“I am especially angry regarding her conduct in the sea,” A0-Chin, Dragon King of the Southern Ocean, declared with an open flare of temper. “I am on good terms with the Unda, and she has nearly destroyed our relationship because of her thoughtlessness. It will take perhaps centuries to regain my balance with them.”
That was likely true. Sevana eyed him sideways and made a mental note to catch him after this was done and speak with him. She might be able to work out a side deal to help him get back on the Unda’s good side, which would result in some interesting trade between the two of them. She wasn’t as good as Kip about spotting ideal moments for striking bargains, but this one was so obvious that even she could see it.
Zhang-Xian, God of Birth and Protector of Children, had both of his arms crossed over his massive chest and sported an expression darker than a thundercloud. He was also in black, oddly enough, and if Sevana hadn’t known better she would have thought him the God of Death just from his expression. He certainly looked ready to whip out the bow at his side and shoot something. “Jade Emperor, I frankly don’t trust Tian-Mu’s judgment anymore. I do not believe that we should leave her powers intact.”
Several gods voiced a ‘second’ to that and the Jade Emperor nodded instant agreement.
Tian-Mu slumped to the…ground? If clouds could be considered as such. She was splayed out in every direction, looking far from dignified, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Sevana was less than moved by the sight.
“I do not think that simply stripping her of her powers is sufficient, however,” Guan-Yin argued. “She should work to undo what she has done. She must face the consequences of her actions.”
The Jade Emperor turned and regarded Guan-Yi with a thoughtful expression. “I am inclined to agree. What would you have her do?”
“I think she should labor on Nanashi Isle. Should she not try to repair what she has destroyed?”
“Yes, let her work with her hands, as the humans do,” Yen-Lo-Wang agreed with an approving nod. “Then she will understand the value of what she has destroyed.”
“Immortality is not easily taken,” the Jade Emperor observed to no one in particular, “and I am not inclined to strip that from you as well, Tian-Mu. However, I think it should be modified. I have heard the counsel and I agree with their consensus. Ambassador Sevana.”
Sevana perked up instantly, sensing that things were coming to a close. “Yes?”
“It is the opinion of this counsel that for the crimes that Tian-Mu has committed, we will strip her of her powers as a goddess of lightning and command her to labor on Nanashi Isle. Along with laboring as a human, Tian-Mu shall be subject to the same perils of the flesh. She will suffer illnesses and injuries as they do. Only her life will be spared. Is this sufficient?”
From the way that Tian-Mu bawled, Sevana was inclined to think so. As a human being, it sounded a little harsh, but doable. But apparently to a dramatic goddess, it was the worst punishment imaginable. “Just one question. How long is she to labor?”
“A millennium,” the Jade Emperor decided. “She is restricted from meeting any other gods during that time, including her husband.” That made Tian-Mu actually scream in horror. Sevana, knowing how the woman felt about her husband, felt that was a nice touch on the Jade Emperor’s part. “At the end of that term, we will revisit the idea of making her a goddess again, assuming—” here he raised his voice and his eyes cut to the woman sobbing hysterically on the floor “—that she shows proper remorse and has learned from this.”
Tian-Mu choked back sobs and looked at him hopefully. “I can return to my husband’s side?”
“Perhaps. But you have much to repay, Tian-Mu.” And your current attitude is not helping you, his tone added.
Working with her hands for a straight millennia, without the escape of death, and without her goddess powers to help her, sounded like the perfect punishment to Sevana. She was inclined to think that the Unda would also find it fitting. “Jade Emperor, I cannot think of a more perfect punishment. There is one thing I would like to add, however.” Turning, she addressed Tian-Mu directly. “I bear a message from Curano, King of Living Waters. He warns you to never put any limb into the sea. If ever he feels your presence, you will lose that appendage.”
Tian-Mu stared hard at her and gulped.
Seeing that her message had gotten across, Sevana smiled at the Jade Emperor. “I will report your decision to the Unda monarchs. I thank you for your wisdom, and the guidance of the counsel.”
