by Helen Harper
Halting in my steps to warn the others, I glanced round and met Mack’s eyes. When I saw the anticipation in her expression, I grinned. Then I shifted, changing from man to beast in a heartbeat. Aware of Mack watching me, I padded up to her and butted my head against her thigh. I purred, enjoying hearing her hiss in exasperation. She did reach down and scratch my ears though.
Now I was a cat, it was much easier for me to stay silent as I walked, even if the three behind were like a herd of elephants. I blocked them out and focused on the light ahead. I couldn’t hear a damn thing but I knew what I could smell. There was a great deal of blood saturating the air. No wonder the atmosphere felt so clammy. Something was also moving up ahead. Lots of somethings.
Birds, I told Mack. Lots of birds. Hundreds and hundreds of them, in fact. Not only that but they were pinned to several walls. Their wings were flapping frantically as if they were attempting to free themselves. One of the most disturbing things was the absolute lack of sound.
Air. Mack sent back.
Indeed.
Is Endor there?
I shook my head, indicating no. Then I moved up further. It was actually some kind of bizarre den. There was a stone table, with an eviscerated kelpie lying dead on the top. The walls of birds surrounded the area on three sides with the light coming from a fire which flickered with the same eerie silence as the birds themselves.
They were suffering. These wonderful creatures of the air were pinned down, kept alive by whatever vile magic Endor used. I desperately wanted to free them but there were so many it would take us hours and we had no idea where Endor was right now or when he would return. I couldn’t afford to let him see Mack here.
Solus moved up, approaching the nearest wall. He reached out towards one of the birds. I held my breath as he stroked its head, murmuring something. He bowed and stepped back. I cocked my head, curious about what he’d just done. That was when I caught Endor’s scent. Shit. The absence of any wind or breeze had meant he was already only metres away.
Get down. Now.
Mack threw herself forward, pressing herself against the ground while Floride, noting her reaction, did the same a moment later. I followed suit, managing to get low enough to conceal myself. Solus, however, was too close to the glow of the fire. Although he had immediately recognised the danger and hunkered down, there was nowhere for him to go. If Endor twisted his head even slightly then he’d see him. The damn necromancer was already upon us and we had no way to defend ourselves.
I hadn’t been making things up when I’d explained why I was a good choice to come along on this expedition. I scanned the ground, judging the distance between myself and Endor. If went round the fire and attacked him from the far side, I could direct him away from Solus for long enough for the Fae to get away. That would give Mack the time she needed to run as well. Keeping my belly low, I crouched, poised on all fours. All I had to do first was to catch the eye of the Fae.
Before I could make a move, the wall of birds over to the right began flapping with even greater intensity. I didn’t think it was my imagination that the others stilled somewhat. It was next to impossible to draw my eyes away from the birds’ frantic pain. I wasn’t the only one feeling like that either. Endor’s slight frame also paused, then he strode over in their direction – and away from Solus. The Fae wasted no time in scrambling up and getting himself away. When the birds still didn’t calm down though, Endor calmly raised one leg and kicked. This time, I did hear a sound. It was the poor bird’s neck breaking. Mack’s Voice gasped in my head.
Once he’d satisfied himself that he’d quietened down those birds enough, he glided over to the next wall. I glared at his back. He was so close. I was itching to pelt myself towards him and take him unaware. I knew he’d beat me. He was far too strong and we didn’t have the Palladium with us, even if we knew what on earth to do with it. It was still far too tempting though. It was only when Mack nudged me with her elbow, indicating that this was our chance to skedaddle that I brought myself back to reality. I nodded to her and we both edged away, keeping low in case Endor turned round and saw us. Thankfully, his attention was on the birds although I wouldn’t feel safe until we were back in London. I was hyper aware of Mack’s every move. She struggled to keep quiet, which wasn’t surprising given what was underfoot. She managed it though. Of course she did.
