Lizzy's First Bearer Read online

  Lizzy’s First Bearer

  James E Wisher

  Sand Hill Publishing

  Contents

  Copyright

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Author Notes

  Also by James E Wisher

  About the Author

  Copyright © 2016 by James E Wisher

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Chapter 1

  Lizzy flew through the bright spring morning, invisible, over the rice paddies that covered the ground like a checkerboard. A sweet breeze carried the laughter and good-natured complaints of the human farmers planting their crop in the shallow, murky water. Part of her envied them their simple life, free of violence and intrigue. Not a very demon-like thought, but she’d been having a lot of thoughts like that lately. Of course she’d never tell her superior—she refused to call the hulking dimwit “Master” no matter how powerful he was—any sign of weakness in his eyes would mean an instant trip back to hell. That didn’t appeal to her at all. Lizzy much preferred the mortal realm. Humans were far more interesting than demons. In hell, all interactions came down to one simple idea: kill or be killed. Here things were much more subtle.

  Soon the paddies gave way to the manicured grounds of the local lord’s estate. His three-story mansion perched on a hill above the farmers’ roughly built village of huts and dirt. The only building with more than two rooms was an inn that entertained the occasional visiting merchant and served as the town’s gathering place, general store, and whatever else they needed on any given day. Over her many years in the mortal realm Lizzy had flown over numerous such places and found them uniformly dull. Her left wing dipped and her right rose as she turned toward the mansion. The master of the house was traveling which made it a perfect place for her current employer to scheme.

  She shuddered as she thought about the pasty-skinned half-demon that served as the emperor’s minister of intelligence. Even among her own kind she’d seldom encountered anyone as morally flexible. Not that she’d ever let him see so much as an inkling of her distaste. Nor would he care if she did. Life in the palace required a certain willingness to overlook others ideas, especially for someone that had served generations of human emperors.

  Lizzy landed and walked the last several yards to the front door. As the messenger that summoned her had instructed, she rapped out a specific pattern spaced out over half a minute. When she finished a hulking human wearing nothing but a loin cloth, his head covered in tattoos, opened the door. Powerful internal soul force surged through his body.

  Her invisibility faded and the guard scowled at her, beetling his brow. It was probably the only expression the brute was capable of. Lizzy snapped her leathery wings shut around her like a cloak, covering her thin black silk dress.

  “Your master’s expecting me.”

  He grunted and stepped out of her way. Not very talkative, but then the minister preferred his slaves have their tongues removed so they couldn’t tell his secrets. How he managed to keep the powerful warriors from using their soul force to regenerate their missing tongues was something she’d always wondered about. She’d never ask, but she did wonder. The minister was jittery enough without Lizzy asking about things that didn’t concern her. Best to keep silent, get her instructions, and escape with his continued goodwill.

  Lizzy extended her senses and found the minister’s distinctive mix of human and demonic soul force waiting on the second floor. Two more powerful internal soul force users lingered nearby. The guards were mainly for show, something a member of the imperial court was expected to have. The minister was stronger than all three of his guards combined. Lizzy suspected if the two of them went one on one it would be a near thing.

  At the rear of the entry hall, a curved staircase led to the second floor. No lights burned in any of the numerous lanterns, probably to maintain the illusion that the mansion was empty. Not that she or any of the other occupants required more than the slivers of sunlight that poked through the narrow gaps between the drawn curtains.

  She marched up the steps and made the first right. It took an effort of will not to increase the power in her shield. If she did that he’d sense it at once and read it as fear. The minister would be correct, but Lizzy didn’t intend to give him the satisfaction.

  Bright light poured out an open door and into the hall. Lizzy squinted against the glare for a few seconds. When her vision cleared she found herself standing just outside a book-filled office. Sunlight shone through a huge window that was probably worth more than the contents of the entire village. The minister stood silhouetted in front of it, his back to her in a show of supreme contempt. A desk and chairs lay between them. There was no sign of the other bodyguards, but she still sensed them in the room next door.

  She entered and bowed to the man’s back. “Minister, you summoned me.”

  He spun, though with the glare she couldn’t make out much more than she did when his back was turned. He waved over his shoulder and darkness covered the window, casting the room into shadow. The minister had few demonic features and those he did have, like the small spurs on his elbows and knees were mostly hidden by loose-fitting emerald robes, the imperial gold dragon of his office embroidered across the chest.

  He smiled, revealing elongated eye teeth that were another sign of his unnatural heritage. “Indeed I did. Your master tells me you are the perfect demon for my task.”

  “I’m at your service, sir.”

  “Are you familiar with Lee Ben Lai?” The minister sat behind the desk and gestured Lizzy into the empty chair.

  She sat and crossed her legs, causing the fabric to fall away, revealing a silky white stretch of thigh. The minister didn’t so much as glance at her. It seemed the rumors were true: the emperor’s most trusted ministers were all eunuchs. There could be no other explanation. No man had ever had such an indifferent reaction to her.

