by Flynn, Mac
"And the mark?" I persisted.
Simon's gaze traveled down to my neck. His eyes hardened. "Death is attempting to supersede my claim on you."
I frowned and reached up. My fingers brushed against the small marks from his bite, but they also touched on something over the marks. It felt like a rough sticker was attached to my skin. I tried to twist my head to look at the mark, but my head was still attached to my neck.
Simon held the blade so the length faced toward me. "Look through this."
I turned my head so I could view my neck. There, draped over the two puncture marks like a thick tattoo, lay a small picture of a dagger. I winced and my eyes flickered up to Simon. "What's it mean exactly?"
He pulled the weapon away and tucked it into his coat. "It means Death's messengers intend to cut your soul from this life."
I wrapped my arms around myself and shivered. "Can't Death be depicted by a fluffy bunny or kitten?"
Simon studied me for a moment. "Are you cold?"
I shrugged. "I guess. Why?"
He pulled off his coat and draped the heavy garment over my shoulders. His slight body warmth still lingered in the interior, and the thick cloth gathered my own body heat around me.
I gave him a shaky smile. "Thanks. I guess all this talk of death is giving me the chills."
He shook his head. "No. The chill is merely a warning that Death's messengers approach."
My heart dropped into my stomach. The chill inside me strengthened until I had trouble keeping my body from shaking. "Please tell me there's a way to keep them away for longer than ten minutes."
He nodded. "Opposing spells will keep them at bay. The penthouse has several. Otherwise,-" he drew the dagger from the coat I wore, "-this and awareness of your senses must suffice."
I half-turned toward the cabin. Certus stood against the wall some thirty feet from us. "If this thing's so dangerous than why aren't we inside?"
Simon shook his head. "The close quarters would give the advantage to their incorporeal forms."
I shivered and returned my attention to him. "So what am I supposed to be sensing for? Besides the cold, that is."
His eyes wandered down to my neck. "The mark should feel warm to the touch, and if a breeze was to be blowing it would still. The sounds of animals would also cease, as they, too, can sense the messenger approach."
I closed my eyes and listened. The gentle breeze off the waves calmed. I reached up and pressed my hand against my neck. The mark was warm to the touch.
"It's coming," I whispered.
"It is here," he replied.
I opened my eyes and looked out on the waters of the bay. Above the waves some ten feet in front of us hovered the black-cloaked fiend. Its white, glowing eyes glared at us. The dagger was already out and against its chest.
"Give her to me," it hissed.
Simon pulled me back and crossed his own dagger over his chest like the messenger. "I will not."
The fiend's eyes fell on the dagger. It gave off a deep, hollow chuckle. "You will lose this battle, Simon Cruor."
"But not the war," he quipped.
I noticed the creature's eyes flickered to its right. I turned my head just as a second cloaked figure flew out from beneath the deck and lunged at me with a dagger. The first Phantom also attacked, distracting Simon. A figure came from behind me and threw themselves into the path of the dagger.
It was Certus.
I screamed as the weapon sank deep into his chest. Certus pulled out his own silver dagger from his prim coat and swiped at the Phantom. The blade cut across the throat of the cloaked figure. A terrible, gurgling scream emanated from the unearthly creature. It flew back, its skeletal hands clawing at its open throat. White light spilled out instead of blood. The creature dropped backward over the railing and disappeared from sight.
Simon swiped at his target, but the creature flew back out of his reach. It hissed before it melted into the darkness of night. I covered my mouth with my hands as Simon spun around to face Certus.
"Certus!" he yelled.
One of Certus's hands clutched his chest over his heart. He took a step forward, but his legs failed him. He fell to his knees. Large globs of blood dropped onto the deck beneath him.
Simon rushed to his side and knelt beside him. I walked over to his other side. My eyes widened as I beheld the Phantom's knife that still stuck out of his chest.
Certus grabbed the hilt, but Simon grabbed his hand and looked him in the eyes. "Do not remove the knife or you will bleed to death."
