by Nesa Miller
Swee left the hubbub for a less controversial evening in the kitchen. Robert walked in just as she tucked away some dishes. “Oh, Robert. Hello. How are things in Alamir central?”
“Busy.” He sat on the edge of a barstool. “They’re still at it.”
“We haven’t seen this much activity in some time.”
“Are the Bok that much of a threat?”
“We wouldn’t be Alamir if they weren’t.” Finished with the dishes, she gave him her full attention.
Robert fidgeted beneath her brown-eyed stare, checking his shirt. “What is it? Have I dribbled something down my front?”
That made her smile. “No. You’re perfect.” She felt her cheeks blaze red, realizing what she had said. “I mean… You’re fine.” She sat on an offered stool. “It’s just, well… I know this is going to sound nuts, but you seem familiar. We haven’t met before, have we?”
“If we have, it must have been in a dream.”
She laughed. “I’ll have to pay closer attention next time I go to sleep.”
“Are you a believer of dreams, Swee?”
“Not usually, but if we met in one, perhaps I should.” She sighed, happy with the easy progression of the evening. “What’s your story, Robert? Etain never talked about her family.”
“Living my life. My business keeps me out of Alamir intrigues.”
Maybe it’s his smile. No. His eyes. Heck, maybe it’s both.
“How do you do that?” Swee joked.
I swear we’ve met before.
Robert laughed. “Lucky, I guess.”
She leaned on the countertop, chin propped on her hand. “What is your business?”
“I own an apothecary in Deudraeth, a small town north of here.”
“Your own apothecary?” she asked, feeling a bit envious. Visions of Swee’s Apothecary added a dreamy quality to her voice. “If I had my own shop, I’d spend hours mixing potions and concocting new spells.”
“When I’m not traveling, sometimes I dabble, but I’ve been very busy as of late. My assistant, Piran, has been a godsend.”
“You have an assistant, too?”
“He runs the shop, which allows me the freedom to do research and develop new resources. Customer demand keeps me on the go.”
“Are most of your customers Alamir?”
A sly grin spread across his face as he wagged his index finger. “Non, non, mon petit. The secret of my success rests on two principles - resourcefulness and discretion. My resourcefulness brings in an array of clients, but discretion keeps me alive. I don’t discuss my clients. However…” He came to his feet, “I do encourage that they talk about me at every possible opportunity.” Swee’s laugh ended with a yawn. “Forgive me, milady. In all the excitement of finding a kindred spirit, I forgot how hard you’ve worked today. You should get to bed.” He offered her a hand. “May I escort you to your room?”
“Don’t apologize. I’ve enjoyed our conversation. With Spirit gone, I’ve no one to share my passion with.” Her arm linked with his. “I am rather tired, though.” They shared an awkward laugh as they walked out of the kitchen and up the stairs.
At her bedroom door, Robert placed a light kiss on the top of her hand. “Good night, fair lady. Until the morning.”
She curtsied in return. “Thank you, good sir. Till the morning then.”
Swee was up early the next morning, getting her usual chores out of the way so she could spend time with Etain and, hopefully, her handsome brother. Noting the lateness of the day, she ventured upstairs and tapped on Etain’s door. Receiving no answer, she tapped again, slowly opening the door. “Etain?” The covers were tousled, the corner of a silken sheet casually draped over a leather-clad derriere. “Why’re you dressed like that?”
Curious, she came into the room. A teacup on the bedside table caught her eye. What’s this? She picked it up and sniffed the liquid. “Root of asphodel…” She dipped in a finger, then brought it to her lips. “With a wormwood infusion. Where would you get a concoction like this?” She returned the cup to the table and shook the sleeping girl. “Etain, you must wake up now. It's afternoon.” Not getting a response, she shook her a little harder. “Etain. Spirit should be home soon. Come on. Wake up.”
The girl still didn’t respond. Suddenly nervous, Swee pushed her onto her back and leaned into her face, listening. Blowing out a breath when she heard her breathing, Swee grabbed her by both arms and gave her one more inspired shake. “Etain!”
