by Claudy Conn
“Hand her over to Allora?” he cut me off.
“Yes, how could you?”
“Lisa had rejected me for two years, she wouldn’t allow me near her…without her near, always laughing, curbing my worst side, I gave in to my wicked thoughts. I wanted to hurt her. I knew if Lisa had to hurt another, it would hurt her. I never thought past that. Yes, I told Allora that Lisa was an immortal witch with the power to help her get revenge against MacLeod. Yes, I did that, but I also told Allora that Lisa was mine! Allora knew that Lisa was under my protection. It never occurred to me that Allora would dare hurt Lisa. I never saw it coming. Why would I? Allora hurt what was mine?” He had become enraged and his eyes had gone from black as coal to red balls of fire.
I moved away.
He didn’t speak.
I said, finally, “And so we lost her.”
Oddly enough, he calmed down and answered, “Yes, and thus, we are united in our need for revenge.”
“No, you and I…never will be united,” I answered quietly. I was, however, taken aback by his depth of feeling. I didn’t trust him. I could never trust him, but one thing I did believe was that he wasn’t lying. I felt the truth of everything he had told me and it was as he said—if he didn’t want to tell me a truth, he would not respond.
“What do you want from me, Beyland? Why have you brought me here? What do you think I can do that you can’t?”
“Ah, you are direct. I like that about you. Lisa was always direct.” He pyramided his fingers. “What I want is…” He stopped a moment and a hiss escaped him, but he did not speak.
I could see he was collecting himself.
“Yeah…just what do you want?” I repeated, and I suppose I was angry and it showed.
“So much spit and fire,” he said on a heavy sigh. “You are a newborn witch. Your grandmother was one of the most powerful witches in our now destroyed realm. You can’t know how very emotionally difficult it would be for me to kill you, so I prefer not to go that route. Remember, I am a Dark Warlock in league with the devil, so please don’t test my ability to get past my emotions and tear your lovely body apart.”
Ignoring his speech, I repeated, “What do you want?”
“Bobbie Skye, first, you need to understand that I can sense all your powers are still emerging. They are reaching for maturity. I can do many things to you without killing you. I can hinder your magic in a web of confusion...which would cause you to lose yourself in a daze that would continue until I released you from it. I have that ability. We can avoid that if you give me what I need.”
“Okay, stop with the threats already,” I snapped. “What the hell do you need…want, that you think I can supply?”
“Ramon is an ancient. People believe we are like brothers, but the truth is, as you now know, the truth is I despise him. Had it not been for him…today, you and I would both have Lisa. Even if she never accepted me again…she would be on this earth, and this earth without her is diminished,” he said on a low, hard note.
“So…kill him. He betrayed you, Allora betrayed you. Kill them. You are way stronger than any vampire, even ancient vampires,” I said, frowning. “That would sure be okay with me. And if I can help you with that, I damn well will.”
“No, I would rather you did not have a hand in this directly. Lisa would not have liked that, and I have a great deal to make up for…if I can. What I want from you is very simple. The day-walker, Devin MacLeod, has notes on the experiments he conducted to create the potion that allows him to walk about in daylight.”
“Okay, but he is in another realm,” I stalled, waiting to see where this was going.
“His castle is not in another realm, and he had not been expecting to be sent as a prisoner to another realm. His notes would be hidden in his castle…at least, that is my conclusion from my investigation.”
“What about Ramon? Does he know what you have been doing on the side? Because, I take it, you are not really working with him to get these notes,” I said.
His smile was absolutely, devastatingly beautiful in its wickedness. He was gorgeous, blond, and innocently handsome in his appearance, but that smile…whoa, what a combination.
“Ramon believes I am trying to help him get the notes. I move freely amongst the Ancient Clan…all so excited to get these notes and walk in the sun!”
“But when you get them?” I asked curiously.
“When I get them, I will burn the notes right before their eyes and then I will snatch Ramon up, imprison him, and begin the years of torture I mean to inflict on his mind and body!”
I winced. “I think ridding the world of him quickly would be the safe route to go.”