Certus smiled and shook his head. "It. . .it is of no use, my master. The knife has stabbed my heart. I-" A harsh, bone-wracking coughing fit overtook him. Blood dribbled from his mouth and down his chin, but his smile returned. "It. . .it was a pleasure to serve you, my Master." Simon pursed his lips, but nodded. Certus leaned his head so he faced me. "Forgive my short temper with you, Miss Luvena."
Tears sprang to my eyes. I swallowed the lump in my throat and shook my head. "There's nothing to be sorry for."
Certus bowed his head. "Thank you."
Certus wrenched the blade from his chest. Blood poured from the wound. I covered my mouth to stifle the vomit that flew up my mouth. Certus's eyes closed and his head rolled back. His body fell limp in Simon's arms. The knife in his hand slipped from his fingers. It vanished before it hit the deck.
Simon bowed his head. His shoulders shook. Soft, silent tears slid down my cheeks. I took a step forward and reached out for him. "Simon, I-" He stood, and in his arms he held Certus.
I shrank away from the fury in his blood-red eyes. The front of his shirt was covered with Certus's blood. His voice was a soft, terrible whisper. "He will pay. They will all pay for this."
I gulped. "Who will?"
His gaze fell on me. The look softened and he shook his head. "No matter. We will take Certus home and carry on with our plans."
I pursed my lips. "Are you sure-"
"Would you waste his sacrifice?" Simon questioned me.
I turned away and shook my head. "No, but I-" I shut my eyes, but in the darkness the images of Certus's dying moments were replayed. I looked up at Simon. The hot tears left trails beneath my chin. "I don't want the others to die for me. I don't want you to die for me."
Simon studied me for a long moment before he closed his eyes and shook his head. "No one else will die for you tonight." He opened his red eyes and caught my gaze. "You have my word."
My heart sank, but I nodded my head. The job was still on.
CHAPTER 5
The boat reached the docks and we were escorted to the off-loaded car. No one questioned the limp body in Simon's arms, or the blood that covered both of them. It made me wonder if they saw this stuff all too often.
We were driven back to the penthouse building and dropped off at the elevator door. The ride up was long. I stood beside Simon and his precious burden.
My eyes flickered to Certus's body. "Will he disappear when the sun rises?"
Simon shook his head. "His body will not fall to dust unless the sun touches him. Otherwise, the natural rate of decomposition will take its course."
I cringed and looked away. Me and my stupid curiosity.
We reached our floor and stepped out. The doors beyond the lobby were shut, but voices drifted from behind them.
"Humor them as best you can," Simon instructed me. He glanced down at Certus's face. "There are chores I must perform."
I nodded and followed him through the double doors. Seated in the living room area were our three acquaintances from heists past. Maeve and Specter sat on a couch. Well, Specter floated above the cushion beside Maeve. Dolf was seated opposite them in a chair. They all glanced at us as we entered.
Their smiles wiped off their faces. The two living people jumped to their feet and Specter floated higher.
"What happened?" Maeve asked as she hurried to Simon's side.
Dolf sniffed the air. "And why don't I smell him?"
"Fait
h will answer your questions," he told them as he hurried to the bedroom on the left-hand wall. He shut the door behind him and all eyes turned to me.
Maeve set her hand on one of my shoulders and led me toward Simon and my bedroom. Her voice was soft like her eyes. "Follow me and we'll get you cleaned up first. You're covered in blood."
I managed a small smile and nodded my head. "I could use a shower."
Maeve helped me with my clothes, and gave me a gentle push into the bathroom. I turned on the shower head, but paused before the bathroom sink. My pale reflection showed the specks of blood on my face from Certus's coughing fit. I turned my face away and shuddered. Suddenly I'd lost all interest in a shower, so I washed the blood off and shut off the water.
I came out wearing a bath towel. Maeve sat on the bed and studied me. She pursed her lips. "It doesn't take a witch's skill to know you didn't take a shower."
"The blood's off," I defended myself as I dressed.
