The womanas face bent down to hers. aHey! I said sit up.a She obeyed, wondering why she wasnat being killed. She watched blankly as Odif grabbed her shin above the ruined ankle. The power flooded down through her foot, taking the pain away. Odif cleaned off the bone sticking out then pulled and moved her foot around, looking very intently at it until it was in its proper place. The swelling and discoloring faded. The hole in her ankle smoothed over with fresh skin.

As she was doing this, Sam came up with a color for the power she used. She had always thought of her motheras power as black, like the abyss. The woman in the brown robes held the opposite--white power. Magic she generally thought of as red. This power felt like the grass around her. She decided it was green power.

Once Odif was done, she released Samas ankle and stood up then grabbed her hand. aCome on, on your feet,a she said as she pulled her up.

Sam was sure she was going to feel pain. What she felt was a wonderful lack of it. Her ankle looked and felt as if nothing had ever happened. She put her weight on it then shifted back and forth to verify she could now walk.

aThank you,a she whispered, astonished that someone had helped her once they knew what she was. She could feel apprehension from most of them, but no hatred. Still, she kept herself open to their minds.

aNo one is going to hurt you,a Odif soothed. aWhatas your name?a aSam.a The dark men grinned.

aIs that short for something?a the one she knew was called Theo asked.

Sam shook her head. aMy mother has a cruel sense of humor.a The other dark man, Hutch, spoke up. aHey, bat lady, wheread you come from?a Meekly, she said, aThe underworld, but I didnat like it. That was why I escaped.a aHow did you get out?a Odif demanded.

Sam looked at her and discovered Odif was sensing her mind as easily as she was sensing theirs. In the time it took to blink an eye, she and Odif transferred thoughts. Odif knew that her mother was the demon she was after, and Sam knew that Odif was intent on going down to send Aliana back to the abyss, no matter what it took. Sam sensed something else. Beneath the kind, reasoning soul, a wild beast lay waiting to strike. She didnat know if it was a wolf like she imagined, but this part of Odif lay just under the surface, tensed to rip the throat out of its prey. Quickly, she blocked any thoughts about her escape from the underworld.

Her mouth hung open. aI canat lead you down there, sheall kill you!a Odif eyed her sternly. aI cannot let anything live that wants to destroy everything I hold dear. I helped you, now you will help me.a The beast was stirring, maybe from the thought of getting to Aliana, or maybe tensing to strike out at her. She did owe something, and she was going to repay kindness with kindness.

aI will help you the best way I know how,a she said sincerely. aI will not tell you.a aWe dare trust her?a the one they called Entaurus asked.

Odif ignored his question. Her eyes never left Samas. aI will find the way down. The less warning she has, the better chance I have.a Sam began to understand how badly the beast wanted to kill Aliana. She sensed that its life, and the lives of its friends were nothing but a means to get just that much closer to the demonas throat. Odif was planning to drag her out of this world, if thatas what it took to get rid of her.

aYouare crazy,a she gasped.

aWell, sheas a smart bat lady!a Theo grinned.

aPretty and smart,a Hutch agreed.

aPretty smart.a Shilo grinned.

aEnough!a Odif snapped at them. Turning back to Sam, she asked, aWell?a She took a step back, fearing for a moment that Odif might loosen the beast on her. Somehow, though, she knew Odif would not do that to her. Just to see someone who was willing to talk to her was a dream come true. Odif was not only talking to her, she was holding the others back from harming her. No one would lift a finger against her unless Odif told them to. She felt this as strongly as she felt a new feeling welling up. Before she could stop herself, she blurted out her thoughts.

aListen to me! She is down there,a she stated, stabbing a finger at the ground. aWe are up here. I feel we can be good friends--why do you insist on going down there to die, or worse?a Odif gazed at her for a moment then gave her a slight nod. aMay nature guide you, Sam. I wish you the best.a She turned and pointed at Scorpio. In an angry tone, she said, aYou, over there!a Sam stared in wonder as the woman walked away. That was it? No coercion, no threats? She knew Odif had the power to force her to tell, if she really wanted to; but there was no yelling or any force, only a few parting words. She watched Odif lead Scorpio by the arm towards the group gathered by the trees where the globe had landed. As she thought about how kind Odif had been to her, she started to follow them. In the few short moments she had known Odif, she had found what she never thought possible, someone who might be her friend. She couldnat let go of such a miracle so easily.

aDo those things work?a Shilo asked from beside her.

