The Last Dance: An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure (Scions of Magic Book 8)

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The Last Dance: An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure (Scions of Magic Book 8) Page 3

by TR Cameron


  His laughter was filled with mockery and condescension and made Ozahl’s hands clench into fists. “Street trash elevated to the nobility? There’s enough of that in House Leblanc already, thank you very much. We don’t need more.” He shook his head. “And there, for a moment, I thought you wouldn’t be a waste of time.” He picked his book up and raised his voice. “Charles, have the guards see them out.”

  They were beyond the front gate in less than a minute, the metal clank of it being secured behind them the ultimate word on their proposal. Danna looked at him and shrugged. “It’s not anything we didn’t expect.”

  He nodded. “We tried. Now, we’ll have to do it the fun way. I guess it’s time to start eliminating his potential champions to ensure that when he does face Caliste, he has less support.”

  She smiled. “So…if she loses to us or to him, we take Leblanc. If he loses, we take Malniet.”

  “Yep.”

  “Well, as the brains of the outfit, I’ve done my job. Now you do yours and eliminate his support system.”

  Ozahl laughed. “And why is that my task? You’re very handy with weapons and magic yourself, you know.”

  Danna grinned. “Because I need to find out how to defeat her. Think about it. If we’re smart, maybe we capture her house first and then finish Styrris off as a bonus. Usha might like to be a matriarch. Why settle for only one when we can have both?”

  Chapter Four

  Zeb ran a bar mop over the wooden surface in front of him to deal with a spill and carefully avoided scowling at the gesticulating wizard who had knocked his glass over. The stresses of the recent events in New Orleans had rippled through the non-human communities and were in evidence among his customers. First, the new drug in town, then the weakness that spread through its users, capped by the battle between the Atlanteans and the Zatoras. Plus, of course, the attack on a member of the magical council. They’d tried to keep that secret but naturally, word got out in no time.

  The dwarf shook his head and muttered curses under his breath. People need to learn to get along, is what it is. As soon as there’s a crisis, everyone splits apart instead of coming together.

  He was distracted from further musings by the arrival of Tanyith and Kendra, who took their customary positions with their backs to the door. He considered it a compliment to the tavern that they were willing to do so. Throughout his time as owner, he had intended the Drunken Dragons to be neutral ground and it had served that purpose quite well, even through the current upheaval. He hoped it would continue doing so long into the future.

  Some might argue that hosting council meetings in the basement like the one scheduled for later that evening was a violation of the very concept of neutrality. He would contend it was a way for him to stay on top of what was going on so he knew enough to help maintain the proper balance—or at least keep it from tipping toward the side he considered wrong.

  So maybe not strictly neutral. Well-meaning, anyway.

  With a welcoming nod, he pointed at the cask that held his special brew. They responded with nods of their own, so he pulled three glasses of the powerful cider and joined them in the corner. They tasted it and complimented him, as was appropriate. “So, what’s the situation with you two?” Zeb asked. “Still happily homemaking?”

  Kendra laughed. “I haven’t kicked him out yet if that’s what you mean.”

  Tanyith shook his head. “Nor I, her.”

  She swiveled toward him with a mock glare. “It’s my apartment.”

  “No, it’s now our apartment. You invited me, or have you forgotten that already?”

  She snorted. “After you basically begged me to.”

  He laughed. “That’s not how I remember it.”

  The proprietor chose to interrupt before they got too distracted. “So, everything is working out, that’s good. What about the other thing, Tay? From downstairs?”

  Tanyith ran a hand along his slicked-back dirty blonde hair, which was pulled into a ponytail. He’d managed, finally, to find a suitable length for his mustache and goatee and looked quite reputable in his t-shirt and sports coat. He was the light to Kendra’s dark, as her clothes, hair, and makeup all tended toward that side of the spectrum. You’d know she was a cop even if she didn’t tell you. It simply radiated from her.

  “Well,” he said, “as I reported to them—by messenger of course—there’s been a slight delay in part one of the plan. It turns out that burning a building down without getting caught is rather more difficult than it initially appears.”

