“This has crossed comfortable and stepped right into decadent,” I said. “Can I sit on the Eames?”
“I wouldn’t,” Monty answered. “She doesn’t even want me to sit on it and supposedly it was for my comfort.”
“Ah, okay, house rules then.”
“Precisely.”
“It pains me to see you suffering so,” I said, looking around again. “How do you get through your days in this room? It must be sheer torture.”
“It’s good to see you, Simon,” Monty said. “Have you come to rescue me?”
“Rescue you?” I asked, incredulous. “You don’t look like you need rescuing. In fact, I think I’m moving in. Can I get a bed like yours?”
“Roxanne may have an opinion about that,” Monty said. “She was reluctant to admit you to my Vetted Visitors list. Something about you being a negative influence on my recovery.”
“Me? A negative influence on you? Seriously?”
“Boggles the imagination, I know,” Monty replied. “You are a paragon of virtue and positivity.”
“Damn straight I am,” I said. “You’re looking good—thin, but good. Is Roxanne not feeding you?”
“Of course she’s feeding me.”
“Are you sure? Maybe she’s planning on keeping you too weak to leave.” I looked around nervously. “Can she hear us? The room is amazing, but a gilded—”
“A gilded cage is still a cage,” Monty said. “Her intentions are in the right place, but—”
“You’re not?”
“Precisely,” he said, putting down his cup. “Your arms? Are those scars?”
I looked down at the jagged crisscrossed lines that decorated my arms. It was Evers’ parting gift to me before she died. She gifted me with a lattice of pain…a reminder that even immortals could die.
“Evers was using the same kind of blade the Lucent had. I’m told the scars will fade eventually as my body deals with them.”
“She held a kamikira?” Monty asked pensively. “That was unexpected. Those blades are extremely rare.”
“And extremely sharp,” I said, holding up a forearm. “By the way, where did Roxanne find Paul Bunyan the sorcerer and his team? He comes across as pretty powerful.”
“Did you antagonize him?”
“Funny, he asked me not to agitate you, as if you were easily agitated,” I said. “Imagine you, agitated. You are the calmest mage I know.”
“Is that a yes?”
“Why would I antagonize him? I’m just here to visit my good friend who nearly lost his mind. Hey”—I pointed to the walls of the room—“these walls, are they made of rubber?”
“Elias and his team,” Monty began, ignoring my rubber-wall statement, “are a highly trained sorcerer security force. Angering them would be unwise.”
“We almost got off on the wrong foot when I thought they were locking you in,” I said. “Then I used diplomacy.”
“Oh no,” Monty said, concerned. “How many casualties?”
“None…on this floor.”
“On this floor?” Monty asked warily. “What do you mean, ‘on this floor’? How many floors have you visited today?”
“Well, we had a slight misunderstanding in the lobby. Nothing major. I got knocked up. Then Peaches gently mangled a few of the team; well, most of the team. There may have been some minor destruction—nothing that can’t be fixed with some sheetrock and a fresh coat of paint—but it wasn’t our fault. They started it.”
“You got knocked around?” Monty asked. “Who started what?”
“Oh right,” I said. “They have percussive mages downstairs with twitchy fingers. Hit me with some blasts, bounced me off a wall, then it all went to hell…hound.”
“You contained the damage to the lobby?”
“Totally,” I said with a nod. “Elias Bunyan and his crew look potentially lethal. Didn’t want to chance another misunderstanding. Really flexed my diplomacy up here. Did you know he could cast in the null area of the floor? Heavy hitter.”
Monty pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Please make a concerted effort to avoid the sorcerers on this level. Roxanne would be highly displeased if we injured them. They are only here to watch me, not to risk their lives.”
“I figured from the energy signatures that Roxanne was serious about keeping you put,” I said, giving him a long look. “How are you?”
“Bored out of my mind,” he said. “If I don’t leave soon, I’ll be forced to take drastic measures.”
