by J. C. Diem
“No one would be dumb enough to bet against you then,” I figured.
His expression became troubled and he looked around to make sure no one was within hearing distance. “No one remembers the fights, or sleeping with me for very long,” he said in a near whisper. “They don’t remember much of anything,” he added glumly.
“But you remember,” I said shrewdly. “What sort of monster did you kill the first time we met?” I asked.
“It was a big stone hound,” he replied. “Why do I remember that?” he asked.
“For the same reason Azazel was able to possess you,” I told him. “A few Night Cursed are different from the rest. We have names and for some reason, we’re able to remember a lot of things.”
“Why did that demon possess me?” Frank asked next. “Why did he want me to kill that uncursed fairy?”
“I have no idea, but this isn’t the first time he’s done it,” I said darkly.
“Was he the one who possessed that evil clown who went nuts a while back?” Frank asked. “What was his name? Bozo?”
“Bonzo,” I corrected him, amazed that he remembered something that had happened a decade ago.
“Why did the Immortal Triumvirate order you to kill the clown instead of the demon?” Another thought occurred to him and he frowned. “You’re not going to try to kill me, are you?” he asked. His tone hinted that I wouldn’t succeed if I tried.
“No,” I replied firmly. “I don’t kill people who were used to do the dirty work of a demon.”
“But you killed Bonzo,” he pointed out.
“The clown was a serial killer who targeted helpless little girls even before he was possessed,” I replied. “Believe me, he deserved to die.” I looked at him and searched his eyes. “Have you hurt anyone, apart from your opponents in the tournaments?”
“Of course not!” Frank exclaimed. “I only fight people in the arena. When I’m not fighting, I’m at the tavern, drinking with my buddies, or at home with my latest conquest.” He grinned smugly after divulging that information.
I sensed he was telling the truth and I didn’t need a holy person to confirm it. “Then you have nothing to worry about,” I assured him. Even if the Triumvirate ordered me to kill him, I wouldn’t do it. He wasn’t guilty of any crimes that were punishable by death.
“I guess I should head back to the arena now,” Frank said.
“You won your fight against the unarmed, bamboozled fairy, so you get your pick of the beautiful women again, huh?” I asked.
He shrugged and gave me a wicked grin. “He could have used magic on me and I still would have won,” he said.
“Really?” I was intrigued by his backstory despite myself.
“I’m not capable of losing a fight,” he reminded me.
“So, if a fire breathing dragon turned up, you would win against it?”
“Of course,” he said smugly, then put his helmet back on. “I’m Sir Francis, the legendary knight.” He gave me a low bow, then a carriage pulled up in front of him. The shifter that was pulling it did a doubletake, then blew out a sigh. The poor weregoat probably wasn’t used to pulling a knight’s weight around.
I watched Frank’s carriage drive away, then started when Chesi brushed against me. Her small body circled me a couple of times to reassure me that she was keeping watch, then she zoomed away.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
THANKS TO AZAZEL’S penchant for possessing people, I’d run into a few civilians with backstories over the years. Each time he used someone to harm uncursed citizens, I was usually called in to put a stop to it pretty quickly. The sprite had been chosen to alert me this time. I had a sneaking suspicion the Immortal Triumvirate kept tabs on the demon. What they didn’t know was that I took the recently possessed to a church and had them outfitted with a cross. The holy symbol prevented demons from inhabiting their bodies a second time, so they couldn’t be used to do evil deeds again.
Every now and then, I checked up on the creatures and people who had been possessed. I had a mental list of them and added Sir Francis to it. Watching tournaments wasn’t something I had time for, but I’d heard rumors about him. There were a few King Arthurs, Sir Lancelots, Merlins, Lady Guineveres and other characters from that era, but they were like the celebrity impersonators. Their personalities were shallow and fake, just like the majority of cursed beings.
I pondered about the differences between those of us with backstories and the rest of our kin during my patrol. A carriage carried me to the Shifter District and I climbed out to walk. Azazel only used human Night Cursed to attack his targets. There were a few monsters with backstories, but he hadn’t possessed any of them yet.