Maeve stood, and together we walked out into the living room. Specter and Dolf stood so they had clear advantage of both doors. Maeve and I joined them. Nobody sat down. All eyes lay on me.
I cleared my throat and began my tale with the attack of Basileus's men. The story finished at Certus's own conclusion. "Certus. . .Certus jumped in front of me and took the dagger for me," I told them.
Dolf whistled. "So the big Trica's involved in all of this. I guess that explains why Certus doesn't have a scent anymore."
Specter floated around our more lively group. "So when's the cremation?"
Maeve glared at him. "That's a terrible thing to say!"
He shrugged. "You know it's gotta be done."
"Not before the job is finished," a voice spoke up. We turned to face the spare bedroom. Simon stepped out and closed the door behind him. He walked over to us with a smile and gestured to the living room furniture. "If you would all make yourselves comfortable I will explain the details of my plan."
Maeve arched an eyebrow as she took a seat. "So you know where Trica is?"
Simon moved so he stood at the head of the living room between the chairs and couch. His dark eyes swept over us as he clasped his hands behind his back. "I do not know where he is."
"And you're sure you really want to know that?" Dolf spoke up.
Maeve frowned at him as he sat across the coffee table from us. "We can't let Trica get into that room, and we can't let Faith be killed by that careless curse."
Specter floated behind her. "Is this a curse you can lift?"
She pursed her lips and shook her head. "No. By the description Faith gave it's a very personal curse. That means only the caster can revoke it."
Dolf leaned back and frowned. "You guys gotta know this isn't going to be easy. I've heard some stuff about this Trica guy, and I don't like any of it."
Maeve turned to Simon. "What do you know about Trica?"
"He is a very old and-"
"Very dangerous vampire," Dolf finished for him. "I've heard that, but what else?"
Simon's red eyes fell on Dolf. "He dislikes werewolves immensely."
Dolf glared back at him. "What's that-"
"Cool it, Dolf," Maeve snapped at our hairy friend. "He's talking about Trica, not himself. Anyway, one vampire is easy to handle. I'm more worried about who's around him."
"You should be worried about the vampire," Specter spoke up. All eyes turned to him. Specter floated above the coffee table so he faced Simon. "I'm in."
Dolf sat up and arched an eyebrow. "You're in?"
Specter nodded. "That's what I said."
Dolf leaned his arms on his legs and studied our spectral friend. "What's the deal? It's not like you to jump into human affairs."
Specter's transparent eyes flickered to Dolf. "Let's just say I have a score to settle with his group."
Dolf smiled. He leaned back and shrugged. "I'm not going to say no when Spook Boy's so eager, so I guess I'm in."
Maeve turned to Simon and pursed her lips. "As much as I'm going to miss Certus scowling at me, I'd still like to know what we're up against. Knowing more means fewer of us are going to get killed."
Simon closed his eyes. I watched his shoulders slump. "Trica is the source of many of the organized crimes within the city. He controls numerous gangs such as the Skulls and the Night Prowlers."
Dolf frowned. "But those guys are rivals. Just last week they shot each other up."
Simon opened his eyes and his gaze fell on Dolf. "Trica pits them against each other to see which is the strongest."
Maeve wrinkled her nose. "How barbaric. Does he surround himself with these 'strongest?'"
Simon nodded. "Yes. Those humans and vampires deemed powerful are assigned to his personal retinue."
"But not werewolves," Dolf sneered.
Maeve rolled her eyes. "Jealous?"
He shrugged. "Even a dog's gotta have his pride."
Maeve returned her attention to Simon. "Anything else you can tell us?"
He shook his head. "There is nothing."
Specter floated over our heads. "Then why are we still talking here? Let's get going."
"Hold on there, Spook," Dolf scolded him. "We don't even know where he is, remember?"
Maeve glanced at Simon and smiled. "But I bet you know where to start."
Simon's sly smile slipped onto his lips. "I do, but first-" A great crash interrupted him.
