He was silent for a time, then she felt his hand lift from her shoulder and he moved around to stand in front of her. “You’re right, of course,” he said. “After Dexter’s death there was no reason for you or Connor to remain in Crescent Moon Bay. It was, as you say, time to call you both home.”
Grace froze as everything came into focus. She couldn’t believe it had taken her so long to figure it out. “You were drawing both of us back to The Nocturne but the plan went wrong. You hadn’t reckoned on Cheng Li rescuing Connor.”
“Quite so,” Obsidian said with a nod. “So—the time has come to put an end to all the secrets. You are strong enough now to know everything. Where shall we begin?”
Grace had no hesitation. “With Mosh Zu’s prophecy.”
Obsidian nodded. It took him only a moment to collect his thoughts, then he began to tell the story. “Five hundred years ago, in the time just before the New Flood, my comrades and I were summoned to Sanctuary.”
Grace leaned in closer. “Mosh Zu called you?”
“Yes, that’s right.” Obsidian nodded once again. “Let me show it all to you.”
“Show me?” Grace asked, confused.
“You’ve done this before,” Obsidian reminded her, turning to glance at the fire once more. “Look through the flames and I’ll take you there.”
Her heart hammering, Grace focused her eyes on the veil of flames. At first, her vision blurred as she watched the flames flicker and dance. She waited for the fire to fade and the world beyond to come into focus.
Just as she had anticipated, the fire receded and she found herself gazing into a familiar room: Mosh Zu’s meditation chamber. She recognized the mosaic floor with its imposing pattern of a compass. Mosh Zu was kneeling right at the heart of the mosaic design, looking down into a copper bowl filled with water.
As Grace’s senses tuned into the scene more deeply, she could hear the motion of the water in the bowl. She watched as its surface became agitated. Mosh Zu kneeled above it, as still as a statue in his orange robes. His eyes were intent upon the surface of the water, which was now spinning in circles. Grace wanted to step nearer, to gain a closer look at the bowl, but she found herself rooted to her seat, as if held by an invisible force. And the first of four masked captains entered the room.
29
CELEBRATIONS
Cheng Li stood in the center of Ma Kettle’s Tavern, her back to the vast circular bar. She was taken by surprise at just how busy the tavern was. The whole ramshackle building reverberated with the noise of pirate troops making the most of every last precious moment of their transitory freedom.
“Commodore Li!” called out Sugar Pie, weaving through the crowd. “What a nice surprise! You look amazing, considering what you’ve been through!”
Cheng Li shrugged. “It takes more than one demented cowboy Vampirate to get this woman down.” Her look told Sugar Pie that she had nothing further to say on that particular subject. Smiling pleasantly, she glanced around the crowded tavern. “I see that business is booming.”
Sugar Pie nodded. “I hate to say it, but war has been very good for business.”
“That must be something of a comfort to Ma Kettle.”
“I hoped it might be, Commodore Li.” Sugar Pie’s expression changed. “I thought seeing the old tavern buzzing like this might bring Ma back to life.” She shook her head sadly. “But she’s lost all interest in the tavern. Time was, I’d have strained my vocal cords trying to persuade her to take just a little break on a night like this. But tonight, she hasn’t even come out front once. She just seems to want to stay in bed, muttering to Scrimshaw about Molucco and the old days.”
Cheng Li frowned. “I’m sorry to hear that. I think all you can do is give her time.”
Sugar Pie nodded. “You’re right. Time is supposed to be the best healer. I’m going to keep a close eye on her. She’s been like a mum to me—it’s the least I can do.” Her face suddenly brightened and it was like the sun breaking through dark clouds. “Enough sad talk! It’s no way to welcome you back. I’m going to fetch you and your crew a round of drinks—on the house. And there’s no need for you to stand about here with the hoi polloi. There’s a VIP booth over there with your name on it.”
“Thank you,” Cheng Li said. “But I’m happy to stay here for a minute or two. I’m waiting for someone.” Her eyes returned to the entrance. “Ah, and here he is!”
Both women’s eyes settled upon the arresting young man in a blue-gray uniform who now shook the hand of Pieces 08, the tavern’s trusty security guard, and proceeded past the velvet curtain into the bar.
