by Karen Duvall
Zee preceded me to a door near the end of the hall, where she used a key to open it. A skeleton key, which meant that it probably opened all the doors here. I made a mental note to remember that. It would save me the trouble of using my lock picks should I decide to go exploring. For now, I focused my curiosity on the room I was in.
Zee moved her three-hundred-pound-plus body aside and I stared at the enormous apartment, a king-size canopy bed taking up its center. She wasn’t kidding about the art. Original oil paintings took up nearly every inch of wall space, beginning at about four feet from the floor. It was remarkable and, like everything else here, overwhelming.
“So what do you think?” she asked, her eyes squeezed to slits within the fleshy folds of her smiling face. “Really something, huh?”
Yep, it was something, all right. And I was no dummy. I might not have the talents of a skilled magic user, but I’d been around magic long enough to know what was what. These paintings had been planted here for a reason, possibly spying, or as portals for astral traveling from one point to another. As much as I appreciated art, I wasn’t too keen on sleeping with it. I doubted I’d be able to shut my eyes for more than a minute in this room. I’d constantly feel like I was being watched.
“It’s nice,” I told her, faking a smile. I didn’t feel comfortable here, but so far I didn’t feel threatened, either. As long as the Vyantara needed me, I could count on staying relatively safe. I pointed at my bag. “That must be heavy for you.”
She glanced at the soft suitcase hanging from her left hand and her Kewpie-doll lips formed an O of surprise. She giggled. “I forgot I was holding it.” She set it down on the floor and stepped to the window to gaze out at the night. It was then that I realized there hadn’t been any windows downstairs, just up here. Addressing me without making eye contact, she said, “I heard your mother was a knight from the Order of the Hatchet.”
This brought me up short. Gavin never talked to me about my mother, yet he’d talk about her to someone else? Whenever I tried to bring her up, he would change the subject.
“I suppose you plan on taking up your mother’s shield.” Zee gave me a piercing look, followed by a raise of her eyebrows. “That is, if you even have her shield?”
I ignored her and leaned against the bed, realizing it was so tall that I’d need a stool to climb up onto it. I had no shield, yet, but Zee didn’t have to know that. I’d find it eventually.
“To become a knight, you must serve as page and squire first. You did know that, didn’t you?”
I didn’t know that, but I crossed my arms and glared at her as if I did.
Her smile broadened, reminding me of Gavin. “Have you met any of the others yet?”
Others? My heart tripped over itself while struggling to keep a steady beat. I tried not to show shock, but failed.
“Oh, my. I’m sorry,” she said, making a theatrical attempt at sincerity. “I just assumed you knew.”
I cleared my throat and swallowed, remembering my mother’s words: Our people wait for you. Find them. In Zee’s own befuddled way, she’d just confirmed what I had longed to hear. And she acted delighted that I didn’t know who or where the other knights were. If they existed, I’d find them.
She stepped away from the window and held out her arms as if to give me a hug. I backed away. “My goodness, Gavin wasn’t kidding about you being skittish.”
“I’m not skittish. Just cautious.”
Zee looked me up and down. “And skinny. Are you hungry?”
“A little,” I said, feeling a gurgle in my stomach that was as much hunger as it was nerves. “I thought I’d walk down the street a few blocks to one of the pubs for a quick bite.” But it was the Cathedral Basilica I wanted to see. I had to talk to Saint Geraldine, and I’d rather not wait until Gavin got here. I had an agenda of my own.
She shook her head. “That’s not a good idea.”
What the hell? “Why not?”
“You don’t know the city and you could get lost.”
I laughed. “I don’t think so. I have a map and Larimer Square is only a few blocks from here.”
“You’re not going anywhere.” The pretty smile vanished and her dark eyes grew darker, the pupils taking over her irises. I couldn’t remember what color her eyes had been, but they were coal-black now. Even the whites were gone. What was she? Not just a housemother, obviously. But whatever she was, she was pissing me off.
I lunged for the door and it slammed shut in my face.
“Relax. You’ll like it here, Chalice. I promise. And you can wander the streets to your heart’s content, just not tonight.”
The back of my neck prickled, and it wasn’t my tattoo. “Because?”
Even her smirk was like Gavin’s. I wondered if the two were related. “Because I said so.”
Could this discussion get any more juvenile? I glared at her, then grabbed the doorknob, which turned easily in my hand. I yanked the door open and stormed out into the hall. Because I was dressed for the elements with my heavy suede jacket and Somé Gutierrez boots, I knew I could brave the night without shelter if I had to.
I raced down the hall toward the elevator, expecting someone or something to leap out from behind one of the closed doors. But nothing did. Practically falling into the room-size elevator car, I tossed a look down the hall. Zee wasn’t following me. This might be easier than I thought.
When the elevator door opened at the bottom, I jumped out before the car stopped moving. Silence. From all directions. The quiet totally freaked me out. The front door looked to be half a block away, so I took off toward it. Every step forward seemed to set me back two more. The distance increased with my pace, the door shrinking with my every move. So I ran. And the faster I ran, the farther away the door.
Only one thing left to do. I stopped and stood dead still. Where was Zee? I gazed up at the loft on the top floor. Vacant.
