***
Vasilli felt the moment Vischto died. He roared with blind rage at the forest in front of him. Vischtan started to howl and whimper in pain. Vasilli turned to watch as Vischtan began to burn up like his twin.
“Master, help me,” he begged. But the invisible fire burnt his wolf body to a cinder. Vasilli watched as the ashes were carried away on the wind. They had been valuable slaves and Vasilli was going to truly enjoy killing who ever was responsible for their demise.
***
“What happened?” Trajan asked as soon as Izrayl walked inside with Anya. “Give her to me and get Cerise to help you with your wounds; you are bleeding everywhere.” Trajan carried her quickly up the stairs to her room.
“I’m ‘k…” Anya mumbled through numb lips. “Vissto.” Trajan wrapped her in a blanket and held her tight.
“What the hell happened?” Yvan stormed in the room. “Yebať! Is she okay?”
“Go and see Izrayl, they were attacked,” Trajan commanded. “Get her some coffee or something. She is shivering.”
“I will be right back Anya,” Yvan glared at Trajan but did as he was told.
“We never should have let you go in the forest alone,” Trajan said as he rocked her gently.
“Tired…” Anya managed as her head drooped and rested on the groove of Trajan’s neck, warm and comfortable.
“Don’t go to sleep,” he said urgently, shaking her a little.
“Why?” she asked already half in a doze.
“Because you might not wake up,” Trajan moved her to check to see if she had her eyes open, his own filled with worry. “I need you to be able to wake up.”
“Nice…thing,” Anya said before she started to cry from the emotions bombarding her. Yvan came back in the room with Izrayl following close behind. He was holding a wad of bandages to his chest.
“I was following her to make sure she didn’t get lost and Vischto jumped her. I managed to stop him from attacking her but then something strange happened. She screamed and all of a sudden Vischto was off me and he burned from the inside out. I think she used her magic on him.” Anya tried nodding her head in agreement but it just flopped forward.
“The firebird says the magic has drained her because she used too much at once,” Yvan said as he looked at her. “She just needs to rest.”
“Is that all?” Trajan breathed a sigh of relief. “You can go to sleep now if you want to Anya.” She still had her head resting on him so she just closed her eyes.
“Vischto said Vasilli was coming for her,” Izrayl added. “We need to leave as soon as she can move.”
“Then make sure you’re ready. I will stay with her,” Trajan said.
Anya opened a bleary eye as Yvan touched her cheek lightly. She tried to smile at him but her mouth still didn’t want to move.
“If her temperature drops, find me,” he told Trajan. “Watch where you put your hands.” He followed Izrayl from the room. Trajan lifted her onto the bed properly and removed her boots. He placed another blanket on her. Anya thought of Vasilli being close and started to shiver.
“Don’t go,” Anya croaked and held out her hand that the magic had come out of; it was burning up. Trajan pulled up a chair and sat down next to her, placed his cool hand in hers and the burning pain eased.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said gently. “Every time I do something happens. I dropped my guard to go and feed and Tuoni gives you Yvan and now you were attacked by Vischto.”
“Least…magic worked,” Anya said.
“A little too well I think,” Trajan frowned and softly stroked the hair back from her forehead. “At least you are not hurt.” Anya nodded sleepily but couldn’t find the energy to reply.
“Go to sleep Anya,” he whispered as she tightened her grip on his hand, “I’ll be here.”
“How is she?” Cerise asked from the doorway. Trajan looked up and held up a finger to be quiet.
“She is sleeping finally,” he whispered as he put down his book and his reading glasses on the small bedside table.
“Poor thing must be scared out of her head,” said Cerise as she looked at Anya’s sleeping face.
“I don’t know what I can do to help her,” Trajan mumbled. “I’ve never met someone magical and untrained. She could have killed herself today.” Cerise gave him an appraising look and smiled softly.
“You really care about this mortal don’t you?”
“I have been watching over her family for a long time.” He cleared his throat awkwardly.
