by Aleks Canard
Altayr shook it. He’d never met the author before. ‘I assume if you wanted to offend me, I would know about it.’
‘Subtlety, dear sorcerer, is overrated. Much like chastity, and sobriety. There’s a reason they say fortune favours the bold.’
Nadira spoke before Altayr could reply. Other members in the VIP section were too busy getting plastered, or hooking up, to care about their conversation. Trix had a beat on everyone she could see. In her expert opinion, none of them were eavesdropping. She would’ve been surprised if they could hear anything with the music anyway.
‘Your mind is both my source of hatred and admiration for you, machina.’
‘I didn’t know you had feelings.’
‘My heart is not as cold as yours, though it is chilled by your proximity.’
‘If you’re cold, why don’t you speak quickly?’
‘The sorcerer may join us.’
‘I don’t see any reason why I can’t come,’ Valentine said, taking his cigarillo from his lips to down his drink. ‘I’m but a humble storyteller. I deal in lies more than the spies you worry about, Nadira. Who would believe me anyway?’
That in itself was partially a lie. Writing involved falsehoods, true enough, but storytelling demanded veracity.
Valentine walked up to Nadira. Within kissing distance. Any sudden moves could mean her security riddling Valentine with bullets. Like Trix, he’d seen enough shit for that not to worry him.
Nadira took the cigarillo from Valentine’s lips. Puffed. Blew the smoke in his face. Dropped the cigarillo on the floor. Ground it with her shoe. The oscillating movement caused her breasts to sway. She was teasing him.
‘You’ve seen enough of my secrets, poet,’ she whispered, bringing her lips to Valentine’s ear. ‘Perhaps when I’m done with the machina, you may see them again.’
‘Fuck’s sake,’ Valentine said. He turned to Trix. ‘Seems I’m still not allowed to join your soiree. Meet me back here when you’re done, Trix. I’m sure there’ll be time for a drink or five before you go.’
‘And if anyone was capable of making time for a drink, it would be you.’
‘Where there’s whiskey, there’s a way.’ He gave Trix a firm handshake. She gave him a wink. She’d known Valentine a long time.
‘Don’t start a fight with anyone tougher than me while I’m gone.’
‘My belligerence hasn’t manifested itself in a death wish as of yet.’
Trix smiled. Valentine walked back to the bar. Started chatting up a pair of women. One of them was a half breed human-djurel. The other was a psygota. Both were dressed evocatively. If Trix knew Valentine, he probably wouldn’t be around when she returned.
‘I was under the impression we’d be holding our discourse here,’ Trix said.
Nadira smirked. ‘Then it is nice to see you can still be wrong about some things.’
Nightshade’s VIP area had a soft, pink-orange glow that stood out among the sea of darkness, green neon edges, and constant strobe lights. Nadira led Trix and Altayr to a second platform that partially covered the first. No one else was up there. A circular lounge wrapped around the entire platform like a snake. It looked sad, as any empty space in a nightclub often did.
Trix sat. Altayr sat beside her. Nadira took a seat opposite them. Emptied the rest of her glass.
Now, what was it that Nadira Vega wanted?
3
Music approached two hundred beats per minute.
Drugs were snorted. Drinks were inhaled. Bets were doubled. Sex sizzled through the air like fire over water. Nightshade was in the business of pleasure. And business was orgasmic.
The money it made every night would’ve been more than enough to line Nadira’s pockets, even though her dresses didn’t have any. Her various accounts would have to do.
Nadira ran her ring covered fingers over her scalp, pouting at Altayr with manufactured longing.
‘Is it true that sorcerers can induce orgasms with spells?’
‘Easier than levitation,’ Altayr said. No sense in being demure. Nadira was trying to unsettle him using sexuality. Hah. Compared to some sorceresses’, her gown was as conservative as a nun’s robes.
‘You can dispense with the charades, Vega. Just tell me what you want.’
‘Sometimes I wish you’d allow me a little fun.’
‘I’ll leave that to Valentine.’