We re-grouped back at the portal. I wasn’t sure I’d ever felt so relieved to see one of the damn magical gateways. Floride and Solus joined us. The Fae looked grave but he pressed a finger to his lips, reminding us to keep quiet for now. He jerked his head towards the portal before stepping through, instantly vanishing. Floride was right on his tail. The nervy mage had done well to keep his cool.
I looked round. Endor was nowhere in sight, no doubt still tending to his sickening display of tortured birds. Mack’s expression was pale and troubled. I couldn’t help the birds but perhaps I could distract her. It wouldn’t surprise me if she abruptly changed her mind and wheeled round to try and rescue them. That would only get her killed.
I shifted back to human, stretching out my muscles as I stood up straight on two legs once more. Mack watched me. Then her eyes travelled down my naked body, lingering for a moment before moving back up again. There was a definite blush on her cheeks. To keep her attention on me, I slowly licked my lips. I was rewarded when her blush deepened. She pointed awkwardly at the portal. Thank goodness. I grinned at her and did as she bade, strolling through. For once, Mack followed.
The Arch-Mage was waiting on the other side, along with the Fae Queen and the rest of the council members. Both Solus and Floride looked ill. Mack stumbled behind me.
‘Those birds,’ Floride whispered. ‘They were nailed into those walls, Mack. Each and every one of them.’
Before she could begin her usual retching, the Arch-Mage placed a calming hand on her back, blue magic flickering at his fingertips. Her expression relaxed slightly although her eyes were still pained.
‘I hadn’t realised,’ she answered with a grim note.
‘There were at least a couple of hundred of them, Mack Attack.’
‘Three hundred and one,’ Solus murmured. ‘Three hundred and one birds.’
She glanced at him. ‘It seemed like you were talking to them.’
He nodded. ‘I have an affinity for animals. Most Fae do.’
‘And?’
‘And we’ve got a serious problem, dragonlette.’
Everyone turned to him. The severity of the situation was lost on no-one.
‘He’s drawing small amounts of strength from the birds,’ Solus said, ‘but they’re not his target.’ His mouth twisted. ‘They told me what he’s after. He’s going to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak, and gain mastery of Air and Fire at the same time.’
I sucked in a breath while Mack shook her head in disbelief. ‘I don’t understand. How will he do that?’
‘The phoenix.’ The Summer Queen’s hands fluttered up to her throat. ‘He’ll go after the phoenix.’
Fear rippled through everyone. There was a sudden hubbub of noise as the council members exploded, worry and terror reflected in each and every voice. I kept myself back, taking a dressing-gown from a shy mage who appeared desperate to protect my modesty and keeping my own gaze trained on Mack.
‘Quiet!’ she yelled. For once no-one heard her.
I shrugged on the dressing-gown as Mack’s hands sparked up with green fire. Without looking at me, she aimed them up at the ceiling. I knew what she was trying to do but a show of that kind of aggressive power wasn’t going to help her right now. The ‘crazy psycho bitch’ comment from earlier was still echoing round my skull.
I grabbed her arm. They’re already afraid of you, kitten. Allow me. Before she could disagree, I lifted my head and roared, with full panther gusto. Fortunately, it worked, and everyone fell silent.
Next time, don’t do that next to my head, Mack complained. I’m going to be deaf for a fucking week.
I bowed in her direction and grinned. You’re welcome, kitten.
Mack cleared her throat. ‘That doesn’t make sense. Isn’t the phoenix immortal? He can kill it, but it will just rise again. That’s what phoenixes do.’
‘There’s only one phoenix, dragonlette,’ Solus answered. ‘And you’re right, it is immortal. It dies in flame and is reborn in flame. But he’s a necromancer, and one who’s growing more powerful by the second.’
While the Summer Queen nodded, I understood the problem. This was very bad. ‘He can trap the phoenix in-between the cycle of life,’ she said, ‘and draw from it endlessly. It’ll be an eternal power source. It won’t die, but neither will it live.’
I clenched my jaw. ‘And he’ll be more powerful than we can possibly imagine.’
Mack paled. Her brow furrowed and I could see her thinking. ‘There’s only one phoenix,’ she said finally.