We all turned our focus to the shut bedroom occupied by our deceased friend. Simon rushed to the door and broke it down with his shoulder. The rest of us crowded in the doorway and looked inside.
The room overlooked the streets below through a pair of large, floor-to-ceiling windows. Both windows were broken. Their shattered remains were strewn about the room. There was the bed on the left-hand wall and a dresser to our right.
I looked around the room. "Where's Certus?"
Simon flew to the window and grasped the jagged edge of one of them on his right. He leaned out. I followed, but kept my distance from the long drop. There was nothing but the clear night sky reflected in the lower windows.
I turned my head to Simon. His teeth bit into his lower lip and drew blood. "What happened?"
"Simon," Dolf called out. We turned to see that Dolf stood beside the bed. In his hand was a blood-red envelope with white lettering on the back. He held up the slip of paper. "This is for you."
Simon strode over to Dolf and snatched the envelope. I came up on his right and peeked around his arm. The lettering on the back spelled out Simon's full name. Simon slit the envelope open with one of his sharp fingernails and pulled out a small slip of paper. There was a short note written in an ancient style of cursive that I could barely read.
Dear Simon,
I apologize for not appearing to you myself, but this will be much more entertaining. I have taken a page from your own book and stolen your servant's body. You must retrieve it from me before daybreak, or I will submit his corpse to the sun for immolation. Don't fret. I will leave clues for you to follow.
You'll find me in a place of stone,
Where silence cloaks the ground,
Search through all the empty names,
And finally I'll be found.
Happy hunting. Respectfully yours, Trica.
Simon clutched the note in his shaking hand. He shut his eyes and growl reverberated from his throat.
Our three companions stood in front of us. Maeve stepped forward. "What does it say?"
Simon's shoulders relaxed. He opened his eyes. I'd never seen them look so old. "Trica has stolen Certus's body."
Dolf frowned. "Why would he do that?"
Maeve glanced around the room. "How did he do that? I set some of the penthouse barriers myself. They were supposed to at least alert us to intruders."
Simon shook his head. "Trica has at his disposal a great many powerful witches. One of them enchanted the intruders to break the barriers."
"But why did he want to do that?" Dolf persisted.
I lo
oked up into Simon's face. "Basileus and Bentley?"
Simon nodded. "Yes. Trica no doubt guessed our involvement when he witnessed our interaction with Basileus's ship, and seeks to distract us with this hunt."
Maeve arched an eyebrow. "But is this really a distraction? I mean, Certus's body is going to disappear sooner or later. Why kidnap a corpse?"
"Maybe Certus can be resurrected?" Dolf suggested.
Maeve glared at him. "Don't you know anything? Once a vampire's soul is gone you can't get it back."
My eyes lit up. A sudden terrifying thought struck me. I whipped my head to Simon. His eyes, too, were wide.
I heard him murmur a few words. "The soul is then given to the one who cast the curse."
I grabbed his arm. "You don't think-?"
He pursed his lips. "What a fool I have been."
"What are you talking about? A fool how?" Maeve questioned him.
I turned to our curious friends. "Basileus told us that those Death Phantoms take the soul of the person who was cursed and bring it to the person who cast the curse."
Specter floated above the other two. "So Certus's soul is still floating around somewhere?"
Simon nodded. "Yes, and Trica has realized this. That is why he aims to use Certus's body as a distraction."
I furrowed my brow. "But how'd he know that's what happened to Certus? We were on the ship when it happened."
"Trica has many spies. I would venture to guess his were not on the ship, but on the mainland watching the ship," he surmised.
"This is all nice and fun, but what do we do now?" Dolf spoke up. He nodded at the crumpled letter in Simon's fist. "Do we follow this guy's game or do we ignore it and try to find it?"
"We will do both," Simon replied.
Maeve raised an eyebrow. "Like splitting into groups? I've seen enough horror movies not to like that idea."
Simon's eyes fell on her. "Are you able to furnish a better one?"
She pursed her lips. "No, but I still don't like it."
