The Complete Gargoyle and Sorceress Boxset (Books 1-9)

by Lisa Blackwood

  Thank God the burning sensation soon mellowed into a kind of numbness.

  “Guess if someone sees me with this in my stuff, I can say it’s for training.”

  “Fear not. No one would guess that evil crap has any beneficial use,” Obsidian growled from behind her.

  She turned to find him sharp-eyed and clear-headed. No more purring. She breathed a sigh of relief.

  “Nice to see you’re back with us.”

  Obsidian huffed. “That stuff would revive the dead. I’m fine now.”

  Anna bumped shoulders with him. “Sorry that it was necessary. I didn’t know about my gargoyle nature’s newest trick. I’m almost afraid to learn what else the Battle Goddess has engineered into us.”

  He bumped her shoulder gently in return. “Whatever surprises arise, we’ll get through them together.”

  “Partners,” she agreed with a grin.

  “Let’s go find something to eat before we’re due at the council chambers.”

  Chapter 25

  ANNA WALKED UP THE last few steps and emerged into the as-of-yet empty council chambers. Which, she realized as she walked farther in, wasn’t a chamber at all. Located three-quarters of the way up the most massive tree on the island, the structure was a broad platform circling the enormous hamadryad’s trunk.

  There were no walls, just a waist-high carved railing that ringed the platform and provided a breathtaking view of the surrounding tree canopy, the velvet green mountain peaks to the west, and the vast ocean all around. In the distance, she could see the mainland.

  Overhead, a beautiful filigree lattice covered in flowering vines provided cover from the sun. Her gargoyle nature was quick to detect a shimmering dome just a few inches above the vines. Upon closer examination, her magic discovered its primary function was protection against the elements, but a few adjustments to the knotted spell work would transform it into a defensive shield against any outside attacks.

  “It’s never been needed to serve that function. A few tropical storms are the worst it has had to repel.” Obsidian’s mind touched hers briefly and then retreated, as if unsure of his welcome.

  Earlier, during breakfast, she’d discovered her mental barrier kept slipping. Hell, that was an understatement. Her gargoyle nature kept sabotaging her efforts. That wasn’t Obsidian’s fault, though. And in this instance, it was beneficial to have their minds linked.

  “Keep the little insights coming, especially anything you have on the Masters.”

  They’d come early enough that none of the council had arrived yet. Which was both good and bad. Good, because it gave her time to compose herself. Bad, because it gave her time to worry about Obsidian’s punishment.

  Banrook had promised the council would assign punishment to both Obsidian and Reaver today.

  “Do not worry. I welcome any punishment. Beating Reaver unconscious for what he caused...” A growl cut off his sentence, and he had to clear his throat to continue. “Whatever comes, I will accept my punishment with grace, and we can then begin our training.”

  Anna wasn’t so sure if her gargoyle nature would be willing to sit back and chill while someone was harming her Rasoren. It didn’t help that they didn’t yet know his punishment.

  As they walked farther along the platform, she spotted the floor to ceiling shelves filled with scrolls and whatnot. Obsidian led her around the long curve of the hamadryad’s trunk, revealing what was on the opposite side of the platform from the stairs.

  A sizeable crescent-shaped table made of a cherry-colored wood and polished until it gleamed in the light dominated the space. Behind the table sat six padded benches, upholstered in a dark green, velvet-like fabric. The seats were also subtly curved to mimic the curve of the hamadryad’s trunk behind them.

  Her eyes were drawn up to a hulking symbol with gold inlay that was carved and poured directly into the hamadryad’s bark. It was done in a style similar to ornate filigree crossed with Celtic knot-work; though it was its own unique style she was coming to recognize as the art of either the dryads or the gargoyles who lived here.

  “It’s a blending of both.” Obsidian supplied.

  She thought she was seeing an emblem of a winged tree. But after a moment’s study she spotted the two stylized gargoyles standing guard on either side. Below the tree, four swords with their hilts crossed, added a more war-like element to the artistic beauty of the insignia.

