The Elder Blood Chronicles Bk 1 In Shades of Grey

by Melissa Myers

  “Good evening, Hemmy,” Kali called from across the room. She was without her customary covering tonight and her long white hair trailed loose behind her, nearly brushing the floor. Her skin was as pale as an albino with thick black stripes marking the arms and legs. The few that had ever had a chance to see such marks, thought them tattoos. Hemlock knew better, however. He knew Kali never altered herself.

  He took another minute admiring the woman’s exotic beauty and the form-fitting black dress she wore and nodded. “Good evening to you, Kali. How goes your newest game?”

  “All done. Care to see?” She asked needlessly. She of course knew that was exactly why he was there.

  “As always, I eagerly wait to see your newest creation. Will it be better than the Bendazzi?” He asked. Her cat creatures had been truly impressive. When she had released them years ago, she had done so in such numbers the death toll was obscene before anyone had actually realized what was hunting them. Combine the numbers with the creature’s abilities and the hunters had not fared well at all. Even now the creatures still thrived in the most remote of the wilds. Few hunters cared to go after the beasts.

  “Oh, it is so much better. Just wait, I have learned so much from my other creations and I’ve put everything into this one,” Kali purred with excitement. She motioned him to follow and led him quickly through winding halls and down into her basement. She did all of her work below ground and the wards on this part of her home were better than any High Lord could boast. They passed several holding cells with glass fronts that somewhat imitated a zoo, Hemlock mused. Most were empty now but a few held specimens. Hemlock paused his steps as he passed a cell holding a Genji, noting the creature’s hunched posture and oil black skin reflecting the light. The creature cowered.

  “Aren’t your little goblins typically hive creatures?” He asked.

  Kali glanced back toward the creature and slowed her own steps. “Yes, yes, but I needed that one for some samples. The Genji have remarkable resistances. Poison is wasted on them, and they are entirely immune to disease. Even the plague that hit Veir didn’t affect my little gobbies.” She motioned for him to follow again and set off once more at the brisk pace.

  She led him into another room and closed the door behind them. She was fairly bouncing as she took him by the hand and led him to another cell. From what he could see, the room was entirely empty, with only a bed and chair inside, which he found curious. He glanced at her and found her watching him with an impish smile. There was of course the possibility that she was simply having a bit of fun at his expense, but that didn’t seem likely. He knew Kali too well, and that wasn’t her way.

  “Looks empty, eh?” She grinned as she spoke. Leaning forward, she tapped on the glass lightly. “Show yourself to my guest, beautiful, and I’ll find you something tasty.”

  The air directly on the other side of the glass seemed to shimmer slightly, and Hemlock found himself face to face with a man who was naked and appeared Elder Blood for the most part. It was little things that set him apart from the immortals, small details that were impossible to miss. The eyes to start with. They fairly glowed, even in the bright light, and had cat-like pupils. Hemlock broke from the creature’s gaze and looked to its hands. Each finger ended in a talon around two inches in length. And the feet were clawed as well, he noted. “Tell me of it, please,” he urged Kali, knowing she would be eager to share her latest work with someone.

  “You have seen his talent for hiding. I improved on my Bendazzi’s camouflage and now it’s nearly impossible to find this one. He has no scent for trackers, none at all. He can see in pitch blackness and he moves with speed unlike anything else I have ever made.” She paused and motioned to the creature. With a last long look at Hemlock, the thing vanished again. He felt his skin prickle a bit knowing it was so close and likely watching him. “Those are not the best parts of my newest children, however,” she said at last and led him to a small table.

  He sat when she motioned to a chair and remained silent, willing her to continue. What she had described so far would be dangerous enough. If there was more to this creation he would know it before he left here. She poured wine for the two of them and took a chair opposite him and smiled.

