by Tenaya Jayne
Baal hesitated a moment. Another boil burst. He braced his hand on the nearest table as his breath came out in short gasps. "All right! I'll get you the artifact. Just reverse this!"
"One moment… Let me finish reading this page."
Baal ground his teeth together.
"All right, let's see," Maxcarion said, setting his book aside and getting to his feet.
He grabbed Baal's hand and felt his pulse with an age-gnarled finger. Then he looked closely at his eyes.
"It was a good idea, but your DNA isn't compatible with the protein. Might I suggest you try magical means in the future and abandon science?"
Baal raised an eyebrow. "No I…I need both. That's it! I need to use both."
"Here, drink this." Maxcarion pressed a bottle of blue liquid into Baal's hand. "It won't taste good."
"When does it ever?" he retorted, tossing the blue stuff back. He shivered with revulsion at the taste as it slid down his throat. Small puffs of smoke hissed from his open boils before his flesh healed. Baal pulled his shirt over his head and ran his hands over his healed skin, exhaling with relief when he saw there were no scars.
"I don't know where you think I'm going to get an undamaged Talereneain artifact," Baal demanded.
"You might try the Fair."
"The what?"
"The Fair, that little disheveled excuse of a community."
"Why would I ever stoop so low to show my face there?"
"They are about to have their annual bazaar. Merchants and traders from all over Regia come to peddle goods. Most of them don't know their heads from a hole in the ground. You'd be surprised at the treasure that slips unwittingly through their fingers. If they have anything of real value, they'd never know it. Trust me, it's worth a look. You might find my artifact, or something of equal value I might want."
"Hmm…"
"Is there anything else? If not, I'd appreciate it if you'd leave me to my reading." Maxcarion sat back down and disappeared again behind his book.
Baal looked around the cramped space as he had many times. He picked up the collar sitting on top of a small table and rolled it between his thumb and forefinger. "When are you going to lower your price for this to something reasonable?"
Maxcarion looked over the rim of his book, made a little grunt in the back of his throat, and went on reading.
Baal reluctantly set the collar down. One day, he'd have it. Bundling his soiled shirt in his hand, he left. The negative energy of Shi sparked around him as soon as he stepped out into the open air, as if she were trying to shove him out.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm leaving."
He contemplated going back to Rune-dy headquarters or going home. If he went back to headquarters, he'd have to listen to Menjel… home it was. The force of his power concentrated in his hand before he struck the air, opening a portal.
The blissful silence of home wrapped around him as his feet hit the ground again. He looked around the heavily wooded area for traces of snoops or wanderers. The only footprints were his own from when he'd left that morning. He walked next to the base of the cliff, ducking under the sharp tree branches. The cold of the stone reached out and clawed at his bare shoulder. Reaching his disguised front door, he ran his hand over the rough rock, inlaid with runes. It wasn't as smooth or hidden as Maxcarion's home, but he was proud of the illusion he'd created. The stone ground against itself as it opened to him.
****
Shreve shifted into a small-framed male with weak arms and limp wrists, as a show of submission, before bowing low in front of Copernicus. "I am sorry, Father. Forest was able to open her own portal and escape my grasp. I'm not sure how she did it. Do you think, perhaps, Rahaxeris has taught her to—"
"I don't think so, but more information is needed before I can answer that question," Copernicus said in a low, controlled tone.
"She is not like you and me, as you once suspected. She is only an elf, shifter hybrid. Rahaxeris' natural daughter."
"Hmm…" Copernicus crossed his arms over his chest and looked away from Shreve, brooding. "Natural daughter," he repeated in a whisper. "It doesn't matter…in fact, it gives her more power… strengthens our plan. Did you learn anything else?"
"Yes, Father. I got her sword. I believe she is quite attached to it." Shreve held Forest's sword out for Copernicus, who took it by the hilt.
