The Tenth Ring - The Demon Plane

[Parkway]

She looked over at the young warrior and nodded.  "Yes, love I will.  Thank you."

Flori blushed as he referred to Jelenis.  She did want to know but was confused.  She found that she cared for him.  She wondered if Gen'pi was hurting too.  But shook these thoughts for she only had a little time with Sabre and wanted them to be about him.


"I hope he sees all this and he doesn't make it harder on himself.  Uh, Sabre...wait." 

"I have finished King Sabre.  Whenever you are ready we shall call upon the prisoner."  Abigor went to go until he head the Queen call out.  He stopped and looked at Sabre as her question was asked.

She hesitated but then asked before he left.  "One thing, will he remember everything?"  She looked at him and her question ran much deeper than the simple words.  She wanted to know if Jelenis remember being her pony.  The whipping he took and the one he gave her?  Her eyes held his with a bit of a worried expression.

Abigor stood still and then he saw a flash of her thoughts.  He closed his eyes.  Why has Sabre changed his mind?  He understood what he said but not the reason he did.  When clearly a short time ago he was willing to turn him into a pony and have Flori whip him?   What had changed his mind?

[Jelenis Tythe]

Sabre shook his head.

"No darling....I did not give those memories back.....he just knows what he needs to know." He said softly.

He felt Abigor's confusion and stole a glance to him, he would settle him as they walked.  They left Flori's room and started to walk the long corridor.

"You wonder if I am compromised by his accursed power like Gen'Pi.....don't you Gor?" He stared ahead as they traversed the long stone hallway.

"I am not.....I just remember how I felt as a boy....I see it in him, though hated enemy he is.....I pity him." He said softly.

"I am not like most of our ilk.....I do not know why.....but I am not....I feel emotions like pity."

He stopped and stared up into Abigor's eyes.

"He is still our prisoner...but I wanted him treated to the letter of the accords for Royal prisoners....I will not be cast as a tyrant."

[Parkway]

Flori felt a little relieved knowing Jelenis wouldn't remember everything.  "Thank you Sabre."  She watched him leave and part of her ached to go with him. 

Bouli nodded upon their exit and went towards the door.  "I shall be right outside the door my Queen."

"Wait...um...Lui was reading and trying to teach me your language if you would like to stay?"  She looked at him hopefully.  It would be nice to be friends with him, maybe be as close as Sabre and Abigor she thought innocently enough.

Bouli looked at Ana who nodded her okay. 

"I would be happy to my Queen."  Bouli walked over and sat never Lui where they instructed Flori on their language, with Ana watching over them.

Abigor rubbed his eyes.  They were walking the long corridors to the cell which held Jelenis.  "I fear something has befallen you.  I just cannot understand it.  I mean you no disrespect King Sabre.  I don't but it is hard for me to justify him receiving any grace when none was shown for you."

"You feel pity for him?"  He slowed his stride to almost a stop.  "When you were bound to him, did you befriend him?  Did you try to teach him our ways?"  He was serious.  For he did not think Sabre did anything but protect Jelenis as he was bound to do by the boy's father.  "If you showed no mercy than why would you now?"   He picked up his pace trying hard to understand the demon walking next to him.

"It will take me time King Sabre.  I cannot just turn off emotions I have harbored for so long.  But..."  He stopped and caught Sabre's arm urging him to look at him.  "If I feel you are in threat at any time please know I will not allow that.  And I will defend you.  If that means the boy dies then so be it.  You are my first priority."  He said it respectfully enough but his eyes showed the emotion that went with it all. 

[Parkway]

Gen'pi was restless.  Locked in a room was the worse.  It was as if he was being punished.  He wanted to be with Jelenis.  He loved him.  Why were they being kept apart.

He tried to reach him but didn't know if it worked.   He laid back on the bed he was too exhausted to cry.  His breakfast tray lay untouched as had the dinner plate from the night before.  He absently heard the door opening but didn't look up.

"Genni!  You're not eating?"  The voice was soft.  The demon was concerned.  She had a mop of curly hair.  A soft brown with wide eyes the color of shimmering gold. 

"Nyla!  Where is he?  Have you seen him?"

"No Genni I haven't are you going to ask me to go?"

"Yes please.  I want...what..."  He began to cry and the young demon held him to her.  Trying to give comfort.

"What would you like me to tell him?"

"Tell him...tell him...No here..."  he reached in his pocket and pulled out the trinket.  The jade green gem still attached on a cord.  "Please give this to Jelenis tell him to remember what I said when I first gave it to him, we will always be connected if he has this."

Nyla took it and put it in her pocket.  "Okay Genni, now please eat.  Or I won't"  She had to do something he looked awful.