  “Their first instinct is to mate with the most exceptional being they can find. I’m afraid the mating isn’t exactly a gentle process, and not many will enjoy it, but alas all things cannot be perfect. The reproduction cycle on them is short, far shorter than any would expect. Two months on most creatures and the babes grow quite quickly.” She paused and took a sip from her wine. He nodded for her to continue and she seemed quite pleased by his interest. “It is not a normal labor. The children tend to rip themselves right out of mommy. Whereupon, they of course have a ready food source from whatever is left of mommy. They will scan the mind, if the woman is still alive, and scan the minds of anything living in the area to glean all knowledge that they may need for their current environment. With the food they gain from the host mother, they grow very quickly. On average, from what I’ve seen, one meal will bring one of them to around five by our own standard of age.”

  “Are there no females of this species?” he asked, glancing back at the cell. The implications of the species Kali would be releasing were devastating. The death toll from the Bendazzi would be laughable in comparison, and if these creatures grew as quickly as she said the prison would be overrun in a few short years. He considered that thought briefly, trying to decide if that would upset him.

  Kali nodded in answer. “Oh, yes, of course there are, they are quite interesting, as well. I’ve watched a few of them, and it seems they know when a child is ready to rip free. They do not die from the birth. They tear themselves open and remove the child before it can do too much damage. With the regeneration I have given them, it leaves the mother wounded, but nothing she won’t recover from. It’s quite impressive actually.”

  Hemlock nodded and took a drink of his own wine. “All in all, your most impressive work to date,” he said with a nod of respect.

  “They have the Genji’s immunities to poison and disease, the Bendazzi’s resistance to magic, the serpent’s endurance and stamina, and the looks of the Elder Blooded. They can hide the claws and talons if they wish. With the proper clothes and manners, one of my children could walk openly down the streets of Sanctuary and no one would even realize death was amongst them,” Kali said with pride.

  “Have you informed Lord Morcaillo of your success?” he asked. The thought amused him. He wondered if Mythandar had any idea what he had asked for.

  “Indeed I have, I have already released some of them near Glis. Given the shifters that live in that area, I believe it will be several months before the locals realize it isn’t a rogue shifter killing them.” Kali leaned back in her chair with a long satisfied sigh. “I think this might be my last game, Hemmy, I think I’ve finally got it perfect.”

  Hemlock nodded his head slowly. “They are certainly impressive, Kali. What do you call them?”

  “Blights, they are my Blight children. No family tree will survive them,” she answered happily.

  Chapter 17

  Sanctuary

  “Jala,” Sovann called softly from the doorway. She stirred slightly, lifting her head from Finn’s shoulder.

  “I’m going to kill you, Sovann,” Finn grumbled, his voice thick with sleep.

  “Shade is on his way, Jala. He contacted me wanting me to help him find you. I told him you were here and safe. He is on his way here now,” Sovann said.

  “Then I’m going to kill you and him and get more sleep, then kill Madren,” Finn growled and pulled the blanket up further.

  “A day just chocked full of homicide, how nice. I’m sure Mother will be proud,” Sovann returned sarcastically.

  “I’ll be up in a moment,” Jala said quietly and began to disentangle herself from the blankets and Finn. Finn gave another grumble, and she had to smother a laugh. “Fierce warrior, eh. Most dangerous when roused
from sleep?” she teased.

  He opened an eye and gave her a glower. She snickered and threw back the last of the blankets and sat up. With no warning whatsoever, he pulled her back down quickly and covered them both with the blankets again. She gave a light squeal of surprise and found herself tucked right back beside him, from where she had just escaped.

  “I hate mornings and I hate sleeping alone,” he said quietly, his breath warm on her throat. She felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise and shivered. “I was comfortable, and it’s still too early. Shade and Sovann can both rot.”

  “I need to talk to Shade,” she objected and tried to squirm back out from under his arm. He twisted his arm slightly and shifted his position. She was now pressed against him, her back against his chest and his arm wrapped tightly around her waist holding her firm. Her objections died in her throat. She felt her breath catch slightly and hoped Finn hadn’t noticed. With skilled fingers, he traced a path across her stomach.

