The Wayward Godking by Brendan Carroll Read Free Book Online

Gate, my love,” she called after him as he rode away, followed by a small group of Plotius’ soldiers. “You will have to excuse him, Lord Lucifer. He is concerned about his friend, the esteemed Lord Marduk.”
    “I see.” Lucifer glanced back at the crowd around the table. They were all talking with Christopher and Armand, who were filling them in on everything they knew from the underworld, exchanging information and marveling over the child Sophia now held very close to her as if she were afraid someone would snatch him from her. “So what do you have planned? I haven’t attended such a gathering in eons. Do you have honey? Goat’s milk? Locusts? I have developed a taste for something called dried banana chips. Do you have those?”
    “I think we might be able to find some for you. We have a variety of overworld fruits and vegetables here.” She turned around and walked him back toward the tables. “You certainly have a commanding voice. Tell me, does Adar also possess such a talent?”
    “I am not sure what you mean, Great Dark One,” he said. “I have never heard him praise the Lord with song, though I am sure he is capable of it. I have been told it is one my better attributes.”
    “You are quite lovely in appearance,” she told him and his eyebrows shot up.
    “I have been told that as well,” he said matter-of-factly.
    “Are you related to the Tuatha de Danaan? Your fairness of skin and hair color would suggest it. My captain is planning to bring one of them to the reunion. It should be an interesting affair.”
    “Your Captain? The human with the Boggan soul?” He raised both eyebrows again.
    “Oh, so you have met Plotius?” She asked, surprised by his perception.
    “Yes, I have seen him from a distance.”
    “What do you think of him? Would a Tuathan make a good match for him? I believe he is lonely.”
    “He is an abomination,” Lucifer said lightly. “Neither man nor beast and yet both. His heart might well burst in his chest if he were not so very young. Where is his original form? Do you still have the shell of the Boggan?”
    Ereshkigal was shocked by the angel’s questions and comments. She could not answer.
    “I could perform the transfer for you with ease, if you like,” he offered. “It would be very much like an exorcism of sorts.”
    “I see,” she said shortly and then narrowed her eyes. “Have you been talking to that little King?”
    “Ahhh, Uriel’s son. He is quite overcome by the birth of the child. No, I haven’t had time to speak with him as I have only just arrived. Why do you ask?”
    “No particular reason. I would appreciate it very much if you would speak with him and make sure he is faring well. I will attend to my captain without your intervention.”
    “As you prefer, My Shadowy Queen,” he said and bowed his head slightly.
    Lucifer rose up slightly on his toes and looked toward the group of people milling about the pavilion where the ghostly Templar Knights were still on their knees praying the Rosary. He could see Sophia sitting behind the table with her chin propped in one hand. She looked almost bored since the shock had passed. Oriel had taken over holding the baby before Sophia crushed him to death while the Templars prayed on and on. Il Dolce Mio was sitting on the edge of the table behind her, leaning over her shoulder, alternately staring at the baby and talking with Menaka and Levi in an animated fashion, waving his slender hands about in the air in front of him. His blue eyes were very wide and his cheeks flushed deep red.
    “Allow me to draw nigh unto him and learn what his condition is, Your Highness.” Lucifer disengaged her arm from his and moved away toward the table. Within seconds, he had planted himself on the table behind the elf. Ereshkigal watched until Lucifer captured the elf king’s attention, and then turned her own attention to her newest arrivals. Two more unexpected guests. Armand de Bleu who was actually very