She turned her head at the unexpected voice and automatically moved a few steps to the side. It was a silly action--she didnat have anything to fear from him.

He frowned at her and planted his hands on his hips. aDonat like my company, huh?a aSorry, Iam just not used to people.a She deliberately moved closer to him as she walked towards Odif, who had stopped and was pointing out the destruction to Scorpio. The single biggest thing she sensed from Shilo was curiosity. aI canat fly, if thatas what you mean.a Ahead of her, Odif had a confusing mix of feelings boiling around in her. She was yelling at Scorpio, very angry and fearful for him at the same time.

aYour stunt got three people killed!a she barked as she glared at him. aThe whole point of staying in the woods was so they wouldnat know where we were!a Scorpio shifted in place. aIam sorry.a aSorry is not good enough!a Odif yelled. Glancing at Sam, she pointed at her. aShe needs to get somewhere safe. You will take her and go back to Longforest.a Scorpio turned pale. aIall never do that again, I promise.a aYou wonat be here to do it again!a Odif snapped.

From Scorpio Sam got a clear vision of someone who had done something similar not too long ago. He wanted desperately to tell this to Odif but feared to get her any angrier.

Sam walked up and told her what he wanted to say. aOdif, you gave your brother another chance. That is all he is asking for now.a Odif turned her glare on her. aHow do you know?a Tipping her head to Scorpio, she said, aHe was thinking it.a Scorpio gaped at her. aYou can read minds?a aTayan didnat get three people killed,a Odif stated.

aMaybe it was my fault,a Sam told her. aIf I had run the other way, the pilgyns wouldnat have seen any of you.a aSheas got a point,a Shilo agreed. aCanat say he was being real smart, but I donat think that was his fault.a He indicated the blasted area. aMaybe it was mine for not catching that other globe.a Odif gave them all a hard look. To Sam, she felt disappointed she couldnat run Scorpio off as easily as she would have liked. aFine, weall put it to a vote once we take care of the dead. Thatas the best I can do.a She turned and stomped off towards the group of elves and the brown-robed woman.

Scorpio cast a wary look at Sam. aWhy did you do that?a She gave him a shrug. aI can sense you care about each other. I donat know everything that is going on, but if I had someone I wanted to be near that badly, I know I would appreciate some help.a He started after Odif, pausing long enough to say, aThanks.a ***

Sam helped gather wood for a funeral pyre, making sure she stayed near Odif. Of the four elves left, three were male warriors and one was a female wizard. Sam didnat sense anything from her but sorrow for her lost friends. The male elves were like most of the others, giving off a mixture of curiosity and caution. Mother Frieda, on the other hand, kept her mind hidden and eyed Sam suspiciously. The whole time they built up the stack of wood then laid the bodies on top, Mother Frieda didnat say anything to her, just watched her very carefully.

The pyre set, they gathered. Each one of them stepped up to the dead and said goodbye. Odif lit the pyre with a spurt of flame. Mother Frieda said a prayer for the souls of the departed as the fire engulfed the bodies. A few prayed with her, and all of them seemed to share the loss as well as the comfort of being together. It was the first time Sam had ever felt anything like this. Caught up in the moment, she silently watched the flames rise.

The fire was raging high when Mother Frieda turned around to face her. Sam was drawn to meet her eyes and saw Frieda was holding the talisman she wore to her chest. Sam then felt white energy flow towards her.

Fearing she was being attacked, she let out a squeal and tried to hide behind Odif.

Odif grabbed her, holding her firmly in place. aCalm down,a she commanded.

Heart in her throat, Sam felt the white power flow over her. She looked into Odifas eyes, waiting to be hurt. She didnat feel pain, though--or anything, for that matter. The power stayed around her for a moment then slipped away. After it did, she let out the breath she didnat know she was holding.

