“The one and the same. Felt like getting hit by it would make for a bad day.”
“Listen to me carefully, Simon,” Roxanne said, measuring her words. “Under no circumstance should you allow one of those orbs to hit you. Do you understand?”
“That bad?”
“Whatever you’re imagining, it’s worse. Evers is a chronomancer. Those orbs she uses create a pocket of frozen time and then accelerate your aging in mere seconds. They will kill you.”
“Avoid crazy chronomancer with killer orbs…check,” I answered. “Can you make it so Monty can travel?”
“In that death trap you call a vehicle? Impossible. The runes Cecil used in your death machine would wreak havoc with the stasis field I would need to place around him.”
“Would a normal teleport impact the stasis field?”
Roxanne paused in thought before answering.
“A normal teleport to where? Kali isn’t even on this plane, Simon.”
“We need to go to Jersey.”
“You’re telling me Kali the Destroyer is living somewhere in New Jersey? What, she vacations at the shore? The notion is preposterous.”
“I need to get to Jersey,” I said. “I never said Kali lived there.”
“Mmhmm,” Roxanne said with a nod, as she narrowed her eyes at me. “How close were you to the skywalk when it exploded?”
“I was on it, but that’s not what I meant.”
“Of course not,” she said, nodding and slipping into triage mode. “How much debris impacted your head? I’ll see what I can do. Do you feel dizzy? How’s your vision? How many hellhounds”—she pointed at Peaches with her chin—“do you see sitting over there?”
“Stop it,” I snapped. “I’m fine. Kali isn’t in Jersey.”
“Obviously,” Roxanne agreed. “I’ve been saying that for the last five minutes.”
“You didn’t let me finish. She isn’t there, but the door to her is in Jersey,” I replied. “According to my sources, the door to Kali’s domain is thinner at certain locations. The temple in Jersey will lead me to one of the doors.”
“Your sources? Since when do you have sources? How do you know you can trust these ‘sources’ of yours? You thought Evers was Fate. Forgive me if I’m not entirely convinced by your powers of observation.”
“Hey, no fair,” I said. “I’ve never met Evers, or Fate. How was I supposed to be able to tell them apart?”
“Fate,” Roxanne said, her voice on edge, “would never come to you or Tristan for help. That should have been the first and most obvious indicator, but your immortal ego and Tristan’s insufferable curiosity couldn’t see past the truth staring you both in the face.”
“Which truth?”
“Simon, nothing is ‘fated’ in our lives. You, of all people should know that, you’re a living example of it. Tristan as well. We make choices, and we accept and deal with the repercussions of those choices, good or bad.”
“I do know this. That’s why I need to get to Jersey.”
“You mean to tell me that in this temple, there is a portal that will lead to Kali the Destroyer?” Roxanne asked. “That isn’t how access to gods works, Simon.”
“Haven’t I been clear?”
“Absolutely,” Roxanne said, shaking her head and refocusing on Monty. “Clearly out of your mind.”
“Mori, Death’s—capital D—PA gave me this information.”
“Gods don’t just have portals where just anyone can access them, Simon. It’s a difficult process usually…”
“Really? So, Hades having an office in downtown Manhattan isn’t how access to gods works?”
“Well, that’s a peculiar instance of…”
“Dex dating The Morrigan, the Chooser of the Slain, is just a run-of-the-mill relationship…right?”
“No, that’s quite odd actually…”
“The fact that Ezra is also Azrael the Angel of Death, and has a deli where he hangs out is also the norm. In addition to facing Tartarus and Chaos, two of the old gods, I’d say I have more experience with how access to gods works than you do.”
“You don’t, but you’ve made your point,” Roxanne said. “I must say, you have encountered some incredible beings during your cases. It makes sense now, the level of destruction and havoc you have wreaked in this city.”
“I have wreaked?” I asked incredulously and pointed at Monty. “What about your mage boyfriend?”
“I didn’t say he was blameless,” Roxanne answered. “Together,”—she glanced at Peaches—“you three are a clear and present danger to this city, but we need you to stand against the greater threats we face.”
“The disease is worse than the remedy? Thanks, I think.”
“I wouldn’t go that far, but you come close,” Roxanne replied, raising her hands away from Monty. “There, he’s stabilized for now. When he regains consciousness, under no circumstances can you allow him to cast.”
“What happens?” I asked, actually scared. “Does he explode? Should I not feed him after midnight?”
Roxanne stared at me for a few seconds before shaking her head.
