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    Sassafras
    Sassafras
    Sassafras
    Ebook289 pages5 hours

    Sassafras

    By Patti Larsen

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    About this ebook

    PLEASE NOTE: SASSAFRAS contains spoilers for the HAYLE COVEN NOVELS. Please do not read before #7, FLESH AND BLOOD.

    Banished

    Power engulfed me, a strong hand stroking my fur as Ahbi's mind met mine. I wish you well, Sassafras, she sent. Do come to visit someday.

    No time to respond, not while her magic lifted me, sent me forward, toward the gap in the veil, through it—

    My new body fell, landed hard on cold, wet gravel, the light from the veil shining one more moment. It snapped shut behind me, leaving me alone in the cold dark.

    When the demon boy Sassafras breaks Demonicon’s oldest law and strips the power of another, he is sentenced to death. Only his father’s pleading commutes Sass’s sentence to banishment. Forced into the body of a silver Persian, his power taken from him, he is dumped in the dark streets of Victorian London and left to die. Rescued by a young witch and integrated into her family, Sassafras finds purpose at last, guiding and loving the Hayle family, sharing his heart with the remarkable coven he claims as his own.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPatti Larsen
    Release dateJan 22, 2013
    ISBN9781927464342
    Sassafras
    Author

    Patti Larsen

    About me, huh? Well, my official bio reads like this: Patti Larsen is a multiple award-winning author with a passion for the voices in her head. But that sounds so freaking formal, doesn’t it? I’m a storyteller who hears character's demands so loudly I have to write them down. I love the idea of sports even though sports hate me. I’ve dabbled in everything from improv theater to film making and writing TV shows, singing in an all girl band to running my own hair salon.But always, always, writing books calls me home.I’ve had my sights set on world literary domination for a while now. Which means getting my books out there, to you, my darling readers. It’s the coolest thing ever, this job of mine, being able to tell stories I love, only to see them all shiny and happy in your hands... thank you for reading.As for the rest of it, I’m short (permanent), slightly round (changeable) and blonde (for ever and ever). I love to talk one on one about the deepest topics and can’t seem to stop seeing the big picture. I happily live on Prince Edward Island, Canada, home to Anne of Green Gables and the most beautiful red beaches in the world, with my pug overlord and overlady, six lazy cats and Gypsy Vanner gelding, Fynn.

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      Book preview

      Sassafras - Patti Larsen

      Chapter One

      I stretched to my full height, magic rippling around me, blood burning with the need to draw more power from my foe, grinning down at the fallen demon at my feet.

      Well fought. My hand reached for his, but when Peridesenchal tried to grasp it, I pulled back with a laugh. Heart swelling at the echoed sound of my own mirth, surrounded by it as the watching crowd of fighters pointed and smirked, I prodded the fallen demon with the toe of my very expensive boot and winked. You really thought I was serious?

      Peridesenchal's answering scowl was worth the taunt. You're a bastard sometimes, Sassafras, he said.

      The grin splitting my face almost hurt. Sometimes? I spun, arms out, welcoming the watcher’s adoration.

      Always! Their roar was delicious.

      I stayed close, in Peridesenchal's space as he fought to rise. Stumbling, falling back, magic and feet making it impossible for him to retreat with dignity, finally ending up at the edge of the circled crowd of onlookers, my fans. I bent over him as he panted and scowled, letting out some the magic I'd taken from him, just a thread of it, winding it around his neck while inside I roared my triumph.

      Next time you think to challenge your betters, I let the thread tighten until he choked, my teeth clamping together as I fought the need to grind this piece of filth under my foot, think again.

      The thread snapped with a crack so loud some of the gathered demons covered their ears, but it was music to mine. I let Peridesenchal go then, losing interest in the fallen, turning to the reverent faces surrounding me.

      Who's next?

      Sassafras! She had to go and ruin it. The moment my sister shoved her way through the ring to face me, my friends dispersed, most with a hand raised in salute. A few answered with snarls I knew meant fights were coming my way. I yearned to go with them, to keep the burning joy of victory fresh and hot.