‘Yes, dear,’ the Arch-Mage answered in a tone that was so patronising even I bristled. She scowled at him and I almost laughed aloud when he started and jumped back.
‘There’s only one phoenix,’ she repeated, ‘so our job is easy. We just take the bird and hide it somewhere. He can’t get to it, and we win.’
‘Except,’ Floride said, ‘if he can’t find it, he’ll just switch tactics and pick on someone else.’
Mack pursed her mouth. ‘You’re right. We leave the phoenix where it is. But, as there’s only one, we know where he’s going to be. We’ve surely got a much better chance of defeating Endor because there’s no need to be concerned that he’ll be off somewhere else.’
‘That’s what we thought last time,’ Larkin said. ‘And not only did we really not have a clue, but he hammered us and killed several humans in the process.’
Mack shrugged. ‘Well, we’re out of chances, ladies and gentlemen. If he gets past us this time, then it will be more than just a few humans whose lives will be in danger. The whole world will be at risk if he gains ultimate power over life and death. So the simple fact is that we have no choice but to beat him.’
The lady had a point.
She glanced at the Arch-Mage. ‘The Palladium?’
He reached under his robes and pulled it out with a flourish. Mack flinched away. It was hardly surprising. Some good friends of hers had died as a result of this chunk of ancient wood. Saving her from having to take it, I reached out and grabbed it. I couldn’t feel any power emanating from it and it smelled like, well, wood.
‘It’s very small,’ I said doubtfully. ‘Is this really going to work?’
‘Who knows?’ Balud shrugged. ‘It’s like no weapon I’ve ever seen.’
‘So we still have no idea how we can use it against Endor?’ Mack asked.
He shook his head.
Mack sighed. ‘Well, we’ll just have to roll with it. Everyone better bring their A game in case it doesn’t work. Do we know from the birds when he’s planning to attack the phoenix? Solus?’
He flicked me a quick glance before answering. ‘Tonight,’ he said heavily. ‘He’s going after it tonight.’
My shoulders tensed. That didn’t give us much time to prepare.
‘Where is it?’ Mack asked.
‘The phoenix? It’s at Bird World.’
Her mouth dropped open. ‘You’re kidding me. Bird World? Just hanging out with the ostriches and the parrots, is it?’
‘Its preferences are a mystery to me,’ the Summer Queen said with a shrug.
Mack remained baffled. ‘How in the hell does it manage to remain anonymous?’
‘It looks a bit like an eagle.’
‘A bit like an eagle?’ she scoffed. ‘A golden bird that can’t die and only looks a bit like an eagle. No-one’s ever been suspicious?’
‘Why would they? As far as the majority of this plane are concerned, the phoenix is mythological. Like dragons.’
‘Or shapeshifters.’
‘Or faeries.’
Mack sighed in resignation. ‘Well, let’s get our arses to Bird World then.’
She was determined to do this. I had to head her off at the pass. She was going to hate me for it but her safety was tantamount. There wasn’t any choice. ‘Actually,’ I interrupted, ‘there’s something else we need to think of first.’ Everyone looked at me while I apologised to her Sorry, kitten. It’s for the best though. ‘If he’s going after the phoenix,’ I continued aloud, ‘a mythological bird tied to fire, then Mack needs to stay away.’
She snarled, drawing herself up in fury. ‘Hey! No fucking chance, buster.’
I kept my tone calm and reasonable. ‘If we prevent Endor from getting to the phoenix, the next logical choice is you. You’re a dragon.’
‘Air and Fire,’ Solus muttered in agreement.
‘So,’ she spat, ‘then it makes more sense for me to be there so I can distract him.’
‘No.’ I shook my head. ‘You’re the last card we’ll have. You need to stay away.’
‘Fuck off. You can’t make me stay away. I’m the head of this council, remember?’
She was lucky I loved her.
‘He’s right,’ the Arch-Mage said. Thank goodness. I’d been counting on his support with this. He had too much invested in Mack to allow her to get hurt. ‘We can’t have Endor decide you’re the easier target because everyone else is focused on protecting the phoenix.’
