Judged

by Liz de Jager

  ‘Kit, just breathe, okay. Just draw the doorway. It doesn’t matter where we come out.’

  ‘I can’t,’ I say, gripping Dante’s wrist. ‘Someone has to be on the other side to open it.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Doorways work both ways. I can’t just draw a door and open it myself. I’m not strong enough. Someone has to open it for me. From the other side.’

  ‘Jimmy.’ Aiden stares at me with an alarmed expression. ‘You can ask Jimmy for help. His business is opening magical doors, right?’

  ‘I don’t know. I can’t just impose on him, Aide. He’s a busy guy. And then there’s the thing with Megan …’

  ‘Screw that, you’re in danger of being eating by an ogre or something very big,’ he says. And, as if on cue, there’s a booming sound of something hitting the barrier further down the passage. ‘And I reckon Jimmy would be delighted to save your ass.’ Aide turns me around so I face the wall and prods my shoulder. ‘Draw. Draw now. Call him.’

  ‘Okay.’ I’m reluctant to call Jimmy. Megan used the spell I’d taught her to call Jimmy, to help her get into a locked penthouse in New York last year. Things went south for them both, so I’m probably not in his good books.

  Jimmy is unusual in that he works as a freelance doorway guardian. If you know how, you can call him and he can open doors for you. He isn’t, to all intents and purposes, the most popular person in the Otherwhere either and I stumbled across him by accident on a job. We bonded over our mutual love for bladed weapons and deep house music. I tend not to ask him for favours because he is very pricey but, in this case, it seems worth it.

  Chapter Forty

  I sketch the doorway, made more on edge by Aiden’s pacing. He keeps looking down the passage as if he expects someone to materialize from thin air at any moment. Dante’s equally nervy, and one glance at his stony face is enough to make me hope the spell I’m using will work.

  I eventually step back from the doorway. This was as good as I was going to get it. The runes were correct; the straight lines were less than perfect, admittedly – but the result holds all the intent and desperation I can muster. Then I lift my hand and knock. Three times. The door is pulled open so fast I actually step back in surprise and bump into Dante, who’s crowded up behind me.

  ‘Jimmy,’ I say faintly. ‘Hi. So, can you do us a favour and get us out of here?’

  Very blue eyes regard me from beneath thick straight black eyebrows. ‘Who’s your friend, Blackhart? You breaking your boyfriend out of the Otherwhere?’

  ‘Don’t be an ass, Jimmy. This is Dante.’

  He jerks his chin at Dante in greeting and then leans out of the door a little, bracing himself on the doorjamb, until he spots Aiden walking back towards us.

  ‘And the wolf. Of course. Why aren’t I surprised. What are you doing here?’

  ‘Getting away from a trap.’ Aiden’s grin is wide as he rakes his eyes over Jimmy. And I don’t blame him. Jimmy is sinfully pretty. ‘Looking good, James. You gonna help us or are we all just going to die of stab wounds when a troop of redcaps and possibly an ogre break through the barrier spell Kit has set up back there?’

  ‘Have you got payment? Or are you gonna owe me?’

  ‘I have payment,’ I say, and hold up a small velvet bag I remembered to grab from my backpack. ‘I hope it’s enough.’

  Jimmy takes it from me and Dante mutters impatiently. Jimmy pauses and stares hard at Dante, who’s scowling at him. The two of them are practically bristling at one another. ‘Do you have a problem, mate?’

  ‘My problem is that we need to get out of here. You can worry about payment later.’

  ‘Patience is a virtue,’ Jimmy replies, ‘and I’m all about virtue. And payment.’ He shakes the contents of the pouch out onto the palm of his hand and lets out a low whistle. ‘Kit, these are exceptional. It’s as if you know what I like.’

  He trails a long finger over the glittering emeralds in his palm before sliding them back into the pouch. ‘Come on in, then. Where do you need to go?’

  Aiden steers Dante past Jimmy and I follow close behind. Jimmy swings the door shut behind us with an echoing boom and I relax marginally.

  ‘Anywhere near my place would do,’ Aiden says. ‘You remember where that is, right?’