Nadira laughed. ‘I expect you will. Very well, dear machina. I’ll tell you what I wish. Having the sorcerer here may even serve to speed things up.’ She looked to Altayr for a response. He said nothing. How he hated Dark’s Hide and all of its denizens.
‘I want the Transfers.’
‘Then I hope you’re providing the freight ship.’
‘You misunderstand. Not all Transfers are suspended in space.’
Altayr’s face twitched with discomfort. He had an inkling of what the Duchess wanted. This was not going to be easy.
‘The Conclave discovered one some time ago. A Transfer no larger than a concave mirror on a pedestal. It would easily fit in most bathrooms. There was no question they were crafted with Uldarian metal, though the design was all wrong. Its aesthetic was not in keeping with any other known Uldarian artefacts.’
‘While the metal was Uldarian, its sculptor was not,’ Trix said.
Nadira nodded. ‘Yes, and I think you can guess who were the first to discover it,’ she looked at Altayr with the stern eyes of a school principal. Nadira was done with pretend seduction. Now she meant business.
‘While the original creator remains a mystery, the first Uldarian mirror was discovered on Drion, before the Conclave as we know it today had officially been formed. At the time,’ Nadira looked off to the side, trying to remember, ‘must be going back more than a century or two now.’ She shrugged. The date wasn’t important. ‘At the time, the Conclave was essentially just a united group of zirean mages. The mirror had no interior, technological power source. And from what they could discern, did not lock into a larger structure. Instead, it was wholly activated by magic.’
Trix made a rolling motion with her finger. Other people might’ve needed to humour Nadira’s power trip notions. Not Trix.
‘The mirror opened a wormhole when activated. It was only big enough for people.’ Nadira had ignored Trix’s gesture to get on with it. The Valkyrie was in her house, and she’d just have to wait. ‘Powerful, long-range tracking devices were sent into the Mirror. They were unable to be located. Such experiments went on until the Conclave was founded. Deciding that the Mirror was too dangerous, it was sealed within a vault for illegal magical artefacts, believed to be on Drion. And now, my spies have found its pair’s whereabouts.’
‘How can you know it has a pair?’
‘The original was said to be inscribed with ancient zirean runes, and my spies have provided me with the rumoured translation.’
Nadira didn’t read from her comms gauntlet. She’d memorised it. Trix was willing to bet that Nadira had spent more than a few months obsessing over this artefact.
‘Each voyage requires but two things: a beginning and an end.’
‘That’s it?’
‘Perhaps the inscription cost money by the letter,’ Nadira said. ‘Either way, it matters not.’
‘Do you have the first mirror?’
‘Would I have called you here if I did?’
‘Two Mirrors. That’s two favours. I only owe you one.’
‘Yes it is two Mirrors, but seeing as they’re a set, that constitutes one favour. Perfectly within the terms of our spoken contract.’
‘What do you want with them?’
‘Never mind what I want with them, machina. I’m giving you orders, and you’re listening. We’re not gossiping about our plans for the future. And you, sorcerer. Should you breathe a word to your comrades about what I’m planning I will see that you are hunted to the end of your unnaturally long life. Not even a mage as esteemed as yourself can be ready to deflect bullets at all ti
mes. Nor can you always sense a knife over your throat while you sleep. That luxurious awareness is granted only to machinas.’
‘You’re wasting your time,’ Altayr said. ‘The Mirrors can only be activated by magic. And you’re no sorceress.’
‘True. Though that doesn’t mean I’m lacking any charms.’
‘Alright, so the first mirror is on Drion. Somewhere. Where’s the second?’ Trix said.
Nadira’s smile switched from sultry to sadistic. ‘Zilvia, by the city of Blor’daeyn. Supposedly in Xifaw Forest. Right at its heart.’
Trix tensed. ‘You know that is the one place I cannot go.’
‘I know nothing of the sort.’
‘Bullshit.’
‘My, you are on the money today my dear machina. I confess that I remember you had a minor indiscretion there, at the Duskmere waystation.’
Trix fought the urge to belt Nadira so hard across the face that her teeth would fly out.
‘I heard that, machina, it was the first time you were ever called Demon. The Demon of Duskmere. Apparently it was a sight unlike any other.’
