Page 134 of The Demon's Discovery
“Indeed,” Vassago said, the three of them exchanging quick embraces in greeting. “To what do we owe this visit?”
Seir grinned. “I come bearing gifts,” he said, bringing several vials out of his pockets. “Tap sends his regards, as does Ris.”
“Oh?” I perked up at my father’s name.
Seir’s smile broadened, if possible. “Besides, I had such a marvelous time the last time we were all together, I wanted to see you all again. But mostly the gifts.”
“Go on,” Rylan said.
“Permanent doorways,” he said. “Portals built in collaboration between Lilith, the Fae King, and the Demon Prince of the Crossroads, He Who is in Charge of All the Doorways, the Manager of All Things?—”
“Seir.” Rylan sighed, an amused grin on his face, nonetheless. I could tell that this brother was well known for his dramatics.
“Sorry, anyway. Portals, like I said. Permanent. Warded, secure, simple to use.” The idea was enticing, but I couldn’t help the tiny little dagger of cold worry that slipped through. “I know,” he said, bowing much like Vassago did, the vials still in his hands. There were seven in total, though it wasn’t clear if they were all for us. “It sounds risky, but I promise, we’ve examined all the angles. They’re safe. And very handy, if I do say so myself, and that’s from the person who can travel anywhere in a moment’s time.”
“Come inside,” Grace interrupted. “You lot can discuss this all over some lunch.”
“It’s nice to see you again, Grace,” Seir said. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m afraid I can’t stay. I’m just delivering these.” He handed one to Rylan and one to Vassago. “We all get one. That’s the way it works.”
“You saw Lilith?” Vassago asked.
He nodded enthusiastically. “She was incredibly helpful with this little project, but never hangs around long. She’s… a little… well, whatever crazy she’s got, she’s earned.” Seir asserted, jamming the rest of the vials back in his pockets. “How’s your demon problem?”
“The hordes?” Rylan asked. “No outbreaks since before we went to Everwood. Why?”
Seir grinned. “That’s good news. I got myself assigned to that investigation, but there’s not much happening with it. I’ll be sure to keep you informed if anything comes up.”
“Promoted, then?” Vassago asked. “Well done.”
Seir laughed. “Not really. I’m still just a glorified messenger boy, but I don’t complain, and nobody else can move as fast, so I sometimes get to ask questions.”
“More than we ever got,” Rylan chuckled.
“What do we have to do?” I asked. “For the portal?”
“Just pick a spot you want it to be, pour the vial and speak the words. They’re on the label. But make sure it’s somewhere youreallywant it. There’s no moving it once it’s in place.”
The brothers shared a conversation about things Hell-related while Calla, Grace, and I discussed where the doorway might be best suited.
“I almost forgot,” Seir said, pulling a sword from his belt. “Ris said you might want to have your forge mistress look at this.” He handed the blade to Magnus.
“That’s Vos’s sword,” I said.
“He said that whatever your blade did, this one is similar. Said you’d probably know what that means. Do you?”
I nodded a chill running down my spine. “Yes. Did nobody get cut by it?”
“No, he was evading more than he was fighting,” Rylan said. “I can’t even remember him having it out.”
“If this was the sword used on Gaius, that might explain several things,” Magnus frowned. “Thank you, demon.”
“You’re welcome, statue man. Remember, place your portal with care. You just have to know your destination, and it will take you.”
“Like visualize where you want to go?”
“Yes. Or a person. It’s guided by both. See you soon?”
“You sure you can’t stay for a drink or—” Grace couldn’t help herself, but Seir wasn’t kidding when he said he could move fast. I blinked, and he was gone.
