“Oh, and Edison, it looks like you found the young man you were looking for,” the Queen continued.
“Yes, ma’am.” The elderly man stepped forward and bowed to the Queen.
“Marcus, Jack,” the Queen continued, presenting the man she had just addressed. “This is Edison Reeves, the man responsible for our magical and technological advancements.”
Edison gripped Jack’s hand firmly and gave him a genuine smile. After he had done the same to Marcus, he turned to the queen and motioned for the last man to approach.
“And this, Your Majesty, is Aareth Emerson.”
Aareth approached the Queen, but neither bowed nor knelt. His blue eyes looked her up and down as he pushed long dark locks from his face.
“It is appropriate to bow to your Queen.” Sloan’s voice came out loud and clear. “Appropriate and demanded.”
“My queen?” Aareth looked at her and smiled. “I didn’t vote for her.”
Sloan was the only one in the room who carried a weapon. A saber hung beside her curvy hips and in a second it was unsheathed and pointed dangerously close to Aareth’s throat.
Jack tensed, prepared to spring into action if the moment called. What exactly he was going to do he wasn’t sure, but every muscle on his athletic frame was coiled and ready.
“Peace, Captain,” the Queen said softly. “He is still our guest.”
Sloan lowered her weapon slowly, but there was no doubt that if it weren’t for the queen’s interference, she would have loved to teach Aareth a lesson in respect.
There was an awkward silence as the Queen looked Aareth up and down. “I’m sorry. I wish things could have started off on a better note. But I want to thank you all for coming. Fenrick and Edison are only here in an advisory capacity. You four—Sloan, Aareth, Marcus, and Jack—are the ones that were chosen.”
“Chosen for what, Your Highness?” Sloan asked as she sheathed her saber and shot Aareth a look that said, “just you wait.”
As you all know,” The Queen began with a deep breath, “the city of New Hope has struggled forward in the last decade. We have clawed and fought our way from the brink of collapse to be the most prosperous and technologically advanced city in the known world. Now we have the opportunity and resources to not only help ourselves, but also those around us in the Outland.”
“I’m not talking about conquest or trying to claim each outlying city for the Crown.” Queen Eckert caught sight of Aareth’s dark look and shook her head. “I’m talking about strengthening bonds with our neighbors one day at a time. I know what the Outlanders think of us and I don’t blame them. I understand gaining their trust will be a slow process, but it is a process that must be started.”
“We have the resources now in every way,” Edison added with a proud smile. “Our army has never been better trained, our advancements in magic never further along, and our leaders never stronger.”
“New Hope’s economy and treasury are at their peaks as well,” Fenrick added with a smile that reminded Jack of a predator’s grin.
“They will have to be small steps and even smaller acts of kindness,” the Queen took time to look each member in attendance in the eye, “but we have to start somewhere. That leads us to why you have all been called. We have received reports and requests for aid from a small Outland city called Burrow Den.”
Jack furrowed his brow, trying to remember all he knew about the city. It was a small town, no more than a few hundred people when he had last been there. Everything seemed fine when he passed through with his father the year before, but then again, a lot could happen in a year.
“Reports of what manner, Your Highness?” Marcus asked.
“Over the last few months, a string of brutal murders has occurred. Eyewitnesses have said there’s a wild animal on the loose that does not resemble anything they have ever seen before. Reports vary; however, whatever it is has eluded the local town authorities as well as anyone who has gone to help. In the meantime, the attacks and deaths have continued. It’s not every day a request comes our way for help, but it has. This is the perfect opportunity to make an ally. I am asking the four of you to go to Burrow Den, find out what is causing these attacks, and handle the situation in the name of the Crown.”
Jack could feel his father’s gaze and he turned to look at him. Marcus’ face said it all. Under the shaggy brown hair and beard, his father’s eyes were firm and determined. He would go on the quest the Queen asked him to for no other reason than the fact that she asked. He would do the right thing by helping the city and serving his queen. Marcus was only looking to Jack for confirmation. Jack nodded.