  The dwarf chuckled. “Imagine that. Especially when you don’t want to do it in the first place, I bet.”

  He pointed a finger. “Exactly.” Representatives of the Malniet family thought they had the man on their hook and had demanded he incinerate the Shark Nightclub, the home base of the local Atlantean gang. “Part two, giving them intelligence on the council is going quite well thanks to you.”

  “I’m happy to help.” He’d supplied a steady flow of genuine information about issues of no consequence and false information about the things that mattered. The delaying tactic wouldn’t last forever, but things were coming to a head anyway, so that wasn’t a huge concern. “And the third item?”

  The man shrugged. “We haven’t been in any combat yet where I could deliberately allow myself to be disabled and abandon Cali. I doubt they’ll want me to do it during the fight with the Atlanteans—or that will be my excuse, at least, when I don’t. Then, when I double-cross them in the battle against the Malniets, it should hopefully come as a tiny surprise.”

  Kendra scoffed. “You can’t honestly imagine they believe you’ll do it.”

  Tanyith laughed. “They think I love you too much not to.”

  “Fools.”

  “Right?” He shook his head at her. “With your resources, plus the magical council keeping an eye on you and Sienna, the risk is minimal. They’ve been in their little world for too long and forgot that other people can call in allies, too. At least those who aren’t such incredible bastards that they have to resort to extortion to get help.” He shrugged in Zeb’s direction. “There isn’t much to do now but wait for the night after next when we fight the Atlanteans for all the marbles.”

  The detective growled annoyance. “You should let me show up instead and arrest all of them.”

  He sighed. “On what charges? You’re the one who lives inside the rules, remember? Well, mostly inside.”

  Zeb stretched across the counter to tap the scowling woman’s hand. “There’s no need to worry. As long as he doesn’t go down in the first wave, I’ll keep an eye on him.”

  She looked at the battle-ax hanging above the bar. “I’ll hold you and Valerie to that promise.” She twisted and punched Tanyith in the shoulder. “So don’t you lose right off the bat, nitwit.”

  The dwarf shook his head and laughed as the two returned to their verbal sparring. They really do make a cute couple.

  The preparations for the council meeting were the same as usual, and he was ready in good time for Malonne’s arrival, whose wardrobe for the day was a precise suit that seemed almost martial. The pale-skinned and light-haired Light Elf greeted him frostily, apparently still annoyed that the group hadn’t shared his opinions about how much and in what way to help the humans. That’s why we vote, so bad ideas are hopefully left behind.

  When the others had gathered, he settled into the seat between Delia, the witch, and Brukirot, the Kilomea. Scoppic, Cali, and Invel had arrived together. She’d gone upstairs to hang out with Tanyith and Kendra, and the gnome and Drow had taken their places at the table.

  Vizidus’s normally unkempt grey hair was bound in a ponytail, and he seemed to have de-aged with the increasing chaos in the city. He smiled at those gathered around the table. “Thank you all for being here, especially those coming from New Atlantis.” He nodded at the two in question. “And, as always, thanks to Zeb for hosting us.” Invel lifted his glass and gave the dwarf a grin that he returned in kin
d. The wizard continued. “Tonight, we have only a couple of items to discuss. First, reports on what’s taking place in your communities. Second, plans for the future.”

  Malonne snorted and spoke out of turn. “So, nothing big, then.”

  The leader of the council chuckled and tilted his head toward the elf who had interrupted him. “That’s certainly a matter of personal opinion. I would say this is perhaps the most pivotal moment we’ve had in decades here in New Orleans.” He turned to Brukirot. “How fare the Kilomea?”

  The giant folded his arms and shrugged. The movement made the tight brown leather top he wore stretch audibly. “The same as always. Give me a name, and I will cut the head off any future trouble.” He’d made that argument for weeks and as yet, the council hadn’t let him off the leash. Zeb had a feeling that might change tonight.

