Over the Night Horizon

by Kacey Ezell

  Johannes nodded. “I know, Elder One, and you’re correct, we’ve taken great pains to make that clear to all our kind. And yet, one of the bodies we recovered bore the marks of a Source. They were recent.”

  “So, no proof, then,” the Buyer said. “But troubling, compelling evidence, nonetheless. I shall look into this further, my young Captain, do not fear. But in the meantime…may I see the piece?”

  Johannes reached into his breast pocket and removed the silken pouch that held the necklace. He handed it over, and the Buyer hefted it in his hands with a reverent look on his face.

  “You don’t know, do you? The history of this emerald? If it’s what I suspect, it’s a truly unique object. I shouldn’t tell you…” he said, with a sudden, mischievous grin that made him look even younger. “But then, we’ve already agreed on a price, have we not, Captain?”

  “We have, Elder One,” Johannes said with his own smile.

  “Very well, then. I believe I hold in my hand one of the legendary emeralds given to the Empress Theodora by her husband, Justinian. Legend says he gave her twelve of them, all identical, all flawless, and had them set in a diadem. Over the years, and through the wars, they’ve been lost, all but the three I hold in my collection. If I’m correct, this will be the fourth.”

  Lucia’s eyes went wide. “I’ve worn an emerald owned by the Empress Theodora?”

  The Buyer smiled and nodded. “I must do some comparisons, but I believe so. And now that I’ve suitably impressed you, let’s take a look at the Empress’s emerald.” He opened the silken pouch and poured the heavy gold of the necklace into his hand.

  The center stone setting was empty.

  Lucia gaped, as did de Graaf beside her. The Buyer, however, merely stared for a moment at the setting, and then carefully folded it back into its silk pouch. His voice, when he next spoke, was utterly devoid of the playful mischief Lucia had sensed earlier.

  “I assume something hasn’t gone according to plan,” he said mildly. For no reason whatsoever, Lucia felt a chill, and the impulse to flee was sudden and strong in her mind. She shoved the flight instinct down and merely looked to see what Johannes would do.

  The captain’s face went through a very visible series of emotions. From shock to anger, to a deep sadness. “Elder One,” he said softly, “you have my deepest apologies. I…I know who did this, though I would not have believed it of him.”

  “Matthias,” Lucia breathed as it became clear to her. He must have taken the stone at some point while he was in Johannes’ cabin. Oh, that wicked, pitiful boy!

  De Graaf looked over at her, his eyes tragic, and nodded. He stood, reached out a hand for Lucia’s, and drew her to her feet. “Elder One, I give you my word I will make this right. We will start back tonight…”

  The Buyer finally looked up at them. “No,” he said. “You’ve only just arrived, and Lady Lucia will require rest. You must care for your Sources better than that, Johannes,” he scolded gently, addressing de Graaf by his first name. “Abide here a day, start back tomorrow at sundown. Your crew should have some respite. Retrieve the emerald and bring it back to me. Along with the tale, if you please. For my trouble.”

  “Of course, Elder One,” de Graaf said, giving him a short bow. Lucia followed his lead, dipping into a quick curtsey before de Graaf pulled her with him back toward the entrance of the magnificent library.

  She’d thought that the captain would return her to the rooms where she’d changed clothes, but instead, he continued to the gallery where the Leeuwin was docked. Lucia looked at him in confusion.

  “I thought we were to stay?”

  “And so we shall,” de Graaf said softly, “but the Buyer is very powerful, and one doesn’t cross him in a business deal. To make a promise to him and not deliver on it is to court destruction.”

  “But that wasn’t our fault!” Lucia protested.

  De Graaf gave her a tight smile as he led her onto the gangway toward the safety of the Leeuwin’s decks. “And that, my lady, is why we still live. I don’t think he would hurt you. Sources are generally considered sacrosanct. However, if he’s angry enough at me, he may try to keep you as collateral until I deliver the emerald. It’s doubtful…but my instincts tell me you’ll be safest among my crew, so we’ll collect Marit to stay with you. I gave a promise to your father, after all…and one to myself. I will not risk you.”