  “I’m familiar with the name. He’s something of a legend. A wandering hero, champion of the people. I believe there’s a song.” She started to hum.

  The minister raised his hand. “Please. I’ve heard it before.”

  “Apologies, Minister. I assume he’s to be my target. Seduction and murder like usual?”

  “Murder? Perish the thought. Lee Ben Lai is a national treasure. Unfortunately he’s an uncontrolled treasure. The emperor, may he rule a thousand years, wishes Lee to come to the palace and swear the Binding Oath. Once we’ve been assured of his loyalty to the throne he’s welcome to resume his work grubbing amongst the peasants. His presence does wonders for their morale and everyone likes a happy peasant, right?”

  “I suppose. As long as they’re toiling in the paddies and not taking up torches and pitchforks that’s the main thing. So you want me to make him fall in love with me and convince him to make the oath?”

  “Ideally, but if that’s not possible a second option is after he’s fallen for you some of my agents will pretend to kidnap you and refuse to let you go unless he makes the oath. That plan is a good deal less appealing as Lee will be certain to harbor bad feelings toward the palace.”

  Lizzy tapped her chin. “Sounds like a tricky bit of work. The first problem is hiding the fact that I’m a demon. I can change my shape easily enough, but he’ll se
nse my corrupt soul force in an instant.”

  The minister removed a small box from the folds of his robe and for a moment she imagined him proposing. When he opened it and revealed a small silver ring she couldn’t suppress a smile.

  “This ring will disguise your soul force, making you appear to be a human sorcerer. You’ll have to be careful not to use your power internally as that would rather spoil the illusion.”

  She plucked the ring out of the box and held it up. She felt a bit of power in it, but nothing major. When she slipped it over her finger she didn’t feel any different. “Did it work?”

  The minister studied her for a moment and nodded. “Perfectly. Do you have any other questions?”

  Lizzy gave the ring one last searching look. “What about a time frame?”

  “As soon as possible, but Lee’s been doing his work and ignoring us for eight years. A week or two won’t make much difference. Still, the emperor isn’t known for his patience and forces are at work that may make it necessary to expedite matters. My agents will be in touch if anything changes.”

  Lizzy nodded. “Understood. Any last instructions?”

  The minister shook his head and she caught a glimpse of the hidden fire burning behind his eyes. It wasn’t an accident, but a warning not to fail.

  Chapter 2

  According to the minister’s spies Lee was currently helping a group of villages whose inhabitants had been sickened by a mysterious disease. The derisive tone with which he’d told her spoke volumes about why he was the minister of intelligence and Lee the people’s hero. The cluster of villages was so small they didn’t even have a name, at least not one the minister had bothered to learn. His directions were faultless and by mid-afternoon Lizzy was flying over a pitiful collection of thirteen mud and thatch huts. A single, powerful soul force burned like a beacon in the desolate village. That had to be her target.

  She landed in a thick patch of evergreens a quarter mile from the circle of huts—calling it a village was far too generous—and shifted into a human woman. It always felt odd for a few seconds after her wings vanished, but she soon got used to it. The changes were relatively minor, her wings and eyes being the main differences. The important thing was whether the minister’s ring would fool Lee. If it didn’t this would end quickly with Lizzy flying for her life. The brief sense she got of his soul force was enough for Lizzy to know she couldn’t win a straight up fight with him.

  Lizzy gave herself one last inspection and smiled at what she found. No man would be able to resist her. She nodded once and stepped out of the trees and onto a dirt path that led to the huts. No people were outside, in fact the area appeared deserted. If she hadn’t sensed the soul force in the farthest hut she would have thought the place abandoned.

  She headed deeper in, passing by a simple stone well in the center of the clearing. Lizzy paused and sniffed. The water stank, though she couldn’t identify the odor. She shrugged and continued on. When she was almost to the hut where she sensed Lee a broad-shouldered, deeply tanned man staggered out, stumbled around to the back of the hut, and was loudly sick. Lizzy grimaced at the disgusting sound.

  Should she barge in or wait for him? While she was thinking the sick man came back to the front of the hut. He finally noticed her and judging from the leer liked what he saw. “You’re not from around here.”

  Clearly she’d stumbled on one of the region’s great intellects. Lizzy bowed her head. “No, I was told I could find Master Lee Ben Lai here. I didn’t wish to intrude on his work?”

  “His work is done. My sister’s baby was stillborn despite his best efforts.”

  “I’m sorry. Is your sister okay?”

  “I don’t know yet. Excuse me.”

  He ducked back through the fabric door leaving her alone. When the cloth swung aside she caught a glimpse of a slender back covered in a light tan shirt bent over an unconscious woman. The same stink that she detected at the well wafted from the hut.

  Having nothing better to do Lizzy conjured a chair a polite distance from the hut and sat down to wait. Ten minutes later the slender man she noticed earlier emerged. Potent soul force blazed in his core. She couldn’t imagine why he didn’t hide it. A shield crackled around his body, but it was created for defense rather than to hide his core.