Mother Frieda lowered her talisman, looking curiously at her. aI sense evil, as I suspected. I also sense good in her.a Odif snorted. aSome help you are. Everyone has both inside them.a aNot like this.a Mother Frieda told her. aIn her, it is like two sides of a coin. Both are present, but each is distinct.a Releasing Sam, Odif frowned at her. aThey're opposites. How else would you see them?a aThink of it this way,a Mother Frieda explained as she pointed at Gloredaniel. aHer skin is as white as any Iave seen. Theo, on the other hand, is about the darkest man I ever saw...a aWhich means Iam more handsome.a Theo beamed at Hutch. Hutch only frowned back at him.

aIn any case!a Mother Frieda snapped. aOnly the most holy people have an aura of pure good, and only the most vile, evil ones radiate nothing by evil. If you think of it as skin color, most people are tanned, like you are. They do show both, but at varying amounts.a Pointing to Sam, she said, aIn our guest, what I see is like if one were to fuse one-half of Theo to one-half of Gloredaniel.a aOuch.a Theo winced. The group didnat hear him; they were focusing on what Mother Frieda was saying.

Odif looked at Sam then back to Mother Frieda. aYouare saying she can be really good, or really bad, right?a aI am not evil.a Sam said quickly. aI have seen what it means to be evil; I donat do things like that!a aI never said you did,a Mother Frieda assured her. aI only know that you are capable.a Her gaze hardened as she asked, aArenat you?a Under her scrutiny, Sam bowed her head. aIf I have to be. I donat like hurting or killing anyone. Thatas why I ran away. Thatas why I live out here, so I donat have to be like that.a Odif picked up on her memory of the priests. aWhen people see you, they assume you're evil, so they hurt you.a She looked at Odif and nodded. Tears began to form in her eyes. aAll I ever wanted was to belong somewhere, to not be hated.a aI donat hate you,a Odif told her.

aThatas why I donat want you to go down there,a she stressed. aThe best thing that could happen to you is if you die. You might end up being tortured for a very long time. All of you!a she finished, searching for someone in the group to understand.

aI will be killed,a Odif said as if it meant nothing to her. aSo might everyone who goes with me.a Placing a hand on Samas shoulder, she said in a gentle tone, aGo to Longforest with Scorpio; heall show you a place where you can live in peace.a Maybe it was the kindness Odif showed her or the strength Odif radiated, but as Sam looked at her what she saw was a solid rock, a safe haven jutting out of a boiling sea of loneliness and hate. Somewhere in the backs of their minds, the others saw this, too, for they were each tied to her in their own way. Sam wanted to throw her arms around Odif and hold on as tightly as she could. She wanted even more to keep her away from Aliana. She had no idea which one was more powerful and shuddered at the thought of two such colossal forces crashing together. No matter the consequences, she could not leave Odif.

She cleared her throat and told her with her voice and mind, aI am staying with you.a aYou will probably die,a Odif pointed out, hoping to scare her into changing her mind.

aI had planned on dying tonight,a she replied. aYou saved me. I would rather live only a few days, with ones who could be my friends, than spend any more years alone.a Odif nodded slightly. aWhat can you do? We're heading for a fight, not to walk hand-in-hand in the sunshine.a Clearly, she saw the pitched battles Odif was thinking about. Battles not only of steel weapons, but with the spears and magic that left hardened warriors broken and crying. She stiffened herself to wade into such chaos with her new friend. aI have a sword, and I know some magic.a aWeall see.a Motioning to Gloredaniel, Odif said, aGloredaniel will test you and find our what you can do with magic. Scorpio, youall help her with swordsmanship. Iall work with her mind.a aBefore you fill her head with magical mumbo-jumbo,a Mother Frieda stated as she took Sam by the arm, aI need to set her soul right.a Locking her eyes with Samas, she asked, aYou wish to avoid the abyss, correct?a Sam nodded, so Frieda continued. aIam sure you already know about Lucifer, so I will tell you about Leighna and Odin, they are the ones who can save you...a Sam listened to Mother Frieda, who told her about Leighna, the Goddess of Light and Home, as if she intended to save her whether she wanted to be saved or not. The only break she got was when Odif called for a vote on sending Scorpio back. Much to the druid's dismay, no one in the group wanted him to go, so she settled on threatening to break his legs and leave him if he ever disobeyed her again.

