“That's so romantic,” I said. It was hard to believe William would be capable of such a grand and public gesture, when he was always so quiet and introverted. It shed new light on the man and made me like him all the more for his loving gesture.
“William is a very romantic man,” Gwynn agreed. “And I'm so grateful for him, even more so after what happened in Sfantu Drâghici.” Her calm demeanor crumpled and she dropped her head into her hands.
We lulled into a painful silence as I wrapped my arms around Gwynn, holding her as she trembled uncontrollably. The other women gravitated closer, until we were touching and comforting one another. In that moment, surrounded by shell-shocked and traumatized friends, I silently promised myself the Drâghici would pay for what they'd done. They'd forfeited any chance of mercy when they tortured the Tines.
Within seconds the men joined us, having heard the ruckus from wherever they'd disappeared to. They formed a barrier around us and one by one, the men drew their women into their arms. When Lucas held his arms out to me, I didn't hesitate, willingly allowing him to draw me into his strength and hold me tight. Even Epi wrapped an arm around Nonny, as she and I sobbed, the only two with the ability to cry. It was a cathartic release for us and I wondered how the women would find their own release. They were unable to cry, unable to sob away their frustration and pain. It was a relief to see them held in the arms of their men and in turn, the men whispering soothingly to them. I hoped their support would get the women through this.
I slipped away as soon as I could, joining Nonny and Epi in the kitchen. I didn't belong out there with my friends, not when they were sharing a common horror which I'd had no part in. But I was determined they would never be in that position again.
Epi patted my shoulder awkwardly. “I think you should go back to bed for the day, child. There is too much emotional turmoil for you to deal with right now.”
My eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Are you kidding me? You're really giving me the whole day off? For real?”
“You need to regain your strength. The tonic is helping, but you will need more sleep than you've had recently. With Conal back in Natchez, there's no point in training today. Besides, we hardly have the room right now.”
Nonny handed me a mug of hot coffee. “I agree with Epimetheus, mi ángel. You have had a traumatic time of late, you should rest… right now.”
It wasn't the way she'd intended to finish the sentence, but I could guess what she'd originally planned to say – while I still had the chance. The Drâghici would be furious – not only had I escaped their clutches, but I'd stolen the Tines from right under their noses. Now that I was twenty one, I was of no further use to them. I'd gone from being a potential kidnapping victim to a potential murder victim in the space of twenty four hours. I smiled tiredly. “Cool. I'm not going to argue with you.”
“Go back outside, child. The room is still waiting there for you.”
Chapter 10: Enchantments Broken
It took a long time to settle after I walked back out to the room Epi created. While I was worried about my friends, I couldn't help them the way they could by rallying around each other. After five months apart, it would take more than a few days to regain the relationship I'd had with them. The break-up of my relationship with Lucas and subsequent relationship with Conal would no doubt further complicate matters.
Lying back on the bed, I spent some time speaking to the spirits, then listened to their gentle murmurs as they soothed me into a deep sleep.
Standing on the plush red carpet of the Drâghici throne room, I faced the dais where the seven elaborate thrones had stood. They'd been destroyed when the wall and door were demolished behind them, fractured pieces scattered over the dais. An army of vampires were cleaning up after the mini earthquake which battered their stronghold as we escaped. Some were dragging their dead across the floor, the bodies limp, dragging flaccidly across the marble.
A narrow wooden table had been placed near the dais and Archangelo was lying on it, arms hanging limply at his sides. I walked towards the table cautiously, wondering if they could see me. I knew this was a nightmare, but it was so realistic I suspected one of the vampires would look up at any second and confront me. My heart hammered as I stared down at Archangelo. His dark curls glistened under the lights, his features relaxed and peaceful. His eyes were closed and he seemed to be… asleep. I couldn't understand why he would be sleeping – he was vampire. Was he regenerating from the wound I'd inflicted?
“It has taken effort, but I've discovered a draught which will put him into a sleep-like state. I don't recommend excessive use – it's a powerful potion and might kill him if administered too often.”
The speaker was a tall man who stood beside Odin, Arawn and a woman I recognized from our photos as Bellona, head of Drâghici Security. He was painfully thin, wearing a floor length cloak of pale grey which shimmered under the lights. He drew the hood back from his head, revealing a skeletal face. He appeared to be human, his skin marked with the wrinkles of an endless life. Clean shaven, a long jagged scar marred one cheek and his brown eyes were shadowed by dark circles.
“It's about time you overcame this problem. Perhaps now he'll give us useful information,” Odin announced, watching Archangelo expectantly. “How long will he remain in the sleep?”
“It is difficult to say.” Bran paused solicitously, peering at Odin discreetly. “If he'd been given longer to mature before he was turned…”
“Yes, yes. You've made your opinion clear time and again, Bran. If he'd been created later, he may have developed the ability to see events during his sleep. As I have told you repeatedly, he had to be created before he developed a full comprehension of his ability and became worthless to us. Whilst he remained human, there was a possibility of him developing the same ridiculous sense of morality that the girl has,” Odin sneered.