“Ah, but you and I walk different roads,” he said softly.
Man, I didn’t want to be his enemy, I thought, and said, “And how would I know where to find these notes?”
“Don’t play games with me, little one. Your connection to Lisa gives you some leeway, but I shall not tolerate prevarication. I don’t play games. If you don’t wish to cooperate, say so, and we shall take it from there.”
“I don’t wish to cooperate,” I snapped.
“You could be made to regret that, but I prefer…again for Lisa’s sake, for the memories I keep so close, I should like to avoid giving you more grief than need be. Bring me those notes and I promise you, Lisa will be vindicated. That is all you should care about.”
“Well, I’m not sure I should. What if the notes get into the wrong hands? What if your plan goes awry?”
“Trust me in this. I know well how to proceed,” he said grimly.
I stared at him. “Trust you?” I shook my head. “You know, I sit here and stare at you and don’t wonder why my grandmother fell in love with you. You are quite beautiful, and I have to keep reminding myself that you are a Dark Warlock because you are also oddly charming. You seem to value the truth and that comes across as…something I find I like. I don’t want to like you, Beyland, but…I do see why my grandmother did and then was so disillusioned. No doubt she felt a fool when she found out about you still practicing the Dark Arts.” I paused and added, “Tell me, please tell me, how could anyone so beautiful, and yes, charming, be so black-hearted?”
He didn’t move. He didn’t speak. He stared at me and when he spoke, it was with a touch of sadness. “Your grandmother asked me that very question on the day she left me.”
“And what did you answer her?”
“I told her the truth. I am not beautiful on the inside. This…” he ran his hand from head to toe, “is a façade. That was my answer. She turned and left me at full speed, crying, with a fist to her mouth. It hurt her to leave me and it destroyed me to see her go, but while she was alive, I had the hope of getting her back. Ramon and Allora blasted my hopes.” He looked away and then he looked directly into my eyes. “You are your grandmother’s blood. I see that and don’t wish to hurt you, but remember, I will if you don’t do as I ask.”
“You told her the truth too late,” I said sadly.
“Indeed, the truth, which I have always prized, did not serve me in that instance because she saw in that moment who I had become, and she would not, could not live with me unless I denounced the Dark and walked into the Light with her.”
“And if she had lived? If she had given you another chance? Would you have walked away from who you are?”
“She didn’t live, so the question is moot.”
“No, it isn’t. You said you had hope, is that because you finally went to her and gave her hope as well? Did you give her something to hold onto? Tell me, Beyland…I need to know what she was thinking, feeling…” I suddenly knew something. I knew he had one spark of Light still inside of him. It was an exciting revelation and I pointed my finger at him. “You have a corner of your black heart with her name on it, and that corner is still full of Light.”
He stood up and overturned the table, sending dishes and food everywhere. “Enough. Will you help find those papers? Or do you want that woman you saved today to d
ie a torturous death?”
I knew there was only one answer. “I will help. Leave Mrs. Tunny out of this. Leave all the humans at MacLeod out of this and I will help. But only on our Blood Oath!”
Even a Dark Warlock could not renege on a Blood Oath. Aunt Elle had taught me once that even the blackest of Dark Warlocks could not renege on a Blood Oath.
“You dare to ask me…your senior, your superior in every imaginable way for a Blood Oath?” He was outraged.
“Yes, I dare, and what is more, you will give it. You want what you think I can get you. I am willing to try, but only if I know you will keep your end of the bargain.”
All at once there was no rage and he actually smiled. “I am pleased with you, Bobbie Skye. You have spirit. But, mark me, in this…I will not be satisfied unless you succeed in this endeavor. Are we clear?”
“Yes, we understand one another completely,” I said. “Only…I don’t think destroying those notes will distress Ramon as much as you think.”
“It will get his attention and allow me the time and the place to ensure his capture and the beheading of his little Ancient Clan. They plan things against the human race…against a world I am rather fond of, and I alone cannot stop them from those plans without one of my own. This…is a way to end it,” Beyland said.
