore you will return to Sanguinar and serve as Nightmaster for the duration of this decree. I won’t have anyone accuse me of showing you preferential treatment despite my proclivity to do so.”

 

“Lady, you know I must go to Dragon Mountain. Aliyeah will be…”

 

Her eyes flashed brilliant blue as the chill of a winter’s eve entered the room. “Three days boy. Set your affairs in order and return to your homeland in three days. Speak of this show of favoritism to no one.”

 

“Yes mother.”

 

“You may go. And Devon…Know that I took no pleasure in this.”

 

Devon bowed and shimmered away.

 

He reappeared in his room in the tower. He wrapped the wound tight to halt the bleeding then cast a spell to clean the splatter of blood from his clothing. He stepped out into the common area to find Holly talking with Tandy as Magister Crowley sipped tea.

 

“My lord! You’re back!” The pixie squealed in delight.

 

“What took you so long boy. Where have you been?” The magister asked.

 

Before he could answer the pixie let out a panicked scream. “What happened to your hand!”

 

The sudden yell caused all eyes in the room to fall on his severed limb.

 

“By the gods Devon!” Holly shouted. “What happened?”

 

“Zakony Sangvinara surovy.” (The laws of Sanguinar are harsh.)

 

“I see.” The magister said through pursed lips.

 

“See what?” Holly asked, confused. 

 

“It’s nothing Holly. I’ll be fine.”

 

“I’d say it’s a far cry from nothing. I’ll send Asheara to find Jarath.”

 

“No.” Devon said firmly. “I came to collect Tandy. I have to return to Dragon Mountain and check in. I’ll return in a few days and explain then.”

 

“No my lord. You should stay here with the pretty woman. I don’t think it’s safe to be around the ugly lizards.”

 

Holly smiled and fought back a chuckle.

 

“Hop up Tandy.”

 

The pixie fluttered to a rest on his shoulder. Devon shimmered and was gone.

 

He reappeared in the parlor of the Gold Spire in Dragon Mountain. His sudden appearance was noticed by Cam who happened to be in the room. Devon tucked his arm behind his back and bowed. 

 

“Lady Sorayan.” He smiled.

 

“Darkstar. Welcome home. I hear congratulations are in order.”

 

“For what?” Tandy yelled. “Look at his hand! She fluttered down and lifted his arm exposing the stump where his hand once had been. “And his followers did nothing to help him. Not the smelly one, not the bald one and not the arrogant one. They abandoned him and when he came back he looked like this!”

 

“Bahamut’s breath!” Cam screamed in shock.

 

“Tandy!” Devon silenced her. “Back to my office. Now! And stay there until I come for you.”

 

The pixie scowled. “Should have stayed with the pretty woman in the tower…Ugly lizards…” She mumbled as she left.

 

“You stay right there Darkstar. I’ll get a healer.”

 

“No Cam.” 

 

“No nothing. Aliyeah’s going to be…”

 

He was gone before she finished the sentence. He found Aliyeah brushing her hair in their bedroom.

 

“My queen.” He bowed.

 

“Hello my love. I’m told you were successful in recovering a rune of creation.”

 

“Indeed darling. The Rune of Power is safe with the parliament. Unfortunately not without minor cost and consequence.”

 

“Oh?” She asked inquisitively. “Why is your arm behind your back? What are you hiding?”

 

“Aliyeah. You have to promise me you won’t get angry and react hastily before I can explain.”

 

“Devon?” Her eyes narrowed. “What did you do now? Return to Glasya?”

 

“No. Of course not my love.”

 

“The Abyss then? I thought it was your friend Jarath who cavorted with the demons.”

 

“It is or was or…” He shook his head. “Not the Abyss.”

 

“Let’s have it Devon.”

 

He slowly brought the arm with his missing hand forward.

 

“Bahamut’s breath Devon! What happened?”

 

“Yeah. Cam had the same reaction.”

 

“I said what happened!” She demanded.

 

“The laws of… are harsh” He trailed off.

 

“The laws of what Devon. I’ve heard you say that before. The laws of where are harsh?” She was irate. Her eyes were aglow with fire as actual steam flared from her nostrils.

 

“Sanguinar.” He offered.

 

“I knew it. The damn vampires!”

 

“Vampyr. Vampires are…”

 

Her glower silenced him.

 

“Did Selene do this? Your great and powerful mistress, wait…I’m sorry…I meant sire?”

 

“No of course not. She’d never…”

 

“Then who?!”

 

Devon didn’t answer.

 

“I’m waiting.”

 

“Are you commanding me to answer my queen?” Devon hoped she would back away from her order upon sensing his discomfort. No such luck.