“I'm certain you're decision was the right one,” the grey clocked man agreed, bowing solemnly towards Odin. “I never meant to suggest otherwise. Forgive me.”
“Of course, my friend. My temper is short after what that bitch did to our stronghold.” Odin glanced around the room angrily. “She will pay for her treachery and she is useless to us now.” He shook his head, then returned his attention to Archangelo. “You believe this sleep-like state will give him the ability to observe her?”
“Yes, Odin. He will dream as she does, see her actions and be able to pinpoint her location. Then you will be able to proceed with your plan.”
“Wonderful.” Odin turned his attention to Arawn and Bellona. “You see? Our plan is not in disarray, it merely requires some fine tuning. We will discover where the girl is and she will be eliminated.”
“If you had allowed me to attend the meeting with the girl, she would already be eliminated,” Bellona retorted snidely.
Odin narrowed his eyes at the dark skinned woman, but didn't respond to her taunt. Bellona's eyes widened, her gaze fixed on Odin and she shivered delicately. “Odin, do not use your mind tricks on me,” she demanded from between gritted teeth.
“Do not propose to tell me what I should and shouldn't do,” Odin retorted angrily. “You will recall who is in charge here.” For a moment he continued to glare at the woman and then blinked slowly.
Bellona wavered on her feet for a second or two before drawing herself back under control. There was a sheen of perspiration on her dark brow when she lowered her gaze. “Yes, Odin.” Her clenched fists suggested it was difficult for her to remain silent.
“We will discover where the girl is and eliminate her.” Odin glanced at Archangelo and patted his head as though he were a beloved pet. “She was eminently unsuitable for Archangelo, would never have agreed to mate with him to create the hybrids. We will continue to search for another.”
The gray-cloaked man cleared his throat. “Odin, there is no indication of another Angel. My studies suggest there are only two, one man and one woman.”
“As you've told me before, my frie
nd – your research has not left you with perfect knowledge of the mythology. There are any number of areas where the records of Nememiah's Children have been lost to history, so there is no reason to believe your knowledge is complete.”
“But Odin…”
Odin shook his head stubbornly, adjusting the cravat at his neck. “There will be another female. It is a requirement for our plan and I will not hear further nonsense regarding there only being two. Your knowledge is undoubtedly flawed.”
The grey-cloaked man opened his mouth to respond, but then paused, smoothing all traces of annoyance from his wizened face. “My knowledge would have been far more complete if not for the Warlock Vander,” he announced. “If he had shared the information he'd collected in its entirety…”
“No matter.” Odin waved his hand languidly, cutting of further discussion. “Our plans will continue regardless. I will not have all our carefully laid strategies waylaid by one stupid girl and her friends. Look! He stirs!”
They leaned forward expectantly, watching as Archangelo slowly opened his eyes. He was still wearing the shirt he'd worn during the attack, stained with blood from the Philaris slashing into his chest.
Archangelo drew himself into a sitting position, swinging his muscular legs off the table.
“What have you learned?” the gray-cloaked man questioned impatiently.
“She's hiding in an old church in Jackson, Mississippi. I have the location. The vampires she stole are with her. The church is warded, but the protections can be easily removed.” He rubbed his knuckles over his eyes, a human trait which seemed at odds with what I knew him to be.
“Excellent news, Archangelo! Excellent news!” Odin announced triumphantly. He turned towards the grey-cloaked man. “You and Archangelo will direct the attack on the church. Get rid of the enchantments and kill them all.” Turning to Bellona he smiled viciously. “Bellona, you will have your opportunity. Archangelo will assist you in sending younglings to attack the Lingard and Tremaine packs. We have your excellent tactical skills to thank for the locations of their encampments. Kill them all. No survivors. The bitch and her friends cannot live.”
“You told me I would get the girl,” Archangelo muttered mutinously.
“My dear boy, you can have any girl you want. But not this one.” He waved a dismissive hand. “Now go, and do my bidding.”
“There are purebloods in the werewolf encampment,” Arawn mentioned quietly.
Odin tossed him a contemptuous look. “They are aligned with the bitch. They won't conform to our new system of governing.” He shook his head determinedly. “No, Arawn. I will not allow this. You will have plenty of other flesh to torture before we complete our goal. Besides, what is the loss of a few more dogs?”
Arawn grinned, bright blue eyes crazed. “No loss at all. But I will mourn the loss of a chance to tap that green-eyed bitch.”
Odin chuckled mirthlessly. “You did more than enough with her friends, Arawn.”
“But I didn't get to kill them,” Arawn pouted.
“There will be other opportunities for you to kill and maim in the upcoming months, Arawn. You're desires for torture will be sated, I assure you…”
With a shriek, I snapped open my eyes, clutching my hands to my temples, trying to quell the acute pain as dozens of voices screamed warnings. I was drenched in sweat, my body trembling from head to toe. Curling into a fetal position, I battled to regain control over the spirits, fighting down panic. What had I just witnessed? Was it real? Or had it been a particularly realistic nightmare? The ear-piercing babble of the spirits convinced me it was real and I slipped from the bed, scrambling to find my clothes and slipping them on hurriedly.