“Both my son and myself are at your disposal, Your Highness,” Marcus said with another bow. “Where you command we will follow.”
“You know my sword now and forever belongs to you, my queen. You need only tell me where to direct it,” Sloan fell to a knee her eyes lowered in reverence.
Everyone in the chamber turned to Aareth. He was scratching the scruff that formed across his face but stopped as every eye turned his way. “Listen, I don’t think you have the right man for the job. I mean, it sounds adventurous and romantic and all, but I’m not the guy you’re looking for.”
“If it’s money you are worried about, trust me, the Crown has more than enough to compensate you for your time,” the Queen said clearly displeased. “Or if it is something other than wealth you desire?”
“No, I’m sure you have enough money and I’m not looking for power. Your plan just sounds dangerously close to schemes tyrants have tried in the past.”
“Explain youself.” The Queen squinted and tilted her head to the side.
“I’m not accusing you of anything but having the noblest of intentions. However, there’s a fine line between bringing unity and peace to the Outland and making every city outside of New Hope your own.”
Jack looked at the Queen for her response. He was stunned Aareth would be so bold, at the same time respecting and appreciating his candidness. It was a question that crossed Jack’s mind, but one he dismissed just as quickly. It was hard for him to believe a queen that worked so hard over the last decade to bring prosperity to one city would then try and conquer others.
Jack saw Sloan’s hand reach to the hilt of her saber again.
When the Queen spoke next, there was an edge to her voice Jack didn’t expect.
“Well, Aareth Emerson, thank you for your time and honesty. You are obviously not the right man for the job. You are dismissed, then. Please don’t let me keep you from the bar we found you in and the alcohol you were drowning yourself with.”
Aareth made a move to speak but then noticed Sloan’s sword inch out of her sheath. Without another word, he turned on his heel and left the room.
“Please, Your Majesty, I know he’s rough around the edges, still he’s the best chance we have,” Edison looked at the queen with desperation. “Let me go after him.”
“He is strong and cautious. If you think he is the one we need…” The Queen thought for a moment before continuing, “then go and get him if you can. Over the course of the last ten years you have never failed me. I don’t expect you’ll start making bad decisions now.”
Edison bowed and his long grey cloak swished behind him as he half walked, half ran to catch up to Aareth.
“Your Majesty is gracious as ever,” Fenrick added in a sly whisper everyone could hear. “I would have had his tongue or thrown him into the dungeon and whipped at the very least for speaking that way.”
“Yes, well, sometimes faith in our friends and their choices is required. Please, Fenrick, will you show Sloan and our guests where all the material on the attacks is held?”
Fenrick bowed deeply.
“Thank you, all of you, for your willingness to help. The road will be dangerous. We will be sure to send you well prepared. Fenrick will show you all the information we have gathered from the murders and the reports from eyewitnesses. It’s best that we start as soon as possible
to avoid more deaths.”
“We will, Your Highness,” Sloan bowed once more. “We can start first thing tomorrow morning. We’ll take the locomotive as far as the tracks will let us and then travel by horse from there.”
The Queen nodded, and before Jack could stop himself or think twice about what he was going to say, the words were already coming out of his mouth. “What’s a locomotive?”
The Queen smiled at the young tracker. “You’re in a for a treat, Jack.”
Aareth
Did they think he was stupid? He knew where even the best of intentions led. With this much power, there would be no stopping the queen if she decided to rule the Outland cities as opposed to “helping” them. With the magical technology New Hope now held, it would be a war of swords against sticks.
Aareth was already in the courtyard when he heard the running footsteps behind him. The warm air and the setting sun touched him at the same time Edison reached his side.
“My God, boy, slow down. I’m not as agile as I once was.”
