He chanted again in a long-dead language that Xlina didn’t recognize, drawing the stench of death around him. The wraith scratched and clawed at him, but the wisp of light was always there, fending off the wraith’s advance with its white light. A black fire erupted from Oxivius’ hands, and he turned the conflagration on the wraith, drawing an unearthly howl from the specter as it withered and coiled away from the black inferno. Small black flames lapped at the spirit’s edges, exuding a thick black smoke similar to the clouds of Oxivius’ magic.
“You’re going to burn his soul,” Xlina whispered, feeling hope return to her. Her limbs ached, but the numbness was retreating.
“Morticae, I have not crossed the centuries to be frozen to death by a fresh-born wraith,” Oxivius spat in disdain. “Even in death you lack the power to return as more than Ertigan’s lackey.”
The wraith howled again, an unearthly keen that struck at Xlina’s ears. It lurched forward, sending gusts of frigid cold forward, buffeting the necromancer with icy blasts, but Oxivius would not be deterred.
“You don’t have surprise on your side anymore,” Oxivius hissed. “And the dead must not linger in the realm of the living.”
Words like she had never heard before spilled from the necromancer’s mouth. A foul taint hung in the air as her eardrums shuddered. Whatever language Oxivius was using, the words themselves echoed a dark malevolence beyond anything she had felt before. He chanted angrily, and the shadows lining the room seemed to move, coming to life on their own; a pair of glowing purple eyes looked out from the mass of darkness. It was soon joined by another pair and then another. Xlina lifted herself from the floor on both hands, taking in the dining room, now filled with shadows, each bearing dozens of dark purple eyes that glared with contempt. The shadows shifted, taking the shape of many black jackals with dark purple eyes.
“The hounds of Anubis,” Oxivius spat. “To ferry your tainted soul to hell where it belongs, Morticae.”
The shadowy jackals lunged at the wraith, biting and tearing at its very essence as they surrounded it. The wraith countered with icy cold blasts, sending frozen shadows to shatter in shards on the floor, but the jackals were many, and they leapt to the wraith’s back, gnawing and tearing at the spectral essence. The wraith flickered, moving to the side, but the shadows remained, relentlessly tearing into the specter.
“Oxivius, you’re doing it,” Xlina chimed in, struggling to get to her feet.
“Aye, love.” Oxivius grinned with a sidelong glance. “The bastard hit me first, but he should have finished the job.”
The wraith howled again, a cry that reminded Xlina of the wail of the Cu Sith hounds, a wail of agony and torment as shadowy jackals piled onto the wraith from all corners of the room. Oxivius was not satisfied, however, and he returned to his chanting once again, summoning a conflagration of black fire and sending it blazing forth, blanketing the wraith in the black flames. Morticae’s soul burned under the onslaught, filling the room with a dark cloud as Oxivius reached into the realm of death to call on his dark magic. Xlina’s stomach twisted in knots, as it always did in the presence of the necromancer’s magic, the dark forbidden lore leaving an ominous pale in the air that sickened the living.
“Finish him, Oxivius,” Xlina beckoned, daring to move closer to the necromancer in the throes of his casting. “Never again shall Morticae the Damned grace our door. Do it for Burglecut and Penny.”
Oxivius sent her a sidelong glance, then looked to the fallen body of Burglecut near the door to the kitchen. He cast a baleful glare back at the wraith and snarled in contempt. His chanting changed, growing fierce and rhythmic. Xlina felt the surge of necrotic magic strongly, her very skin tingling, as if the reaper himself breathed over her should. She stepped back, trying to get clear as Oxivius gathered his strength. Souls burned freely from his flesh as black clouds spilled out of every opening in his clothing. His hands completely obscured by the darkness, it continued seeping out from his collar and from his pant legs. A massive cloud of necromantic magic swirled in the air, churning on itself in a swirling pool of darkness. To look at the mass was to stare directly into the abyss as a flesh-like tentacle emerged from within the darkness, then another and another. The swirling cloud of darkness writhed and squirmed alive with wormlike tentacles that probed the air around it. Xlina couldn’t hold it back as she bent over, heaving roughly. She could feel raw evil in the air, as if the thing Oxivius had brought forth from beyond the grave was an entity of sheer darkness. It hovered in the air, its fleshy tendrils striking at tables and chairs alike, snatching them up and dragging them into the dark clouds’ swirling center to be lost to who-knows-where or what.
