The Road To Avea

by Lynn Lorenz

  Stefan grunted back a laugh. "Be careful...it may answer you." He grinned.

  "With a salute?" She laughed back as his grin became a leer. She filled a pitcher with fresh warm water.

  "It seems you need to cool off, my husband."

  Laughing, she poured it over his head. He sputtered and blew the water from his mouth, then reached for a towel to dry his eyes as she laughed.

  "I am drowned!" he cried out.

  "I'll save you...have no fear." She leaned over to kiss him, placing her mouth over his, and let her tongue find his for a long kiss. She released him, and he lay back against the tub.

  Squeezing a dab of her shampoo into her hands, she worked it into his hair, massaging his scalp. Then she rinsed his hair with clean water as he leaned his head back, eyes closed.

  So, this is happiness. I never expected to feel like this.

  "Will you do this for me always?" he asked her, touching her cheek with the back of his hand.

  "Aye, as you command," she replied, taking his hand and bringing it to her lips for a quick kiss.

  Stefan lay there with his eyes closed, breathing deeply, seeming to drift off, but, with no warning except a great deep laugh, he pulled her into the tub on top of him.

  "Stefan!"

  Waves of soapy water rose over the edge of the tub and splashed onto the floor as they kissed. The shirt she wore was soaked, transparent, and clung to her body as he turned her to sit in front of him between his legs.

  "Will you wash my hair?" she asked, lying back against his chest and looking up at him.

  "At your command." He gave her a bow with his head.

  She filled the pitcher again from the spout, passed it to him and he poured it over her hair. He dipped out some shampoo and washed her hair. After rinsing all the lather, he twisted her dark tresses as he tried to get as much water out as possible.

  Sarah sat up, preparing to get out of the bath.

  "Lay with me. I don't care to move just yet." He pulled her back to him.

  She stretched back against his body as he wrapped his long legs around her waist. Running her fingers over his muscular legs, she sent a wave of desire through his relaxed body. He was in no hurry. They would have plenty of time together. The rest of their lives.

  His arms wrapped around her, her arms rested on his, and, contented, they held each other until the water turned cold. She started to shiver. Without their wands, reheating the water was out of the question.

  "I'll be an old, wrinkled prune if we don't get out, Stefan."

  "Then, by all means, let's away. I want you plump and juicy as a plum." He leered at her.

  Laughing, they stepped out, dried off, wrapped towels around themselves, and returned to the bedroom to lie naked under the covers, warming their bodies, and dozing away the rest of the morning wrapped in each other's arms.

  * * * *

  There was a loud rumble and Sarah lifted her head from his chest.

  "Are you trying to tell me something, husband?" She looked up at him.

  "Aye, I'm hungry. Will you cook for me again?" He touched her lips with his fingertip, tracing their shape. Never had he known such sweetness in a woman's mouth.

  "Your mother really didn't cook for you?" She placed her head back down as she caressed his stomach. "Did you not have addlers?"

  Stefan swallowed, fighting the tightness he felt in his throat. "No." He reached for Sarah, pulling her closer. Running his hand over her back, down to the sway of her hips and over the curve of her bottom, he committed the curves to memory.

  "You stay here and I'll go prepare lunch." She slipped out of bed and shrugged on her robe, tying it loosely with the sash.

  Stefan watched as Sarah padded barefoot to the kitchen. He couldn't believe he felt so happy and so complete. She was his, and he was hers. Nothing was going to come between them.

  Chapter 25

  Firestone stood outside the door and checked the writing on the parchment. Inspector Creel had been most specific in his directions. However, this was a place he'd never known Inspector Bane to visit before.

  Not his business. His orders were to get the inspector and return him to Avalon.

  He knocked on the door and straightened his jacket.

  The door opened. He took one look at the woman and choked.

  "Not you!" Firestone stood just outside the door, staring up at Sarah with a look of shock on his face. "Please tell me Inspector Bane is not here!"

  "He's here." She stepped aside.