  Lucia swallowed hard and then nodded. De Graaf’s smile softened just a bit, and he rubbed the pad of his thumb across her lips. Then he turned and led her to the crew quarters below.

  Marit was more than happy to agree to stay with Lucia in her suite of rooms. Her gentle smile even indicated she’d turn a blind eye, should Lucia choose to entertain the captain that evening.

  Not that the whole crew didn’t already know about their relationship. As Source to the captain, Lucia was treated with the utmost deference by each of them. It was a natural expectation that they should be romantically as well as sanguinely involved.

  But Lucia wasn’t so far removed from her human upbringing, so she appreciated Marit’s discretion. Once they’d gotten settled in the opulent visitor’s suite, Lucia made a point of saying so, though her own boldness stained her cheeks pink.

  Marit gave a soft chuckle. “My lady, I’m medic aboard a NightShip. I’d lose my livelihood were I not discreet. Besides, my medical ethics require it. Your secrets are safe with me.”

  “I rather wish I didn’t have any secrets, at that.” Lucia sighed as she settled back onto a lovely upholstered divan with a fragrant cup of tea. A light supper had been waiting for her on a tray when they returned to her rooms at the Chateau. She and Marit had dined together, taking the opportunity to relax and reflect on the remarkable events of the past few days. “There’s so much in the world to see and do, I rather wish I could openly sail with you all and turn my life to ferreting out the world’s secrets.”

  “Do that, then,” Marit said. Her tone was casual, but she eyed Lucia closely over the rim of her own teacup. “The captain enjoys your company. You could travel with us as his Source and companion. Unless, of course, your family obligations would prevent it.”

  Lucia blinked, struck by the thought. Would her parents object? She didn’t think so, as they’d always been willing to trust her to make her own choices. But she knew they expected a marriage, and grandchildren. How would they react if she announced she’d be leaving them to sail around the world?

  “I don’t think my parents would object too much. They’re very enlightened. They’ve always allowed me to choose my own path as an adult, but…” She gave a small smile. “I think they’d be saddened if I never gave them grandchildren.”

  “Why wouldn’t you be able to do that?” Marit asked with a note of professional interest in her tone that negated any embarrassment Lucia might have felt at such a personal question.

  “I…well. I don’t have any reason to think I shouldn’t be able to. But I don’t know if Immortals and mortals—”

  Marit smiled and nodded. “They can. For the most part, Immortals’ bodies remain human after their Turn. If it’s what you and the captain want, I should imagine you would be able to have several strong children. You both seem to be in excellent health.”

  “Oh!” Lucia said. For some reason this thought surprised her and made the possibility of joining de Graaf a much more real thing. Some time ago she’d realized the affection and attraction she felt for him was ripening into something deeper. She’d been encouraged by his seeming return of her feelings, but did he love her this much? Was she more than just a passing fling?

  Marit and the Buyer seemed to think so.

  “How exactly is this done? I mean—,” Lucia broke off, her face flaming, “I know how children are usually conceived. Is there a difference? With Immortals?”

  Marit nodded. “A small one. One parent must be mortal, of course. But the key seems to be the blood exchange. Not enough for a full turn; that would require exsanguination of the m
ortal parent as well, which would likely kill a fetus. But a taste, a sip. Usually several, in fact, over a period of time, a bond. During that time period, if the couple engages in coitus as well, a child may be conceived.”

  Lucia felt her eyes large and round. She blinked once, twice, as she processed the information.

  “After the fire, Johannes and I—”

  “You became lovers,” Marit finished. “I suspected as much. I didn’t pry, and Johannes said nothing. If you wish, he took quarters down the hall, second door on the left. “

  “Oh, goodness. I guess the whole crew knows. But no one said anything. What a relief. Johannes neglected to mention a few details. Thank you.” Lucia felt her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. She felt shaky inside and out.

  Marit watched her in silence with a tiny smile she hid behind her teacup. “Much to think on, yes?”