The thought that Azazel was possessing my kind and using them to attack the uncursed to cause friction wouldn’t go away. Demons had their own agendas and they were evil incarnate. It wouldn’t surprise me if Azazel had been tasked with making the uncursed hate and fear my kind. I usually evicted him from his host when there were minimal witnesses. Most were Night Cursed, so they would forget about it anyway. It was a puzzle why he’d chosen such a public place to attack the uncursed fairy.
The answer to that question came the following night when I received a message from the unholy trinity. Usually, I felt a sense of excitement when the magical letters arrived. In the past, the evil monsters and bad guys who I was sent to kill deserved their fate. This time, I knew my target was innocent.
Quilla and Marigold banged on my door a few moments after I finished reading the letter. I let them in and my besties were distraught instead of happy. “This is an outrage!” Marigold said. Her bosom was heaving and her cheeks were flushed bright red. She’d crumpled her letter in her fist and shook it at me. “You cannot execute Sir Francis! He’s a legendary knight!” The letter vanished, leaving her empty handed.
“I’m not going to kill him,” I said soothingly. “I was there when he attacked the fairy and I know it wasn’t his fault.”
“You can’t refuse an order from the Immortal Triumvirate,” Quilla said in a disturbed tone. “Everyone in Nox will be watching. You can’t humiliate our leaders by not obeying their command.”
“We should demand a trial,” Marigold said craftily. “You won’t be forced to execute Sir Francis if he can prove his innocence.”
“That’s a good idea,” I said, grasping onto it like it was a lifeline. “I just hope he hasn’t done anything that deserves a death sentence,” I added.
“Do you know Sir Francis?” Quilla asked.
“Not really. He beheaded the stone hound that Crowmon created, but I just met him formally last night,” I replied.
“Sir Francis was the knight who helped you fight that dog?” Quilla asked.
“Yeah. Didn’t I mention that part?” I replied.
“No, you didn’t,” Marigold said in disapproval that I’d withheld such a juicy detail.
“I didn’t realize he was like us when he rode to the rescue, so it didn’t seem important to mention his name,” I said in self-defense.
“You can’t hope to win against Sir Francis if you have to fight him,” Marigold said pityingly.
“Why not?” Quilla asked.
“He has a backstory,” I told her. “He always wins his fights, which means he can’t possibly lose. Not even against me.”
“He’s a legend,” Marigold reminded us again.
“Someone’s got a crush,” the gypsy said teasingly.
Marigold’s cheeks flushed even brighter. She cast a glance at the door to make sure it was still shut. Her boyfriend would be waiting for her downstairs. “I admire a man in a suit of armor,” she admitted sheepishly. “But I would never betray the love of my life.”
“It’s okay to fantasize,” Quilla said with a grin. “We all do it.”
“Getting back on track,” I said. “We need to make sure Frank gets a fair trial.”
“Frank?” Marigold said, wrinkling her nose. “He’s suddenly lost some of his appeal.”
<
br /> “Leave the trial to me,” Quilla said. “I’ll whisper into a few ears and see if I can arrange it.”
“We’ll ensure Sir Francis will escape from this injustice,” Marigold declared and put her hand on the pommel of her rapier. She was high spirited and spoke with conviction. I liked her a lot, but I figured she would be exhausting to live with. Jasper was head over heels in love with her, though. They were a perfect couple, just like Quilla and Steve and Travis and I were.
We had an hour before we needed to be at the City Square. For once, I wasn’t hungry, so I skipped dinner. My stomach was churning too much for me to try to eat. Quilla and Marigold left with their boyfriends ahead of me. They wanted to get to the square early so they could set their plans into motion.
When it was time for me to leave, I caught a carriage to the City Square. It was crowded with Night Cursed beings. Only the zombies, ghouls and armed skeletons were absent. They were securely locked up in their cemeteries. Even the ghosts had been called to watch the events that were about to transpire. The specters passed through the living, leaving them shuddering at their cold, spectral touch.
