by A. Bulthuis
The room in front of them was in complete disarray. Her luggage was spread across the room, bed sheets thrown to the floor, even her makeup bag was spilled across the top of the mattress. The identification tag from her luggage was ripped off the handle and laid on the dresser. A pen and the hotel stationary laid beside it.
"Fuck now we know how they found where she lived." Huffing the guys left the room, but not before Roni snuck one of her shirts and stuffed it into his back pocket. Taking the elevator to the lobby and strolling out into the searing heat like they owned the place. The two of them tried tracking her steps ending up to where deep gouges tore up the dried earth. Broken trees and charred branches was the ending of the story but where was the beginning. Her rental truck was gone so obviously they had cleaned up to throw off the local authorities. Roni held a handful of blackened earth in his palm and sighed. His gaze naturally sliding up the tall mountain. A slight shimmer caught his attention and he tossed the dirt away and tapped Crete on the shoulder. He had been staring down at the destruction when he felt Roni's tap.
Pointing up at the imposing mountain Rharonis narrowed his eyes and focused on the unusual sight. It reminded him of a bubble. When looked at from specific angles it cast a rainbow hue along its surface. Echoing Tori’s same words from a few days ago Crete nodded his head as he looked up to the extinct volcano. “I think that's worth investigating, looks like we go up the mountain."
It took them no time at all to make it to the edge of the barrier they had seen surrounding the southern end of the island, the weather getting milder as they approached it. Rharonis placed his hands in front of him. The energy radiating from it felt weaker than it should be for a barrier. It appeared the rogue group hadn't recovered from losing one of its fae. Stretching out his senses he searched for a weak spot. Maintaining the barrier was an extreme expenditure on multiple fae let alone one. The magick was riddled with holes like Swiss cheese. Gesturing to a spot between the two trees about 30 ft. away Roni guided Crete thru one of the holes. Both of them watching their footing so as not to trip thru the barriers warning system.
Inside the barrier it was extremely muggy due to that the environment was normally an abundance of water and now it seemed like it was trying to re-dominate itself. It had both guys pulling at their shirts and grumbling.
"They must have taken a serious blow, so how would they be able to accomplish stealing back my sister? Something else doesn't make sense. What is your opinion on it man?" Wiping away at his brow Crete tugged at his collar and spared the other man a glance.
"That's what we are here to find out. But your right something is most definitely up." Shrugging his shoulders Rharonis walked on ahead and did his best to ignore the humidity. Every footstep sounded like a giant's in the silence that stretched around them. There were no animals or insects. There wasn't even the sound of a breeze coming thru the top branches. Every so often Roni would signal for a stop to listen for anything really. They slowly curved their way around the base eventually stopping about midway up when both heard a few voices about 50 ft. in front of them. They dropped to a crouch and then their bellies, dragging themselves forward until a large outcropping of rocks made a ledge. Seated below that were two males and one female. Edging their way closer, Crete pulled the phone from his pocket and set it up to record, sitting it along beside his hands as he peeked over the ledge. The voices sounded strained as they spoke out in the open.
"How long do you think it will take to repair the damage that stupid chit caused?"
"They better do something fast because it’s sweltering out here. We are all going to drown in our own sweat at this rate. I thought Fadan was speaking with Palturn about acquiring a new female fae. Knowing him he probably chased after that girl."
"You have to admit she was certainly something to see. If I was a few years younger she'd well be worth the time and patience needed to break her." A sharp smack followed by a chuckle came from the group.
"I don't care what you say. Eryavin promised us peace out here, and it's been nothing but trouble since we arrived."
"Whatever we'd better get back to patrol before we get caught." The grumbling from the three faded away as they disappeared up higher in the mountain. The two men watching looked at each other. Roni mouthing a name “Palturn".
“Why the hell would this group of rogues be talking to a member of the international high council?"
"You don't think there corruption on the council do you man?" Crete asked him seriously. None of it making much sense but it made it that much more imperative they found his sister and fast.
"I know I didn't mishear them. Fuck! It's possible that someone on the council is aiding the rogues. This might be why they are always slipping from my grasp. I don't think we are going to find her here. Why bring a valuable female back to a barely defensible lair? I'm going back to Boston and from there onto Inverness. Are you coming back with me or do you want to sweat your balls off in this jungle?" Rharonis smirked and slapped Crete on the shoulder before picking his way back down the mountain. Crete kicked his shin and followed close behind.
A small slap whipped Tori’s head to the side. The fogginess cleared slowly from her mind as she blinked her eyes open. Twisting her head side to side she caught sight of a figure looming to the right of her. A narrow light came from over its shoulders.
"I was wondering when you were gonna wake up cailin dathuil. You were screaming like a mad woman in your sleep." Snarling she made to jump from the bed but met resistance. Looking down her wrists and her ankles were cuffed to the bed she laid on. Tugging at her arms she also kicked her legs and growled like an animal. She was trying her best to release her inner dragoness, but met with a resistance that nearly crippled her. A violent tremble starting from her head and traveling down her spine all the way to her toes. Wiggling her finger Fadan gave her a look of reproach.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you. The chains are spell bound and are quite nasty to anyone lucky enough to be in when trying to use any kind of energy. I'm sorry to have to hurt you again but I was under orders this time. I know it doesn't make you feel any better at all but I'll try to make you as comfortable as possible my dear. If you’re hungry of thirsty then let me know. Until we are summoned you are staying with me in my room. Think of me as your special servant cailin dathuil." Fadan tried to tenderly run a finger along her bicep but was met with a menacing growl.