  A soft light flickers on and Jimmy hands me a small ball of light, rolling it over my extended palm like a glowing marble. ‘You take one too,’ he says to Dante, and makes a little gesture with his hand as if he’s grabbing the light from darkness. ‘Don’t drop these. The lights will keep you safe. Well, safe-ish. Just be ready to fight if need be.’

  ‘What about me? Don’t I get a light?’ Aiden asks, and I swear I can hear a pout.

  ‘You see better in the dark than I do, Aiden, and I was born to the darkness.’ Jimmy doesn’t smile often, but when he does it’s remarkable. We all three stare at him a little open-mouthed. ‘We’re going to run, okay? If anything comes at you, you stab it or punch it and you do not stop, is that clear?’

  We all three nod. ‘Excellent. Let’s go.’

  He starts running and I hurry to keep up because I have no desire to be lost in this dark and shadowy world between the Veil and the human world. ‘Where exactly are we?’ Dante asks behind me. ‘And who is this guy? And why is he so pretty?’

  ‘Right,’ Aiden says from the back of our small group. ‘It’s like darkness gave birth to the prettiest creature it could and made him promise never to leave.’

  ‘That makes no sense,’ Dante mutters.

  ‘No, it totally does. Right, Kit?’

  ‘It totally makes sense. But how about … ? Oh crap.’ Talons slice past my face and I duck just in time to stab at their owner. There’s a muted scuffle from behind me and the sound of bones cracking, but then Aiden’s voice rings out.

  ‘We’re okay. Keep running.’

  I look up to find Jimmy wiping his blade clean. His attacker lies still for only a moment before something grabs it and starts hauling it out of my circle of flickering light.

  ‘You good?’ he asks, and he gives me a quick once-over to make sure I’m not bleeding. When I nod, we start running again.

  We get attacked twice more. I lose my sword in the second fight and almost pass out from a heavy blow to my solar plexus that knocks me flat on my back. But Dante’s there, helping me up. Jimmy snarls something in a language that’s all guttural growls and whatever attacked me makes a whining noise and retreats.

  I don’t know how long we’re in there, but Jimmy suddenly stops dead in front of me and I have to take a step sideways so as not to run into his back. He exhales and the light from the small orbs intensifies.

  The beast, monster or whatever, that brought Jimmy up short pads into the light and I scrabble back against Dante, because things like that should really not exist.

  ‘Chimera,’ I gasp and Dante holds me tight. Aiden’s on my other side, surprisingly silent and possibly in awe of the sheer size of the creature bearing down on us.

  ‘No,’ Jimmy says, and frowns at the creature. ‘It’s a kirin.’

  Jimmy keeps a hand on my arm as he speaks to it. His voice is lilting and it sounds like he’s placating the creature. I have no idea what language he’s speaking but it sounds almost Japanese. I watch as wide intelligent eyes track my movements and I try not to fidget against Dante’s hold on me. Those eyes rake me over and then track the arm wrapped around me, to find Dante. When the kirin’s gaze comes to rest on Dante, I swear I see a flash of recognition there for a second.

  The kirin is beautiful, a part of me admits. It’s massive – part ox, part something with multi-coloured fur. Its feet are clawed like a lion’s and it has two huge, backward-sweeping horns growing from its head. Its eyes are a rich honey gold framed by curling dark lashes. And currently those eyes are staring hungrily at Dante.

  It rumbles something low and throaty and I reach for my missing sword but Jimmy’s hand on mine stops me.

  ‘No. It’s here to
protect your friend. The kirin thought you were putting the kami in danger and came to help.’

  ‘I. What?’ I stare at Dante as he moves out from behind me.

  The kirin takes a step back and I tense because the muscles in its shoulders bunch in a way that means either fight or flight. But Dante seems oblivious to the danger and stops just before the creature. And even with Dante topping six foot, he only reaches the beast’s enormous chest. It peers down at him from its great height and for a second there is utter silence in this weird place between the worlds. Then the kirin somehow folds itself into a graceful sign of obeisance towards Dante, one clawed hoof extended, head lowered.

  Dante looks unnerved by the bowing creature but sinks down before it, placing two hands on either side of its huge head. He says something soft and steady and the beast snorts and shakes its head in response, sending the ruff of fur around its neck rippling. Then the kirin moves backwards, and when it’s swallowed by the darkness once more, Dante says, ‘Let’s go.’