Sir Francis wouldn’t have received a letter summoning him to the square. I figured he would know what was going on when he arrived at the arena to see it was empty. Right now, he would be in Tournament Town, probably expecting my arrival so we could have an epic fight. Not even I was sure what the outcome of a battle between us would be.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
AS ALWAYS, THE IMMORTAL Triumvirate stood on the platform that had been magically erected for them. It had been placed in front of the fountain. This week, the fountain had statues of half-naked mermaids lying seductively on sharp rocks. A ship full of doomed sailors was sailing towards their demise.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Lord Dallinar said. His voice was magically enhanced so everyone could hear him. The uncursed would be sent the images straight to their heads, as would we once the hunt began. “A rogue Night Cursed citizen by the name of Sir Francis has attacked and wounded an uncursed fairy,” he went on, tone turning dark that one of his kind had been targeted.
“This knight must be punished for his crimes!” Lord Kreaton said.
“No Night Cursed beings are allowed to harm the uncursed,” Lord Graham growled. “The offense is punishable by death!”
“Sir Francis is a legendary knight!” someone called out from the crowd. “He’s honorable and he wouldn’t attack an uncursed civilian!” Shouts of agreement sounded.
“Bring Sir Francis to us, my lords,” a priest said as a group of holy men and women stepped forward. They were flanked by several angels.
“We will determine the truth of this matter,” a nun added.
The Triumvirate exchanged annoyed looks. Clearly, they hadn’t expected anyone to question their verdict. “Send for the knight,” Lord Dallinar grudgingly ordered a couple of FBI and CIA agents. “Have him brought before us,” he added.
“That won’t be necessary, my lord!” a voice called out. Sir Francis clanked into view as the crowd parted for him. “I willingly submit myself to be questioned by the holy men and women of Nox.” He went down to both knees, using his unsheathed sword for balance.
I moved closer and came to a stop next to Frank. We both knew better than to let on that we remembered each other. As a legendary knight, his name would be known by at least some of the population. I was even more famous and everyone knew who I was.
“Did you or did you not attack and wound an uncursed fairy last night?” one of the priests asked.
“I did, but I didn’t attack him on purpose, father,” Frank replied.
“He speaks the truth,” a nun intoned and whispers of hope swept through the throng.
“Why did you attack him?” a monk asked.
“A demon forced me to,” Frank said. This time, the whispers were disturbed.
“How did this demon force you to attack the uncursed fairy?” an angel demanded. Her eyes flashed with holy rage.
“He possessed my body against my will,” the knight said.
“He speaks the truth,” a priest decided. “This knight is not responsible for the attack on the uncursed fairy. The demon who used his body is the one who must be punished.”
Frank’s back straightened in relief at that pronouncement. I was glad he’d been cleared of guilt. The last person I wanted to fight was a warrior who wasn’t capable of losing. Our battle would probably be endless.
“Based on this information, we have no choice but to rescind the order of execution for this knight,” Lord Dallinar declared sourly. Relieved murmurs sounded at that decision.
“I guess you’ll be giving me the order to hunt down and kill the demon who possessed Sir Francis now,” I called out, knowing full well no such order would be forthcoming.
“The demon must be punished,” the female angel said and received nods of agreement from her holy kin. “We will scour the catacombs and bring the perpetrator to justice!”
“That won’t be necessary,” Lord Kreaton said hastily before the host of furious angels could fly away and embark on their task.
“We will deal with this matter,” Lord Graham added. Lord Dallinar kept his mouth shut, since he was fae and he couldn’t lie.
The holy men and women exchanged concerned glances when they picked up on the untruth. They knew nothing would be done, but they would also forget all about this. Only a handful of us would recall this night, as well as every uncursed being who had magically watched the event.