Spur-of-the-moment game plan. I removed the bottle of salt water from the inside pocket of my jacket and slid the Balisong from its sheath. Though my eyes stung in spite of the dim light, I could still make out the dark image crouched in the shadows, standing in my path. A green halo surrounded it, pulsing with a life force better suited for its home beyond the black veil. I was about to encounter my first Fatherhouse demon.
No way would I let this thing mess with me. I was on assignment and too important for the Vyantara to lose. But by the way it was looking at me, my soul might be just the tasty morsel it sought.
The demon’s body shuddered, a zigzag of energy shooting through it like a television screen that struggled to hold its signal.
I advanced slowly and the creature’s eyes began to glow red. It was shaped like a man and about as tall as one, but its skin was a deep blackish-purple, its bald head covered in scales instead of hair. Its body was draped in some kind of furless hide. I stepped up close to it, our faces inches from each other. My nose twitched with a quick sniff. Cinnamon and whiskey, and neither came from my friend here. The creature had no scent because it wasn’t actually in the room with me. I held my breath and advanced another step, passing right through it.
Relieved, I strode forward with purpose, the door a normal distance from me now and no longer shrinking. From above me I heard, “Excellent, Chalice! You did very well for your first encounter with one of our wards.”
“Thanks,” I yelled back, but didn’t look behind me. I was too focused on getting myself outside.
“I don’t think you realize how lucky you are.”
Lucky? Like hell.
“Seriously, Chalice. If you’d tried running from it instead of confronting it head on, the Maågan would have popped through to this side and killed you on the spot.”
My stomach lurched, but only a little. She was bluffing.
I yanked open the door and stepped outside into the chill Denver night to head for the mummified saint who might just have all the answers.
five
ONCE I WAS A COUPLE BLOCKS
AWAY FROM the Fatherhouse, I unfolded the Denver map I’d brought with me. It looked like walking to the cathedral would be something of a hike. Fine. I had plenty of time. It was only half-past midnight so the evening was still relatively young. I rarely made it to bed before dawn anyway. And at this point, I had no idea where I was going to sleep because it damn sure wouldn’t be in that room full of ghastly paintings.
I traveled three more blocks with my contacts out, letting my gaze wander to the shadows beside buildings and around thickly shrubbed landscapes. I didn’t perceive any auras or odd gatherings of energy particles like those that surrounded the Fatherhouse. I took one last sniff of the chilly air before sliding all my filters back into place.
Zee had been testing me, which I supposed was fair since I’d tested her first. No two Vyantara members ever trusted each other and being on guard every waking minute got old. Someday I hoped to let my guard down, to really count on someone and get close to people who cared about me, who I knew would be there when I needed them. People who would protect me, like the monks had tried to do. They were gone from my life, but I’d find others to call family someday. If I did have people, like my mother had said, I would root them out from wherever they were hiding.
I turned down an alley for a shortcut when I felt a mild prickling sensation at the back of my neck. Someone was watching me. At the same moment, a man suddenly appeared in my path. And I do mean suddenly because he materialized out of nothing. He was stark naked, too. Considering how close I was to the Fatherhouse, I shouldn’t have been surprised.
He crouched as if ready to fend me off, so I didn’t disappoint him. When threatened with attack, even a defensive one, I always fight back.
I sprang at him feetfirst while reaching over my shoulder for my blade. His hands cupped my heels and he flipped me backward, forcing me to somersault in the air and land on my feet. When I stood upright, he was gone. Then he flashed into existence a few feet to my left. He disappeared once more, reappearing in the same spot he had stood the first time.
“Stop winking in and out,” I shouted and prepared to make another go at him. He hadn’t hurt me, just defended himself, so I didn’t consider him a threat. Not yet, anyway. But anyone who could vanish and reappear like that had to be dangerous. “You’re making me dizzy.”
He vanished again.
I ran a hand through my hair and spun around. “What do you want?”
There was a rustle in the leafless bushes behind me. He showed himself again, but out of the shadows instead of thin air, and this time he wore clothes.
He let me study him, an amused smile curling one corner of his full lips. He looked just a few years older than I and wasn’t terribly tall, maybe five-ten at most, black hair, medium complexion. His eyes were crescent-shaped, very Asian, but the color was too pale. I’d have to see him in better light than a street lamp, but what I saw of him so far was enough to make me want to see more.
He held out both hands, palms up. “I’m not a mugger.”
“No, you’re a flasher.” My muscles tightened in anticipation. I’d had too many supernatural surprises for one night and it was wearing on me. I wondered at the extent of this man’s powers and if he could make other things besides himself disappear. Taking a deep swallow, I composed myself and tried not to give him attitude, though I wanted him aware I had plenty of nerve. “You didn’t answer my question. Aside from exposing yourself, what do you want?”
“To get your attention.” He approached me slowly and I backed up a step. “Did it work?”
“What do you think?”
“That you’ll listen to what I have to tell you. It’s important.”
I scrutinized his sincerity, unsure if I wanted to trust a man with the balls to go naked in public, pun intended. “Just because you think it’s important doesn’t mean I think so. What the hell are you?”
