Cry of the Firebird (The Firebird Fairytales Book 1)

by Amy Kuivalainen

  “Where do you think you’re going?” Hamish’s voice cut through the noise of the train, making her jump. “I never picked you for one to bugger off in the middle of a fight.”

  “I am not running. I am getting out of the way so I don’t kill someone. I won’t work for the fucking Illumination.” She unlatched the big wooden door. He stepped forward and pulled the clutch cable out of her handle bars.

  “I don’t need the bike to go, cowboy.” She slid the door back and rain poured in over her. Harley would make her another bike. She jumped but not quickly enough. Strong hands grabbed the back of her coat and ripped her back in.She turned and scratched out at him. His face was grim in the scattered light as he picked her up and dumped her on the bonnet of a car.

  “You aren’t leaving until I get some answers first. Tell me about that scar. You didn’t have it when we were together.”

  “No, it happened after the bombing,” she muttered. There was no way she would get out of telling him now. “I was outside Budapest hunting something that turned out to be a possessed child. I followed it to an orphanage and when I got there it had slaughtered everyone in the building. I had never been up against a demon before and it managed to do that.” She tapped her shoulder. “I was saved in time by a priest who was also a hunter. Long story short is that he killed it and took me back to the church. I would have been dead if it wasn’t for him. I lived and acquired a few more talents in the process.”

  “So why do the Illumination think you killed the kids?”

  “They saw me enter the building and when they finally got the balls to follow everyone was dead and I was gone.”

  “You know you didn’t do it so why give a shit what they think? I can’t make you stay but it’s going to be a shit fight and I would feel better having you fighting at my side.”

  “They won’t let her just go, you know. They will pretend they are on her side but when the dust settles she will be taken down.”

  “Anya trusts this Aramis guy and that’s enough for me. If they betray us we will deal with them. Stay for the fight, stay for Anya or just stay for me. Please Belle.”

  “It’s not going to be a fight; it’s going to be a fucking bloodbath.”

  “Then I will buy you a rubber ducky,” he grinned.

  “God I hate you,” she muttered as he shut the big wooden door and bolted it.

  ***

  Back in Aramis’s carriage he had focussed his attention back to Ruben who was holding a wad of bloody tissues to his face.

  “You are relieved of your command,” Aramis said firmly. “At the next stop you shall remove yourself from the train and make your way back to London where the Council can make up their minds what to do with you. It is no wonder these people mistrust us when they have you for an example.” He turned his sharp blue eyes onto Petyr. “If you have a problem with our alliance with Anya and her people I suggest you leave as well. If you stay, keep your mouth shut or I will seal it permanently.” The damaged and disgraced man removed himself from the carriage.

  The uneasiness began to alleviate after an hour of talking but Katya didn’t look entirely convinced. Izrayl had taken her hand and she seemed to calm. Cerise chained smoked to the point that Aramis found her an ashtray but didn’t make her stop. She had dressed up for the occasion claiming while some people wore weapons as armour, she wore fur and heels. It seemed to be working on Petyr who was struggling not to look at her.

  They talked for a long time about what had happened in the last six months, what the Illumination knew about Vasilli and Ladislav’s movements and what to expect if the gates were not sealed properly. Trajan held Anya’s hand tighter when they talked about the latter. That scared Anya more than anything else they had talked about.

  Her magic was thrumming incessantly under her skin just by being near Aramis. It was almost as if her magic had a crush on him and she fought the urge not to start scratching at her arms like a junkie. Aramis answered all their questions without hesitation and in detail. Very slowly a shaky alliance and plan were beginning to emerge. It was late when they started to drift off to their beds.

  “I will meet you there in a minute. I just need to talk to Aramis,” Anya said quietly to Trajan.

  “I don’t like you being alone with him,” Trajan replied with a glance at the Álfr.

  “I will be fine.” Anya kissed him gently. The others said their good nights, Yvan murmuring that they needed to talk as he left, until finally Aramis and Anya were alone. He was leaning against the front of his desk smiling as she walked toward him.