 

“You’re damn right I am. Who?!”

 

“The Pale Lady.”

 

“I knew it! That bitch. That’s it. You’re done. I don’t want you travelling to Sanguinar again. Your place is here now.”

 

“Aliyeah. It’s a small thing. It’ll be fine in six moon cycles.”

 

She looked at him incredulously. “Is your brain addled? When did this happen? Shouldn’t it have grown back already?”

 

Devon sighed. “I took the ring off.”

 

“You did what?!” 

 

“I got caught stealing the rune and embarrassed the Lycan Alpha. As punishment Lady Radcliffe has ordered that I leave it so for six full moon cycles as penance and to serve as a lesson not to be caught during such activities again. I must also hold the mantle of Nightmaster for this time.”

 

“What?! Is she insane? You recovered a rune of creation. She knows what that means. Who cares if some human savage is angry. You’re above such creatures. And lastly I don’t give a kobald’s spit what she orders you to do. You belong to me now.”

 

“Heart and soul my love. But you know what I am. And my blood oath demands I hold true to my word.”

 

“How could she maim you like that? What is wrong with her?” The gold dragon did not hide her disgust. 

 

“It wasn’t anything she wanted to do. The laws…”

 

“How can you defend those monsters?”

 

“It could have been much worse. And Aliyeah… they’re still my family.”

 

“Some family you have there Devon. The love they show you is overwhelming. We’re not going to argue about this. I’ll summon a healer and regenerate your hand.”

 

“No.”

 

“Excuse me?” She hissed.

 

“Aliyeah. I will do as you command. You know this. But if you force me to disobey the Pale Lady’s judgement I’ll have lost my honor. Will you really shame me in such a way?”

 

“Healing you is shameful but maiming you preserves your honor? Perhaps it’s not just Jenna who needs to see your past to understand this insanity. You know what… Fine. Wait your six moon cycles but you are to go nowhere without a guardian. And I’ll be having a talk with the lot of them as well. They’ll be receiving some instructions of my own. This madness needs to stop.”

 

She charged past him. 

 

“Could you command Cam not to summon healers?”

 

She wheeled back and scowled. “You’re the Highlord. Command her yourself.”

 

Devon lowered his head like a chastised child. “If it pleases my queen I’d just like to get some rest. Would it be ok if I just slept for a bit.

 

Aliyeah glared at him. “Yeah. Do that. Maybe you’ll come to your senses and forego this ridiculous idea of honor you have.”

 

As she opened the door Cam and Jenna were waiting just outside. Jenna rushed in. “Uncle! Are you ok?”

 

“I’m fine, princess.”

 

She looked mournfully at his hand. “You look pretty far from fine to me uncle.”

 

“Jenna sweetie. Would you do your auntie a favor and stay with him until I return?”

 

“Of course Auntie Aliyeah.” The young princess replied.

 

The Gold Queen smiled weakly before snarling at her consort.

 

“I’ve already summoned a healer Aliyeah.”

 

“No healer Cam. Not until he asks for it.”

 

Cam sighed and shook her head. “I’ll wait here for you to return.”

 

“Thanks.” Aliyeah replied and stormed down the hallway.

 

Cam stared at him for a long moment then closed the door.

…………………………………………………..

“…then the Highlord flicked his wrist and he was holding the mantle. It was incredible. Two buckles undone and yanked from over the top of the savage’s head while standing across the room. The young stinky one was stunned. He growled and spit and then I blinked and the Highlord was gone.”

 

“Timestop.” Maya whispered to Rayne who nodded.

 

“Anyway. I went back to the tower but he wasn’t there. I was about to go after him and protect him because his other followers were standing around doing nothing, when the big stinky one in the animal furs said he had gone to return the rune to the… parliament? I think. My lord appeared a few minutes later and announced he had turned the rune over to an Arch Penitar, whatever that is. Then he said he needed to go to Sanguinar to speak to a Kasha and warn her that the savages might attack. He was gone before I could latch onto him. Hours passed and his disloyal followers disbanded to go I don’t know where, leaving only me, the pretty woman and the old magister waiting for him. When he finally came back days later he was missing a hand!”

 

The five dragons stared at her stunned.

 

“Say that again.” Maya growled.

 

“I’m sure she’s mistaken,” Cassie offered.

 

“No, she’s not.” Aliyeah announced from the entryway to the office.

 

“My queen.” They all stood and bowed. Tandy looked around, shrugged her shoulders and bowed as well.

 

Aliyeah was still visibly upset. “Let me make this as clear as I possibly can. He goes NOWHERE without at least one of you escorting him. Am I understood?”

