by Ally Shields
“Yeah, Andolf told us about Elvenrude. But I don’t know what he and Prince Tadeous talked about. He kept that to himself.”
“And tonight? Why are you in Elvenrude?”
He shrugged. “We weren’t supposed to be. We had something else planned in New Orleans, but the prince…um, your brother…warned us it was a trap. Dreysel was mad, as mad as I’ve ever seen him. This raid was going to be the big one. He said we’d be in charge after it.”
“That’s your plan? To become criminals?” Trystan’s voice dripped with scorn. “I would have thought more of you if you’d hoped to conquer New Orleans. But aspiring to be gangsters? Isn’t that rather beneath even the likes of you?”
His contempt finally got a rise from Percel. “It’s easy money. And money gets you everything in the human world. We’d have anything we wanted without lifting a finger. The assembly should have listened.”
Kam shook her head at his ignorance. The very structure of their world was crumbling. No amount of money was going to fix that. Surely Dreysel knew better.
“So what part does Jermon Lormarc play in this scheme?” Seth asked. “Why help him escape?”
“I don’t know.” Percel frowned. “Is that what they did? Dreysel just said we were going to take over the Elvenrude portal. He never said anything about freeing somebody. Maybe Andolf promised he’d come back and get this guy. But he never told me.”
“Seriously? You invaded another world without knowing why?” Kam stared at him.
“It’s not my place to question royal orders.”
“Issued by Tad,” Trystan said pointedly.
“At the time I thought…I guess I don’t know what I thought.” Percel slumped back in his chair. “If there was some big escape planned, nobody told me. I just did what I was told.”
“Good luck selling that story to the assembly.” Trystan turned away. “I think we’re finished.”
They left the Sanitarium and returned to the palace. Trystan requested and was granted permission to take Percel with him when he returned home. Since Percel was the only one who’d confirmed Dreysel’s and Tad’s complicity, his testimony would be vital to the Cyrilian Assembly. It would allow the entire group of rogue Cyrilians to be tried in absentia.
“I appreciate your courtesy,” Trystan said, taking his leave of King Seliwyn. “I’m sorry to burden you with detaining the rest of them, but I simply don’t have enough men to transport them tonight. We should be back to take custody within a few days. Sooner if you wish.”
“There’s no need to rush. With Brunic taking personal charge of these men, I’m sure there will be no further escapes.” Seliwyn’s mood had definitely undergone a change in the last couple of hours. His earlier suspicions were gone, and he seemed almost embarrassed over the escape.
“You’ve been most hospitable. I’ll stay in touch with Kameo and Seth over new developments or sightings of the fugitives. If they’re in Cyrilia, we’ll find them.” Trystan bowed and exited the palace with Kam and the two Lormarc men. After picking up Percel, they went to the Ryndel Guild, collected Trystan’s guards, and transported to New Orleans where his other guards and two prisoners were waiting.
Kam and Seth saw the Cyrilians through the gate at the NOLA wharf. Trystan stopped just on the other side. “I feel like I should say thank you, but I’m not sure exactly what for. Perhaps for keeping an open mind about me.”
“Thank Bria. She can be very persuasive. How do we stay in touch with you?” Kam asked.
“I’ll visit one of the guilds or send a messenger. I presume the guild masters can always reach you. If you need me quickly, Brianya has the calling stone. Don’t hesitate to use it.” He looked at Seth. “If I find your uncle, I will make every effort to return him to you unharmed.”
“I appreciate that, and we’ll give your brother similar consideration. But don’t make the mistake of thinking Jermon Lormarc is a good or honorable man.” Seth’s expression was serious. “He’s responsible for the deaths of at least thirty-one people, a half dozen of them by his own hand. His life is not worth risking another’s.”
Trystan lifted a brow. “Understood.”