Most of the counsel breathed a not so subtle sigh of relief. Tian-Mu had angered them, but she was still one of theirs, and they likely felt some urge to protect her. Sevana could have demanded more, but in truth she didn’t think the Unda wanted to really destroy relations with them either. Better to keep things in balance.
“Then I declare this session at an end. Tian-Mu, follow me.” The Jade Emperor ducked down enough to whisper to Sevana, “I’ll take you down shortly, after I’ve dealt with her.”
“I understand, I’ll wait here.” Sevana paused only until his back was turned before striding quickly for A0-Chin. The Dragon King of the Sea was about to disappear when she caught him by the sleeve. “Wait, A0-Chin. I have a proposition for you.”
A0-Chin stopped mid-stride and turned to face her. “What matters do we have to discuss, Ambassador?”
“You said just now that you are very afraid that your relationship with the Unda will be damaged because of Tian-Mu. As you know, I am on good terms with them. I believe that I can negotiate between the two of you, smooth things over, so that you can be on good standing with them again.”
His blue eyes narrowed slightly. “Do you.”
“I have a sure-fire way of making them happy, you see. It’s the very way I managed to get two goddesses out of their territory even though they wanted to lynch Tian-Mu.”
“Is that so.” A0-Chin stroked his chin thoughtfully. “I am inclined to listen, Ambassador. Assuming that your method really will work in my case.”
“Oh, it’ll work,” Sevana assured him airily. She had to struggle to keep a shark-like smile off her face. “The question is this: what’s it worth to you?”
“I can’t believe you bargained with three different gods,” Aran said for what must have been the fourteenth time. “Just how ruthless are you?”
“Extremely,” Sevana said, puffing a strand of hair out of her eyes, “and will you get over that already? I’m a businesswoman, of course I’ll take advantage of the situation.” She sank back onto her heels and looked around her. The Jade Emperor had taken them back to Nanashi Isle, partially because she had left some of her equipment behind, partially because she had agreed to stay a little longer and tidy up the isle as much as she could before leaving completely. He was paying handsomely for her services so Sevana felt that she was getting the better end of the bargain.
After three days of working, she had declared an end to the matter, as there was nothing else that she could really do. The isle growing back and regaining its natural habitats and foliage would just take time. There was little that she could do to speed that process up. Besides, she had other things that were demanding her attention.
Three different gods had promised her a variety of very rare elements, all to be delivered to Big by the end of the week, and she needed to be there to receive them. Some of them were on the volatile side and would take careful handling and storage to preserve them. And to prevent Big from being blown sky-high. Plus she had fifteen children that were all ready to go to Living Waters, and from the desperate calls that Kip kept making, he was at his wit’s end trying to manage them all. It would behoove her to get back soon and transport them to their new home before her business partner really did follow through on his threat and resign.
Sevana carried a crate of things to Jumping Clouds, moored at the docks. As she walked, she noted that Nia Reign was once again lounging on the edge of the dock, her feet in the water, eyes glued to a labor
ing Tian-Mu. Sevana glanced back and saw that Tian-Mu was still weaving nets to replace the ones damaged.
The former Goddess of Lightning had definitely fallen from grace. Her silken robes were gone, replaced with hardy cotton clothes that already looked a little ragged. Her hair was thrown up in a simple bun at the top of her head, strands of hair already escaping, and she constantly cried as she worked, silent tears that streamed down her cheeks.
Aran paused alongside Sevana, shifting the crate in his hands up a little more. “One would be inclined to feel sympathy for her, seeing her like this.”
“Perhaps, but her tears aren’t ones of remorse.” That was clear even from here. “She’s just feeling sorry for herself. She really hasn’t learned anything from this. I now understand why the Jade Emperor assigned her to this state for a millennia. It’s going to take that long for her to figure it out.” With a shake of her head, she put the woman behind her and focused on loading up. “I’ve already spoken with all of the Unda monarchs, so that’s done. When we get home, I have new inventory to sort through, and the children, of course, to deliver. After that, though, shall we go hunt up your experts?”