He swung it once to test the balance before running his finger along the edge, drawing a line of blood. Copernicus sucked at his cut finger before chuckling. "Beautiful artistry. Silver. Little sister doesn't like vampires."
"Not so, or not anymore. I've since learned she's mated to vampire. A powerful mage."
"Interesting. How powerful?"
"The most powerful in all of Regia. They call him The Sanguine."
"Well, that's a problem, isn't it? And since you were unable to apprehend her, her mate will be on the defensive."
"Are you going to punish me, Father?"
"Of course, but not now. I don't want to weaken you right now. It can wait until you bring Forest to me."
"Yes, Father. Thank you."
"Are there any new recruits?"
"Two. An older female shifter and a young male vampire."
Copernicus sighed and got to his feet, gesturing that Shreve should rise from his bow. Even after Shreve returned to his more natural muscular girth and height, Copernicus still stood a head taller than he did.
"Bring them in."
Shreve left the room. Copernicus sat back down in his high backed chair in the center of the otherwise empty room. It was a makeshift throne room. Soon, he would sit on the real throne in the Onyx Castle. Debts of the past would be paid to him. All the power of Regia he would take as his birthright.
A moment later, Shreve came back with the two newbies.
"May you live forever, King Copernicus!" the vampire said passionately, going down on one knee.
The woman made no such display. Instead, she scowled and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Why are you here?" Copernicus demanded of her.
"I, uh…heard about the circle from a friend of mine. They said you were a shifter."
"Outrageous!" the kneeling vamp said. "He's a vampire. He's going to claim the vampire throne."
Copernicus stood. "You're both right. And you're both wrong."
"So you're not a vampire?" the woman asked.
Copernicus walked up to her and pinned both her hands behind her, bringing his face close to hers and showing his fangs. "I am everything. Vampire, werewolf, ogre, shifter, and elf. All that Regia is lives in me. I am this world's heir, and I will claim my throne. Now join me or die."
The woman shook with fear but nodded. Copernicus cut his fingertip on the edge of one of his incisors before plunging his fangs into the side of her neck. She screamed. He pulled back and stuck his bleeding finger into the bite mark, making her his slave.
The vampire watched in wide-eyed horror as Copernicus turned to him. "Your turn."
The young man bolted for the door and was caught by Shreve.
"What's the matter, kiss-ass? Not so keen now?" Copernicus demanded.
"I thought you were a vampire!"
"Are you saying I'm not?"
"You're mixed blood filth like the Hailemarris."
Copernicus backhanded the young man. "That's my sister you're talking about."
The vampire spat disrespectfully on the ground.
"I assume you don't care for my wolf side? Fine. The beast shall be your end."
Copernicus shifted into a huge wolf-beast. His jagged jaws clamped over the vamp's head, severing it from his neck. He spit the head out at the feet of the shifter before shifting back into his previous state.
Shreve dropped the body to the ground.
"Clean that up," Copernicus order the shifter.
"Yes, my lord."
Chapter Four
Wake up.
"No," Netriet moaned.
We're in his bed. You've been asleep th
e whole day.
Netriet opened her eyes. "What? All day?"
The evening is here. We need to go.
"I'm not leaving the Fair. I'm going to see Martia… Well, once I have something to wear."
Netriet sat up in the cozy darkness of Merick's tent. It was the best sleep she'd had in years. The noises of foot traffic and merrymaking sang a siren's song to her heart. Drums and lively flute music beckoned her to join the crowd. She stretched and ran her fingers through her silky, clean hair that had curled as it dried. The bundle at the base of the bed caught her attention. She unwrapped it and gasped as the clothes spilled into her hand.
"Wow," she whispered.
The amber velvet shirt fit perfectly. She ran her finger along the seam where the sleeve had been removed. Tears ran down her cheeks before she realized she was going to cry. Merick didn't borrow this from anyone, it was just for her. No one had done anything for her that made her feel special like this since her suitors in Christiana's court.
"I told him not to buy anything."
