Tarek dropped the book and started running to Cal, who was also rushing to him. They met halfway, with Tarek leaping into Cal's arms and Cal holding him off his feet in an embrace that was like a steel trap. He never wanted to let go, never wanted to be apart from this man ever again.
Tarek kept whispering desperately into his ear. "I love you, Cal, I love you, Cal." He kept repeating. “Did they hurt you? Are you okay?” The tenderness of his words shattered Cal.
The realization that the Relic Broker went to such lengths to save him and was willing to die by his side told him everything he ever needed to know about the man Tarek Azar. Their bond was sure, and their love was pure, and their future was going to be amazing. Fate had given him the perfect love just as she had done for so many.
"I love you, Tarek." He responded with all the emotion he was feeling, dripping from each word and apparent in the wayhe clutched his lover to his chest. “You were incredible, my love, utterly incredible."
“I was so worried, Cal.” He stuttered a little and buried his face in Cal’s shoulder.
"I was worried too, sweetheart." Cal kissed the side of Tarek's head and rubbed his hands up and down his back, just making sure he was well and whole and truly there.
"We were all worried." Master DuCane said as he came up and placed a comforting hand on Cal's shoulder. He smiled and slipped his sword back into his jacket, as did Silas and Ismael. "You must tell us what happened here." He was speaking to Tarek. "What kind of control do you have on the Codex?" He was friendly, but his question was tinged with seriousness, prompting Tarek to rush to explain.
Cal held him, not ready to let go just yet, but allowed him to turn and face the Master. Master DuCane was a warrior like none other. He could take on an army and still walk away with an air of calm collectiveness. Nothing could shock or disturb this man.
"I studied it before tracking it down. I was told that if you let it, the Codex could take on the holder's emotions and act accordingly. I wanted the evil that threatened us to be eradicated, so the book destroyed my enemies." Tarek said, and then added when he saw that the Master was not completely satisfied. "There's a little more to it, but in essence that's the answer." The Master gave him a soft smile and nodded.
“Are they all eliminated?” Cal asked.
"I don't know, there might be others, but everyone in this field who held the evil of the kindred has been eliminated."
“There is a lot more to you than first meets the eye.” Master DuCane spoke to Tarek. “The Severine Codex will remain with Coven DuCane, and you will be its overseer. That book is your responsibility." Tarek looked at him, not sure of himself yet, but sensing acceptance.
“Yes, sir.”
“I also want you to review my security measures and alert my people to any weaknesses that you discover.” The Master was referring to Tarek’s ease at stealing the Codex. “I want you working for me now exclusively, no more contracts with anyone else.”
"Yes, sir, thank you, sir."
"Is that okay with you, Cal?"
“Yes, sir. Tarek is a talented man, and I look forward to him using those talents for the betterment of Coven DuCane.”
"As do I, Cal. ” The Master patted him again on the shoulder. “Now head home and take some well--deserved time with your beloved, and congratulations to both of you."
"My car, or rather your car, is parked on the road about a half mile from here," Tarek says with a definite lilt to his tone. He was happy and relaxed, and Cal wanted to eat him up.
"Let's go home," Cal said and turned them in the direction of the woods.
Tarek paused. He turned to Master DuCane before leaving. "I saw you have Aldessa Foix." DuCane looked momentarily surprised by Tarek's words, but simply nodded.
"A lot of people out there are looking for her. Brokers and Hunters. Nasty ones." Tarek said simply, knowing DuCane would understand.
Master DuCane nodded again, filing that information away for later.
"Come on." Cal draped his arm around Tarek's shoulders, and Tarek put his arm around Cal's waist.
"Yeah, I have a lot of adrenaline to wear off," Tarek commented.
“I have just the thing for you, my love. It will wear off any and all pent-up energy.” He joked.
"Let's hurry," Tarek said with a smile, and they quickly picked up their pace.
****
Silas called in a crew to clear the area and had them send a mystic to take custody of the Codex and return it to the Palace. They found that the kindred, although they appeared whole as physical beings, were for the most part simple energy.
Malfane had but a small number of actual beings there with him in the clearing. His magic made one look like ten, but in the end, the Codex cut them all down and destroyed the energy and the magic present in the clearing.