Theo and Shilo dug Samas sword out of the ruins of her hut. She had some armor she had stolen, but Mother Frieda pronounced it evil and made them leave it. The only other thing they took from the remains of the cabin was some food. Sam left the field of destruction with her new friends, ready to do her best to stand with them.

The next days proved to be the toughest in her life. Odif promised she would be tested. Grilled and pushed until she couldnat move or think was more like it. She quickly found out there was much more to handling a sword than being able to chop at someone. Like her swordsmanship, she found out she knew next to nothing about magic.

Her daily routine was harsh. Before breakfast, Scorpio worked with her using wooden sticks for practice. He explained moves and made her go through them and ended each session with a brisk match. Each time, he quickly disarmed her or gave her a smack on the bottom. Not once was she able to touch him with her own weapon.

Breakfast was followed by the march, during which Mother Frieda gave her lessons on Leighna and deeds of prophets and saints as they walked along. Gloredaniel took her turn at the midday break, first making her read and comprehend spell scrolls then prodding her to use bits of magic. The afternoon hike she spent repeating back everything she had read. Then, as everyone else was making camp and getting settled, Odif took a turn to work her mind.

Normally, it was easy for her to figure out what other people were thinking. After a full day on her feet, arms sore from her bouts with Scorpio and her mind sore from tiny shocks when she didnat repeat the magic words right, it was taxing just to tell Odif what she was thinking. She also found out Odif could mask her thoughts. The third night, she spent an hour probing Odifas mind only to find out she was wondering why her right eyebrow had a tiny break in it.

Now and then Sam felt her anger start to rise as Scorpio would dance out of her way, Gloredaniel would scold her for not making a larger flash of light or Odif would press her mind so hard she wanted to scream. Each time she shoved it back down, for no matter how roughly they treated her all she felt from them was the desire for her to be able to defend herself. Each night, Odif would give her a pat on the back or a gentle squeeze on her shoulder and tell her how well she did that day. Many times, that little bit of affection kept her from crying herself to sleep.

As the days went by, Scorpio enlisted the help of Theo, Hutch and Shilo in their morning practice. Her teammate, Shilo, would make a show of falling down and yelling if she didnat stay close enough to cover his back. Worse yet, he would smack her on the bottom every time she lost track of him. Mother Friedaas lessons became more thought-provoking. Instead of just telling her how Leighna expected her to act, she gave Sam a scenario and asked how she would handle it. Gloredaniel took to shooting bits of magic at her, forcing her to think of and cast a proper defense before she was stung. Odifas lessons didnat hurt but did push her to reach out farther and focus more with her mind than she ever thought she could.

One day things changed. Sam went through her sword practice with Scorpio, this time with the emphasis on using her feet as an additional weapon. She fell a few times but got the idea. As they marched, JoJo took over to show her a few of his favorite spells then she sat with Theo and Hutch during the break to just talk about the islands they came from. The afternoon walk was fairly quiet, neither Odif nor Mother Frieda talked much. She was glad for the rest, to just walk along and not have to think.

By the time they made camp, though, she was starting to think they were giving up on her. Many days she would just listen to Mother Frieda, too tired to show much enthusiasm. She went over to help Frieda as she placed the rocks for the eveningas fire.

Bringing a rock to her, Sam squatted down. aLeighna says that forgiveness helps to cleanse the soul, correct?a she asked.

Mother Frieda turned a blank look to her. aThatas right,a she said as she took the rock. aNo lessons tonight, get some rest.a aBut I do listen, even though I might not look like it.a Mother Frieda gave her brief grin. aI know, child. Why donat you go see if Odif has anything for you to do.a She didnat know what had Mother Frieda so preoccupied but decided against trying to see into her mind to find out. You didnat do that to friends. aAnything I can help with?a Mother Frieda gave a sigh. aJust collect some firewood.a aYes, Mother,a she said, knowing the woman liked to be called that. Her words got her another attempt at a grin, which satisfied her.

She found Odif just standing still and watching the horizon. Walking up beside her, she notice something in the brush a short distance in front of them. aI think I can tell you where that snake is,a she offered, hoping to get Odifas attention.