  “It’s the symbol of Haven and the new gargoyle legion.”

  He might have said more, but just then his ears twitched and swung toward the stairs. Anna turned in that direction as well. A full minute later she heard the approach of others.

  “I’m surprised they didn’t fly.”

  “They likely did fly part way, like we did, but the buffeting of wings as they breach the shield tends to clear the table of scrolls and reports placed there by their aides.”

  Anna’s eyes tracked back to the long, crescent-shaped table.

  As each of the masters arrived, Obsidian bowed, Anna following suit. She recognized each of them from the last couple days. Banrook entered first, coming to Obsidian and cuffing him affectionately on the shoulder before taking his seat at the table. Maradryn nodded a greeting. There was some secret amusement in her eye that made Anna think the other masters likely now knew of her gargoyle nature’s newest surprise.

  Next came the dour-faced Verroc.

  Sumdara, the dryad tracker she hadn’t seen since their first introduction, brought up the rear.

  That left two empty seats. The masters were shuffling through the various reports on the table, so Anna used the lull. “Who else are we waiting for?”

  “Likely no one. Thayn is the oldest of the gargoyles and leader of the council, but his duties usually require him in the future, and he only makes the trip back a few times a season. The other seat belongs to Rook’s daughter, Brinrook. She and her mate reside in the future, still recovering after they sacrificed most of their magical power to strengthen their son and make him battle worthy to fight even though he’d been born early like me.”

  “Who’s their son?”

  “Gregory.”

  “Wow. Wait? Rook is Gregory’s grandad? When were you going to get around to telling me that bit of news?”

  “As things came up?”

  Anna rolled her eyes at him but didn’t show any other outward signs of displeasure. Not when the council looked to be almost ready to begin.

  But just as Master Verroc opened his mouth to speak, a mighty beating of wings heralded the arrival of another. Papers and scrolls flew off the table and swirled around in the air for a time and then with a few more powerful downbeats the gargoyle landed, sending a flurry of parchment and quills skittering off the edge of the platform to flutter away on the ocean breeze.

  “Thayn!” Verroc growl. “How many times—”

  The newcomer snorted. “Greetings to you too Verroc.”

  Verroc scowled but didn’t say anything else.

  Then the gargoyle Verroc had addressed as Thayn turned to Anna and grinned in welcome.

  “Hello, young one. I’m glad you’ve finally awakened. Now, perhaps, we can take Obsidian’s training to the next level.”

  The male then grabbed her shoulders and pulled her into the biggest bear hug she’d ever received in her entire life. Her ribs complained at the sudden pressure and she wondered if he was trying to pop her head off. But then he released her a second later.

  When she could breathe again, he patted her shoulders and then leaned closer to whisper in a conspiratorial tone. “I’m too old to bother with stairs. When you get to be my age, you’ll understand. Besides, Verroc is far too stuffy. I do what I can to help him unbend.”

  With that he turned and marched over to the table, taking one of the last two seats.

  The mischievous tones and the spark of secret humor in his eyes reminded her of someone. It took a moment, but then she realized she’d just met the male version of Gran.

  “B
y the way, he just stole something from you,” Obsidian warned.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “You’ll be missing something that you had on your person a moment ago. It’s his favorite trick.”

  “I’d know if he took something.” But then her eyes locked on the little jar of cream Thayn was spinning like a top on the polished surface of the council table. Once it started to slow, he snatched it back up and pried off the cork stopper and gave the contents a sniff.

  He wheezed. “Goddess, that should count as punishment fulfilled all on its own.”

  Why that old...

  “However, reports have reached our Lord about what transpired the first day Anna awoke. Dray has suggested a worthy punishment.” Thayn grinned. “It’s really quite delightful.”

  AFTER SHE HEARD THE details of Obsidian’s ‘punishment’ Anna grew very concerned. But not for what the masters would do to him, but because of what he would do to them.

  She grabbed his hand to hold him back, but he just marched forward, dragging her along with him until his thighs bumped the table.