An immense clap of thunder reverberated overhead, the sound rolling and echoing through the room. The ground vibrated beneath my feet, as if the earth was shifting and rippling. I crept across the darkened room, opening the door an inch to peek outside. The sky was sooty black, as if every star in the heavens had been abruptly snuffed out. There was no moonlight visible and despite knowing the church was directly in front of me, I couldn't see a thing in the impenetrable darkness. Reaching for the Hjördis, I cursed when I remembered I'd left it inside. Stupid, Charlotte, really stupid.
I risked a second peek through the door and saw a red glow overhead, which cast eerie shadows across the church grounds, but at least it provided a little light. A little light to make out the numerous bodies creeping around beyond the gates. My heart plunged. They were attempting to leap the fence, but I assumed Epi's enchantments were holding them back. It was hard to believe what I was seeing, I'd been so convinced Epi's magic would keep us safe here – now we were under attack.
The ground rumbled ominously beneath my feet and a patch of dirt erupted near the gate, soil exploding upwards. A distinct smell of sulfur wafted across the cemetery, which from experience could only mean one thing. Standing frozen in the doorway, I watched in disbelief as a demon formed in the church grounds, followed by a second and then a third. They pointed in unison towards the reddened sky and I made the split-second decision to make a run for the church. It was now or never.
Wrenching open the door, I didn't bother trying to be stealthy. I had to get back to the church as rapidly as possible, before the demons cut off access to the building. My bare feet crunched over the dry grass as I sprinted towards the front doors, my mouth dry and heart pounding with terror.
Another thunderous roar erupted, loud enough that I stopped in my tracks, covering my ears to protect them. The sound converged with a tumultuous crash of shattering glass and I clapped a hand over my mouth to stop a scream which threatened to erupt. The sky appeared to be crumpling and falling to the ground. Massive pieces struck the ground and showered over my head and I realized it was glass – shards the size of windows descending like deadly missiles.
And I had another massive problem - besides the vampires outside the gate and demons in the churchyard – I wasn't wearing shoes.
The vampires were streaming across the fence, vaulting it easily, their eyes crazed beneath the muted red light. It took a few valuable seconds to understand what was happening – Epi's enchantments had been destroyed and were collapsing all around me. We were in serious trouble. The first three demons had been joined by two others and they were shuffling enmasse towards the church. I had about thirty feet to cover - thirty feet covered with splinters of broken glass. Taking a steadying breath, I called on the spirits for assistance, pitching waves of energy towards the vampires in an attempt to keep them back. I dashed towards the church with a mix of satisfaction when the first group of vampires were flung back towards the gates - and agony as broken glass sliced into the soles of my bare feet.
I wrenched open the heavy door, nearly colliding with Nick and Rafe on the other side. I slammed the door shut and twisted the heavy locks with trembling fingers.
“What the hell's going on?” Nick demanded.
I shoved by him, skidding as blood poured from my gashed feet. “Big trouble. Really big trouble.” My feet were throbbing, my head pounding from the roar of voices in my mind. I longed to take a few seconds to inform the spirits that I knew we had a damn problem, but merely shook my head to try and clear a cohesive thought pattern through the cacophony of sound. “Get something to put across the door,” I yelled back to Nick.
“What's wrong, child?” Epi studied me calmly, while Lucas and the Tines gathered around, their expressions anxious.
“Like they say in the movies, our shields are down. We're being attacked,” I announced grimly. I glanced towards the Tines and grimaced. “You might want to start holding your breath – I'm bleeding all over the floor.” I rushed past them, snatching up the Hjördis from the table and heading towards the altar. “And help Nick reinforce the door!”
“No matter, I can deal with that,” Epi responded brightly. He waved his hand towards the doors and they wavered, morphing into a wall of solid rock.
“Nice one, Epi, but it won't keep th
em out for long.”
I concentrated on the wall and waited impatiently for the stone block to fade away. Reaching inside the opening, I snatched up the satchel of weapons and wrenched it open, slipping the belt around my waist. Loading Katchet and Philaris onto the belt, I tried in vain to ignore the throbbing in my feet.
“What's out there?” Lucas demanded quietly.
“At least three dozen younglings and five demons – at last count.” I ran my fingers over my left foot, gingerly pulling pieces of glass from the wounds. Lucas's nostrils flared and he shuddered, closing his eyes tightly. “Didn't I tell you not to breathe?” I demanded.
“I can't speak if I don't breathe,” he reminded me gruffly. He straightened up, gritting his teeth.
“Good point.” Turning my attention to my right foot, I repeated the same procedure.
“Charlotte, what can we do to help?” Ben asked. His concern was etched in his face as he glanced at Rowena. “None of us are strong enough to fight yet.”
Rubbing cautiously across my feet, I confirmed they were glass free before drawing healing sigils on each foot in turn. The skin knitted together instantaneously and I breathed a silent thanks to Epi for the vile concoction he'd made me drink. Standing up cautiously, I was happy to discover my feet felt okay. “We can't fight, there are too many of them. We've got to get out of here.”
Knowledge Hurts Page 9