“If he casts, he will accelerate the schism,” Roxanne said, her voice grim. “He cast blood magic without releasing the reagent first. If you make it to Kali alive, she will know what to do…or she will obliterate you both. Depends on her mood when she sees you. It may be best to try tact and diplomacy first.”
“Not my strong points, but okay.”
“If you don’t, I’m pretty certain she will blast you to dust,” Roxanne said. “I’d suggest you try your best.”
“That’s comforting, really.”
“I’m not here to comfort you, Simon,” she said. “I’m prepared to lose Tristan every time the two of you face-off against some threat to the city. He’s come close a few times, but this time…this time I don’t know.”
“I’ll do everything possible to bring him back in one piece,” I said. “He’s tougher than he looks.”
“I know,” she said and began gesturing. A few seconds later a large, red, teleportation circle formed under Monty. I looked down at it warily, not entirely sure if it was safe. “That should take you where you need to go.”
“How did you even know how to form the circle?” I asked. “It’s not like I gave you an address.”
“Simple,” Roxanne said. “I merely entwined the basic strands of your energy signature—even in its altered chaotic state, it has traces of Kali. Haven’t you ever wondered how people know you are the ‘Chosen of Kali’?”
“They can see it in my signature?”
“Yes,” Roxanne said with a brief nod. “She basically painted a bullseye on you. I’d say she was upset when she chose you.”
“You think?” I said, examining the runes in the teleportation circle. “So, this circle will lead me to the Jersey temple?”
“It should,” Roxanne answered. “It will lead you to the greatest concentration of energy that matches the undercurrent in your own signature. I would assume that is the temple in Jersey if it is connected to Kali. Unless she has another temple close by?”
“That’s the only one I know that leads to her,” I said, still looking down at the circle. “What happens if you’re wrong?”
“I’m not a teleportation master, like Dex, but my skills are above par,” she answered. “I wouldn’t risk Tristan’s life or yours recklessly. If I’m wrong, grab your hellhound and find your way there or back to Haven.”
“Either way, we can’t stay here,” I said, stepping into the circle. “I really hope she’s in a good mood.”
“It’s not just her you need to worry about,” Roxanne added, as the circle began to glow and slowly rotate. “She employs dozens of Rakshasas as her personal guard. Try not to anger them. Do you have a way to access the portal once you’re in the temple?”
I looked down at the mark on my hand.
“I have an idea,” I said. “If that doesn’t work, this trip is over before it began.”
; “I hope it works,” Roxanne said, gesturing again. “Take care of him, Simon.”
“I will. Is this teleportation going to be uncomfortable? You know I’m not a fan of these circles.”
Peaches padded over and stood next to Monty.
“It shouldn’t be too excruciating,” she said with a slight smile, rubbing Peaches’ head. She crouched and whispered something into his ear, before standing again. “It will feel like your insides are trying to escape your body, but nothing too bad.”
“Nothing too bad?”
“Bring him back to me whole, Shieldbearer.”
“I will,” I said, meaning it. “I’ll make sure he gets better.”
She nodded, gesturing again and forcing the circle to blaze with red light, blinding me.
With a lurch, we shifted away from Haven.
TWENTY-FOUR
The smooth marble felt cool against my cheek as my hellhound proceeded to nuzzle his face into my own. Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem, except hellhounds were notoriously slobbery creatures—at least this was my opinion from my limited experience with the species.
If I didn’t move his head, I’d end up swimming across the floor. I placed a hand on his massive head and pushed, shoving myself across the marble and away from where he stood, immobile.
The afternoon sun was slowly fading from the skylights above me as night approached. I lay on the stairs leading to the entrance of an ornate, white marble temple. It was an odd feeling because the temple I was looking at sat inside a larger structure. A building inside of a building.
I had a brief Escheresque moment, as I looked around and saw several signs advising against photography beyond certain points or against touching the sculptures of the temple.
Another small plaque informed me that the temple I currently inhabited was actually called a Mandir, and that presently I lay on the floor of the Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, which had been consecrated by his Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, on a hot August day.
It was about to be defiled by yours truly as I felt my pastrami lunch travel upwards. I took several deep breaths, turned to lay on my back, and remained as still as possible as my stomach settled down. I would have hated to piss-off the good Swami by redecorating the Italian marble with pastrami vomit.
I looked over and saw Monty still unconscious. I stood unsteadily and made my way over to where he lay. My body flushed warm as it dealt with the aftereffects of the teleport. So much for reconciling my bonds to make these instant trips easier. Clearly, I was destined to suffer through teleports.
Roxanne’s words came back to me: Simon, nothing is fated in our lives.
