Finn picked up her suitcase. “What have you got in here?”
Rowan detected a slight unsteadiness in his voice. “The bare essentials.”
“Somehow, I doubt that,” he teased.
“Don’t be cheeky, a girl has to pack for all eventualities. Isn’t that right, mum?” Rowan asked as her mother entered the kitchen and handed over the car keys.
“It is indeed.”
“I’ll wait outside, leave you to say goodbye in privacy.” Finn extended his hand.
“Don’t be silly, Finn. You’ve earned a hug from me.”
Raw emotion briefly flickered across his face as the two embraced. He quickly masked it with a grin and picked up the suitcase. “See you in a few weeks.”
“I hope so and good luck with the project, Finn.”
“Thanks.” He waved and left them alone.
Rowan turned to face her mother. “I have my mobile, so if you need me, give me a call. If I don’t answer straight away, maybe I am driving, in a meeting or have lost a signal. Drop me a quick text, and I will ring you as soon as I can.”
“Okay,” her mother sniffed.
“You’re sure you’re alright about this?”
She nodded and hugged Rowan. “Now that I’ve met him, I am.”
“Are you going to come outside and wave us off?”
She shook her head. “If you don’t mind, honey, I won’t. Just give me a call tonight, let me know you’ve arrived safely, or if it’s too late you can drop me a text.”
“Will do. I love you.”
“I love you too. Oh, and Rowan?”
“Yes?”
“He’s a keeper.”
Rowan smiled and turned before her mother could see the tears that welled in her eyes. She quickly headed outside.
Finn was waiting on the front steps, her suitcase in his hand.
“We’ll take my car.”
“Car?” Finn asked.
Rowan laughed and took hold of his hand, leading him to the garage at the side of the house. Finn stared as she popped the boot open and gestured for him to place her suitcase inside.
“I’ve seen these machines, but never one this close up.”
She opened the passenger door. “Well now, you’re going to be riding in one. Get in.”
Finn ducked his head and sat, his hands fidgeting in his lap as she closed the door. Climbing in beside him, Rowan switched on the engine, the car roaring into life.
“Follow what I do and put your seat belt on.”
“Why do we need a restraining leash?”
“If the car should crash…” She caught his anxious look. “Not that I plan for that to happen, but if the worst should happen it will spare us both from ploughing headfirst through the glass.”
“I’m all for safety,” Finn replied and quickly copied her movement. His seatbelt clicked into place.
Releasing the hand brake, she edged the car slowly forward, driving free from the garage and onto the street. “Where do you want me to head?”
Finn closed his eyes for a moment. “Onto the main road that takes us out of the village. I’ll let you know when you need to turn. We have to get as far away from here as possible.”
“And then what?”
“Then we wait for further instructions.”
Chapter Seven
Middlesbrough, North East England
Awakened by the darkness, Kane prised himself free from her flesh and threw back the covers. Marching to the window, he scoured the street below and caught a sudden movement from the shadows, the Fallen slipping un-noticed into the building. Cursing that he had so foolishly lingered with the girl longer than he had intended, Kane gathered his clothing from the floor and dressed.
“Going somewhere, gorgeous?” She lifted from the pillow, the sheet falling away to expose her breasts. Her voice was soft and teasing as she added, “I thought you had more stamina than that.”
He laughed at her attempt to lure him back into bed. “I do for the right woman; however, I have no taste for corpses.”
She shook her head, her confusion evident. “What’s that supposed to mean? Are you saying that you didn’t enjoy it?”
Kane lowered to the edge of the bed and gave a cold hard stare. Without warning, he seized a handful of her hair and dragged her face towards his. She struggled for release as his mouth crushed against hers. Finally, he relinquished his grip. His lips pulled back into a cruel smile. “Oh, I enjoyed it.” He noted with pleasure the tears that brimmed and threatened to spill down her cheeks.
“Then why are you so cruel? I thought you liked me? We were supposed to be going for dinner.”
Kane’s gaze flicked across to the corner of the room, and he raised a hand. The Fallen stilled in the darkness and waited. “I have more important matters to attend to.”
Her face flushed a deep shade of red. “You’re seriously doing this to me? After we’ve just slept together?”
“Girl, you were merely entertainment.”
Eyes blazing fire, she vaulted from the bed and snatched her dress from the floor. “I can’t believe I fell for it. How stupid am I? To think you might be different than the other jokers around here.”
“Yes, indeed, how stupid are you? Falling into bed with a stranger on the promise of romance and a fine meal.”
“You bastard, get out! Find whichever rock you crawled out of, and bury yourself beneath it.”
“Not just yet, my girl.”
“I ain’t your damned girl.” She yanked at the zip on her dress and turned frantically, searching the floor. “Where the hell are my boots?”
Kane’s eyes shifted to the doorway of the bathing room. The shadows halted in response to his unspoken command.
She followed his stare and flounced across the room to retrieve them. “Well, thanks for nothing,” she muttered, pulling on a boot.
Kane’s gaze skimmed to the creature lurking behind, and he gave the nod. The Fallen released a low growl, its mouth salivating.
