Raven, Red

by Connie Suttle

"Yes, Master Scholar," Renault dipped his head.

  "This Custodian—you say he is nineteen years of age?" Second queried.

  "Nearly twenty," Nico walked into the room followed by the others. "Age has no significance in this conversation."

  "As you say," Second dipped his head to Nico.

  "Why can we not hear your heartbeats?" Sixth asked, earning a quelling frown from First.

  "Ari and I are experimenting with a new idea—that of muting sounds—and images."

  Claudio drew in a breath. "This is why so few came to help at the Capitol, isn't it? The enemy has learned new tricks."

  "They may be old tricks, Master Scholar," Ari addressed him formally. "Nico and I think they may have been held back by the ah, location in the past."

  "Yes," First breathed. "The spells and the power within that area are certainly something to consider."

  "Some of them were held in place by the stone," Mac said.

  "Which is no longer there," Second observed.

  "The war is here, now," Nico said. "It will be won or lost here."

  "We are most interested in learning from Claudio—and Renault—the things which have passed here," First said.

  "Then you'll have to ask questions," Mac warned. "Neither Ari nor Nico will allow Insight on either."

  Third growled low at Mac's announcement; Sixth turned swiftly toward Third.

  Ari growled back at Third. Claudio held his breath—here was the one who wanted him—and possibly Renault—to suffer.

  With a hiss and movement so fast it was a blur, Third and Sixth attacked First.

  Almost as quickly, Third and Sixth, after slicing First's chest and throat deeply, fell to the floor with agonizing shrieks after blasts of intense light hit them.

  They're dead, Claudio realized, as Third's and Sixth's bodies began to disintegrate. Nico lowered his hand—he'd leveled the killing shafts of light against both vampires.

  Ari rushed forward as First crumpled; both attackers had dealt terrible blows.

  "We need him, Ari," Nico knelt beside her as she laid her hands on First.

  "She needs room," Claudio warned the others when they crept closer.

  "Help—me," First whispered. Ari's hands began to glow. "Nico has faith in you," she told him. "Of course we will help."

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  "First is resting well," Claudio replied to Ari's question. After she'd healed the deep gashes Third and Sixth delivered, Claudio and the other Scholars ushered him to the basement to fully recover.

  "How are the others dealing with the ah, loss?" Ari sat at the kitchen island, turning a coffee cup in her hands, going over and over the images in her mind of Nico killing two vampires with swiftly honed shafts of light.

  Claudio sat beside her; Mac, Nico and the others had gone to bed. The questions for Claudio could wait until the following evening when First felt better, according to Claudio and his fellow Scholars.

  "I believe they knew something wasn't right," Claudio admitted. "During our discussions, there was much argument, you understand."

  "Nico, Mac and I knew you were troubled, but we didn't want to pry into Scholar business."

  "First wanted to send two Scholars here," Claudio sighed. "Fourth and Fifth volunteered, as they have the most battle experience. Third and Sixth would not agree and demanded that they be sent. First made the decision for all to come. Therefore," he didn't finish.

  "Therefore, you're two Scholars down."

  "They did not suffer long; I only captured a glimpse of brief surprise before their deaths. Dying in sunlight is far more brutal and ah, lengthy."

  "They didn't think Nico had the ability or the will," Ari said flatly and sipped her coffee before setting the cup down. "They thought he was just a boy they could manipulate. What about Third and Sixth's guards?"

  "They weren't aware of the intended betrayal, and from now on will provide extra security for the rest of us. Second made sure of them," Claudio studied his hands for a moment.

  "It'll be okay," Ari covered his hands with one of hers. "If you need to talk," she offered.

  "I thank you. As a rule, we aren't comfortable doing such, but your offer is much appreciated anyway."

  "Just remember we're in this together," she pulled her hand away and smiled at him. "We'll get through this. I'm going to bed. See you later."

  "Kraw."

