Of Gods and Fae

by Tom Keller

  The two of them began speaking to one another in their language. I heard a chuckle from Zeke before he leaned over towards me.

  "Sorry, I couldn’t help it," he said. "It's just that Ukobac called you the Fae with a funny name that acts strangely."

  "Nothing new there," I said, shaking my head. Then I walked back to the dais where Siegfried and Cacilia were standing.

  "Not as bad as I thought it was going to be," I said to Siegfried as I stepped up on to the platform.

  "Indeed," he replied. "They are not what I expected either."

  "What will you do now?" Cacilia asked.

  "We'll take them back and let Zeke sort it out. I would stay longer but I have other things to attend to at the moment. Thanks for being here."

  Cacilia nodded and we accompanied them back to the pool where we had arrived. Once again, we stepped through the tree and returned to my backyard, Siegfried and I, once again, in our human guises.

  Before leading them out I asked Siegfried and Zeke if they could return this afternoon. Both agreed and then made ready to leave. As we walked through the house to the front I asked the Demons if they knew of Usag, the other Demon I had battled before.

  "He is a prince of a neighboring land," Ukobac said. "Why? What is he to you?"

  "A friend," I replied, using the term loosely. We hadn't exactly been on best terms after the fight, but it was close enough. "Seek him out, he may know a way to prevent what happened to you from reoccurring."

  "Yes," he hissed, eyeing me up and down. Then, as we walked to Siegfried's vehicle, he removed a ring from his finger that held a deep red, almost black stone, and handed it to me.

  "What is this?" I asked.

  "For killing that Mage that bound us I am in your debt. Speak my name to the bloodstone and I will find you." he replied and then got into the back of the SUV.

  "So you want both of us here this afternoon, do you," Siegfried asked out of earshot before opening the driver side door. "What are you up to?"

  "Trust me," I said with a wink. "You’re gonna love it.

  Chapter 18

  "More Demons and an Angel as well," I heard Bernd say as I closed the front door behind me. "There is also the winged horse to consider. Your list of allies grows."

  "Maybe," I replied as I went into the kitchen. "But I lost a good one last night, as did Siegfried."

  "Ah, yes. The Lilin, Lucius," he said. "Many more lives were saved by his act. The enemy has been hurt badly. The Mage he killed was powerful, second only to Marissa herself in his knowledge of magic."

  "You would know that," I said, sitting down at the table. Elithia must have cleaned up as my cup was nowhere to be found.

  "I have not been idle," he retorted. "Contrary to what you may believe."

  "I know, I know." I said, deciding to back down. "You've got rules. Doesn't mean I have to like it. How's our Lilin, by the way?"

  "She will live. She rests now," he answered.

  "Can I see her?"

  "It would be best to wait," he replied. "Although she is glad to be rescued she is not exactly happy with who her rescuer is. Besides, she is still weak. I would recommend you wait till the others get here before you speak to her. Otherwise she may not respond well to what you plan to do."

  "So she's a first born?"

  "Yes," he said. "EgiDari, the Eternal Princess, she was once known as. Although I doubt she will tell you that name when you meet her. She led the final charge against Demeter on the banks of what is now called the Euphrates in your tongue."

  "You know her?"

  "I know of her," he replied. "It is not hard to know the names of generals when so few survived. But enough of her for the moment. Show me that which the Demon gave you."

  "He said I could contact him with it," I said as I handed him the ring. Not even bothering to ask how he knew I had it.

  "Indeed, you can," he replied as he looked it over. Then he handed it back to me saying only to keep it safe.

  "What is it?"

  "A bloodstone, not a powerful one, but it may prove useful."

  "Ok, I'll bite. What exactly is a bloodstone?" I asked. "Other than just another gem, I mean."

  "It is a token of his lineage. The stone contains his blood, collected at birth. This Demon is not high ranking, but powerful enough in his own right. He has ceded that you defeated him in battle and owes you a debt. If you use the stone to call him, he will do your bidding, in payment for his life. Use it wisely."