Once he forced some food down she left. 

Nyla went down the corridor and tried to avoid running into anyone.

[Jelenis Tythe]

Sabre stopped and looked to his friend, his would be lover.

"I had no choice in anything when I was abducted Gor, I was scared, alone, forced to serve as protector to a baby by a King that was my enemy.  That was not Jelenis' fault....no more than it was mine." He said softly trying to make Abigor understand.

" I was not particularly his friend....nor did I teach him of our ways.....I was full of anger and murder....killing any who tried to harm him because that was what I had to do and because I was trapped."

He reached up to touch Abigor's cheek.

"Should I do the same as his father and make the cycle repeats?"

He looked up innocently into the General's eyes as he so often did as a young man.

"Or shall I prove we of the Tenth are better than all the rest. Let all Ring Demons see I am the one to follow?"

[Parkway]

A low rumble emanated.  The touch sent his body to shiver.  "No you should not.  I would like nothing more than for you to lead them all, but what I said before was not a threat.  I will kill any who bring harm your way."  He still had his misgivings but for now was satisfied this was Sabre speaking and no form of trickery was being held over him.

"Have you communicated to Master Zenethor?"  He set them back in motions as they walked a few of the staff couldn't help but sneak a peek at their King.  It had been so long since they last saw Sabre.  He was even lovelier than they remembered.

"I will need to speak with Viola, Kora, and Uric after this.  I hope you might come with me.  I think Kora and Uric would be most pleased to see you up close again."  They were leading to the doorway that housed Jelenis.  For they did not have him in the dungeon.  He was hosed in an area that was heavily guarded and fasten with bars.   Powerful runes were set over the space to ward off enemies.

"I think you will be pleased with his quarters.  We did as you requested.  Lord Uric even provided him with decent clothing."  He stopped him once again with a gentle touch to the sleeve.  "King Sabre, There is an ante room I will stay in, he fears me.  Before we came through I did threaten him so if I am in room I think he may not be as responsive.  But I ask you leave the door ajar.  No matter what I do not trust him as you do yet."  He removed his hand and went to open the door for Sabre and stand back as he entered.  The two guards stationed in the adjoining room stood up a bit straighter then their already upheld position and bowed their heads.  The door leading to Jelenis' cell was to the right.

[Jelenis Tythe]

Sabre stopped outside the door and turned back to Abigor,

"I will come with you to see the others when I am done here." He said softly.

He smiled, turned and gestured foe the door to be unlocked, stepping in he saw Jelenis sat miserably on the bed.

"Hello Jel." He said quietly.

Jelenis looked up at the sound of Sabre's voice and his silver eyes filled with fear and anger.

"You bastard... How could you let that happen to me...why would you do it!" Jelenis snapped.

Sabre did not react to the boy's anger, but stood quietly, letting him rant.

"You were meant to look after me.....what did you do to Bel and Tray?"

Sabre finally held up his hand to silence Jelenis.

"Your father is dead.....you are a half blood....not fit to lead.....I have done you a favour boy.....had it not been Gen....it would have been Viola and I doubt she would have been so gentle....it was just your innocence...grow up and live with it.....you lost it to Genni....and despite your protests you liked it."

He softened.

"There is no shame in it."

[Parkway]

Abigor stood in the outer room and listened.  He didn't feel in any way that Sabre was being threatened but felt a bit protective of Sabre at this moment.  There first morning back he just needed to feel he was safe.  As Sabre and Jelenis were talking he began to wonder whom he trusted enough to stand guard with the King,

There would be times that he would not be able to be at his side.  He needed someone he trusted above all else.  Kora and Uric were needed as they were stationed.  Viola...no...she would become annoying to Sabre.  He had two he thought would do but would run them by King Sabre and Master Zenethor first. 

As he heard Gen'pi's name he flared his nostrils.  The poor demon fell hard for Jelenis.  He should make a visit to the lad.  He didn't want him to waste away.  Gen'pi was loyal and an assist.  One he didn't wish to loose. 

He though again of his talk with Master Zenethor.  He needed to see his mother she would be pleased that he would consider a mate.  It was high time and now that Sabre was back things might fall into order.  He didn't want his lineage to end with him.

[Jelenis Tythe]

Sabre watched as Jelenis crumpled at the mention of Gen'Pi, his face was red with embarrassment and shame.

"It was wrong Sabre....never mind if I liked it......or him......you took advantage!"

Jelenis turned away sobbing into the pillow again.

The Demon king shook his head.

"I need you to think on something...your kingdom....signing it to me.....do not answer now in your anger and upset....I will have an agreement drawn up.....if you agree you will be allowed to live in comfort here." He said quietly.

