by TR Cameron
There must have been a formal reception earlier.
The woman offered her a warm smile. “Hello, Champion.”
Usha grinned. “It’s been too long since I’ve been called that.”
Her guide gestured for her to join her and turned to walk down the long corridor toward the interior of the palace. “Perhaps we are nearing the time when you will return to the city?”
She shrugged. “That, as always, is up to our ruler. How is she doing?”
“Perfectly, as ever.” Something in the woman’s tone caught her ear, and she stopped walking and touched her arm. Gwyn halted as well.
Usha looked around to be sure no one was present to overhear and asked, “Really?”
The seneschal nodded. “There are challenges, as there always are. The houses are squabbling.”
She smiled. “To the Empress’s distinct pleasure, no doubt.”
The older woman laughed and started to walk again. “But of course. Anything that pulls problems away from her strengthens us all. Which, as I understand it, is why you’re still living on the surface.”
“Indeed. We are about to take a pivotal step in securing the city. That’s the main reason I’m here.”
“Do tell.” Her voice was neutral but Usha heard the demand behind it. Shenni had told her more than once to trust Gwyn completely and she’d had no reason yet to doubt that command.
“I hope the Empress will provide us with Enforcers to strike a fatal blow at the heart of our enemy.”
“Caliste Leblanc?”
“No, the girl is a tangential issue at the moment.” She laughed. “I refer to the gang that opposes our expansion.”
“Ahh. Well. You may find that our ruler does not agree with your assessment of Matriarch Leblanc.”
She frowned as they turned the corner that led to the Empress’s secluded work area away from the throne room and the other public areas of the palace. Once the guards who protected the section were out of earshot, she asked, “Why is that?”
Gwyn shrugged. “She is making herself known in New Atlantis. Firstly, she declared against the Malniets. Since then, she has fraternized with the Jehenel patriarch. Finally, she soundly defeated an attack from Cormier. The girl appears to be as troublesome as her parents were.”
Usha shook her head. “I handled that situation. If needed, I’ll handle this one as well.”
They reached the door and the seneschal opened it for her. “The Empress will be with you in a moment.”
She stepped inside the office and the other woman closed the door behind her. While she could never conclusively identify how the seneschal knew what Shenni wanted, she assumed it was probably mind-to-mind contact of some kind.
Or other magic. Our ruler has access to all our records so who knows what she’s discovered? Most of her believed that if secrets were found, they would be shared with her in order to increase her effectiveness. One smaller part doubted, though, and that portion of her consciousness grew more vocal with each passing day.
Her musings were interrupted by the arrival of the Empress. Shenni wore light robes in a rich shade of blue that varied like shadows in the deep ocean and she had eschewed makeup. Her ropy locks were piled atop her head and bound in cords with shells adorning them. She looked less calm than usual and less in command of herself. As she lowered herself into her chair, she pointed to the decanter on her desk and Usha poured two glasses. Her ruler drank and she did the same.
Shenni sighed. “Sword training.” She shook her head. “This job is too sedentary and the captain of my guard seems to relish the opportunity to strike me. Damnable woman.”
The gang leader laughed. “Now that sounds like a great way to spend your day, Empress. Far more useful than sitting on the throne and dealing with matters of state.”
The woman grinned. “I couldn’t agree more. I realized I needed the exhaustion that a good daily workout would supply. Plus, although regaining my skills will take time, it has been a pleasure to feel the weight of a blade in my hand, even a practice one.”
“Perhaps we should have a bout sometime?”
“Against a champion of New Atlantis?” The Empress laughed. “Hardly. I’m not in your league at the moment. I probably never was.” She wasn’t wrong. Where Usha’s skills tended toward the martial end of the spectrum, Shenni’s occupied the other side, the subtle knife rather than the drawn sword. “Anyway, what can I do for you today, Usha?”
“My Empress, I have come with good news. We are about to deliver two blows to decimate our rival gang in New Orleans. Once we have done so, the city will be yours for the taking as I promised.”
The ruler frowned. “Indeed? Is that the most pressing issue at the moment?”
Usha stilled her features to avoid displaying the surprise that rippled through her. “I believe so—unless there has been a change of priority that I am unaware of?”
“What of Caliste Leblanc?” she asked and abruptly changed the subject.
“She has won another battle and has requested a meeting with us to discuss ending the ritual.”
Empress Shenni leaned forward and tipped more rum into her glass. “Has she now? That is interesting. Very interesting. What are your intentions?”
Usha shrugged. “I had planned to speak to her, nothing more. I assumed you wished for us to keep her busy so that has been our objective. Well, and killing her, of course, within the rules—which has, admittedly, proven problematic.”
Her ruler sighed and leaned back to stare at the ceiling. “I feel we are on the cusp of a moment of change but I can’t identify what will happen. It’s vexing. The girl is a part of it, without question. But so is House Malniet and possibly Jehenel.”
The gang leader ventured a smile. “I have heard that the patriarch of that house has been seen at the palace now and then, Empress.”