      Damn her for interfering. You have terrible timing, Avenesequoia.

      She dusted the front of my triple breasted jacket with both hands, adjusting the row of spines on each shoulder with a long-suffering expression.

      I have perfect timing. You are a scoundrel who will make me late. My sister sighed and looked up into my eyes. And why?

      I had important business, Bitty, I said with my best smile.

      Her small hands packed a punch as she whacked me. Don't tease me, she said. And don't call me Bitty. My little Itty-Bitty. Torturing her was my favorite pastime when we were very young and I found I'd not lost the taste for it. I'm the only one who loves you.

      Love. The concept itself was as foreign to me as losing. Thanks to my delightful family. And my entire race, actually. Love. What a joke. Leave it to her to use such a manipulation.

      You were playing. Avenesequoia hooked one arm through mine, her pole-thin body a head shorter than mine, the most delicate demon I'd ever met. Mother and Father will be vexed. And don't think I didn't see who crawled away with his tail between his legs.

      I bowed a little to her at the entry to the sky train, following as she swept inside, shining black skirt so full she barely made it through the door. My sister knew how to dress well, I had to admit, with her sparkling bodice crusted in gems shooting off beams like stars as she sat under one of the overhead lights. I stood before her as the transport began its run to the Parade at the base of the Seat. The sight of the mountain, the center of Demoniconian leadership, always made my stomach clench, though I'd never admit it to anyone.

      Showing weakness was a quick way to invite a challenge. Not that I was afraid of a challenge. I'd beaten most of the so-called royals who hid themselves away in the upper echelons, including some third planers, though I'd yet to get my chance at Cypherion, the heir to Second Seat.

      What a coup that would be! If only I could convince him to challenge me. Wouldn't my family lose their minds if I was able to best the heir to the Second throne of Demonicon?

      Delicious, truly delicious. And within my grasp. When I was ready.

      Avenesequoia must have known I was still deep in the throes of battle, but she wasn't letting me off easily. When Ruler finds out you've been challenging above your plane again, she'll be forced to take steps, Sass.

      I snorted and looked away, eyes fixed on the rapidly approaching polished stone of the mountainside. In my opinion, the weakling fifth plane lord I'd just bested was not worth another moment of my thoughts. Peridesenchal challenged me, just so you know.

      After you tortured him for months until he decided to do something about it. She crossed her arms over her chest and rolled her very expressive eyes, larger than most. It was hard not to adore my sister, though to me she appeared more like a doll than a real demon. Why aren't you happy being a Seventh?

      Not my fault he decided to challenge. I offered my hand to her, hoping she'd just drop the subject. My happy after-battle mood faded, leaving behind the familiar feeling of loathing. The dark and angry core of me, bubbling, asking to be fed. With power. Besides, I have six more planes to climb. Can't possibly do that without challenging.

      She stopped me, placing her hand on my arm. You're the best fighter anyone has ever seen. Her fingers tightened. No one contests that, Sassafras. Even Ruler has honored you. But she personally asked you to back off, only two weeks ago. And you've continued as usual. You know she doesn't like to be pushed.

      Ahbi Sanghamitra, of all people. She valued those who fought their way to the top. And despite what she said, I knew it was only family pressure that led her to order me to stand down. She understood me, and I her. I wasn't worried. Obligation or not, orders or not, I'd be out fighting again tonight. No question.

      Avenesequoia eased up on her grip, face sad, but she kept her peace as we swept our way out of the train and down the steps to the Parade. I spotted Father and Mother on the elevator platform, my brother Jabuticabron between them. His glare was enough to finish the job my sister started.

      Just what I needed. A lovely family reunion. Not like any of us normally spent any time together. This sham was for Ruler's sake, for the sake of the royal family. Appearances for Ahbi’s favorite pet scientists, my parents, and their constructed brood.

      Mother's eyes traveled over me before she nodded once as I took my place beside her. You're late.

