Sabine

Sabine

A Royal Blood Chronicle

By

Elizabeth Loraine

Sabine – A Royal Blood Chronicle © 2013 by Elizabeth Loraine. All rights reserved.

Sabine Smashwords Edition 2014 – Elizabeth Loraine

CHAPTER ONE

Sabine slipped into the fortress. Hood raised, black cloak drifting around her petite form, she made her way stealthily to the spell chamber. If Dark Lord Travven looked for her and she wasn’t in her wing, the spell chamber would be the next place he’d look. He trusted her as much as he did anyone and that wasn’t much. At this point in their relationship she surely didn’t want to push the issue.

Normal portaling would have been detected, but she’d learned enough about the protections here to make adjustments that suited her getting in and out without being detected, even though she knew he was tracking her. She’d been studying dark magic for decades under Vascont, the Dark Lord’s wizard, continuing her lessons even after she’d equaled and surpassed her teacher’s sorcery, both in proficiency and power. Her magical skill came through her bloodline, a heritage strong in the magic of witches and warlocks. Her father had been the most powerful of their coven, their leader, and the holder of the crystals.

Her feet padded silently down the dark stone hallway. She was so familiar with this path now she no longer needed light to guide her to any destination of this underworld palace she called home.

Sabine stopped for a moment to listen, not only with her ears but with her magical senses. Dark Lord Demons didn’t really ever sleep, but instead entered into a meditative state to recharge their powers. She knew Travven usually rested at this time of the day and when she reached out to him with her senses it’s what she found.

Relieved she’d made it back to the spell chamber without detection, she entered the room and closed the door. Before she’d left, Sabine had cast an illusion spell. When she entered the room, the copy she’d made of herself turned and smiled at her before dissipating on command. This type of casting was advanced magic, even the most artful sorcerer would sometimes fail to sustain a believable clone. But since she’d received comprehensive training from both Allwain, most powerful of all sorcerers and Nira, a witch of unparalleled power, Sabine’s conjured copy was exact and truly duplicated everything about the original, including the tracking set on her by Vascont. Sabine knew how to turn the tracking on and off and to shield these changes from discovery. Besides, this tracking wasn’t nearly as good as the tracking which Allwain had devised, the one she used on the Dark Lord, on her wizard Over-Lord Vascont and the scoundrel Tross, Travven’s malevolent and loathsome right-hand man.

Sabine leaned against the counter, clicking her fingernails on the hard wood top. Katrina, her friend, Leader of the Five and the head of the Protectors, had declared her mission over and asked her to leave the Underworld as soon as possible, revealing the Protectors had received a portend of a coming war between vampire factions. The Noctu were growing their numbers again, since the plague that had once kept them in check had run its course. The Demon Vampires of Noctu didn’t care about exposing the existence of the protected races (Vampire, Elves, Fae, Ogre, her own race of Witches and Warlocks, and many, many more) to the humans in order to dominate them all.

I can’t leave yet. There’s something going on and I want to know what it is.

Muttering to yourself again, Sabine? she heard from behind her as the door opened.

Yes, I’m afraid so, Vascont.

What is it this time? Something else Travven has done, I suppose. I wish you wouldn’t antagonize him so, Sabine. One of these days…

Sabine folded her arms over her chest. Her blue eyes narrowed, crinkling at the corners as she scowled at the old wizard, who was as much a prisoner here as she was. One of these days what….he’ll get rid of me? Huh, she scoffed. He likes possessing things and he paid a high price for me all those years ago. Neither of us is going anywhere, any time soon.

"You’ve only been here a short time, remember? I’ve been here centuries. There were others Sabine, and you don’t see them around do you?"

Sabine frowned as she watched Vascont sort through potions and ingredients for whatever their master had ordered. He walked with the waddle of age, his hips always stiff and sore, no matter how many healings he’d had, his skin showed wear from centuries of life, and was now the texture of soft tanned hide, creased and worn, but when he looked up at her, his grey eyes were still bright. He was exceptionally gifted and knew all there was to know about dark wizardry, though you could hardly call him dark any longer. He’d certainly mellowed over the two decades she studied with him. No, Travven had exploited him like so many others who’d been turned for one reason or another, or sold themselves to receive power from the Dark Lords like her father had.

What do you know about the Dark Lords’ meeting next week? What’s going on?

Vascont sighed, pausing to glance up at her through the tangles of black and grey hair that always seemed to cover his forehead.

You shouldn’t be concerning yourself with such things, Sabine, you know that. Anyway I have no idea. She cocked her head, showing her annoyance. He’s asked me to make a large amount of Verumide, he sighed, conceding to her.

Sabine’s head snapped up. Verumide? I know he doesn’t trust anyone, but a truth potion?

The old wizard shrugged. I just do what I’m told, Sabine, and that’s what you should be doing too. He’ll be calling for you soon. Something about making a new passageway to the Upper World, and a back doorway into the Demon King’s domain, I believe.

"The Demon Kings, you’re talking about Cathos and Ceron?" Just as she finished the sentence they heard the booming baritone voice of Travven.

Sabine, join me. Immediately!

Of course, my Lord, she answered. I guess I’ll talk to you later, Vascont.