  "That's kind of crazy," I said. "He's trading one master for another."

  "It may indeed seem so," Bernd said. "But you are not a dark Mage and he knows it. He gave you the stone willingly, in exchange for the life you saved. He is of an ancient clan and it is one of the old ways. It was the noble thing to do."

  "I suppose," I replied. "But this shit just gets weirder and weirder the more I learn."

  "Perhaps you need another drink of the Mnemosyne," he said. Yep, that was another thing I hadn't had a chance to talk to him about.

  "If it taught me how to use magic and all the history I'd ever need to know, then I might agree with you," I said as I got up and walked into my downstairs office. I opened the safe, placing the ring next to some other items of magical interest before returning to the Dwarf. It was almost noon so I sat down on the couch, asking Bernd if we could continue this conversation after a short nap. I'd had enough for one morning.

  ****

  I went to scratch my nose and found a cat in my face.

  "He says to come upstairs, the Lilin is awake," she said before jumping off.

  I rubbed my eyes and went into the kitchen, starting the coffee before heading upstairs to see my new guest. Charlie still sat at the doorway as I walked in, Bernd and Elithia next to the bed. They got up and left as I entered.

  As for the Lilin, she was propped up on pillows on the bed. She looked pretty good for someone that we'd just pulled out of a dungeon. Good looking, but not magically beautiful as so many of the Fae are. Early 30s maybe, with long black hair and blue eyes. Her eyes were old. I could almost see her true age in them, as I sometimes did in Diantha. There was something else, perhaps a bit of cruelness? Or maybe it was just the weight of all those years. It was hard to say.

  "Ah, my rescuer finally makes his appearance, does he," she said.

  "To be truthful, he's been by your side all along," I replied, pointing at Charlie. "He's the one that found you. I just helped pull you out."

  "Do not expect me to thank him, either. A guard is a guard, and one prison is as bad as another, no matter how comfortable the bed may be."

  "Prison," I said with feigned surprise. "This is my home. I brought you here to be treated by the healer, nothing more." Okay, so I wasn't being entirely honest. I had my reasons.

  "Then I can leave?"

  "I would hope you would stay for just a little while longer," I replied.

  "As I said," she snapped. "As if being polluted by your blood was not enough."

  "It was that or die. Excuse me if I thought you would prefer life over death."

  "I have heard that before, Fae," she countered. "Even now I must wonder if the price I paid was worth it."

  "I am not one of those that fought you so long ago," I said, moving closer to the bed. "If it were up to me I would release you from that decree."

  "The other one said the same. And when I would not help her find the Tears she imprisoned me in a tomb. Do not expect me to find your words soothing… or any less deceitful. I have endured millennia of such venom from your kind."

  So Marissa had been searching for the Tears. I guess it was a good thing that she had looked in the wrong place. I could see that I wasn't going to get anywhere with her for the moment so I told Charlie to go get Bernd.

  "I am here," he said as the two of them came back into the room.

  "I am Robert Hoskins, High Fae of the Dryad," I said, turning to the Lilin. "Heir to Demeter, she that defeated you in battle. While I had no part in that fight I did
lead the attack against the Mages that held you. For that I will claim the right to be called one of those that rescued you. For this act, I ask your indulgence. I swear that everything I say in this room will be the truth. This Dwarf is my witness and will guarantee my words. Will you recognize his authority to do so?"

  "I have no love for his kind either," she said after a moment. "But I do recognize his place among the Fae. Say what you will."

  "Will you tell me your name?"

  "You may call me Ella," she replied. "I have used that name in this part of the world."

  "Then Ella, I offer you this. Shortly, several others will arrive, including an Oracle. I ask only that you join us as they gather to hear what is said. Do this, and I will guarantee your well-being as well as safe passage to wherever you wish to go. I swear it." I asked.

  "As it seems I have little choice, I accept your bargain, Fae. But do not expect me to do more than be present. I cannot fathom what you hope to gain by keeping me here."

  "Then the accord is struck," Bernd said before I could say more. "Elithia will attend to your needs. There is a bath and I have had suitable clothing brought."