“Yes, but why do you still serve Ramon?” I was curious.
“Serve? Is that what you think? Well, perhaps I have allowed Ramon to think so. You see, as you just pointed out, a Blood Oath cannot be broken. Ramon took one from me when I believed he was a friend.” He sighed. “I was still a youngster in the Dark Arts then. What I have to do now is get him to break our oath. He will do so when I am done with him and then, then I will kill him…but it will take time and torture.”
“Whoa, deep evil thinking there,” I said. “But…we need a Blood Oath, a simple one that we agree to help one another in this instance. Me—I bring you the notes. You—you don’t harm anyone I care about, and I will assume you won’t harm anyone I don’t care about because, well, that wouldn’t help your plan and…”
“Hush, Bobbie Skye, I understand and as Dark as I am, I rarely hurt those who don’t get in my way. Now, as it would be uncomfortable for me to cause you pain—because of her, you would do well to remember I am a Dark Warlock first and foremost and will achieve my goal.”
“Okay, I believe you and I don’t need you to threaten me or mine. Blood Oath, now,” I told him.
“Very well, as you wish, my dear.” He twitched a finger and produced a sharp knife and handed it to me.
“Okie-doke,” I said, and cut my hand with the knife he had given me. I am proud to say I did this without flinching. I took the palm he extended to me, and carved a slice of his flesh open and dripped my blood into his open wound.
“I promise on my blood to help you find the day-walker’s notes,” I said, and closed my eyes.
“I promise not to kill those you hold dear as long as you deliver those papers within a reasonable length of time,” he answered.
We rubbed our bloody palms and our hands were encased in a red light, sealing our oaths. I had just made a pact with the devil!
~ Five ~
I STEPPED OUT OF BEYLAND’S portal alone. He didn’t escort me and he didn’t follow. Jeremy rushed to grab me by the hand and race me back behind the Blood Ward.
Devin’s voice was as anguished as was the expression on his face. He stood there behind his invisible wall, and all I wanted was to go to him and dive into his arms.
He ran a hand through his hair as he said, “Bobbie, lass…Bobbie…are ye all right?”
Jeremy had me by the shoulders and actually shook me. I ignored this treatment, though I did pull out of his hold. I looked around for Mrs. Tunny and said, “Where…?”
“She is inside lying down. I wiped her memory of the incident. She thinks she had a fainting spell…nothing more. Davis, as well, has no memory of the incident,” he answered grimly.
“Oh, good,” I said, much relieved. “Well done, Jeremy.”
“Bobbie, you have only been gone minutes…no more than ten at most,” Jeremy said. “Where did he take you? Why did he let you go? What…?”
“She’s back with us,” Devin said as his hand continued to mangle his thick black hair. “That is all that matters. Lass…coom to me now.”
“No, I mean, yes, I shall, after,” I told him.
“After what? What more do ye need to happen before ye will let me keep ye safe?” Devin demanded.
“We have to finish things on this side, Devin. You must see that,” I cajoled.
“What are ye talking about?” he answered, staring at me hard.
“We have to get to Brently Manor and look for some kind of artifact she has used in the past. We need it if we are going to keep her out of MacLeod Castle,” I said, knowing the reaction I was going to get.
“Bloody hell!” Devin exclaimed.
“Never mind Brently, for now. Why the hell did he let you go? What happened? What did Beyland want? Why did he take you?” Jeremy threw at me in quick succession and before I could answer any of his questions he said, “A Dark Warlock doesn’t do anything without a reason, and one that will benefit himself.”
“Exactly,” I agreed. I raised a brow at Jeremy. “You are saying I was gone only ten minutes or so?”
“Yes, just long enough for me to wipe Davis and Mrs. Tunny’s memory of the event and get them inside. As soon as I came back out, you stepped out of what looked like a black hole,” Jeremy answered. “Now answer my questions.”