He clasped his hands behind his back. “Why don’t you take out your contacts, Chalice, to get a better look.”
He knew my name, and he obviously knew who I was. Though the notion unnerved me, it was a relief not having to pretend I was someone else for a change. I stared at him, half expecting him to vanish again, but apparently this ability had something to do with his clothes, or lack of them.
He motioned at my face. “I mean it. Take a look.”
So I did. His aura didn’t glow green like other Vyantara members. In fact, he didn’t glow at all. Alarmed, I backed away even farther. “You’re not alive.”
“I’m very much alive.” He smiled and when he did, a silvery luminescence surrounded his body. It was a color I’d never seen on a human aura before. “See?”
I squinted at him. “You can control your aura?”
He nodded and thrust out his hand. “The name’s Aydin Berkant.”
I ignored his offer of a handshake. “Tell me how you do that.” This aura thing was too strange. Forget strange, it was impossible. Not to mention the disappearing part.
“Pleased to meet you, too,” he said, dropping his hand but not his smile.
I popped the contacts back in to get a normal view of him. He looked like just a regular guy in a denim jacket and faded blue jeans. The jacket hung open to reveal a white T-shirt that had some kind of saying on it, but all I could make out was the word world. I felt tempted to look closer and read the whole thing when the image of his naked body flashed through my mind. Oh, hell. My face turned hot enough to singe my hair.
I narrowed my eyes and crossed my arms. “Okay, talk.”
“We have a few things in common, you and I. Special abilities. The Vyantara.” He jerked his head toward the street. “I’m on your side, you know. Want to get a coffee? I know a great place that caters to people like us. You’ll like it.”
People like us? That was cryptic, not to mention unsettling. “I don’t know you.”
“Not yet.” He winked. “But you will. Come on. I don’t bite.”
I frowned and thought that over. Vampires didn’t have auras, either.
“I know what you’re thinking.” He grinned, showing straight white teeth. “I’m not a vampire.”
“So you read minds, too?”
“No, but I’m pretty good at reading faces. And you’re terrible at hiding your thoughts.” He offered me his arm. “Coming?”
So I didn’t trust him. What else was new? If he was Vyantara, then going with him would prove me a good little slave, which might earn me points after the stunt I just pulled with Zee. And if he wasn’t Vyantara, that was even better. He claimed to be on my side and I could sure use an ally. Too bad tonight’s agenda didn’t include a coffee date with a stranger who could vanish at the drop of a hat and take with him every stitch of clothing.
“Sorry, no can do. I have an errand to run,” I told him.
His smile disappeared and a look of concern crossed his face. “Need some help?”
I shook my head. This guy was a kook. A handsome kook, but still a kook.
“The city is dangerous for a woman alone. Especially at night.”
I flicked open my knife. “I can take care of myself.”
He cleared his throat. “I’m sure you can.” He studied me hard, squinting as if trying to see through my skin to the real me underneath.
“Take a picture. It’ll last longer,” I said, rolling my eyes as I closed my knife to slip it back into its sheath. “Look, Mr….”
“Aydin. Aydin Berkant.”
“I’m in a hurry, Aydin, so if you don’t mind—”
“You’re looking for information,” he said, his expression shrewd.
I blinked. “How the hell would you know what I’m looking for?”
“Because I know who you are, remember? I know a lot of things, and I’m happy to share them with you. Like I said, I’m on your side.” He headed off down the alley. “I’m in the mood for coffee, something with caramel in it.”
Watching him walk away, I began having second thoughts.
“By the way, there are lot
s of ghosts in the city at night,” he said over his shoulder. “Spirits. Dead things. I’m not a fan, but if you are, knock yourself out. I can always tell you this important information some other time.”
I was hoping to get what I needed from Saint Geraldine, but considering the hour and that I wasn’t even sure I could hack my way inside the church, I knew I should settle for whatever Aydin could give me. For now. I sensed honesty behind his light-colored eyes, and he had something I wasn’t used to seeing in a man. Charm. Yes, that was it. He was charming.
“Just one cup, and I take it black. None of that foo-foo latte shit,” I said, the frown etched deep into my forehead. I hoped I wasn’t making a mistake.
He turned around to grin at me. “Excellent choice.”
My social experience was kind of embarrassing. Especially when it came to guys. I’d had crushes on a couple of my instructors during training, but it was nothing more than infatuation. They were older and I looked up to them, sort of like hero worship, and when I think back on who those people were I want to kick myself. Both were Vyantara with one-track minds and they’d left skid marks after running all over me. I had let things get too far with one in particular, but I was just a kid and he took advantage of that. If I ever run into him again, I swear I’ll use my Balisong.
Meeting Aydin was the first time I’d ever made a new acquaintance without Gavin being involved. This was a new experience for me, and I liked it. A lot.
“Where are we going?” I asked Aydin, following a few paces behind while marveling at how well his jeans fit. I also liked how he smelled; sandalwood mixed with something spicy, an edgy scent that made my nose tingle. We headed away from LoDo and toward a residential area with some enormous houses that had to be at least a century old. “I thought you were taking me out for coffee.”
He glanced at me over his shoulder. “I am.”