  I walked out of the room with Bernd right behind me as Elithia entered. Once downstairs I grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down.

  "How'd I do?" I asked Bernd as I took a sip.

  "She that defeated you in battle was a bit harsh but she has agreed to the terms," he admitted. "You have done well."

  "So you don’t think I am making a mistake using this one?"

  "Fate brought her to your door. You will find none any more agreeable. It is nigh impossible to defeat the fear brought on by the years of hardship they have endured. If this is your wish, then now is the time. Only you can make that decision."

  Yeah, with a little urging by a certain Dwarf, I started to say, but was interrupted when my phone announced someone at the gate. Diantha had arrived.

  "Okay then," I said as I got up to meet her. "Let's get this dog and pony show on the road."

  I met her at her car, a brand new Mercedes S65 AMG, and helped her unload her gear. Three legged bronze stool, bronze bowls, five gallon jug of what I could only assume was spring water and small containers of herbs and laurel leaves.

  "You need anything else?" I asked as I started carting things into the backyard.

  "Some mist on the ground before we begin, just for effect," she said as she followed.

  "No problem," I replied. "I'll have a word with the Garden Faeries, and nice car." I hadn't even known she had a license.

  "It'll do. Oh, do you have a small table I can place the bowls on," she asked as I put down the heavy stool.

  I retrieved one from the patio as she started setting up. When she was done she took a final look around.

  "Okay," she said. "You realize that I'm going to have a headache for a week after this, right?"

  "I'll make it up to you."

  "Sure you will," she replied. "If you can find the time between jaunts with the Nereid and nights out with the Lilin."

  "Excuse me?" I said.

  "I saw the way Meredith acted after returning from the Underworld."

  "Jealous?" I asked with a laugh. I hoped she wasn't, but you could never be too sure with Diantha.

  "Hah!" she countered. "You'd be jealous if you saw the cute little Pixie I've been trolliping with the last few nights. Even I could barely keep up with her." Then she walked up to me and gave me a kiss. "I know where we stand, my Fae Lord. Just don’t forget about me."

  "Never," I replied, kissing her back.

  "Good, then I think we're done here. I'll go get my gown. Do you have any tea?"

  I went back into the kitchen. Bernd was waiting for me as I started the water.

  "All is in place?"

  "It is," I replied. "Once the guests have arrived we can begin."

  "What have you told her?"

  "She knows what I need to do. As to the Lilin, she asked me not to tell her anything about her. As usual, she'd rather do it the hard way."

  "Ah, yes, she remains true to her calling."

  "Tea ready?" Diantha asked as she came into the kitchen.

  I fixed her a cup and sat down as she turned to Bernd and bowed.

  "Welcome, Father Dwarf," she said.

  "Priestess, thank you for coming."

  "I live to serve," she said as she sat down.

  "Yes, of course," Bernd replied. There was no love lost between the two of them but Diantha was smart enough not to anger him. "I believe the others have arrived," he continued, just as my phone announced the gate.

  I went outside to find Siegfried's SUV pulling into the driveway. He was accompanied by Bjartr, Zeke, and Delia. I hadn't expected Siegfried to bring the Elf but at least he was here. They stepped out of the vehicle and I waved them into the house. As they entered the kitchen, Siegfried knelt at the Dwarf's feet.

  "How good to see you, Fader," he said.

  "Welcome, Siegfried, Bjartr, and a welcome to you as well, Delia of the Lilin," Bernd said as she bowed. Then he got out of his chair and turned to Zeke.

  "Ezekiel. I had heard that you were here," he said as he grasped the Angels hand. "Many an age it has been."

  "Bernd of the Svartálfar," Zeke replied with a nod. "Not since Rome fell have we seen each other. Always you appear in interesting times."

  I had no idea the two of them knew each other, nor, could I tell, had anyone else. Except maybe Bjartr, but with Elves it was hard to tell anything. It would have been interesting to learn more about the Angel, especially as to why he was working at a Vegas casino.

