She staggered back from Malthus, changing into her hybrid form.
Malthus overturned his chair as he straightened and lunged at her. You can't win."
Clodagh came at him snarling and swiping at him with her claws. Malthus sidestepped, seized her wrist, and whipped her arm behind her back, doubling her over as he planted his knee in her stomach. He forced Clodagh to her knees, and then down on her face. Placing his knee on the small of her back, Malthus raised her shoulder and shoved his hand between her breasts. Black energy lashed through Clodagh's chest.
She cried aloud in pain, but her voice failed to carry past the muting spell.
Malthus touched her temples and the fight went out of her. He released her, and Clodagh curled up, sobbing. Slipping his hand inside her robe below the tie belt, he ran his finger from her loins to the top of her belly, sending waves of anguish through her.
"Stop! Stop, stop, stop. Please."
"I hate making this rough and rushed, Malthus said. But I have very little time."
Malthus pushed her over onto her back, pulled the tie on her robe, and opened it. He struck her in the chest and ribs with another round of spells to be certain that not the slightest bit of resistance remained in her. Clodagh went limp, but her eyes watched him, knowingly.
"You killed them, didn't you? Clodagh's whispery voice rose from her throat with an edge of fear and a slice of grief.
"Who else? When I'm finished, you'll not be able to tell anyone."
Malthus caressed her breasts, pinched her nipples, and stroked her face. He enjoyed the feeling of lycan fur beneath his fingers. She shivered, but did not move from the position Malthus placed her in. He liked that.
Tears came to Clodagh's eyes. A sigurni said ... one of you ... would get me."
Needles of energy went into her brain, making her whimper. But, did she know it would be the Butchering Serpent?"
"You? The Serpent? Clodagh's voice shook.
He stitched and knotted the sways and triggers in her mind, and bound her tongue so that she could not betray him. Yes. You'll be ill for a few days. Rushing it this way has that effect on a lycan."
She would recover nicely and be very useful to him from now on. Malthus opened his pants, and lifted his spear and his rocks free. Clodagh shut her eyes and turned her face away from him. That, being her first and only movement since he enervated her, brought a chuckle from Malthus.
Clodagh's tears finally escaped her eyes.
"Never had a lover before? Malthus lowered his body on top of hers, parting her legs with his knee. He pressed his fingers to her temples, inserting more arcane needles into her mind, her psyche, and her awareness. Since Clodagh was lycan, Malthus needed to build the compulsions and coercions slowly as he had with Beth.
Clodagh's whimpering turned to sobbing.
His cock pressed the edge of her mouth of pleasure.
His fangs came down.
"You have a sweetheart?"
Clodagh sucked in a long breath, struggling not to answer.
Malthus sent a wave of sharp, blinding pain through her head. What is his name?"
"Odhran. She wept.
"Break it off, or I'll kill him."
Then he bit deeply into her breast, sucking her rich, ripe blood as he raped her.
* * * *
Kynyr and his friends started their search behind Malthus cottage after making certain that the mon was not home. Ramsey ran with his nose to ground, his thick fur was a shade more cinnamon than his human hair and he blended into the night shrouded trees and brush with ease, frequently becoming lost to sight as he forged ahead of them.
None of them said it, but they all knew they were looking for Nikko's dead body.
The moon reached its zenith, a slice past full and headed for half wane, throwing a silvery illumination over the forest.
A long howl from Ramsey told them he had found something. Kynyr's first thought was that Ramsey had found the corpse, and his second was that Malthus was too clever to have dumped Nikko's remains that close to the camp.
They rode through the trees and found Ramsey standing in hybrid form with something brown in his hands beside the banks of Lavender Creek. Nikko's clothes. Looks like he crossed the creek here."
Kynyr dismounted and took the clothes from Ramsey. He held the brown robe to his nose and sniffed it. Kynyr nodded. Nikko."
He scanned the creek banks. We'll make camp here. There'll be a better chance of picking his trail up on the other side once it's daylight."
Ramsey went to his horse, which Eideard had been leading, took a robe from his saddle bags, and wrapped himself up before settling with his back to a willow tree. Least we know he wolffed it."