This was one of those moments where we were going to agree to disagree. My stomach felt like it had been repeatedly tapped with a twenty pound sledgehammer. I groaned as I snaked my arms under Monty’s armpits and half-carried, half-dragged him into the temple proper.
Monty was still covered in dark energy that enveloped his body like a tight cocoon. It almost felt repellant to my hands as I grabbed him. Like the same pole of two magnets trying to connect but sliding away from each other. It felt like he wanted to jump out of my arms as I adjusted my grip.
He stirred as we moved, but remained unconscious. For someone so thin, he was particularly dense, which made moving him an effort. It was like dragging a sandbag full of steel.
Thin but dense. The thought brought a smile to my face.
I sat on one of the white marble benches to catch my breath after pulling him into the center of the mandir. I looked around and took in the ornate marble. The stone work was exquisite, with carvings of elephants, goddesses, and intricate designs covering every inch of the temple.
The scope of the work was staggering to behold. As spectacular as the work was, I didn’t notice a door that said ‘This way to Kali’s Domain’, which meant I was going to have to try my method and hope it worked the way I expected.
Like that ever happened.
He stood at attention, doing his best arrow impersonation, pointing at several doors with his nose, followed by his entire body.
I stepped several feet away and sat cross-legged on the cool floor. I closed my eyes and steadied my breathing until I managed to get it completely under control. I let my senses expand, making sure I was alone, except for Peaches and Monty. After a few minutes, I was certain it was just us three in the temple.
I took one long breath, and slowly exhaled before reaching out and pressing the mark on my hand.
TWENTY-FIVE
The design, an endless knot inscribed into the top of my hand, given to me courtesy of Kali, gave off a golden light which increased in intensity until I had to look away.
“That’s new,” I muttered. “Usually the output is much lower than ‘small sun bursting from my hand’ level.”
I looked around again and saw trails of light dancing in my vision.
Gradually, everything grew out of focus. The heady smell of lotus blossoms and earth after a hard rain filled my lungs. This was followed by the sharp smell of cut oranges and an aroma hinting of cinnamon permeating the air.
Time slowed and came to a pronounced and definitive standstill. I noticed the motes of dust suspended in the air as time crept to a visceral halt. This sensation was unlike the other times. This time, time took its time slowing down to the point of no time.
“Hello, Splinter,” Karma said, sitting next to me. “This…is a nice change.”
Karma looked around the area, taking in the temple. I glanced sidelong at her, keeping my distance just in case she wanted to share a slap hello. She wore a black Tom Ford Asymmetric One-Sleeve Bodycon Dress, which flattered her curves.
Her hair was down and considerably shorter than the last time I saw her. I noticed she wore only one earring, opposite the exposed arm. It was a small diamond ‘B’ that reflected the ambient light inside the mandir. She finished the ensemble with a pair of black Ferragamo Gancini pumps, sporting heels that were weapons in their own right.
“Dinner party tonight?” I asked, impressed by the clothing she wore. “Or are you dressed for an upscale funeral?”
“A little of both.”
“Oh, I didn’t know you had a social life,” I said. “What with all the reaping and sowing business.”
Karma narrowed her eyes at me and smiled, chilling my blood and making every hair on the back of my neck stand on end. I had the distinct feeling this was how a gazelle felt right before a lioness sprinted in for the kill.
“In fact, I have a few stops to make after we speak,” Karma said, resting her hands on the knee of her crossed leg. “Did you learn the difference between Karma and Fate?”
“I thought I knew it,” I said, answering carefully. I was still within arm’s reach. “Seems my definition was slightly off.”
“Enlighten me.”
“Fate is something that’s been pre-determined. Choice is removed from the equation.”
“So far so good, continue.”
“Karma”—I nodded in her direction—“is the result of my choices. The outcome of my actions.”
“Where do you feel the definition lacks clarity?” Karma asked, looking over to where Monty lay on the floor. “That seems accurate.”
“Except I fell for Evers’ ruse when she pretended to be Fate. Even after you warned me.”
“Because you chose to.”
“I didn’t choose to fall for the deception.”
“You had the indicators before you, but you ignored them,” she answered. “What choice are you making now?”
“I don’t understand.”
“Regarding your mage,” Karma said, pointing to Monty. “What choice are you making now?”
“Monty is hurt,” I said. “I need to help him.”
“He made a choice,” Karma replied, her voice soft. “This is his karma.”
“What choice?” I asked, getting angry. “He was saving Roxanne. She would’ve been blown apart on the skywalk if he hadn’t acted. He didn’t have a choice.”
Dark Glass: A Montague and Strong Detective Agency Novel Page 15