  Mac woke himself up from a dream he was having, and discovered that once again, his raven was burrowed in Ari's fur beneath her chin. He'd settled on Nico's headboard to keep watch. Ari had taken her usual place at the foot of Nico's bed. How they ended up like this without either waking was a mystery.

  Ari chuffed a breath; he watched her cat's whiskers tremble. He'd wakened her, too.

  Hesitating only a moment, he began to groom her whiskers with his beak—one was curled unnaturally, meaning she'd slept on it wrong.

  Or he had.

  One of her eyes opened lazily, carefully watching his sharp beak.

  Habit, he sent. His raven's chuckle sounded like a rough titter.

  You're impossible, she replied.

  And yet here we are. Want me to groom your ears? You have nice, tempting tufts inside.

  You leave my ears alone. Besides, those aren't tufts, they're called ear furnishings and you have no idea how long I've worked to get them the way they are.

  Somebody needs coffee. Want some cream to go with your grumpiness?

  If you weren't covered in feathers, I'd bite you.

  Do we not like feathers in our mouth?

  Shut up.

  Will you two stop arguing? Nico scolded. "Come on," he said aloud, throwing covers to the side. "Let's go have breakfast and check the lay of the land."

  "We've missed you," Ari hugged Mary Kate after finding her in the kitchen baking biscuits.

  "Val sent us to Burke's for our days off," Mary Kate smiled when Ari let her go. "He didn't want to take chances with our safety, and we were slugs while Burke's staff took care of us."

  "Is that why you look so rested?" Ari walked to the coffee pot to pour a cup for herself.

  "That's the reason. They even did our laundry for us. We were positively slothful."

  "Good morning, Mary Kate," Mac walked into the kitchen, his hair still damp from the shower. Nico walked in behind Mac, his hair also damp.

  "I like that shower gel you're using," Ari told him. "Vanilla is one of my favorites."

  "I like it, too. It makes me think of Mama's baking days."

  "You poor thing," Mary Kate turned to give Nico a hug.

  "Want coffee?" Ari asked.

  "Yes," Nico and Mac answered together.

  "You're telling me the President is coming to attend the Governor's funeral?" Val poured a glass of Scotch for himself and Del.

  "It's not unheard of, although in this case, it worries me," Del replied. "Governors from other states are also coming or sending Lieutenant Governors to show their respects. The flags will fly at half-mast for a month, but Senator Cheatham is scheduled to be sworn in two days after the funeral."

  "That's also something that troubles me—and it really troubles Esther. There's something else, too."

  "What's that?"

  "Four home invasions last night across the state. Everybody in the house shot to death, and this, written in the victims' blood, on the walls." Del handed his phone to Val.

  "Death to all witches?" Val's forehead creased with concern as he handed the phone back to Del.

  "It's the rally cry on those websites. In three of those houses, kids died, too."

  "Does Nico know?"

  "He knows. He says this is not unexpected. Those websites have their followers' emotions running high—they actually believe this shit. Four houses in Texas hit in one night is big, but there were also killings in California, Oregon, Illinois, Tennessee, Georgia and New Mexico."

  "Damn," Val swore. "So it isn't just this state anymore."

  "Nico predicted it would spread quickly. Nei
ghbors will begin scrutinizing neighbors, and if more videos like the last one show up," Del shook his head.

  "What's being done to stop it?"

  "This is new, so state and local authorities are scrambling to put out a message. I heard there's quite the argument about what, exactly, the message should be."

  "What do you mean?"

  "There are some factions in the states hit last night that want to send a message for all witches to confess their beliefs, so they can be protected."

  "You're joking. Sounds like that will only paint a bigger target on their backs."

  "Exactly what Nico said. Once they're identified, well," Del spread his hands.

  "Sounds too much like the Inquisition, when they were tortured to confess."

  "Nico says that this enemy is behind all that, too. For some reason, the Adversary has a penchant for destroying those accused of witchcraft, those of the wiccan religion, those who may stand in the way of the killing and torturing, and pretty much anybody else they don't agree with."