Well he didn't listen, did he? I don't know what you're gushing over. It's not even pretty. He's trying to manipulate you.
Netriet sighed as she pulled the pants on awkwardly. "I hate you."
I love you. The shadow whispered seductively.
She tidied the blankets on the cot as best she could and hurried out of the tent's flaps, instantly colliding into Merick's chest.
He grunted and braced his hands on her shoulders. She looked up into his face, and the warmth of his gaze ran down through her in a slow glide. How could he look at her that way? He saw her, her, not her scars, not her missing arm.
"Save me," she whispered, the words out before she even thought them.
His brow creased. "I will. If I can, I swear I will."
His hands moved over her shoulders and down her back, pulling her gently against him. For one moment, just one, Netriet breathed in and out easily, and his warmth continued to spread through her chest. The shadow pulled back in retreat from it. Then approaching footsteps broke them apart.
"Merick? You over here?" the voice called from the other side of the tent.
Merick pulled away, looking at her intently. "Go around to the front gate," he said quietly, before walking away.
Netriet listened to Merick greet whoever was on the other side, and the two of them headed off toward the merrymaking. She swung her leg over the sorry excuse of a wall and walked around the outside of the Fair toward the front gate.
Do you think he's so great now? The shadow mocked. He doesn't want to be seen with you. He doesn't want people to think he cares about you.
"He doesn't want questions. Neither do I."
Whatever. Let's get out of here. These people will never accept you.
"Coming here was your idea. I'm not leaving until I see Martia."
Fine. The shadow said tersely. Go see Martia, and then we'll leave.
"I don't think so. I'm in no hurry whatsoever."
A gruff ogre stood at the front gate halfheartedly on guard, clapping in time to the lively music. He turned his full attention on Netriet as she approached, crossed his impressive arms over his chest, and scowled down at her. His eyes roamed over her, assessing. Then the light of pity flickered behind the scowl.
"Who are you?" he demanded. "And what is your business here?"
Netriet smiled. "My name is Nettie. I have no business, so to speak. I'm a… uh…friend of Martia's."
The ogre's scowl dropped into a lopsided grin for a moment. "Martia is the most beautiful woman in Regia. She makes the best pie."
"Oh, uh sure." She didn't know how to answer.
The ogre frowned. "You've never had Martia's pie. Don't bother lying. I can tell."
"You're right." She desperately tried not to laugh. "I've never had Martia's pie, but if you say it's the best, I'm sure it is, and I hope I get the chance to try some. I do know her, though. That is the truth."
"We'll see. Martia!" the ogre bellowed over his shoulder.
Well, it was too late to change her mind now. Martia broke through the crowd and came toward the gate. Shock and then pleasure spread over her face when she spotted Netriet. Her smile was so genuine and maternal Netriet wanted to run into her arms like a child to its mother.
"There you are!" Martia exclaimed. "I thought you'd never come back!"
"Well, I—"
"You look better than the last time I saw you. Way too thin but certainly better dressed. What a beautiful shirt that is."
"Thank you."
"It almost looks like the work of…no that couldn't be. Well come in. Move out of the way, Koll, she's no danger to anyone."
"Just doing my job."
Martia patted him on the shoulder, making him blush. "And you do it so well, thank you." There was no sarcasm in her voice. She put her arm around Netriet's shoulders and moved her away from the crowd. "Are you feeling like joining the group? They can get a little rowdy, and everyone will be interested in you, so you'll be the center of attention."
Panic shot through Netriet all the way to her feet, making her want to run. The shadow was right. She should leave. She couldn't stand the idea of being looked at by that many people all at once.
"It's all right. Calm down. No one here will hurt you. No one will judge you… Why don't you come with me to my house, and I'll make you something to eat. We can have some quiet time to talk. What do you say?"
"Yes, thank you." Her voice came out in a rushed squeak.
Martia smiled and gestured for her to follow. Netriet gave one last glance at the crowd. Laughter, drinking, flirting, dancing, and eating. Her heart ached to join them. To be a part of them. Maybe she could be, but not yet.