Xlina shivered in fear. A cold, unnatural terror filled her as she stared in awe at the growing mass moving closer to the wraith. The wraith howled again as it flung spells of ice and death of its own at the black mass, but the thing moved unrelentingly. Oxivius gritted his teeth, chanting rhythmically as the souls continued to burn from his flesh. Xlina had no idea how much of his reserves he was using, but she would guess his powers would be greatly diminished after such a display. The wraith swung again, fending off the shadow jackals and trying to escape the massive creature looming down on it, but it could not. The tendrils moved and slapped the spectral essence as if the wraith were no less solid than Xlina. They coiled around the wraith’s arms and legs, lifting the wraith into the air it struggled against the horror’s grasp, wailing and screeching as if it were a banshee. A giant worm-like tendril wrapped around the wraith’s neck, pulling the specter of Morticae into the darkness. The wraith’s scream vanished into nothingness. With the wraith defeated, Oxivius ended his rhythmic chanting, and the cloud of terror dissipated into nothingness.
A grave silence lingered in the room as the stench of souls hung heavy in the air. Xlina steadied herself next to a table, embarrassed as she wiped spittle from her mouth. The cold seemed to abate, and the hearth flared to life. Brick emerged once more. Limping but otherwise unharmed, he made his way to Amber and leapt into her body, allowing his warmth to once again shelter her from the wraith’s chilling touch.
“We did it,” Xlina nearly giggled in elation. “You did it.”
“We did it,” Oxivius said, turning back to face Xlina. His shoulder slumped, and he stumbled a bit as he made his way through the debris to plop down next to her.
“Is Burglecut dead?” Xlina asked.
“Most definitely,” Oxivius replied, placing his hands on his knees. “It was impressive what you did, love. Fending off that wraith like you did.”
“What about our friends?” Xlina asked in dismay, shock settling in.
“Brick will help Amber recover,” Oxivius replied coolly.
“What about Burgle?” Xlina asked, stifling a tear looking at the fallen baker.
“He’s been dead for a long time,” Oxivius replied with a snort. “He has his own magic about him.”
“What?” Xlina asked in shock. “What do you mean?”
“Burglecut died the first time back during the witch trials,” Oxivius explained, as if it were common knowledge. “His tattoo and wards anchor his spirit here. The Burglecut you know is just a flesh golem, a vessel for the spirit.”
“That’s kind of messed up,” Xlina replied, shaking her head in dismay.
“Yeah; we don’t talk about it,” Oxivius replied, reaching into his vest to produce a small silver flask. “It makes folks uncomfortable.”
“So where is he?” Xlina asked as Oxivius loosened the top of the flask and took a drink. His face scrunched up as if he had just sipped the most foul liquid imaginable, and he shook his head. It reminded her of her sister every time they were sick and their mom made them take that nasty medicine by the spoonful.
“Oh, he’s about somewhere,” Oxivius replied. “It’s the same spell I used to put the demon in you that tethers his spirit to the flesh golem over there. He’s just dormant. The wraith probably just fried the golem’s brain.”
&
nbsp; “That’s unsettling Ox.”
“And your Indian friend over there should be awake soon enough now that the wraith is gone,” Oxivius continued gesturing to Lexxes with his flask.
“Native American,” Xlina corrected. “They prefer Native American.”
“Love, I know words in languages that will literally kill you just by being uttered,” Oxivius sighed deeply. “Yet it seems I am still unprepared to return to this world and the awakening of sensitivity and feelings.”
“It’s called progress, Oxivius,” she chuckled lightly. “Maybe when this is over, you can take a class at the university.”
“You win love,” Oxivius relented. “Ouch those words do hurt.”