Sabine…

She stopped and glanced over. What is it?

Nothing, I just wish you’d think about consequences, before you do things, that’s all.

I’m confused, did I miss something?

I’m waiting Sabine, the voice boomed.

There was simply no time to question Vascont further. Sabine closed her eyes and when she opened them she had transported from the spell room to the vestibule outside Travven’s throne room. The doors swung open and she strode inside. His dark face, elongated by a scruffy black goatee, was scribed with deep wrinkles around the black eyes which stared down at her from his usual perch, an ostentatiously carved ebony throne.

Finally, he growled I grow tired of your constant insubordination, Sabine.

Her brow furrowed as she pulled her fingers into fists at her side. Then you are at your leave to do with me as you wish, my Lord.

Yes, I am. Why were out last night?

Out? Why would I be out anywhere?

His eyes glowed red and he leaned forward, growling through gritted teeth. Don’t lie to me or I swear I will end your life this moment.

Sabine stood her ground, steely blue gaze locked to his. Then do it. I’m nothing more than a pawn in this game you play with others lives. Do it! she demanded slapping her thigh. I’ve done everything you’ve ever asked of me and yet you question my loyalty. She took a step forward, her body rigid with rage. I’ve done nothing wrong; do what you will to me. Buy and train a new sorceress for all I care.

Travven sat back and slowly clapped his large hands together several times, the sound echoing off the stone walls. Always such a great performance, Sabine. But be careful, one of these days I may just do as you ask. But for now, I want something from you.

Of course you do. It’s why you paid my father so well isn’t it?

I paid for the Crystals, you were just a bonus. I didn’t end up with the Crystals, but you’re still here. You’ve been visiting the Five regularly for years, just like I asked you to do. Do they trust you?

The episode over, Sabine calmed herself and in a softer tone answered, Yes, they trust me.

What news from the outside world?

"They know you’re going to take the fight to their world soon, not much more. Answer this, my Lord. Why do you bother with the Noctu? Why do you care about them or the Five for that matter? This is your world," she said exaggerating the statement with her hands before planting them back firmly on her hips.

And why do you think that is any of your business? he growled.

What happens to you happens to me, my Lord. Why would you want a land that you can’t be a part of? To my knowledge, Dark Lords are not able spend any length of time in the upper world anyway.

Travven reached up and a bronze goblet appeared in his hand. You think so small Sabine. If the world of light is no longer light, what would happen? The corners of his mouth turned up in a sneering, smug smile.

I don’t understand.

And you don’t need to. Now, I need you to find a way into Cathos’ palace without him knowing.

Sabine shook her head. "And so would the rest of his enemies. If there was a way you would have already done it. Cathos is the most powerful being in all of Althar. No one could do that without his knowledge."

Word has come to me that he spends very little time at his palace these days.

So, you think it’s vulnerable with him gone?

He takes his power with him, like each of us. Go there and find out. And of course, if you can learn anything else that would help my cause, I would be very….generous. His long fingernail trailed down his cheek and a shiver crawled up Sabine’s spine, which she covered with a slight gasp, as if to swoon.

Is that all my Lord?

For now. Sabine closed her eyes. I want you back in two nights, no more. Sabine’s eyes flashed open.

Is there a reason? Something going on?

Dark Lords are gathering. Alliances will be made; lines drawn. I need you here.

She nodded and transported herself from the throne room. This time when she opened her eyes she was standing at the gates of Cathos’ palace. The King of all Althar, the most powerful being of any known world resided here. The metal plates in the armor worn by the King’s Demon guard ground as each turned to look at her as she passed. No move was made in her direction, so Sabine took a deep breath, jutted her chin in determination, and fixed her gaze on the massive wood entrance doors. Hinges squealed as the doors opened at her approach, they dwarfed her as she passed through. She immediately felt energy surge around her.

Cathos, I need to speak with you. She heard another door open and walked in that direction, the golden glow of magical light leading the way as she walked. It wasn’t like this was her first time here. The open door to the throne room loomed at the end of the hall and she noticed a sudden flash of light. Cathos had arrived.

The throne room door slowly closed behind her, but Cathos wasn’t on this throne.

What is it, Sabine?

Startled, Sabine whirled around, her blonde curls covering her eyes for a moment. Her hand cleared her forehead as she composed herself. Cathos leaned against the wall, arms folded lightly across his broad chest. A whimsical grin curled the corners of his mouth. She was surprised to see his handsome face was clean shaven.

What happened to the beard? Not feeling the big, bad, Demon King thing today?

He chuckled, pushing away from the wall. I thought the beard made me look old.

"I hate to break this to you, but you are old. Several thousand…"

Thank you for reminding me. I’d lost count. I doubt you left Travven and called me in order to remind me of my advanced age, Sabine. What is it you need?

Travven insisted I come. He knows you haven’t been here very much. Someone has been spying on you.

Cathos scoffed. "When is someone not spying on me, Sabine? Wine?"

Sabine shrugged. Cathos smiled, raising his hands. Two goblets appeared and he handed one to Sabine. She took a sip as she continued to watch the King.

He wanted me to try and find a way around your protections, Cathos. So someone can get inside your Palace. A back door, he said.

And you agreed obviously, because here you are.

"You don’t