by Alex Temples
“Here we are, Brin. Your new office!” She announced as we neared the end of the hall and entered a cavernous office as big as the first lab we’d walked through.
Grey hardwood floors gleamed. White bookcases covered one wall. The ceilings were arched upward on one side, giving the room an open airy feel. How did they manage vaulted ceilings in an underground warehouse?
An elegant glass desk sat in the middle of the room, perched on a lush white rug. A row of plants lined the wall behind the desk, standing watch over the room like castle guards. In the center of the plants, directly behind the desk, hung a large copper shield. It seemed slightly out of place in the modern room, and I examined it with interest, noting the familiar protective runes etched into the surface. Glass globes filled with succulents hung from invisible threads throughout the room, appearing to levitate in mid-air.
I felt like I’d just stepped into a luxury spa.
“Mine?” I asked, turning to Nia.
Nia smiled. “Yours.”
“If it’s too much, you can have my office instead.” Tristan offered.
“No way. I love it.” I affirmed, making my way to the seating area near the bookcases and throwing myself down on the plush white sofa.
Tristan plopped down in the arm chair next to me. Nia paused at the edge of the rug, facing us. Uh oh. It was starting to feel like a meeting again. Reluctantly, I managed to pull myself out of the plush couch and into a seated position. We had work to do.
Nia laughed. “Wonderful, I’m glad it meets your standards. If you don’t need me, I must go check in with the staff, and then I’d like to acquaint you with your new boss.”
My eyes widened. “Aren’t you my new boss?”
Nia shook her head and her shiny dark hair fell over her shoulders. She still looked incredibly composed despite our travels. I examined her curiously.
She patted my forearm I
“Goodness no. I’m not a scientist. I’m more of an…administrator.” She considered this and nodded. “Yes, administrator. I do lots of paperwork, interface with the public, and so on. People like you, they do the difficult work, and I know the other researchers are going to be so happy to have you here, Brin”
I smiled, feeling excited again. The feeling surprised me. I’d thought I was getting sick of working in a lab, but having been away the past few months, I realized I missed my research. I missed the journey to discovery – being able analyze and solve problems.
Fighting bad guys and searching for ingredients to make a fae elixir was an adventure, but I missed the quieter life - me in my lab coat, trying to figure out how to mix things together to create something new.
I glanced down and caught a glimpse of my legs and feet, smeared in dirt from the morning’s adventures. I cringed. I hadn’t seen a mirror lately, but I could imagine what I’d see if there were one.
Nia caught my grimace. “You probably want to clean up and get changed. There are locker rooms on this level, next to Lab A. I have a change of clothes in my office. They should fit you well. Let me go collect them and I’ll be right back. I’m sure you and Tristan have to talk about what happened at Trinity anyhow.” She said, raising an eyebrow at Tristan.
He nodded.
“That would be so nice. I’d love to get out of these clothes and feel clean again. Thank you, Nia.” I said, smiling appreciatively.
She nodded, and took a quick glance around, as if she were making a list. Smiling, she glanced down at her phone and typed something before looking up again. “I’ll leave you to it then.” She said before heading out the door.
I nodded, watching as she waved a palm over the panel near the door of my office before exiting.
My office. My old office had been roughly larger than a small walk-in closet, and if I was being honest, I’d admit it was pretty messy. I wasn’t the neatest person in the world. This office was incredible. I glanced around again, vowing silently to take care of it instead of letting stacks of paper and old coffee cups pile up.
“Brin, you look happy.” Tristan exclaimed, his green eyes twinkling.
I smiled at him. “I am surprisingly happy.” I agreed. “Now, let’s get down to business. Back at Trinity, before I passed out, Lupita said the fae had taken one book, but she managed to get back the other. What books were they after?”
Tristan watched me for a moment before reaching to pick up his leather satchel. He opened it carefully and pulled out a ragged looking bundle of papers, which he set gently on the small, glass coffee table between us.
