"Yeah," Rhyn said softly. "He's my brother. He deserves a burial of some sort."
"I'll have someone bring him over."
Rhyn nodded. His gaze lingered on the body of his half-brother. Gabriel summoned Landon and gave a quick order for the dealer to deliver Erik to Rhyn's fortress. He then called a portal to visit Tamer, the Immortal making the soul compasses. Gabriel withdrew a piece of paper from his pocket as he went, studying the symbols. Tamer, Rhyn's half-brother and the least friendly member of the Council, had deciphered five of the twenty symbols on the compass. The keeper of ancient Immortal histories, Tamer was able to read scripts from the time-before-time. It was his secret power, the one few others knew about.
Gabriel emerged into Tamer's palatial home in Cairo. The limestone and marble foyer was lined with artifacts, a sign of Tamer's passion for all things ancient. The door to the secret library was open, as if Tamer expected him.
Gabriel strode down the narrow hall to the only open door and entered. Muscular and dark-skinned, Tamer was hunched over the table in the center of the room, putting the final magic touches on a new compass.
"Wait," the Immortal barked.
Gabriel snorted and sat in one of the plush chairs. He studied the five symbols on the paper in his hand. Tamer had translated them, but they meant little to Gabriel.
River, ravine, tree stump, cloud, rain.
Magic vibrated in the library then faded.
"Alright. Here's another," Tamer said and held out the compass.
The tool lit up at Gabriel's touch, the symbols swirling around the edges then settling. He handed it back. Tamer hefted it.
"Looks good," he said with a satisfied nod. "What do you want?"
"Good day to you, too," Gabriel said, always amused by Tamer's curtness.
"You had to tell Andre about all this, didn't you." Tamer motioned to his library.
"I didn't tell him anything," Gabriel replied. "I sent him to ask you a question. Whatever happened from there is on you. You're welcome for bringing him back, by the way."
"Now I've got two brothers in my hair."
Despite the words, Gabriel knew Tamer was pleased about Andre's return. All the brothers were, because Andre alone had been able to manage the different personalities in such a way that they all trusted him. He debated what to tell Tamer. Technically, it wasn't his business or duty to tell Rhyn's brothers about Erik.
"Speaking of people in your hair, you may want to keep an eye out for any pesky demons," Gabriel said. "They may be after you all."
"I don't give a shit."