“I’ll put out some inquiries as soon as we’re back at Big,” Aran promised, lifting the crate from her hands and storing it in one of the upper cabinets. “Aranhil wants his own personal update from you. You know that, right?”
“Of course he does,” Sevana responded with an elaborate roll of the eyes. “When does he not? I swear I’m like a storyteller or a minstrel to him sometimes. He gets more enjoyment out of my reports than he should.”
Aran shrugged as if this was obvious and understandable. “His contact with the outside world is somewhat limited, after all. It might be best for you to rest inside South Woods until we can contact the experts. It will be less harrowing for you, and you won’t be dragged into another emergency that way.”
It was a valid point. Sevana had put matters off this long because of people banging on her door and demanding immediate help. If she wasn’t home, it would prevent that from happening. “I think I will. It’s not like I can get the world to agree to hold off on the emergencies until I’m fully restored again.”
Relieved his suggestion was taken so well, Aran openly beamed at her. “I’ll send word home, then, so they’re prepared for us.”
“No need to do it that soon,” she denied, “I still have a solid week’s worth of work to do before I can retreat into South Woods.”
Adding tasks up on his fingers, Aran’s mouth pursed in reluctant acknowledgement. “Maybe a little more than that.”
“See? But you might want to tell Aranhil that I’ll be coming anyway. He’ll be less grumpy that way.”
“You did scare him rather badly, being kidnapped like this.” The way Aran eyed her said she had done more than scare him. “Please, for the sake of my heart, try not to do this again. It was not fun tracking you down.”
Arms akimbo, she demanded of him, “I ask you, who wants to be kidnapped?”
“You’re an Artifactor, aren’t you? Create an anti-kidnapping charm or something.”
“Anti-kidnapping charm?” she repeated, blinking.
“You have an anti-theft charm, surely it wouldn’t be too different.”
Well, it probably wouldn’t be, in principal. “I’m not creating that. Seriously, it’s not like I get kidnapped all of the time.” The way the man was carrying on, you’d think she was in danger on a constant basis. “Quit this nonsense. Help me load up the rest of my tools. If we’re quick enough, we can leave for home today.”
Aran dipped his head in agreement. “Let’s go home.”
Sevana came blearily awake. A strange, medicinal taste rested in the back of her mouth, and her head rang, which told her that she had not been naturally asleep. As she blinked her eyes open, she saw a bright, white ceiling above her head.
It didn’t look at all familiar.
The last thing that Sevana remembered was leaving Living Water’s territory after delivering fifteen children. There had been quite the celebration, but she had only stayed for part of it, as she had no desire to party for a week straight. She’d called Aran, said she’d be leaving on Jumping Clouds soon, and…it was a blank after that.
Worried, she sat up more fully and tried to get her bearings. She was in a rather nice bed, white sheets and blanket, all of the walls also white, and the floor a very soft grey stone. It reminded her of a research room she had been in before, years ago, as it had that sterile quality to it.
She had absolutely no memory of entering a place like this. Which could only mean one thing. Sevana gave a dramatic flop back on the bed. “I’ve been kidnapped. Again.”
What was wrong with this year? It was just one thing after another.
The door slid open and a man with a very bushy mop of hair and round glasses stepped through. He wore the protective white jacket that most Artifactors or researchers wore and there was a variety of tools sticking out of his front breast pocket. He blinked at her and then gave a satisfied grunt. “You’re awake. Excellent.”
Sitting up again, she swung her legs off the side but didn’t try to sit up just yet. Her head spun a little from the movement and that told her it would be prudent to take any movements slow and easy until the drug was completely out of her system. “I am. Now, who are you and why have you kidnapped me?”
“I am Richard Nath, Second Head of the Cope Research Foundation. You are currently in the Foundation’s dormitory.”