“Wow, I had to be with Beyland at least thirty minutes. I wonder if he had me in another realm and one with a different time set?” I sighed and said, “Right, never mind that, for now though, it is something I mean to keep in mind.” I looked at Jeremy. “Let’s see, what question do you want me to answer first?”
“None of them, just coom to me, lass…now,” Devin stuck in.
I went to the wall that separated us and told him softly, “Yes…I promise, I will as soon as I bring you both up to speed and after Jeremy and I go to Brently and acquire something that belongs to Allora. It is the key to so much more than keeping her out of MacLeod. Devin, a notion came to me when I was with Beyland, as I listened to his story…”
“His story?” Jeremy was at full attention. “You can’t think that whatever he told you was true?”
“In fact, I can. Apparently, even though he freely admits to being wicked, he does not lie and won’t tolerate being lied to. What he told me was definitely true,” I answered.
“Ye may nae go to Brently and ye cannae believe anything a Dark Warlock tells ye! They can manipulate the truth,” Devin interjected.
Our palms were still plastered to the wall. Electricity spun from his essence into mine. I silently marveled at it. It was difficult to break away. It was even harder not to open the portal and go to him, hug him close, feel secure in the safety of his arms.
Instead, we went inside and sat in the library while I told them my entire conversation with the Dark Warlock and how he had allowed me to see my grandmother from a portrait he had of her and from his memory.
I stared at Devin and said, “So, you will forgive me, but I did agree to find the notes you made on the formula that allows you to be a day-walker.”
“Aye, lass, ye did what ye had to do. I dinnae mind because it will do Ramon nae good whatsoever to have them and ye can retrieve those notes from me whenever ye like.”
“I mean to give them to Beyland in stages…buy us some time,” I told him.
“Good plan,” Jeremy agreed.
“As soon as I return from Brently…I’ll hop on over to your place and when I return, I’ll bring him a few inconsequential pages.” I tried to give the situation a light spin. From Devin’s expression, I don’t think it worked.
“Nae, lass, I’ll nae be had so flippantly. I cannae accept that ye mean to go to Brently Manor. ‘Tis unthinkable!” Devin shouted, and looked towards Jeremy.
“Lad…ye cannae allow her to go.”
“Enough,” Jeremy said, and took my elbow, encouraging me to rise. “Let’s get some food. I’m starving and you must be as well.” He eyed Devin. “Magic takes a lot out of a witch.”
I frowned. He was stalling and I knew it, but I was hungry. I pulled out of his hold. “I am perfectly capable of walking on my own.”
“Are you? And from the blood on your hand, how capable is that?” Jeremy snapped.
He had figured it out. I had left out the part about the Blood Oath I had taken and given to Beyland, but as I stared at my blood stained hand, I knew that he knew. “Oh, this. Well, did I leave out the part about the Blood Oath? I took one from him.”
Apparently this astonished them both into total silence.
Devin was the first one to speak, if you can call his explosion speech. “Blood…Oath…? Nae, I dinnae believe it!”
“You think I am lying?”
“Are you sure it was Beyland’s blood?” Jeremy asked.
“I am an immortal witch. Illusions don’t work on me, if that is what you are asking. Yes, I am sure. He has a goal in this and it has nothing to do with Devin…other than getting hold of the notes on day-walking.”
“But he gave you a Blood Oath?” Jeremy seemed stuck on this point.
“He wouldna do that.” Devin shook his head. “Lass…ye have been taken in…”
I put up my chin. “No, I haven’t. I know I haven’t been able to free you yet, Devin, but that doesn’t make me less than what I am, and I told you, I can detect illusion. I sliced Beyland’s hand open myself. We mingled our blood in that same second.”
“Depicting illusion from reality is a rare gift. It took me a hundred years to get it down solid. Are you telling me that you are already skilled at it?” Jeremy sounded impressed.
“Oh, yes. My mother began schooling me in the skill when I was five, how to create illusion, how to know illusion from reality…all of it. By the time I was ten, I was quite well versed in the skill, and then practiced it after I lost my mom.”
“Right then, we have that point settled, Devin,” Jeremy said. “Now…we need food!”