“You may all return to your normal business now,” Lord Dallinar said pompously. With a wave of his hand, he zapped himself and his allies away. The platform vanished moments later.
Frank rose to his feet and accepted the congratulations of his fans. I caught his eye and nodded surreptitiously towards the carriages that were lined up, ready to carry their passengers home or to their workplaces.
“I’ll handle this, my dear,” Jasper whispered to me on his way past. “Sir Francis, I’m sure you could use a stiff drink after your close brush with death,” he said.
“Quim!” Gip squawked and flapped his wings in apparent disgust at the invitation.
Frank blinked at the bird through his helmet. “What did it just say?” he asked.
“Don’t mind Gip,” Jasper said and held out his hand. “I’m Captain Jasper Shortbeard. Come with me and I’ll introduce you to the finest whiskey Nox has to offer.”
Frank looked over at me and I nodded. “I prefer beer, but I guess I can try your whiskey,” he agreed and shook the pirate’s hand. He saw Marigold and leered at her. “Who’s this lovely lady?” he asked.
“I’m Lady Marigold,” she replied. Her cheeks went red when he eyed her cleavage appreciatively.
“Marigold is my ladylove,” Jasper said and put his arm around her waist to claim her as they headed for a carriage.
“Twat!” Gip spat. Marigold casually leaned forward and backhanded the parrot. Jasper caught him and held the unconscious bird in the crook of his arm.
“I have a feeling this is going to be a memorable night,” Frank said as he climbed into the carriage with them.
Travis, Quilla and Steve had been watching their exchange from afar. My boyfriend said something to his nurses, then climbed into a carriage with my bestie and her main squeeze.
I took a third carriage and we all headed to our warehouse. Chesi joined me when I climbed out once we reached our destination. The little dragon wasn’t about to miss out on this meeting.
Chapter Forty
CHESI AND I WERE THE last to arrive. We stepped through the door to see the others had already made themselves comfortable. The introductions had been made during my absence. Sir Francis was perched on a wooden bench that had appeared via magic. His metal armor would have been too heavy for the couches and armchairs to bear, but the bench was sturdy enough to take his weight. He’d taken his helmet and gauntlets off and they sat on the floor beside him. Like every other cursed being who ha
d a backstory that I’d met so far, his black tattoo was on the back of his left hand.
Travis held his hand out and I went to him. I sank down onto his lap and Chesi leaned over to rub her face against his.
“Is it just my imagination, or do you have an invisible creature wrapped around you?” Frank asked.
“It isn’t your imagination, Sir Knight,” Jasper said as he handed our guest a snifter of whiskey in a crystal tumbler. Gip had come to, but he was swaying a little and seemed a bit dazed.
“No one else knows about Chesi,” I said. “She’s not supposed to be in Nox.”
“What is she?” he asked. He downed the whiskey in one gulp, then his eyes bulged and he struggled not to cough it back up. “That’s got quite a kick to it,” he gasped.
Captain Shortbeard grinned and poured more whiskey from a decanter into the tumbler. “It’s the best whiskey in Nox,” he reminded the knight.
“Chesi is an air elemental,” Quilla said in response to Frank’s question. She and Steve sat on the couch with Marigold sitting next to them. Jasper poured wine for everyone else, then handed out the glasses and sat next to his beloved.
“Who are you people?” Frank asked, eyeing us in turn. “Are you some kind of secret society or something?” Although he dressed like a medieval knight, he spoke like a modern man. He had a backstory, which meant he had more personality than most of our kind. The Night Cursed were usually fairly predictable and almost one dimensional. We were the opposite.
“We’re just a few friends who get together weekly for social gatherings,” Travis said. “Sometimes, we discuss things that we’ve seen or heard in Nox.”
Frank cut a look at me. “Things like people being possessed by a demon called Azazel?” he asked. “Things we shouldn’t even be able to remember happening?”
“Yeah,” I confirmed. “Things like that.”
“I’d like to do a reading for you,” Quilla said. “I have a feeling we’re going to learn something interesting.”