Etain mumbled a few incoherent words, her head lolling on her shoulders.
“Get up and talk to me. It’s a beautiful day.”
Etain peeked out from heavy lids and dragged herself up, leaning against the headboard. “What time is it?” Her words dissolved into a cough.
Swee sighed, relieved that she was awake and coherent. “Let me get you some water.” She hurried into the bathroom, returning with a glass. “Drink it slowly.”
Etain sipped. “I must’ve drunk more than I thought. My head feels like a brick.” She placed the glass next to the teacup.
“It wasn't the amount you drank, hon. It was that.” Swee pointed to the cup. “Where did it come from?”
“What? I don't know. It was there when I went to bed last night. What is it?”
“Draught of the Living Dead,” she said, picking up the cup for another sniff, wrinkling her nose. “Not your run-of-the-mill sleeping potion.”
“It sounds familiar.” Etain slumped over onto her side. “My whole body feels like a lead brick.”
“I have something I can mix up for you.” Swee pulled her into a sitting position. “You need to stay awake, Etain. Maybe a bite to eat will help, too.”
“Oh, breakfast. Aye.” Her head jerked up and down in a nod. “Now that you mention food…” She licked her lips, “I'm starving.”
“That's a good sign.” Swee took her by the arm, coaxing her off the bed. “I need to see you on your feet, though.” Etain wobbled but was able to stand on her own. “Splash water on your face and change your clothes.”
Etain looked down at her outfit, then looked at Swee, giving her a sheepish grin. “Oh. Well…”
Swee snatched the cup from the nightstand. “We can chat while you eat. Be right back.” Just before she stepped out the door, she said, “The clothes I laid out for you last night are in the wardrobe. I don't know where you found that killer red dress you wore, but you made an impression on our guests. If they didn’t know you before, they sure know you now.”
Etain blinked at her. “It was on the bed.”
“I laid out a pair of black leather pants, a white shirt, and your boots.” Swee shrugged. “Be back in a bit. Keep moving.”
“Mystery of the red dress…,” Etain mused, sinking back into the covers. “Five more minutes.”
Her mind drifted to the events of the previous night, particularly Jackie P. She’d not had contact with anyone from her old life since coming to the Alamir. It felt strange. It felt good. Jackie was one of the good ones.
After saving Caroline and her family, Etain had returned to the bar, finding it alive and kicking. Dressed in black leathers, she blended in, just another metal fan. She inched her way through the crowd to the bar, relieved to find Jackie tending.
Catching her eye, Jackie motioned to one of the barmaids, chatting with her for a few moments, then grabbed a bottle of tequila and two glasses. “Come with me.”
Etain followed her toward the back. Unlocking the door, Jackie led her into a small but efficient office. The desk to one side spoke of the business side, while the two-seater sofa, looking quite comfortable, and two easy chairs, showed another side of the entertainment business. It was quieter in here, but she still felt the thump of the music.
Jackie sat on the sofa, placing the glasses and tequila on the glass coffee table. “Have a seat,” she said, patting the spot next to her. “Tell me how it is that James Rhys’ daughter came to be an Alamir.” Popping the cork on the bottle, she poured out
two golden shots.
Etain hesitated, still standing at the closed door. “You make it sound like a bad thing.”
Jackie shrugged. “Can be. I’m sure you know the score by now.”
“Yeah…” She ran a hand through her hair, looking around the office. “I totally know.”
“Come on. Join me.” Jackie offered her a shot.
It helped soften the edge…a bit. After three more, the edge was well off.
“I guess you heard about mom and dad?”
“I heard they had disappeared, along with you and your brother. No details were ever given. I thought James had finally…” She shrugged again. “Seeing you with those Alamir… It tells me things didn’t go according to plan.”
“What plan?” Etain ventured closer and sat down next to her.
“Things had gotten too heavy, even for James. He wanted to get out of the…” She hesitated. “Well, er, the consulting business.”
Etain shook her head. “He didn’t have a chance.” Her gaze came up to meet Jackie’s. “They were assassinated.”