“Drastic measures?” I asked, concerned. “Like?”
“Relax, Simon. I suffered a schism, not a psychotic break.”
“Aren’t those one and the same?” I asked. “You were full-on Darth Monty there for a moment. Follow me and die.”
“At no point did I utter the words: ‘Follow me and die’.”
“True, but that was the intent, the spirit of the statement. Like I said, major Darthness.”
“There was no Darthness at work. The schism merely affected me more than I anticipated,” Monty said. “I’m still dealing with some of the aftereffects, but it is under control.”
“Roxanne feels like you should leave here later rather than sooner,” I said. “She feels you were also a little too close to Darth Monty the last time we faced each other.”
“I seem to recall saving you the last time we were together,” Monty said with a semi-smile, “as you were trying to face an extremely homicidal Evers on your own.”
“I had that situation completely handled and under control.”
“As the scars on your arms attest,” Monty answered after taking another sip of tea. “A few more minutes and she would have reduced you to ribbons of immortality.”
“She was beyond fringe,” I admitted. “Thanks for coming back. It was looking dicey there for a moment. She was serious about eliminating magic…and you.”
“She wasn’t the first and she won’t be the last,” Monty said. “There are large factions that believe the world would be better off if magic never existed.”
“What happened? Why was she so determined to reduce you to a memory?”
“My past is filled with acts that I will answer for at some point in my lifetime,” Monty said. “I own these acts and would do them again if the need arose. We were in a war to save this plane…to save humanity. I committed atrocities I’d prefer not revisiting.”
“And Evers?”
“She was a willing subordinate who became a victim, sadly. At the time, there was no other choice. I thought she had perished.”
“She was very much non-perished.”
“I’m aware,” Monty said. “My concern is about her activities since the war. She may have set certain events in motion.”
“That doesn’t sound ominous at all.”
“So far, nothing has reared its unpleasant head to attack us or eliminate…well, everything,” Monty said, somewhat upbeat. “That, in itself, is good news. Rest assured, there are more like her out there.”
“I’ve met a few,” I said. “I’d like to not meet any more. Anyway, thanks, really. You didn’t have to come back, but you did.”
“You’re welcome,” Monty said. “I’m sure you would’ve done the same for me.”
“I don’t know,” I said, shaking my head in mock seriousness. “Do you have any more super powerful psychos coming for you?”
“I have plenty of enemies,” Monty said, narrowing his eyes at me. “Anything is possible. Now, tell me why you’re here, and please don’t insult my intelligence by saying this is just a regular visit.”
“That’s all this is,” I lied. “I wanted to make sure you were still the cheerful mage I know.”
“I’m a mage—we don’t do cheerful, and you lie atrociously,” Monty said, leaning back. “This must be serious if you were willing to brave the wrath of Roxanne by coming here. She’s still quite upset with my schism and, for some reason, lays some of the blame on you.”
“Imagine that, cons
idering you were the one who cast when you weren’t supposed to,” I said. “Yet I get some of the blame.”
“I think she just enjoys torturing you. Also there is the whole guilt by association theory working against you.”
“So I’m learning,” I said. “How did you know?”
“Your energy signature,” Monty said with a hand wave, “while straightened out, which I can assume was Kali’s handiwork, is all over the place. You’re agitated; tell me why.”
I looked down at my arms, but surprisingly I couldn’t see my own energy signature.
“Has that always been the case?” I asked, still looking at my arms. “You can read my signature?”
“I’m a mage; I can see almost anyone’s energy signature, unless they are deliberately trying to mask it,” he answered. “Now, stop stalling and share.”
“Ramirez got a call,” I said. “For me.”
“Did he finally upgrade to a real phone?” Monty asked. “Is this cause for celebration? Since when does he relay your personal messages?”
“He doesn’t. This was a special call.”
“Special enough to warrant a call from the Director of the NYTF,” Monty said. “I’m listening.”
“It was from Shadow Company, specifically Douglas.”