  “You cannot be serious!” A fist slamming against the wood punctuated his words. “I’ll take any punishment you wish, but don’t make Reaver and Anna training partners!”

  Anna wasn’t exactly thrilled about the idea, but it was kind of ingenious—in a twisted, cynical way. And made for a perfect punishment for Reaver.

  Reaver’s ascension from journeyman to adept depended on Anna passing her novice test. She’d gathered from Obsidian’s thoughts that he’d been looking forward to helping her with those skills. Not that he’d expected it to be hard for her. They’d learned the basics of battle magic during their stay in the Lady of Battles kingdom.

  She should be able to complete the tasks quickly, perhaps within a day or less if the elders would allow her to streamline it that much.

  But Obsidian wouldn’t be the one to test her skills after walking her through each task. No, for whatever reason, Lord Death thought it a better punishment for Reaver.

  “Come on, Obsidian. I’ve got this. I’ll pass the test and Reaver will be out of our life.”

  His one ear flicked back to acknowledge her words, but he continued his debate with the Elders.

  “Any journeyman or adept level student can initiate a novice. Anyone is better than Reaver. He’ll be seeking revenge and will think Anna is the easier target.” His gaze traveled to each of the Elders sitting across the table, but none of them so much as blinked at his words. “I’m sure Truth would agree to mentor her. Or Swift Hunter if Truth is too busy with new novices.”

  She placed her hand on Obsidian’s arm. “Reaver, as much as he doesn’t care for outsiders, is a gargoyle. I’ve faced the Battle Goddess’s captains. He is only one gargoyle. I’ll be fine.”

  “Gargoyles are capable of holding their own against the Battle Goddess’s minions,” Verroc said, no emotion showing on his face or the tilt of his ears. Even his tail remained still.

  “I will not tolerate Reaver as Anna’s teacher!” The words were more of a growl, the threat clear, but the wildly chaotic emotions bleeding down the link just reinforced that the berserker darkness was rising to the surface.

  “For fuck’s sake, keep your shit together. Shit! Together!”

  “I’m fine.”

  “No, you’re not. Bring it down a few notches, or I’ll do it for you!”

  Obsidian flicked an ear in her direction. Suddenly, his tail was snaking around her waist, dragging her closer, and then he tucked her against his side as if he was planning to snatch her and run.

  “Don’t do it! Piss mamma bear off at your peril.”

  Thayn leaned forward, doubling up over the table as chuckles burst forth. Banrook’s lips quivered, and his chest started to shake a moment before he, too, howled in laughter. Sumdara and Maradryn wore big grins. Only Verroc managed to maintain a straight face, though it looked a little like he was sucking lemons.

  Oh crap! The Elders had picked up on her conversation with Obsidian.

  Well fuck. This day was just getting better and better. Maybe she could ask Obsidian to show her how to turn back to stone. Sleeping for another decade was looking good.

  “Oh, Obsidian,” Banrook said with tears running down his cheeks. “Worry not for Anna Mackenzie’s safety. She’s fully capable of handling Reaver. A whipping from her sharp tongue will defeat that prideful male.”

  Obsidian huffed loudly but didn’t add words to the sound. His disdain at the thought of Anna having to work with Reaver needed no accompanying words.

  Thayn got control over his chuckles and looked her in the eye. “Anna, you will do fine. And, Obsidian,” his gaze tracked away from Anna to land on her gargoyle partner next. “You will do as you’re told in this. Anna will take her Novice test as required. However, I will make one small allowance. Reaver will still be her opponent, but you may be her instructor.”

  “Thank you,” Anna said swiftly. Obsidian was far too slow in answering, so she reached under his wing and pinched his ass hard enough to make him jump.

  “I agree,” he blurted out.

  “And if Reaver attempts to harm your Kyrsu again after we’ve strictly forbidden it, you, or she, may do to him as you please with no repercussions from the council, by Lord Dray’s edict.”

  Obsidian perked up a little at Thayn’s last words.

  “Or,” Thayn tossed the small jar of cream back to Anna, “she could just use this on him full strength if he attempts anything.”

