by T. G. Ayer
Braxus's eyes darkened, mouth tightening at the corners. "The Brotherhood of the Irin have at no time given permission for Demon Overlord Baa'ruk to stand as your legal counsel. The very fact that he was here in the cell without permission allows us to throw him into one of the darkest corners of the lower dungeons."
Evie pursed her lips. The lower dungeons amounted to little more than a pig pen, reserved for occupation by only the lowest of the low, creatures near incapable of coherent thought or possessed of sufficient intelligence to defend a charge, Or for those who'd tipped over into insanity at some point during their incarceration.
"I'm afraid you are mistaken. I made a formal request to have Baa’ruk instated as my counsel and I believe it was approved. How else would he have been allowed to come to meet with me?" Evie asked carefully, aware that she should take care what she said or she could put Mykia in trouble. Unless she already was taking flak from the brotherhood for allowing Barry to come meet Evie.
Braxus snorted. "I'm not sure where you are receiving your information but the step after the request is where the brotherhood authorizes that request."
"I believe you have to have a very good reason to decline, though. So what is your reason, Master Braxus?"
"We have every reason to make the decisions as we see fit. This transgression is unconscionable and you had no right--"
"Actually Brother Braxus, Evangeline had every right ," said a tall incomparably beautiful blonde woman as she strolled into the cell, her movements almost liquid. She wore a pair of white pants, the fabric silky and falling to her ankles in an elegant swathe. Her long sleeved satin blouse was the palest shade of a paua shell’s iridescent interior, shimmering as she moved, even in the shuddering torchlight of the cell.
Impossibly blue eyes narrowed as she studied Master Braxus, one eyebrow raised haughtily .
Silence range around the trio for a moment. Then, eyes rounded and flickering with fury, Braxus barked, "Who are you to tell me what I am saying is wrong. She,” he cocked a thumb in Evie’s direction, his lack of respect clear, “had no right to elect a demon as her counsel. We did not authorize the placement." His voice broke in indignation, lips quivering making his mustache dance like a drunken caterpillar.
The master didn’t receive and answer immediately. Instead, the woman shifted to face Evie, giving her a respectful nod. Evie returned the silent greeting then stilled as Master Braxus began to sputter, choking on whatever words he meant to utter.
Evie looked over at him and found him staring at the woman, now stunned into horrified silence as she reached out in Evie’s direction.
The blonde waved her hand over Evie’s leather cuffs, her lips moving silently as she spoke the words of a spell. Ears ringing, Evie tamped down the ripple of excitement at the prospect of release--she could be wrong and the woman may end up adding a second layer of cuffs for extra security.
But the cuffs simply shifted around Evie’s wrists, loosened, then fell to the stone floor in a sad heap, the bronze prongs and studs tinkling as they hit the rock.
Evie held her breath, certain she was imagining having just been given her freedom from the bonds. The leather cage around her wings though, hadn’t been removed, which told Evie a lot. She hid her disappointment--she shouldn't be ungrateful-- then turned to see the stunned horror on the face of Master Braxus as he stared behind her, his eyes a little crossed, his cheeks flaming, mustache twitching.
The air at her back shifted, as though a gust of wind had sped past her, sending her feathers shuddering.
Her feathers?
Evie froze, barely hearing the clinking of the leather bands as they too hit the stone floor flopping into a heap at her feet. She could barely breathe, barely hear the shocked gasp of the brother.
“What? Who are you?”
The woman raised her hand and Braxus fell silent, almost as though she’d put a spell on him. "I am Jacinta Caranarvon, representative of the Supreme High Council. I’ve been assigned as Overseer for this case. As for your claim, according to the Law of Rights of the Supreme High Council, every accused has the right to legal counsel, no matter the charge. And every accused has the right to choose their legal counsel. Should they decline to choose, or be unable to make such a decision, then the SHC will allocate counsel but only one who the members of the counsel are certain will represent the accused to the best of their ability. In this current situation, I do not see anything wrong with Overlord Baa’ruk being allocated this case. He is intelligent, and has a keen mind, and he has reason to fulfil his duty to the best of his ability."