Monty’s expression darkened.
“The same Shadow Company that doesn’t officially exist?”
“The one and the same.”
“Peter Douglas is a person of no small influence,” Monty said. “For him to personally call Ramirez speaks volumes.”
“I figured he wanted to keep the circle of information small.”
“Which only lends this call more weight. What did Ramirez say?”
“I tried to convince him that digging into this was a bad idea,” I said. “But this is Angel—”
“You may as well have told him to dig deeper.”
I nodded.
“They gave him minimal information,” I said. “Enough to be convincing. Asked for me by name and gave him some pertinent info about my past.”
“How much did Ramirez uncover?”
“He knows I was a dead-eye,” I said. “Don’t think they told him much more than that.”
“If he keeps digging, they’ll consider him a liability,” Monty said. “Groups like Shadow Company don’t like liabilities.”
“I explained as much to Angel. Douglas was flexing.”
“I see,” Monty said, his voice clipped. “I take it this wasn’t a social call.”
“Not even remotely,” I said. “They want to meet.”
“What did you say?”
“I didn’t. I came here first.”
FIVE
“It sounds urgent,” Monty said, getting out of bed. “Did you call them back?”
“Not yet,” I said. “Wait, what are you doing?”
“How long do you have before the number becomes inoperative?” Monty asked, pulling out his suit from the closet. “What does it look like I’m doing?”
“Signing my death warrant with Roxanne?” I said. “No way is she going to let you leave. Can you even cast safely?”
“The most dangerous weapon a battle mage possesses is his mind,” Monty answered, tapping his temple. “How many times must I demonstrate this to you?”
“You just suffered a schism. Isn’t that kind of serious in the mage world? Doesn’t your brain need a break? I know mine does.”
“A schism, when severe, is a cause for concern, but I’ve mostly recovered from my episode,” Monty answered. “Barring some insignificant side effects, I’m good as new.”
“Insignificant side effects, like?”
“Nothing major,” Monty said. “Possible miscasts, orbs being stronger than intended—that sort of thing. Nothing serious.”
“That all sounded serious.”
“Nothing to be overly concerned about,” Monty said. “I’m practically fully recovered.”
“Does Roxanne share this opinion?” I asked, looking around. “Judging from the security teams downstairs and upstairs, the runes on this floor creating a null zone, plus the fact that your room is a glorified cell, I’d say she disagrees with your assessment.”
“Roxanne has always worried about my well-being, sometimes overly so.”
“You didn’t answer my question. Can you cast or is the tri-state area in danger when you start your little finger wiggling?”
“I don’t do finger wiggling, and you are aware I possess other methods of attack besides my orbs?”
“That’s what I’m scared of,” I said. “Next thing I know, you’re going to pull out your crybabies and wreak havoc all over the place.”
“The Sorrows,” Monty corrected. “Yes, I do use them, among other methods at my disposal. I don’t seem to recall hearing any complaints on their use when Evers was bent on testing your immortality.”
“I’m not complaining, it’s just that—”
“Yes?” Monty asked. “You don’t hear me mentioning your siphoning dark blade of destruction, do you?”
“That’s because my blade has the sense to keep quiet,” I snapped. “Your blades keen, wail, or do that moaning thing. It’s disturbing.”
“What’s this about? They’ve never disturbed you before,” Monty said. “It’s ‘wail,’ by the way.”
“Okay, listen,” I said. “The truth is, I haven’t fully recovered from Dex’s screaming mace-axe. Could you not use your moaning blades for at least two or three years? I’d really appreciate it, thanks.”
“My uncle used Nemain on you? That is quite the privilege. He only wields that when he’s serious.”
“Oh, he was serious, trust me. Seriously trying to scare me to death.”
“You must tell me why, and how that went. Did you know the Morrigan herself cursed that weapon? It’s quite lethal. Drives whoever uses it mad with prolonged use. Typical of her curses.”
“That actually explains so much about Dex,” I said. “How often has he used it?”