  Firestone entered, shoving the piece of paper with the address of the rooms into his pocket. He glared at her, not bothering to hide his unhappiness about discovering his favorite charge with her. Closing the door, she frowned back at him and clutched her robe tighter. He could tell by her state of undress, the blush on her cheeks, and her long hair hanging loose around her shoulders, she was fresh from the bed.

  "What have you done?" he hissed at her. "If you're discovered, he'll lose everything." The addler began to pace back and forth in front of Sarah, pulling at his long red hair in frustration. "Are you mad? Has he gone mad?"

  Sarah began to speak, but he turned and pointed to her, shaking his finger as if he were scolding a child. "You've seduced him! Led him down this path, merely to destroy him, I'll wager. I've seen women like you before, beautiful creatures who play with men, driving them mad with desire and then tossing them to the side."

  "Sarah, come back to bed," Stefan called from the bedroom.

  Sarah turned and looked at the door, slightly ajar, and then turned back to face Firestone. "Are you going to tell Thatcher?" she asked him.

  "Of course not! The inspector is my charge."

  With a sigh, she called to Stefan, "Stefan, Firestone is here for you."

  Stefan appeared in the doorway a few moments later, a towel wrapped around his waist. He stepped into the room and went to Firestone.

  "Firestone, what's wrong?" He stared down at his addler.

  "Sir, I've been sent to locate you. The raid has been pushed forward. It's tonight! Inspector Creel sent me for you. He thought you might be here." He glanced with a frown at Sarah, standing now with her back to the two men.

  "Did he?" Stefan gave a short laugh. "So, the raid is tonight. Damn!" He let out a great breath, rubbed his hand across his face and turned back to the bedroom. "Attend me, Firestone. I have to get dressed right away."

  With a backward glance at Sarah, Firestone followed him into the bedroom.

  Stefan began gathering his clothing and tossed them to Firestone. "They need pressing."

  "Clearly, sir." Firestone frowned at him, then looked at the bundle of clothing he held in his arms.

  Whipping off the towel, Stefan sat on the bed to slip into his shorts.

  The addler looked around the room. The bed was unmade, the blankets on the floor. His sharp senses could smell their mingled scents in the linens, tantalizing him. By the looks and smell of it, they had made love all night.

  Any other woman, he would have welcomed. But not her. She'd tormented the inspector since she arrived at Avalon, bringing him to the edge of disaster, and now, she'd finally done it. Their immoral tryst would damn the both of them in the sight of the patrol and their One God.

  Firestone held Stefan's jacket up and waved his hand over it to give it a quick press. Laying it carefully on the bed, he picked up the trousers, pressed them, and handed them to Stefan, who slipped them on and reached for his white shirt. It was soaking wet. Firestone didn't ask questions, just dried it, and pressed it.

  "My boots are under the bed," Stefan said. "Damn, how did this happen? The raid was supposed to be a week from now." He pulled the suspenders over his shoulders.

  Firestone filled him in on the change of events as he crawled under the bed to retrieve the boots.

  "Oliver has been notified?" Stefan slipped into his jacket.

  "Aye, he's on his way with his men." Firestone handed him his holster and wand.

  Stefan belted it on,
leaned over and, with a tug, tightened the strap that held the leather holster to his thigh. With a hand on Firestone's shoulder to steady him, he shoved his feet into his boots, one at a time.

  "Good, we'll need them." He straightened as Firestone finished wiping a quick shine on the boots, buttoned his jacket, then left the room and went to Sarah. "Sarah, I must go." He stood behind her and waited for her to turn to him.

  "I understand. You've been waiting for this opportunity." She smiled up at him.

  He started to walk away, then turned back and grabbed her by the waist. He pulled her to him and stripped off the belt that held her robe shut. Stefan slipped his hands under the open robe, one hand possessively covered her breast and the other held her waist. She wrapped her arms around him and stretched to meet his lips. Stefan kissed Sarah with a deep hunger. Finally, he pulled himself away, with a sigh, and brushed the hair from her face.

  "I love you, Sarah." He kissed her forehead.

  "I love you, Stefan. Be careful."

  "I'll return as soon as I can." He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her ring.

  "You'd better or I'll come after you." Sarah smiled and returned his kiss, then pressed her cheek to the back of his hand.