Eyes wide and cheeks drained of colour, she spun to face him. The other boot slipped from her grasp and dropped to the floor. “What was that?”
Euphoria pumped through his veins. “That, my girl, is your fate.”
She retreated towards the door. “You’re insane.”
Kane moved forward. “And where do you think you’re going?”
“Getting the hell out of here!” She turned to run but was too late.
The Fallen sprang from the shadows and knocked her to the ground.
He laughed. “You’re going nowhere, girl.”
“I’m sorry, oh god, please no, stop, help me…”
Kane leaned against the wall, his nose wrinkled as the scent of death filled the air. The Fallen continued its frenzied feast. Kane turned his attention away from her body and whispered an incantation. Time to attend to another matter, having lost the opportunity the previous night.
Unperturbed by the eyes that watched him from the darkness, Kane’s consciousness slipped free from his physical body and descended into the void, travelling deeper through the blackness and towards her. Moments later, Kane emerged into the great hallway. He glanced towards the sealed chamber doors. The guardian rose from its seat and approached. “What do you want?”
“I need an audience.”
“It’s not time, young apprentice.”
“I must speak with her, Morbae. We’ve had interference.”
“What sort of interference?”
“The kind that requires me to seek counsel.”
Morbae studied him closely. “Were we wrong about you?”
Kane was careful to keep his temper in check. “Have I not already proven myself?”
“So far, yes, but this is just the beginning and already you falter.”
“What you ask of me has not been easy, surely even you know that.”
“You are aware of the consequences of your failure?”
Kane nodded. “I am fully aware. I would not be here if i
t weren’t important.”
“Very well, young apprentice, I shall request an audience.”
Morbae evaporated, leaving Kane alone in the great hall. He could hear muffled voices through the door. Perhaps it was a risk for me to attempt contact so soon, and yet, she has to know.
The chamber doors creaked open. Morbae waved him inside. “Be careful, young apprentice. She is most displeased.”
Exuding more confidence then he felt, Kane walked towards the slender figure standing next to the open fire. She didn’t look up or acknowledge his presence but continued staring into the flames, her expression distant.
Kane broke the silence. “Forgive the intrusion…”
She cut him off. “Why have you come?”
“We’ve lost trace of the Tracker. All scent wiped out by a storm sent by the Elders. The Master grows impatient. I fear his trust is diminishing.”
“Was it she?”
“I believe so.”
“I see. Such an elemental spell will have come at quite the cost to her. You must use this to your advantage. Reaffirm his trust.”
“Word has already been sent. The Master has taken action.”
“Good, and was this to our advantage?”
“The scorpion’s tail has dropped.”
“Which one of them has fallen?”
“Jarrow.”
Her laughter sent a chill down his spine. “Most pleasing news. For a moment there, my apprentice, I wondered whether my trust would diminish too.”
“My soul belongs to you. I would never give you cause to question my loyalty.”
“That may be. As much as this news is welcome, you still took a risk contacting me so soon.”
“I need to know what to do about the Tracker. This world is vast. You know that I cannot fail the Master’s orders.”
“I do. The prophecy must be allowed to come to pass.”
“I understand. But how am I to proceed?”
“Lift your shirt.”
Kane obeyed, his teeth gritted to suppress the pain of the black fingernail cutting deep into his chest. His skin scorched as the sigil buried below the surface, leaving nothing but a black mole. “You will show no one.” She reached into her robe and withdrew a small vial of dark liquid.
“What is it?”
“The blood of a descendant.”
“The Tracker’s?”
“Yes.”
“How did you come by this?” The words had left his lips before he could stop them. Kane immediately lowered his eyes. He was surprised when nothing happened, his question dismissed. Unusual for her not to react and silence my curiosity.
“Drink one drop,” she instructed.
“Then what?”
“Then, you shall see.”
He placed the vial into his pocket. “I shall not fail you.”
“I sincerely hope not. Now you must leave me.” She turned her back to him.
Morbae appeared and ushered Kane through the chamber doors. “Remember your oath, young apprentice, and do not fail us.”
Kane released his consciousness, hurtling back into the void. Something dared to move closer as he travelled, and he swatted it away, wincing slightly from the claw that scratched his hand. Kane turned and caught the creature’s eye, the others he noted circling close. Raising his injured hand, Kane drew his fingers into a fist and watched with satisfaction the creature choke, and claw at its throat. His other hand raised to engulf his own throat and he fought against the sudden compression. How could this creature retaliate?
Kane released his hold, and the pressure eased, allowing him to draw breath. The warning delivered, however, had been enough for it to slink back into the darkness with the others and leave him be. Strange that this time they should choose to attack. Kane did not dwell on this further, a familiar, and welcome, weight in the centre of his abdomen, indicating the convergence of body and spirit.
Adjusting his focus, he gauged that only minutes had passed. The Fallen were continuing to devour the girl’s corpse. Tiny hairs lifted on the back of his neck, as the last of her bones snapped and crunched between teeth.
Barrock entered the room, and Kane’s hand instinctively clasped around the vial. The Fallen paused to sniff the air. “Something is different about you.”