  “They can rot, and you don’t want to get up,” he whispered, his lips brushing her neck as he spoke.

  “They are both my friends and I don’t leave friends to rot,” she objected once more, her voice fainter barely a whisper. She felt her breath catch again and tried to push away. How wonderful it felt having him so close!

  He remained silent but didn’t release his grip. She lay there for another long minute before she found the resolve to move again. When she tried to sit up he moved his arm. She glanced back at him as she threw off the blankets and stood. He was watching her with a look of irritation on his face.

  “I would do the same for you, Finn. If you needed to speak with me, I would talk no matter what time it was,” she said, hoping her words would soothe him.

  “I’ve never actually had a woman crawl from my arms to answer to another man. I think I’ve finally found something I hate more than mornings,” he said in reply and rose from the couch himself. “You are dangerous to the ego, Jala,” he added as he moved across the rooms and picked up his sword belt. With practiced ease, he buckled the blades on and left the room.

  She looked back to where he had left his shirt and boots, and frantically sought for a reason he would need blades other than to kill Shade. Marrow rose from the floor beside the couch and gave a long stretch.

  He regarded her a moment before she heard his voice in her mind. He is a predator and those swords are his claws. He will not go anywhere without them, calm yourself. It is doubtful he truly means to kill your friend. I sense annoyance in him, but no anger.

  “I hope you are correct,” she said quietly and looked down at herself. It wasn’t exactly proper to greet Shade, dressed in a nightshirt, but her clothes from the night before were filthy. She could of course clean them with magic but waved the notion off. “Proper” really didn’t fit in her life any longer. It wasn’t proper to sleep on a couch beside someone like Finn. It wasn’t proper to wander the streets barefoot, or to drag friends halfway across the world in the middle of the night. Greeting Shade in a nightshirt seemed paltry in comparison. She left the room pulling her hair back into a somewhat tidy ponytail as she walked.

  She found Shade and Sovann seated in the large open room where the Essence wine vats were. Sovann was pouring tea for the two of them as Shade watched the doors. His eyes landed on her the moment she stepped into the room, and she could see the concern on his face shift to disbelief as he noticed Marrow beside her. With a slight nod in greeting, she crossed the room and took a seat at the table. Sovann gave her a smile and poured a third cup. She returned the smile, and glanced around the room. There was no sign of Finn.

  Marrow gave her a gentle nudge and paced off toward the door. I will return shortly, I don’t think your friend wants me to soil his home.

  She gave a slight nod in answer and prayed silently to Fortune he wouldn’t be seen outside or eat anyone.

  “When I returned home, Lex told me what Madren did,” Shade began. He was having obvious difficulty taking his eyes from the retreating Bendazzi but forced himself to look to her, eyes full of questions. She met his gaze and nodded for him to continue. “I spoke with him about it this morning, about all of it. I’m not really sure an apology will cover how much he has tormented you, but I can give you my promise it won’t happen again,” Shade assured her.

  “She already has that promise from me,” Finn cut in as he entered the room. “I plan to kill the little bastard to ensure it doesn’t.” He carried a tray on one arm as he approached and sat a small plate down in front of her before leaning against the table. She glanced down and found bacon and eggs as well as sliced bread arranged neatly before her. She looked back up at Finn and wondered how he had found the time to cook food between leaving the couch and now.

  “Thank you, Finn, and no Shade, he isn’t going to kill Madren,” she said with a sigh.

  Shade was watching Finn. His expression was guarded, but his eyes held loathing. “Madren lives under Morcaillo protection,” he pointed out.

  Finn gave a wordless shrug, as if that was not a particular concern of his. “Jala was supposed to, as well, and your little bastard tried to feed her enough Nesra to intoxicate a dragon,” he returned.

  Jala looked between the two of them and then to Sovann for help. Sovann gave her a slight shake of the head and rolled his eyes.

