by Casey Knight
“No, it is all a blank to me. I’ve never seen anything like this underwater world. We are underwater aren’t we? I mean all I could see was water.”
“Yes, we are at the bottom off the ocean. This is a sealed community.”
Chapter Eighteen
“Damn it Corbin, what is so funny?”
“Yeah, what is so funny?” Tokem sputtered. “Out with it or the Red Cross won’t be able to help you, vamp boy.”
“Tokem, do you really think badgering me is a good idea?” Corbin asked.
“I think he has a point and Tokem don’t worry. If he pisses me off I have an infinite capacity to get even.”
Corbin looked between Tokem and me and just smiled. Something told me he was going to enjoy whatever he had planned and we would not.
“I have already said we could not rely on walking into the Red Court because they would be watching the causeway. However, they won’t be watching the underground entrances because vampires don’t like water. Tokem and I can fly in and you Lauren will have to find the sewer tunnels. There are tunnels off the end of the causeway that come out under the city. All you have to do is find the entrance and swim until you pop up in the underground caverns that run beneath the city. We will fly in and start searching. So, just stay put until we find you. It shouldn’t take us too long.” Finished, he looked up to gauge my response.
“I’ll be damned,” Tokem said. “I think she is speechless. Quick, take out your cell phone, snap her picture and put it on Instagram.”
Okay, Tokem’s comment snapped me out of my self-imposed silence. I had momentarily gone to my happy place, on Rodeo Drive. Traygen, my love, you owe me. First of all, the only water I like to soak in is in my tub. The thought of the sewers made me shudder and I just couldn’t let my mind go there. I was more afraid I would poop out in poop than from exertion.
“You can’t be serious. There has to be another way.”
“Lauren, we just can’t risk being captured before we even get inside the city. They would kill us all and ask questions later. Or more accurately we will wish they had,” Corbin replied.
“All right, I’ll do it. What do I have to see to?” I asked, trying not to whine.
“Just like we have done in the other courts you will walk out onto the causeway. However, this time when you feel it shimmer you will dive down and swim alongside it. You will find the tunnel openings about five hundred feet out. And Lauren, if it is any consolation vampires don’t have a lot of use for sewers. Blood doesn’t have as much waste as food. So, there isn’t as much...”
“Stop, I get it and thanks for the pep talk. I get it.”
“Well we better get going or it will be dark in the tunnels before we find you.”
That was all the encouragement I needed to start walking. I faintly heard the pop that told me Corbin and Tokem were already dryly on the other side. I walked until I felt the familiar shimmer and then I dove. Thankfully the water was pretty clear and I could follow the causeway’s outline pretty effortlessly. I was beginning to think I’d missed the tunnel entrance when I saw a school of fish swim out of it. I kicked and glided into the tunnel where I lost most of the light. I was literally swimming blind. Great, it was bad enough I was swimming in a sewage tunnel, under a city of vampires but, now I couldn’t see. Hot damn, all this and heaven too.
My lungs were beginning to scream at me and I would be damned if I gulped anything down here. If I bumped into one more unseen thing I knew I would lose it. I was beginning to give up hope when the tunnel seemed to be getting lighter. That was all the incentive I needed to sprint. Janet Evans has nothing on me. I broke the surface with a loud splash. I didn’t care if the vampires heard me. My lungs were on fire. I pulled myself out of the water and gasped for air.
When I caught my breath I looked around me until I found a tunnel leading away from the water. There were several, but one appeared to be going slightly uphill. I scampered up and onto it. Sewer or not I couldn’t have been happier to be on dry land. Okay, I drew the line at kissing the ground. Thankfully for once Corbin hadn’t been kidding. It didn’t look like the sewers got much use. A blessing I guess but, a limited one if I really thought about it. I walked steadily upward until the tunnel started to widen. Remembering what Corbin said I decide I had better stop and wait. So, I walked a little ways back the way I came to wait for Corbin and Tokem. I was thirsty and hungry but, there was nothing I could do about it down here.
