Oath Bound

by T. G. Ayer

  “The room is moving but should anyone enter the space from the hallway in the bar, they will see the room as it was when we entered. That is the projection. This here is the reality. This entire module traverses the Veil, and we’ve long since found our method of transport to be far less traumatic and far more efficient for long term, repeated use.”

  I nodded. “I may have to agree with you. I’d prefer this method of transport any day to portal keys and jumping into dark water. Far more guarantee for comfort, I think.”

  Cassie laughed softly then got to her feet, making me aware that the room had finally come to a stop.

  “How exactly does it work, though?” I asked, curious now as to the mechanics of the whole transport-to-Cassie’s-home-in-the-stars process.

  “Wish I had time to explain, or the skills to put it into words,” she replied with a self-deprecating smile. “But for now, we got to get moving before customs decides to flag our entrance for visa checks.”

  “You are kidding right?”

  “Only a little.”

  “Cassie!” I hissed

  She merely grinned in reply as she toed off the brake on the wheelchair and spun Grams around to push her out the door and into a long wide corridor. We were instantly surrounded by a warren of curved white walls and floors that glowed from beneath a thin layer of Perspex or some kind of hard plastic. Lights were embedded into the ceiling along the walls in long strips not unlike those on commercial airplanes back home.

  “Welcome on board the Calliope 7 Space Station, currently situated in the Outer Syreen System,” Cassie said, smiling as she made her official welcome.

  I was taking everything in, and barely registered her words. The room we’d exited had been private enough, without even a guard or officer present to oversee our arrival. So the border control here was about the same as most realms I’d been to. Near non-existent.

  Either that, or Cassie had special privileges in Av'rith.

  I had no choice but to follow her in silence, eyes widening as I watched her jeans and red leather jacket shimmer away to be replaced by a suit, though not skin-tight, certainly hugged her in all the right places.

  She walked ahead of me, dark shoes making no sound on the floor despite their strangely curved heels. Cassie threw a glance over her shoulder every so often as though to reassure herself that I was still following.

  As if I’d abandon Grams with anyone on a space station in a realm I’d never entered before. Didn’t matter if I trusted the person she was with.

  After what felt like miles of corridors, we arrived at a set of double-doors on our left. Cassie waved a hand at a small panel, and seconds later, the glass sheet lit up and a voice spoke to her in a strange language that was both musical and gruff at the same time.

  Cassie replied and the door slid open to reveal a sophisticated apartment, this time was decorated in pale shades and accented in various shades of silver and dark blue, elegance personified.

  We entered and passed a dining area, furniture made of chrome and glass, and a cosy seating area with pale leather sofas and dark throws, and a coffee table shimmering like mercury.

  Cassie drove Grams across a blue-black carpet to a room on the other side of the cabin. Kicking the door open, she guided the wheelchair inside. I hurried to join her and soon we were transferring Grams to the bed and stowing the wheelchair away inside a closet.

  I’d barely straightened after tucking Grams within the silky mauve sheets when I caught sight of the window. Almost two-meters-wide and a meter high, the glass looked out onto a view which to me revealed an ocean of stars.

  Mouth open, I stared at the sight, wanting to take it all in, to commit every single detail to memory because I wasn’t at all certain I’d ever get such an opportunity again.

  “Syreen is beautiful, isn’t it?” Cass asked softly, a proud smile in her voice.

  “Unfathomably beautiful. What are you even doing in the Earth Realm when you have this place as your home?” I asked, shaking my head.

  “It’s a job, Kai. If I had a choice, I’d travel through space visiting all the planets and systems that surround us. There’s way too much to discover so it makes little sense to be stuck in one place for too long.”

  I sucked in a breath before letting it out slowly.

  I suppose this was a good a place as any for Grams to stay safely out of the Fae King’s reach. And what more could anyone want as a safe haven than an actual slice of heaven?