“Not to worry,” Cerise said dismissively. “I won’t tell anyone.”
“How is Izrayl?”
“The bleeding has stopped but his complaining hasn’t. Why don’t you have a break and go and pack your things. I will watch over her.” Trajan must have looked hesitant because Cerise frowned. “I don’t like that look on your face right now, darling. Don’t get too attached to her. She is a mortal and our kind does not mix with hers. It can only end in pain, heartache and death. Now get.”
Anya woke to the smell of something sharply chemical. “Trajan?” Her blurry eyes focussed on Cerise who was sitting at the end of her bed.
“Guess again,” the redhead smiled her megawatt smile. “I was charged with the very important job of watching over you while Trajan went to pack.”
“What’s that smell?”
“Nail polish,” Cerise said innocently. “I have a short attention span and I got bored.” Anya realised her feet were sticking out the bottom of a blanket, her left one propped on Cerise’s knee. Her toenails glinted scarlet. Anya went to move but Cerise’s hand gripped her like iron.
“Don’t move; you will mess up my artwork. Just relax.” Anya gave up and lay back down.
“I feel like I have been hit with a hammer,” she groaned and clutched at her head. With a flash of red she realised her fingernails had been manicured and painted as well. “Voi luoja,” Anya cursed.
“Don’t be mad, you were looking so under the weather and I thought it would perk you up,” Cerise said before letting out a sigh. “Okay fine. They were annoying me. Honey, your nails were shocking and I just had to do it.”
“I never really found the need to give myself a manicure when I was rounding up sheep.”
“Don’t be so snappish. I wasn’t judging you; I was trying to do something nice. I don’t like mortals very much so take it as a compliment.”
“Sorry, I am not used to being around women.”
“Does that mean I can do your eyebrows?” Cerise asked hopefully.
Anya tossed a pillow at her. “That hurts,” she gasped as her muscles screamed.
“It will teach you for throwing things at me,” Cerise said snootily. “You really need to relax. It must have been surprising when the magic came out.”
“I didn’t even know what I was doing. I saw him going for Izrayl and retaliated. I didn’t want to kill him.”
“From what Izrayl tells me it was a very close call,” Cerise said as she rummaged in the small bag on her lap.
“I think he must have been under Vasilli’s control somehow,” said Anya. “Are these your glasses?” She picked up the pair off the bedside table and put them on. They had black rectangular frames and Anya couldn’t see a thing clearly though them.
“They belong to Trajan.”
“He’s really blind,” Anya said as she quickly took them off and put them neatly back where she found them. “I find it a little strange that someone who feeds off death needs glasses.”
“We are from a place of darkness, honey. We can see in it like its day, we can wrap it around us like a cloak; we are a part of it. We are light sensitive. It doesn’t burn us up but it hurts. Trajan needs glasses for reading because his eyes are damaged from refusing to live in darkness anymore.”
“What about you?”
“I’m far too cute for glasses,” said Cerise as she repositioned herself beside her, tweezers in hand. Anya frowned as Cerise moved in.
&n
bsp; “Trust me; I have been doing this for a very long time,” assured Cerise. “Let me have my fun. It will make you feel better.” Anya sighed and resigned herself to her fate.
“Come on, I think you need to eat something,” Cerise said and took her hand like the most natural thing in the world.
Trajan caught them on the staircase, “Anya, how are you?”
“I am fine,” Anya said as she looked at her feet.“Cerise attacked me in my sleep though.” Trajan’s head snapped up in alarm.
“Not literally Trajan. Your faith in me is overwhelming,” said Cerise scathingly. “I like my food already dead anyway.”
“After today I am assuming the worst.”
“Oh here are your things, I thought you might want them,” Anya said awkwardly as she handed him his book and glasses. He slipped them on and smiled at her. Her image of him as a history tutor was complete but she had to admit they looked good on him.
“Thank you,” he said. “There has been no sign of Vasilli yet. Yvan is on edge though.”
“That man strikes me as always being on edge. He is intense,” commented Cerise.