Luck was smiling on me. I didn’t have too long to wait. A flapping of wings overhead alerted me to Corbin and Tokem’s arrival.
“If it isn’t Bat Boy and Tokem.”
“Funny. I see your swim didn’t improve your sense of humor,” spat Tokem.
“Lauren, don’t listen to him. I thought it was funny but, we better get moving. It will be dark in a couple of hours and we don’t want to be anywhere near the city after dark. We will get out of the city and well on our way inland to the prison where they would have taken Traygen.”
“Lead the way. I’m right behind you. You don’t need to ask me twice to get out of this place.” I shuddered and fell in behind Corbin.
We walked underground for what felt like miles. When we finally left the tunnels it was late afternoon. The thoroughfares were mostly deserted and we kept to the back streets. We were out of the city and traveling as fast as we could, to put as much distance between the city and us before it got dark. The further we moved from the coast the hillier it got. We were soon in a dense forest and the going was tough since we were not using any trails. When Corbin finally motioned for us to stop I was exhausted. Unfortunately, the slave driver didn’t give us much of a rest. He scouted the area and found a small overhang a mile or so further into the brush. By the time we got a nest made for me and some nourishment I was asleep on my feet. They must have taken pity on me because no one woke me to stand watch. Alas, my joy was short lived. They hustled me up and on my way before sunrise.
We walked for much of the next day. Resting periodically and keeping to the dense undergrowth. We weren’t making good time but, we didn’t meet anyone either. I was fine with taking a little longer and ensuring everyone’s safety. Corbin told me earlier it would take us two days to reach the prison. I was so tired the days ran together and before I realized it we were nearing the city.
“Lauren, it is only an hour or so until dark. I’m going to get you hidden and then I’ll check out the prison. We can see if Traygen is there or not. Tokem, you scout out the area and make sure nothing happens to Lauren.”
“Got it.”
“You know I can take care of myself.” I growled. It wasn’t my style to sit idly by and let the boys take care of me.
“Don’t get your knickers in a twist.” Tokem chided.
“Lauren, I’m sorry. I just meant Tokem can fly and cover a wider area in this terrain. He can also find me if you need me. No offense was intended.”
I glared at Corbin anyway but, I knew he was right. I nodded my agreement and sat down to wait. He was gone in an instant and Tokem was scouting out the area. So, I was left with only my own thoughts for company. We had been on the move for so many days I hadn’t had a chance to check my connection with Traygen. I sent my energy out into the universe and listened. It took me a while to get centered and to slow my breathing. Just when I was afraid I wouldn’t find any hint of Traygen I felt a very faint echo. It sounded like he was either very weak or very far away. Neither gave me much comfort. Before I could shed too many tears Corbin and Tokem returned. I wiped my tears away before they could be seen.
“Lauren, I found the prison and it is heavily guarded. I think we should wait until almost dawn to check it out. The guards will be less active and it will take us nearly that long to get there.”
“I didn’t see any activity in the immediate area.” Tokem added.
“How do you plan to get me into the prison?”
“Lauren most people try to stay out of them. So, the entrances aren’t as heavi
ly guarded. But, they will be on alert looking for us. My guess is they will have the underground tunnels well patrolled. I think we should go in through the front gates.”
“Have you lost your mind or are you just trying to get Lauren killed.” Tokem spat.
“Neither. We will have her safely hidden in the food cart. They bring in food for the human blood donors. They want their snacks to stay fat, happy, and healthy.”
“Gee, how thoughtful of them. Do they also provide retirement benefits?”
“Lauren, they do get sick days and...”
“Corbin, stop that was a rhetorical question. How do you propose we obtain a cart and how do we know the real cart won’t beat us to the door.”
“No worries. I know where they stock the cart. We will relieve the usual workers from their cart and duties. A few coins should do it. You do have money to bribe them with don’t you?”
“Sure no problem as long as you have an ATM handy. If not we will just have to knock them out and tie them up.”
