Demons End (Tremble Island) by Lynn Ray Lewis Read Free Book Online Page A

would not have hurt to allow the Lords to believe that he bowed to authority, nor would it have hurt to explain his tactics when dealing with the black souled ones. Now it appeared that he would be given a second chance. He was determined not to blow this opportunity.
    Lion looked at the demon, Koler. The voyage had not been as rough on the black soul eater as he might have wished. In his man form, he was still a handsome visage. His hair was longer, but his eyes maintained that brilliant color of purple gems. Although he still wore the golden chains binding his body, he did not appear to be helpless. In fact, his appearance was that of a well-fed pet. No one knowing the male would make the mistake of thinking there was anything of a pet’s nature about this creature.
    He seemed surprised when Lion addressed him. He must have been expecting to be degraded into kneeling and begging for his freedom. Nord knew that any such display on the arrogant demon’s part would be pure lies. The male was not of the humble variety. His ego rivaled that of Lion’s.
    “So, Koler, we meet again. I am told that each port discovered you and each port denied you sanctuary. I can only conclude that you presented them with your docile kind nature to have intimidated each of them so thoroughly. This leaves me with a dilemma. What to do with a demon that refuses to follow rules of the land where he resides. I had no wish to simply kill you as you know. The simple solution would be to toss your carcass over the side of the vessel once it has been taken back out to sea. I am aware the only way to effectively put an end to your life would be saltwater.
    “So, I suggest that you tell me what you want to happen. Should I allow you freedom, or death? My suggestion is that you think carefully before you answer. I am certain I do not have to remind you that any fabricated or twisted wording coming from you whilst you are in chains will cause the chains to become uncomfortably snug.”
    Koler bit back the roar that threatened to overwhelm him. Diplomacy would release him from the shackles and bonds. “I have enjoyed the voyage, more so than I believed possible. The three sailors that came for me shortly after we set out on this jaunt were intent on tossing me over the side of the ship, so I hope you will extend my apologies to the good captain.” He saw a small eye flicker from Lord Lion, ah, the man hadn’t known. That was a good thing . “I do believe that I could have been more forthcoming in our earlier interview, and wish to rectify that small misstep on my part. When one lives alone for most of the time, and has the power of a demon such as I do, one forgets there are other entities with the right to ask for explanations. Come, Lord Tremble, can we not come to an understanding of expectations between us? I am certain the remaining demons on the island have been overwhelmed with blackened souls at their doorsteps.” He had no way of leaving the room or ignoring the men standing so tall that they had to stoop and kneel in the corner where he had been housed. Coming to a peaceful understanding was his best chance of returning to Demons End.
    Nord was cramped and becoming irritated with anything to do with demons. They were more trouble than they were worth and his face reflected his feelings. “This is our proposal. You will be released with the provision that you will follow the laws of Tremble Island. This includes taking souls before their time. You well know that each soul must be given one last attempt to redeem itself, those last boys had no test, you condemned them for one malicious act. They were but boys and you know full well in cases such as theirs, you were to speak with Lord Lion, not take matters into your own hands.”
    Koler had heard the accusation before. The Lords had not investigated the facts, relying on relatives of those “boys” instead. He refused to continue the lie. “Lord Nord, with all due respect, did you bother