He offered the flask to Xlina, and she gingerly accepted. Putting it to her lips, she braced herself as she knocked back a swig. The liquid within was viscous and burned like battery acid as it slithered down her throat. Once it hit her belly, it was warm and sent relief tingling through her.
“What is that stuff?” she asked, her tongue numb from the grotesque flavor.
“A gift from an associate to warm the belly,” Oxivius answered cryptically. “Maybe someday when this whole demon business is behind us, I’ll take you to Tech Duinn in the Otherworld.”
“What’s that?” Xlina asked.
“Literally translates to ‘the house of the dark one,’” Oxivius replied. “You’ll love it.”
“I’m sure,” Xlina scoffed. She was pleased to hear him talk about their travels beyond dealing with the demons, that he too saw more ahead for them than simply freeing her from the mark.
“Owww,” Amber groaned from across the room where she lay obscured by a knocked over table. “Are we alive?”
“At least as much as we were before,” Xlina answered, giving Oxivius a sly wink before rising to her feet. “You’ll see to Burglecut, Ox?”
“Indeed,” Oxivius agreed, groaning slightly as he rose to his feet himself. He lumbered off, his body exhausted to the fallen Burglecut.
“I thought he—” Amber started, a wave of relief washing over her.
“So did I,” Xlina cut her off, allowing Oxivius to maintain the baker’s secret. “It must have been the wraith trying to make us fall into despair. Ox thinks he’ll be okay.”
“What about me?” Lexxes groaned from near the door, where Amber had collapsed with her on her shoulders.
“You’ll live too,” Xlina quipped in reply.
“I can’t believe you beat it,” Lexxes stammered, looking about the Heart’s Hearth in astonishment. “No wonder Puc wants you dead. Formidable adversaries indeed.”
“Thanks,” Amber said dryly. “I think.”
“We must move on,” Lexxes said, clearing her head. “Puc is still working with the Burnished Rose to ruin this place. We have to get to the Council of Magic.”
“No rest for the weary, eh, love?” Oxivius replied.
“What about Penny?” Amber asked, looking around frantically.
“Dormant as well, up in the rafters,” Oxivius replied nonchalantly. “I’m sure she’ll be down once it warms up in here. Burglecut will be up in no time as well. He just needs to sleep it off.”
Xlina laughed at the thought of Burglecut sleeping off death, drawing a look from all in the room. She blushed quickly under the scrutiny and shrugged helplessly before turning to retrieve Oxivius’ tome from the table. The book was written in a language she couldn’t decipher, which didn’t surprise her in the least as she flipped it close. The leather on the outside bore a strange ruddy brown tinge that was unlike anything she had seen before. It was soft to the touch, like woven silk, still retaining the skin’s flexibility. She pulled the book from the table and turned to Oxivius, extending it before her.
“What is this made of?” she asked innocently, thinking a coat of the same material would feel nice.
“You’re better off not knowing,” Oxivius replied slyly, scooping up the book before Lexxes could give it a once-over. “Alright, folks. Gather your things; it’s time to pay the Council a visit.”
“Finally,” Lexxes huffed in agreement.
“This is all on you, Native woman,” Oxivius replied, his eyes summing up the newcomer.
“Lexxes,” she responded firmly. “Lexxes Stillwater.”
“That’s a unique name,” Oxivius replied with a curiously lifted eyebrow, as if the name were somehow familiar.
“My papa was fond of the vehicle Lexus,” she explained. “My mother gave him the best Lexxes she could muster, but the accent didn’t translate well.”
“It’s lovely,” Oxivius replied with a grin. “You will be sure to tell our tale, though I would be much obliged if you omitted certain details.”
“Don’t think a necromancer will win over any hearts?” Lexxes inquired suspiciously.
“This is about Xlina,” Oxivius clarified. “Best not to muddle things with unnecessary details.”
“I’ll include that which I see fit,” Lexxes replied stoically.
“We’ll be getting along smashingly, love,” Oxivius remarked to Xlina before turning to the door.