      Actually, I said as the elevator began its ascent, it appears I'm exactly on time.

      She didn't comment, though Father sighed and shook his head.

      My brother didn't have the same restraint. Jabuticabron leaned past Mother and jabbed me in the ribs before I could stop him, a scowl on his enormous face. If my sister was the tiniest demon around, he was the opposite. It still shocked me anyone in our family could be Guard material, but from the way Jabuticabron was growing, that was where he was headed. And it suited his personality perfectly.

      Troglodyte.

      Then again, since Mother and Father grew the lot of us in test tubes as experiments to satisfy their scientific curiosities, it made total sense my brother and sister were polar opposites.

      With me stuck in the middle.

      Don't embarrass us, Jabuticabron snarled. We don't get invited very often. He gave me the impression, with his heavy-handed tone, he blamed me for the lack of invitations.

      And you remember to answer with words and not grunts, I shot back with a smile.

      Enough, you two. Mother's power crackled around us while Father ignored the conversation, fingers scratching at the air, calculations floating before him in amber fire. Theridialis.

      Father twitched, round face guilty, before his fingers flickered and the writing disappeared.

      I would never know what Mother saw in Father and why the pair of them decided to have not one, but three offspring with each other. Or why they would ever even want to perpetuate the faked image of our happy family when everyone knew we were just their personal DNA experiments. The only time we were happy was when we were apart.

      And since my happiness was of utmost importance, I'd be going my own way the moment I had the opportunity. Which happened right after the windbag porter announced us.

      With a wink and a grin for Avenesequoia and a snarl for my brother, I dodged Mother's grasping hand and disappeared into the crowd of gathered demons.

      Keep it civil, Mother sent in a very tight beam. Don't go looking for trouble.

      Who? Me?

      ***

      Chapter Two

      The crowd parted for me and I had to smirk. The stink of their fear smelled sweet. Nothing could be better, actually. I reveled in it, purposely sidling up to a few of my fallen foes, laughing to myself when they realized I was there and scuttled off to avoid a confrontation.

      Like I was going to challenge anyone here. Now. With Ruler watching from her throne, that slug Vandelarius slouched in the Second Seat next to her. Not likely. While I chose to ignore Ahbi's order to behave myself outside in the city, the idea of pushing her under her own roof dulled even my need for excitement.

      Honestly, there were only two demons present I even had a remote interest in challenging anyway, and both of them sat, in their safe little chairs, at their royal father's feet. Tanasharia actually blew me a kiss, one I accepted with my usual flair. Nice to see her scowl as I wiped the imagined kiss from my shoulder with disgust.

      Her lurking brother, Cypherion, had no such offerings for me. As much of a worthless moron as my brother and equally as big, the heir to Second Seat glared in my direction, though his father's hand on his shoulder was enough to hold him back. Vandelarius smiled at me, showing teeth, before sinking back into his throne to scratch at his wide stomach, his belch audible from where I stood.

      So much class. I could hardly stand it.

      The disgust on Ahbi's face was almost an invitation. I was well aware she despised the demon who sat next to her, but she refused to act against him or do anything about it. The reason for her stubbornness grasped my shoulder in one large hand and turned me to face him.

      Haralthazar, Lord of the Seventh Plane, grinned down at me. His curving horns shone in the light of the suns reflected through the rooftop shielding as he turned me gently away from the tempting target of Cypherion. One of his strong hands steered me toward the banquet table.

      Another day, perhaps, he murmured.

      Most definitely, I said with my finest smile.

      Haralthazar handed me a glass, filled it with his own hands. I understand we recently became plane mates. His amber eyes glittered with amusement over his own glass as he saluted me and drank.

      My shoulders shrugged, pulling against the tight jacket my sister forced me into. Being an Eighth was such a bore. I faked a yawn, winking.

      Haralthazar laughed, soft and deep, though our old family friend seemed less amused and more sad. Clever boy, he said. Just make sure you're not too clever one of these days. I'd hate to lose you.