  In contrast to his great power, Lee had a kind, gentle face framed by long dark hair. He dressed in simple black trousers and tunic of homespun cloth. A heavy satchel hung across his chest and the hilt of a sword jutted up from behind his right shoulder. Warm brown eyes met her gaze and for just a moment Lizzy’s breath caught.

  How long had it been since a man looked at her with anything but lust? Lee smiled and angled her way. He moved with a sinuous grace, like a willow in the breeze. Remembering herself Lizzy hopped to her feet and bowed. “An honor to meet you, my lord.”

  “Jun mentioned we had an unexpected arrival, though his description hardly did your beauty justice. I am Lee Ben Lai and I’m no one’s lord. What brings a sorcerer like you to this out of the way place?”

  Lizzy lifted her gaze, meeting his for just a moment before looking away. He seemed the sort that would appreciate the bashful, innocent approach rather than the more aggressive moves she usually used. She smiled her favorite, mysterious smile. This would no doubt prove to be an entertaining hunt.

  “Master, I wished to learn from the man many say is the greatest sorcerer of this age.”

  He chuckled. “The only ones who claim that are the ones that want something from me. There are many wiser and more experienced masters than me. You would no doubt benefit from their tutelage. If you’ll excuse me I have to figure out what’s making the people here sick.”

  Damn it. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. She was losing him. “I noticed there was something wrong with the well when I entered the village. Perhaps that is the cause.”

  “It is. I noticed it as soon as I arrived. What I need to determine is where the poison is coming from. It’s only been six months since my last visit and everything was fine then.” He turned north toward a jagged range of mountains.

  “Please, Master, let me help. I feel for these people. My skills are limited but if I can do something to ease their suffering I’d like to.”

  He paused and turned back, peering closer at her. Had she laid it on too thick? She’d tried to put as much sincerity into her words as she could and her personal shield should prevent him from seeing her lies.

  Finally he nodded. “Two sets of eyes may be more useful than one. I make no promises about the future, but for now you may join me.”

  She bowed. “Thank you, Master. You won’t regret it.”

  “I’m not your master. Call me Lee. What’s your name?”

  “Liz En. It’s a great honor to travel with you, Lee.”

  Chapter 3

  They flew close to the ground, following a seemingly random path. Lizzy didn’t recognize the technique Lee was using, but a thin stream of soul force, invisible to those lacking sorcerous sight, connected him to the ground. Though his gaze never wavered, the path he set would have broken a snake’s back had it tried to follow them.

  Scrub plain soon turned to dense evergreen forest, prompting them to fly higher. It was nearing dark when they reached the foothills. Lee stopped the flow of soul force and landed in a clearing between two large boulders. He sat in the lotus position, his back to one of the giant stones.

  Lizzy sat opposite him. “What now, Mas…Ah, Lee?”

  “We eat, sleep, and start out again at first light. I see you have no supplies. Will you share mine? It’s nothing fancy, but the pemmican is good.”

  “Thank you. I left to find you in such haste I didn’t think to pack any food. What will we drink? There are no streams in the area.”

  Lee raised his right hand and a glow formed around it. He made a lifting motion, over and over, until a fountain of water shot out of the ground between them. “Drink your fill. I purified it as I called the water from t
he earth.”

  Lizzy took a few swallows, not because she was thirsty, but to keep up appearances. When she finished Lee drank as well before digging two dried meat cylinders out of his satchel. He handed her one then started chewing on the other.

  Between bites Lizzy asked, “How did you know there was water here?”

  Lee finished his food and took another drink. “I’ve been following the spring that feeds the villagers’ well. It splits and branches every which way. We’re sitting over the largest flow right now. Would you like another drink?”

  She took one last sip then nodded. The water stopped and the crack in the ground sealed up. “Will you set up wards?”

  “There’s little to fear in this part of the empire, but if it will make you feel safer.” He gestured and an invisible dome formed around them. “Okay?”

  She nodded, playing the nervous girl in the woods. “Thank you.”

  Lee conjured a pad and blanket and stretched out. “I trust you can manage your own sleeping arrangement?”

  “Certainly.” She sniffed and conjured a small cot, pillow, and blanket. “Nothing to it.”

  He smiled and closed his eyes. Lizzy lay in the darkness, thinking. As a demon she didn’t actually need to sleep, but when playing the part of a human she had to pretend. It was such a hideous waste of time. She didn’t know how the mortals got as much done as they did, spending a third of their lives unconscious. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Soon she coached her breathing to the slow, steady rhythm of a slumbering human.

  Movement and the soft crunch of gravel brought her back to awareness. She’d let her mind drift to help the long night pass. She opened one eye partway. Lee was making his way through the morning twilight toward the edge of his barrier. He carried his long, straight sword bare in his right hand.