Saira - TI5 (24 page)

"Don't be so quick to assume things, daughter. Your blood isn't pure. You would never get past the barriers, even if you knew where they were."

"Then why don't you tell me, if it's so impossible."

"I'm tempted, if for no other reason than to see you try," Dis said, intrigued by the thought of Lilith's child confronting her mother's creator. It certainly would stir things up in his world.

"Will you help me?"

"I'll think about it."

"When will I know?"

"When I tell you my decision, no sooner. Now, I think we have enjoyed each other's company enough, don't you?"

The Child knew she wasn't getting anything more out of her father. She would have to await his decision. She hoped he would tell her, but if he didn't, she would find the pathway on her own.

"As you wish, Father," she said, reluctantly.

Rising, she placed the glass on a nearby stand and departed, leaving her sire both amused and contemplative. Perhaps that was why he hadn't noticed the arrival of another during his chat with his daughter, or perhaps the energy emanating from two such powerful entities masked the arrival. Once Caelene was gone, though, he immediately sensed a presence.

"Traveler,"
he boomed, his voice deep and commanding. "Show yourself."

Saira complied immediately, but wasn't intimidated by the Underlord. It was more a sign of respect for a First Born. As powerful as Dis was, he had no power over her; no one did.

"Underlord," she said, tipping her head to acknowledge his position.

"It's been a long time, Traveler. What brings you here uninvited? Are there no others more interesting that call to you?"

"Apparently not. Would I be here if there were?"

Dis motioned for her to sit. "It appears today I'm going to be plagued by females. All I need now is for Lilith to show up, and my day will be perfect."

*  *  *

Saira had a premonition that his day was about to become just that, once the demoness learned of her daughter's desire to meet the Twin. At this very moment, one of his less-than-loyal minions was scurrying off to inform her of the meeting between the Child and her father. Dis had long ago realized that many of his followers had grown fond of his ex-wife and had switched allegiances, and he was aware of who they were. Instead of replacing them, though, he found it amusing to let them be since Lilith had no intention of ever usurping his power. Besides, if the news brought her back to the Underworld for the occasional visit, he didn't object. She was still the most fascinating and beautiful demoness he had ever met and perhaps the only person he had ever really passionately loved.

"So, again, why are you here?"

"At this time I can only guess, but I imagine such a momentous meeting between you and the Child is enough to attract a lot of attention, if it were known."

"I'm beginning to think everything that happens here is known," the Underlord growled. "Whatever happened to privacy? One would think as supreme ruler of this realm, I, at least, could have some."

"One would think," Saira agreed, smiling slightly. The Child was right. Dis could seem so human at times. "I apologize for the intrusion, but as you know, I go where I must."

"Yes. Yes. We've done this before. I guess I should be happy that Lilith was your last attraction. Otherwise, I fear I would be plagued regularly by your visits. Do you still not consume food and liquids?" he asked unexpectedly.

Surprised at the sudden change of topic, Saira shook her head. "Time changes many things, but that's one thing that even it can't alter, although I sometimes wish I could sample such things as food and liquid. Perhaps then I would understand your cravings for such human things as Cokes."

Dis smirked. "A small weakness. Nothing more."

"But a huge confession. The Underlord isn't supposed to have weaknesses."

"Everyone has weaknesses. It's what makes life worth living. I just happen to have fewer than the rest."

"Fewer than the Twin?"

Dis stared at her for a few seconds, contemplating the question. "I guess that would be a matter of opinion. Contrary to what many think, my twin isn't perfect. His little experiment with humanity proves that."

"An experiment with which you interfered."

"My
interference
occurred
after
things started to go wrong. Lilith had already evolved well beyond his expectations. She would never have survived in that stagnant world he created."

"Are you so sure, Underlord? Would she not have helped Adam to evolve faster? He was suffering his own growing pains."

"True. Why do you think my twin wanted her returned? He knew she was necessary to complete his experiment. She had exceeded even his expectations, but he was hoping that in time Adam would catch up."

"He would have," Saira said.

"Yes, but at what cost to her? How long was she expected to wait? Should she have sacrificed her own principles to suit my twin's needs?"

"You sound so sanctimonious, Underlord. Surely you don't want me to believe your reasons for abducting her were
pure
?"

"Pure?" Dis threw back his head and roared his laughter. "Of course they were. Pure lust. Pure envy. I coveted my brother's creation, and I enjoyed messing with his mind. Having Lilith satisfied both. She was perfect. Beautiful, intelligent, and innocent. It's an irresistible combination to someone like me."

"Only it backfired, didn't it? She challenged you in ways no male or female ever had, and she grew to know you better than you know yourself. You're lucky she never wanted your throne."

"That was never a possibility," Dis replied. "Like I said, she was perfect. Lilith was many things, but she was never that ambitious."

