by Lisa Olsen
“Such a promise is easily given,” Maeja replied, unconvinced. “How else am I to know you intend to return the spear to its home?” Her face took on a speculative gleam as she considered other options. “Very well, I will accept your man as tribute instead.”
“Shénme?” I blinked.
She looked at me curiously over the burst of Chinese, but didn’t pause. “We are an isolated village. It is not uncommon to offer a man as tribute to warm the beds of the local women, and your man looks very, very warm.”
For a split second my heart froze as I thought she was staring behind me with lust at Rob, but it was Lee she was doing her best to devour with her eyes. He’d be warm alright, but I wasn’t about to leave him behind. “I can’t do that. I can’t bargain with another man’s life. I don’t own him.”
“Who does then?”
“Nobody, he owns himself.” Did she really not get that?
“How modern of you,” she murmured, and I tried to figure out if I’d made a tactical mistake.
Maybe I should’ve asked Lee if he minded first? Maybe he’d be happy to provide stud service to the womenfolk? Eewh. Nope, I think I had it right the first time. “Plus, he’s a shifter. Are you sure that’s what you want to introduce into your gene pool? No offense,” I added, turning back to look at Lee, who gave me a quick wink.
“None taken, darlin’.”
“Then Nelleke will accompany you, it is as simple as that,” Maeja insisted.
“Look, I swear – cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye – I will absolutely make sure the spear gets back to you.” I crossed my heart and put my hand up in what probably looked more like the salute from Hunger Games than an actual pledge. “And if you don’t believe me, you can just compel me to tell the truth, right? I don’t mind, compel away, I’m an open book.”
Maeja shifted uncomfortably on the throne. Something I never thought I’d see from someone so possessed with poise and power. And that’s when I took a deeper look with all of my senses. She was powerful yes, but different – not like Jakob and Lodinn at all once I delved deeper.
“You’re not an Ellri, are you?” I gasped. “You’re something else.”
“I am not an Ellri by your definition of the term, though I am by my people’s language.”
“Which means… what exactly?”
Her hands clasped primly on her lap. “I have never polluted my body with human blood. As such I never became the slave to it as my remaining brethren have. Some might think me weak by comparison, but I am not without my resources. Powerful magics shield this valley from all that intend me harm, and my father entrusted me with his spear the better to defend myself should I choose to leave the village.”
A pure blooded demi-goddess… no wonder her blood could cure anything. I was surprised Lodinn hadn’t asked me to steal some of it for him as well. Suddenly, the pieces of the puzzle became that much more clear.
“You’re pretty much a prisoner here for as long as Lodinn is out there, aren’t you? You’re afraid of him and what he might do to you if you leave this protected valley. You said it before, he’s a canny fighter, and he’s a lot stronger and faster than you or Nelleke, isn’t he?”
“I’m strong enough to best any of you.” Her chin came up in a challenge, but I saw the tinge of fear behind her eyes, leaving me to think maybe I could take her in a straight up fight. Well, as long as she didn’t have the spear handy and Nelleke wasn’t playing bodyguard.
“And you can’t compel me either.” The look on her face was enough to confirm my suspicions. “Then you need me just as much as I need you.” No wonder she’d looked so excited when we first entered the hall.
Maeja seemed unlikely to acknowledge the point, instead she cleared her throat, her back ramrod straight. “Do we have an accord? You will take the spear and strike Lodinn down. Nelleke will accompany you to see the task completed and bring the spear back to me once it is done.”
“We do,” I agreed, even though I had absolutely no idea how I was going to pull it off.
“Then I offer you sanctuary come the dawn, but I can not allow you to hunt among my people. If you require it, I will provide sheep’s blood.”
“Oh, thanks, but we’re good, right?” I turned back to Rob, who gave a single nod. The whole idea of animal blood still made me feel queasy, though I imagined that could change in a pinch if necessary. But thanks to Jakob’s blood we were still in good shape.