  Firestone cleared his throat. "Sir?"

  "Coming, Firestone." Stefan stepped away from her and stood beside the addler.

  With a touch of Firestone's hand to Stefan's sleeve, they were gone.

  * * * *

  Stefan found himself in the hall outside of Thatcher's office. For a moment, he had to wait for his head to clear. The teleport was very powerful and the change in pressure was great.

  "Have you gone mad?" Firestone hissed.

  "Quiet." Stefan put his finger to Firestone's lips as the addler's eyes narrowed in disapproval.

  "Are you mad?" Firestone repeated, this time in a whisper.

  "No." Stefan shook his head, held out his fisted hand, and pointed to the ring.

  Firestone stared at it, uncomprehending.

  "She has one, too," Stefan whispered.

  The light of understanding fell on the face of the little redheaded man. His expression changed from astounded to elated. His mouth opened as if to cry out, but Stefan slapped a hand over it.

  "Not a word. To no one," he warned. "Especially to any other addler."

  "Not a word, I vow." Firestone shook his charge's hand and then 'ported away.

  With a rap of his knuckles on the doorframe, Stefan waited to be asked inside.

  "Come in."

  He stepped in and Thatcher looked up. "Good, it's you. Where were you?"

  "In Avea."

  "Fine. Oliver will meet you at the stables across the street from the safe house. From there, you'll 'port into the house at nine o'clock. Have you picked your men?"

  "Not yet. Rolf and I were expecting this to happen a week from now."

  "Too right!" Rolf's voice came from the door. "Good to see you managed to make it, Stefan." Rolf grinned at his fellow officer.

  Stefan nodded at him, knowing Rolf had told Firestone where to find him, and wondered if he should tell him what had happened. Rolf would never believe he'd married first.

  "Are we sure it's tonight?" Stefan asked Thatcher.

  "Reilly overheard the conversation. He's very sure of his information."

  "Reilly, eh?" Stefan swung a chair around and straddled it. "Who do we want, Rolf?"

  Rolf leaned against the doorframe. "Well, I was thinking we'd take two patrollers, experienced men, of course."

  Stefan rubbed his thigh, thinking. "What about Hastings?"

  "Good man." Rolf nodded. "Reilly? He needs the experience."

  "Hell, no, Rolf. There's bound to be a fight. Would you want him at your back?" Stefan looked disgusted.

  "No." Rolf glanced at Thatcher, shrugged, and went on. "Watkins, then?"

  "How about Morely?" Stefan countered.

  "He's been on duty all day. We need fresh men."

  "Watkins, it is. He's certainly fresh," Stefan drawled and his eyebrow rose.

  Rolf barked a laugh.

  "I'm sure there are many who'd agree with you," Thatcher added.

  "Of course, they're all female," Rolf chimed in.

  Stefan rose. "Gustav!"

  "Sir!" The addler stood in the door.

  "Tell Watkins and Hastings they're to report in the muster area, in"--he pulled out his pocket watch, given to him by Thatcher on his graduation from the academy, and checked the time--"two hours. We'll 'port over to Avea and set up base at the stables. I want to observe the house before we go in."

  "Right, sir!" Gustav disappeared.

  "Have you eaten?" Thatcher asked the men.

  "Not since this morning, sir." Stefan shook his head. "We'd better eat now. No telling how long before we get the chance again."

  Thatcher joined the men as they headed to the mess.

  Thatcher sat at the head of the table, with Rolf across from Stefan, as they ate.

  "I found the house of the next victim, right where we thought it would be," Rolf told Stefan.

  "The final point of the star." Stefan nodded. "You warned the family?"

  "Of course." Rolf cut a slice of roast, popped it into this mouth, and chewed.

  Thatcher was surprised to see his two best men working as a team. He never thought he'd see it. If he'd known all it would take were some whiskey and a few cigars, he'd have gotten them drunk a lot sooner. "What's this about?"

  "Our rapist. With some help from Stefan"--Rolf shot Stefan a look and continued--"I found his lair, the one he used to torture the girls. There was some evidence, but he was very careful and left little to name him."

