CHAPTER 22



 

The Offer

CANDESCA WAS AWARE that the entity was gone. Hoping it would return soon, she decided to continue her search for others willing to join her cause. It was only a matter of time before she had a large enough following to force the Shadow Demon to release them. The one thing that bothered her, though, was what would the freed Les Gris do then? Obviously most couldn't rejoin their life partners. Perhaps none of them would be able to. Could they exist independently?

"They have no choice," she said to herself. "I did it for thousands of years. I can show them how."

Deciding now wasn't the time to worry about something that was probably a long ways off, she moved through the darkness, recruiting those brave enough to incur the wrath of their captor. They were few in numbers but strong in their determination to escape the prison that held them. Candesca had no doubt that others would eventually gather their courage too.

*  *  *

It seethed, knowing that something needed to be done quickly. Summoning Rumex, the Shadow Demon ordered him to bring Candesca to him. Although his servant disappeared quickly, moments passed before both of them reappeared. Such behavior was unheard of and unacceptable.

"You are trying my patience," It hissed.

When Rumex was about to apologize, Candesca nudged him.

"Now's as good a time to choose as any," she advised. "As I've said before, It can't do any more to you than It has already."

"Fool!" It yelled angrily. "I can send all of you into oblivion if I choose."

"And then what? As far as I'm concerned, oblivion is a better place than here. At least we would be free of this place."

Now was Its chance! Seizing the moment, the Shadow Demon decided to change tactics.

"Free! Is that all you want? Why didn't you say so? You are free to go now," It declared magnanimously. "And you, Rumex! By all means, go! You've served me well."

Rumex gasped! Freedom! Could it be true? He had craved it for so long.

"Is it true?" he asked, turning to Candesca for confirmation.

"No doubt, Its offer is real but is it really what you want? You will be alone once you've left this place. Will you be able to stand that?"

Alone! Hesitantly, he nodded.

"Then go, Rumex," Candesca said. "You are only one of what will be many. Eventually this thing will have to let all of us go. Perhaps we'll meet you on the other side."

"Aren't you coming?"

"No, that's what It's hoping for. I think I'll stick around for awhile. The others need a leader. At the moment, I'm it."

"The offer only applies if you go too," It growled. "It's both of you or neither of you."

Without answering, Rumex vanished, angering the Shadow Demon more. The terrified Les Gris had made his decision.

"I guess we'll be seeing you," Candesca pronounced and then disappeared, leaving a livid captor behind. Little did either of the Les Gris know their decision would have a profound effect on the mortal world.