Sugar Pie nudged Cheng Li. “Now he’s a walking definition of tall, dark, and handsome! Though a little pale for my liking.”
Cheng Li smiled. “He’s a Nocturnal.”
“Of course!” Sugar Pie said. “You know, I’m still getting used to them coming in here. Time was, a Vamp stepped past that curtain and we’d be on an all-points alert.”
“He’s not a Vampirate,” Cheng Li said, her voice heavy with feeling. “He’s a Nocturnal. It’s an important distinction.”
“Yes, I know,” Sugar Pie said. She was momentarily chastened but soon recovered, as she watched Lorcan stride toward them. “I haven’t seen him here before. I’d have definitely remembered such a pretty face.”
“Once seen, never forgotten,” agreed Cheng Li, raising her hand to signal to Lorcan. Cheng Li noted that many pirates, especially the women pirates, had turned to register the young Nocturnal’s arrival. She observed with undeniable satisfaction the envious eyes now turned toward her as Lorcan stood before her and gave the Alliance salute.
Flushed with pleasure, she returned the salute and dared to look once more into his unnervingly blue eyes. “Commander Furey, I’m so glad you were able to join us here tonight.”
Lorcan smiled. “I mustn’t stay long, Commodore Li, but I was keen to congratulate you all on the victorious return of The Diablo.”
“As usual, you are much too modest,” Cheng Li said, feeling the warm glow she always seemed to in his presence. “You know full well that the victory was, in a very considerable way, due to your inspired strategy.” She noted that he received praise a little awkwardly. His momentary unease only made him more charming. She reached out for his uniformed arm, deliciously aware of the daggers of envy being launched in her direction. “Come with me,” she said. “There’s a VIP booth waiting for us.”
Smiling again, Lorcan removed his cap. “Lead on, Commodore Li,” he said. “As you know, I’m something of a stranger in these parts.”
As they made their way through the crowd toward the roped-off booth, a familiar figure suddenly appeared before them.
“Cate!” Lorcan said, apparently catching her by surprise. She looked lost in her own thoughts but stopped and smiled to see her comrades.
“Lorcan,” Cate said. “You’re about the last person I expected to see here at Ma’s.”
“I invited him,” Cheng Li said with a smile. “We’re on the same side now.”
“Yes,” Cate nodded. “Absolutely.”
“Congratulations, Cate,” Lorcan said, clasping her hands. “It was a textbook victory.”
Cheng Li was momentarily perturbed by the display of easy affection between her two subordinates, but she recovered well. “Too modest by far,” she said, shaking her head. “You two have rewritten the rules on maritime warfare. Your names—our names—are now assured of their place in pirate history.”
“This war isn’t over yet,” Lorcan reminded her.
“Indeed not,” Cheng Li said. “We must now turn our attention to the next phase in this combat. I believe we are reaching a decisive moment. I thought we could talk further about this tonight.”
Cate smiled at Lorcan. “You see, my friend, there’s no such thing as a free drink.”
They had reached the VIP booth. As the velvet rope was moved aside for them to step forward, Cheng Li lost no time in advancing her cause. “Tel
l me, Commander, has Obsidian Darke thought any more about strategic alliances with other Nocturnals?”
Lorcan’s face was clouded as he replied. “Obsidian and I have talked many times of this, but I’m afraid I have no firm progress to report to you.”
Cheng Li shook her head. “I don’t understand why he remains so resistant,” she said, claiming the prime position at the table. “Surely he must see that we pirates cannot continue to bear the brunt of this war alone? Not when there are potential allies among the Nocturnal realm. He must bring them into play—and fast.”
“I agree,” Lorcan said, sitting down across from her. “But when it comes to persuading Obsidian, he is as obdurate as his name suggests.”
Cheng Li frowned. “He must yield on this point.” She laid her hand on Lorcan’s arm again. “Would it help if I talked to him directly?”
“I’m not sure,” Lorcan replied. “I’m not doubting your considerable powers of persuasion, but, on this matter, his mind appears to be firmly set.”
Cheng Li shook her head. “It’s up to you and me to find a way to stir him.” She glanced up, expecting to see Cate, but instead found herself looking at Bo Yin.
“Where did Cate get to?” Cheng Li asked her.