Odif gave her a grin almost exactly as Frieda had done. aGet some rest, Sam. I think youave earned it.a She noted Odif was more than preoccupied, she felt...tense, like something was about to happen. aWhatas wrong?a Shrugging one shoulder, Odif stated, aProbably nothing. Iall let you know if there is.a The way she stood, as if watching for something, and the firm grip she had on her staff made Sam nervous. She reached out and tried to sense something in the direction Odif was facing. As she did, she got a vague sense of being watched. There was nothing she could identify as being wrong, and no creatures that looked the least bit threatening.

aWhat can I do?a Still watching the horizon, Odif asked, aRemember the day we found you?a aIall never forget it.a aGood. If one of us tells you to do something, do it quickly and do not get caught out by yourself.a She looked up at Odifas face, which was set in thought. This time she didnat suppress the urge and hugged her tightly. Odifas arm went around her shoulders and hugged her back. Never had she felt better than she did at this moment. She could die right now and be happy for all eternity.

aThank you for being my friend.a Odifas grip tightened slightly then she let her go. aYouare welcome. In case this is something, you need your rest.a aRight after dinner,a she promised then went to collect firewood for Mother Frieda.

Night fell with Odif and Mother Frieda still wary. The others seemed oblivious to this. Scorpio offered to take a stroll with Odif, who refused. By the way the others grinned and suggested there was something wrong with Odif, she got the idea that aa strolla had nothing to do with walking, and that Odif never refused. Sam got into her bed, noting the area was carpeted with green power and Frieda was aglow in her white. Although she thought she was too anxious to get any sleep, the next thing she experienced was waking up.

Something was now very close. It was no longer a feeling of being watched--she felt darkness, like a giant black cloud rushing at her. Fear gripped her heart; she knew the source of the darkness. She hadnat thought this was possible!

She popped her eyes open to see forms moving in the dark. Mother Frieda and Porthalen were waking everyone up. As Sam got up, she cried, aMy motheras coming!a which got everyone moving a bit faster.

Mother Frieda barked out orders in a firm but quiet voice. aSam, take my hand. Theo, take Shiloas...Hutch! Grab Porthalenas hand, it wonat kill you to be separated from Theo! Now, Gloredaniel, grab Samas hand and close the circle. JoJo, you and Entaurus keep Odif down, no matter what happens.a As they closed to form the circle, Sam noticed Odif was still sleeping. By the way JoJo was kneeling over her, he was keeping her asleep by magical means.

The blackness was now right behind her. She felt her motheras presence race at her as she grabbed Friedaas hand. Heart thumped wildly, she trusted that Mother Frieda was somehow going to protect her.

Mother Frieda started her chanting prayer. White power enveloped the circle, flooding Sam with a feeling of peace and joy as the blackness dashed harmlessly against the white barrier.

From behind her, a chilling wail accompanied the wash of evil. aWhat is this?a Aliana raged. aWho dares keep my daughter from me?a Sam held on to the peace as Aliana took on physical form and moved directly behind Frieda. aSo, you fat sow, do you think you can keep my own child away from me?a Her voice lowered to a growl. aRelease her, or I will eat your soul then feed your carcass to the rats.a Ignoring her, Mother Frieda kept up her chant of aLeighna, our light and life, protect us from evila over and over again.

Sam felt cold against the back of her neck as Aliana moved to stand behind her.

aDo you think these bags of blood and bones will keep you from me?a she snarled. aThey will weaken. You know I am stronger than they are. I give you one chance to save them. Let go of the sowas hand and come with me. You do this, and I will spare them.a The peace started to waver. Mother Frieda gripped her hand tightly and kept up her chant in a firm voice. Odif was stirring.

aRefuse, and you will watch each one be picked apart before I roast them,a Aliana continued in a growl. aYou know I will do it!a Sam did know. She felt her motheras will press against the white barrier with increasing force. She desperately held on to Friedaas hand as the peace slowly eroded.

Her motheras voice became calmer. aWhy do you fight me? What possesses you to resist when you know I will win?a Sam felt her motheras will start to creep into her mind. Odif had taught her that a single image, if thought about hard enough, would stop such intrusions. She focused on the first thing she thought of, the memory she would cherish forever. She concentrated on the first time she hugged Odif in friendship.