Braxus wasn't letting go easily though, appearing determined to overrule this stranger who’d walked in on his attempt at laying down Irin law to Evie. He shook his head. "I must object. We weren't given time to look the request over and approve the request."
"Master Braxus, I'm afraid there is a bit of confusion here. The SHC makes the final decisions on whether or not to approve the selection of legal counsel by an accused. In this case the SHC has no objection whatsoever. Which means, for all intents and purposes, that you are now breaching the law. Should I be launching an investigation into whether the rights of this accused has been infringed in any way?"
The woman's words was like music to Evie's ears, both in that she appeared to be taking Evie's side, and because her voice were literally music to a mortal. Evie understood then that the SHC had assigned a Titan as their representative in the Irin’s case against her.
The reminder of the murder charge doused Evie’s pleasure. But had to acknowledge that she couldn't have had a better SHC rep for her case; Titans were known for their pure sense of justice.
Braxus though, was like a pit bull. “I respectfully disagree. This is an Irin Brotherhood matter. I will--”
The Titan flicked her fingers and instantly Braxus fell silent. Evie blinked as she glanced around her. The Titan had frozen everyone within the room other than Evie. Whether she’d also stopped time, Evie couldn't tell.
The woman looked over at Evie and smiled. “Are you okay, Evangeline?”
Evie nodded. “I’m fine, thank you, Jacinta.” She gave the woman a grateful smile.
The blond shook her head. “Call me Jess. And are you sure you’re okay? Have you been harmed in any way? Afraid for your safety?”
Evie shook her head, confused by the question. Was a Titan capable of sensing the presence of the Shade? Evie didn’t think that was likely but she wasn’t so sure either. She said, “Not at all. I’m quite alright,” she said looking puzzled all the while hoping that the titan wouldn’t sense her lie.
Jess nodded and smiled, the expression a little mischievous as she aimed a finer upward. “That’s good to know. So, do you want to drop your sound ward?” she asked, eyes twinkling.
Evie’s jaw dropped as she looked up to see the faint shimmer of her magical sound barrier still in place. “Oops. Sorry. I was so distracted with them hauling Barry off like that.” With a pulsing of the energy from within her mind, Evie released the power, hoping whatever she did would actually work. She still felt a bit stupid when it came to magic, like she was flailing around, crossing her fingers and making wishes.
But Jess nodded slowly, still smiling serenely. “Good. Our discussions need not be warded as it is not meant to be a secret from the SHC. I have of course provided us with sufficient protection but one that ensures the SHC are at all times privy to our formal discussions.”
Jess paused as she scanned the cell, studying the chair for a moment, the twist of her lips expressing her utter distaste. She flicked her hand and the horrid chair disappeared. “Awful thing. Please do not tell me they had you tied to that?” she asked, her tone hard.
Evie shrugged. “Sorry, I believe I can’t lie to a Titan.”
The woman’s eyes flared color, her fury evident from the tight lines of her face and neck. “The Irin Brotherhood will be taken to task for this.” Evie was shaking her head, about to say that it’s not worth it to rock the boat, but Je
ss sent her a dark glare. “You have no say in this, Evangeline. When the case it over, the use of the Seat of X will be addressed, and mark my words, whoever is responsible will pay accordingly.”
Evie let out a soft breath. “Let’s just hope you find the actual person responsible. That’s a little hard around here from what I can see.” The words were soft, but the Titan heard, and Evie knew she’d been reckless. The curious glance Jess gave her only stoked her regret but it was too late to take it back.
But the Titan simply straightened, apparently choosing to ignore Evie’s comment. “Give me a few seconds to check on your counsel’s current state. Let’s just figure out if he is well and that you have no reason to worry.”
Evie nodded but from the absent expression on Jess’s face, she was mentally traveling. Still, she was back seconds later, blinking as she looked at Evie, her expression calm. “The demon overlord is fine. He’s not in any danger and in fact,the Grand Master is making certain he is taken care off and is getting whatever he needs in order to prepare you defense.”