"Fuck off you bastard! I don't want you as my servant. I don't want to be in your room. And I most certainly don't want to be chained in here. Let me out of these damn things!" She once again took a shock to her system as she tried to free herself from the restraints.
"I've already told you that the high council requested you. It pleased me greatly that you took my invitation. I wasn't entirely sure you would." Plopping down on the edge of the bed by her feet he grabbed ahold of her right ankle and started rubbing it under the cuff. She tried twisting it out of his hand but couldn't take another hit. "I'm sorry I didn't think to have these lined for comfort. I didn't know how long they were going to make us wait." Wincing as he caressed the bruised skin she refocused her mind.
"I'm not understanding why they had you bring me here. I was told to meet with the council in a weeks’ time anyways to discuss my findings about your encampment. They were the ones who arranged it. Hell even the king is involved. So there's a bit more to your story isn't there?" Fadan only stumbled for a second in his touch but Autora caught it. “I’m right. Whatever is going on I won't be a part of it. I'm pretty sure anyways that my brother and family as well as the possibility of the king are looking for me as we sit here." She sneered bravely as she looked up into Fadans eyes hoping to catch a glimmer of doubt, but was met with triumphant glee instead instantly wilting her.
"Oh believe me my cailin dathuil, it's what we are hoping for. Perhaps not your family, but I will assure their safety in all this. The king will see a different outcome. Especially for coating you in his scent. On any other it woul
d be like you are a walking bakery but to me it's offensive. It's too bad we don't have the springs nearby and I can't release you to enjoy them anyways." He offered her an apologetic smile that she responded back with a stare. Rolling her eyes she drug her tongue along her teeth and flexed her jaw before she looked at him in aggravation.
“You won't find me arguing about the smell. I don't appreciate it any more than you do. Unlike you though I chose to be diplomatic about how I handle certain affairs. Have you even met the monarch?" Tori arched a brow and looked at him pointedly. “You haven't, have you? And yet you want to, what, kill him. Remove him from the throne? Please, even with whatever support you have here this plan will not come to fruition." Snorting in disgust she threw up her hands as far as the shackles would let her. Wiggling her toes she yawned and felt a sharp pull in her back. Arching her chest up her wiggled until the pain lessened. She stretched out her torso hearing a small pop. Not stretching after a full shift was extremely taxing on a shifters body. She definitely wasn't known for her workout routine. Trying to relieve the pressure on her muscles and spinal cord she didn't notice as his hands slid farther up her calf, working muscles and flesh under his warm palms.
"Watch how far you go Fadan. I might be your captive but I'm not your slave girl." She spoke with enough venom in her voice it made him flinch back.
“I wouldn't do that, especially in your condition. I would rather you or any female come to me willingly. You don't trust me and I doubt I'll ever get it, but you can trust that I wouldn't ever take more than you would give. I'm quite fond of you cailin dathuil. You are something special and deserve the best." A gagging noise made him stop and look at her with pursed lips.
"Please just stop. Geez I'd rather drown in my own puke than listen to another declaration of love or what an amazing woman I am. I want to just sit here in quiet until they come get us." Sighing Fadan patted her leg and mimicked zipping his lips before standing and leaning against a bed pole facing the door. Releasing a slow breath Tori closed her eyes and pleaded in her head for her family to hurry.
Chapter 11
It felt like she had just closed her eyes, bored with just looking at the back of Fadans head. The creak of the door stirred her out of the fitful dream she was having. She shook her head back and forth to fully wake up recoiling when Fadans sleep addled face appeared beside her. She hadn't noticed till now that an arm was wrapped around her torso and a leg tossed over her left knee. A sharp shove from the foot of the bed sent him snoring and sprawling to the floor. The jarring made her wiggle in the cuffs and set off the metals defenses. Crying out she tensed up and shuddered from the pain. A sharp male voice spoke up from the end of the bed.
“Get up hatchlings. They are ready for you." The angular line of his face was thrown into sharp contrast from the meager lighting. Turning away he grunted out the word 'pathetic' as he threw open the door and stood outside waiting for them. Fadan popped his head over the edge of the bed and rubbed the back of his head throwing a nasty look his way.
Unlocking the clasps as easily as he could eh scooped up Tori's body and told her to rub her wrists as they were escorted down a long corridor that emptied into a multi chambered room, a dais raised in the middle surrounded by a group of a dozen people give or take. As they got close the idle chatter died down as the faces turned to look at their guests. Tapping Fadan on his shoulder Tori whispered for him to let her down. He gave her a look to say ' Are you sure?' and she nodded straightening her dress once her feet touched the floor. Brushing her hands on her hips like a nervous tick Autora looked at the crowd and cleared her throat. “My presence was requested. If I may apologize, I am not sure who I should be speaking to so if everyone is comfortable I'll begin..." An extremely tall and lanky man held up his hand muting her with a squeak. She noted in her building anger that he had thin pointed ears sweeping out of his hair.