  ‘What just happened? Because I’m pretty sure that doesn’t happen every day.’ Aiden stares into the darkness, then at Dante, who looks a little shellshocked by the encounter.

  ‘And running for your life through the shadowlands created by a magical barrier does?’ Jimmy quips, and I wheeze a laugh because he’s spot on.

  ‘I’ll tell you guys afterwards. Let’s just get you home.’

  Jimmy leads the way again and I can’t help but feel that there’s now a guardian in the darkness that keeps the other monsters from attacking. We’re not assaulted again and, by the time Jimmy stops, I’ve lost track of how long we’ve been in here.

  He wastes no time in taking a set of keys from his pockets. He flips through them before choosing a seemingly random key. He closes his eyes and exhales before sliding it into a lock that suddenly forms around the key’s teeth. Then a door appears and he pulls it open.

  ‘Get moving,’ he says. ‘We don’t have much time.’

  Aiden pats his shoulder in thanks as he squeezes through. Dante follows with a brief ‘Thanks’ and as I go to move past him, handing back the ball of light, Jimmy stops me.

  ‘Kit, what are you doing running around with a kami? They hardly ever leave their homelands.’ His voice drops very low. ‘Do you know who that kid is?’

  ‘A friend, a good friend.’ At his thoughtful expression, I lift a chin in question. ‘You got a problem?’

  Jimmy’s eyes seem to glow in the darkness as he leans against the door. ‘Do you know the kirin only appear at the death or emergence of a new ruler or sage? And they’re like unicorns in their rarity – except they’re even more scarce.’

  ‘Unicorns are real?’

  ‘Kit.’

  ‘I’m sorry. But unicorns?’ I grin up at him and press a kiss to his cheek. ‘Thanks for this, Jimmy. You’re a real pal. I’ll tell Dante he’s destined to become the next ruler of Xanadu or something. I’m sure he’ll be impressed.’

  ‘Never joke about shit like this, Kit. You don’t know who’s listening.’ But his tone is teasing and he grins as he starts pushing the door shut. ‘Tell Megan I say hi when you see her later. She needs some rest. She looks tired.’

  Chapter Forty-One

  The Otherwhere, Alba, the Citadel

  ‘How sure are we that this is authentic?’ Aelfric watched as Oswald examined the papers Feran had brought him once more, reading over the prophecy it revealed.

  ‘Pretty sure, my liege. My man wouldn’t have brought this to my attention if he thought it was a fake.’

  Aelfric sighed. ‘The day my lady wife told me she was pregnant with yet another boy, I knew he would be more trouble than he was worth. The fabled seventh son of the seventh son. I considered arranging for an accident to happen, thought about it for months. It would have been so easy, Oswald, so very easy. No one would have been any the wiser – but then my brother Eadric started bothering me with these stories about the Elder Gods and prophecies. I thought, perhaps I should let this run its course. See what comes of it, maybe there would be a way to work this to my advantage. And now look where we are.’ He gestured grandly. ‘My son, the bane of my existence, has become the guardian of the worlds. And yet he plays in the mud with a little human girl. He defies me at every turn. And his mother? She gathers with her Stormborn and has meetings with heads of state from across the Otherwhere – all under the guise of the upcoming Midwinter Ball. Does she think I’m stupid, Oswald?’

  Oswald blinked at his king’s question. ‘No, I’m sure she’s aware of your intelligence, sire.’

  ‘Then why does she think talking insurrection and treason behind my back will go unnoticed?’

  ‘I’m sure that is not the case, sire. The queen has ever been your greatest supporter in all things.’

  Aelfric snorted and stood up. ‘Once, perhaps. But no longer. She has her own spies, Oswald. She suspects something.’

  ‘We have been very careful, your majesty. No one but your closest circle knows of our plans. And Zane, sire, he is happy to do whatever you wish of him. He is your most loyal supporter and wants humans back where they belong – cowering under the might of the Sidhe.’

  ‘So he assures me every time we meet up. Tell me, Oswald. This prophecy you’ve brought me here. What if it is real? What if Eadric’s kami spawn is indeed the vessel that can hold the Elder Gods’ power?’