“They have the good book.” He said solemnly.
“Yes, what is the good book?”
He stared quietly at me. “The Book of Kells, Brin. The dark fae have the Book of Kells.”
“Oh.” I said, my face falling. “I see.”
Okay, so we didn’t stop them from getting the book with the location of the fae relics. That was bad.
I didn’t know yet quite how bad, but I was sure we needed to find a way to get the book back, or, as Lupita had suggested, find the objects before the dark fae did.
“What book did we end up with then?” I asked, tilting my head, eyebrows scrunched into a frown.
Not waiting for Tristan to answer, I reached down and scooped up the tattered mess of papers, holding it gingerly, as if I were cradling a newborn. It was only slightly larger than a sheet of printing paper, and much heavier than it looked. The worn pages didn’t have the brittle look or feel of paper. They were thicker, more durable, and aged to a deep tan.
“What is this made of? It doesn’t feel like paper.”
“You’re right. The book is written on vellum, just like to Book of Kells, but this-” He paused and leaned forward, hand outstretched for the manuscript.
I handed him it to him.
“This is the Book of Leinster, which is much more interesting.” He said, a contemplative expression on his face as he examined the cover.
“Why? What makes it more interesting?”
Tristan had a half-smile on his face as he paged through the document carefully, his fingers pinching the corner of each page as he turned them.
He cleared his throat.
I smiled at the familiar expression, because he always cleared his throat before he began telling a story. His green eyes sparkled and I couldn’t help the little butterflies that fluttered in my stomach as he stared back at me.
If he noticed my attraction, he didn’t show it as he settled back into his seat and began talking.
“Well, I suppose it’s a matter of opinion, Brin. I happen to think it’s interesting because the Book of Kells is a religious text written by mortals. They wrote their religious text right over the fae manuscript, which was rather similar in content to the mortal bible – a telling of the early leaders of man, of the rise and fall of civilizations, tales of battles lost and won, tales of redemption, tales of magic and mythical objects. The Book of Leinster, translated into English, is The Book of Invasions. It speaks of a very early time, when a group of fae from Eden first decided to come live in the mortal realm. It also holds a very detailed genealogy of the royal lines.”
“When fae first came? Why is that important, or more important than the stories in the other book?” I asked, leaning forward in my chair. I almost lost my balance, but Tristan’s arm caught me and he helped me settle back into my seat.
His forearm was warm and muscular underneath my hand and I blushed furiously. I must get control of my feelings. If I kept thinking things like I was, he was going to notice my attraction to him and that possibility was too complicated for both of us right now.
Tristan seemed not to notice my blushing and went on like nothing happened.
“It’s not that the stories in the Book of Kells are less important than those in the Book of Invasions. They have completely different things to offer, particularly depending on the reader. A mortal, for example, cannot see the magical text we can.”
He shrugged. “If I had to guess what the dark fae
are seeking from these texts, I’d say they want the Book of Kells for obvious reasons – they need to locate the four treasures, and as Lupita explained, the book will help them do that.”
I nodded my understanding. “But what about the other book? What purpose does it serve?”
He shrugged. “Unfortunately, your guess is as good as mine, Brin. I don’t know what the dark fae would want with this text. I remember studying it as a child in history class, but all fae know the tales of the first.” He shook his head.
I frowned, but didn’t have a chance to reply, as the sound of someone coming down the hallway intruded on our conversation.
Tristan and I both stood, as the glass door slid open and Nia walked in, followed by a tall, elegant man with brown hair and blue eyes. He was lean and toned. Light stubble covered his chin and upper lip, lending him a rugged handsomeness that did nothing to quell the feeling of unease blossoming in my belly.
Neil. He was one of Aelwen’s council members. He was also Aiden’s Uncle, the brother to Aelwen’s late husband, King Peredur, and it was for that reason I felt uneasy. Aiden didn’t trust him, so I didn’t either.