  The wizard addressed him next. “And the dwarves and the humans you know?” The dwarven community was comparatively small and generally uninterested in group activity. They trusted him to work in their interests as none of them wanted to be involved with anything other than their own pursuits. He was also able to share the humans’ perspective due to his proximity to many of them in his role as tavern owner.

  “The dwarves are as they always are,” he replied. “They would join us in any activity at need, as long as it was truly a need. Among the humans, the prime item of concern would probably be the upcoming battle between Caliste and the Atlanteans if they were aware of it.”

  Vizidus nodded. “And that concerns us as well, no question. Delia?”

  The dark-haired witch wore a white concert t-shirt with the collar cut off, and when she shrugged, it revealed the strap of a black tank top beneath. “My people are good and at least two of them have eyes on the man’s girlfriends at all hours. I pay them a reasonable wage and I’ll expect to be reimbursed.”

  Zeb held his hand out to her and a diamond rested in the palm. “Tanyith says thanks and you can give him whatever change is appropriate when the threat is over.”

  She took the gem with a satisfied grin. “Perfect. There might not be much change.”

  He laughed. “What will be, will be. Skilled protectors don’t work cheap.”

  “Malonne?” The wizard said,

  The Light Elf shrugged. “My people are fine but wish for this all to be resolved so we can discuss the future relationship of magicals and humans in New Orleans. I continue to believe we cannot rely upon them to manage their own affairs, given how horribly they have accomplished that thus far.”

  “So, no change from you, then,” Invel replied and shook his head. “The Drow in the city are fine. We’re well-defended.”

  “As are the gnomes,” Scoppic said in response to a nod from Vizidus. “I, of course, am spending my time in New Atlantis and I must say, the research opportunities are amazing. The history is so different from ours.” He grinned happily and more smiles appeared around the table. Everyone liked and respected the gnomish librarian.

  “And the library?” Zeb asked.

  The gnome smiled. “Getting along quite well in my absence, I’m told.”

  The wizard clapped his hands. “Excellent. That takes care of the present. But we must consider what comes next.” He raised a hand as the Light Elf straightened in his chair. “I refer to the immediate future—days, not weeks. We are all aware that a battle is coming, one that pits Caliste against the Atlanteans in the city. I think we can all agree that it would be better for magicals and humans both if she were victorious.” Nods greeted the statement. “So, shall we intervene? Brukirot has a plan and the target seems obvious.”

  “The Atlantean leader,” Delia replied.

  Vizidus nodded. “Usha, yes. Not only the head of the local gang but the Champion of New Atlantis, which makes her a formidable opponent. Plus, we have to assume her organization will marshal all its strongest forces against Caliste. While we hope she can succeed without our intervention, it is only logical that we should consider whether more action is necessary.”

  The Kilomea shrugged. “You’ve given me the name. Now give me the word. She’ll be dead by tomorrow night.”

  The dwarf frowned. He was confident they would win the battle and that stepping outside the rules wasn’t required. But a small voice inside he couldn’t silence suggested that in this case, the result might justify the means. He shook his head. “I say no. I’ll be there to help. There’s no way we’ll lose to the Atlanteans.”

  In the end, he was outvoted. Only Invel had agreed with him and even the gnome shared the opinion that this moment demanded an intervention. As the meeting broke up, Vizidus clapped him on the shoulder. “I know this isn’t what you wanted but it’s necessary.”

  He shook his head. “So you say. Once upon a time, I would have believed you. Now, I wonder if we lose more than we gain by stepping outside the boundaries.”

  “We’re not the first group in this conflict to do so,” the wizard replied mildly.

  Zeb nodded. “It doesn’t make it right, though.”

  The man patted him on the shoulder again and headed to the portal area without further comment. The dwarf took Scoppic and Invel upstairs to deliver them to Cali for the trip to New Atlantis. “So, will you be in tomorrow night, girl?” he asked.

  She shook her head. “I have things to do down below. I’ll be back Saturday but not to work. If everything goes well, though, I’ll get a shift in on Sunday.”