“Alright,” Xlina beckoned, calling everyone in the room to attention. “What about our witnesses?”
“The gothic twins?” Oxivius answered. “They are in witness protection.”
“Meaning?” Lexxes questioned, her voice filled with ire.
“He took them home,” Xlina answered before Oxivius could respond. “They’ll be safe there; even the demon couldn’t find it.”
“Excellent,” Lexxes responded. “If I manage to convince the Council to have a hearing, we’ll need them to testify, but that’s a big if. The council can’t vote without all members, and as a member of the Council, I need to return. the Burnished Rose will no doubt make their case against you, and I’ll need to convince the council not to rush to judgement. That will buy you time at least. Beyond that... I don’t know.”
“That’s all we can ask,” Xlina replied with an affirming nod.
“Puc won’t be allowed in chambers, being a fae, but I bet my shiny black hearse that he’ll be there waiting for the outcome in disguise,” Oxivius added. “So keep your eyes open and your ears to the ground. Last thing we need is a battle in the Council.”
“Fair enough,” Xlina agreed, drawing a nod of agreement from Amber as well.
“Five minutes,” Oxivius replied sternly. “Then we head to the Council.”
Xlina looked at her tattered clothing and decided to make use of the time to change into something that would make her look less like a vagrant. She was meeting the heads of the covens after all. Amber seemed to follow suit, following her up the stairs to the loft before breaking off to her room. There was almost a cold air about her, but after they had been through so much recently, Xlina assumed it was just the stress as she closed the door to her room.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Council Of Magic
Xlina had expected something more mystical as they approached the courthouse, but the journey took them through mundane downtown Portland. They hurried down the cobbled stone sidewalk from the Old Port to the city center. The streets were alive with a bustle of activity as the people of Portland went about their business. The day was growing long as the sun crossed the sky and hung in the afternoon air. An anxious feeling fluttered in her belly as her ankle boots clattered down the stone walk. She had decided on the leather pants and red halter top outfit she had worn earlier in the week to confront Pete, complimented with a heavy wool jacket. She felt confident and in control as she strode down the walk next to Amber, whose brown leather boots clacked in unison with hers.
Amber had chosen a pair of white jeans that clung to her in all the right ways, attracting many appreciative looks and stares from the passing throngs of people. Her knee-high boots matched perfectly with her brown leather jacket, and her platinum-blond hair danced freely about her shoulders. The red stripe of hair that hung over her left eye was the only indication of the fire spirit traveli
ng within her. Xlina wondered how much fight the poor flaming wolf had left in him after the grueling encounter with the Wraith.
Oxivius tapped his cane on the walk, keeping rhythm before them as he walked next to Lexxes. His long black formal coat swept the ground behind him as he strolled briskly through the crowd. He had produced a tinted red pair of glasses that he slipped on his nose with a matching black top hat that made him resemble a Victorian vampire. His dark-red collared shirt stuck out just enough from his coat to be seen and was complemented by his usual black vest and matching trousers. His black cane completed the look as he clutched the silver head firmly in his grasp. He walked with a sense of purpose and urgency that caused the throngs to part before him.
Xlina felt her hand for the shadow step ring, feeling it slide loosely on her finger. She had used it to great effect in the battle with Puc in the basement of Pandora’s, but she wondered how many times the ring’s magic could be used and whether she would learn of its limitations in the moment when she needed it most. It had grown hot on her finger after only three uses in Pandora’s, and she ventured to guess that the magical ring was best used sporadically.
The courthouse rose before them, a massive stone structure built long ago. Its entrance was lined with stone pillars supporting an overhanging roof that apexed in a triangular shape. The building itself featured three domed towers painted a light green over the weathered stone walls.
“Why here?” Xlina asked loudly, calling up to Oxivius and Lexxes.
“Places of importance tend to overlap,” Lexxes answered casually. “Between this place and the other... buildings and landmarks tend to remain the same, as if we are drawn to build great works precisely where they stand.”
“That’s not creepy at all,” Amber muttered under her breath just loud enough for Xlina to hear.
The Infernal Games Page 37