  “I thin-” he began as Anya’s right hand struck him hard across the face.

  “How dare you use magic on me! You tricked me into trusting you last night didn’t you?”

  “I only used a little to make you relax around me. I genuinely want to help you Anya and I knew you wouldn’t give me the chance in time,” he said as a red mark appeared on his pale cheek. Aramis caught her hand as she raised it again. The translucent tendrils of power burst from her skin and wrapped around him. It pulsed like a heart as it entwined with his magic.

  “Why does it do that?” Anya said in frustration. Her eyes were filling with tears and she swallowed hard. She wanted to stay angry.

  “I don’t know but we can work it out together. I am sorry I used fróđleikr on you but my intentions were sincere. Let me teach you Anya. We can work out how you can close the gates properly. Just trust me.” He was standing a hair’s breadth from her and Anya stepped back quickly as he released her arm. She had an overwhelming urge to touch him again.

  “Fine, I will trust you. Just don’t use your magic on me again. I don't like liars,” she said as she backed away towards the door.

  “I promise. Sleep well Anya. I will start training you tomorrow.” She waved awkwardly before she turned and hurried away from him as quickly as was polite.

  Her compartment was empty when she got back and she figured Trajan would have gone to have a drink with the others. She grabbed the leather bag holding her drum. She didn’t want Aramis to think she knew absolutely nothing about her power. Anya yelped as the drum shocked her with static.

  “Bastard,” she mumbled as she sucked her stinging finger. She tipped the bag upside down on the bed and quickly flipped the drum. Her teeth closed hard on her sore finger. There was a new symbol on the top half of the drum; the heavenly realm. Unlike the others that were inked in dark brown Sami symbols this was a shining silver leaf drawn in intricate detail. Anya knew instinctively what it meant.

  She ran the pads of her fingers over it gently, “Aramis.”

  ***

  Anya felt a tremble roll through the earth when she stepped off the train and onto land once more. “Anya?” Aramis had appeared beside her in the dark as the others helped unload the vehicles. Her magic still fluttered whenever he was near. He was teaching her how to control her power a little and how to not leave a signature trail that anyone could follow. Mostly they were just talking about her life and going over what the Twins had taught her. She reluctantly showed him the Sami drum and he had smiled in a mysterious way when he saw the leaf. Aramis held her hand for a few minutes before each session so their magic could touch. Anya’s power settled afterward so she could concentrate without it running irritably under her skin.

  “Anya, what was it?” Aramis looked around, searching for enemies.

  “I don’t know. Like a shudder. I have never felt anything like that before.”

  “Come with me,” he instructed. Anya followed him as they went towards a group of trees.

  “Anya-” Trajan called but she waved. Both Trajan and Yvan were looking at them suspiciously.

  When they reached the trees Aramis took off his blue coat and handed it to her. “Hold this, I want to check something.” He crouched down beside her and pushed his hand into the dirt. He shut his eyes and concentrated while Anya watched in fascination. Aramis gasped and pulled his hand out so quickly that dirt sprayed everywhere.


  Anya touched his shoulder. “Aramis? Are you alright?” Heat spread through her arm where she had touched him and flowed through the rest of her body.

  “The earth is screaming,” he said. “Take off your shoes; I need to show you something.” He started taking off his own shoes and Anya slipped off her boots and pulled off her socks. Aramis ran a finger up her pale foot and the cold evaporated from them. He stood up and put his jacket back on before taking her hand. Their magic connected and Anya let out a small sigh as it relaxed.

  “I want you to close your eyes and bury your feet into the earth. I want you to reach out like you do when searching for a magical aura. Reach into it. Feel the energy all around you,” he said softly. Anya closed her eyes and tried to steady her breathing. He made her jumpy and she hated it.