  12

  “So how can we be sure that the fae court cannot track Grams here?” I asked, finally admitting I still wasn’t certain my grandmother was all that safe, even here in a star system I never knew existed.

  We were sitting at Cassie’s dining table, eating a light meal of tiny pastries and cakes, and drinking the strongest coffee I’d ever tasted in my life. The near-black drink just about knocked me off my feet. I was so impressed I had to curb the vulgar temptation to ask if I could get regular shipments sent to me.

  Instead, I contained the urge and said, “If the fae can track a person through the Veil, and I’m assuming this has something to do with following a lifethread in the ether the way Mel does, then what’s stopping them from following Grams all the way here?”

  Cassie gave me a smile, though I could have sworn I’d spotted a touch of worry in them. She hid the emotion quickly enough, but I’d seen it and I knew she had her own doubts. Which wasn’t all that reassuring.

  Cassie reached out and held gently onto my forearm. “Our tech is smart enough to render the lifethreads fuzzy,” she said softly, her voice soothing. “The Fae trackers will probably follow Ivy all the way to Hecate’s Bar, but the trail will go cold there.”

  “What about the transport module we used? Can’t they use your room to find her?”

  Cassie tilted her head, blue eyes shimmering. “They could. But they won’t find the room. We’ve scrubbed that portal and relocated our regular entry-point to a different location entirely.”

  I took a slow breath, suddenly feeling bad. “I’m sorry, Cassie. I really didn’t mean to cause you guys so much trouble. I’m sure moving your portal isn’t the easiest thing in the world to do.” Never mind that I’d never heard of a portal location being moved. Closed, or warded off, maybe. Never moved.

  Despite being somewhat impressed at the extent of the spacefarers’ technological advancements, my shoulders slumped as I also felt the impact of burdening Cassie and her people with protecting a total stranger and having to deal with the fallout.

  What if the fae warriors tracked Grams down all the way out here at the space station and Cassie’s people had to go to war with them? All because they chose a side probably too early on in this war?

  But Cassie squeezed my hand before sitting up straight and tapping the table with her palm. “Hey. Stop wallowing. Yes, it’s not as easy as clicking one’s fingers, but it’s not as though we have to build a spaceship or relocate a city—or even form a new planetary system—so it’s really no real trouble.” She smiled but I wasn’t convinced.

  “I really hope you’re not having to inconvenience yourself with making these arrangements, Cassie.”

  “Seriously, Kai. This is a Council matter now. Horner spoke to the Av’rith Council as well as the Syreen Federation Fleet Commander before we left. And yes, I’m doing what I can, calling in favors where I’m able, but I’m doing it quite happily, and I have the support of my commanding officers. I have no qualms about my involvement at all. Ivy is my friend and I love her dearly. I’d do anything for her. So technically she’s the one who would owe me if I ever decided to ask for repayment.” Cassie winked and then sat back.

  “But what if this fae king threatens your people with war? You’re going to end up spending money and time on this decision to protect us. And we’ve given you little choice in the matter. What if you find down the line that you chose the wrong side?”

  “Kai, don’t you think our council would have thought about all the possible
scenarios? Every possible result would have been on the table, all argued ten ways to kingdom come before the final decision was made. I really think you are overthinking this. Don’t take on all the responsibility in this, Kai. The council could just have easily said no to your plea. It’s not as if every refugee who asks is taken in without question. And besides, you need to focus on what’s ahead of you.”

  The room was silent in the moments after Cassie had stopped speaking, her words echoing around me, and inside my head. I wanted to reply, I wanted to say she was right and I was overthinking things, but I couldn’t get my throat to allow the words to pass. I was grateful, and worried and now obligated too.

  Cassie’s wrist beeped and she glanced down, smiling as she got to her feet. “We have to get back to the EarthWorld soon. And, that little alarm is telling us Ivy should be waking up in the next hour. So you can spend some time with her before we leave.” Then, with a quick wave, she walked toward the door, golden ponytail swaying. The door opened on a soft hiss, then whispered closed behind her.