Cope Research Foundation? Sevana’s ire was abruptly shelved with excitement. She had heard of the Foundation of course, who hadn’t? It was a think tank for magical theory, the place to go if you wanted to do serious research. Sevana had tinkered with the idea of applying for a while, and probably would have, if not for her near-death experience. That had put a halt to such plans. Only the very best came here.
Trying not to become a giddy fangirl, she made her voice stern. “And why am I here?”
“Don’t you realize how many problems you’ve been causing?” Nath responded in aggravation. “Your magic is such that it’s snarling all of the magical eddies every time you use a spell. I’m half-convinced that you breathing is wreaking havoc in the magical fabric!”
Sevana blinked at him. Was she really? It was entirely possible, on a theoretical level, as all magic that was used eventually dispersed and re-entered the magical fabric of the world. It was like the condensation cycle of water. Exposed to open air, it would eventually evaporate, turn into some other form of water, and then collect and release again into a physical form. Such was the case with all nature, really.
His statement had one flaw in it that she could see. “Just me? I’m creating problems?”
“Your magic is partially Fae, of course you can cause significant problems!” he snapped back.
Holding up a hand, she requested, “Wait. Let me understand this. You kidnapped me to prevent more problems developing?”
“That is correct. We had no choice in the matter. You were running all over Mander creating glitches and it’s been extremely difficult trying to nip everything before it could escalate into a major disaster.” Fuming, he shook a finger at her. “Why didn’t you solve your own magical core before this?”
“I was actually on my way home to do just that.” Sevana shook her head, feeling a mother storm of a headache coming on. “I just got kidnapped and rescued not one month ago, which made a lot of my inner circle very angry, and now you do it again? Don’t you realize what kind of trouble you’re bringing down on our heads?”
“I had no choice,” Nath maintained stubbornly. “You were endangering more than you realize.”
“Oh, I realize. You’re the idiot.” Sevana rubbed at her temples and sighed, long and loud. “They’re not going to want to let me out after this.”
“You’re correct, we don’t,” Nath snapped at her.
“Not you,” Sevana corrected absently. “You’re the least of my worries. I need my C
aller—” which would hopefully work “—so that I can make a quick call. Otherwise a world of trouble is going to come down on our heads.”
“Haven’t you been listening to me?” Nath demanded, turning alarmingly red in the face. “You have to stop using magic!”
“Fine, then you make the call, but either way we have to contact Aran now. Now,” she repeated with growing urgency. “He’s already on the lookout for me, if I don’t arrive when I say I will, he’s going to go ballistic.”
Nath stared at her with hard, angry eyes. “Why is this more important? Damaging the very fabric of magic doesn’t mean anything to you?”
Sevana returned his stare and realized with dawning horror that he had not really done his research on her. Oh, he knew what effect she was having on the world, but he didn’t know who he was dealing with. “Nath. Who am I?”
“Artifactor Sevana Warren, why are you asking me stupid questions?”
“Who else am I?” she pressed.
Losing all patience, Nath snapped, “A magical menace.”
“You complete idiot.” Sevana felt like strangling him. “Don’t you realize that I’m an adopted daughter to the Fae?”
“No, you’re not,” he scoffed.
Sevana stared into that face of complete disbelief and almost felt pity for the fool. Pulling a pocket watch from her vest, she checked the time and realized with a sort of inevitability that she had been unconscious for six hours. That meant she was now an hour overdue for arriving home, Aran would have already become completely panicked, and since he was so close to home, would have already informed Aranhil. And Master, likely.
“I give it twenty-four hours, max, before your front doors are assaulted by some very angry Fae,” Sevana predicted. Her heart felt like lead in her chest. “Nath, you were far too rash and impulsive. Because of you, we’re both going to be in serious trouble.”
Nath studied her face for a long moment. “You really believe the Fae will fly to your rescue.”
The Canard Case (The Artifactor Series Book 4) Page 21
