“Oh,” I said, realizing the problem. Of course, Lucifer wouldn’t get along with the angels. After all, they had tossed her ass out of Heaven.
“‘Oh,’ does not answer my question.” She moved forward, knocking my sword out of the way with one hand. The movement was so quick, I didn’t even see it. One moment I had my weapon pointed at her, and the next it was buried in the ground next to us. Her eyes were inches from mine, and literal purple flames seemed to dance in them. The ground around us buckled as cracks spread out from beneath her feet. Overhead the once clear sky turned to a cacophony of lightning and thunder.
“Sister!” Gabriella cried, and the next thing I knew Lucifer was engulfed in a hug that lifted her off her feet.
“Gabriella!” Lucifer’s eyes filled with warmth as her arms snaked out to wrap around the other angel. “I’ve missed you.” The Devil’s eyes flicked to me then. “Has he been nice to you?”
“Who, Arthur?” Gabriella relinquished her hold on Lucifer and turned to look at me, her eyes blazing with good cheer and her smile bright enough to melt even the frostiest heart. “Yeah, he’s the best.” Gabriella bounced like a kid with too much sugar. “He bought me ice cream and popcorn.” She turned back to Lucifer. “Have you had ice cream? It’s sooooooooooooooo good.”
“I’m afraid I haven’t had the pleasure,” Lucifer said, and there was something of both fondness and approval in her voice. “But I am glad you have. It pleases me you are well cared for.” Lucifer’s face fell slightly. “How are your sisters?”
“Michelle, you mean?” Gabriella ran a hand through her golden locks. “She’s fine. Boring as ever, all war and no play.” Gabriella stuck out her tongue.
“But she’s safe?” Lucifer asked, and there was a strange amount of fear in the words.
“Yes, she’s okay.” Gabriella nodded furiously. “Sister is so strong, she once fought Dred for three days straight.”
“Dred?” Lucifer asked, confusion filling her voice. “Who is Dred?”
“Oh, you don’t know?” Gabriella asked, her face twisted in confusion.
“No. I’ve been trapped for a long time.” Lucifer looked at me then. “The Destroyer?”
“Yes,” I replied, and Lucifer rubbed her chin with one hand.
“Things are worse than I thought. If the Destroyer could fight Michelle at all, let alone for three days, it is more imperative than ever I find my hammer.” She nodded to Gabriella. “Would you take the wards down so I can come inside?”
“Oh… I can’t do that. Mammon will be mad.” Gabriella huffed, blowing out an exasperated breath. “She wouldn’t help Samael unless I made them. I wasn’t sure why, but now I think I get it.” Gabriella narrowed her eyes at Lucifer right before she poked the Devil in the chest with one long finger. “You didn’t apologize, did you?”
“Why would I apologize—”
“You didn’t. No wonder Mammon is mad.” Gabriella shook her head. “You should say you’re sorry.” Gabriella crossed her arms over her voluptuous chest. “I won’t take the wards down unless you promise.”
I stared at the two women and almost wanted to laugh. Gabriella definitely seemed dead set on making Lucifer, the Archangel of Pride, apologize, and even a cursory glance at the Devil made me think that was never going to happen. Still, if anyone could make Lucifer say she was sorry, I was willing to bet it was Gabriella.
“Gabby,” Lucifer said, dropping her eyes to the ground. “You know I can’t.”
“Forgiveness is the first step toward redemption, Luci,” Gabriella shrugged. “Or you can stay out here. I’ll come visit you, but it’ll be awkward since I have lots to do.”
“I will not apologize,” Lucifer said, dropping her eyes to the ground. “Even if I did, it’d hardly matter.”
“It will matter if you mean it,” Gabriella said, giving her sister a hug. “Actions matter, and besides, apologies are always two-way streets. One to forgive and one to accept. You can only control your actions, not another’s.” She nodded once more before blowing a lock of hair out of her face. “You taught me that.”
“When did you get so smart?” Lucifer said, looking her sister over.
“I don’t know.” Gabriella flushed before turning her eyes to me. “Michelle always told me to keep my ideas to myself.” She shrugged. “Arthur didn’t think so, though, so I’ve been speaking my mind more.” She turned her gaze back to Lucifer. “You really think I’m smart?”
