Page 89 of Becoming D'Vaire
They grabbed each other’s hands as they snickered.
“Nobody tell Duff—he’ll be camped outside my bedroom door,” Delaney teased as his eyes fell shut. Seconds later, the room got quiet. Grigori peeked over at Alaric, whose jaw flexed. Somerly wrapped his arm around Saura, who held him close. Grigori felt an arm on his back and turned his head to find Idris at his side. He offered a sheepish grin to him and seconds later found himself comforted by not only Idris but Mac as well. Greggory let out a whine on his shoulder, and Mac reached up with his free hand to pet him. Together they would all sweat out the next twenty minutes. Grigori hoped they’d get what they needed on the other side of the veil.
* * *
Weightlessness registered, and Delaney opened his eyes and found himself in a village. There was a grayness at the edges of his vision telling him he’d made it to the other side of the veil.
“What the hell are you doing here?” a voice said. It was one Delaney recognized, as he used to be a D’Vaire.
“Derwin, I’d like to talk to you, if that’s all right,” Dre’Kariston offered. “I’m sorry to come barging over here like this, but it’s important. The way everything happened—”
“Is none of your damn business,” Derwin finished for him. “You screwed up my life, and I’ll always be a dark caster because of you. I’m not going to forgive you, and we’re never going to be friends. I’m happy now. I’ve found people like me, and I’m finally getting the respect I deserve as Grand Summoner Familiar even if you did waste zero time replacing me. Now fuck off and goaway.” The dead familiar stomped off and disappeared around a large round structure.
Dre’Kariston closed his eyes and heaved out a sigh. “So much for talking to him,” he muttered.
“Well, there’s a face I haven’t seen in over six centuries,” a friendly voice called out. Delaney, Chander, and Dre’Kariston turned toward a man who bore a remarkable resemblance to T’Eirick walking in their direction. At his side was a blonde woman, and she launched herself into Dre’Kariston’s arms.
“Briallen, it’s so good to see you,” Dre’Kariston said after they hugged. He embraced the man next. “You too, Eldwyn.”
“Don’t worry over Derwin. We’re not all meant to have happy souls. I think he’s faring well here with us,” Eldwyn remarked.
“After the way he died, I’ve lain in bed at night wondering how it all went wrong and what I could’ve done—”
Eldwyn laid an arm on Dre’Kariston’s which halted his words. “He believed he was stronger than the stones. It might soothe you to know it was an accident. Derwin lost consciousness and after that, death was inevitable. He made his choice to steal them and hide.”
“Thank you for that,” Dre’Kariston replied, his voice full of relief.
Briallen turned to Chander. “Arch Lich, it’s been a long time, but it’s good to see you.”
Chander shook hands with both familiars. “Grand Familiars, please call me Chander or Chand. I’d like to introduce you to High Arcanist Delaney Volkov-D’Vaire.”
“The world’s first dark wizard—what a wonderful addition you are to your people and to those that walk the path of darkness. May I call you Del as your family does?” Eldwyn asked.
“How did you know they call me Del?”
“Oh, we peek in on our living warlocks from time to time. Fate’s kind enough to give us glimpses into the lives of all the D’Vaires,” Briallen told him. “We like knowing that you’re all doing well.”
“Have you scryed lately?” Dre’Kariston asked.
“Are you asking me if I know Chand brought T’Eirick and Saura there to visit you?” Eldwyn asked.
“I know your relationship is difficult, but yeah.”
Eldwyn frowned. “I’ve made mistakes in life and in death. I don’t regret separating the familiars from the warlocks. I think it’s easier for both sides, but I deeply regret the rift between us and our former sorcerers. I believed there were better choices to be made to save our lives, but now I realize nothing was going to stop Carvallius or the Cwylld. I’m glad your parents are with you. I have a message I’d like you to carry to them. I’ve seen things while scrying, and their jobs aren’t finished. I’d love for them to come visit when their resurrections are permanent.”
“You’ve seen their future?” Delaney asked.
“I’m not giving away anything, young Del. You’ll see for yourself soon enough. You’ve put together quite a group of sorcerers. That was something T’Eirick always dreamed of and what led to the Council being created. He feared the dark then because it was already tugging so hard on his soul, so it’s nice to know there’s a balance of magic within your little pack.”
“They wanted to come and visit you today, but we feared having them shadow walk with only a temporary spell keeping them on the other side,” Dre’Kariston revealed.
“I don’t think it should be attempted,” Eldwyn said. “Chand, you must remind them that when they get their new permanent vessels, T’Eirick and Saura will need to be mated again just as Del here was yesterday. Beautiful ceremony and that’s a fine vampyr you’ve found yourself.”
“Thank you, did you attend?”
“All of us did. There was a great deal of applause. We have a special place in our hearts for you, Del,” Briallen replied. Delaney had no clue what to say, but he was touched that this entire Coven of Familiars took the time to watch him unite his soul with Grigori’s.
“Shit, I didn’t even think about T’Eirick and Saura needing to exchange blood again,” Chander remarked. He shook his head with a small grin. “Some Arch Lich I am.”