“Listen, I know you’re trying to help, but this isn’t my thing.” Aareth reduced his pace but continued to move forward toward the exit. “It starts with one town, with one city; we lend a helping hand, and then we want favors in return. Favors turn into allegiances, handouts turn into debts, and debt is just another word for control.”
“You’re exactly right, and that’s why I chose you. You’ve seen it all happen before. You’ve seen the corruption first hand. You’ve been in the middle of it and that’s why it’s so important that you be the one to go.”
Aareth reached the front gates. The fact that Edison wasn’t arguing with him was enough for him to stop.
“You don’t disagree? So you don’t think the queen can be trusted?”
“I didn’t say that.” Edison put both gloved hands up in a sign of surrender.” The queen has nothing but the best intentions; however, there are those in the palace who would rather see cities in the Outland pay taxes and tribute rather than become friends and allies.”
“That’s why you need me to be the one that goes.” Aareth crossed his muscular arms and took a deep breath. “I can’t believe I’m letting you talk me into this.”
“Aareth, the time you spent as an inspector cleaning up the corruption in this city will be an invaluable tool. You were the best undercover detective we ever had at the precinct.”
Aareth stood quiet, torn between what he knew was the right thing to do and the direction every muscle in his body was telling him to go. Two sides of Aareth were locked in a battle; the man he once was and the man he was now.
Edison saw everything. He recognized what the pause in conversation meant, the agitated look on Aareth’s face, even the furrowed brow.
“If you can’t do it for yourself, Aareth, do it for the city; and if you can’t do it for the city, do it for her.”
Aareth was ripped from his internal battle at the mention of his dead wife. A year ago he would have beat anyone that dared mention her memory. A year ago, mention of his dead wife would have been enough for Aareth to end a man’s life. Today he knew the anger would only reopen old wounds. Instead, he accepted the memory and embraced the pain.
“She was better than I was.”
“No, Aareth.” Edison’s face softened as he put a gloved hand on his wounded friend’s shoulder. “She was better than all of us. She just brought out the best in you. Go on this mission and keep a watchful eye. Something big is about to happen. I have a feeling whatever it is, it’s going to start with this journey.”
Fenrick
“Oh, just in here, if you please.” Fenrick showed the three members of the queen’s chosen group into an open room with a round table and chairs near a crackling fire. On top of the table were a pile of folders and files full of paperwork and pictures.
“Dinner will be brought to you shortly. In the meantime, feel free to start reading the gathered material.”
The father and son team nodded and walked into the room, followed by the queen’s captain. Sloan stood by Fenrick’s side before she entered, without even looking at him, she whispered, “There’s a nasty little rumor among the men that a certain treasurer was seen gambling in the city last night.”
“Captain,” Fenrick swallowed hard but gathered himself just as quickly. “If you are insinuating that I’m gambling with the queen’s money, I would think twice about the accusation you’re making.”
“And why is that?” Sloan turned her piercing green eyes on Fenrick. “Choose your next words wisely.”
“Because,” Fenrick licked his lips and leaned in to whisper in her ear. “I don’t gamble, but even if I did, I would chose to keep that a secret. You know I’m not the only one with secrets—don’t you, captain? You know what I’m referring to, of course—a certain less than distinguished upbringing.”
“Be careful who you threaten, treasurer. Some of us are quicker with the sword than the tongue and would go to great lengths to protect certain secrets.” Sloan walked into the room and shut the door in Fenrick’s face.
Fenrick let his fake smile fade and curled a lip at the closed door.
Children playing at things they don’t understand, Fenrick thought to himself. But events are going better than expected. Aareth has left before the journey has even started. In a game where the players can choose their own pieces, it seemed the queen has chosen poorly, a drunk who already walked out, two simple-minded sorcerers, and a captain with a chip on her shoulder.