      How kind, I said. But I have no intention of taking my leave any time soon.

      Sassafras. Haralthazar's hand settled on my shoulder again, face now very serious. Which told me some kind of well-meant lecture was coming. Typical of my father's friend. Theridialis asked me to speak to you.

      Of course he did. I set my glass down, already turning away. Because he cares about me that much. Anger bubbled inside me as Haralthazar's hand tightened. He'd always been an ally, someone I could turn to. The favored son of Ruler was as much a rebel as I was, denying his mother’s wish for him to take Second Seat. And though I rarely asked him for help, he understood me, so we got along for the most part.

      But as his thick fingers squeezed my shoulder, I shrugged him off in a surge of temper, my magic snapping a spark of rage between us. Subtle enough only the two of us would notice, but a slap in the face nonetheless. Haralthazar backed off, nodded, expression so full of worry I immediately felt terrible, though I crushed my empathy with bitterness before he could see it.

      Perhaps some other time, I said, keeping my words light, my tone bright as I turned from him. He didn't follow me as I lost myself once again in the press of the demon ruling class.

      Time for some fun. There was just way too much seriousness going on for my liking. Within a few moments some delightfully attractive young demon girls stood captivated by my battle stories. I happily imbibed Ahbi's finest nectar while my throng of admirers oohed and aahed over my tales of prowess.

      When the band struck up, I was the first on the floor, blood buzzing with the addictive and power-enhancing nectar, three girls alternately swinging from my arms. How easy to tell myself I was having fun, that this was all there was to life. Endless years of nothing.

      Curse it, curse all of them. My happy mood, carefully cultivated, shattered, the thin veneer of my need to hide behind laughter and drink and the facade of civility crushed as I released one of my partners. Who were they to me? Who was I to them? Horrible, relentless, the pressure of my existence surged inside me, fed by nectar and the press of so many of my peers, all as useless as I was.

      There had to be more. Life couldn't be this endless dance of emptiness. My eyes rose, met Ahbi's.

      A desperate need to feel, to act, to perform and be seen, drove me forward. A huge smile split my face as I tossed back the last gulp of my present goblet of nectar, throwing the stone glass to the side. Three strides took me to the thrones where I beamed up at my Ruler.

      Time to push my luck.

      I swept into a deep bow, arms outstretched before I winked at Ahbi and held out one hand.

      Most glorious of Rulers, I said, may I have this dance?

      Well now. That got their attention, didn't it? Even the band paused, the whole room watching, waiting for the lightning strike of power, my untimely demise for having the audacity to approach Ahbi in such a manner. I could practically feel Mother's wrath, Father's disappointment.

      But they didn't matter to me, not while Ahbi sat with her expression of stone, staring at me with her amber eyes.

      Was that the hint of a smile? Indeed, it was. Ahbi rose, taller than me, taller than Haralthazar, her long, silver braid swinging over one shoulder, the rest of it piled in elaborate curls. I think her fancy coif was part of her show, making her appear even larger. While the entire gathering gasped, she shed her royal robe, exposing her muscular bare arms, broad shoulders and the lean, powerful body she still had after all these centuries. My heart quivered in a mix of anxiety I was getting away with my pertness and excitement as she descended the three steps to the polished stone floor and accepted my offered hand.

      I wasn't sure if I should laugh out loud in victory or be afraid. But she smiled for certain this time and, not surprisingly, took the lead, pulling me out into the center of the rapidly emptying dance floor with a nod of command to the band.

      Well, my naughty Sassafras, Ahbi said, voice deep and low, light glinting on her horns curved in three spirals, a mark of her great age, what mischief is this?

      You simply looked bored, I quipped as she led us through the steps of a dance I'd never done before, trusting she would never allow either of us to look foolish. I thought to lighten your mood, dearest Ruler.

      Her laughter rumbled, fed by her incredible power. Don't for a moment think I will ever underestimate your need for trouble making, she said. But in this instance, I will tolerate it. Because I was bored. One wide eye winked slowly at me.