Trix stood. Brought her fist down on the table next to Nadira. Its glass top shattered. It cracked in half. Trix stared enough daggers at the Duchess to outfit one thousand assassins.
‘You will stop speaking now, or stop speaking forever.’
‘Such anger, machina. It doesn’t suit you at all. Red is just not your colour. The dress you wore on the Bastion though, that was impeccable. A fine choice. Milla & Ava if I’m not mistaken.’
‘I’m banished from Zilvia, Vega. I can’t go back there anymore than you can sate your greed.’
‘Gluttony, a misunderstood sin if there ever was one. Too much of a good thing does not exist. And, you must go to Zilvia, because I command it. Whether or not you obey Roger Hobbes’ secret agenda is irrelevant. As far as you’re concerned, dear machina, I’m your ruler, but I have no interest in bowing. Only obedience.’
‘I’ll retrieve the first Mirror from Drion, but I won’t go to Zilvia.’
‘Don’t make me threaten you, Valkyrie. I find threatening wholly distasteful. And since threatening you is like cursing a god, I’ll have to find another target for my potential torment. Valentine, perhaps?’
‘Clearly you’ve never seen Valentine fight.’
‘I have, and he’d be less troublesome than you.’
‘Let’s say I find the mirrors. Then what?’
‘You bring them to me, and I’ll consider your debt paid.’
‘That’s it?’
‘You have my word.’
‘Your word has multiple definitions.’
‘Need I remind you that I decided to give you credit for rescuing Jennifer Hobbes and Livinia Victoso when I could’ve had two of the most influential people in the galaxy eating out of my hand.’
‘I didn’t force you to do that. Didn’t even ask. Besides, that credit was rightfully mine.’
‘Like I said, my heart is not as cold as yours. And I decided to give you the credit because unlike Victoso and Hobbes, red-tape doesn’t bind you.’
‘Do you have any leads about the Conclave’s vault on Drion?’
‘I have some, though none will be as helpful was what Altayr can provide you.’
‘And what about Xifaw? The forest is massive.’
‘Zilvia’s your home planet. You should have no problems finding your way.’
‘Your spies must have an idea. A smaller region than just the forest’s centre.’
‘Those who ventured into the trees haven’t returned. I don’t expect they ever will.’
‘You led them to the slaughter. The dryads don’t take kindly to people entering their abode. Even the ships that fly overhead can be disabled by magic. An orbital bombing run tried destroying the forest once. All the bombs were disarmed before they hit the ground. Then they tried glassing it. Plasma dissipated, becoming droplets. It didn’t even start a fire.’
‘Good thing I’m not asking you to destroy the forest then. Now, I think I’ve made myself quite clear.’
‘Painfully so.’
Nadira stood so that she was looking down at Trix. Her heels made her a little taller.
‘I’m glad. Business has a tendency to bring out the worst in me. Shall we adjourn back to the lower level?’
‘Why now, Nadira? Why send me after the mirrors now, with such urgency?’
Nadira grinned. ‘I’m not the only one with spies, machina. You’re welcome to stay on Dark’s Hide until you decide to leave. Though I would advise alacrity. You wouldn’t like me when I’m disappointed.’
The Duchess walked back to the lower VIP level. Trix and Altayr were left alone.
Nadira Vega had ordered the impossible.
Next day shipping, if you please, courier.
4
Valentine was making good progress with the women at the bar.
He was determined to show the psygota he could drink as much as she could, even though it was biologically infeasible. Valentine really had his eye on the human-djurel woman, who was holding her cocktail with her tail. Valentine knew she’d be flexible. Previous experiences replayed in his mind as he compared each woman’s beauty to astounding natural formations around the galaxy.
That was when he saw Nadira come down the stairs. She didn’t need to order a drink. If any staff saw her without one, another was made instantly. Nadira dipped a fingertip into her freshly poured martini. She had thin film over her fingernails which detected most known poisons. You could never be too careful, not even in your own duchy. High walls did naught to keep out traitors. They always squeezed through the cracks like the rats they were.