"Thank you Quelyn." A man as short as he was round waddled over and studied Autora like she was a bug inside a net. Tori stared back at him fearlessly as he strolled around her. He pinched at her cheeks and arms, sniffing her hair and disgustingly licked up the side of her neck after he commanded his guard to freeze her in place. Fadan had to be held back when he stepped up and growled wanting to intervene. The pudgy man shot him an aggravated look showing Fadan how close his dragon was to the surface. Turning back to the female, after he was sufficiently satisfied that the young one knew his place, he pulled her chin up with the tip of his finger.
"My my my my you are positively enticing. Eryavins report on you does not do you justice." The unholy gleam in his eyes made her shiver under his stare. Licking his lips, his tongue like a giant worm sliding over two sausages made her want to gag. “You don't have any idea how special you really are. To all of us. The entire shifter world should be kneeling at your feet and worshipping your very voice." He reverently looked her up and down, the awe in his voice matched the creepy smile glued to his face. Tori on the other hand looked at him as if she were face to face with a crazy person. She tried looking around at the people surrounding them for anyone who might see the crazy man in front of her and agree that he'd lost it. All that met her eyes were wide awed expressions and subtle whispering. His voice brought her focus back on him.
"You will bring about a new order to our people. You should be excited my pet. Quelyn you may release her voice." He snapped his fingers hurriedly and stared at her beauty. The words from her mouth seemed to break the spell her looks had put him under.
"Are you fucking crazy?! What the hell is wrong with you?! New order....kneeling at your feet....the only person I want kneeling at my feet is the woman who gives me my pedicures. What type of sicko are you and how the hell do I get out of here? I'm so sick and tired of being dragged against my will to where ever people want me. I want to be home and I want to be left alone!" She wished she could stomp her foot like a petulant child. A wild flush stole across her cheeks as she fought against the magick straining to keep her in place. A tick started in the faes cheek as he felt the power rolling under her skin rippling to burst forth. He tightened the cord around her body and watched as she turned her intense gaze on him. “Wux geou tir lae si yenta katima.” her voice spoke directly into his head despite never have being a part of the clan he belonged to in subservience. The red clan of southern Australia based in Sydney never ventured outside of its home range except for when their representative was needed at the international headquarters. This girl was too young to be a part of his clan. The last hatchling was born over 120 years ago. She couldn't have seen more than 25 or so summers. He narrowed his eyes and shook off her weak compulsion while strengthening his binding into almost a choke hold. He smiled as he saw veins pulsing inside of her neck from the strain.
Fadan also watched on and grew angrier by the second as he watched her struggle. "Palturn, stop this! Do you not see how far he is hurting her?" Fadan tried begging with him barely holding onto his anger.
"Will you just shut up!?" Palturn bellowed with rage, his fat rolls moving menacingly as he waddled over to the young dragon’s side, his hand leaving a resounding thwack as it made contact with Fadans face. "Get this trash out of my council chambers! Quelyn bring her with us. We are retiring to my rooms so we can officially verify her heritage and her purity. You are all dismissed."
Sweeping his hands out he cleared the room and disappeared down a side hallway. Quelyn dutifully followed keeping a close eye on the woman as she fought him with every step. Fadans cry of outrage their exit music.
Chapter 12
After placing a few calls and reassuring Crete and Tori’s parents Roni on the first flight to Edinburgh, Scotland and then an airborne jump to Inverness. Neither man wanted to be on an airplane but it was required by the law to check in when entering international clan space. Even the king couldn't get out of protocol. They didn't expect to see anyone at the airport when they landed. Walking off the terminal a face greeted them that shocked the hell out of them.
How he got
past security they could only guess, but he stood out like a zombie amongst the living. His body stood directly in their way clutching his side as a warm coppery pool formed at his feet. It was Christian Verail, Rharonis's first commander. Both guys looked at the man staring back at them like death warmed over and said 'shit'. The hardened warrior stumbled forward till he collapsed into Crete’s body. Crete grabbed ahold of his shoulders to hold him steady. Hefting him under his shoulders Crete half carried the man out to a seat and sat him back into it with a grunt. Pushing his palm against the steadily flowing wound Roni focused his dying commander’s gaze on his face.
"My god man what happened to you?" Leaning in close to his face Roni struggled to hear Christian thru his labored breathing.
"The council...Palturn...took half...went to your...chambers...attack...some new weapon...wants to take over. They, they have a...woman...not safe milord...fae and rogues..." Christian’s lips bubbled over with blood as he gripped onto Rharonis's jacket with his bloodied hand, his other giving one last salute before slumping over in the chair. Roni's face turned red with anger and sadness as he let the man’s body relax into the chair. "That fucking bastard! He said something about a girl and a weapon." He looked over at Crete wondering if he was thinking the same thing.