Shenni chuckled as she straightened again. “Rumors are useful, sometimes. He is connected to both Matriarch Leblanc and I, which is sure to confuse those who might consider action.” She shook her head. “But something more is going on. I can’t determine what it is but I know it’s there. My spymaster feels the same.”
“What would you have me do, Empress? I am, as ever, your devoted servant.”
“That is the question, isn’t it? Unfortunately, I don’t yet have an answer. But when I do, you should be prepared to act without delay.”
Usha nodded. “Of course.” Inwardly, her concern that she’d done something to offend her ruler reached a higher level.
“So, what do you need for your grand effort against your rivals?” Shenni asked. Her tone was neither fully dismissive nor sarcastic, but she heard hints of both in her ruler’s words.
“The usual, Empress. People—fighters, specifically. The first part of our plan will be easily accomplished with those I already have. But when we make our final strike, I would like to ensure that we have overwhelming force at our disposal.”
The slow shake of Shenni’s head was a spike of ice in her stomach. “No, I don’t believe I can do that at this pivotal moment. My people are needed here to defend against whatever situation may be about to break. I’m afraid you’ll need to handle this one on your own, Usha. That shouldn’t be hard for the Champion of New Atlantis.” When Gwyn had used the title, it had sounded like a compliment. Now, it made her feel small.
“Yes, Empress,” she muttered.
Seemingly oblivious to the reaction she’d inspired, the woman waved her hand. “Go and return with word of your success.” She had reclined to stare at the ceiling again and stayed in that position as Usha backed out of the room. Once the door had closed, she released the breath she’d held to keep herself from speaking.
“Champion, are you well?” Gwyn asked.
“Don’t call me that.” She turned and walked toward the exit.
Fine. If I have to bring the whole damn gang down with my own two hands, that’s what I’ll do.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Danna drummed he
r fingers on the table while she waited for the others to arrive. The lightweight suit she’d selected for the meeting was warmer than she’d prefer but she resisted the urge to pull at the collar of her shirt. It had been her decision to arrive at Cafe du Monde first to check the surroundings, and several members of her gang held position around the site. Across the street, Caliste Leblanc’s friend did his magic routine. She was still upset that the gang member tasked with hurting him had managed to kill someone else. Neither the death nor the mistarget had been in her plans. The trap had almost caught the girl though.
And that was the key where she was concerned. Almost, almost, and almost again. But we change and adapt.
Today, she thought they’d get things going on the right track. When she’d shared the information about the blade that her alleged informant had provided with Usha, the other woman had been almost gleeful at the opportunity to ensnare the matriarch into the first move against the Zatoras. Now, it was merely a matter of selling the idea to Caliste.
She wore an earbud with a channel to her sentries and was far from shocked when one reported that the Draksa had been located atop the Cathedral. That had been expected, and it was better for everyone if all the players were out in the open. The girl appeared from around the corner in her customary jean shorts, boots, and t-shirt. Danna grinned at the sight of the last item, as she was also a fan of The Pretty Reckless and eagerly awaited their new album.
That’s something we have in common. We might as well become friends. She snorted and muttered a command into the wire that connected the earbud to her phone.
Caliste took the seat across from her and she offered her a grin. “Welcome, Matriarch. There’s no need to dress up for us or anything.”
The girl nodded. “Good. I’m glad to hear it. Where’s your boss?”
“On her way. Where’s your dragon?”
She chuckled. “Nearby, and I’m sure you already had the answer to that question, exactly like I know the last member of our party is walking down the street right now.” She twisted and pulled her red hair back to reveal the earpiece she wore.
Danna laughed and lifted her iced coffee to her lips. Locals would consider it sacrilege but she simply couldn’t do hot drinks in the sun. Not now and not ever. Usha rounded the corner in a multicolored dress that showed a fair amount of skin but nonetheless conveyed an air of power and mastery. Her boss sat in the chair beside her and kept the table as a separator between opposing sides.
Cali nodded. “Usha.”
“Matriarch Leblanc.”
The girl rolled her eyes. “Must we?”
The Atlantean leader chuckled. “No, I suppose we mustn’t. Cali.”
“So, how about we let this whole ritual combat process slide, hmm?”
Usha shook her head. “I can’t do it. But I have a counteroffer that might interest you in place of that request.”
Caliste sighed and looked tired for an instant before she assumed a blank expression. “And what would that be?”
“We know where another fragment of your house sword is,” Danna replied. “And we have important information. It’ll soon disappear.”
She straightened in her chair. “Are you threatening to make it disappear?”
Usha lifted a hand with the palm out. “No, nothing of the sort. In this, we have a common enemy. Rion Grisham has the sword at his mansion.”
The girl frowned and folded her arms. “Tell me something I don’t know.”
“We will, but it counts as your boon,” the second in command answered. “Otherwise, ask something else and we’ll certainly consider the request.” She gave an appropriately condescending grin, merely to play with her.
Leblanc growled with undisguised irritation. “This is so stupid. Fine. Tell me, and we’ll call the last battle even.”
Usha smiled and in the expression, Danna saw the pleasure she took in the pieces of her plan falling together so neatly. “We have a source—one who saved my life the other night from a Zatora attack. Grisham plans to go underground and leave the mansion for more secure territory. You’re about to lose your chance to get the blade.”