      If there was anyone I could love, if there really was such an emotion, it would be Ahbi. If only because she didn’t judge me. How do you do it? My words came out in a rush, unbidden, unchosen. Survive this. For so long. Bitterness burned down my aching throat. What more is there?

      She didn't answer right away, only danced the last few steps before the band wound down. When she stopped, she didn't release me immediately, instead holding my hand in hers while her cold face softened ever so slightly.

      Darling boy, she said in a whisper only I could hear, I wish I could answer you. Power calls, duty. Her fingers squeezed. You are so powerful, have so much ambition, confidence in your magic. You could be a force to reckon with, a valued advisor someday. Such a compliment I’d never received. Until the sparkle left her eyes as she went on, a warning flaring in them. I fear for you, though, for the arrogance your lack of direction drives you to. It will be your downfall. And I will be very sorry to see you fall, Sassafras.

      Ahbi left me then, sweeping her majestic way back to her throne while the stunned group of demons slowly went back to their pretend jocularity, leaving me to stagger to the outer rim of the room while my heart hung heavy inside me.

      Duty I cared nothing for. But power? That I understood. I seized on her words, shoving aside her warning, and took my leave of the farce she'd created around her.

      Avenesequoia met me at the platform, her tiny body quivering as she grasped my hand and pulled me to a stop. Stay with me, she said. Sassafras, please. No fighting tonight.

      Enjoy the party, I said, jerking my hand free. I'll see you in the morning.

      Let him go. My brother joined her, Jabuticabron overshadowing her as he always did. He's out to ruin himself and we don't need to go down with him.

      And I was arrogant? Please. My brother wore the label as well as I did. I saluted them both as the elevator descended, turning my back on them to stare out over Ostrogotho, but not seeing the vast city stretching out below me. Not while I found myself lost in the need to hurt someone just to feel anything but despair.

      Ruin myself? That had already been done.

      ***

      Chapter Three

      I changed into new clothing, less flashy and more suited to the battles I planned to have in the next several hours. Though I had to admit there was a certain level of satisfaction from remembering my fight with Peridesenchal while dressed for court.

      My friends waited in our usual stomping grounds, a nectar dive on the Eighteenth Plane, tucked away from Guard patrols and the watching eyes of those who might put an end to our fun. Not that I made the mistake of thinking any of the gathered demons who roared my name as I entered were really my friends. Not when they hungered, even as I took my seat of honor among them, to attack me and take the power I myself ripped from fallen foes.

      Only Shelboranoteliet was different, she of the shorn black hair and horns carved with symbols only she understood, arms and chest tattooed with the most delightful patterns. I'd never once felt animosity from her, but her need was powerful enough I couldn't bear to keep her close for long.

      She had no place hanging around the fighting group, had never challenged anyone. Romantically rebuffed all others. I was certain she thought she felt something for me, the silly, false love word again. It amused me at times to lead her on, so the others tolerated her.

      She slid a cup of nectar my way, and I downed it in three large gulps, feeling the strength of it hit my system. So much more powerful than the watered down version they served at the Seat. This was pure, distilled nectar, homemade just for the lower planes. Energy surged, my blood stirring as I swept to my feet, the need to fight taking over everything.

      Three challenges and four mugs of nectar later and the world spun around me, seventeen moons shining down as I staggered, one arm around Shelboranoteliet as she guided me off the train and to the lift at the base of Father’s tower.

      It was simple to pull her on board with me, to jerk her against my chest, press my mouth over hers. More than simple. She wanted it, body writhing, lips hungry, the taste of her dulled by nectar. My hands slid through her shorn hair, fingers tracing over the carvings on her horns as I fought for feeling, something, anything, in her arms.

      Nothing. Just the emptiness and the apathy. I shoved her away at last, pushing her free of the elevator and forced myself to laugh.

      You think you're worthy of Sassafras? I doubled over, stomach aching though

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