The Emerald Dagger (Daradawn Book 2)

by Barbara Hodges

  He led her toward the light. Regan clenched her fists, but silently followed him.

  Regan stopped and stared. The cave widened into a large room. Metal-barred cages filled it, crammed so tightly together she could travel the room, from one cage top to another without ever touching the floor. Inside each cage was a chamber pot and sleeping pad.

  SheA crude fire-pit was dug into the cages' centers. Inside the cages were etain'daman, male and female, young and old. They stared at her with impassive faces, all except one. She recognized the female from their earlier meeting. Fierce hate radiated from every pore of this one's body. As their gazes met, the etain'daman sauntered close to the bars of the cage.

  "Ah, Hades," Dirkk said. "So eager you are to please."

  "The human female is to share my cage?" There was rich expectation in the question.

  Regan darted a look at Dirkk. Was this why she'd been brought here? Was his earlier promise of her being with Daniel a lie? The cage was larger than the others and its floor was covered with woven rugs. A screen hid the chamber pot, but Regan had no urge to share even these upscale accommodations.

  Dirkk snorted. "My queen in a cage? I think not."

  Hades wrapped her talon-tipped fingers around the bars. "Queen?" she growled.

  Dirkk gripped the dagger beneath his cloak. Hades doubled over with a moan and sank to her knees.

  "This is where you belong," Dirkk said, "on your knees before us."

  Hades crawled to a far corner and curled into a fetal position.

  "Come to me when I summon you," Dirkk ordered, turning away from her.

  Hades' head jerked up. Her eyes narrowed with hatred.

  She will gladly plant a knife in Dirkk's back if given the chance, Regan thought. There must be some way I can use that against him.

  She sought the etain'daman's gaze and smiled. We're in this together, she tried to tell the other silently, but Hades' eyes were filled with the same dark hatred for Regan.

  *****

  "Momma." Daniel and Maggie sprang from the bed and ran to her. She hugged her son as the basset hound huddled close with joy.

  "Enough," Dirkk snapped.

  "Daniel, take Maggie back," Regan said.

  The boy and the dog scrambled to the bed. Regan turned to stare at Dirkk.

  "You approve?" he asked.

  Regan glanced around the room. The walls were hung with tapestries, again depicting fairie kings and queens? Just how long has Dirkk been here?

  Soft rugs covered the floor. A large bed stood in the room's center. Red and gold coverings draped it. A freestanding screen painted with trees and wildflowers stood in a corner and next to it a small table with an urn and bowl.

  "It's very nice."

  "I wish you to join me for my evening meal," Dirkk said. "I will send you something to wear." He turned away, and then hesitated. "I will leave two fenris-ena outside your door, for your protection only, of course."

  "Protection?" Regan said.

  "Yes, my queen. Did you not see the hatred Hades feels for you?"

  Regan tightened her lips. "I saw."

  "Enough said."

  "Wait," Regan said. "What about Daniel? What will he eat? And Maggie?"

  "They will be seen to."

  "They eat first. Then I'll come. Not before."

  "Regan, you try my patience. Only so much will I do to please you."

  "It will be a much more pleasurable meal if I know my son is well cared for," she said.

  Dirkk turned to sweep a glance over her. "It will be as you request. I give you one hour, then I will send for you."

  The room didn't have a door. At each side of the entrance, she saw the shaggy backs and tails of the two wolf creatures. They lay, seemingly relaxed, but their raised twitching ears said otherwise.

  "Momma..."

  Regan raised her finger to her lips as she walked toward Daniel. Could Dirkk hear through the fenris-enas’ ears? She sat down on the bed and hugged her son close. Maggie nudged Regan's other hand, and she stroked the dog's head.

  Daniel's eyes were bright with tears. "I'm sorry, Momma. I didn't mean for this to happen.—"

  "It's all right, baby. I'm with you now."

  "I just didn't want to be a bother."

  Regan kissed the top of his head. "You're my baby. How could you ever be a bother?"

  "No," Daniel said. "I'm not your baby. Catherine's your baby."