  "Like Everette?"

  "Yes."

  "Does anybody know why the Adversary targets witches—and the others?"

  "Lycanthropes were targets too, in the past, or so Nico says. That means you, my friend."

  "Werewolves tend to be so well hidden, it's difficult to find the real thing," Val sighed. "That doesn't mean that a human can't be accused of such."

  "As was the case in the past," Mac said. He and Nico walked into Val's office, since the door was open. "Nico tells me you're curious about why witches are targets. I know why, but the reason is buried in the mists of time."

  "We have other concerns to deal with, first," Nico said. "After that, if we're still standing, Mac and I will tell you what we know."

  "What concerns?" Val asked.

  "I have a feeling that things will take a terrible turn, and very soon," Nico sighed. "Some of us must go to the funeral with Senator Johnson. Something tells me that this event will prove most important to the future."

  "Does she know we're coming?"

  "Not yet. After the vampires wake tonight, we will pay her a visit—to determine who will stand beside her and who will guard from a distance."

  "Some of my wolves will volunteer if you need them," Val said. "As will I."

  "This is the church where the Governor's funeral will be held in Austin," Del set a printed set of plans on the dining room table so those around him could see. "The Lieutenant Governor's funeral is set in his family's hometown of San Marcos, at a much smaller venue. Nico says we don't have to worry so much about that one."

  "Please tell me Esther doesn't have to sit near that jizz-stick Darnell Cheatham," Everette muttered.

  "Unfortunately, they're both in the same pew, although on opposite ends," Laronda said.

  "That means we have to put guards on both sides of her, I think," Nico nodded. "That's the second pew—is the President sitting in the first pew on that side?"

  "Yes," Laronda confirmed. "The center section is reserved for family and close friends, right side for colleagues and fellow politicians, left side for other important people. Press will be set up on the rear balcony; they expect an overflow crowd outside the venue, so big tents with large screens will be set up there for a direct feed to the public."

  "It'll be televised, too, for those watching at home," Del said. "With a few seconds delay, of course."

  "Is that the big church where they refused to take in hurricane victims?" Hunter asked.

  "One and the same," Del told him. "They're providing the live feed for the attendees left outside the church. Local television stations will be sending the delayed feed to everybody else."

  "Secret Service will be stationed throughout the cathedral," Laronda pointed out strategic spots, "as well as near the President and his entourage in the front pew. All of them will be armed, so don't forget about that."

  "We won't be the first ones to attack," Val said.

  "You can't say that with certainty," Nico warned.

  "Who should be with Esther?" Laronda asked Nico.

  "Val and Janie. That would be logical because they're her friends, plus one or two other guards. Renault would be a good choice."

  "I'm good with that," Val agreed.

  "As am I," Renault nodded at Val.

  "We have to get Esther's approval, but I think she'll agree," Janie said.

  "I'd like to pair at least one vampire with one of Val's wolves, to watch the crowd outside. I'll consider other pairings for the crowd, too," Nico said. "Del, do you think you could get two pairs inside the cathedral?"

  "Let me look into it. Lists are being carefully scrutinized, you understand. I might be able to get one pair in on the left side."

  "We'll take whatever we can get," Mac said.

  "We're going to the Governor's funeral, so let's get you caught up on video one-oh-one," Billy Ray told Denton. "We'll be upstairs on the rear balcony, officially working for the next Governor of the Republic of Texas."

  "My cast is itching," Denton complained. "Do we have to do this now?"

  "You saw what happened to those women when the feeding began," Billy Ray snapped at Denton. "Unless you want to be tied to a pole next time, then you'd better listen up. Besides, Governor Cheatham will let us carry pistols—concealed of course. We may be able to sneak in a rifle with our equipment, too. Wouldn't want the reporters to freak. Once he's sworn in, we'll open carry, no matter what."

  "Open carry is already the law," Denton huffed.