Jackie teared up. “Oh my god.” She leaned forward, taking Etain into her arms. “I’m so sorry, baby girl. Since I never heard anything, I’d hoped for the best.”
The women held each other, sharing their tears. Jackie pulled back, walked over to the desk, and grabbed a box of tissues. Coming back to the sofa, she placed them on the table. For Etain, the years fell away as she told of the night she lost her family, and of her initiation into the Alamir. The fear of the unknown and the pain of loss engulfed her, reminding her of how alone she’d felt for so long.
“I can’t tell you how sorry I am, Ms. E.” Jackie popped a couple more tissues out and handed one to Etain. “James and Auri didn’t deserve… Well, none of you deserved it.” She blotted at her eyes and blew her nose. “You didn’t mention your brother. Where’s he in all this?”
Etain closed her eyes and lowered her head into her hands. “I thought he died that night too. But…”
“Please tell me he didn’t.” Jackie sounded hopeful.
“No,” she whispered, looking up. “He’s alive and well…and with the Alamir.”
“Etain, let’s get some of this tea down you. It’ll help.” Swee was shaking her awake.
“What?” One eye cracked open.
Swee poured a cup and handed it to her. “This will make sure you’re one hundred percent, then you’ll eat and change.”
“Tea?”
“It’s a special brew, so drink it all.”
Her eyes on the healer, Etain pushed up, leaning against the headboard, and opened the other eye. Taking the cup, she sipped the contents.
“Make sure you drink the whole cup. The sleeping potion was a heavy one.” Swee grabbed a tray, setting it in front of Etain. “Although it didn’t look like you drank much.”
“I didn’t drink any of it. It was cold by the time I came home.” She attempted a grin. “Iced tea it was not.”
Swee gave her a thoughtful look. “Did you and Robert go out last night after I went to bed?”
Etain closed her eyes. “No.”
“Did you ignore Inferno and go out on your own?”
Etain opened her eyes and finished the tea. “Something like that.”
“Well, as long as you’re back in one piece. I hope it was successful.”
“It was.” She tried a forkful of egg, then a bit of toast. “Oh, you know what? I know why the potion sounds familiar. They used it on Dar in Nunnehi.”
“I’ve known Dar a long time. I can’t imagine what he did to make them use that on him.” Swee chuckled.
“Trust me, it wasn’t pretty.” Etain enjoyed a few more bites but noticed a sad look suddenly come over the healer’s face. “Is there more news on last night’s raids?”
“Yes. FWH, .com, Dragon, and LAVA showed up at COL and helped pick through the rubble of what was once the east wall. There were some injuries, but no fatalities, thank goodness. Natas had a thorough search done, but aside from the wall, the only thing amiss was a door in the lower portion of the fortress.”
“Nothing too serious then. That’s good. Are the Ambassadors still here?”
Swee shook her head. “The last of them left about an hour ago. They were up well into the night, monitoring what came in. Some reported bombings, others sent reports of riots and general unrest. One clan claimed they were barely able to avoid the lynching of an important human dignitary and his family. The Haluci clan, the ones who showed up toward the end, said their ops were successful, albeit their target suffered injuries. The Ambassadors agreed it was imperative the full Council meet with the chieftains of every clan and make some hard decisions.”
“Damn.” Etain ran a hand through her hair. “You mentioned the Haluci clan. Who are they?”
Swee took the delicate hands in hers. “Etain…”
“Swee…” Etain gave her a curious look. “Are they that serious?”
She closed her eyes, cleared her throat, and tried again. “Etain, Wolfe and Elfin have returned.”
“Really?” She sat up straight, pulling her hands from Swee’s, running them through her hair. “Holy crap, I must look a mess.” Pushing the tray away, she rolled out the other side of the bed. Her feet hit the floor, but she no sooner stood than she was on her bottom.
“Etain! Are you okay?” Swee rushed to her side. “Here, let me help you. Please take it slow.”