“She has a headache,” Bo Yin said. “She’s gone back to the ship.” Over Bo Yin’s shoulder, Cheng Li could see Cate’s familiar shock of red hair moving through the barroom like a flaming torch. “She might at least have said a proper good-bye—to our guest,” Cheng Li said, frowning.
“It’s all right,” Lorcan said. “I don’t think Cate has the taste for social gatherings just now. What with her grief for Bart and all.”
Cheng Li watched Cate disappear into the crowd, then returned her full attention to her companion. “You’re very understanding,” she said. “Perhaps even a little too understanding.”
“I don’t think so,” Lorcan said softly, but with steel in his voice. “Give her some time.”
“Is that an order?” Cheng Li’s eyes met his.
“No,” he said, his expression becoming more yielding. “Just a tip from one good friend to another.”
Basking in his choice of words and the honeyed brogue that never failed to delight her, Cheng Li sat back in her seat, at last beginning to relax.
Cate had almost reached Pieces 08 and the exit when a hand reached out and caught her arm. Surprised and somewhat irritated, she turned to find Moonshine Wrathe standing before her.
“Tut-tut, Catie,” he said. “You’ve got into this terrible habit of leaving parties early. Don’t you believe in the healing power of human company?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m tired,” Cate said. “And I’ve got a splitting headache.”
Moonshine reached out his hand. On his palm nestled two oval pills. “Pop these and you’ll feel a whole lot better.”
Cate arched an eyebrow warily. “What exactly are those?” she asked.
Moonshine laughed. “Paracetamol,” he replied. “Though I can understand your suspicion. I have a well-earned reputation as a walking pharmacy.”
“Thanks, but no thanks,” Cate said, folding her arms. “I’m going to leave now. You stay and enjoy yourself with the others.” Fearing she had come across more severely than intended, she added, “You deserve it. You claimed a masterly victory.”
“Praise indeed,” Moonshine said, shrugging and popping the two pills himself. “Now what’s that look for?”
Cate shook her head but said nothing.
“I know.” Moonshine grinned. “I’m a danger to myself. That’s why I need someone at my side to teach me right from wrong and be a good influence on me.” He winked. “Though I guess we could just start with teaching me right from left.”
Cate stared at him, coolly. “You’re no fool,” she said. “And nor are you the loose cannon you pretend to be. Oh, you certainly were. I haven’t forgotten the Sunset Fort debacle. I don’t think any of us will in a hurry. But you’ve changed, Moonshine Wrathe. I can see that. The way you acquitted yourself in Operation Scrimshaw was exemplary—worthy of a pirate of many more years’ experience.”
Moonshine was uncharacteristically rendered speechless by her praise. Taking advantage of this rare scenario, Cate pressed on. “So the answer to your question is yes.”
Moonshine’s face moved through a series of contortions as he struggled to find the right words. After a great deal of effort, he managed, “The answer is… yes?”
Cate nodded, quietly amused. “Yes,” she repeated. “I’ve worked it all out with Commodore Li. I will retain my role as chief strategist for the Alliance but I’ll be based on The Diablo for now. I’ve already packed my things, so, after you’ve had your fun and made some interesting shapes on the dance floor, perhaps you can see to it that my old corner cabin is made ready for me?”
“Is that an order?” Moonshine inquired, back to his default cheek. “Because in a conventional captain-deputy relationship, isn’t it the captain who gives the orders?”
Cate smiled as her slate-gray eyes locked onto his. “Rest assured, my friend, this isn’t going to be a conventional captain-deputy relationship.”
“I’ll drink to that!” Moonshine said, raising his glass.
“Three drinks at the very most,” Cate said. “You’ll certainly want to keep a clear head for our strategy meeting in the morning. I’ll come over at seven-thirty sharp. Unless that’s too early for you?”
Moonshine grinned. “Not at all. You’ll catch me just after my morning run. I’ll even lay on breakfast. Remind me, how do you like your eggs?”
Smiling but leaving the question unanswered, Cate brushed past Moonshine and slipped beyond the velvet curtain into the night.
Seeing Connor seated alone at the table beside him—and Cheng Li deep in conversation with Jasmine and Bo Yin—Lorcan quietly rose up and moved across.