  “Oh, yes!” Lucia replied with a weak laugh. “Much indeed! And the children of these liaisons, do they share any Immortal traits?”

  “Not that I’ve seen,” Marit said, taking another sip. “They’re not terribly common, but they’re celebrated within Immortal culture for all that. You’d likely become a very famous woman, were you to bear de Graaf’s children.”

  Lucia laughed again. “I must say, this is one of the odder conversations I’ve had. How do you know all these things? Is it through your medical training?”

  Marit smiled. “Partially,” she said. “But partially because it’s my heritage. My mother was Immortal when I was born. My father was not. I am, as you see, an entirely healthy human.” Marit gestured to herself with a playful wave of her hand.

  “Is that how you came to be a medic on a NightShip?”

  Marit nodded. “As I said, children like me are celebrated and, to a certain extent, indulged in Immortal society. I showed an interest in medicine, so my mother had me educated. I met the captain as I was finishing my studies in Spain. He needed a medic, and I needed an occupation. We’ve been sailing together ever since. And I must say, I’ve never seen him so taken with anyone as he is with you, Lady Lucia. Think on that as well.” Still smiling, the medic set down her teacup and rose to her feet. “I’ll bid you good day, then. If you should have need of me, call. I’ll be in the room next to yours.”

  “Good day, Marit,” Lucia said, feeling somewhat faint. Such revelations! Marit was the child of an Immortal! De Graaf was taken with her! They could travel around the world together!

  Lucia set her own teacup down and, still bemused by her whirlwind thoughts, sought her own bed while contemplating joining Johannes down the hall.

  * * * * *

  Chapter 19

  A knock roused Lucia around noon, or so she guessed, based on the way the afternoon light slanted through the high, narrow windows in the walls of her room. Though Lucia felt slightly short on sleep, she didn’t mind overly much, having crept into Johannes’ room for a few hours. Lucia got to her feet, pulled a lush dressing gown over her chemise, and answered the door.

  An unfamiliar young man stood there, wearing the same sort of dark green and black livery as the Buyer’s other servants had worn. He gave Lucia a bow from the waist and held out a folded note. Lucia thanked him and took the note. He bowed again and left without saying a single word.

  Lucia looked after him for a moment, then sighed and closed the heavy door to her quarters. Tea first, she decided as she turned back to her room. Marit’s door was still closed in the two-bedroom suite. She thought for a moment about summoning Adrienne, or whomever the Buyer had assigned to assist her that day, but she reasoned in a largely nocturnal household, most would be sleeping. Besides, she was perfectly capable of brewing her own tea, especially since there was a fully stocked tray located not far from the huge fireplace in the sitting room. All she would have to do, was heat the water.

  While her tea steeped, Lucia went back into her room and dressed in one of her travelling day dresses. She styled her hair in a simple twist, secured by a few decorative pins her father had given her. Once dressed and with tea to warm her, Lucia felt much more clear-headed. She picked up the folded note and opened it up.

  My Dear,

  I want to invite you to join me for a light, informal meal in my library as soon as you feel rested. I give you my word that you are perfectly safe, despite the concerns of your companion. My ire lies with those who would defraud me. You and your captain are innocent of this, I have no doubt. My talent, as you know, allows me to detect falsehoods and prevarication. I sense none in either of you.

  When you’re feeling up to joining me, simply step into the hallway. My servants await your convenience and will escort you to me. I look forward to our conversation. — M

  When she’d read it twice, Lucia lowered the note into her lap and sipped absently at her tea. Unless she was very much mistaken, this invitation was for her alone. De Graaf’s warnings rang in her ears, but she found she felt no trepidation at the prospect of dining alone with the Buyer. He’d given his word that she was safe, and somewhat to her surprise, she believed him.

  Well, then, she would go, she decided. Once again, she considered summoning Adrienne to help her dress, but the note had said an “informal” meal. Moreover, the Buyer had twice urged her to join him as soon as she was ready.

  “No time like the present,” Lucia murmured to herself as she set down her teacup and placed the open note beside the tea service. If Marit woke and wondered where she’d gone, the note would give her an answer.