Trix and Altayr followed about ten seconds later. Valentine felt cold. Trix’s face told him everything he needed to know about her meeting. It hadn’t gone well. He wanted to ask her about it, but at the same time, he wanted to have sex. The problems in his life were what most people dreamed about.
Well, some of his problems.
Nadira walked past Valentine, letting one of her hands stroke his back from shoulder to waist. The author no longer felt cold.
‘Valentine,’ it was Trix, she was right behind him. ‘I’m getting you out of here.’
‘Excuse me, ladies,’ Valentine said, holding up a finger to the women he was seducing.
‘Is that Jinx of Zyr?’ The half-breed whispered to her friend.
Valentine ignored them. Trix pulled him to the side. Nadira was nowhere to be seen. She’d vanished.
‘Whatever Nadira said, I know it wasn’t good.’
‘Alcohol sharpens your mind like a whetstone to a sword.’
‘That line sounds familiar. That’s right, I wrote it. Nice to see you read my novels. Now what were you saying about getting me out of here? In case your powers of observation have been dulled, I’m about to become luckier than I already am.’
‘Nadira mentioned using you as leverage against me if I can’t pull off what she’s asked.’
‘You think I can’t take care of myself?’
‘Don’t make me answer that question. Remember when—’
Valentine chuckled. ‘Oh yes,’ he rubbed his chin.
‘Then you’ll also recall—’
‘Of course.’
‘I don’t think I need to continue.’
‘I’d say you don’t. Can I bring my friends?’
‘You’re not bringing those two on my ship.’
Valentine grumbled. ‘I’m sure I’ll live to regret this decision.’ He walked back to the ladies by the bar with the carefree swagger that wealth and combat prowess afforded. ‘Ladies, unfortunately I have to go.’
They made sad, pouting faces.
‘Stay and drink with us,’ the psygota said, tugging on Valentine’s arm.
‘Your promised you’d take us on a tour of your ship,’ said the half-breed.
‘And I have every intention of doing so once I take care of some business. I promise. When I’m done, you’ll
be my first call.’
‘Can I have a signature to remember you by?’ the half-breed purred.
‘You can have more than a signature.’
Valentine leaned in for a kiss. The half-breed practically jumped him. Trix rolled her eyes.
Every fucking time.
Then again, Valentine’s flirtations with women only went one of two ways. Sex, or a slap in the face. Sometimes both. Not necessarily in that order. Though she knew Valentine didn’t care about the sex. Not really. It left him feeling empty. But he continued having it for the same reason he drank. So that, if only for a little while, he could forget.
Trix coughed. She grabbed him by his collar when Valentine didn’t take the hint.
‘Hey, bitch, he’s mine.’
‘I was worried he might choke on a furball,’ Trix said.
Valentine saluted the women. Shook himself free of Trix’s hand. The trio descended back into the nightclub proper. Dahos was waiting for them when they reached the VIP entrance.
‘Leaving so soon, Mr Valentine? I was told you were staying all week.’
‘I was staying for a week’s worth of fun. I’ve had my share already. Don’t despair, Dahos,’ Valentine slapped Dahos on the shoulder. ‘I’ll be back to throw my money into the black hole that is your casino before you’ve even realised you miss me.’
‘Return me to my ship,’ Trix said.
‘Are you sure you wouldn’t prefer to enjoy yourself first?’
‘What I’d prefer and what Nadira has asked of me are two different matters. Take me to my ship, Dahos. Don’t make me ask again.’
‘Something has stoked your fires, I see. Por wyrs, machina. Follow me.’
The trio obeyed Dahos as they wove their way through throngs of people. Trix’s medallion vibrated. Altayr was casting a spell to ward people away from their intended path. Anyone who’d been to a nightclub could attest that parting a crowd was harder than parting a river.
Altayr ended his spell in the burlesque section. There was no need for it as the crowds weren’t as dense.
‘There’ve been times in here when I thought my heart would explode with happiness,’ Valentine said, taking out another cigarillo.
‘Wrong organ.’
Back in Nadira’s private forest, Dahos ushered them into the elevator. They were standing in Nadira’s private hangar shortly afterwards.
