by Jo Penn
A gorgeous woman appeared. She was tall and athletic with long dark hair and had similar features to Doom and Gloom.
“Ling.” Anna Anwar Stretton wrapped an arm around Ling’s shoulders. “Your brothers are fine. Come, I’ll take you to them.”
Gloom appeared, and Ling rushed into his arms. “Thank you, Anna.”
They teleported away.
After helping clean up, Freddie, Uri, Ale, and Rico went to the huge cafeteria kitchen in the palace. It was obvious this had once been where pouvoir hung out and shared meals. The only problem was the kitchen was centuries old.
Uri chuckled as he heated up the water on the wood stove, and Ale and Freddie raided the containers left on the countertop for cookies, Danishes, and cake Jazz must have brought to the meeting. Once done, they returned to the room, where Talent had the meeting under control. Jazz was back, but not Doom.
Jazz gleefully thanked everyone for their congratulations on finding his soul mate and helped pour teas and coffee and distribute the food. Dray impatiently tapped the table with his fingertips, and Safine Leader drew everyone’s attention.
“As we have not been apprised as to what this meeting is about, maybe you should fill us in, Torrent.” Safine Leader, very manly and handsome with slicked-back dark blond hair, spoke once everyone was settled.
Letting go of Rico’s hand, Freddie picked up the cup in front of him and sniffed the contents. Tea, imp tea to be precise. Having had imp tea twice before and liking it, he wriggled forward and selected cookies from the plates in front of them.
“Actually, my cousin Rico called the meeting, Safine Leader.” Torrent was giving his cookies to Gloom, who sniffed and purred.
Every eye turned on Rico.
“If this is about the order to keep you in our lands, forget it. We’re not interested. We’re on your family’s side,” a man growled. “Obviously the crāwan had you in their sights, and it’s not smart to be out there alone.”
“No, Sandro, that is not the reason, but thank you for informing me of how you all feel. I see that bias is alive and working well. Perhaps I can suggest—”
“Brother, project later,” Dark interrupted.
Rico nodded. “Fine, I will. This is about the soul globe.” Rico smiled as Freddie eyed his cookies. “All yours, love.”
“Thank you.” He snagged the cookies and nibbled the first. He was starving for some reason.
“Brother, the globe,” Dark murmured after a moment of silence.
“Huh? Oh, yeah, right.” Rico stopped watching Freddie eat cookies. “As you know, the globe’s been missing a lot of centuries and was thought lost to us. In reality, to stop it falling into the wrong hands during a crāwan uprising, a brethren hid it, intending to return the item once any betrayers were removed.”
“Betrayer?” Freddie asked.
“A pouvoir who joins the crāwan is called a betrayer, young sprite,” a male with the face of an angel told Freddie.
“Oh. We call ours arsles—which means asshole—the nasty cowardice vile cretins.”
They all gaped at him in surprise, a few laughing.
“Good, pure young’un. Don’t forget to drink your tea.” Jazz grinned.
Rico squeezed Freddie’s hand before returning his attention to his brethren. “From my investigations, Sacra Jarvis was right to be so concerned. On her way back from hiding the globe, she was killed by a betrayer and, with her, went the globe’s hiding place. But Sacra was prepared and left clues and set blocks to stop it being tracked, located or sensed, just in case a betrayer had any of those abilities. She did a frigging good hiding job. I’ve been searching fully since I was a hundred.”
“Gracious.” Ale Light put her tea aside. “You have now found the globe, Rico Logic?”
Rico unfolded the parchment he’d collected from the library, Freddie looking over. He was left bewildered as to how he could possibly have read the faded symbols and words and how he understood what it all meant. To him, what was on the parchment looked like an old faded picture drawn by a child. It was also glued together.
“The last piece of the parchment is in Oslo, where I was headed before dragged back here...” He winced. “Well, anyway, that piece is the last. Once glued together fully, I’ll know where the globe was hidden. Every piece I had to find was scattered around the world, hidden behind codes and shields, clues directing me. Problem is, someone found out I was searching for the globe, so the crāwan are out in numbers. None of us want to contemplate what would happen if the globe fell into their hands. I have to move fast.”