  “Concentrate,” he whispered. “Feel it roll up through your feet, up your legs, around your hips…” Anya reached out and tried to find what Aramis was describing. Her heart slowed and then she felt it pouring up into her. A high pitched signal of pain and panic tore its way through her brain. There was a massive pulse and she crumpled to her knees.

  “I hear it…” Tears fell from her eyes as she opened them. Aramis knelt down beside her and let her hand go so she could run them through the loose earth. The sound moved through her again, calling out to her for help. “What is it, Aramis?”

  “It’s the gates weakening. You can hear it and feel it because you are tied to them through blood and magic. They are sending it out as a warning.”

  “How come you can hear it too?”

  “The Álfr have a connection to all living things. Earth magic is apart of it. The closer you get to the gate the more you will feel it.” Anya’s legs wobbled as he helped her stand. With considerable effort she managed to get her shoes and socks back on.

  “Are you okay Anya?” Trajan asked as he joined them.

  “Fine; just woozy.” He took her in his arms and held her tight. “The gate is talking to me,” she whispered dreamily.

  “I know we were planning on staying in Anya’s village but I am afraid that will be too dangerous now. We will try the next one over where hopefully the gate won’t call to Anya so strongly,” Aramis replied as he brushed the dirt from his clothes.

  “Will you let the others know?” Anya asked. Trajan looked like he would argue but instead gave a nod and walked back to where the cars were parked.

  “He does not like me being anywhere near you,” Aramis commented.

  “I think he might be worried you are going to magic me away to join the Illumination,” Anya joked lamely. Her hands were burning and filthy from their contact with the earth.

  Aramis looked at her seriously, “Trust me, Anya. If I really wanted to magic you away there isn’t a thing he could do to stop me.”

  Chapter Thirty-Two- Days Before

  After a further twelve hours of travelling they drove into the small town Anya called Otverstie, or Hole, situated on the other side of the forest bordering Anya’s farm. After a quick reconnaissance drive Aramis confirmed that the borders of her farm and the village of Wolf’s Run were being watched by the Darkness.

  They paid for rooms at the towns only tavern and Rosa, one of the barmaids, didn’t recognise Anya even though they had gone to school together. Anya tried to think of the scared introverted girl before Yvan had arrived five months ago. She was more frightened than ever.

  Aramis had been right about the gate’s distress affecting her. Under Aramis’s instruction everyone had gone out to scout the surrounding forest between them and the farm but Anya had been forced to stay behind. Yvan had managed to soothe her temper but not enough for her to stick to her current no alcohol rule. She kept hugging herself tightly to keep her magic in check and Aramis wasn’t there to calm it so she did the only thing she knew. She went to the bar and drank.

  She sat at a table hidden from view. She didn’t want any inconvenient questions from people if they happened to recognise her. She poured herself another drink and downed it. The numbness was starting when Katya found her.

  “Not a big surprise to find you hiding in a bar,” she commented as she sat down opposite her.

  “Nowhere else to hide. Drink?” Anya offered the half empty bottle of vodka.

  “Don’t mind if I do.” Katya took a hearty swig.

  “Why aren’t you out with the others?”

  “I came back early to make sure you had a bodyguard. Yvan and Trajan were having a competition to see which one was stressing the most about you.”

  “You weren’t worried I was going to run off, were you?” Anya folded her arms and stared.

  “No, I was worried someone was going to run off with you. I know you wouldn’t run from your duty.”

  “You mean like Vasilli sneaking up and jumping me?” Anya scoffed and drank some more.

  “You wouldn’t be able to put up much of a fight in your current state. But I was not thinking of Vasilli. I had someone else a little closer in mind.”

  “Who then?” questioned Anya. Katya gave her a disbelieving look. “Aramis? You think he is going to hurt me? I know you hate the Illumination but that is ridiculous. I thought even you were swallowing your prejudices for the time being.”

  “I’ve seen the way he looks at you. It isn’t right. Trajan has noticed too. He might be in the first relationship of his life but that doesn’t mean he’s completely clueless.”