‘Yes,’ agreed the Summer Queen. ‘You need to be as far away from Bird World as possible.’
‘And do what?’ Mack growled. ‘Stay at home with my knitting needles?’
That was a nice idea. ‘You can’t come, Mack.’ I’d take her anger face on.
I hate you, she told me.
I almost smiled. No you don’t. We can’t be worried about you and the phoenix at the same time. Having just one target means we have a better shot at really bringing Endor down.
Mack hissed. I’m a dragon. You don’t think I have a shot?
What makes you strong is your fire. And that’s what he needs. Being a dragon isn’t going to help, not today. I’d not stopped her from going to Dorchadas. I wasn’t going to be gainsayed in this though.
Mack wasn’t giving up yet. I have nothing to do with Air. I can’t fly.
I reckoned she probably could. How many times have you tried?
Once.
I pointedly raised my eyebrows.
Keep our baby safe, kitten. Or babies. I addressed the council. ‘Let’s get to this Bird World place and get ready.’ I wasn’t going to brook any further dissent on her part – council leader or not.
Mack forced a smile. ‘You’d better get going then.’ Relief flooded through me. For once she was being smart and doing the right thing. As long as I knew she was safe, I could concentrate on bringing Endor to his knees once and for all. Hopefully, she wasn’t going to be too pissed off at me. I stepped towards her but she flicked me away with her hand. ‘Go on then.’
‘Don’t be mad at me, kitten,’ I said in a low purr.
‘Don’t call me kitten,’ she snapped. She turned on her heel and stomped off. Good. She could sulk all she wanted. As long as she did it far, far away from Endor.
Chapter Eighteen
The weight that was lifted off my shoulders knowing that Mack was well away from BirdWorld – and Endor – was extraordinary. I spent some time examining the brightly coloured map provided for visitors and then directed our entire contingent to spread themselves around, posting lookouts at various points. We knew that the phoenix was currently living in the aptly named ‘Eagle’s Nest’ so naturally I sent the strongest fighters, myself included, there.
It was a remarkably large enclosure. The human keepers had done a good job of making the place appear as eyrie like as possible, with many large rocks and a small mountain shaped structure in the centre. There were open walls around the place and netting in place of a roof. The phoenix, as undisturbed by our presence as any of the birds, watched us lazily from the top with one slitted eye open. It was a magnificent creatu
re, with plumage which any bird would be envious of. In fact, I couldn’t help thinking of my old buddy Corux, the sarky raven who lived at the Tower of London. He’d probably give up every measure of YouTube fame to look even half as impressive as the phoenix. Of course, the bird was magical enough that it possessed a glamour to fool any human eye. I imagined that as far as they were concerned, the phoenix really did simply look like another eagle. I could see even the most hardened of Brethren shifters flicking it glances of appreciative awe though. This was no eagle. I watched with interest whenever another bird dared to get too close. All the phoenix did was raise its head ever so slightly and the offender would wheel away cawing out a loud apology. At one point I even saw a particularly stunning bald eagle present the phoenix with a scrap of meat. It barely acknowledged the offering. It still took it though.
There was a buzz of tension around all of us. The bonds that had been formed at Loch Ness between Fae, mages and shifters still existed, and everywhere I looked, I could see little clusters waiting for whatever was about to happen. Regardless of the danger Endor posed – and how terrible things could be for us if he gained full mastery over all the elements – there was something reassuring about seeing the way everyone was coming together. I fervently hoped that it would continue if we managed to destroy Endor. When we managed to destroy Endor.
All the same the waiting was difficult. Some of my shifters in particular were very jumpy, picking on unsuspecting humans and staring at them with hard, assessing eyes. I had to use my Voice several times to calm them down. As each hour passed, however, as there was still no sign of the damn necromancer, the tension only grew.
I’d just finished checking in with our watchers down by the main entrance when I felt a familiar tug in my mind.
Hey, Mack said, with a lightness which surprised me. What’s happening? Has Endor shown up yet?