“He has reasons,” Anya said a little more coldly than what she meant to.
“I was only making an observation, sweet pea. I will go see what I can find for you to eat,” Cerise said as kept moving down the stairs. Trajan hadn’t taken his eyes off Anya since he had turned up.
“I shouldn’t have let you go into the forest alone,” he said finally as he leant against the banister.
“You weren’t the one who attacked me,” said Anya, “I wouldn’t have let you stop me anyway. I am stubborn that way.”
“Yes, you are,” Trajan reached out and lightly touched her cheek. His hands were warm against her cool skin, sending goose bumps running along her arms. “I was so worried today when I saw you limp in Izrayl’s arms.”
“Did you think I was dead?”
“No, I would have known if you were dead. There can be worse things than death though. Vasilli has more than Vischto and Vischtan at his command.” Anya realised his hand was still on her cheek but didn’t move it away.
“I know that but you shouldn’t worry, I can take care of myself.”
“Clearly.”
“What do mean that you would have known if I was dead?”
“I would have felt it.”
“Can you feel it all the time? With everyone?”
“Not the way I used to. Those who I know I feel very strongly. I can tune the rest out, just like I can tune in if I need to find someone who is about to die.”
“To feed on,” Anya finished. Trajan moved his hand away from her cheek.
“Does that frighten you?”
“Not as much as it probably should. In my growing list of things to be frightened of you rank quite low.”
“That is a relief. I wouldn’t like you to be afraid of me at all.”
“Vasilli is a lot scarier than you. Then there is the Darkness and whoever else wants my blood, or my power, or both.” Anya rubbed her arms and hugged herself. She could feel power running under her skin again. Trajan leant forward and tapped her shoulder in an awkward gesture of affection.
“They won’t ever hurt you, Anya. I may not seem frightening to you but I can be just as horrifying as the things in your dreams. They will find it very hard to get anywhere near you while you are under my protection.” She wondered how horrifying he could be.
“Thank you,” she said and stood on tip toes to kiss his cheek. She could only just reach his jaw line but it was close enough. His dark hair lightly brushed her cheek and she heard him inhale sharply before letting go of her.
“We should really get you something to eat,” he said. Anya stepped away from him quickly and headed down the stairs.
When they entered the kitchen Anya could smell eggs frying. Izrayl was standing at the stove cooking up a storm.
“There she is, our fierce Shamanitsa,” he smiled. “Back on her feet and ready for action.”
“How are you feeling, Anya?” Yvan asked his voice tight with concern.
“I’m fine,” she said and sat down beside him, “I am just a little achy.”
“I’ve got you covered,” Izrayl put a massive plate down in front of her, piled with scrambled eggs and toasted bread.
“I don’t know if I can eat all of this.”
“Try, you need some more meat on you,” he said.
“Hardly,” said Anya. Izrayl gave her a wink before he placed a plate in front of everyone and a massive one for himself. He was eating enough for two men.
“I need it for my strength,” he said as he tucked in.
“We should leave by morning,” Trajan said. “If Vasilli were close he wouldn’t have sent one of his minions after her. We will leave at dawn.”
“It sounds like a good plan,” Yvan agreed as he sipped his coffee. “Night is when Vasilli is strongest. He would have attacked us at dusk if he was nearby.”
“I could use one more decent night’s sleep too,” Izrayl added. “I’m not as young as I used to be and I am not quite recovered from the last adventure.”
“You need to heal too. You were wounded today and we have to take that into account,” said Anya. She didn’t like him being in pain because of her. Izrayl smiled and ripped the bandage off his chest. All that remained of Vischto’s bite was a fresh purple scar.
Anya gasped. “How is that even possible?”
“Volk krovi heal fast,” said Izrayl with a smug grin. “I get a decent scar to show off too. Ladies like scars.”
“I’ll take your word for it. I’m so full,” Anya sighed; as she had predicted she had not eaten half her meal.
“More for me,” Izrayl said and took her plate to finish it off.