She felt his eyes before she saw them. Through all the movement, her gaze snagged on his. Merick was watching her. He held her in silence with only his eyes. For one second, she felt that deep warmth again before the terror. The eyes are the windows of the soul, she thought. I don't want you to see what's inside of me.
With regret, Netriet turned her gaze away and followed Martia, her mind circling. What did he want? Why would he want anything from her? Maybe he was just bored. Maybe he just wanted to play with her, hurt her. He'd been both harsh and kind.
Forget him, my sweet. You don't need anyone. You have me. You'll always have me.
"Stop trying to cheer me up." Netriet kept her voice as low as she could. "You suck at it."
Netriet followed Martia, bemused. The ogre lady had an uncanny ability of making people feel they’d known her all their lives. Netriet frowned as she realized just being around Martia put her at ease, even though she didn't know her at all.
They walked to a row of small houses almost too cute to be real. Martia walked through the curved door of a magenta-colored cottage, its stone chimney climbing up the front in a charmingly uneven path next to a tiny second story window. Netriet stepped into the front room, delighted and jealous simultaneously. It was so warm and comfortable, as though the walls and knickknacks were somehow imbued with the happiness and contentment of their owners. It was a hodgepodge of odd, otherworldly things Netriet didn't recognize, not unlike Forest's house.
"Sit down and make yourself comfortable while I make us some hot tea." Martia walked into the adjacent kitchen and began clattering around. She was slightly too big for the space, but she maneuvered around it deftly. In a moment, she was back, pushing a warm cup into Netriet's hand and setting a large slice of bronze-colored bread on the little table in front of her. The sweet smell stirred her long empty stomach.
"I hope you're not offended by our house. The ban on Earth goods has recently been lifted, so I assure you, there's nothing illegal here."
Netriet smiled, the expression coming easier now. "You have a lovely home. Thank you for inviting me in. There are many who wouldn't."
"I'm so glad you're back. I was afraid I'd never see you again. Afraid something ill had happened to you."
The events of the night Netr
iet had first come to the Fair came back to her. Her gaze fixed on the patchwork throw draped over the back of Martia's chair.
"What's wrong, dear?"
Her eyes stung. "I lost the shawl you gave me…I can't tell you what it meant to me, your kindness. But I was attacked by two deserter wolves that night, and I lost it as I fled."
In a second, Martia had her arms around Netriet in a firm hug. "Oh, you poor thing! How horrible! How ever did you escape?"
"I stabbed one, then I got caught in Forest's damn alarm system, and she let me in. Protected me."
Martia let go of Netriet and sat back down, blushing a little. "She's a good one, our Hailemarris… Sorry for crushing you just then."
Netriet smiled and shook her head. The hug caused her hope of acceptance to sprout. Both Martia and Merick had physically touched her without acting as though she was something gross to be shunned.
"So what is Forest up to? I passed her land on my way here. Her new level of security is…impressive."
"You don't know?"
Netriet shook her head. "I've been very isolated for a long time."
Martia blew out a breath. "I guess so. It's the insurgents. The Aluka Circle, they call themselves. They've been causing so much trouble. But they are harder to track than shadows in the dark. As far as anyone knows, they want to re-establish the vampire throne. The strange thing is that their followers are not just vampires. People from every Regian race have joined, even a few werewolves. We had one come here a while back, a drifter. He gave us a song and dance about his past, made a few friends, then started trying to convert everyone he could. When no one did, and we knew what he was, that's when things got violent."
"What did you do?"
"Merick took him down. Delivered him to Forest. He's in jail, I think."
"Merick took him down? How?"
Martia laughed lightly. "Don't be fooled by his limp. That man is deadly. He's got the most skilled hands I've ever seen. I guess that's why he can juggle the way he does. Anything he touches can be a lethal weapon."
"Where did he learn?"