Evie let out a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness.” Then she looked over at the frozen Master Braxus. “Now we just have to deal with this guy,” she muttered, more to herself though Jess’s soft laughter confirmed she’d heard every word.
Chapter 20
The Titan released Master Braxus from his frozen state and gave Evie a small smile before the man continued, “--be taking the matter up with the Supreme High Council this instant.”
He was already turning when Jess called out, “Master Braxus?”
He paused in his stride and glanced over his shoulder, eyes going wide when the Titan flicked her fingers and a leather-bound folder appeared between her thumb and forefinger., sparking an explosion of soft glows.
The brown aged leather of the folder gave off an iridescent shimmer for a few seconds as Jess held it out to the stunned brother who hesitated at first, the silence stretching uncomfortably in the long moments he took to make the decision. Then at last, he stepped to her and accepted the file, though he did so in rebellious silence, dark gaze holding a mix of anger and distaste as he glanced from her face to the folder to Evie and then back again.
Then he flipped the folder open, and stared down at the parchment, his hood slowly sliding off the smooth surface of his bald head. From where Evie stood she could see the broad scrawl, as though some council member had scratched out the writ in a fever of anger or frustration.
Braxus seemed to deflate as he read the letter, but then he stood taller, straightened his sash with one hand before tugging the hood of his robe back over his head. Then, in a parting retort, a show of defiance to the end, Braxus said, “I will have the rest of the Masters read this over. Be assured that we will get back to you if there are any objections.”
Then he turned on his heel and scurried away. He’d made his escape too fast to hear Jess murmur, “And you may be assured that there will be no objections.”
Evie had to force herself to control the urge to laugh. She was in the company of a Titan who was representing the SHC. Jess was meant to be a neutral party. But again, things didn’t seem to be as it should be. But Evie didn’t want to test her fate. Every step she took was on thin ice and if she pushed too hard, she was likely to ruin all her chances.
The Titan sighed and turned to face Evie. “I will return when your next meeting is set. I do believe your counsel has already negotiated the time and place. You will receive notification soon.”
“Thank you,” Evie said. “I’m grateful that you’re here to ensure things are done fairly.”
Jess inclined her head her eyes said. “Sometimes, Evangeline, Justice can be as far from fair as the distance between the tides of Titania and that of X.”
And then Jess faded into thin air, leaving Evie alone in her cold cell. And for some reason it felt as though the Titan had taken every bit of warmth with her. Evie rubbed her hands up and down her arms, trying to work up some warmth, still so grateful that she’d been freed from the Angel Bonds. She was pretty sure that the spell of the bonds did something to the mind of an angelic being as well, something that dulls one’s senses.
Now she felt the weight of the silence press down upon her as she stared around at the stone walls. But, a few moments later, the guards could be heard tudding their way toward her. Beyond the sounds of marching, Evie could hear Castor’s pleas. He only called out when there were people around, and Evie just realised that she hadn’t heard Castors voice while the Titan was around. Jess’s privacy spell was certainly powerful.
The door opened, but this time, the guards didn’t slam it. Evie’s ally walked in calmly, then stood aside to let two more gargoyles inside who were carrying a bed. They walked it to the far corner where they set it carefully on the floor. A third guard followed with an armful of bedding and a pair of pillows which he placed at the foot of the mattress. He faced her, eyes dark and unreadable. “Would you like me to ready the bed for you?”
Evie was too stunned to speak. She shook her head slowly then smiled, a little too awkwardly but it was all she could manage. The guard gave a quick smile then left the room followed closely by the two who had brought the bed.
Curious, Evie looked over at her ally. She really should get his name. She could call him her ally forever. “Who sent the bed?”
He tipped his head. “The SHC overseer has seen to it that you’re given everything you rightfully deserve.”
Evie swallowed, aware of the unspoken words between them. “Clearing her throat she held his gaze and said, “Thank you.”
He nodded, both understanding what she was thanking him for. Now she had to get him to come back later. Alone.