“Brin, I believe the two of you have met before, but I wanted to acquaint you with Neil, who is the head of the research lab. You are of course in charge of your own department, as promised, but Neil here ensures all of the lead researchers are adhering to both fae and mortal law.”
She stepped back and let Neil move around her.
I smiled, but I wasn’t sure how convincing it was.
“Brinmar, we meet again.” Neil said in a low voice laced with irritation. He took my outstretched hand and we shook briefly, both sizing each other up.
Tristan nodded in greeting and stepped closer to me, placing a hand on my shoulder. Neil saw this and gave Tristan an amused look.
“Neil.” I said, nodding politely. “I didn’t realize you spent much time in our world.”
His lips twitched, but he said nothing.
Nia stepped up, sensing the tension. “Neil spends quite a lot of time here, just as he did before Aelwen left. His contributions have been invaluable.”
“I’m sure Brin is looking forward to making her own contributions.” Tristan said. It sounded as if he were defending me, against what I didn’t know. He turned to me. “You will be working closely with Neil, who will have a lot to teach you.”
Neil’s formerly composed face melted into irritation. “Brinmar has the same distaste for rules and guidelines that your brother does, but as long as she can manage to follow instructions, I welcome the opportunity to instruct.”
I frowned at him. Tristan’s expression echoed my own. He was about to say something, but the sound of footsteps from the hall made everyone turn around.
Nia looked relieved. “Ah, Orielle. Please, come in.”
An athletic looking brunette with a chin length bob, deep brown eyes and delicately arched brows entered the room. Her black heels clicked on the hardwood as she approached. She wore a well-tailored black suit and moved like a cat. Her eyes landed on me and sharpened into a glare.
Woah. Hostility. Who was this woman? Wait, nope, not a woman. She was fae, and she clearly had a bone to pick with me. Unfortunately, I had no idea why. I’d never even met her.
“Brin, may I present Orielle.” Nia said, making a sweeping motion in the woman’s direction.
I stepped forward to shake her hand.
“It’s very nice to meet you, Orielle.” I said, holding out my hand.
Orielle just stared down at it with disdain for a moment. Finally, she took my hand in hers, and shook it once, very firmly.
Interesting. I glanced sideways at Tristan, my question clear.
Nia shot Orielle a glance and the other woman forced a smile. “I’m pleased to meet you as well.” She grumbled.
I smiled wider, entertained by the woman’s clear dislike for me, and completely at a loss as to the reason for it. “Are you a researcher?” I asked.
She turned to Nia and raised an eyebrow. Nia and Tristan glanced at each other. Then, they turned to me.
“Brin,” Tristan started. I meant to tell you earlier, but we were talking about other things…” His voice trailed off.
Nia jumped in. “Before Aelwen left, she felt it important for us to ensure you are well looked after. You are a target for the dark fae, and one of the few hopes we have of restoring the wall. You understand the importance of bringing order and balance back to the world before mortals discover magic exists. We must ensure you are kept safe. Before, when Aiden was with you, it wasn’t as much of a concern, but now…” she didn’t finish her sentence, but I got the gist.
“Orielle is going to watch over you in case the dark fae come after you.” Tristan proclaimed.
“A bodyguard? You think I need a bodyguard?” I said with disgust, frowning at Nia.
Orielle was also frowning. Apparently we agreed on this subject.
“The queen feels it necessary, and I agree with her.” Nia said.
Neil nodded. “It is imperative we preserve any chance we have of overtaking the dark fae, and unfortunately, right now you are the best chance we have.” He said unhappily. “It is therefore more important than ever for you to follow rules, despite your disdain for them.”
I glared at Neil, exhausted from the past 24 hours and unwilling to let him bully me. “Look Neil, whatever problem there is between you and Aiden, I’d appreciate it if you refrained from projecting your displeasure on me. We’re on the same team, and while I don’t care for you overmuch either, I’m happy to do what’s necessary for the greater good.”