“Okay, have it your way. At least with that tactic the vampires won’t kill them out right. Come on we have a lot of ground to cover.”
I fell in behind Corbin and Tokem took to the air. We walked until nearly dawn before I spotted the outline of buildings ahead of us. Keeping to back streets and well back in the shadows we did not meet anyone. I was beginning to think we might have to wait another day when Corbin motioned for us to stop. He signaled for me to go left and he moved to his right. I could see a man and a woman filling a small wagon. The next thing I saw was Corbin stumbling down the street and right into the man. I ran to the woman and clamped my hand over her mouth. We had them tied up and out of sight in minutes. We had exchanged our clothes for theirs. The woman’s bonnet and the man’s cap helped hide our faces.
Corbin and I jumped onto the wagon and he headed us down the street. I had no idea how far the prison was but, as it turns out not far. We rolled up to the gate and the tired guards motioned us through. Corbin nodded and moved us through without comment. He headed directly for the back entrance and we jumped out and started unloading the wagon. I followed Corbin into the prison past the guards who didn’t give us a second look. Thankfully, since I am sure my knees were knocking and my heart was threatening to jump out of my chest.
Once we got inside Corbin motioned for me to leave the food and we headed down a side tunnel. I gripped Corbin’s arm for him to stop while I tried to find Traygen anywhere within the walls of the prison. I slumped and would have fallen if Corbin had not caught me. Traygen was not here. Before I could pull myself together we heard shouts. Corbin yanked me to my feet and headed down a side tunnel. He broke into a run with me right behind him. My grief temporarily forced down. We hadn’t gone far when we heard voices coming from another direction. Again we changed course and again we were forced to move in still another direction.
Corbin motioned for me to stop. He started to say something but he was cut off by a voice right behind us. I jumped and turned to see that we had company, lots and lots of vampires. I stopped, waited and prepared to take out as many as I could. Corbin moved up against my back and we moved in a tight circle. We were totally surrounded. Before I could decide how to respond, the nearest vampires stepped back and Erol stepped into view.
“Lauren and Corbin. I would say it is a pleasure to see you both. But, you will not find it pleasurable when I am through with you.”
I started to give him a smart ass reply but Corbin beat me to it.
“How are things in the minor courts Prince Erol?”
I could see the anger wash over Erol. But, he quickly recovered.
“Corbin we will see if your father and uncle are as amused to see you.”
“Boys, there is no need to bicker. I mean size does matter. Did I just say that out loud? I meant color. We both know that Black trumps Red every time.” Corbin chuckled softly beside me.
“Gag and manacle them both,” Erol spat and then be disappeared with a small puff.
Damn. I hate it when vamps disappeared like that. Who knew where they might pop up next. Before I could contemplate the horror further, we were dragged down underground. Definitely, not the place to be at night in a city of pissed off vampires. I could only hope Tokem could track us. The vamps searched us with a little bit too much enthusiasm to suit me. We were shackled and put into separate cells. Where the hell was Tokem?
I had no way of knowing how long we had been the guests of the Red Court delegation but, they were not getting a four star rating from me. They were reflecting poorly on the Black Court and I’m sure they didn’t give a rat’s ass. No water, no food and I was getting cranky. Just when I was ready to offer the nearest vamp a one finger salute I heard a whirring noise. Tokem?
“Tokem, what took you so long?”
“Lauren, I am glad to see you too. I see that absence had made your heart grow fonder. It is so heartwarming.”
“I am going to warm more than your heart when I get out of here. Have you seen Corbin?”
“He is tied up a few cells down. He wanted me to tell you that he is getting help. He has asked me to seek his father with a message.”
“What message? His father had him exiled.”
“It is worth a try. Because trust me your prospects here are draining.”
“Funny. Tokem you be careful and hurry. Traygen’s life line seems fainter. I don’t think he has much time.”