Taking a deep breath, she looked over at the milkmaid stool, at the pad of paper where the guard’s message was written. A message that would be invisible to anyone who wasn’t angelic.
And then she froze, ice filling her veins. She hadn’t thought to turn it over just in case someone entered who she couldn't trust. Her face must have revealed her horror because the guard took a step toward her, forehead creasing with concern.
Evie shook her head and thrust out a hand. “Will someone come later...with something to eat?” Helooking back at the page. From where he stood, he wouldn't be able to read the words of the note. He’d think it was what she’d written to give to him, not what he’d given her. He’d have no idea that he could be in deep trouble.
And he didn’t appear concerned. He gave a short bow of his head, and she knew already that he’d understood she was asking him to return for her message to him.
Then she said, “Oh, if it’s meat, will I be given utensils? A knife and fork, preferably.”
The man nodded. “Of course. But someone will have to be close by to take the knife away. It is still a weapon.”
“That’s fine. We can use it then you can take it away.” Another message that had the man’s eyes widen. But he simply nodded, agreeing to Evie’s request faster than she’d expected.
Did that mean she could truly trust him? Or was he playing her, using her for some nefarious reason the way Marcellus had used all the warriors of the Irin?
Unaware of her inner turmoil, the gargoyle left her alone, closing the door quietly this time before walking off. As his footsteps faded, Evie turned to study first the bed and then the pad of paper.
How careless had she been.
The Titan would have seen his message. Titan’s possessed an ancient power, one which renders them just as powerful as the angels. Jess had seen enough of Evie’s cell to notice the lack of a bed, and she’d cared enough to have one sent almost as soon as she’d left the cell.
Heart racing, Evie grabbed the pad and sank onto the mattress to read the message again. If Jess had read the gargoyles message, what would she be thinking? Would she assume something illegal was going on? That someone was attempting to help Evie when the scales ought to have remained balanced. Sure, Evie knew in terms of Marcellus and his minions, the scales fav
ored them, and the help of the gargoyles simply evened things out.
But the Titan wouldn’t know that.
Evie’s skin was icy-cold, but she forced herself to regain her calm. She had to think things through properly, and she had to make decisions without allowing them to be fuelled by paranoia.
And right now she had an invisible message to write.
Chapter 21
Evie inhaled slowly, eyes focused on the inkwell and the pad of paper that sat quietly atop the seat of the milkmaid stool. The guard would be by soon, if they remembered to bring her evening meal to her. She’d given her ally her message but she had no idea how many of the gargoyles were supporting her. Safer to refrain from making assumptions.
Determined now, she stalked over the stool and knelt beside it, drawing the pot of ink into her hand. She studied the dark blue of the ink, so dark it looked black, and thought about the invisible ink.
Perhaps if she imagined what she wanted the ink to do then her magic would transform that thought into reality. She also remembered to use the simmering energy that had coiled within her flesh these past few days.
She felt the energy pass through her body, and fill her spirit, an intangible thing to put words to. Then she felt the light buzzing in the ink that she'd felt when she'd touched the paper before the words had been revealed to her eyes.
Feeling the buzzing had been confirmation enough to Evie that the magic had worked, that the spell she'd wanted to imbue into the ink had succeeded. She reached for the inkwell and dipped the tip into the dark ink, then tapped it lightly on the edge of the bottle.
Ready now, she tore the sheet bearing the message off the tablet and tucked it into her back pocket. Then she bent to the paper and began to write out a message.
Thank you. I cannot say that enough. Why you are helping me, I do not yet know, and I hope that you would soon trust me enough to tell me the truth In the meantime I will place my trust in you and ask that you contact one person for me and ask him to come to meet me. Where that meeting place will be, I do not know and I am hoping he will have some ideas. Even so, I desperately need his help. The person I want you to call for me is Hades. Please find a way to go to the Underworld and give Hades a message for me. Tell him Evie is in need of his help. And if he needs some form of information that only he and I know, tell him my answer is Julia.