"Unlike the Child."

The remark brought Dis' thoughts back to Caelene's visit.

"So it would seem. My daughter obviously shares more of my traits than her mother's. One day, she'll be a force to be reckoned with."

"Are you worried?"

Dis shrugged nonchalantly. "Not really. All things are eventually replaced by something or someone else. I would hope that one of my blood would become the next Underlord. Caelene would be my choice. At the moment, though, I think that's highly unlikely."

"And her wish to meet the Twin? Are you going to help her?"

"She's within her rights to demand it. It's not within my power to grant such a meeting. Only my twin can do that."

"But you can show her the way."

"Yes."

"Then I'm done here," Saira said, rising from her chair.

Dis nodded his understanding. Once Saira had her answers, she had to move on. "Until the next time then, Traveler."

"Until the next time," Saira said, and then she was gone.

*  *  *

The Child paced back and forth impatiently. Waiting was never one of her outstanding qualities, even though she had spent an eternity trapped in the Netherworld. If Father didn't give her an answer soon, she'd have no choice but to search for the path on her own.

"I see patience isn't one of your strong points," Dis said, walking in unannounced.

"And knocking isn't one of yours."

"Like daughter like father, wouldn't you say?"

Caelene couldn't argue the point so she ignored the comment. "Have you made your decision?"

"Yes, although your mother isn't going to like it."

"Mother has nothing to do with this."

"Lilith will think differently. You just make sure you tell her this was your idea. I don't want that demon spitfire nagging me for the next thousand years."

"Please, Father. Don't tell me you're afraid of her."

"Trust me, daughter. Lilith is the one person that no one should cross. I may be the Underlord, but she's more than capable of making my life pure hell."

Caelene snorted, but suspected Dis wasn't exaggerating. Lilith was a force unto herself when she was angry.

"Deal. If Mother finds out, I'll make sure she knows I forced you to help me."

It was Dis' turn to snort, but then he gave Caelene precise directions to the gateway to the Overworld.

"Remember. Just because you make it to the gateway doesn't mean you'll gain entry. Only my brother can open it."

"And you."

"I don't need a gateway. As twins, we have a connection that prevents exclusion. He thinks of it as a curse." Dis laughed. "I've always thought of it as a great way to annoy him. Dropping in uninvited so frustrates him."

"I know the feeling," the Child said.

"I'm beginning to," Dis replied.

"Point taken, Father. Next time I'll be sure to announce myself."

"Make certain you do. I've been extremely tolerant of the continuous comings and goings around here. My patience is at an end."

The stern look in the Underlord's eyes was enough to tell the Child that he was serious. Her father had mellowed over the ages, but she wasn't fooled into thinking he had grown weaker. Dis was more powerful than ever because he had learned to control his anger and focus only on those things that were real threats to him or his domain.

The Underworld was like a well-oiled machine. Each minion or demon knew his place and what was expected of him, and as long as they did their jobs, their master overlooked the mischief they managed on their own.

Turning, Dis left the room without saying another word.

The path to the gate would have been confusing for anyone. Only because of Dis' precise instructions was the Child able to reach the gate leading to the Overworld. Even though her sire had told her that it was unguarded, she was still surprised when no one challenged her at the entrance. She quickly found out why.

A large golden arch glistened in the bright light surrounding it. Through the archway, Caelene could see shadows moving around but nothing specific. She touched the invisible barrier with her fingertips and was immediately propelled backward. Stunned, she approached it again and leaned forward, trying to figure some way to breach the barrier. Hesitantly, she touched it again only to find herself once more on her butt several feet away.

"I won't be stopped, if that's your intent," she said aloud.

"You will never be allowed to enter here," a deep voice replied. "Go home."

The Child recognized that voice. It was so similar to her father's, it could only be the Twin.

"I don't want to enter that place. I've come to talk to you."

"And what made you think I would talk to you, Child? Haven't you done enough damage?"

Caelene was surprised that the Twin spoke so bluntly, but without animosity. She had been sure he would still be angry with her for corrupting Eve.

"That was a long time ago," the Twin said. "I've changed."

"Have you?"

The laughter that followed made her uncomfortable. It sounded so much like Dis and yet held nothing more than humor. "Alright," Caelene said. "All things change. I've grown older and wiser."

"And more ambitious. But that's not my problem, is it? It's my brother who needs to keep an eye on you, not I. What brings you here?"

"
I wanted to meet my mother's creator. I think I'm entitled."

"You're entitled to nothing from me. I had nothing to do with your conception, even if you are the offspring of one of my creations."

For the first time, the Child sensed she had hit a nerve. Although almost imperceptible, she still noticed a slight change in tone.

"I'd say that makes you partially responsible, whether you admit it or not,"
she said.

"Go back to where you came from, little girl. I don't have time to mince words with the likes of you."