 

“Yes my queen.” They all answered.

 

“What happened?” Cassie asked.

 

“The Pale Lady. That’s what.”

 

Maya growled and the air grew thick with the acrid odor of acid.

 

“Why would she? Surely she wouldn’t. Devon is…” Rayne fumbled for words. 

 

“Devon is missing a hand and she is the cause of it.”

 

“My queen.” Vignette began. “Why does he not have the wound healed? Surely it can’t be too difficult to replace.”

 

Aliyeah glowered at the blue dragon. “Why not ask him.”

 

Maya lunged forward. “Where is the Highlord now my queen?”

 

“I left him in my bed chamber.”

 

“Alone my queen? Won’t he?” Nika started to ask.

 

“He’ll do nothing without my approval until he heals. And nothing alone. Cam is just outside and Jenna is sitting with him.”  

 

“Well I’d very much like to have a word with my lord, my queen.” Maya hissed.

 

Rayne nodded. “I think we all would.”

 

“Good. Maybe you can reason with him. He’s too stubborn to listen to me.”

……………………………………………………………  

 

“I don’t understand uncle. Why would she do such a cruel thing to you? I thought she favored you.”

 

“She does. That’s why she took my right. Were she really angry she’d have demanded my left. It holds more significance among the vampyr. The idea she’d have me leave it so is to test my loyalty and anger my queen. The Pale Lady probably hopes Aliyeah will cast me out for abiding by her command. Then she’d be free to arrange a match for me.”

 

“To Selene?”

 

“More than likely princess. Yes.”

 

“Auntie would never… There’s no way she would forsake you for a petty power play.”

 

“No. I don’t think so either. Though she could make things more difficult for me.”

 

“She is about as angry as I’ve ever seen. Losing a limb is a terrible thing to a dragon. Even for a short time.”

 

“I know. And my refusal to replace it along with the idea that I must return to Sanguinar only makes things worse.”

 

“What will you do?”

 

“Endure your grace. If life here has taught me anything it’s the virtue of patience.”

 

Jenna smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder. “Fear not uncle. I’ll not abandon you. I’ll help you get through this calamity.”

 

“Thank you, your grace.”

 

The door opened and the Gold Queen stood in the entry. Her mood had not improved in the least and Devon sensed she was not the only dragon beyond the portal. Behind her just to her side he could make out the cold eyes and angry stare of Maya.

 

“Jenna sweetheart, I believe Devon should rest for a bit. I’ll stay with him until it’s time for his meeting with his personal guard this evening.”

 

“Of course auntie.” The gold dragon said as she stood. She paused however holding her uncle’s eyes with her own. He nodded slightly and she left. 

 

“What am I to do with you? You obviously do not shy away from discipline and do not fear even the most dire of consequences.”

 

He remained silent.

 

She sighed heavily. “If I didn’t love you so I wouldn’t be so angry.”

 

“I apologize, my queen. I know I don’t make life as easy as I should for you.”

 

“Easy no. Better?…Without question. I can’t imagine living without you.”

 

“Nor I without you Aliyeah.”

 

“I don’t blame you for this. I sometimes forget you’ve only lived a wyrmling’s years and your choices are sometimes informed by your inexperience. Despite your vast power and resourcefulness you still fall prey to the manipulations of those you name ally.” She paused for a moment, obviously deep in thought. “What would you be willing to offer in return for my acquiescence to your decision to serve this unreasonable discipline.”

 

“Anything you desire my love.”

 

“It’s settled then. I’ll allow you to complete this ridiculous penance, to fulfill your oath. In return I will have an oath of my own.”

 

“I’ve already sworn you my love and fealty. What more could I possibly offer.”

 

The Gold Queen smiled. “I’ve lived a long time and learned much over those years, you know. It took me a little time to collect myself but now that I’ve regained control of my emotions I see this for what it really is.”

 

“Oh?”

 

“Another attempt by the Pale Lady to drive a wedge between us, to reclaim you as her own. I won’t allow it.”

 

Devon said nothing instead he listened carefully to Aliyeah’s words.

 

“So if it’s an oath she demands you live by and only oaths she recognizes you’ll be taking one final vow. Devon Darkstar, will you agree to accept the Oath of Concord upon your return, to be mated with me for life and pledge yourself to me in perpetuity?”

 

Devon considered her words carefully before answering. “I will, my queen.”

 

“The Pale Lady will not be happy.” She smirked. “Though once so sworn she will have no sway over you. She can punish you for violations in her lands but can demand no more of you as long as I live.”

 

“Are you certain this is what you want Aliyeah?”

 

The gold dragon smiled as she draped her arms around him. “Without question.”