“Not very, like I said; he must think highly of you to unleash Nemain,” Monty said with a slight smile. “He doesn’t just whip out his weapon for anyone. Either he was quite upset or terribly concerned.”
“I’d say a mix of both,” I answered. “He was busy defending the gate he had created to the Golden Circle, and wanted to make sure I was ready to bring you back.”
“The fact that he sent you, no offense intended, is surprising,” Monty said. “I was in the midst of a schism. If I had lost control, I could have harmed you, or worse.”
“None taken. Dex is full of surprises,” I said. “Most of them scary and heart-stopping.”
“Indeed,” Monty said. “I suppose it makes sense, you being my shieldbearer.”
“Not just yours,” I said. “Kali gave me an upgrade.”
“Upgrade? Is that code for another curse?”
“Do your squinty thing, you’ll see. Apparently it’s easy to see now.”
“Really?” Monty said, narrowing his eyes at me. “I saw your signature had been unraveled, but I didn’t notice…Oh, I’d say that is a considerable upgrade, yes.”
“She said I’m now the Marked of Kali,” I said. “It’s suppose to warn off enemies.”
“Really? Because this mark of hers will only signal that you are a target to be eliminated. Your potential power has increased significantly.”
“I know,” I said. “Not exactly the benefit I was expecting.”
“You knew this and still accepted the mark?”
“She told me this after giving me the mark,” I said. “Not like I had much of a choice. Besides, what do you suggest I should’ve done? Hey, Kali, goddess of death and destruction, possessor of a short temper, no thanks on the new mark? I’m good, thanks.”
“That would have been a bad idea,” Monty answered. “She’s not known for her pleasant disposition.”
“You think?” I said. “Anyway, I’ve had enough of screaming and sobbing blades to last me several lif
etimes. Keep your crybabies sheathed for the time being, at least until my post-traumatic sword distress eases up.”
“It’s simply fascinating Dex would use that weapon on you,” Monty replied. “The fact that you survived facing it is astounding. My uncle, when using that blade, is known as the—”
“Harbinger, I know,” I finished. “The Harbinger of Destruction.”
Monty nodded.
“He’s infamous with that thing. The mere mention of his name would send hardened soldiers into a panic. Scores of men would flee before him—those who weren’t driven mad by fear, of course.”
“Of course. So glad your uncle unleashing his screaming, madness-inducing death axe on me has become the highlight of your day,” I said, pointing to the bed. “Can you get back in bed?”
“Out of the question,” Monty answered, putting on his jacket and straightening out his sleeves. “You must address this business with Douglas and the Shadow Company. For that, you will need assistance. Competent assistance. Now, how much time?”
“If Roxanne finds out you’re trying to esca—I mean, discharge yourself—I would say exactly ten seconds after she finds out.”
“It’s good to see you haven’t acquired a proper sense of humor in my absence. How long?”
“Monty, look,” I said, holding up a hand. “I really appreciate the gesture. I do. But this is a horrible idea. Have you even tried casting since the schism? For all you know, your orbs could explode in your face, or crater the city.”
“My casting is fine,” Monty said, extending a hand and forming a brilliant white orb the size of a baseball. I had to look away from it or risk being blinded. The next moment, it was gone. “As you can see.”
“Barely. What the hell was that?” I asked, trying to focus after being slightly blinded by the intensity of the orb. “I didn’t even see a finger wiggle.”
The next moment I heard a small knock at the door.
“Because there wasn’t any,” Monty said, looking at the door. “That will be Elias.”
“What the hell, Monty?” I asked. “Since when are you creating orbs without finger wiggles? And why is Paul Bunyan knocking at the door?”
“Elias is under strict orders to monitor any casting coming from this room,” Monty answered as he headed to the door. “Roxanne is a bit nervous about my new strength level.”
Requiem: A Montague & Strong Detective Novel (Montague & Strong Case Files Book 13) Page 4