“Nelleke will show you to suitable quarters. It would be in your best interest to keep to them, my people are wary of vampyr with good cause. Your man, however, is more than welcome to explore what we have to offer. Freely.”
“Thank you kindly, ma’am, I might just have to do that.” The old dog touched his forehead where a hat might usually set in a salute. “With your permission of course, Your Grace,” he said much more formally to me and I waved him on.
“I don’t mind you amusing yourself but I’ll want you to stick close during the daylight hours.” That wary of vampyr stuff made me on edge at the thought of sleeping among them.
“Well then, Lee McBride at your service until the sun comes up, ma’am.” He bowed to her.
“A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. McBride,” she smiled wide, her eyes shining with anticipation. “I will leave you to your amusements and find mine.”
Nelleke stepped forward to lead us out and I spared a last worried look over my shoulder at Lee who approached the throne and leaned one arm against it, casual as anything. He didn’t seem nervous about being left alone with her at all. I guessed he knew his way around a pretty woman, be she a dairymaid or a demi-goddess.
Our suitable accommodations proved to be Nelleke’s own house, not too far from the great hall. She didn’t talk much, and I wasn’t sure if she was mad at us or Maeja for making her go along on the journey. Still, it was nice to be given the cold shoulder treatment, as it left Rob and me alone in the cozy bedroom.
I sat on the edge of the bed and waited, expecting Rob to blow his stack the moment we were alone, but instead he sat beside me and picked up my hand, staring at the back of it. Somehow, I think that made me feel worse. “It’ll be okay,” I said softly.
“You wasn’t meant to go up against Lodinn on your own.”
“I know, but it’s the only way. You heard her and that shieldmaiden stuff. At least we know he can’t use it against me.”
“He’s still stronger and faster than you are, he don’t need the likes of that to end you. We need an edge, something to tip the scales in our favor.”
“Besides a weapon that can end him with one strike?”
“You have to be able to hit him with it first. Besides, he could compel you to turn it on yourself if he wanted to, that’s just as bad.”
“Hey, weren’t you listening?” I drew the tiny vial of blood out of my pocket and dangled it from the leather thong. “With this stuff I’m invincible. It’ll be fine, I promise.”
He was right though, we needed something else to give us an edge, and I knew exactly where to get it.
Chapter Twenty-Four
The plane touched down without incident and I gave instructions to the pilots to chill for a few hours while I went on my errand. Nelleke dozed in the back of the plane, her arms wrapped tight around the carved box holding the spear. I’d been expecting a ten foot monstrosity to have to smuggle through customs with a bit of these aren’t the droids you’re looking for compulsion, but all that remained of the ancient spear was the head, about eighteen inches long.
Maeja offered to have it fitted to a fresh shaft, but I actually preferred the smaller version. It fit like a dagger in my hand, and it felt good. I almost hadn’t wanted to see it packed up in the box again and I could understand Nelleke’s jealous care of it. There was something about the weapon that made you want to wield it. Out of sight was better, but it definitely wasn’t out of mind as I got dressed in the tiny bathroom on the jet.
“He ain’t gonna like it
when he wakes up and you’re gone.” Lee’s words came low, pitched for my ears only, but no less of a warning.
“With any luck he might not even notice I’m gone.” From what I understood, the monastery was only about a twenty minute drive from the airfield and the sun was still disappearing over the horizon.
“And you think that makes it better?”
I was traveling as the Elder of the West, no more pullovers and jeans for me, I had to look the part. Dressed in a sophisticated, sleek, black dress accented with pearls, I looked much more princess than pauper. “What do you mean?” I frowned, bending to adjust the strap on my heels.
“You’ll still know.”
“I’m not doing anything wrong,” I scowled. “I need to talk to Bishop and they don’t get along.”
“If you ain’t doing nothing wrong, then why’re your hackles all up like that?”