As soon as the Cyrilians were on their way, Kam and her companions returned to their apartment suites and reported the night’s events to their friends. And gave them the best news of all…everyone could go home to Elvenrude. Since it was so late, they debated if they should spend the rest of the night in New Orleans, but no one wanted to wait. They hastily threw their belongings in travel bags and were home in their Elvenrude beds before dawn.
* * *
Kam slept until nearly noon. Hunger pangs drew her to the kitchen, and she found two messages on the table. One was from Barrott, and she read it first. Trystan had sent word that none of the missing men had accessed the Cyrilian portal. She frowned. That was unwelcome news. New Orleans was a big area to search.
Catching a whiff of fresh muffins, Kam grabbed one from a covered basket, and poured herself a cup of honey tea, before reading the note from her mother. She’d taken the girls to the market. Already reasserting normalcy in their lives. How like her mother.
She stood in the kitchen doorway and looked out at the rolling fields beyond their tree-level system of homes and swinging walkways. It was a beautiful, cloudless day. Perfect for taking a walk. But her head was in New Orleans and filled with darker thoughts.
Where were Tad and Jermon, and what were they plotting? Now barred from both elven worlds, how and where would they live? She wasn’t certain how familiar Jermon was with New Orleans or what resources he might have, but the Cyrilians had spent no more than a few days or weeks in the human world.
She pictured Jermon’s hate-filled eyes when she’d exposed him as a killer last winter…and doomed him to life in a dungeon. Or so she’d thought. But she’d seen more than hate in his expression, cunning too. Somehow he’d find a way to survive. Maybe he’d even come after her or Seth, looking for revenge.
A chill brushed across her skin, and she rubbed her arms. She’d feel better when Jermon was again behind the thick walls of the Security Sanitarium. But that might never happen if she stayed in the safety of Elvenrude.
She turned away from the serene view, her mind already forming a plan.
The women returned an hour later accompanied by Rhyden and Caleb, who’d just happened to run into them at the market. Yeah, right.
“How’d it go?” she asked.
“I bought the cutest yellow purse. Want to see?” Esty set down her shopping bag and dug inside.
Kam cocked her head. “Sure, but that isn’t what I meant.”
“Oh, nobody acted strange at all.” Esty grinned at her. “They’d already heard all about the handsome prince who’d been welcomed at the palace. We were actually much in demand to answer questions about Trystan. I guess Princess Theanne has been spreading the word.”
Well, that was good news. Trust the village gossip to quickly turn a feared enemy into an eligible bachelor.
Esty finally produced the new purchase, a bright yellow drawstring confection more fashionable than practical. Kam dutifully expressed her approval, and further discussion of capricious public behavior was dropped in favor of admiring their other shopping finds.
Seth arrived forty minutes later. He’d spent the morning meeting with his father, grandfather, and King Seliwyn. Although the king’s advisors had been shocked by last night’s invasion and Jermon’s escape, the victorious fight and capture at the Ryndel Guild gave them reason to cheer. And they were relieved to learn the escapees had left Elvenrude.
“It was the treaty that finally tipped the scales…averting a confrontation and at the same time gaining a lucrative new trade market. They’re already planning a celebration when it’s officially signed.” He cocked his head at Kam and smiled. “You and I are off the black list.”
“How fickle they are,” Kam said with a sigh. “In this case, I’m glad they are, but it makes me wary of their judgment.”
“Not much. His supporters have gone quiet. And I suspect the council is secretly hoping he’ll never be heard from again.”
“Wishful thinking,” Kam said. “I won’t be satisfied until we find this group and stop whatever plans they’ve made—or are making with Jermon’s help. These rogue Cyrilians were bad enough, but adding him to the mix is scary. I’ve decided to return to New Orleans tonight and look for them.”
“Not without me,” Seth said. “The sooner we start the better. Delaying will only give them more time to hide and plot.”
“I’m right with you, too,” Rhyden said.
“If Bria and I can help, count us in.” Esty glanced at her friend and waited for Bria’s quick nod. “But I think we should stay with Mother for a while. We’ll join you in a few days or whenever you need us.”