  "Good work, both of you." Thatcher stroked his beard. "This will put a bend in his plan for now. I fear, though, without hard evidence, if he moves on, we'll never catch him."

  "I'm going to keep an eye on that lair of his to see if he returns. Perhaps..." He shrugged, leaving the rest unspoken, and drank down his flagon of water.

  Gustav appeared. "Sirs, the men are waiting at the muster."

  "Thank you, Gustav." Stefan downed the last of his drink and stood.

  Rolf stood and tucked the heel of a loaf of bread in his pocket. "For later."

  "Good luck and take care." Damon watched their backs as the men, side by side, left the mess.

  * * * *

  Stefan, Rolf and their men gathered in the stable. Black uniforms moved in and out of the shadows. For over three hours, they'd watched the house and the men and women who came and went in a steady stream. Darkness had fallen, and the stream slowed to a steady trickle. As the hour approached, the house grew quiet and dark.

  Inspector Marc Oliver and three men from Heath appeared at the door of the stables. They stepped inside, closed the door behind them, and walked over to Stefan.

  "Good men?" Stefan asked.

  "Aye, three of my best," Oliver replied. He gave a salute to Rolf, who was already talking to the men who'd just joined them.

  "I warn you, Blackmoor won't be taken without a fight."

  "We're just the men to give him one, I wager." Oliver, an older man with grey sideburns and moustache, nodded once, certain of himself and his men.

  He motioned to his men and Stefan did the same as they gathered around a small stack of hay bales. Stefan waited until all eyes were on him before he spoke.

  "Our information says they'll drop the teleport block on the house at precisely nine o'clock. Our window of opportunity will be open for only a few minutes. We 'port in two waves. I'll take my men and go in first, here." Stefan pointed out the basement on a sketch of the house's layout drawn on parchment.

  "You have your locations?" His men nodded. "Good.

  "Oliver, your men go in precisely one minute after we leave. You'll be searching the top floor." He pointed again to the map.

  "Remember, it's important to take as many alive as possible, but our main target is Lord Blackmoor. He's to be taken alive, wounded if need be, but not dea
d." Stefan looked each man in the eye. "The men from Avalon will be using a new technique, one of evasion and teleporting. It would be wise if you take note of them in action. It's my understanding this method will spread to the other stations before long."

  "If it's the one you used against Litton's men, it's already been much discussed." Oliver grinned. "As many for it as against it, so I hear."

  "It was more than fair," Watkins spoke up from the crowd of men. "We did not cheat." Heat burned his face. Stefan gave him a look of censure for speaking out of line and Watkins fell silent.

  "No matter, it may be just what we've been waiting for to give us a clear advantage," Stefan said. "Fifteen minutes to go. Mark the time, officers, and make a final check of your equipment." He stepped away from the bales, and the men gathered around their individual group's leaders.

  Their quarry was Blackmoor himself. Stefan had sworn to capture him and bring him to justice, and tonight was a chance that didn't happen often. He wanted nothing to go wrong. He could feel the tension of the men gathered in the barn and hoped the fight, if there were one, would be brief.

  Rolf stepped over to Stefan.

  "I've decided to ask Luci to marry me." Rolf threw back his cloak and checked the strap holding the holster to his thigh.

  "What a surprise," Stefan drawled, as he leaned against the wooden slats of a stall.

  "I'm the luckiest man alive." Rolf bounced on his toes with pent-up energy.

  "If you don't pay attention tonight, you may be the luckiest dead man." Stefan checked his vambraces, tightening them to his forearms. They were charmed to deflect very powerful blasts and served as small shields.

  Rolf's expression changed from elated to grim. "Stefan..." He paused and licked his lips. "If anything happens to me, would you tell Luci--"

  Stefan cut him off with the signal for silence, a sharp slice ending in a clenched fist. He didn't want to speak about love right now. Both knew this was a dangerous mission.

  "I'll tell her." Stefan twisted his ring on his finger.

  "Is that ring new, Inspector?" Rolf tried to hide a grin as he slapped his hand against his vambrace, checking its charm for hardness.