Tokem nodded and spun away in a blur. The only sound that remained was a faint and continuous drip of water. Great, just my luck that the leaky plumbing would drive me insane before the solitude or the vamps could claim me. I sure hoped Tokem could find Corbin’s father and convince him to come and rescue his son. The odds were not in our favor since his father banished him. Unfortunately, it was all I had. I hadn’t come this far to die at Erol’s hands.
I must have dosed at some point which, surrounded by rats, vamps and who knew what else was not a good idea. However, we had been in constant motion for weeks. Seldom eating, barely sleeping and always narrowly avoiding death. A wizard could only take so much. Before I could take my lofty musings further I heard the sounds of approaching boots. Oh great, company. I only prayed I wasn’t going to be the main course. No such luck. The voices were getting closer and I could make out the sounds of Erol’s voice.
A light blinded me as a grumpy vamp ordered me to stand for Erol. What did I have to lose? I remained seated which only served to goad my captives into yanking me to my feet. I am sure he would have been happy to slap some sense into me but Erol entered the cell. I swear the room temperature dropped a few degrees. I’d have to ask Corbin how he did that if I lived. It would be a neat trick in the heat of a Southern California summer. The thought of home almost accomplished what the guard couldn’t. A tear threatened to slide down my cheek. I missed Traygen, Xena and our home. I was grateful that Jake was there to spoil her.
“Lauren, I’ve waited for this moment since you killed Vicor.”
“It was a fair fight and I gave him the chance to yield and he attacked me.”
“Lies, you could never have bested him.”
“You are right. It was the Balefire.”
“You lie. There is no Balefire in your realm only the fae possess it.”
“You are right about the realm.”
Erol grabbed me by the throat. “I’ll make you wish it had been you died in the Coliseum before I’m through with you.”
“Erol, let her go until we find out if she killed Vicor honorable or not. If she killed him through deceit, you can do with her as you wish.”
“Prince Bralock, my lord.” Erol sputtered as he bowed.
“Erol, you may rise. I understand you have my son Corbin. I want to see him immediately.”
They floated out without giving me another look. I was safe for now. Even so, I didn’t like my odds with Erol. Traygen, I have failed you my love. I will likely die before I ever see you again. If we are lucky, I’ll meet you again on the othe
r side. Sadly, we both know I’m likely to be going to hell. Before I could feel any sorrier for myself a frazzled Tokem sped in.
“Lauren, have you seen the Prince yet? He wants to see Corbin. I think he wants to forgive his son. Have you heard a word I’ve said?”
“Yes and yes. They popped in long enough to keep Erol from strangling me and then left to find Corbin.”
“Lauren give a little love to your savior and for the record that would be me. I got to the Prince in record time. Okay, Corbin told me exactly what to say to get his father to come post haste.”
Before I could thank him the vamps popped back in. I mean literally popped back in. Thankfully I hadn’t had anything to drink in hours or I would have wet my pants. Corbin winked when I gazed in his direction.
“My son tells me you killed Vicor after he refused to yield and Erol says you killed him after he yielded. Corbin has something to ask you that he feels will resolve this issue. If you allow him he will enthrall you and perform a mind scan. If you are innocent I will remove the bounty and set you free. If you lied I will give you to Erol who has agreed to accept the findings. What do you say?”
Part of me wanted to say no effing way. However, I also knew I was out of options if I wanted to save Traygen. I nodded at Corbin. He walked over and stood in front of me. I raised my eyes and stared into his. If he was telepathic at all he heard me loud and clear about what I would do to him if he messed this up. Then I gave my mind over to Corbin and he ensnared me. I felt my surroundings fade into the background. That was the last thing I remembered until Corbin slapped my face and I woke with a start. I felt oddly rejuvenated, like I had just awakened from a long nap.
“Well”, Erol snapped.
“Erol, give my son a chance to compose himself.”
“Lauren gave Vicor an offer to surrender and he refused. He again attempted to kill her and that is when she used the Balefire.”
“Erol you heard Corbin. Loren is to be freed and given safe passage. You will not raise a hand against her or I will sentence you to death. Am I clear?”