The Devil was silent for a long while, and I realized she was thinking something over. “Yes,” she said after a while. “You’re definitely the smartest person I know.” As Lucifer said the words, I got the impression she actually believed them. It was weird because while Gabriella was innocent and a bit naive, the way she looked at the words had a sort of sense to it, I often didn’t see myself.
“Does that mean you’ll apologize to Mammon?” Gabriella inquired, raising one golden eyebrow at her sister.
“Yes,” Lucifer said begrudgingly. Then she kicked at a nonexistent speck on the ground. “Lower the wards, and I will apologize.”
“Yay!” Gabriella said, grabbing Lucifer’s hands and shaking them. “Maybe we can be a family again!”
“Don’t get your hopes up,” Lucifer said, taking a deep breath. “Actually… you know what, I have a couple things to do.” Lucifer shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot.
“Wait, you don’t want to come inside?” Gabriella asked, eyes full of confusion.
“I do, I just… I need to go get the crown for Arthur.” She nodded, turning her eyes to me, and even though I didn’t know her very well, I could tell she wanted my help.
“Oh, that’s right. I’d forgotten about the crown.” I shook my head like the whole thing was my fault as I put a hand on Gabriella’s shoulder. “Lucifer said she would get me the Armament. She wanted to hurry and retrieve it, but I made her give me a ride back first.” I looked sheepishly at the Devil herself. “Sorry about that.”
“It’s not a problem,” Lucifer said before mouthing “thank you.” Then she nodded to Gabriella. “I really have to be going. Arthur will need the Armament if he is to defeat Dred.”
“Oh, you guys are so smart. I forgot about that.” Gabriella flushed so hard, her neck turned red. “Always on task. Guess I should do that too.” She gave Lucifer a small wave. “Come back soon?”
“Yeah…” Lucifer replied, looking up at the sky. “I’ll be back soon. I just need to work through some things.”
“Great! Maybe we can have ice cream when you come back.” Gabriella hugged her sister before turning to me. “Come on, Arthur. Sister is busy, and I have something to show you!” The archangel grabbed my hand and began pulling me toward the gate while Lucifer stood there, unable to do more than watch us leave.
3
“Well, that was strange,” I said, glancing at Gabriella as the gates shut behind us. “I didn’t realize you guys were such besties.”
“Who?” Gabriella asked, button nose scrounging up. “You mean Luci and me?”
“Yeah.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “I had sort of assumed you guys would be, I dunno, enemies.”
Gabriella shrugged. “I find it’s better to get along with people.” She touched my arm. “I know you say I’m smart, but I know I’m not.” She bit her lip. “But I appreciate that you try to let me be me and don’t tell me to let the grownups talk.” She nodded back toward the gate. “Lucifer always did that too. Thought we should have an equal voice.” Gabriella swallowed hard. “She always thought I was special in my own way. My other sisters don’t really think that.” She looked at the ground. “It made me sad when she fell.”
“That’s a lot to take in,” I said, stopping and looking at her. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“Not really, no.” Gabriella shook her head, sending her golden locks whipping around her face. “I’ve never found rehashing the past to be productive.” She smiled at me then. “It’s why I’m so glad she’s back. I know siste
r is scared we’re all going to hate her for what she did, but I think it’s been long enough for them to be able to forgive her. Even if they don’t, she can stop carrying that burden and move on.” She nodded. “That would be good for her. Luci has always felt like she needs to carry the world on her shoulders.” She took my hands. “Sort of reminds me of you at times, Arthur.” She looked at me, crystal blue eyes practically boring into my soul. “Both of you could stand to realize something important.”
“What’s that?” I asked, wanting to break her gaze but not daring to do so. Instead, I focused on her with everything I could. I owed her that much.
“That you don’t have to do it alone.” She smiled brightly. “We’ll all help you if you’ll let us.”
“You know, I don’t understand why anyone ever says you’re dumb.” I hugged her, pulling her close. “You’re the smartest person I know.”