  "Now that we all have arrived perhaps we could begin," Bernd said.

  "I'll go get ready," Diantha said, taking her tea with her into the bedroom to change.

  "What's going on," Delia asked, whispering in my ear as she walked up beside me. "And how's the other one doing?"

  "Just keeping a promise," I replied. "Thanks for coming, I think you'll find it interesting. Diantha is an amazing Oracle. As to the other Lil, she's upstairs. Elithia is up there with her. You can see her if you like. Second bedroom."

  She headed up the stairs with Bjartr in tow as Siegfried took her place, Bernd and Zeke still deep in discussion.

  "What are you doing with an Angel," I asked.

  "An Archangel, to be precise," Siegfried said. "Long story… but he likes to work with us when he visits here. Gets to keep an eye on the humans, or so he says. But what about you? What are you planning here?"

  "You remember that promise I made to Delia after we stormed Olympus?"

  "Of course."

  "I'm going to keep it," I replied.

  "But that would mean…" he said in surprise.

  I didn’t answer, just flexed my eyebrows in response.

  "You realize, of course, that many of the Fae would not agree with such a course."

  "Probably a good thing I don’t need their permission then" I answered. "But what about you? Do you agree with it?"

  "You know my position on the matter. I have no stomach for that which amounts to slavery," he replied. "And I thank the Gods that no one has gleaned where it is has been hidden. As to the Milagre's, well, you can tell her yourself. She is on her way here."

  "Meredith is coming?"

  "She called as I was on my way. She should be here any minute."

  My phone rang just as he finished speaking. Damn, that was good timing. I went to the front after lifting the wards long enough to buzz her in.

  "Robert," she said as she got of the car. "Did you forget to invite me?"

  "Honestly, Meredith," I replied. "I didn’t think you would want to be here for what I had in mind."

  "And what exactly do you have in mind?" she asked with a kiss to the cheek as she took my arm.

  "Just keeping a promise," I said again. I was hesitant to say too much, even to her. Half my guests already knew enough and there was danger in too much knowledge in advance. Besides, it would spoil the surprise.

  "Inde
ed. Well, that is not exactly why I came. Although you must remember that we are allies, no matter what course of action you plan. I will stand with you in most matters. But I heard about the rescued Lilin. It is rumored that she is a first born, is it true?"

  "So I've been told," I answered. "But she's not exactly keen on the Fae."

  "Nor should she be," she replied. "But nonetheless I would meet her."

  "As you wish, I will ask Bernd to make the introduction."

  I led her into the house and brought her to Bernd. She of course knew who he was, or at least knew of him. With everybody here, including every Fae I had slept with in the last year, it was like old home week at the Hoskins' household. Although I did feel a little uncomfortable with the three of them all together. Eventually though, they headed upstairs to join the others to see the rescued Lilin. That left me with just Siegfried while I waited to begin the show.

  "Any problems?" Siegfried asked.

  "I don’t think so," I replied, filling a vintage Space Cadet mug. "Anyone else I missed? I'm going to have Lucinda shut down the house just as a precaution."

  "No one else that I am aware of," he answered. "And that is probably a wise thing to do. How is it that no one has sensed it?"

  "You remember the bag that held Diantha's jewel? The Dragon's eye," I asked.

  He nodded as it was clear he did.

  "Well, apparently it blocks all magic from escaping from within."

  "I was not aware that it held such properties," he said as the bedroom door opened behind him.

  "I doubt anyone was," I replied.

  "I'll be ready when you are," Diantha said as she came back into the kitchen. She looked every bit the Greek priestess wearing a long, off white gown, Greco–Roman style with gold braid on the sleeves and hem. A long red scarf weaved around her neck and body. Her hair was pinned up but long curls hung down each side of her face. "Give me five minutes to prepare and then you can bring them out."

  "Ok," I replied, calling out to Lucinda. I asked her to check the wards on the house again and she bounded out the back door following Diantha. It was one of the few times it looked like she was almost enjoying herself. She only got that way in battle or when something profound was going to happen.