I almost want a cigarette. Stark screams in my head. I have to concentrate to keep him locked in the dark.
“I think about the Mithras more and more. I’d solve everyone’s problem by releasing the first fire and burning down the whole universe.”
“I tried that with Heaven, remember? Talk to your father before doing anything rash. Unless you want to be exactly like Mason.”
I look over at Ritchie.
“What are we going to do with him?”
“Nothing. He’s dead.”
“And you don’t even have his soul. He’s on his way to the Jackal’s Backbone.”
“I’m perfectly happy to let him wander and rot for a while. I’ll have his soul eventually.”
“You can’t go back to the Chateau. I’m using your room to finish things with Koralin Geistwald.”
He shakes his head and tries to stand. He doesn’t make it.
“I wasn’t going back there anyway. I need to return below and ready things for my departure. Do you think you might take me through the Room? It’s the quickest way and I’d like to rest before leaving Pandemonium. The elevator is out of service and it’s a long walk up to Father’s place.”
“The Druj Ammun controls the Drifters. Is it true it will control Hellions?”
“I expect so.”
“That could be a nice weapon if I decided to take you up on your idea.”
“It could be, but don’t count on it. Magical weapons have a way of revealing a fatal flaw at exactly the moment you need them the most. The Druj is powerful, but don’t ever get dependent on a single weapon. Who knows? You might not be able to keep it.”
“What do you mean?”
“You figure it out, nephilim.”
“Am I still being trained?”
He pushes himself up and manages to stand this time. I put out a hand to steady him.
“Consider it a last homework assignment before graduation.”
“Hold on to my arm and I’ll take you through the Room.”
He pulls me back.
“Don’t leave the athame lying there. Just because you shouldn’t rely on weapons doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have as many as possible.”
I get the athame and slip it in my coat next to the black blade.
“That goes for my armor, too. At some point you’ll need it. If Mason has it, you’ll have to take it from him.”
“I’ll only need it if I go back to Hell and I’m not. Ever.”
“No. Of course you aren’t.”
“Let’s take you home, old man.”
“Thank you for this, James.”
“I’m not James.”