  “He explained that to me, Jala, and he didn’t know what he added to the chocolates. He bought what he thought was a love potion from an apothecary and added it to the chocolate,” Shade explained.

  “And that’s better, how?” Finn demanded, cutting Shade off before he could say more.

  Jala gave a sigh, lifted the tea to her lips, and blew on it softly, before taking a small sip, as she wondered exactly how she was going to diffuse this situation. Sovann apparently thought it would sort itself out, but she wasn’t sure.

  “I didn’t say it was better, I was explaining why there was Nesra powder in them. It won’t happen again, and I won’t allow you to kill him,” Shade snapped back.

  “Even if I don’t kill him, it won’t happen again. Jala won’t be around him to give it a chance to happen.” Finn growled back.

  Shade snapped his head around to look at her. She raised an eyebrow and shrugged and looked to Finn. “Where will I be?” she asked mildly.

  “In my hall.” Finn answered her calmly, as if the matter was already settled.

  “I will be?” She paused. “Do I get any say in this?” She asked.

  “I told you I would need to look after you. It was as good as settled then.” Finn replied.

  “She is perfectly safe in my hall.” Shade objected.

  Finn regarded him doubtfully and looked back to Jala. Shade turned his attention to her, as well, and she sat for a moment while they both stared at her. Frowning, she sat her teacup down and cleared her throat. “I will not be returning to your hall Shade. I don’t want to seem ungrateful. You have done so much for me, and I count you as a true friend, but I do not wish to be around Madren. There is also the matter of your betrothed finding my presence there quite vexing. While our relationship is purely innocent friendship, she doesn’t seem to view it that way,” she said calmly.

  Finn gave Shade a triumphant smirk and lit a cigarette stepping back from the table. “And there we have it,” he said.

  She glanced at Finn and sighed. “I will not, however, be staying in Finn’s halls either.” She began and watched the smirk fade from his face. “I am a disciple of luck and I have been acting against my faith. Life is a gamble and I’m cowering. I will move into my own rooms and trust my luck to keep me safe,” she finished.

  Both men looked at her in disbelief, and, for once, they seemed to share the same view. “Jala, you can’t, you are already in danger,” Shade began.

  “I agree with the Lordling, this is not a good plan,” Finn added.

  “I agree with Jala.” Sovann said, his voice joining the conversation at last. He shifted slightly as all three of them looked at him. “She has
a Bendazzi at her side. He will warn her if trouble comes so she will not be caught unaware. She is mastering her magics well, and in a short time will be formidable. There is no reason why she can’t stay by herself if she wishes to, which she apparently does,” he explained and gave Jala a nod of encouragement.

  “And there we have it,” Jala said with a smile. Finn frowned at her echoing of his own words but remained silent, his jaw set in disapproval.

  “I still don’t like it, but I suppose I have no choice but to accept it.” Shade relented with a frown. “I really think you would be safer with me, but if that is so horribly unbearable, stay with Finn at least. While I don’t like the thought, at least you would be reasonably safe.” His expression at the last showed how distasteful he found the thought.

  Jala gave him a smile. “It’s not a horrible thought, Shade; it’s just not what I want. Madren is your friend, and I respect that. Cassia is your betrothed, and I pity you for that. Things are best this way,” she said gently.

  “And your reason for refusing my hall?” Finn asked, his tone indignant.

  She looked at him in amusement. “Mainly because you assumed I would. I’m being petty,” she admitted. With a smile, she took another sip of tea and watched Sovann try to smother a laugh.

  Finn gave her a nod and held his hands out in surrender. “Of course, petty is a much better path than wisdom,” he said, his voice thick with sarcasm.

  She shrugged at him, lifting a piece of bacon from the plate. With a smile, she offered it to Marrow under the table. From their reactions, she noticed none of the men had even realized the Bendazzi had returned. Her smile widened as she picked up her toast and took a bite.

  “See, she will be perfectly safe,” Sovann said with a smirk.

  It’s going to take more than that pathetic piece of meat to fill me, Marrow complained to her.