  "Yeah, but not in a place like this, and certainly not when the President will be there."

  "The President's coming?" Denton sounded much more interested than before.

  "Oh, yeah. Last I heard, he's gonna get behind the whole killing witches thing. Ain't that somethin'?" Billy Ray slapped Denton's shoulder, causing him to wobble where he stood.

  "What about the Secret Service?" Denton asked, once he'd righted himself.

  "Oh, they'll be packing for sure, so don't do anything stupid."

  "I want to meet him—the President. I voted for him. My stupid ex didn't. Shows you how wrong she was."

  "Just be glad you got rid of her."

  "She probably thinks I'm dead."

  "Not a bad thing, either, considering the charges and all."

  "Yeah."

  "The Rev says there are special plans for the funeral, so keep your eyes open and be sure to keep up on recording it. I'm gonna show you how to pan the camera."

  "Pan?"

  "Moving from one side to the other, to follow the action. You need to take it nice and slow, so you don't make your audience dizzy or confused," Billy Ray explained. "The camera will be on a tripod like before, so you don't have to worry about a handheld pan. You're way too shaky to pull that off."

  "Look who knows so much," Denton sneered.

  "Two years of video production in college," Billy Ray said proudly. "I learned a few things before they kicked me out."

  "Bad grades?"

  "Hell no."

  "Why, then?"

  "None of your business. Start panning or plan your wardrobe for an invite to demon dinner."

  "You'll be sitting in the second pew, across from the center section and right behind the President," Gerri, Darnell's Chief of Staff, gushed over the phone. "Willow and I will be at the back of the left section, but if you need anything," she offered.

  "Send a message to my wife. She needs to be there, dressed appropriately."

  "I will. Oh, this is so exciting. I never thought I'd be the Governor's Chief of Staff."

  "Let me know what she says," Darnell cut her off and ended the call.

  "Perhaps you should tell her that the Chief of Staff position is already taken," Benny Killebrew said, examining his fingernails. "Phyllis needs to give me a manicure," he mumbled. "As for your Chief of Staff, if you don't want to tell her she's fired, we can arrange another accident."

  "Accident sounds fine, but let her finish her assignments, first."

>   "Sure thing, Governor. I think I already have a good idea on how to make it happen."

  "Good. By the way, have you seen Belhar lately?"

  "Last night. He said not to worry—he's gonna make this look really good and your legislation will definitely slide right through the House and Senate. He has a special assignment for you but didn't tell me what it was."

  "I hope it furthers our cause. Only four places got hit in the state last night. Those numbers are way too low. We need to ramp this up and fast."

  "But the other states were a real bright spot," Killebrew insisted.

  "Yeah, but we need more from this state. I want all the people behind us in this."

  "I think the next few days will take care of all your concerns, Governor."

  "Good. Things are looking up, eh?"

  "In a manner of speaking, yes."

  Claudio woke first and sat up, only to realize the sun hadn't set outside. His body clock told him so, which puzzled him greatly. He'd never wakened before the sun set.

  Ever.

  "Claudio?" First's voice came to him from a cot against the far wall.

  "First, are you well?"

  "I feel quite fine. Has the sun set? My brain and my body must be confused with the time change."

  "London time is quite different from Texas, Master Scholar," Claudio replied as agreeably as he could.

  "I should travel more. I haven't been away from my city for more than a century."

  "You are welcome to visit any time. The new world is not so bad—when it isn't being stalked by the Adversary."

  "Then we will hold hope that the Adversary will fail in his attempt to destroy it, along with everything else."

  "Yes. If he takes this country, he will have unlimited weaponry and troops to do his bidding against all the others. It will not end well."

  "I know this. It is why I decided to come and bring the others. You saw for yourself that the Adversary invaded our ranks. I am fortunate to be alive today."

  "It will be most difficult to trust from now on."

  "Master Scholar, why does my hand glow?" Alejandro's question interrupted the conversation.