Kam lifted a brow in surprise. What a mature decision. Little sis was growing up.
Caleb was the only holdout. “The guild will be busy, trying to make up for the recent delays in shipments. I’ll have to see how it goes.”
Kam watched his face. That was rather ambivalent. In fact, he hadn’t been acting like himself since he’d seen Bria and Trystan together. A few minutes later, she found an opportunity to pull him aside. “You’ve got it all wrong, you know.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Bria and Trystan.”
He shrugged and started to walk away. She tugged on his shirt. “OK, it’s none of my business, but I hate to see you make a huge mistake.”
He studied her face. “Am I that obvious?”
“Well, yes. I can read you like a book. You’ve got the wrong impression about Bria.”
“I don’t think so.” He frowned and looked away. “I can see how they feel about each other.”
“Can you? Wow, Caleb, do I have to spell it out? Take a chance. She might surprise you.”
His look sharpened. “What are you telling me? Has she said something?”
Kam decided she’d hinted enough. “Not a word. Just talk to her.”
They rejoined the others after that, and Caleb acted as if their conversation had never taken place. When she, Seth, and Rhyden were ready to leave for New Orleans, Caleb said he’d be along later…and Kam hid a smile.
* * *
Upon reaching New Orleans, Kam called Crain and arranged for a BOLO on Tad, Jermon, Dreysel, and Andolf. “There is one more blond man with them, but I don’t have his name or description.”
She explained the situation, leaving out any mention of Elvenrude or the king or even the portal. It was enough for him to know there’d been a showdown and most of the rogue group had been captured. He was relieved to hear they’d formed an alliance with the Cyrilian ruler and the treaty would prohibit interference with the human world.
“I’ll be clear this is a locate only, do not approach,” he said.
Kam nodded to herself. It was good to see Crain protecting their identity. “If you can help us find them, we’ll deal with them appropriately. And your human gangs can go back to shooting each other.”
“Very funny. They’re already doing that, but without the Cyrilians’ interference, the local PD has a chance of containing it.”
She disconnected, shaking her head. Too bad the gangs didn’t understand the concept of treaties. Weren’t there enough drugs for everyone?
Kam and Seth patrolled the city’s rooftops that evening on the slight chance of spotting the rogue bunch. When they visited the Lormarc Guild near midnight, Rhyden was still there finishing business with the guild master, and Caleb had just arrived. He shot Kam a quick grin. The evening with Bria must have gone well. Not that she’d had any doubts. The pair couldn’t keep their eyes off each other.
She stole a glance at Seth. Her lips curved in an automatic smile. Amazing how some people had that effect.
“I think we should keep the apartment suites,” Caleb announced. “Esty and Bria thought they might visit now and then. Maybe as soon as tomorrow night.”
Rhyden looked up from his paperwork and grinned. “You’ve got my vote.”
Kam shrugged. If her parents were OK with this, she’d defer to them. Esty seemed to listen to Rhyden, and despite her reaction a few days ago, Kam trusted him to keep her sister safe. She liked the idea of keeping the apartments. They made a great meeting place—especially with the Lormarc Guild paying the bill.
Rhyden stood and stretched. “It’s been quiet all evening. I’m going home to bed, and I’ll see you all tomorrow.”
“It’s about that time.” Seth looked at Kam and held out his hand. “How about a walk along the riverfront?”
Kam met his gaze and figured they wouldn’t be walking for long. Suited her just fine. She smiled and twined her fingers around his.
“I guess I’ll be in the apartments by myself tonight,” Caleb remarked as they walked out the door.
* * *
The following evening, Seth and Kam spent most of their time on the streets. They searched every passing face and checked the dark doorways and recesses for ghostly shadows that might betray cloaked elves. Because of the unobserved escape from Elvenrude, they assumed the Cyrilians had supplied Jermon with a ring. If the small group was moving around, it was likely they were cloaked by magic.
“Did you hear that?” Seth came to a standstill.