With that he left the cell and went to Abigor.

"Let's go find Kora and Uric......I need a drink......then I will go and rest....the secret passage will be open if you wish to come to me." He said softly in Gor's mind.

[Parkway]

The General had not strayed far.  "King Sabre."  He said aloud and then guided him towards the door.   He heard what Sabre had said and he squeezed the King's arm softly as way of acknowledgement. 

Once alone he kept his voice low.  "Are you sure you are up for it.  I mean seeing Kora and Uric?  You don't have to today."  He was concerned all those years out of the ring really have taken a toll and he didn't want the King over extending himself. 

Though he kept walking he looked over at him.  The next part he spoke only to Sabre...  "I would rather be nowhere else then at your side Sabre.  For the next few days you will be stuck with me.  So yes I will be there."  He kept his gaze straight ahead and they walked at a peaceful pace.

A young chambermaid turned the corner and stopped in her tracks.  The King!  The General!  She kneeled down.  "You're Graces."  Her voice was sweet.   Her wild curly hair bouncing in all direction.

"Nyla, it is good to see you dear.  Please stand and meet your King."  Abigor held his hand to the young demon.  She was pretty as only youth could be.  She was all of 18 seasons and looked and appeared as innocent as she was.  Vewick

"King Sabre, this is Nyla, you may remember her father.  Vewick, their family makes that lovely red wine we like.  She has taken a role here as requested by her aunt Yuri, for unfortunately Vewick is not with us any longer." 

Abigor's voice softened a bit in the introduction of Nlya.  He had liked her father and well her mother was nice but useless thankfully Yuri stepped in to help the young demon out. 
He knew Sabre was tired.  He thought back to last night.  Just holding him had been fulling enough. 

[Parkway]

Nyla was nervous to saay the least.  The King!  He was so beautiful.  No that seemed too weak a word but what else could she use to describe him.  She raised up when she took General Abigor's hand.  He blinked a few times and swallowed hard.  She was so nervous.  But not from the package she was going to try and deliver to Jelenis.  Though if she would have thought of it than she would have passed out from fright.

No, she was just being in the two powerful demons presence.  They commanded respect just by simply walking into the room. 

"Yes King Sabre, my father was lost in the war.  But he always spoke to fondly of you as does my Aunt Yuri."  She held her head low as well as her voice.  She was so nervous.

[Jelenis Tythe]

Sabre smiled and touched her face lightly.

"I knew your father.....I am very sorry to hear if your loss my lady." He said softly, it did not matter that she was a maid, he used the title politely.

"I hope to soon bring an end to the war and honour our dead."

He turned to Abigor.

"We should go to see Kora and Uric......then I will rest."

[Jelenis Tythe]

Jelenis realised that Sabre had now left and he slowly sat up and rubbed the tears from his eyes. How could Sabre have betrayed him so, he had always been mean...ill tempered...but he had always looked after him, protected him.  Had he misread the demon so much?

He was sorely worried for Bel and Trayder, they actually did care for him a great deal....he had hoped Sabre had not killed them.

What of the girl.....of Flori....was she here?

His thoughts did wander to Gen'Pi and his face became heated, Sabre had been right, he felt something for him, despite feeling so betrayed. He had started to enjoy what they were doing before Abigor interrupted.  He knew it was wrong.....his mother would have had a fit and beat him senseless if she had found out. Would his demon father have cared?

Now the rumours were being spread across the rings, he had given him self up to a stable lad, been caught in the act.  Even if he had wanted to be King it was impossible now!

[Parkway]

Abigor watched Sabre closely.  He was right.  Sabre wasn't like most demons he was different in so many ways.  He nodded to the young demon and gestured for Sabre to follow to the war-room.  He reached out to Master Zenethor to let him know of their plans in case he cared to join.


Nyla stepped to the side.  She couldn't believe he actually spoke to her.  He even remembered her father.  Not only that, he called her a lady.  She couldn't help but smile.  She hurried to where the prisoner was being kept.  She knocked timidly.

Abigor steered Sabre in the direction of the war-room but still kept one pace behind him.  "I have been thinking of assigning you a person guard as well.  For I won't always be able to be at your side.  I have two in mind.  I would like to introduce them to you after we dine."  He wasn't sure how well Sabre would receive this news.  "I still need to discuss the two in mind with Master Zenethor and see if he thinks they are acceptable."

As he spoke they approached the room.  Abigor opened for Sabre and stepped to the side.  "Your highness."  He motioned for Sabre to enter.

Inside both Kora and Uric stood at attention waiting to receive King Sabre.  Both had smiles for it had been a very long time since they last were all together.  As he entered both kneeled and respectfully pledged themselves to him.