He was right. Okay, so maybe part of me could admit it was easier to visit Bishop without Rob beside me and I didn’t want to look too closely at why that was. There were some things I had very little control over, and the way I still looked at Bishop was one of them more often than not. Unless he said something stupid, which was entirely possible as well. Either way, it’d spare Rob the aggravation if I left him at the plane. Besides, it wasn’t like I was in any danger, especially with Lee by my side.
“It’ll hurt him more to see me with Bishop,” I insisted stubbornly.
“Then don’t give him a reason to be hurt.”
“That’s easier said than done.” The truth was I’d probably end up hurting Rob in some way whether I took him with me or not, but at least there wouldn’t be that level of betrayal there if I included him on the jaunt. Lee didn’t stop with the you know I’m right stare until I gave in. “Ugh, would you stop looking at me with those all knowing eyes and your stupid wisdom? Fine, I’ll go wake Rob up, but now you have to stay here and babysit the ice princess.”
“Atta girl,” Lee winked, moving to the back of the plane to settle in next to Nelleke.
I took my time getting ready, letting Rob get in some more sleep as I put on my makeup and styled my hair up into a simple twist. My bangs were getting shaggy already, I’d have to have Maggie trim them or start thinking about growing them out. The tiny bits left after Volkov’s torture had started to curl, sticking up every which way when I pulled the bangs back, so I quickly covered them back up again and resolved to get a trim.
Making my way back to where Rob dozed, I did my best to shake him awake. It took some doing, but eventually, he cracked his eyes open enough to realize we were on the ground.
“Where are we?” he murmured, his voice low and raspy.
“Rome.”
“What for?”
“I came to see Bishop.”
The furrow on his forehead deepened, but all he said was, “What for?”
“I need him to get me some ACBT.” We didn’t have any stores left in San Francisco according to Mason and I couldn’t really ask Aubrey to give up his secret stash. I could tell Rob still wasn’t firing on all cylinders from the way his head tilted in confusion.
“Why?”
“Because you’re right, we do need an extra edge and we can’t trust Lodinn to play fair. I’d rather go in there with as many options as I can.”
Rob straightened, cracking his neck first one way and then the other. “Right then, let’s get it over with.”
Yep, I hurt him either way.
*
The Order’s headquarters was housed in an old monastery outside of Rome. We were greeted at the gate with cool indifference until the guard got the go ahead to let us in from his comm. Then it was all, this way, Your Grace, be careful, Your Grace. Can I get you a frosty beverage, Your Grace? Okay, so not that last part, but we were conducted inside the gates very quickly to wait in a large hall.
The architecture itself was Spartan, which I could see appealing to the Order, but I wasn’t prepared for the bounty of riches inside. Priceless works of art graced the simple walls, and every surface held some ornate work of beauty in sculpture or glazing. At least, I thought they were original works. For all I knew about art, they could be the biggest group of forgeries ever.
“Is that real?” I asked, when I recognized a Johannes Vermeer painting that was good enough to hang in a museum, copy or not. Rob shrugged, completely disinterested.
We didn’t have to wait very long before Rush came to conduct us to Bishop’s private office. I smiled and chatted with him along the way. He was very happy to be in Rome instead of Vetis and didn’t mind telling me all about it. Rob looked like he was on his way to see the dentist, and I gave him a discreet squeeze on the hand when no one was looking.
Bishop was there waiting when Rush opened the door. I don’t know what I’d been expecting, given the formal setting, my brain spinning everything from monastic robes to a shiny suit. But he looked the same as always (crazy good), dressed in a close fitting long sleeved shirt and those pants with zippers and pockets all over them. His hair had started to grow out a bit but was still short, and the hint of a goatee dusted his chin.
He might’ve looked the same, but Bishop’s stance was formal as he gave me a ceremonial bow. “Good evening, Your Grace.”
Channeling my inner politician, I replied with a graceful curtsey. “Thank you for granting me this audience,” I said carefully, not sure if I should compliment his holdings or whatnot. Only the instant the door clicked shut and Rush was out of sight, Bishop picked me up and swung me around in a gleeful hug.