She couldn’t hide the alarm in her eyes, although she did a decent job of keeping her feelings out of her expression. “When?”
“Tomorrow. If you don’t take it tonight, you probably never will.”
She and Fyre sprinted from the tavern basement into the common room and startled Janice, who was finishing with the Tuesday lunch crowd. The girl almost dropped her tray but managed to catch it, and Cali was pretty sure she saw Zeb’s fingers move.
I bet he can do telekinesis too, dammit.
Cali climbed on the stool, and he delivered a cider to her and leaned on the bar. “What’s going on?”
After a sip, she shook her head. “Wait for Tanyith. He’ll be here soon and I’ll only have to tell the story once.”
He clapped briskly. “Oh, this is a good one, then. I can’t wait.” His voice was such that she couldn’t identify if it was kidding or mocking, which was something she always appreciated in him. Both she and the Draksa enjoyed a meal of stew until finally, her partner entered through the main door.
She spun in the chair. “What took you so long?”
He rolled his eyes. “I was across town and sleeping when you texted. I had to shower to wake up.”
“Slacker.”
He sat beside her. “Okay, what’s so urgent?”
“Grisham is moving out of the mansion tonight and going underground. I guess he might leave someone else in charge of the day to day?” She shrugged. “I’m not sure what it means for the gang as a whole, but it means a whole lot for my ability to get the shard I need.”
Tanyith frowned. “And how do you know this?”
She sighed. “From the Atlanteans. We had our sit-down.” He looked like he intended to chide her and she added, “Fyre was close. It was fine. But there’s no reason not to believe them. Anything bad for him is good for them, and if we attack his house before he leaves, it would probably count as bad in his book.”
Zeb leaned closer with a concerned frown. “Okay, this might only be random coincidence, but when the Zatoras targeted Vizidus, someone said it was a farewell from Grisham. Maybe this is what they meant.”
Tanyith folded his arms. “This is as suspicious as hell, people. You do see that, right? The Atlanteans already know you’re looking for pieces of weapons and they used that against you before. Why do you think this is any different?”
Cali shook her head. “I don’t. There’s undoubtedly a layer of something going on that’s still hidden. But it doesn’t change anything. We need to retrieve the shard eventually. I planned to do it later since we knew its location, but I don’t see any particular reason to wait. We’ll simply do it first.”
“And tick off the entire Zatora organization when we attack their mansion again.”
She resisted the urge to slam her fists on the bar and finished her cider instead while she considered her reply. “Look. I get it. I totally get it. But even if it is a trap, if there’s any truth to it, I have to recover the shard before it vanishes. Otherwise, Atreo will never be free.”
Tanyith ran his hands through his hair like he wanted to pull it out of his scalp. “We could find the piece again.”
“Can you guarantee that? A life literally depends upon it.”
“No. Of course not.” He sighed. “But this is a bad, bad idea, Cali.”
“I know. But will you do it with me?”
He gave a hopeless sounding laugh. “Yeah. Definitely.”
Zeb seemed about to offer but she shook her head. “No, it’ll only be the three of us. We’re already on their…uh, bad list. You have some deniability left. And if we are arrested or something, we’ll need you to bail us out.”
And if I don’t make it, I’ll need you to break the news to Emalia.
He nodded slowly. “Okay. But you have to talk the whole plan through in front of me and then, we’ll see how to impr
ove it. And if you get in trouble, portal here where I can assist you.”
“Agreed.”
The dwarf shook his head. “I’ll also put the council on alert. The boy’s right—this sounds like a trap and it could easily be part of something bigger.” He departed to the corner of the bar and seemed to talk to the air like he had done before.
Tanyith gestured at him with his chin and asked, “What is with that?”
She shook her head. “Obviously not telepathy. Maybe it’s like verbal text messages among old magicals? I don’t know but I’ve seen him do it before when the council was involved.”
He chuckled. “I doubt he’d appreciate being called old.”
“I call ʼem as I see ʼem. He makes you look almost young, which is really saying something.” She recalled the early insults Barton had thrown at him about dating someone as young as Cali. “But I still won’t go out with you.”
He grinned. “That’s good. Kendra would probably shoot you.”
Cali brightened. “Hey, we have the stun guns from Diana. Maybe I could try one on her.”
“Behave. But taking them along tonight is a great idea.”
She nodded and stood on the footrest of her chair to peer over the bar. “What do you think, buddy? It’s almost certainly a trap, but should we do it anyway?”
Fyre raised his head to look her in the eye, nodded deliberately, and put it down and closed his eyes. She sat with a laugh. “See, he’s already preparing.”
Tanyith chuckled. “Too bad we all can’t sleep that much, right?”
“We’ll sleep once New Orleans is no longer under the thumbs of the Atlanteans, the Zatoras, or whoever else wants to mess with our town.”
“Don’t forget New Atlantis.”
“Right. There, too. But maybe a nap between.” Her spirits soared and confidence flowed through her.
All right, Atreo, brother mine. We’ll take another step in the right direction tonight.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