  "Daniel, you'll always be my baby, you and Catherine, even when you're married and have babies of your own."

  He pulled away from her and his lips quivered. "Daddy? They did something, and took me."

  Regan hesitated. "Your father's at the castle with your sister, sleeping."

  Daniel buried his head in her lap. "I want to go home."

  She caressed the top of his head. "We will, son. We will."

  Maggie whined and pressed against both of them. "I know, Mags," Regan said.

  She heard a soft growl and looked toward the door.

  "I have permission," a voice snapped.

  The wolves whined and then parted.

  With downcast eyes, a portly figure waddled into the room. The glowing mage light glinted off his bald pate. A transparent gown of red silk hung over his arm.

  "I bring you your coronation gown, Queen Regan." The words were delivered with mocking meekness.

  Regan recognized the voice at once. "Hello, Thomas. It was too much to hope that you'd been an evening meal for buzzards, but I see your master has put your few talents to good use." She pointed at an end table. "You may place the gown over there. Please do not wrinkle it. I'm sure Dirkk will not like me mussed."

  She heard a quick intake of breath. Thomas lifted his head and stared into her eyes. His lips twisted in fury.

  She cocked an eyebrow. "Be quick about it. And then see to my son's and Maggie's dinners."

  He paled with anger, but walked to the table and draped the gown across it.

  "You're Healer Kerry," Daniel said. "I saw you talking to Patrick at Raya."

  "Healer Kerry?" Regan said. "You're Healer Kerry? The one Patrick speaks so highly of?"

  Thomas smiled. "I am he."

  She closed her eyes for a moment. He'd been right among them all this time. My God, he'd even been to Raya.

  Thomas pointed at the gown. "Perhaps a bauble to decorate it? Maybe a crystal?"

  She fought not to jump up and dig her nails into his eyes. "You may go."

  Thomas' lips thinned. "Enjoy your moment. He will tire of you, and then you'll just be another in the cages. I will have you then."

  Regan forced a laugh between stiff lips. "Get in line. I think his other little pet has already asked."

  In silence, Thomas turned and walked from the room.

  A wolf turned and stared at her. "Dress and come to me. One will guide you. The other remains with your son."

  *****

  Regan glanced down at her body. The dress made her look as if she was drenched in blood. The soft red silk hugged each curve and would be transparent if she passed in front of any light. How could she let her son see her this way? She heard the click of claws upon the floor and Dirkk's voice came again.

  "I tire of the wait, Regan."

  She looked around the corner of the screen. A fenris'ena stood there. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out. "I'm ready."

  The wolf's cold silver eyes moved over her. "Beautiful," Dirkk's voice said.

  Regan drew her shoulders back and looked at her son.

  "It's very pretty, Momma," Daniel said. She saw his lips tremble, and noticed one corner was stained with blueberry juice. She crossed to him and picked up a napkin.

  "I will be back very soon," she said, wiping at her son's mouth. "You just lie here with Maggie and take a nap."

  "Sing to me, Momma," Daniel pleaded. "Sing me the cradle song."

  Beside her the fenris-ena growled. She turned and glared at it. "It will only take a minute."

  The wolf plopped down beside h
er in disgust.

  "Rock-a-bye-baby in the tree top," Regan sang.

  She stood and kissed the top of Daniel's head as she finished the lullaby "Now you go to sleep." She turned to the dog. "Maggie, guard." The basset hound whined, moved closer to the boy.

  Without glancing at the fenris-ena she walked toward the door.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Regan hesitated inside the doorway of the dining area. The fenris'ena slinked from her side. She watched the wolf walk stiffly to Dirkk and stop before him with its tail tucked between its legs. It whined softly.

  Dirkk stared into a silver goblet, but she saw his fingers tighten around its stem and the quick rise and fall of his chest gave him away. She watched him drop a pat between the fenris'ena's ears, and the wolf quivered from nose to tail. Is that what he wants from me? Well, it will be a cold day in hell first.

  The emerald dagger lay on the table next to his right hand. The hammered gold sheath shimmered in the candlelight, the green jewel atop the hilt flashing fire.