  Anya reached forward and took the bottle from her. “I think you are imagining things”

  “I just want you to be cautious. I think he is interested in more than just protecting you.”

  “He has been a perfect gentleman and he understands what I am going through and wants to help. He knows I am with Trajan. He is going to help with the gates and go back to the Illumination. If anything he is interested in the way my magic reacts to him because he is Álfr.”

  “I hope so, Anya. Just know that I will be there if he tries anything. I don’t care who he is; I will gladly kick his perfect ass.”

  The tavern door opened and the rest of them filed in. They looked suspicious even to Anya who knew them. Trajan looked cold and tired but when he saw her he still managed one of his gut-wrenching smiles.

  “There is my lady, hitting the hard stuff again.” He sat down next to her and kissed her cheek.

  “It’s the only thing that numbs the magic isn’t it?” Aramis joined them. Katya’s eyes narrowed.

  “Yes, it is. I don’t know how else to stop it, none of our exercises are working. What did you find?”

  “Nothing is in the immediate area. I believe they are staying close to the outskirts of the farm. I suggest that you and I go for a closer look tomorrow.”

  Trajan’s hand found hers under the table. “No. Anya is not going anywhere near the farm. They will shoot her on sight. Or worse.”

  “I should not have to remind you she will need to close the gates in two days. How is she meant to do that if she doesn’t know what she is in for? We need to find Ilya’s knife for the ritual anyway.”

  “I will go with you then. I know these forests better than any of the Darkness.”

  Aramis shook his head. “I don’t doubt it but I can use my magic to cloak Anya and myself. I cannot risk us being detected. Not yet.”

  “I have to go Trajan there is no way around it,” Anya argued hours later. They had gone back to their room when Trajan and Aramis’s argument had become so heated it started to draw attention. Anya had sobered up very quickly and taken Trajan away before the two men started to hit each other.

  “I know you trust him but I don’t. Not with you.”

  “I have to go with him. If for no other reason than I have to search the wreckage for Ilya’s knife.”

  “I don’t like the way he looks at you—”

  “You and Katya should start a club,” she muttered.

  “Perhaps you should start listening to what we are saying then,” Trajan replied calmly.

  “I need to get the kni
fe. Then I will never have to be alone with him again and you can get over your jealousy.”

  “It is not through jealousy that I say this. I don’t fear him taking your affections; I fear him trying to take you. The Illumination has ever hunted the most gifted to place among them. In many ways they do exactly what Ladislav and his people do. I understand they are needed to control the Darkness if you cannot close the gates but I worry that now they know of you, they will hunt you as strongly as Ladislav and Vasilli.”

  “I won’t go with them and Aramis knows it. I have no interest in being a prize of the Illumination. As soon as these gates are closed I want to get as far away from here as possible.” Trajan took her hand and kissed her fingers, her palm, and the soft skin of her wrist. “If you do not come back within two hours I will come after you. I don’t care if Yvan burns the forest down and the Darkness swarms us. I will be coming for you.”

  ***

  Aramis’s phone was ringing. He knew it was an Elder and was trying to put off answering the Illuminations calls. He had walked into the woods to get away from the tension in the tavern. Too many supernaturals under the one roof caused so much friction. He was surprised they had all lived together in Paris without any of them killing each other. The phone was ringing again so he picked it up with a small sigh and answered it. “Aramis, what the devil is going on over there? You have not reported in two days,” said the voice with a very proper English accent.

  “I apologise sir. Reception here is not the best.”

  “There are other ways for us to communicate.”

  “The situation here is precarious. I do not wish to use any kind of power that could be detected by the enemy.” There was a long pause on the other end of the phone.

  “Tell me about the girl, Aramis.”

  “She is amazing, sir. A wealth of untapped power. More than I have ever encountered since Yanka. After this situation with the gates is sorted I would like some time off from my regular responsibilities to stay and help her.”