“We,” Torr corrected.
With a sigh growled out, Rico tapped the parchment. “Whatever. The important thing is getting the globe before the crāwan, who have crowded into Oslo, which has me thinking they know where the parchment piece is, or they were watching me for longer than I thought.” He looked around the table. “I know you can be trusted to seal this intel up in your minds, and those of you with linkmates and children, do it for them also.”
“The last piece of parchment, this will lead you to the globe? What if the crāwan get this piece first?” a woman across the table asked.
“Well, Zenobia, they’ll gain a clue.”
“Si, but will they find the globe from this single clue?”
Rico remained silent for some time, eyes on the parchment. “If they are smart, Player, they may.”
“Then let us collect this last parchment piece quickly and retrieve the soul globe.”
Yes, that seemed the best course to take, the quicker, the better. As talk around the table continued, Freddie learned a lot about these supernaturals. They were dedicated, fierce, and very individual. Some quirky, some surly, serene, and cheerful. He saw how Rico fit in, how his drive and focus were valued and wanted. They would take up arms and fight right alongside Rico or any of their brethren.
Freddie also noticed that while Gloom was a little baffled by Torrent’s constant touches and proximity, he was also interested. Whereas Doom, who returned to the room a few minutes ago, tensed whenever Jazz smiled at him or came close, the big pouvoir a bit alarmed and a lot unsure. Yet he was unable to take his eyes off Jazz. Freddie was also pretty sure Jazz either had a natural happy high or he’d smoked something. He grinned and devoured his tea and cookies, ready and willing to fight.
Chapter Eleven
Keeping his thoughts behind a massive mind block, Rico had an uneasy feeling. There was no vibe, word, or action, but definitely a scent. Someone here scented like one of the crāwan who had run his Jeep off the road in Sweden. Because of this, Rico kept parts to himself and spoke to his brother mind to mind.
“Daray, discreetly place blocks on mine, Freddie’s, yours, Uri’s, and Torrent’s minds.”
Last night he’d shared the globe information with them, and Torr had been in Rico’s mind. What Torrent learned was passed on to the rest of the family. If anyone in this room was not who they were appearing to be, they may be able to read thoughts and find out more than Rico wanted.
“Of course, brother. We’ll discuss later what you have withheld.”
Making as though to pour Freddie another tea, Dark rose, collected the pot, and, in the process, discreetly slid a finger across Freddie’s forehead. Via their blood link, Dark did not have to touch Torr, Uri, and Rico to place the blocks.
“What’s the plan?” Talent demanded.
Rico got up and went to the three white boards. “Punk, you have the creative magic, right?”
“Sure do. Me and my cousin Doom.”
“Mind creating me up a detailed map of Oslo?”
“No prob, Rico Dragon.” Punk, Guard of Peace, jumped up and took a pen. “Doom, come create with me.”
Doom didn’t look at anyone, just took a whiteboard pen and waited till Punk began on one board before drawing on another. The two creatives met in the exact spot, joining roads, buildings, and water on the middle board. It was amazing to watch.
“Thanks.” Rico picked up a pen
, paused, and turned to Safine Maroni, leader born. “Safine, need your planning skills.”
“Whatever is needed.”
Rico made this quick and brief. “Defenders and guards need to be around the city blocking crāwan access. As I’m not sure how long it’ll take me to break the code and seal over the parchment, each one was different, a diversion may be needed to keep the crāwan occupied and away from where I’ll be. That part you lot can orchestrate.”
“And where exactly will you be, Rico?” Safine Leader inquired, studying the three boards.
There was no way around it and, with his idea, no need to hide the location. Stepping close to the board, he crouched a little and placed a circle on a small island just off the coast of Oslo.
“Here. There is an old monastery on Hovedøya. In this building is the parchment. I have to go in at night as the monastery has tours throughout the day. Safine, you’ll have to set it up to keep the crāwan from knowing I am on Hovedøya.”
“Could cause a disturbance or use illusions,” Zenobia, a guard of heavens, suggested.