  As promised, the young man who’d given her the note appeared as soon as she stepped into the hallway in her day dress of dark gray cotton. Apparently, he hadn’t gone far. With a silent smile, he beckoned for her to follow and led her down much the same route she and de Graaf had travelled the evening before.

  At first the library appeared empty. Her guide had stopped before the imposing doors and simply gestured her through with a bow. She walked in, expecting to see the Buyer awaiting her with his sweet, youthful smile. Instead, she was greeted by the silently waiting stacks and stacks of books.

  “Hello?” Lucia called out, and her voice echoed in the room as she took another further step inside. “Elder One?” When neither hail produced an answer, she frowned slightly and walked deeper into the enormous room. Her steps sounded as her boots struck the stone floor.

  “Perhaps he was delayed,” she said out loud. The words seemed to fall from her lips like petals from a dying flower, and she had that inimitable feeling of being totally alone in a space. She felt a shiver run up her spine, but it wasn’t one of fear or unease. It was more…

  Anticipation. Elation. She was alone in the largest library she’d ever seen. The Buyer hadn’t seemed particularly fussy about his books; surely, he wouldn’t mind if she looked around at a few of his titles. With a slow grin spreading across her face, Lucia turned to the stack nearest her and chose a title at random.

  Ten minutes later, Lucia sat at one of the polished wood tables, surrounded by a breastwork of books. She gasped aloud in delight as she opened yet another and found a collection of maps that looked to be very old. The beautiful, hand drawn illustrations were incredibly detailed in an impossibly fine hand. Lucia bent over the page that depicted her city, and lo and behold, she found her father’s estate represented by a tiny drawing of the front gatehouse. That made sense, she supposed, because the gatehouse was several hundreds of years old. But that made her wonder.

  She flipped the pages until she found the gorgeous depiction of Paris and surrounding environs. With a trembling finger, she traced the path of flight they’d taken and stopped, disappointed, over the hills where the Buyer’s chateau should be.

  “You’re wondering why my home isn’t on the map,” the Buyer said. He’d approached the table while her attention was on the maps, and stood before her carrying a single flower, a pure white tulip touched with the faintest hints of pink and gold. Innocence and purity. In the back of her mind, Lucia irreverently wondered if that was what he’d mean
t by a “light meal.” The Buyer’s smile deepened.

  “No, clever one, this is simply a gift to show my admiration,” he said, handing it over. Lucia accepted the flower with a smile and quickly did her best to shutter her thoughts. The Buyer gave no indication whether or not she succeeded.

  “The answer to your musings should be obvious, my dear, if you but think about it for a moment,” the Buyer said instead. Lucia blinked, then narrowed her eyes.

  “It’s too old,” she said softly. “This atlas must have been published prior to the Immortals’ existence becoming common knowledge.”

  His smile grew even more, and he nodded. “Yes,” he said. “Well done.”

  “But then,” she added, flipping the pages to the flyleaf, where the publisher’s imprint was clearly visible, “it was published by ‘Mneme and Son Press, Paris, France.’ Mneme is an old form of Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory. Mother of the muses, who were themselves patron goddesses of the Museion at Alexandria. You’re Memory’s son, aren’t you, Elder One?” she asked, lifting her head to meet his eyes.

  The Buyer drew in a breath sharply, then nodded. The look of delighted amusement left his eyes, only to be replaced by something intense, and a little dark. Lucia repressed a shiver.

  “You, my lady,” the Buyer said, softly, “are simply breathtaking. No one has ever connected that before.”

  Lucia smiled. “I enjoyed my Greek studies, Elder One. I enjoyed them immensely. All the threads of history, like the carpet under your feet. I love it all. I could spend lifetimes here.”

  “I shouldn’t,” he said, in a voice that was little more than a breath, “You’re involved…But, Lucia, you could stay with me.”

  She felt her smile freeze, and her eyes went wide.

  The Buyer held up a hand. “Don’t answer. Just…just listen. This house, this library…they’re not all. They’re part of something bigger.”