“Thanks!” She hugged me back. “When you say it, I totally believe you.” She stepped back and nodded at me. “It’s why I like you so much.” She flushed slightly, leaving me to puzzle over the reaction. “I mean, well, you know.” She looked away. “Anyway, we need to go check on Samael. She’ll want to see you, and then Saramana wanted to speak with you.” She pulled out a scrap of paper and showed it to me, only I couldn’t read her scribbles. “See. Gwen made me a schedule. I’m supposed to help you keep it.”
“A schedule?” I asked, raising an eyebrow at her. “Why would I need that?”
“Gwen said, and I quote, ‘Arthur is terrible about doing things when he’s supposed to, and he’s forgetful. You seem to be able to get through to him, so you need to make sure he gets everything done since he doesn’t seem to care what I think,’ then she handed me this list.” She showed me the paper again. “Saramana is first.”
I rubbed my face, making a mental note to talk to Gwen about this. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Gabriella being assigned to me, and I knew that while Gwen probably wanted someone to keep me on task since she was my second in command, I was worried she’d assigned Gabriella to secretary duty just to keep her out of everyone’s hair. After what had just happened, I wasn’t so sure I was okay with that. Actually, that wasn’t true. I knew I wasn’t okay with that.
“And when do I see Gwen?” I asked, gesturing at the list. “I can’t read that.”
“Oh. Sorry. I didn’t know. Let me check.” Gabriella pulled the paper back and scanned it. “You have her at four.” She glanced at the sky. “That’s two hours or so from now.”
“Ah, okay,” I said, marveling at how she could tell time. The sky had changed dramatically since Lucifer had awakened, and now I couldn’t tell what time of day it was for the life of me. Before the sky had seemed to follow a cycle, even if the general atmosphere never changed, but now, it just did whatever the Hell it wanted to. It made me wonder if Lucifer was the direct cause of that, and when the sky would return to normal, assuming it did at all.
“Great! So, let’s get going.” Gabriella took my hand and pulled me to the left, toward a building I didn’t recognize. Actually, as we moved through the town, I realized a lot of the buildings had changed. It wasn’t in the overall appearance so much as it was in little things. In fact, I probably wouldn’t have noticed if there wasn’t a pair of half-finished buildings next to it. The one on the right looked familiar in construction, while the one directly to the left of it was just a tiny bit, well, better. I could tell in the way the jousts were supported as well as the way it was generally framed out.
“Who designed that one?” I asked, pointing at the left one as we approached Maribelle. “The other one looks pretty familiar, so I’m guessing Maribelle designed that one.”
“I designed it,” Saramana said before Maribelle could reply. The head of the carpenter’s guild turned to look at me and wiped her calloused palms on her overalls while Maribelle dropped her eyes to the floor, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “I’ve been teaching Maribelle a few things.”
“Oh?” I asked, watching Maribelle fidget, obviously uncomfortable with the scrutiny, although I was pretty sure that had less to do with me looking at her and more to do with her guild head working beside her.
“Yes,” Saramana said, nodding to me before moving toward the building. “These are some more advanced techniques.” She gestured to the bracing at the corner of the building. “The way I’ve aligned the joints here will offer increased support with a fraction of the material.” She pushed on it with one hand. “Go on, try to knock it down.”
“I believe you. I can tell just from looking.” I moved a bit closer and examined it, wishing I had Clarent. If I did, I could have seen exactly what sort of technique she’d used. “Although part of me is curious why Maribelle doesn’t know it.” I waved a hand at Maribelle. “She’s a fantastic carpenter, but I can tell the general construction of this is well, better. I just watched our sculptor in the yearly competition, and I got the impression from watching it that the difference in skill was degrees. This though.” I pointed at the building. “This is a whole different level.”
“Well, erm, I—”
“You’re being unfair,” Saramana said, cutting off Maribelle’s reply with the wave of one hand. Then she put that same hand on Maribelle’s shoulder. “I am the Head of the Carpenter’s Guild. Maribelle is a rank 10 carpenter. Now, she’s my best rank ten carpenter by a huge margin, but she hasn’t moved up through the ranks, hasn’t learned the more advanced skills.” She met my eyes. “She knows some stuff she shouldn’t, but I assume that’s from you. The problem is, she doesn’t even know what she doesn’t know, and I doubt you do either.”