  Anna caught the jar and slid it back in her pocket. Thayn had said it as a joke, but there were possibilities in the idea.

  Chapter 26

  THE TRAINING FIELD wasn’t, in fact, a field. It was a multi-tiered complex crawling up the side of the island’s third highest peak. A series of terraces provided flat ground for the actual training rings, but many stairs and pathways also led up the side of the mountain and would provide a challenging route if someone wanted the trainees to run a tour.

  Obsidian’s earlier rage had dissipated as he walked her up to the fifth level of the terraces. On the way, she’d spied other outdoor obstacles. There were also many smaller domed structures made from stone, which he’d said were used for learning the more dangerous spell work.

  They reached their destination to find many of the other novices and mentors present.

  “There are not normally so many here this early, especially after the feast day. They’ve come to watch my Kyrsu fight for the first time.” There was pride in his tone, and Anna didn’t want to disappoint him.

  “How do you want me to handle this? Give it my all—short of actually shifting forms—or pull my punches and let Reaver score some points?” She’d already determined that she could take Reaver in a fight. Her gargoyle nature had assessed his abilities that first day and her training at the hands of the Battle Goddess’s minions ensured she could use his weaknesses against him.

  Obsidian flashed his teeth at her. “Kick his ass. I want everyone to know my Kyrsu can protect herself. But don’t go so far as to reveal your true form.”

  “Got it.” She paused as she looked at the growing number of onlookers. “You going to tell me what to expect, or not?”

  “It’s a series of tests designed to show how much you already know so the Council of Elders can adjust their training plans and possibly switch up who will mentor you. Though I imagine they’ll keep us under the same mentors to improve our integrations as a single fighting unit as our bond is designed to emulate.”

  “Doesn’t sound so bad so far.”

  “Unfortunately, Reaver will likely attempt to do his worst even with the council’s warning. But I think that’s what Lord Dray and the council seek. They want to test your limits.”

  “And what if my limits are far beyond what they’re expecting?” She asked only half in jest.

  “Harm Reaver as much as you like. The healers can patch him up later. Just don’t kill him. Gargoyles never kill gargoyles.�
��

  Anna snorted and then continued the conversation aloud. “Could have fooled me by the way you were going at him after the hunt.”

  “That’s different.” Obsidian shrugged and then continued to explain the test. “There are five tasks. The first three, combat with knives, sword, and staff, are all to first blood.”

  “Got it.”

  “He would normally outmatch you with his size and speed, but your nature and magic will allow you to draw first blood quickly.”

  “Ah, so no drawing it out and making him look really bad? You’re no fun.”

  “I don’t care about how bad you bruise his pride. I’m selfish. I don’t want you in the ring with him any longer than necessary.”

  Anna just nodded, not wanting to push Obsidian with the bond shortening their respective fuses when it came to each other and potential danger.

  Obsidian was apparently still feeling edgy and protective. Best not to make it worse.

  “Under normal circumstances, his years of training with both sword and staff would give him the advantage. However, each night, while you slept in stone, I shared what I learned that day with you.” Obsidian paused to allow a group to move farther down the pathway. “It won’t be the same as muscle memory, but it will be an advantage. Use it.”

  “Anything else of importance I should know?”

  “The quarterstaff is Reaver’s strong suit.” Obsidian bumped his muzzle against her cheek and planted a kiss. “Don’t be ashamed if he beats you, you’ll be able to make up points in the ground course. With that test, there are several obstacles where a lack of wings will be an advantage. To win, you simply have to complete all the obstacles and arrive back at the starting point before Reaver catches you.”

  “So, I have to complete them all and he doesn’t?”

  “The course imitates a spy attempting to return back across enemy lines into friendly territory. Or in Reaver’s case, following and stopping the spy before she can deliver her valuable intel to her commanders.” Obsidian’s mind touched hers. “You’re allowed to use any of your gargoyle skills in the ground obstacle. He won’t know you command shadow magic, and we won’t inform him either.”