  She took a deep breath and, holding her shoulders back, walked into the room.

  He waited until she was well into the room before glancing toward her. His sharp intake of breath shattered his pretense of indifference.

  Dirkk's gaze moved slowly over her. His tongue flicked out and wet his lips as a flush climbed into his cheeks. "The dress becomes you," he said in a hoarse voice.

  "Thank you."

  With forced casualness she turned away from him and looked around the room. Like the others she had seen, this one was round, the only furniture an oblong table and two chairs. The table and chairs were made of some dark glossy wood, their legs carved in an interwoven design. Woven tapestries, all in rich colors of emerald, ruby, and gold, draped the stone interior. Fairies wearing gold circlets upon their heads dined beneath green canopies of twined branches.

  Others frolicked in pools of sapphire blue and danced among rainbows, while still more of their kind sailed through the air on the backs of fiery-tailed birds of paradise.

  "Oh," she exhaled softly.

  "A time long past," Dirkk said.

  "These hangings must have belonged to the fairies. How did you get them?"

  "They no longer need them," Dirkk told her. "I will see to their comforts."

  Regan faced him. "I saw how you are 'seeing to their comforts.' How can you destroy a whole race?"

  "I have not destroyed them. I have changed them into a new, more commanding race. They will no longer be inferior to elf and human."

  "Commanding race?" She laughed. "It is you who commands them."

  Dirkk's face flushed. "It will not always be so. When I am King of Daradawn, they will be free to serve me, as will all the races."

  Regan closed her eyes and took a deep breath. He was a madman, but she wasn't in any position to tell him so. "What's for dinner?"

  Dirkk stood and pulled a chair out for her. "Please sit."

  She did as he asked and picked up the napkin next to her plate.

  A bouquet of tika flowers stood between two candelabras of silver. Their pink waxy beauty was a picture of fragile elegance, but missing was their intoxicating scent for tika flowers gave off no perfume once picked.

  "I love tika flowers," she said, pleased her voice did not quiver.

  "Yes, beautiful," Dirkk said, taking his place in the chair beside her.

  She was glad she was sitting; she didn't think her quaking legs could have held her.

  "Wine?" Dirkk said.

  She reached for her goblet and held it toward him. "Please."

  The wine flowed from the pitcher and into her glass like liquid silver. Her eyes widened.

  "A gift from the elves. They just don't know it. A very rare vintage, made from grapes ripening in just one night's full moonlight. Try it."

  Regan sipped from the goblet. The wine exploded with flavor in her mouth. It was honey and melon and vanilla. She swallowed and felt it trail down her throat, leaving coolness, like chilled mountain water behind. Warmth formed in her stomach and spread outward.

  Her gaze returned to the emerald dagger. "It's beautiful." She reached a hand toward it. "May I touch it?"

  Dirkk frowned, then nodded.

  Regan ran her fingers across the sheath. It was cool to the touch, the edges of the emerald seeming sharp enough to slice her flesh. She sat back. "Someday you must tell me its story. I sense it is an extraordinary one."

  "Someday," Dirkk murmured. "Now we eat."

  He clapped his hands and a male etain'daman wearing only a loincloth came into the room carrying a huge platter. He stopped before Dirkk, but was waved toward Regan. He offered the platter while staring straight ahead. Pink-tinged meat lay in small, carved slices upon it. She looked a question at Dirkk.

  "Spring lamb."

  She took a small slice. "Thank you," she said to the server. He stared into her face, unblinking and without acknowledging her words. She reached for her napkin to blot the grease from her fingers and her arm brushed her goblet. The goblet toppled and splashed the man's arm with wine.

  "I'm sorry," Regan said, blotting the wine from him.

  His arm jerked, and Regan looked into his face. Awareness sparked in his eyes. He glanced wildly around. His gaze flew to her, then to Dirkk, and at last down the length of his body. She saw his face contort in unbelieving terror.

  Dirkk lunged to his feet. "Go," he shouted, his hand resting on the dagger.

  The etain'daman looked once more at Regan and, as she watched, the life drained from his face. She reached to touch his arm once more, but Dirkk's voice stopped her.