“Good plan, Zenny. Crāwan have been scouring the city and outlying areas since you left Oslo, Rico. I think you’re right. Someone tipped them off, and they know the parchment is there, or believe the globe is.” Safine was already making notes on the board.
“Excuse me.” Gloom vanished.
Torr spluttered out his coffee. “What the Hells!”
“Leave him be,” Doom grunted.
Torrent didn’t look happy, and Rico couldn’t blame his cousin for that. He’d be a bit upset if Freddie just vanished. Rico winced, understanding more of Freddie’s annoyance at him.
“Hang on.” Kaimi Akana straightened in his seat. “You said you’ve been searching for centuries. When did you first begin?”
Rico shrugged. “I was told about the globe when I was a babe, and then, when I was ten, Nester said I was the one to search for it.”
“That’s why you distanced yourself all this time?” Talent asked.
“I was protecting my family and brethren.” Rico was weary of explaining himself. “Anyone who knew I figured out the first clue at twelve would use my family, and any of the brethren as a tool.”
Mace’s blonde brows rose, and she smirked. “Little defensive there. Is your family giving you a hard time perhaps?”
He grunted a growl.
After a little discussion and a lot of planning, Rico left the finer details to Safine to discuss with everyone. It was decided they would collect the last parchment piece at four this afternoon when the island was no longer filled with tourists. He was excited, his mind shuffling over. Soon the globe would be retrieved and returned to where it would be kept safe and out of crāwan hands. Then the mission was over for him.
For a moment he was unsure how this would work out for him. His entire life was devoted to finding the globe, keeping the world safe, and now his task was very nearly completed and he had no idea what to do.
Freddie’s scent filled him. Yes, he had an even better future ahead, with Freddie and readjusting to pouvoir life.
* * * *
Rico was certain the scent in the meeting matched that of a crāwan who had run him off the road, his dragon instinct ringing an alarm. The scent was also stronger, making him think that someone in the meeting had very recently brushed up against the crāwan.
Or the scent could actually belong to a brethren. He hadn’t wanted to think that, to consider that the night he was run off the road and chased through the forest one of his kind was there, involved in either trying to capture or murder him. Most of those here he knew.
Whoever it was, the scent was covered. He couldn’t identify who it was and there could be a mix of potions and magic, which Rico was well versed in, as he’d spent years covering himself when amongst other supernaturals and humans.
Arriving home, Rico gave a start.
Home? He hadn’t thought of the castle as home in years. But this was home, his family’s ancestral home. That made him happy.
Draping an arm over Freddie’s shoulders, he followed the others into the living room.
“What do you think of the castle, love?”
“It needs a dozen coats of paint.” Freddie grinned, sherry eyes lighting up. “It’s the coolest!”
“It kind of is, isn’t it?” Rico chuckled. “I’d forgotten how I loved this place. So, want to redecorate our suite with me?”
Freddie stopped and, surprising Rico, gave his shoulder a hard push, knocking Rico back a step.
“Ow.”
“Really? That’s how you ask me to live with you? That’s worse than when Maryann asked Liesl, saying they could save for a trip to Paris if they cohabitated!”
Rico rubbed his shoulder, trying not to grin. His mate hadn’t said no.
“I think Maryann’s sounds worse.” Callum walked by with a large bowl of corn chips and precariously holding a large jar of salsa. “Not much though.”
They followed Callum into the living room
“I am fortunate to have you, Daray Loyalty.” Rico spoke via their family link.
“Thank you, my brother. I feel the same about you, Callum, and all our family.”
Rico looked around as Torrent took the dip from Callum and Hales raced off to get carrot sticks. Dark was here, but not Uri Golden.
“Where’s Golden?”
“It is his fishing time with Matthias.”
Ah yes, Uriel did like visiting his outcaste friends at the far end of Tarok lands and going fishing with Matthias, a wise old imp.
“I’m going to need some weapons.” Freddie checked his new phone. “We only have a few hours, so we need to get ready.”
“We have a room stocked with whatever you need,” Callum offered.
“Any sprite tranquilizers?” Freddie asked hopefully.
“Nope. But Golden makes his own. You can use those.” Torrent grabbed some chips. “Imp ones.”
