The Duke of Tremont II - Bloodspell

Chapter 12

*************************************************

Time was of the essence. Wasn't it? For Brian and Justin time became an irrelevant part of existence. There were no windows in the king's palace, where they had discovered they were staying. They never ventured to the outside world, nor was it offered. Their time consisted of eating, sleeping, training with Dryden in his private workroom, and making love, in no particular order.

For some reason it didn't occur to either man that they were lingering too long with the fairy folk. They did not think about the possibility that people were dying, and kingdoms were being overthrown. If these thoughts did begin to creep into their consciousness, they were immediately soothed away and replaced with ones of safety and contentment.

For the most part, Brian and Justin were happy.

 

*************************************************
 

No, no, no, Justin! Dryden admonished the young man. Your offensive magics are still too weak and slow, and you are too easily distracted! You must focus!

Dryden preferred to use mind speech, as that was how fairies usually communicated, but also it was useful while training. It was much easier to show Brian and Justin what he wanted instead of having to explain everything. He, Justin and Brian were now in Dryden's personal magic work room, which was a stark place, decorated with only a table, some chairs and a few soft cushions. Perhaps the most important part were the strong shields that encased the whole room to keep any stray magic from escaping.

Though there were many among his people who could have taught the two mortals, Dryden had chosen to take them on himself. He could argue that he was the best, and most powerful teacher for the job, for that was true enough, but also he had felt drawn to them since the moment he laid eyes on them. Something about their chemistry fascinated him, and teaching such a combination of fairy and mage gifts within a soul bound couple was an exhilarating challenge.

Distraction has always been his downfall, even in his sword work, Brian supplied to Dryden, also in mind speech, which he and Justin had both easily adapted to. He smiled evilly at his lover. Remind me to tell you of the day we first met.

Justin was sweaty and tired and not in the mood for teasing, or criticism either, for that matter. How can I focus when I am exhausted? We have been at this for hours!

Pfft! Dryden scoffed impatiently. Do you think this enemy…this adept mage will care how tired you are? No! He will use it to his advantage, and you must be ready to fight!

Brian leaned back against the edge of the table with his arms crossed, watching the exchange. Justin did look ready to drop, but Dryden also had a good point. Besides, he had learned his lesson the hard way regarding getting in the middle of one of Dryden's lessons. The man had a sharper tongue than his father, King Jack, when he was in his cups.

You! Dryden pointed to Brian. Why are you not helping him? Do you not remember our previous lesson? You can help bolster his energy levels. Get off your rear and get busy!

Justin could not help a small smirk as Brian moved closer, ready to practice the technique Dryden had shown him. I saw that, brat, Brian commented to Justin in private mode.

As if you were not enjoying sitting back and watching him dress me down, Justin retorted.

Dryden sighed to himself. Now they were both distracted. He decided to reach into Justin's psyche a little and throw at him an enemy he knew would bring out his anger, and hopefully, with it, the full power of his magic.

Justin turned his attention from Brian back to Dryden and gasped in horror and shock. Before him stood Sapperstein, the former Duke of Ballybonne, and Brian's much hated, traitorous brother-in-law.

The combination of Justin's exhaustion and his pure hatred for the man standing before him caused him to strike without thinking. He pulled all the power he could feel around him and concentrated it, just as Dryden had shown him, aimed and let go. All without Brian lending him any support.

It was not until he heard Brian shouting his name, and Dryden's startled yelp, that he realized who it really was he was attacking. He tried to pull back at the last minute, causing the spell to backlash upon himself, knocking him across the room and unconscious.

Brian's own insides turned to ice when he saw his dead brother-in-law standing there, but reason quickly won out when he realized it was only Dryden trying to bait Justin. He knew that Justin's logic was not working as quickly as his when he felt the pure, white hot rage burn through his partner. He saw Justin begin to glow (something he had never witnessed before) as he raised a hand toward Dryden. "Justin, no!" he called out loud.

He watched in horror as Justin realized what he was doing and scrambled to halt the spell. While a blast of power did hit Dryden, most of the spell came back on Justin, knocking him back and covering his body with blistering burns.

Justin managed to knock Dryden off his feet before he managed to shield himself, but after the initial blast there was nothing else. He was shocked when he realized the boy had managed to pull the spell back in. He dropped his illusion and quickly made his way to where Brian had Justin cradled in his arms.

Gods, Brian! Dryden exclaimed. I've never seen such power in a mortal. He managed to surprise even me.

Did you have to turn into him? Sapperstein, of all people, Dryden? Brian did not even bother to use any formal titles he was so angry.

I am sorry. I had no idea his hatred of the Duke ran so deep.

Well, perhaps you do not know everything then, do you? Brian snapped and Dryden was taken aback by the raw emotion in his eyes. Now, since you do not allow weapons in here, may I please have something sharp so I may draw my blood and heal my lover? Brian continued shortly.

Brian, you may not believe me, but I am sorry. I meant no harm to come to the boy. He reached over to touch Brian's hand briefly. But this does provide me with an opportunity for another lesson. Let me show you how you can heal him without having to draw blood.

Brian looked to Dryden in surprise. His heart softened a bit when he noted the look of genuine concern he was showing for Justin as he examined him for other injuries besides the burns. Please show me, Brian asked quietly. Though I would gladly suffer any discomfort for him.