Alianaas piercing screech went all the way to her bones. aThat...druid...bitch!a she screamed in three separate breaths.

In front of her, JoJo collapsed. At first, she thought her mother had somehow breeched the circle, but then a kick from Odif sent Entaurus flying back to land against Shilo, who fell and broke the circle. Odif shot to her feet, teeth bared in rage. A low growl came from deep within her chest.

The beast was loose.

Waves of power came at Sam from front and back as Odif charged. Frieda jerked her out of the path as Odif and Aliana met, each wailing out their hatred in a terrifying scream. She stumbled back to fall on her behind as the circle broke apart.

For all the training Odif had given her, for all the power and craftiness she knew her mother possessed, neither combatant showed any refined skill. Using power in its raw form they tore at each other like a pair of mad wildcats.

The battle on their feet was very brief. In a flurry of motion, Odif thrust her staff into Alianaas chest as Aliana clawed at her in a sweeping motion, tearing the skin off her forehead and breaking the staff in two. Odif smashed one of the horns off the demonas forehead as Aliana stabbed a hand into her stomach. She jerked back with a scream; and Odif swung hard again, this time removing her lower jaw with a loud crack as the remaining part of the staff shattered. Aliana dove on Odif; and they rolled on the ground, pieces of flesh and cloth flying away as they fought furiously with nothing but their hands, teeth and raw energy.

Aliana got over Odif and clamped a hand around her throat to choke the life out of her. Lightning flashed down from the sky to vaporize her arm and Odif threw her off then quickly lunged onto her as she pulled a dark dagger from nowhere. Aliana kicked her leg, which broke with a sickening crack. Odif didnat noticed. She had put all her energy into driving the dagger into Aliana.

Locked in a temporary stalemate, Odif used every ounce of power in her mind and body to stab Aliana with the dagger. Under her, Aliana used her one arm and her power to try to keep from being stabbed. Sam knew this wasnat going to last long--Odif was leaking blood in a steady flow from her side, her leg where the bone was now showing and from the flap of skin that was hanging over one eye.

Doing the only thing she had presence of mind to, Sam focused on her mother and lashed out with her will--not to destroy, but to distract.

aLook at me!a she cried with her mind and voice.

Aliana snapped her head around to glare at her. As she did, Odif forced her arm down, driving the dagger towards her stomach. Alianaas eyes went wide, and she did the only thing she could to save herself.

She vanished.

Odif slammed the dagger into the ground in triumph. A second later, she realized that her foe was no longer under her. Kneeling on her good knee, she looked around wildly, flinging blood as she cried out, aWhere are you! Iam not done with you!a Dropping down to all fours, she began pounding the ground, wailing out one word every time her first hit. aI...had...her...I...had...her...I...had...her!a She then fell prone and began crying.

Stunned by the vicious fight, the group approached her slowly. Sam grabbed Mother Frieda by the arm and dragged her over to Odif, who was sobbing from her failure. She had to prod others with her mind to get them moving and help Odif before she bled to death.

As Mother Frieda prayed for healing, Scorpio wrapped his arms around Odif's chest and steadied her as Theo pulled on her leg so Hutch could set the break. Sam got her forehead skin back in place and wrapped her head with a bandage. When she tried to cover the gaping wound in the druidas side, Odif stopped her.

Picking up the burnt-looking dagger, Odif tipped it so the point was in the wound then shoved it into her body so it went up under her ribs. She pushed until it was completely embedded in her flesh.

Aghast at her action, Sam cried, aWhy did you do that!a aThat was the stick, wasnat it?a Scorpio said accusingly.

Mother Frieda eyed the wound then looked at Odif. aWhat is that thing?a Breathing heavily, her face covered in rivulets of sweat, blood and tears, Odif explained. aItas a soul barb. If I can get it into her, her soul is attached to mine. She will go where I take her, and there isnat a damn thing she can do about it. Iam going to drag that demon bitch back to the abyss.a aDear Leighna,a Mother Frieda whispered.

aYouall end up there, too!a Scorpio cried.