"You think he's dead? Eideard asked the question they had been avoiding.
Kynyr pulled his saddle and kit off Bucky and started brushing him down before answering. I know he is."
* * * *
A flame danced upon the wick of an oil lamp sitting on the nightstand in Malthus bedroom. Kandaishee lay nude beside him, her cheeks damp from weeping, the quilted coverlet clutched so tight in her hands that her knuckles were white. The nights were cool this far into the mountains, even when the summer days were hot.
Malthus touched her cheeks, trailing his fingers through her tears, musing that she always wept when he forced his rod of possession into her. It delighted him. His fingers moved lightly from her face to her breasts and he stroked Kandaishee's body. Malthus fingers lingered on the almost unnoticeable puffiness along the lower half of her belly. Growing a little present for me?"
She writhed away from him. It's not fair! You're too old to be fertile."
"You're forgetting who I am."
"The son of Sidera Tyrins ... oh gods ... she cured it."
Malthus chuckled. Indeed."
He pinched her nipple.
Kandaishee yelped.
"Be still. I want to Read my gift."
Kandaishee obeyed with a sob.
Malthus extended his awareness through her, narrowed his focus, and smiled. A son. Very good. I think I'll keep you."
"You killed him."
"Nikko?"
Kandaishee shivered as he began stroking her again. Yes."
"There's no body. But they might find his bones in the Bonnie Draw."
As soon as he released her, Kandaishee curled into a tight ball of misery. Why are you here? Why did you have to come here?"
"My orders are simple. Kill the Redhands before they can bring the clans into the war."
"You've never forgotten the Rebellion."
"It would be foolish to forget it. Those who fail to study history, lose."
* * * *
It took Kynyr half a day to pick up Nikko's trail again and they found that it backtracked to Cheshire Road. Claw's messengers, heading for the farms, overtook them at midday and Kynyr hailed one of them.
"Glendon! Wait."
The messenger was a wiry wolf, small in stature, but with a reputation for getting rowdy in the taverns. He reined his horse and waited. What's up?"
Kynyr reached into his saddle bag, bringing out the brown robe. He extended that to Glendon who took it from him.
"What's this?"
"We found Nikko's clothes last night at Lavender Creek. Take it to Claw and tell him they need to search in this direction. Kynyr gave a quick, but detailed account of everything they had found, leaving out their suspicions concerning Malthus. They did not want to find that Glendon had been spreading that part in the taverns.
Glendon tucked the robe under his knee, turned his horse, and kicked it into a canter.
Cheshire road branched, the main road turning east and a narrow cart road bending toward the Bonnie Draw. After a few searching sniffs, Ramsey led them down the cart road, which ended a few hours later at the Clegg farmstead.
Neither Old Man Clegg nor his son Douglas had seen Nikko. The four friends rode back down to the road and sat in silence for several minutes that was finally broken by Ra
msey.
"What now?"
Kynyr's brow furrowed in thought. Hunter's traces. There's some around here that run all the way to the northern caves."
Ramsey shifted back to wolf and took off. An hour later he gave them a howl and a shout. Look what I've found!"
Kynyr dismounted and led Bucky off the road to a game path littered with recent deer droppings. Nikko?"
"Imps."
They found Ramsey standing over the rotting corpses of two imps, one of which had clearly died from having its skull smashed.
"What the hell are imps doing in Red Wolf? Kynyr dropped to his knees and turned the corpses over with a stick.
"Looks like Nikko made his stand here. Ramsey squatted beside Kynyr.
Finn stood gazing at the trees, wary and tense. If imps got him, then Malthus had nothing to do with it."
The closer they came to the Bonnie Draw, the more dead imps they found. When they reached the willow trees along the banks, they stumbled upon a cluster of fifteen orange skinned corpses. Some of them had bits of rotting meat caught in their teeth.
Kynyr sucked in a fortifying breath and dug the meat from the teeth of one with his knife. He sniffed it and his face hardened, his eyes clenched shut. Nikko ... and Devil's Silver."