“Okay,” I said, rubbing my chin. “You’re saying she would have learned these skills, but she hasn’t yet?”
“That is exactly what I’m saying.” Saramana gestured across the road toward where Annabeth was busy sculpting a new fountain out of a chunk of stone. I wasn’t quite sure what it was supposed to be, nor where she’d gotten the red rock, I’d learned was nearly impossible to carve, but what she’d made so far was definitely skilled, if rough around the edges still. “Your sculptor is using advanced techniques on the red rock, the kind that you only learn by moving up in the guild and studying hard. She has natural skill, sure, but it’s been honed by practice and learning. Maribelle doesn’t have that. She’s working with the basics, which she’s very good at, and relying on her impressive level of skill.”
“Master has been teaching me,” Maribelle squeaked, and a glance in her direction let me know she wanted to find a hole and hide within it. “I didn’t mean to be so disappointing.”
“No one is disappointed in you,” I said, taking a deep breath. Normally in this situation, I’d look at Saramana’s skill trees, assuming I could, and ask her about what to have Maribelle work on, similar to what I’d done with Annabeth and sculpting. Only, I couldn’t do that without Clarent. What’s more, Saramana was right in that I didn’t recall Maribelle having that many skill trees. Sure, the ones she’d had were nearly maxed, but she hadn’t unlocked new ones, and if they weren’t unlocked, it would be a coin toss whether or not I could see them at all.
“Yes, you’re doing very well.” Saramana nodded once. “It’s why I’m showing you these things, so you can learn.”
“Yes, but once you leave, I’ll be stuck.” Maribelle frowned and looked at the building. “I may get good at what you’ve shown me in the last few hours, but those are the only skills I will be able to improve.” She bit her lip. “I need years more of study.”
“You do, but I’ll try my best to pop back in. Once I figure out what’s going on in Ridge Tree, I’ll see if I can spare someone to come help you learn.” She looked to me. “Assuming that’s okay with you.”
“It’s okay with me, but you’d have to clear it with Gwen,” I said before stopping myself. “Wait, you’re leaving?”
“Yes, that’s why I asked the angel to bring you to me.” She shrugged. “I’d already cleared everything else with Gwen.
The way I figure it, I’m alive because of you, so I should return the favor by helping.” She took a deep breath. “I just happened to be on my way here with a message from the guilds about your Stairway when the town blew…”
“You mean the Stairway to Heaven?” I asked. In all the excitement, I’d totally forgotten about it. The Stairway was an item we needed to craft so we could open a portal to Heaven, although with the way things were going, I wasn’t sure having such a portal was a good idea. After all, portals worked both ways, and I didn’t know if I wanted the armies of Darkness to have an easy way into Hell.
“Yes,” Saramana nodded. “Most of the Guild had agreed to help you make it.” She waved her hand. “That doesn’t matter now though. All the Guild leaders who survived will be returning to their towns to get things in order in the wake of the Royal Centre explosion.” She took a deep breath. “That is why I’m leaving.”
“You’re returning to your own town?” I asked, suddenly confused. “I thought you lived in Royal Centre.”
“No, well, at least, I don’t. I spend time there, sure. More recently because you interest me.” She looked me over. “But all the trades have their own towns that are dedicated to the pursuit of the trade.” She touched her chest. “Mine is Ridge Tree, and I need to return to it. Once I have things sorted, I’ll send a master carpenter to help you and to teach Maribelle.”
“What’s the catch?” I asked, glancing at Maribelle who was shifting from foot to foot uncomfortably.
“There isn’t a catch.” Saramana huffed out a breath. “You know I’ve felt that we need you to beat the Darkness. I want you to succeed. I guess that’s the catch. You need to beat the Darkness.”
4
“Hey, Sam. How are you?” I asked, slowly entering her door. I hadn’t been sure what I’d find, but when I saw her sitting there reading a book, I’ll admit, I was a touch shocked.
“Some light reading. Mammon said I have to sit here and Sally has been mother-henning me for the last few hours.” She closed her paperback. “Sally just stepped out, so I thought I’d be able to finish my book.”
The Builder's Pride (The Legendary Builder Book 3) Page 2