I know, dlu'thchara, Dryden replied, showing uncharacteristic tenderness and affection. But there is no need for you to bleed for all of his wounds. He took both Brian's hands and moved them over Justin. Now, you do it just so…

 

*************************************************

Justin awoke slowly, feeling as if he had perhaps been dragged a few miles behind his horse. He let his eyes wander around, and realized that he was back in his and Brian's room in Dryden's castle. The events in the workroom came flooding back and he moved to sit up quickly. He was immediately stilled by gentle hands.

Hush, Justin, my dlu'thchara, lie still. Dryden's soothing voice washed through his mind even as his gentle hands pushed him back against his pillow. You don't want to wake Brian; he needs to rest.

Justin glanced next to him and saw that Brian, was in fact, sound asleep next to him in their large bed. How did I get here? Why are you here in our chamber? he asked Dryden, happy that they could speak mind to mind so as not to wake his peaceful lover.

Brian and I brought you back here after the incident today. Do you remember what happened?

Justin nodded, looking troubled. Yes, I remember. I am so sorry, my lord, please forgive me. I am embarrassed that I lost control like that. Did I hurt you?

Dryden took Justin's hand in his own. The only thing that you hurt was perhaps my pride, young Justin. And it is I who should be apologizing to you. Had I known that the vision of that man would cause such a reaction, I never would have made it so.

I acted like such a coward to lose my mind like that. Of course it could not have been Sapperstein. I watched the wretched man die. I feel so foolish.

Justin, that was not cowardice at all, it was anger, and actually it was exactly what I was trying to get you to do. I honestly did not expect that much power from you, and it took me by surprise. What I am even more impressed with was the skill and accuracy with which you stopped the spell. With just a little more training I can teach you how to keep it from backlashing like that. I am proud of you.

Thank you, your highness, Justin replied, his cheeks coloring with a slight blush. He was not used to such compliments from the usually stoic king.

Please, Justin, call me Dryden when we are alone. I have come to think of you and Brian as friends as well as my pupils.

We have grown quite fond of you as well, my lo…I mean Dryden, Justin replied almost shyly. They sat in an awkward silence for a moment before Justin spoke again. So did Brian heal me again? Is that why he is so tired?

Dryden nodded. Yes, though I was able to teach him a method where he will no longer have to draw his own blood to complete the spell.

Justin smiled his full wattage grin and Dryden's heart skipped a beat. That's wonderful! I always hated that part. My wounds would be gone and his seemed to take a long time to heal.

Dryden returned the smile. Well, now he will not have that problem, though I believe he liked that part, as you say. I believe it relieved him a bit of the guilt of seeing you hurt to wound himself as well, even in such a small way.

Yes, he does have a rather distorted sense of responsibility for what happens to me, doesn't he? They both shared a smile.

Then Dryden's emerald eyes turned serious again. Justin, will you please tell me why the image of Duke Sapperstein invoked such hatred from you? I sensed it was an emotionally charged topic for Brian so I did not pursue it. I am asking as a friend…as one who cares for both of you.

Justin's face hardened back into the angry mask he wore earlier in the day. Do you not know what that man did to Brian? he asked Dryden. I thought you knew everything of Brian's life.

Dryden shook his head. I know the main points, but not all the details. Our time is different here and sometimes the details get lost to me. I know of Princess Claire and Duke Sapperstein's treason, that they tried to reclaim Ballybonne as its own kingdom for themselves.

Brian was captured by the duke's men. Justin scrubbed a hand through his hair as he recounted the horrifying memory. They took him to Westlake, where they had taken over our lands, killed my mother and still held my father prisoner. It was there that the duke tortured Brian repeatedly, and…and raped him. Justin ended in a whisper as a tear rolled down his cheek. Can you believe the unmitigated hypocrisy of him? Justin's voice was bitter and troubled in Dryden's mind. For even after all the years that had past, he was still affected greatly by what had happened to his lover. To condemn Brian to burn in the hell fires for loving another man, and then to treat him in such a manner. Bastard!

Damnu' air! Dryden swore in his own tongue. It is lucky for him that he is already dead, otherwise he would feel the wrath of the fairies upon him. I thank you for telling me, Justin. It explains much. It pains me dreadfully to think I am the cause for bringing this to your minds once again for you.

Justin was touched by the king's remorse, and still a little surprised by this soft and gentle side that Dryden was revealing to him. He boldly moved to lay a gentle hand against the other man's cheek. Please do not concern yourself so. Yes, it is a painful memory, but we dealt with it then, and we will deal with it now. You mustn't fret over us.

Dryden removed Justin's hand from his cheek and placed a gentle kiss on the palm, causing Justin to shiver a little. He held Justin's gaze with his own. I cannot seem to stop myself from worrying over you two, he replied softly. He then leaned in and kissed Justin gently on the lips. "No matter how hard I try," he whispered out loud.

"I…" Justin began to reply, but was interrupted by Brian muttering and tossing his head a bit, as if having a nightmare.

Justin immediately turned his attention to soothing his lover. "It is all right Brian, I am here." He whispered comforting words for awhile until he was sure Brian was sleeping normally again, then he turned back to give his attention to Dryden once more.

He was disconcerted to find that the other man had gone.
 

Return to The Duke of Tremont II