Finn's eyes widened with incredulity. Imps don't use Devil's Silver."
"I know. Kynyr nodded wearily. Ramsey, you and Eideard go for Claw. Finn and I will wait here."
"You dogs be careful, Ramsey admonished them as he climbed onto his horse. Imps are a bad way to die."
"We will be."
* * * *
For three days Merissa and Nikko's sisters had taken turns sitting with Granta. The old lycan refused to be comforted by anyone. On the evening of the third day, Merissa had managed to convince Granta to sit in a comfortable chair in the parlor with her. A long, low table occupied the space between the chairs and the sofa. Merissa had drawn her chair up as close to Granta's as she could, so that she could periodically pat the old one.
The door opened, Claw came in looking grim. Granta's two older sons, as well as Malthus, Shalto, and Oswyl followed the chieftain inside. Claw carried a bundle of clothing in his hands that he laid on the table in front of Granta.
"We found these. I'm sorry, Granta. Your son's dead."
Granta let out a long keening cry, collapsing onto the floor and pulling at her hair. My Neeekkoooo."
Merissa knelt beside her, gathering the old bitch into her arms. She held Granta while the mon wept.
"Have you brought his body in? Merissa asked.
"No body. Claw's lips twisted into a grim expression. Imps got him. They ate him."
"Then how can you be so certain?"
"We found his clothes, and then stumbled on the scent of a blood trail. It ended at Big Willows. We found some dead imps. From the amount of blood soaked into the ground, he was already badly wounded before he made his stand there. Some of his flesh and fur was caught in the dead ones teeth."
"But if you didn't find"
Claw shook his head regretfully. The blood stank of Devil's Silver. Imps eat those they bring down. They devour them alive. The trail ended there. Claw rubbed his hand over his face. Nikko did not walk away or we would have found traces. He died there. I'm sorry."
Granta shrieked again.
Malthus covered his surprise by lowering his head. So Nikko managed to kill some of Gahni's people before he died? Impressive.
"I'll stay with her until her daughters get here, Merissa said.
"I don't want you walking home alone. Claw grimaced in distaste, looking impatient to be out of there.
"I'll see that she gets home. Malthus stepped close to Merissa.
Claw eyed Malthus. You're that Malthus who's always hanging around the gardens."
"I am. My nieces like playing with Darmyk."
"I've heard a lot about you, Claw growled. No messing around. Just bring her straight home. You understand? He laid the bundle of Nikko's clothes on Granta's table, turned, and strode out.
Once Granta's daughters arrived, Merissa walked home with Malthus arm around her shoulders, leaning her head against his chest. Fresh bouts of weeping continued to come. Why Nikko? He was so kind. Tempest, Beth, and now Nikko. I feel like my heart is being ripped out of me."
"He was a good mon. The village couldn't have wanted for a better lawgiver."
Merissa turned her tear streaked face to Malthus. Nikko and I grew up together. If I hadn't already been in love with someone else at the time, I think I could have loved him. He was so kind and gentle. So patient."
They paused beneath a spreading chestnut tree and Malthus drew Merissa into his arms, holding her protectively. I love you, Merissa. It breaks my heart to see you so unhappy ... so overburdened with grief."
"Malthus..."
His lips covered hers as he pressed her back to the elm tree. She wrapped her arms around him, moaning softly as his body moved suggestively against hers. Merissa's hand slid down to the conspicuous bulge in Malthus pants, and he responded by grinding his erection into her loins so hard it seemed as if the cloth separating them would tear.
"Get inside, Merissa! Kynyr strode into the courtyard, glaring at Malthus. Your father can see you from the window."
Merissa paled and twisted free of Malthus, fleeing into the manor.
"Stay away from her, Malthus. Stay the bloody hell away from her."
Malthus regarded Kynyr, a dark, arrogant turn to his lips. Make me."
Kynyr's fist shot out, caught Malthus in the face, and sent him sprawling into the dirt. Then he turned on his heel and stalked back into the manor.
"I'll give you that one. Next one will cost you."