“They’re okay, I suppose. Not as good as sprite, but they’ll do in a pinch.”
Torrent chuckled. “Don’t let Golden hear you say that. My mate’s here. Open the shield, Darkness.”
A moment later Gloom appeared in the room and looked around curiously.
Rico was happy for his cousin. Torrent had never wavered from family and kind. He’d raised Hales after his parents passed and looked out for his family and others. When Rico’s and Torrent’s parents died in a terrible battle thirty years ago, they’d banded together, helping each other through the horrible loss while raising Hales and Callum. Rico had the globe mission, but he’d been here every day for his family. Over time as Callum and Hales grew, his focus returned to his mission.
Torrent reverently ran a hand over Gloom’s long raven hair.
“Who’s that?” Callum asked.
“Executioner! Hey, Torrent hasn’t done anything wrong!” Hales’ wings rose, and he flew toward Torrent and Gloom.
“Hales! It’s okay!” Torrent moved in front of his mate to protect him as Hales’ hand came up, ready to attack. “Ze’ev is my mate.”
Hales stopped in midair and landed on his feet. “Mate?”
Torrent smiled and, taking Gloom’s hand, drew him forward. “Ze’ev, this is Hali Corliss Tarok Arkman, we call him Hales. My brother. And this is Callum Caden Arkman Tarok, my cousin. This is my mate, Ze’ev Leung.”
Hales grinned from ear to ear and swiftly told them about how he’d heard of Gloom and how stoked he was to have him as a brother. Callum hugged Torrent and smiled a greeting at Gloom.
“Welcome to the family.”
“I am pleased to have a new brother and cousins. I have a brother. He is Rico and Darkness’ generation. I also have a sister. She is thirty…” Gloom’s features shifted from serene to sad.
“Ling. She was at the palace,” Freddie said as Torrent drew his mate against him.
“I know Ling and Henri.” Hales smiled then realized Dark was glowering at him. “Oh, ah, yeah, well I wanted to see the
palace…”
“You graffitied a wall,” Torrent chided. “We’re going to discuss your sneaking into the palace. Rico suggested college. I am going to enforce it.”
“Oh, man,” Hales puffed.
Gloom’s momentary sadness passed, and they chatted. Rico’s thoughts returned to the mission.
“I would amp up the shields and advise Leader and Talent.”
“Yes, and we must be more aware that, this afternoon, we walk into a fully prepared enemy,” Torrent said.
“Then let’s throw them off guard by heading out an hour earlier.”
Dark’s dark brows rose. “At three?”
“Yep. They’re expecting four, but if we head in an hour earlier, we remove a great deal of the threat. I’m thinking if Freddie and I go in as a couple of tourists, you, Golden, Torr and Gloom, Doom and Jazz, if they’re up for it, could hide inside the building’s closed areas. By creating a few illusions and using abilities, like Torr with his mind ability, Uri’s goblin magic, my project, your mesmerizing, Dark, we should be able to steer anyone away from discovering what we’re up to. Worked right, we’ll be out before the crāwan get into position or notice us.”
“We will not discover who the betrayer is, but then, we may not if we go by the original plan.”
“No. Any problems, you can always call out those you trust,” Torrent said.
Dark was quiet a moment. “Then we go at three.”
“Ze’ev and I are going to pop out for an hour or so. Hales, stay here, no sneaking out. You all right to keep an eye on him, Dark?” Torrent didn’t wait for a response, teleporting away with Gloom.
“That’s good to see,” Rico murmured.
“I’m stunned. Did you know the Leungs have black magic? Freaky powerful stuff! And their cousin, who they call Punk, has lots of different magic and essences,” Hales exclaimed.
They remained for half an hour in the living room then went through the weapons, Freddie scrutinizing every sword, dagger, gun, axe, and potion. After, Rico and Freddie went to their suite.
Rico knew that Freddie would be going with him to collect the parchment piece, but he was worried. He trusted Freddie, believed in his mate’s skills. That didn’t mean he wouldn’t worry. But after all they’d been through, Rico was glad Freddie would be there beside him.
