Did you catch Monday's blog where I featured Cynus's story, Shadow Honor? This is one of my favorite genres, and I have to agree with @JeffreyL because I really like the way that @Cynus used the tattoo magic in the storyline. Have you read this story? Share your thoughts below if you didn't get the chance to share your love on Monday. If not, maybe this except will draw you in enough to make you go read (warning: You're going to want to have NOTHING else to do for a while!) 

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"Father, are you sure about this?" Maxthane asked. The sheen of sweat coated Maxthane's brow and Salidar realized how nervous his son actually was. He glanced at the demon and realized that Maxthane had every right to be nervous. It wasn't every day that one became blood-bound to a demon and made it his familiar.

"I'm sure," Salidar said with a nod, but he continued to watch Maxthane with concern as he asked, "Are you ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be," Maxthane replied as he wiped his brow. He looked to the magi standing a few feet away and nodded. "Go ahead."

Salidar watched with satisfaction as the three magi moved into position beside his son. They took out their tattoo kits and divided the now enchanted ink between them, and then set to work on tattooing the flesh of Maxthane's right bicep. Having gone through tattooing many times before, Maxthane was used to the pain, but the anxiety of having this particular tattoo done was starting to get to him after suffering through the first fifteen minutes. It didn't help his mood at all when he heard the demon stir in the circle not far away.

Prism's face was nearly unreadable, but Salidar watched his eyes and saw the suspicion hidden there. Salidar paused for a moment to consider that suspicion, and realized that Prism, being from a different time, would have a different perspective on the matter at hand. Before today neither he nor any of his men had ever seen a demon, much less tried to capture one, and it was a testament to their training and discipline that they had not cracked under the pressure. It was a testament to Maxthane's discipline, as well, that he did not react when the demon roared in protest as it came back to consciousness.

"Why are you doing this?" Prism asked Salidar, keeping one eye on the demon as it struggled against the bindings that held it. While his tone was emotionless, the suspicion in his eyes had only intensified.

"We are attempting to harness the power of the demon for our benefit," Salidar explained, choosing his words carefully. "If this ritual is successful, then Maxthane will be able to control the demon."

Prism nodded simply, apparently accepting the answer, and Salidar turned his attention back to his son. The three magi, each of whom was a master at the craft of inscribing magical tattoos, had completed the bulk of their work and were making finishing touches. Salidar leaned down to Maxthane's ear and whispered, "Well, son, what do you think? How does it feel?"

"It's more power than I've ever experienced before, but I think I can handle it," Maxthane replied. The magi finished their work and stepped away. To test the strength of his new bond to the demon, Maxthane extended his will toward the creature and commanded it to stop struggling. Almost immediately the beast stopped moving and glared menacingly in Maxthane's direction. He glanced at Salidar and then back to the demon as he whispered, "You were right."

"It will get easier with time," Salidar insisted, patting his son on the shoulder, and then, eyeing Prism, he whispered so that only his son could hear, "We just have to hope that everyone else will be ready before we unleash the rest of them."

Another thunderclap erupted overhead, adding its ominous rumble as a backdrop to Salidar's whisper. 

 

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