CHAPTER TWENTY
SHOPS, DIARIES, AND MURDER
Cahira stood in the street, her head craned back as she watched Todd and the two Scott cubs, Rory and Hamish, hang the big wooden sign on her shop: Cahira's Potions and Notions. Underneath the words were three sets of symbols that the largely illiterate lycan community could understand: a mortar and pestle; a serpent wrapped staff; a book, a bottle of ink, and a quill.
"Potions, healing, scribe, and translator. I do it all."
When Todd suggested they should hire some help around the place, Cahira had immediately decided upon Rory, because Finn had told her about Rory fetching them when Kynyr was in danger and she felt she owed the boy a debtalthough she had not told Rory that. Rory had turned out to be an impressive negotiator for just nine years old, persuading her to hire his eight year old brother also. So now the Scott cubs worked around the shop and living area for two coppers each a week, plus lunch.
Rory glanced over his shoulder as he started down the ladder, and gave a loud derisive hoot. Watcha lookin at ya old stink face!"
Cahira lifted an eyebrow and turned around to see who Rory had directed his insult at.
Baroucha stood on the wooden boardwalk across the street, glaring at the sign. Don't get too cozy, Cahira. You won't last."
Despite the summer heat, Baroucha wore a high collared dress of heavy fabric that snugged her neck. It tied on the from shoulder to hips. Baroucha made no attempt to hide the fact that her breasts sagged almost to her waist. She carried a fighting knife on her belt that made Cahira wonder what might have changed with Baroucha: she had never carried one when they were young.
"I like it here, Baroucha."
"Don't cross me, Cahira. You'll regret it."
Cahira's lips tightened. You weren't so bold when I caught you trying to poison Kynyr."
Baroucha sucked in a sharp breath and retreated as Cahira approached her. It wasn't poison."
"But it would have killed him. So what's the difference? Hmmmn?"
"Get away from me. Baroucha made a sign against the Evil Eye, and scuttled off down the street.
Todd stepped from the ladder, chuckling. It's a god's guess what she'll try to pull. But she'll try something."
"I hope so. Then I'll step on her and squash her like a bug."
Rory and Hamish sauntered over to them giggling. Hamish flipped a victory sign to her. You go, Cahira. We'll shy a rock up her ass if you want."
Hamish pulled his sling from his pocket and brandished it, swinging it around and around.
Cahira put her arms around the cubs and walked them into the shop. If anyone's going to throw rocks, it will be me. I want both of you to stay out of trouble."
Rory and Hamish slipped from her grasp and ran to a stack of wooden crates sitting in front of a fine cabinet that was wood halfway up and glass the rest. They started unpacking the crates and putting things on the shelves without being asked.
Cahira stood near them smiling. You know, Rory, when you turn ten, you can be legally apprenticed."
Rory beamed. To you?"
"Who else?"
Cooley stepped out of the backroom and watched them with longing in his eyes. He started to turn away, but Cahira had seen him.
"Come here, Cooley."
He came, shuffling his feet and staring at them. Cahira pulled him into her arms and held him for a long time in silence. The Scott cubs gathered beside them. You're lonely. I can see it."
"I want to be an apprentice, too."
"You can't be."
A tear trickled down his cheek. Why not?"
"Because you're family and that's much more important."
Cooley blinked back more tears. I am?"
Cahira kissed his forehead and hugged him tighter. Todd and I petitioned the temple to adopt you. Our petition was granted yesterday. We were going to surprise you with a party and announce it then. However, today will do."
A tremulous smile came over Cooley's lips. Then, inexplicably he burst out weeping.
Rory put his arm around Cooley's shoulders. And I can be your spiritbrother, if you'll have me."
Cooley sniffled and then his smile steadied. I'd like that."
"Done deal."
* * * *
Malthus had rearranged Baroucha's shop and her home above it. The table farthest back in the workroom had been replaced with a sofa. One of her two storerooms now contained a desk and chairs for Malthus to do business from. Baroucha's unused guest room had been refurbished, and turned into luxurious accommodations that included a large bed with a goose feather mattresses where Malthus could do a different kind of business.
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