Fenrick shook his head as he walked through the palace to the rear of the building. The sun had just set, only a few servants and guards walked along the palace’s extensive garden grounds. Queen Eleanor had a soft spot for plants and flowers of all kinds. The garden was alive with statues and fountains all designed with bats, pools, and symbols and various symbols of strength, but all of that was still outshined by the level of greenery in the garden.
Fenrick dismissed all the plants and flowers he had seen a thousand times before. Instead spent his time looking over his shoulder, ensuring he was not being followed.
After a few turns in the labyrinth of the palace’s garden, Fenrick was content he was alone. He stopped walking and stood next to a tall hedge. Looking through the leaves and small branches of the wall-like plant, he saw the back of a hooded figure sitting on a stone bench on the other side.
“You’re late.” The dark figure spoke in a deep voice.
“Well, that’s not my fault.” Fenrick snarled. “You need to kill the captain. She suspects something. We need to kill her now.”
“Quiet your voice, snake, before someone hears and you ruin everything. They will all be dealt with in time when my master deems it appropriate. What of the team the Queen has assembled to travel to the Outland?”
“Mercenary,” Fenrick’s voice heightened at being talked to in such a way, by someone he deemed lower than himself. “You will speak to me with respect, I don’t care who your master is, I will have soldiers here—”
The cloaked man turned with inhuman speed. He shot a large arm through the thin hedge between them. Fenrick felt ice-cold fingers close around his throat. A second later he was lifted from the ground.
“I will not ask you again to be quiet, snake,” the hooded figure held Fenrick as if he weighed no more than a handful of sand. “I would kill you here and now, but it seems you are more useful to the order alive. Why? I have no clue.”
Fenrick clawed at the arm holding him suspended above the dirt but there was no use. He stared into the deep hood. The man’s facial features were bathed in shadows but Fenrick could still make out the long gruesome scar across his pale face. Fenrick nodded as best he could. The hold around his throat was released. He fell to the ground, gasping for air.
“Now tell me all you know about the ones chosen for the journey to the Outland. I want to know everything, when they’re leaving, and what route they’re taking.”
Jack
Jack sat at the table, as did Mar
cus and Sloan. They all opened folders and examined the information provided about the attacks in the Outland. There were news clippings, first hand reports, and interviews from witnesses. What concerned Jack the most was the quantity of attacks over such a brief period of time.
The first attack were dated two months previous. In that short time more than two dozen assaults were reported. File after file told similar stories of torn bodies, violent confrontations, and a wild creature no one had ever seen before. The eyewitness reports varied from descriptions of a huge dog-like animal to a large wolf. The things consistent in all the reports were that whatever the mysterious creature was, it was massive and struck quickly. It was covered in dark hair and traveled on four paws. The noise it made while it attacked were loud howls and there was a lingering odor it left behind.
One news clipping Jack came across included an actual life size paw print of the animal. Jack’s eyes recognized the print and his mind struggled to find an answer as he tore out the page and showed it to his father.
“Well,” Marcus placed worn spectacles on the bridge of his nose. “That’s impossible, isn’t it?”
Jack nodded.
“What is?” Sloan asked from across the table as she put down a folder. “Did you find something?”
“It’s an artist’s rendering of a life size paw print left by the animal.” Marcus handed her the picture of the paw print that nearly covered the entire page.
“Put me in a fight or a political debate and I can hold my own.” Sloan bit her lip as she examined the giant animal print. “I have no idea what I’m looking at here, sorcerer. It looks like a enormous canine imprint. I would say a dog but there are no dogs that large, not in that part of the Outland, not anywhere.”
“Well, you’re not that far off, Captain,” Marcus removed his glasses leaning back in his chair. “It’s a paw print of a canine. That’s a wolf print.”
“A wolf? That’s impossible. They get to no more than sixty, maybe seventy pounds.” Sloan shook her head looking at the picture again. “Whatever made this print had to have weighed hundreds of pounds.”
House of Wolves: (A Paranormal Urban Fantasy) (The Vampire Project Book 1) Page 4