Etain laughed, holding onto her arm as she stood. “I’m not good at the weakling thing.” Swee helped her take a few steps. “Thank you. I’m good now. I don’t know what’s in that tea you made, but it’s amazing.” Etain straightened her shirt and tried to smooth her hair with her hands. “Is he going to surprise me? Should I wait here and act like I don't know?” She giggled like a daft schoolgirl. “No, I should go downstairs. Save him the trouble.” She hurried to the door.
“Dar isn't with them.” Swee's words stopped her cold.
Her hand on the knob, her sharp intake of breath was the only sound in the room. “Did he stay in Nunnehi?”
“I don’t know.”
“Where are they?”
“Downstairs. They want to talk to you in private.”
Etain turned, walked across the room, and out onto the balcony. “Send them up.”
22
Golden Doors
Dar landed in the courtyard of the elven palace to find Alatariel waiting for him. “I hear you met our Zysha.”
“That woman has no concept of the word no,” he said. “Rie, I must go. My lady deserves an apology and to know I am well.”
“Yes, she does deserve your apology, but more importantly, she deserves a husband who is whole and of sound mind. You’ve been through so much, Dar, and you need time to heal. Etain knows you love her.”
“I’m fine, Rie. Being here has helped me immensely, but it’s time to get back to my wife. Before I leave… There was a woman in the tournament-”
“A wandering eye, sir?” Alatariel smiled.
Dar chuckled. “Not in that way. She wasn’t an elf.”
“The tournament is open to all races, you know that.”
“Aye, I’m aware of that, but this one… I literally ran into her when Etain was searching for a wedding gown. Even then, she seemed familiar to me. And she shows up here?”
The queen shrugged as she turned away. “I don’t know, Dar. Perhaps you should check with those in charge of the tournament. They would have a list.”
“Her name is Illiana.”
Alatariel stopped. “Apologies, High Lord…” She turned to face him. “The name doesn’t ring a bell.”
“Dar, there you are,” Elfin said, making an untimely appearance with Wolfe at his side.
“Congratulations, Elfin,” Dar said, giving him a warm handshake. “You fought well. Wolfe-”
“Zysha’s been singing your praises,” Wolfe said, cutting off whatever Dar intended to say. “And probably will for days.”
Dar rais
ed a brow. “Let her sing. We’re leaving.” Elfin and Wolfe looked at the queen and back at Dar. The High Lord clapped his hands. “Let’s move.”
Wolfe jumped, then bowed. “Glad to have met you, Your Highness. Nunnehi has been glorious.”
“Thank you for your generous hospitality, Majesty.” Elfin bowed.
“Such brave knights are always welcome in Nunnehi,” she said, watching them leave.
Alone with the queen, Dar gave her a stern eye. “Something is going on here, milady. Luckily for you, the desire to see my wife outweighs my curiosity.” A smile lit his face. “Thank you for all you have done for us, although I question your methods. The important thing is Midir is gone once and for all.”
“You are an extreme man, Dar, which sometimes calls for extreme measures. I would do it again in order to keep you safe.”
He chuckled hearing his own words recited back to him. “Sage advice, milady. I will keep that in mind.”
Alatariel held his hands in hers. “She loves you, Dar. Never take that love, or her, for granted. None of us knows the future.”
A momentary pang for a lost family pierced his heart. “Aye. Despite what has happened, I trust her above all others, and will not give up until she knows it.” He lifted her hands for a light kiss across the knuckles. “Be blessed, Your Grace. May the light be your guide and the dark nothing more than a moment to rest.”
She pulled him in for a warm hug. “Be blessed, High Lord. I love you like my own family. Please take care and come back soon with your lady.” With a kiss on his cheek, they parted.
Wolfe and Elfin’s return cut short any further conversation. “Ready to go, milord,” said Elfin.
“We picked up a few rations from the kitchen in case we get hungry,” Wolfe said, nodding at the pack slung over his shoulder.
“Good thinking, boys.” Dar noticed he was still wearing the pink gloves. “Alatariel, please tell the steward I will return these on my next visit.”
She laughed. “I doubt they’ll be missed, but I shall convey the message.”