Her pulse jumped into high gear. “It sounded like gunfire.”
“That’s what I thought.” He levitated to the top of the nearest building, and Kam leaped up beside him. They ran in the direction of the repeated sharp pistol reports. Then a semi-automatic rifle opened up. “By the gods. Did someone start a war?”
The three-story building that served as the Gormley gang’s headquarters was the center of an active gun battle. The stench of burnt gunpowder hung in the air. Repeated muzzle flashes made it nearly impossible to find the shadows of any cloaked combatants. There were at least two sets of gunmen on opposite sides of the street. From small glimpses, all appeared human.
Then Kam spotted shadowy forms near the side door of the building and nudged Seth. “They’re here. I see three of them,” she whispered. “Where are the others?”
“Inside.” He pointed toward the dark windows of Gormley’s office where the safe was. “I just saw a flash of movement. They’re cracking the safe while the gangs shoot it out.”
“After starting the fight, I bet. Hey, isn’t that Agent Crain? How’d he get here so fast?” Kam pointed toward the back of the building. The CIA man was climbing out of a black SWAT van that had skidded to a halt. Sirens blared in the distance and warned of the imminent arrival of more authorities.
“This could get sticky,” Seth said. “Let’s talk to him.”
They dropped to street level, sped around the building, and came up behind Crain. Seth called his name.
The agent moved behind the SWAT lines to join them. “I’m surprised to see you here so soon.”
“We were nearby.” Seth lifted a brow. “And you?”
“Informant reported a new shipment and that a hit was in progress.”
Kam glanced over her shoulder. “Well, they were right, but we have a complication. The guys we’re looking for are inside opening the safe.”
The agent swore and immediately scanned the upper windows.
“Can you delay SWAT from entering?” Seth asked. “Give us a chance to extract our fugitives before it’s overrun by police. They’re cloaked. If your men can’t see them, they could be killed.”
Crain gave a curt nod. “The main fight’s out here anyway, but I’m going in with you.” Kam opened her mouth to object, and he interrupted. “Either you trust me or you don’t.”
“Fine. But we need to go now.”
Crain spent only seconds with the SWAT leader, but the first police cars were squealing to a stop when he returned. “It’s han
dled.”
The SWAT team moved toward the gunfight in front of the building and directed the local cops to follow and provide them with cover. Seth, Kam, and Crain ran across the open area to the back door of the Gormley Building. Seth jimmied the lock, and they slipped inside.
The narrow hallway was dark; the only dim light came from windows near the front. They crept forward as their eyes adjusted. Kam took the lead and had reached the bottom of the stairs, when she heard a thump behind them.
“What was that?” she whispered, looking over her shoulder.
“I didn’t hear—”
A louder thump interrupted Crain’s response.
“It was back this way.” Seth turned to retrace their steps.
Crain followed him and brought out a penlight. Kam glanced up the second floor stairs, then turned to catch up with Seth and Crain.
Another noise. This one sounded like a voice. It led them to a closed door near the back entrance. Seth tried the handle. It was locked. He quietly undid the latch.
Kam and Crain moved to the right side with their guns drawn. Seth eased the door open. Nothing happened. Crain’s penlight revealed a set of wooden stairs going down.
“Basement.” The agent’s voice was so low Kam could barely hear him. “Probably storage, but I heard someone.”
“Stay here, and turn off the light.” Seth spoke just as quietly. “I can see enough without it.”
Crain switched it off, and Seth started down. Kam kept an eye on the hallway behind them to ensure they weren’t caught by surprise.
“What the—? Crain, bring your light.” Seth’s tense voice brought the agent and Kam down the steps, their guns held out ready to fire.
The stench of human sweat hit her, and she heard a hushed whimper an instant before Crain’s penlight swept across a sea of frightened faces.
“Oh my God.” Crain moved his light around the large room, spotlighting at least thirty or forty people, most of them women or early teenage children. They were dirty and terrified, cowering from the flashlight’s beam.