  ‘Then I suggest we keep him alive, sire. I suggest we hunt him down and take him to the island. We already control the lake and surrounding area and no one would tell any tales of extra movements. Once we’ve performed the ritual to recall the Elder Gods, we bind them with the goddess and strip them of their combined powers. The boy can easily be manipulated into taking on their power. No one can stand the crush of that much magic, sire, and his mind would be yours. At your bidding he’d be able to tear the Veil entire and you would be able to send your amassed forces into the human world …’ Oswald’s voice hitched as he contemplated the wholesale destruction. ‘The human world would once more be one with the Otherwhere. And a new age will dawn for the Sidhe.’

  Aelfric smiled. ‘You think it would be an easy victory?’

  ‘With the help of the Glow, sire. Its spread is unprecedented and demand has tripled. Merrick’s altered the compound and it’s far more potent in its current form. Humanity never stood a chance against a drug this powerful. Those who withstand the drug may fight back. Humans are resilient and their weaponry would kill a great many of us, but with the Veil demolished, and with magic coursing through the Frontier once more, their weapons and technology would become next to useless.’

  Aelfric considered Oswald’s words. He’d known the boy all his life, had chosen him specifically for the role as his left-hand man. Very few people had met Oswald and knew the extent of his reach – Aelfric preferred it this way. As did Oswald. Oswald had a fast mind but sometimes his zeal and steadfast belief in Aelfric’s numerous plans surprised even the High King.

  ‘Very well. Change of plan.’ Aelfric turned from the window where he stood regarding the vast forest. ‘Bring me my nephew. Unharmed, if you can. Or rather, on the right side of alive. Let’s see if this boy is really the one who will bring about all we desire.’

  ‘How soon?’

  ‘I’m surprised you’re still here, to be honest.’

  Oswald hid a smile at the petulant tone and quickly bowed himself out of the private chambers; exiting the Citadel via its labyrinthine secret tunnels.

  Chapter Forty-Two

  It’s been two hours since we arrived back to find everyone crowded into the Garrett mansion. It’s a huge shock to the system being surrounded by this many people, after the house has been quiet for some weeks, and to be hugged so much. Particularly by Megan.

  I slip into the study where Andrew’s been talking to Dante and listen to him question Dante about his upbringing, what he remembers about growing up and how he came to join the Spooks. Dante shows Uncle Andrew the ring he’d shown me during his fe
ver and Andrew stops his pacing. He takes the box from Dante but doesn’t touch the ring.

  ‘They found this ring with you?’

  ‘Yes. The brothers at the monastery kept it for me until I was sent to live with my foster parents.’

  ‘The monastery you grew up in, was there anything strange about it?’

  ‘Yes.’ Dante grins. ‘They kept awful hours and I think the only time I managed to get a full night’s sleep was when I moved away.’

  Andrew chuckles at that and hands the box back to him. ‘This ring is not a common trinket, that’s for sure. It’s either a very clever fake or this is indeed Eadric’s ring. I’ve never seen it myself, but all the sons of Alba carry the ring of their forefathers.’

  ‘What’s inscribed on Aelfric’s ring?’ I ask from where I’m stretched out on the couch by the window. ‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen it.’

  ‘A griffin.’ Andrew frowns at me as if he’s just spotted me for the first time.

  Before he can shout at me for asking dumb questions, I hold up a hand. ‘You said you wanted to see me. I thought I’d wait in here until you were done because Megan was trying to strangle me, she was holding on so tight.’

  I sit up and smile at him, glancing at Dante, who looks far more relaxed than I thought he’d be under the weight of Andrew’s interrogation.

  ‘I think we’re done here. I don’t think Andrew believes I’ve set you guys up in some way.’

  ‘You really thought that of Dante?’

  Andrew shrugs. ‘I had to make sure for myself.’

  I want to argue but Dante says, ‘He’s right, Kit. This could be bad for your family. If Aelfric chooses to see me as a threat, because of who my father was and what he did …’

  ‘It’s a possibility, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. My wife is currently working through some of the law books we keep in storage with Letitia at the fort. We’ll find a way to introduce you to Alba in the least dramatic way possible.’