  I sat there for a long moment, mind racing as I considered everything she’d said. I could accept some of her assurances, but perhaps I wasn’t cut out to be utterly positive or completely trusting.

  Then, with great effort, I pulled myself out of my thoughts and made my way over to Grams’ bed. She lay there silent and unmoving, the sedative still working its magic. She didn’t look at all like someone about to open her eyes in the next second but, so far, Cassie’s tech hadn’t failed us in its accuracy.

  I walked to the window and stared out at the view, losing myself in the stunning light show provided by the Syreen Star system. What would it be like to travel through space, to experience new worlds, meeting new people all the time?

  I couldn’t get my head around the idea, probably because walkers, and other supernaturals of the human world, hadn’t developed the kind of mindset that would allow them to entertain a life sailing the stars.

  Perhaps one day, a life in space would be imaginable to most people, but not yet. Well, not yet for me personally.

  “Kai?” Grams’ voice filtered through my thoughts and I started, spinning around to see her sitting up in the bed, her expression calm as you please.

  “You’re awake!” I gasped, running over to her to grab hold of her hand.

  “Yes, dear. It’s what often happens after a period of time spent asleep,” Grams said, eyebrow curved, tone dry.

  I rolled my eyes. “Grams, you were not asleep. Cassie gave you a sedative so the trip wouldn’t be too taxing on your wounds.”

  Grams nodded slowly, eyes widening for a brief moment before she smiled. “So? You want to tell me where we are?” she asked her eyes flitting to the window behind me.

  I smirked. “I’m still trying to process it, but we’re on Cassie’s spaceship in a star system in her home realm.”

  Grams let out a breath. “Ah, I see. She came.”

  “Yes, Grams. She agreed to help you find a place to hide out until the fae king stops looking for you.”

  “He’s not going to stop looking, Kai.” Grams was shaking her head. “And you only have half the story. I’m not really the one he wants.”

  I let out an impatient grunt. “Come on, Grams. I hope you’re not thinking I’m going to take you back home. Barry is out there somewhere, leading the fae trackers on a wild goose chase, and we basically destroyed Cassie’s portal to the EarthWorld when we came here.”

  “Destroyed?” Grams asked. “What did you do?”

  “Geez, Grams. It wasn’t my fault. Cassie made the call and decided to cover our tracks by closing down that particular portal. She said it wasn’t a big deal and their tech can handle it.”

  Grams nodded. “I suppose it’s true then. Cassie isn’t known to lie.”

  I let out a loud snort. “So you’re trying to tell me she didn’t lie when she said she was a supernatural shapechanger when she was really a woman from outer space using fancy tech to masquerade as a shapechanger?”

  Grams sighed and sat back against the dark blue pillows. “I know it can be frustrating, Kai. But some truths are better left untold unless in emergencies.”

  I let out a frustrated breath. “Grams, our world is literally falling apart around us. The Ni'amh is probably in danger. And we no longer have a home, and you and I are sitting in a spaceship in a star system in a realm that nobody even knows exists. I think I need a little time to process…if you don’t mind.”

  Grams reached for my hand and held tight. “I know it’s a bit much but I’m afraid I’m going to have to add to that burden. The only thing I can say to make this feel better is that I don’t believe the Ni’amh is in any way endangered by Cassie’s true identity. Whether she changes shape through supernatural or technological methods, may just be a matter of language. What we do know is that you five are almost certainly part of the Ni’amh. I’d stake my reputation on that. And so will your mother.”

  “Well, you two can talk it through when she gets here.”

  “What do you mean?” asked Grams, forehead a study in creases.

  “I have to leave with Cassie to go back home. Mel’s waiting for ship out on this mission to Mithras and Cass has a meeting with Gilfillan in the morning. There’s far too much that needs to be done for me to be sitting idle out here in the middle of…. Ailuros save me. I don’t even know where I am,” I said flinging my hands out in frustration.