I turned to Orielle. “Orielle, I don’t want to have a bodyguard any more than you want to provide me the service, but I accept the situation we’re in and I hope we can agree to try and stay out of each other’s way as much as possible.” My voice was brisk and businesslike.
The dark eyed fae looked surprised by my directness, but she nodded.
“Tristan, Nia, do either of you have anything else to add to this conversation?” The two of them glanced at each other and then back at me and shook their heads.
“Great, because I’ve been wearing these clothes for far too long and I haven’t eaten since yesterday, so if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to change, and after that, unless you want another war on your hands, we are going to go get some food.”
Without sparing a second to gauge their expressions, I spun on my heel and headed down the hallway in search of the locker rooms.
*
“Would you like some coffee, ma’am?” Drawled a deep Southern accent, startling me. I looked up from the newspaper article I’d been reading and smiled at my server.
I’d been the first person downstairs when the hotel restaurant opened this morning, having been unable to sleep any longer since I’d gone to bed before dinner the night before. Tony and I were on a first name basis.
“Yes, please. I’d love more coffee.”
I examined him out of the corner of my eye as he poured more steaming coffee into my mug. He was young, early twenties with dark hair and eyes and olive skin.
“Cream?” He asked, giving me a charming dimpled smile. I nodded and he lifted another tiny white pitcher of cream off his platter and set it next to my plate.
“Thank you, Tony.”
“Certainly. How was the skillet?” He asked, examining my empty plate with an amused expression on his face.
I chuckled. “I hated it,” I joked, grinning up at him.
“You must have.” He said with mock seriousness, scooping up the empty dishes and settling them onto his tray.
“Can I bring you anything else, darlin’?”
I pondered this for a moment. Yesterday had been exhausting. Even after the huge plate of scrambled eggs, sausage and peppers, I was still hungry. Before I’d been able to leave Arcata last night, I’d met with Neil about staffing my lab. I’d then spent the next few hours getting acquainted with the equipment before finally having Trista
n drop me off at my hotel, a beautiful spa hotel located in Old Town Alexandria, right off King St.
Frankly, I’d been surprised when Neil agreed so easily to me hiring Siddarth and Emma away from my former lab in New York. Siddarth was fae, but Emma was mortal. I wasn’t sure yet they’d both come to D.C., but it felt good getting my way. Maybe this thing with Neil would work out after all. I glanced towards the corner where Orielle sat in a plush, velvet armchair. She was reading a book, or pretending to read a book. I couldn’t tell.
Today, my goal was to find an apartment, which I presumed would be a long and tiring task. I was going to need the nourishment, I decided.
“You know what Tony, I think I’ll have one of those scones you mentioned earlier.”
Tony flashed me his signature grin and nodded. “Sounds good.”
I watched him walk away and turned back to the newspaper I’d been perusing. Tristan lived a few blocks down from my hotel. He’d made sure I was comfortably tucked into the hotel room, with Orielle in an adjoining room of course, before he’d headed home. He’d even offered to let me stay with him. I’d turned him down. I needed some place I could retreat to that was just mine. I needed a landing pad.
There were several one-bedroom apartments available nearby, but as I glanced through photos of standard builder-grade fixtures and too small closets, nothing popped out at me. They were all devoid of character. Sure, everything along King Street glittered with colonial charm – cobblestone walkways here and there, gas lamps, brick facades, and brightly painted shutters, but in a lot of cases, particularly with the new apartment buildings, they were pretty on the outside and charmless on the inside.
I sighed and slid the paper away.
I’ll just walk around until I come across something interesting. It was still early, so hopefully it wasn’t too hot yet.
“Here you are, the last butterscotch scone.”
Tony said, setting a plate with a steaming scone in front of me.
“Enjoy!” He said with a wink as he flitted off to his other table. A couple of old ladies sporting fanny packs had maps spread out on the table in front of them. They giggled as Tony greeted them, setting down two plates piled high with French toast.