“What a fantastic surprise! God, you look great,” he beamed and I found it hard not to smile back, at least until I caught sight of Rob’s hands clutched into tight fists as he took a threatening step forward.
“Hands off,” he growled.
“Relax. I’m just giving a friendly hello,” Bishop replied, not in the least bit threatened.
“Go on and try that with me and see what it brings ya.”
Bishop utterly ignored the warning, his arm still lingering at my waist. “You should’ve told me you were coming.”
I gently disengaged myself, moving to stand by Rob before his temper boiled over any worse than it already had. “I’m only here on a layover on the way back home. We just went to Norway.”
“Really,” Bishop replied, his brow puckering. “Did Jakob take you on a tour of where it all began? I’m surprised he let you out of his sight long enough for a visit.”
“No, not exactly.” I gave him the condensed version of why we’d come and what we picked up from Maeja.
“No shit, the spear of Odin?” he blinked, impressed. “I guess there’s more to some of those stories than I thought. Can I see it?”
“No, I’m sorry, we left it back at the plane.”
“You left a priceless artifact like that on a plane?”
“Not by itself. It’s being guarded by Lee and Nelleke.”
“Who are Lee and Nelleke?” he shrugged, at a loss.
“Lee’s my new head of security and Nelleke’s our reserve shieldmaiden.”
“Is there a reason why you need a reserve shieldmaiden?” Bishop’s brows twitched closer together.
“Try and keep up,” Rob smirked. “She told you why we went to the vale, to get the spear. Or have your brains gone soft out here in retirement?”
Now Bishop took offense at Rob’s tone. “Hey, watch it. As a vampire, you’re under my jurisdiction now. Maybe now’s not the time to push me.”
Why did it always end up coming to this? I inserted myself between the men as they edged closer to open violence. “Hey, Rob’s under my jurisdiction, not yours, not unless he breaks the law, so cool it. We need an extra shieldmaiden in case the plan goes all catawampus.”
Bishop’s face didn’t lose the dark cast to it. “Something tells me there’s more to this plan than you first let on.”
He wasn’t wrong, and I spent the next twenty minutes covering our options in greater detail. The risk I’d be taking didn’t
sit well with him either, but something kept him from taking the same side Rob was on. Even though I knew he was itching to forbid me from spearheading this plot (I know, it’s a terrible pun), Bishop was left with only one other alternative.
“Alright, I’m in. I just need an hour to wrap up some loose ends around here.”
“No, that’s not why I’m here,” I said, hating the hurt that crumpled his features.
“You’re not?”
“No, I’m actually here to see if I can borrow some ACBT. The weaponized kind that Aubrey used on Sylvius.”
Surprise and admiration mingled, and Bishop forgot to feel hurt. “That’s genius. The drug will compromise his vascular system and the spear will give the blood an out. He’ll drain in less than two minutes.”
My hopes soared at hearing his easy acceptance of the plan. I’d been sort of hoping it made sense, but to have Bishop support it did a lot to boost my confidence in it. “So you’ll do it then? You’ll give me the ACBT?”
“No, absolutely not. Not unless you take me with you.”
My face fell. “Bishop, you can’t afford to be involved in something like this. You’re head of the Order now.” I lowered my voice to a whisper. “What would it look like if it came out that you were in a plot to kill an Ellri?”
“I don’t care about that.”
“You should. You’ll care plenty if the law turns your own agency against you.”
“Besides, we don’t need your help, mate,” Rob chimed in. “We got it all well in hand.”
“Says the newbie who can’t keep a lid on his emotions right now?” Bishop snorted. “What if you lose it and Anja suffers as a consequence?”
“I would never put Anja at risk.”
“Whoa… hold on guys,” I started to say, but they ignored me.
“You already have,” Bishop went on without a pause. “Besides this isn’t your decision, it’s hers. I can help you, Anja, let me worry about my politics on my own.”
Rob’s chest puffed out as he sidestepped me, getting right up in Bishop’s face. “She don’t want you no more, she made her choice.”