Heretics book 3 - The Apocryphile Press

THE KINGDOM :: 155
forted, as if he were watching the whole scene on television
from the safety of the friars’ couch.
“Noble demon, welcome. I bid you come—and behave
yourself. Let no harm come to me or to this man, lest harm
befall you through the power of this ring.”
“You speak well...yet you are no magician.” The infernal
Duke eyed him suspiciously. “How came you by such
power?”
“I will ask the questions here, demon. What misfortune
befell this man? And how are you involved?”
Mikael marveled to hear the demon’s description of the
magical working wrought by the Lodge of the Hawk and
Serpent. Apparently Dane found it equally fascinating, as a
look of wonder and barely restrained excitement flashed
across his upturned face. He grinned broadly, and asked the
demon more pointed questions about the location of the
Lodge and the identity of its members.
Amazingly, the demon spoke not with contempt, but with
patience and respect. Whatever power Dane wielded, it commanded
more respect than Mikael thought it possible to
summon, especially when it came to demons.
Dane thanked the demon and dismissed him. Mikael
watched as the face faded and the serpentine coils of the
dragon slithered off the sides of the wall, as if absorbed by
the corners of the room.
Dane paced excitedly, barely containing his joy. He even
did a little hop before turning. “Well, Mr. Monk, it seems
you may have led me to my deepest desire. What to do with
you, now? Prudence dictates that I kill you, I suppose. But
you see, I’m not an ingrate, nor am I a murderer. I’m a savior.
I know, I know, it’s sometimes hard to tell the difference.”
Mikael could only see the top of his head, but he imagined
the man smiling with sad compassion as he said this. Mikael