“Pig,” snorted Cerise, her nose crinkled with disgust.
“It’s for my stamina. I could show you how good it is if you want,” Izrayl licked his lips.
“You are nothing if not persistent, boy.”
“One day you are bound to say yes,” Izrayl shrugged.
“Did the drum work for you?” Yvan asked Anya.
“Before Vischto jumped me the drum said South East. It will be imprecise at best. I don’t understand all of the figures on it. I will keep looking through Eikki’s journals and see what I can find.”
“It’s better than nothing,” said Yvan, giving her a half hug. Trajan frowned at him. Anya didn’t know what his problem was and she was still embarrassed by the moment on the stairs.
“Oh, the drum! I left it in the forest I have to-”
“Relax Anya, I found it and your runes,” Yvan said, “You weren’t in any state to get them.”
“Thanks. I was so out of it. I can’t believe I left them behind, some Shamanitsa I am,” she said with a grunt. Yvan’s arm tightened around her.
“Don’t worry, you did great but should turn in early tonight, darling. The magic drained you completely today and tomorrow will be a very big day,” said Cerise as she lit a cigarette.
“I agree with Cerise, you should get your rest,” Trajan gave a curt nod. “You need to go to bed.”
“Yes, your bed,” Yvan stressed to Anya. “In your room.”
“Oh no, I have claimed that one,” Cerise protested, “I need my beauty sleep, especially if I am going to be in the sun all day tomorrow.”
“She can have my room,’ Trajan said smoothly. “I don’t think I will be getting much sleep tonight.” Yvan’s frown deepened as he looked at Trajan.
“I think we should all turn in,” Izrayl interrupted with a massive yawn. “Are you going to come keep me warm Cerise?”
“If you want to keep warm piss in your pants,” Cerise said sweetly and blew smoke at him.
“I am going to head up,” Anya laughed, “Thank you for the eggs Izrayl.”
“I will go up with you,” said Yvan, “I have your drum and runes in my room. They make the firebird uncomfortable so you had best take them.”
“You w
ere looking very worried when you came in tonight,” Yvan commented when they were back in his room.
“I just had an awkward moment with Trajan,” Anya said as she said down on his bed. “I don’t think he likes me very much.”
“I don’t believe that is the problem,” Yvan frowned, “You can’t forget he is not human, Anya. He probably hasn’t had much to do with mortal women either. You make him nervous. Whatever happened he will get over it. We all feel a little uneasy and out of place at the moment.” Anya leant forward and rested her elbows on her knees.
“I suppose. It’s probably just me making an issue out of something that isn’t one. I did kill someone today so everything else should pale in comparison.” Yvan sat down next to her and passed her the bag with her drum and her runes in it.
“Vasilli would not have been a kind master. Those skin changers have been in his service for a very long time. They killed Helena, they would have killed you. If anything you did the creature a kindness.”
“I burnt him up from the inside out. How the fuck could that be a kindness?” Anya raked her hands through her hair. Yvan detangled them gently.
“He would have done worse to you, to all of us. If it had been Vasilli instead of Vischto you wouldn’t have been so lucky. Do not mourn for the creature.” His hard blue eyes softened as he looked at her. They were the darkest blue she had ever seen.
“I should go to bed,” she said and got up quickly. “Big day tomorrow.”
“Yes you should,” he replied and rubbed the back of his neck. “Sleep well shalost’.”
“Mischief? Me? Never!”
Anya took a deep breath of relief when she walked down the hallway. She didn’t need any more complications and the look he just gave her was all kinds of complicated. She was packing her clothes when she felt someone watching her. Trajan stood in her doorway, his eyes following her movements behind his glasses.
“Did you want something?” she asked as she set aside some clothes for the next day.
“I feel I owe you an apology.”
“For what?” Anya really didn’t want to go through this uncomfortable conversation tonight. She just wanted to go to sleep.
Cry of the Firebird (The Firebird Fairytales Book 1) Page 12
