Bounty: An Urban Fantasy Novel (The Solumancer Cycle Book 3)
Page 27
“I doubt getting it back will keep her from taking her revenge on me, but I appreciate the assistance.”
“You are fortunate Malanx and her armies retreated to the underworld when she promised, or I fear Elona’s wrath would’ve been more severe. I believe she’s gained a new respect for your wizardly powers, given your apparent command over the forces of the outer realms. We are glad to assist you, yet I don’t think you’ve anything to worry about with her.”
“Even so, I’m going away for a while. I’m leaving you in capable hands, though.”
“The other wizard,” says Felix.
“Arden Savage. He’s every bit as capable as I am. I think you’ll be pleased with his services.”
“I’ve been looking forward to seeing him again. Our previous meetings have been too brief.”
“I would’ve brought him tonight, but he was busy. Wizard stuff. He’s looking forward to the same.” I rise and slip the book under my arm.
“Where will you go?”
“Ah, but that’s the trick, isn’t it? If I tell you, you’ll know. Maybe I’ll be back someday, but I doubt it. For what it’s worth, I think I’m better off in another city, far away from here.”
“I would sooner see you stay,” says Moira. “There is much to be gained from a strong alliance. For all of us.”
“I’m sure Arden will be grateful for the benefits thereto. Enjoy your evening.”
The pendant goes over my head as soon as I’m back in the car. I unlock my phone and scroll down to Paige Tarpley’s number before checking the time. It’s late; too late to call her now. I’ve been waffling back and forth about it. I want to, but I haven’t worked up the nerve.
Sliding the phone into my pocket, I drive to my next and final destination for the night, a jazz club in the West Village called Chaser’s. I park and walk around back, where a brick alley divides the club from the all-you-can-eat buffet behind it. Steam rises from a manhole cover, wreathing the alley in white. A figure stands in the fog, tall and straight-backed, two noticeable humps pulling at the fabric of his jacket behind the shoulders.
“You the guy?” he asks.
“I’m him.”
“You’re looking for a star.”
I nod. “Laan Takkanopoulis, stellar designation Gamma Hegemii.”
“I’ll find it.”
“Damn right you will. You’re going to get me that goddamned star, or I’m going to send you to it.”
“Hey, no reason to get prickly, eh? You want the star, it’s gonna cost you.”
“I pay when I see results. I’m here to make sure you’re the right guy for the job.”
He steps out of the fog and removes his jacket. His face is twisted and scarred, his wings frayed. There’s a strength to him, though. If any angelic being can make the flight to Quim’s mother’s star, he can.
“Find it. Call me at this number when you do.” I hand him my business card.
He looks it over. “Bounty hunter.”
“So what if I am?”
“That’s badass, man.”
“I’m not the one who can fly through outer space.”
“Don’t call it space. It’s the heavens.”
“Whatever you say. You gonna do this, or aren’t you?”
He frowns at me, spreads his wings, and shoots off the ground like a bottle rocket on jet fuel, disappearing into the starry night sky. This time I’m going to tell Quim what I’ve done.
Maybe.
My name is Arden Savage. I used to have another name, but not anymore. I don’t need a name to tell me what I should be. I don’t need a heritage to walk my own path. We are what we do, not who our fathers were. And if my father could see me now, I think he’d understand.
Afterword
I hope you’ve enjoyed Bounty, Book Three in the Solumancer Cycle. If you did, please leave a review to let me and other readers know what you thought. Sign up for my Readers’ Group if you’d like to receive advance copies of my future books and other exclusives. Thanks for reading!