  "Do not, Regan. If you do, I will kill him."

  She turned to stare at Dirkk.

  "I can," he said, "and I will."

  The man placed the platter in the center of the table, then turned and walked from the room. She was stunned. What had happened? Why had her touch momentarily broken Dirkk’s hold?

  Dirkk settled into his chair and gulped wine from his goblet. "Something unforeseen, but I will see to it." He stared at her over the rim of the glass. "I must not let you touch the dagger again. Not until you have given yourself to me."

  He clapped again and another etain'daman entered, this one female. She carried a bowl that she placed before Dirkk. He motioned her away and watched in silence until she left.

  Dirkk spooned tiny carrots and onions onto his plate. "Try them. They are fresh from the fields of Raya."

  Her stomach knotted. How had he gotten vegetables from Raya? He was lying, she decided. She took the bowl from him and added the vegetables to her plate. She felt his gaze on her face, and when he spoke it was if he could read her mind and all the questions buzzing there.

  "I always get what I desire."

  Regan cut the lamb into small pieces. "Do you?" she said, looking up into his eyes.

  "More wine?" He did not wait for her answer, but poured it into her glass. "A toast." He held his goblet aloft, his gaze boring into hers.

  Regan picked up her glass.

  "To you, my queen," he said.

  She touched her glass to his and pretended to sip more of the lethal wine.

  Dirkk watched her throat. "You did not swallow. You do not like the vintage?"

  "It's a little tannic," she lied.

  "Drink, Regan. I wish it."

  She sipped again, and this time swallowed. She cut a piece of lamb and raised it toward her mouth.

  "I am going to make love to you."

  Dirkk's words froze her hand halfway to her mouth.

  "And you will no longer desire any man but me."

  She forced herself to place the lamb in her mouth and chew slowly. How could she stop him? She dared a quick glance at the dagger. It was the key. She had to have it. But what would she have to do with it once she did? Crush it like the pendant? Or must she wear it to control the power it gave? What would the power inside the dagger do to her? Could she master it? She swallowed and reached for the goblet of wine.

 
; "What are you thinking, Regan? Plans to thwart me? No, don't deny it. Your eyes give you away." Dirkk smiled. "You will not find it so easy this time." He drained his glass and poured more wine. "You cannot control my pets. I have blocked them from any magic but mine."

  Then why did the etain'daman react to my touch?

  "You eat no more than a sparrow." He spooned more vegetables onto her plate. "Eat. You will need your strength."

  She forced herself to eat the carrots and onions.

  "I have another treat for you." He clapped his hands and an etain'daman came in carrying a bowl. Inside were the purple beans of Raya.

  She felt her throat tighten. He had been to Fertile Isle Valley. It was the only place in Daradawn the gourds with the purple beans grew.

  She took a handful of the beans and popped one into her mouth. "I've always loved these." And she did, but this time they tasted like sawdust.

  Dirkk pushed away from the table and stood. “Shall we retire?"

  Regan remained where she was and stared down into her plate.

  "Regan, it is time."

  She could not move. Her legs trembled and she couldn't draw a deep breath.

  "No? Perhaps this will help."

  She looked up in time to see Dirkk draw something from the pocket of his robe. Her gaze followed his closed fist as he stretched it toward her.

  "For you, my love, if you make it necessary." He opened his hand. Inside laid the crystal.

  She gasped and jumped to her feet. Her hip caught the table and sent her wine goblet to the floor. "No."

  Dirkk held the crystal toward the candlelight. "Beautiful, isn't it?"

  Her voice strangled by fear, she backed from the table. The fenris'ena who lay at Dirkk's feet stood and with a low growl moved between her and the door.

  "Do I need it, Regan?" He tossed the crystal from hand to hand.

  "No," she whispered. "Put it away."

  Dirkk tossed the crystal from his right hand to his left twice more before putting it back in the pocket of his gown. "I don't think you'd ever touch it, but just in case, I will tell you there is another just like this one. Thomas has it. He enjoys using it, on others and himself. Sometimes I wonder which he likes more."