[Coldfire 01] Black Sun Rising by C. S. Friedman

Author:C. S. Friedman
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Fantasy - General, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantastic fiction, Fiction, Fantasy, Wizards, General, Good and evil
ISBN: 9780886774851
Publisher: Daw Books
Published: 1991-11-23T05:00:00+00:00

Thirty-one

The demon Calesta took form slowly, like blood congealing in open air. The scent of the river still clung to him, and it clashed with the musty closeness of the Citadel’s confines until at last the former was abolished, freshwater breezes choked out of existence by the cloying sweetness’of the Master of Lema’s favorite incense.

“You found them,” came the whisper.

The demon bowed.

“Tell me.”

“There are four: the woman, an adept, and two others. The adept is the most dangerous.”

“Of course.” Hunger was an echo behind the words. “Also the most satisfying. Their purpose?”

“To kill you. And, en route, your servants. As well as any other hungry thing foolish enough to cross their path.”

“An ambitious plan.”

“It is the priest’s. He dominates.”

“And the adept?”

“He endures.”

A chuckle sounded. “You’ll take care of them, yes? It’s so easy, with that kind. You’ll read what’s in their hearts, and know what to do. As always.”

The demon bowed.

“Spare the adept, of course. And the woman. Weaken them if you can, by all means, bring them as near to death as you like - but bring them to me intact. I . . . hunger for them.”

The demon’s voice was a hiss, a low screech, the sound of metal on metal. “I understand.”

“As for the others . . . it’s no concern of mine whether they live or die. Do what pleases you, Calesta - provided their power is neutralized. You have such marvelous instincts regarding these things. And they’re coming here, yes? Marching here right into our hands. How very convenient.”

“The adept, my lord, is sun-sensitive.”

The One Who Binds stiffened. And nodded, slowly. Anticipation, like a drug, coursed through veins that had been jaded by time; the thought of conquest surged through ancient flesh like orgasm.

“That’s sweet news indeed,” came the whisper. “And power enough, for any who know how to use it. He was a fool to come here! And the woman - more than a fool, that one. I had her once. I will have her again. And when I am done . . . you, Calesta, may have what remains. Serve me well, and I promise it.”

The demon bowed. The hint of a smile played across its obsidian visage; the mirrored eyes flashed hunger.

“As you command,” it hissed.

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