Kora couldn't believe how beautiful Sabre was.  He surpassed anything all the rings had ever seen.  "You majesty.  King Sabre, it is good to have you home."

Uric grin was as wide as his face as he kneeled before Sabre.  "Welcome home my King.  Let it be a long and prosperous reign for you."

Abigor watched he was smiling now himself.  He had longed for this day and it was here.  How the two demons before them now would receive King Sabre's command was iffy, they would follow it that he had no doubt.  But like himself they would be filled with doubts.  It would be his job to ease those.  He took a deep breath fully entering the room and closing the door.   

[Parkway]

Nyla waited at the door and one of the guards opened it.  "I have something for the prisoner if you please allow me to see him."

The guard let her in.  It was Nyla after all.  What harm could she do?  He escorted her to the other door opened and looked at the winged guard inside they nodded in a form of silent communication and he urged Nyla in and closed the door behind her.  The female guard stepped back and let Nyla approach.

The girl was nervous.  So her voice was soft as she called out to him.  "Excuse me Prince Jelenis?"  She saw him sitting up in the bed but he seemed so deep in thought.  "I am sorry to intrude like this.  If you would come closer I have something for you."

Her voice was sweet.  Because she was.  Though a demon she had never left the plain.  She held no bitterness inside her for anything.  She was as innocent as Jelenis in that she had no ill intentions for others.

[Jelenis Tythe]

Sabre was a little shocked that Abigor would put another personal guard to him, hurt as well, but like he had as a boy, he suppressed his feelings and did not let it show.  He walked into the war room to be greeted by Kora and Uric, who both smiled and took their knee.  Sabre bade them to rise and embraced each in turn, with love and warmth, he had missed them too.

He still was very attuned to Abigor's thoughts and picked up on what he was thinking.

None of them really trusted him....they thought him turned by the Fifth somehow.

He sat in the chair at the head of the table, he needed to tackle this head on.

Do you consider me a traitor....or compromised gentlemen...if so you need to place me under arrest now....and lock me up until you discern the truth." He looked pointedly at all three of them.

[Jelenis Tythe]

Jelenis looked up at the sweet voice and saw a girl, not much older than himself, he manage a smile.

"I have already eaten." But he was curious and stepped up to her.

Despite his red eyes from crying he was still very handsome.

"Please...do not call me prince for I am not.....just Jelenis will do." He said softly.

[Parkway]

As he approached she smiled wider.  His silver eyes were gentle and her own gold ones seemed to contrast their shared nervousness.  "You are still a Prince, the bars cannot take that away from you."  She reached in her pocket and pulled out the object but it was covered in her fist.

"I'm Nyla, and I don't have food or anything but here."  She pushed her hand through the bars and held the jade green gem on the simple leather cord out to him.  Her voice trembled.  "Please take it.  He wanted you to have it.  In fact he ran back in and searched he was almost left behind.  They have him locked in a room too."  She hesitated and her face grew red.  "He said to remember what he told you when he gave it to you."  Her hand trembled as she offered Jelenis the gem.

"I don't know if you really cared for him or not, but I know Genni cared very deeply for you not matter what others may try to say or weave spells of, you know in your heart if he was truthful or not, now it is up to you to stay strong.  Remember if you truly loved him then you will not succumb to the lies.  But that is only if you truly loved him."  She waited for the Prince she knew Gen'pi loved him but she was frightened of him.  Very frightened inside that he hurt Genni.

[Jelenis Tythe]

Jelenis looked at her a little confused as she held out the green gem that Gen'Pi had given to him as a gift.

"He told you to give me this?" That did not sound like the actions of someone that had just used him as part of a plan to discredit him in a kingdom he had never known.

"He told me that he loved me...always." He said softly, his silvery eyes shimmering again.

Could Gen'Pi have really have meant that, had he been equally duped by his own masters into carrying out the order only to find himself equally as in trouble as Jelenis himself.

"Tell him...I remember it." He said softly his hand clasping round the green gem.

"Tell him I am sorry this has happened...and perhaps one day it might be different if we ever leave this place."

[Jelenis Tythe]

Sabre regarded the three demon Generals that sat before him, silent after he had posed that question.

"Well gentlemen...am I going to spend my time locked up and in chains until you decide I have not been tainted by the half blood...my people told I am indisposed until you have reached that decision!"

His runes were starting to glow now, not the violet reserved for when he had been teasing Abigor, these were a deep powerful purple.

"I am Saberion, son of Renaris and Cathria, I am King!  If any think I have been tainted then I am happy to meet them on the field of battle and prove that I am not!" He said sharply.

He needed to quell this doubt once and for all and prove that he truly was the King and he was home!