by Debra Dunbar
It was a shame I didn’t know any elves. If I was a full elf with my mother’s heritage, I’d know this stuff. I’d be able to help the humans far beyond modifying a few plants. Although if I were a full elf, I might not care about the humans.
“I also grabbed two books from the archives and I’ve got no idea what they are beyond that one has ceremonies and the other has stories from the migration to Hel.”
Kirby jerked his head to look at me in surprise. “Stories of the migration? Those are only available to royalty. How did you… oh.”
“I guess half a royal elf is good enough.”
“I’m not sure I’m comfortable having them here,” Kirby confessed. “It feels sacrilegious.”
I waved toward my bag. “I’m going to ask Nyalla to translate for me. And it’s probably time for me to knuckle down and make a serious attempt to learn my mother’s language.”
Kirby glanced at my bag then up at me. “So you’re leaving?”
“I’ll be back in six months,” I assured him. “There’s nothing else for me to do right now, and I’ve got an internship this summer.”
The mage stood and walked us out, shaking my hand once we reached the door. “Thank you for coming to help us, Amber. I’m not sure if this will be a permanent solution, but at least we don’t need to worry about starving for the next year or two.”
Hopefully I could think of something more long-term in the meantime. I said my goodbyes and Rutter and I walked out the city gate and through the hot desert. The gate shimmered before us, like a mirage.
“Come see me if you’re ever on the human side of the gates,” I told Rutter. “Will you be here to help me again when I return in six months?”
He smiled and nodded. “If I’m still alive, I’ll gladly assist you again, Miss Amber.”
My heart wrenched. Life as a Low was an uncertain one. And his words reminded me of something else he’d said.
“Rutter, you’ve been a wonderful guide and translator. You’re smart, brave, loyal, and your quick thinking saved me with those demons near Patchine as well as with the elves in the archives. Lows are worthy of a succubus’ attention. I’d like to show you that.”
I reached out to sense his fantasies once more and got…nothing. It wasn’t like the murky confusion of Kirby’s amulet. This was as if the Low had no fantasies, yet I knew he did. I’d sensed them outside the dwarven city.
“You already have shown me that, Miss Amber. You’ve already fulfilled fantasies that mean far more to me than just sexual enjoyment. A higher-level demon cared enough to worry about my safety, to come to me when I was hurt, with concern and the desire to help me. You treated me with kindness and affection. Those were my deepest fantasies.”
I reached out to run a finger down the top of his snout. “So, no boinky-boink?” I teased.
He grinned. “Maybe next time, Miss Amber.”
“Next time,” I assured him. Then I adjusted the bag on my shoulder, feeling the weight of the books inside, and stepped through the gateway to my home.
Acknowledgments
A huge thanks to my copyeditor Jennifer Cosham whose eagle eyes catch all my typos and keep my comma problem in line, and to Damonza, for cover design.
Most of all, thanks to my children, who have suffered many nights of microwaved chicken nuggets and take-out pizza so that Mommy can follow her dream.
About the Author
Debra lives in a little house in the woods of Maryland with her sons and two slobbery bloodhounds. On a good day, she jogs and horseback rides, hopefully managing to keep the horse between herself and the ground. Her only known super power is 'Identify Roadkill'.
Also by Debra Dunbar
Dead Rising
Last Breath
Bare Bones
Famine’s Feast
A Demon Bound
Satan’s Sword
Elven Blood
Devil’s Paw
Imp Forsaken
Angel of Chaos
Kingdom of Lies
Exodus
Demons of Desire
Sins of the Flesh
No Man’s Land
Stolen Souls
Three Wishes