  Grams had the audacity to chuckle. “Alright, Kai. Take a breath. But you also have to listen to me. I’m not really the one the Fae King is after.”

  “Who is he after? And what is his name? I refuse to keep calling him Grampa Fae King for the indefinite future.”

  With a snort, Grams replied, “His name is Ainwyllian. He’s one of the oldest members of the Fae court hence the ancient name.”

  I pursed my lips. “I think Grampa Fae King sounds better.”

  The fae king’s granddaughter simply ignored me and said, “Now that we have his name out of the way, are you ready to listen to what I have to say?”

  I stilled at her tone, hearing loud and clear that this was no longer banter, and not in the least good news. “Okay. I’ll behave. What’s going on? Did he tell you some big secret when he pulled that sound shield over you both?”

  Grams sighed and gripped my hand a little tighter. “He told me that he’s not after me, Kai. Not exactly. He wants the one person who can help stop the fae from dying. The world of the fae is slowly fading away, the power that once sustained them is dying. Anwyillian and the rest of his ancient court believe there is a way to regain their power and they will stop at nothing to get it.”

  “Don’t tell me they want the blood of every first born in all of the DarkWorld?”

  Grams sighed, then gave a sad smile. “It may as well be just that. What they believe is the fae ancients are dying because the rest of the supernatural world has been growing far too strong over the last few centuries. They believe the other supernatural worlds have been sucking the ethereal fae dry of their innate and rightful powers.”

  “And, let me guess, they want to take it all back.”

  “Exactly. And they are not going to be nice about it.”

  “So, how exactly do they intend to take back this power they think belongs to them? Suck every last supernatural dry of their special magic juice?”

  “Something like that,” Grams replied, not a hint of a smile on her face.

  “Oh dear.”

  13

  “Thanks, Grams. Next time try not to ease me so gently into the horrific truth,” I said as I threw her a sharp glare. I was still processing the whole ancient-fae-sucking-darkworld-supernaturals-dry-of-their-special-magic-juice revelation.

  “It gets worse.”

  “Oh dear,” I murmured, thinking of a good few expletives that would work so much better right now.

  “Oh dear, doesn’t even begin to describe it…dear.”

  Ivy Odel, special supernatural agent, part
-time comedian.

  “Please, Grams,” I said with a weary sigh. “Can you just tell me what the big bad deal is?”

  “Sorry, dear. I want to find the best way to say it, but I guess I’m only making matters worse. So, the truth of the matter is that the fae court wants to control the Ni’amh. They know that in the near future, the Ni’amh will be responsible for saving the supernatural world. I’m not certain of how the intent of the fae court and the prophecy of the Five are intertwined. Which of the two would lead to the other isn’t clear. For all we know, the prophecy could be speaking of the Ni’amh saving the DarkWorld from the ancient fae.”

  The silence that filled the room was deafening.

  Grams and I stared at each other for a long moment. Then I sucked in a ragged breath. “Do you really believe that’s it?”

  She lifted one shoulder in a half shrug, probably wanting the movement to come off as nonchalant, noncommittal. But instead, it made me all the more afraid. Grams was pretty darned certain that the Ni’amh prophecy was intertwined somehow with the intentions of the ancient fae.

  Then I stiffened. “But that doesn’t explain why Ainwyllian was after you.”

  Grams tipped her head to one side as she accepted my question as valid. “True. He is also using prophecy and prediction to guide him. Perhaps something within the ancient oracles’ ramblings have implied I am involved. Or perhaps he believes I possess some sort of power that would help their cause.”

  I snorted. “If that was his assumption, I’d have to agree. You have some explaining to do, Ivy Odel. And I’m not leaving here until you talk.”

  She laughed softly. “What am I meant to be explaining, dear? It’s been a long day.”

  I made a face. “Well, let’s start with how you knew he was there when he was glamored. I only made him out after half the damage was done, but I’m guessing you knew he was there from the moment he arrived.”