Odif winced and shifted in his arms. aSo what? Sheall be gone for good.a Sam had known Odif was willing to die to remove Aliana from the world. But she was not only willing to die, but to damn herself to keep her world safe.

aI canat let you do that.a Odif eyed her. aJust try and stop me.a ***

Aliana appeared at the base of her altar--or, rather, three feet above the floor in front of it. Having to escape quickly, she hadnat pinpointed her destination, other than to be beside Luciferas power. The fall didnat do her shattered body any further damage, but it did bruise her ego just a bit more. Flailing to her feet, she lashed out at the air with her one arm and made guttural noises that were suppose to be curses and things she would do to Odif once she got her hands on her again.

In her screaming and stomping fit, fear mixed into her rage. That whore had laid a trap for her with her own daughter! How in the abyss did she know where and when to set her trap? She didnat know what that dagger was, but it looked to be part of the druid herself. When she drove her hand into Odif to gut the bitch, she brushed against that damn dagger. It wasnat pain she felt--more like the dagger had started to draw her essence towards it. If it had been the tip instead of the handle she brushed, she was sure it would have fused itself into her somehow. Spying her own ceremonial dagger, she grabbed it and threw it with a hollow cry meant to be a wail.

aWhat a temper,a someone sighed.

She spun to tear apart the owner of the voice. Beside the altar stood a tall man with tightly cropped black hair and a goatee. He leaned on his gem-encrusted gold scepter as he eyed her. Upon seeing him, she fell to her knees and tried to beg for power without a lower jaw.

Lucifer glared down at her. aUse your mind, or what is left of it!a Aliana held up her hand to him as she spoke with her mind. aThe druid whore taunts me! She has taken my child, the child I was to give to you! Help me crush her, I beg of you!a Lucifer inspected his long fingernails thoughtfully. aI have no direct power in this world. You were supposed to change that.a Shifting his eyes to her, he sent her a mental picture. Before his throne, Odif stood as if to do battle. Aliana lay crumpled by Odifas side. Odifas fingers were long and thin, reaching into Alianaas skull.

aIf she brings you back to the abyss on a leash, who do you think will gain my favor?a aI will kill that whore!a she announced, resolving that she would not make another mistake in dealing with that witch.

Lucifer tipped his head, amused by her rage. aShe has bested you twice. I think another meeting will send you back to face me. Do you want to be the one to feed my guardians?a She had seen what happened to souls who failed. Luciferas personal guardians had eaten the soul of the demon she had replaced. Then, she had enjoyed the sight as the sharp teeth tore the demon into bits of agony. Each bit lived inside the guardians, withering in the pain of being digested forever. The pieces of souls inside the guardians wailed in a chorus of agony that Lucifer himself loved to hear. If she failed then her soul would be adding to this music.

aWhere is your cunning?a Lucifer asked. aOnce, you were the most devious creature I ever saw. That is why I picked you to take this world.a He snorted at her. aA guardian can fight better that you!a He was right. She didnat get to be one of his favorites by trying to muscle other demons about. She got here through her talents. Seduction, trickery and backstabbing were the things she was expert in. To face the druid alone was a farce, she should have known better. It ate away at her that her daughter was now bonded to that vile bitch, but if she wanted to get her daughter back she would have to use her skills.

So far, Odif was the one to take the initiative and set traps for her. She had to set her own trap and not get drawn into attacking the druid directly. She had to lure them where she wanted them then wear them down until they were helpless.

aThatas my prize concubine,a Lucifer said with an evil grin. He touched the hole where her missing horn was and another appeared. aYou are so close to pleasing me--donat let the powers of hatred and chaos work against you now.a His grin faded into a stern look that penetrated her soul. aI will have this world. If you want to be the one to take it for me then do two things: kill your food slave, and forget the druid! Now go put yourself back together and finish what you started.a He vanished, leaving Aliana alone in the dark temple.

She pondered his words. Kill her food slave? If she truly destroyed him then she could no longer have the endless energy he provided her. Without him, she could not get spears to Hans so quickly or use her power whenever she liked. Destroying him was as impossible as letting Odif go.

She stayed in her temple as she used magic to reform her lost body parts. Once she was done, she went to her chambers and drained one of her personal slaves to get some energy back. Feeling a little more like herself, she sat and thought about how best to get rid of that cursed druid.