Releasing the vial, Kane waved Barrock away. “I don’t exactly relish the feed.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Then get to the point of what you did mean, Barrock, before I lose my patience.”
“Forgive me, Commander. I thought I smelled… blood on you.”
The injury inflicted by the creature in the void smarted on the back of Kane’s hand. “The girl scratched me with those talons of hers.”
Barrock stepped forward and inhaled the wound. “It has a strange scent.”
“We know little of this world, or these humans, Barrock. Everything has a strange scent.”
“Then forgive me, Commander, for pointing this out, but perhaps you need to take more care as to what you lay with.”
“Perhaps, but it occupied the time, and she was quite a pleasurable experience.”
A growl interrupted from behind. Kane’s anger rose as Barrock continued to converse with his First Officer in their foreign tongue.
“Have I not warned you before, Barrock, about speaking another language in my presence?”
The Fallen shrank back into the shadows with a hiss. Barrock spun to meet Kane’s gaze. “My apologies, Commander, we have just fed, it is natural for my brethren to revert to their tongue.”
Eager to change the line of questioning, Kane swallowed his temper. “I shall let it go this time, but see to it that you remind your brethren. Now tell me what did he say?”
“He requested permission to dispatch the scout team to the village. The others, of course, are waiting for further orders.”
“Yes, he can dispatch them, although I want you to lead the scout team personally. Search every inch of that village. The Tracker is hiding somewhere.”
“What about yourself, Commander, do you not require me?”
“Not right now. I need to clean up here first. But I will join you very soon. Station two of your best officers outside. They can escort me to the village. The others can return to camp.”
“Very well, Commander.” Barrock turned to issue the relevant command, the Fallen instantly retreating, before giving Kane one last look. “Are you sure all is well with you?”
“Of course, I’m sure. Now go.”
“Yes, Commander.”
Alone, Kane switched on the light and turned his attention to the floor. He had to admit the Fallen had indeed ensured nothing was left behind. The only evidence a deep red stain on the carpet, and the one remaining boot.
Kane crouched to the stain and considered for a few moments before whispering the incantation. A dark mist released from his fingers and hovered over the congealed pool. Tendrils of black spun from its centre and coiled around the fibres dragging her blood from the carpet’s surface and rising into the air. Kane clicked his fingers and engulfed the substance in blue flames. The room filled with the scent of sulphur as it burned. The remaining ash drifted gently into Kane’s outstretched palms. He stared at the boot and repeated the chant. Memories of Melissa stirred.
Kane strode to the bathroom and searched for the water source. With a quick turn of the tap, it spilt into the bowl. He tipped the collection of ash and smiled as it dissolved within the clear liquid and disappeared down the hole. He had learned his lesson a long time ago and would not repeat his past mistakes.
The wound throbbed as he washed his hands. Kane turned off the taps and patted his skin dry with the cloth that hung nearby. A healing rune would easily remove it, and yet he found it strange that he had no apparent desire to summon this. His fingers instead ran back and forth over the deep scratch, stirring an emotional response, a feeling of protectiveness.
There is no harm in leaving it for now. I can take care of it later sho
uld it prove to be troublesome.
Completing a final surveillance of the room, Kane satisfied himself that there were no other signs of anything amiss and left. He closed the door behind him, and strode silently through the corridor, avoiding the lifts and instead using the main stairwell. The young woman behind the desk looked up and flushed as he caught her appreciation.
“Like what you see?”
“Yes… I mean, no. I mean, I’m sorry,” she flushed.
His gaze skimmed over the ample cleavage that strained behind the buttons on her blouse and he smiled. “I like what I see, another time perhaps.”
Kane swaggered to the exit of the hotel, very much aware of her eyes following and boring into the back of him. He laughed as he stepped into the fresh night air. Indeed, he may save her for another time, that’s if he did not have any better prospects.
Signalling to the Fallen, stationed in the shadows, Kane walked away from the hotel in search of somewhere a little less conspicuous. Oblivious to the admiring looks and curious stares, he left the hive of human activity behind and turned into a dark alleyway. Out of sight, he ordered the largest of the Fallen to step closer. “Your name?”
“Gallo.”
“Your comrade?”
“Rivik.”
Kane summoned Rivik closer. “Prove yourselves loyal to me, and only me, and I will reward you both.”
“Yes, Commander,” they replied.
Kane closed his eyes and reached his hands forward. Gallo and Rivik turned without hesitation, allowing the mark to burn into their thick hide.
“You understand what this means?”
“Yes, Commander, we are aware,” Gallo responded.
Kane smiled. “You are promoted to my guardians and take your instructions from me alone.”
“What of Barrock? He won’t like this,” Rivik hissed.
“Leave Barrock to me. You will serve him only because I wish it. When the time comes, you will kill him.”
“Yes, Commander.”
“Do not share any of this with the others. What you see now, you will not speak of.”
Kane smiled, empowered by their complete obedience as each lowered before him. Taking the vial from his pocket, he opened the bottle and gently tipped it forward. A single drop of blood fell into his mouth. He placed it back into his pocket, ignoring Gallo’s questioning look, and mounted. “Now take me to the village.”
The Veils of Valoria Page 9