  He nodded and turned to Tanyith. “I guess that means you’re up.”

  With a laugh, he replied, “You’ve got it, boss.”

  Cali frowned. “You told me there was another server and didn’t think to mention it was him?”

  Zeb laughed. “I was afraid you’d feel threatened.”

  She folded her arms and glared at him. “Sure. I leave town for a while and everyone allies against me.”

  Kendra nodded. “Well, not all of us.” She stared at the detective in surprise, and the woman finished with a grin. “I was already against you before you left.”

  The ensuing laughter that washed over them all reminded him of how it felt before the danger had become so powerful. He peered at Valerie above the bar with a decisive nod.

  And two nights from now, we’ll take the first big step to getting things back to the way they belong.

  Chapter Five

  Usha had chosen to spend the Friday night before the big battle immersing herself in the atmosphere of her club. She’d booked one of her favorite local bands to play Zydeco and whip the crowd up and had entertained herself by dancing a lot, drinking a little, and being sure to have a word with each and every important person present. The flashing lights and brilliant smiles kept her worries at bay, and the sheer volume of people in the venue made her feel comfortable and safe.

  Maybe this should be my new career. It wasn’t the first time the thought had crossed her mind and she hoped it wouldn’t be the last.

  Once she’d completed her rounds among the VIPs, she exchanged pleasantries with most of her other guests and worked her way from table to table into the early morning hours. The band finished at one, and while some people lingered, most headed out and she was able to lock the doors at two. She oversaw the closing down of the cash registers and the storage of the night’s receipts in the bulky old-school safe. The metal behemoth lived in a compact space hidden by a false panel in the rear hallway. As always, the act of cranking the large handle to close it always added a sense of final punctuation to her work nights.

  She fist-bumped with her bartender, who left her to finish closing up the bar. He’d struggled to find a place for himself in New Orleans after immigrating from New Atlantis. Those folks often found their way to the Shark, both because she actively sought them out and because she had a reputation for helping.

  And we’ll be able to help so many more once the Empress rules this city. Before, when she’d thought that, it had been filled with hope. Most of that hope was still there but a cynicism she wished she could erase
tinted it. Shenni had made eliminating it impossible. She sighed. It is what it is and doesn’t change what has to be done.

  With her nightclub duties behind her, she closed herself into her office and slipped out of the brightly colored dress and high heels she’d worn in her role as hostess and into comfortable boots, jeans, and a sweatshirt. The notion of heading to an after-hours bar or club to maintain the happy glow she had going on crossed her mind, but the need to rest before tomorrow night’s battle banished it.

  A loud crash, like several tables tipping over at once, sounded from the bar area. She frowned and started toward the noise, then considered that the girl might have decided to step outside the rules and come after her. A push on the concealed button opened the small closet devoted to communing with the Empress, and she retrieved the sword she’d used in every battle on the way to becoming Champion. She drew it with her right hand and tossed the scabbard aside.

  Usha approached the main room cautiously and peered carefully around each corner before she moved beyond them. Nonetheless, it took her less than a minute to reach the bar area and only another instant to locate her bartender crumpled on the floor against the stage. The surrounding debris suggested he’d been hurled there with significant force.

  Her eyes narrowed when she identified the culprit. The Kilomea was huge—easily seven feet plus—and outfitted for battle in leather clothes that were likely magicked armor of some kind. His boots were heavy and vicious-looking, and knives were sheathed in a frankly ridiculous number of locations on his body. A hilt protruded above his shoulder. Her mind cataloged the threat automatically.

  He’s probably a lefty from the positioning of the sword. Some of those blades look like they’re made for throwing. If those were my boots, there would be razors along the edges, so I’ll assume there are.

  She growled in annoyance. “Do I know you?” Another of the large creatures stepped into view from outside and locked the front door they must have picked. Sounds from behind her were consistent with a third cutting her retreat off. As if me retreating was a possibility. She moved slowly to her right to ensure the latest arrival wouldn’t be able to attack her from the rear but didn’t take her eyes off the creature ahead of her.

 

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