Seth the shadow charmer

  The demon coughed again. It might have been a chuckle. "Disease has woven itself into my being. The touch of a first horn would probably kill me. I am that corrupt. I have no need of the horn. But I know how you can acquire the Soul of Grunhold. If you want the horn, you must employ your skills as a shadow charmer. "

  "What?"

  "A shadow charmer enjoys brotherhood with the creatures of the night. His emotions cannot be manipulated. Nothing escapes his gaze. He hears and comprehends the secret languages of darkness. "

  "Am I a shadow charmer?" Seth asked hesitantly.

  "In all but name. The nail laid a strong foundation. I intend to stabilize those gifts and formally dub you an ally of the night. It will bring your abilities into greater focus. "

  "Will it make me evil?" Seth whispered.

  "I did not say an ally of evil. All power can be used for good or ill. This power is already yours. I will merely help you harness it better. Use it how you like. "

  "How will it help me get the horn?" Seth asked.

  The demon stared, clouded eyes weighing him. When he spoke, his voice was deliberate. "Who can navigate an invisible maze? The man who can see it. Who can get past a mountain troll? The man who becomes his friend. Who can steal the first horn of a unicorn? The man immune to guilt. "

  "You really were listening to Grandpa. "

  "It would entertain me to see the centaurs humbled," Graulas said. "You are the first new shadow charmer in centuries. Perhaps you will be the last. Few remain who could formalize the honor. You already exhibit most of the traits in embryo. Nothing will wash that away. Better to complete what was started. Darkness has touched you, much as light has embraced your sister. "

  "This sounds shady," Seth hedged, backing away. Did he really want favors from a dying demon? Wasn't the decaying stink of the place a hint that he should go?

  Groaning, using a splintered fence post as a crutch, Graulas rose ponderously to his feet, his curled horns nearly touching the ceiling. Gesturing elaborately, as if painting in the air, the demon began chanting in a guttural language. Toward the end of the display, Seth began to understand the words. ". . . consoler of phantoms, comrade of trolls, councilor of demons, hereby and henceforth recognized and acknowledged as a shadow charmer. "

  Graulas lowered his arms and sat down hard. Wood splintered beneath him and dust plumed outward.

  "You okay?" Seth asked.

  The demon coughed mildly. "Yes. "

  "Why did you switch to English at the end?"

  The corners of the demon's mouth twitched. "I didn't. Congratulations. "

Chapter 13