“May I join you?” he asked Connor.
Connor glanced up. “Feel free,” he said. “But I should warn you, I’m not great company tonight.”
“I’ll take my chances,” Lorcan said, sitting down opposite Connor. “How come you feel that way, on this of all nights?”
Connor stared at the Nocturnal curiously. “You mean on the night we should be celebrating our epic victory?”
“No,” Lorcan said. “I mean because it’s your birthday.”
Connor looked suddenly tense. “Who told you?” he hissed. “No one’s supposed to know.”
Lorcan leaned closer, smiling as he lowered his voice. “I was there at your birth, remember?”
Connor shrugged but said nothing.
“I’ll come clean with you,” Lorcan said. “I’m here under false pretenses. Cheng Li invited me here tonight to celebrate our successful mission. But I’m mostly here to see you.”
“Me?” Connor said. “Why would you want to see me?”
“Well, you’re my girlfriend’s brother,” Lorcan said. “Plus, we’re comrades now. We don’t know each other very well, but I’d like us to be friends.”
Connor took a draft of his drink. “I don’t have a great track record with friends.” He set the glass down again slowly, precisely. His eyes remained downcast. “They tend to die. Though I suppose the fact you’re already dead might work in your favor.”
“I know how close you were to Bart,” Lorcan said. “I’m very sorry for your loss.”
Connor did not respond directly, asking instead, “Is Grace worried about me?”
Lorcan shook his head. “I don’t know. Truth to tell, we haven’t spent much time together of late. Grace is very preoccupied with her work, just now. Well, we all are. I’m sure she misses you, but I’m not here because of her. I can see with my own eyes that something’s wrong.”
“Really?” Connor threw up his arms. “What could be wrong with me, I wonder? Hmm, let me think! I found out my dad wasn’t who I thought he was all those years. And my real father? Why, of course, it’s Sidorio, leader of the Vampirate army and
—wait—as a bonus, I get Lola thrown in as my stepmother. Plus I’m a dhampir, a fact that none of my crewmates but Cheng Li knows—not even my long-suffering girlfriend.”
“Jasmine,” Lorcan said, his eyes glancing across to the other table, where Jasmine was still embroiled in a lengthy conversation with Cheng Li and Bo Yin.
Connor nodded, also gazing across at her. “Jasmine,” he said. “I fell for her the first time I set eyes on her at Pirate Academy. Everything was simpler back then.”
“Was it?” Lorcan interrupted. “Or does it just seem that way to you now?”
Connor nodded. “Good point, Furey. Because even back then she had a boyfriend, Jacoby Blunt—a good friend of mine, as it goes. Sure, he tried to kill me once, but we’ll gloss over that.” His eyes seared into Lorcan’s. “Because, you see, the impossible happened and Jasmine and I realized we had feelings for each other but we fought them out of loyalty to Jacoby. Then Jacoby was captured by the Vampirates and killed and we both felt too guilty to be together so our relationship pretty much stalled.” Connor shook his head. “Anyhow, by that time, I was completely sidetracked by the discovery that I was a dhampir, and had a rising hunger for blood.”
“But you have that under control now, right?” Lorcan said. “You’re drinking the berry tea Grace has sent to you?”
A glazed look came over Connor’s face. “One thing at a time, eh? We’re talking about me and Jasmine and Jacoby right now. Your not-so-regular love triangle. Well, you’d know how uncomfortable that is, wouldn’t you? So, as sad as I was at the news of Jacoby’s death, I thought maybe, at last, there was a chance for us. Perhaps not right away, but once we’d both had time to adjust.” He sighed. “But, as you know, Jacoby was found on board The Diablo. Seems he’s alive after all, but here’s the real stinger. He’s a vampire now. He’s just as hungry for blood as I am!”
Connor took a breath, fixing Lorcan with his gaze once more. “Only, unlike me, Jacoby was man enough to tell Jasmine what he is. And, guess what? She’s completely fine with it. So he’s coming back to The Tiger tomorrow and I reckon that’s the end of any chance I ever had with Jasmine.” He raised his glass. “Let’s drink a toast,” he said. “Happy birthday to me! I have so many reasons to celebrate.”
Immortal War v-6 Page 21