I gripped the iron bars and glared between them. ‘I don’t see the point of this.’
‘Ah, the impatience of youth,’ said Augustine, untying the pouch. ‘To the gadje, this was just a story; an explanation for the statues that have adorned medieval cathedrals since the twelfth century. But we know the truth. We know that a young Gypsy convict named Keveco Romany assisted the priest in the killing of La Gargouille. We know the priest took pity on Keveco because he’d been persecuted for his Roma heritage. And we know the priest ground the body of the monster into ash and presented it to Keveco as a gift to help his people.’
An uncomfortable feeling churned in my stomach. ‘A gift?’
Augustine poured a small amount of the pouch’s contents into his palm. I pressed against the bars, eager and wary to see it for myself. It was a fine powder – silver in color and speckled with purple and black. ‘Yes, Sebastian,’ he said. ‘A gift. With this dust, Keveco was able to fashion the first shadowen.’
‘It’s prah.’ I stared, transfixed, at the powder. ‘Like what Hugo used in the ink for my tattoo.’
‘It comes from the same source,’ he replied. ‘But branding dust is a diluted concoction, mixed with Gypsy herbs, used only in the process of sealing guardians to their charges. What I have here is the concentrated form. Very rare. Very valuable.’ Augustine tilted his palm, and the powder glittered under the light of the stars. ‘I’ve searched for years for the original prah from the urn of Keveco Romany.’
I let go of the bars in shock. Hugo’s parents – according to their letter – had been looking for the same thing.
Augustine moved closer, studying me with amusement. ‘You know about the urn,’ he said. ‘I’m sure Hugo Corsi told you that his parents went on their own quest for it. Unfortunately, they didn’t have all the details as to its location. But, thanks to some clever connections on my part with the Old Clans, I was able to secure it.’ Augustine rubbed the dust between his fingers. ‘You see, Sebastian, this particular prah is very special. For with it, shadow creatures can not only be awakened, but modified.’
I saw the contorted bodies of Anya, Matthias, and Thaddeus in my memory – their wicked faces devoid of humanity and consumed with hate. My heart sank. Somewhere, in my subconscious thoughts, I had known the truth. I just hadn’t been willing to confront it before now.
‘You turned your gargoyles into chimeras.’ I clutched the bars until my knuckles bulged. ‘But why?’
Augustine poured most of the dust into the pouch, but a trace amount remained in his palm. ‘My ancestors created your kind. I believe we have the right to alter your design as we see fit.’
‘As you see fit, you mean.’
He smiled pleasantly. ‘There isn’t much difference between gargoyles and other shadowen, really. It’s simply a matter of finding the right combination of elements. Anya and the others came up lacking.’ Augustine pulled the pouch string tight with his teeth and dropped it into his satchel. ‘But I have far better plans for you, Sebastian.’
I snarled. ‘Like what?’
‘First, I’m going to create an army of shadowen. And then I’m going to fashion a general to lead them.’
Dread crept up my throat like bile. ‘How?’
‘Patience, fledgling,’ he replied with a glint in his eyes. ‘I can’t give away all my plans now, can I? Otherwise, you’d have nothing to look forward to. But don’t worry yourself too much. I promised I was going to set you free. And I intend to keep that promise, beginning with your liberation from the Romany camp.’
‘You’re marimé,’ I said, forcing my lips back in a smug smile. ‘You’re banished from Gypsy society. Even with Quentin helping you, there’s no way Nicolas is going to hand me over to you.’
‘We’ll see about that.’ Augustine whistled sharply. One of the Marksmen that had dumped me into the cage appeared, a quiver of arrows strapped to his back. Augustine slid one of the arrows free and held it to the light. ‘To maintain the upper hand in a game, you find ways to keep the deck stacked in your favor.’ He handed the arrow to the Marksman. ‘I’m a very patient player, Sebastian, and you’re the card hidden up my sleeve.’
I retreated slowly, my eyes fixed on the arrow. ‘So my dead body’s supposed to be the game changer?’
‘I was under the assumption those pointed ears enhanced your hearing,’ he replied in a mocking tone that reminded me of Quentin. ‘Haven’t you been listening? If killing you was my intention, I’d have done it long before you fully awakened.’
My lip curled. ‘Remind me to send you a thank you card.’
Augustine regarded me, serene and confident. ‘Keveco Romany brought stone to life with prah. But it was only when mixed with human blood that a guardian was created. Burn away the humanity and you’re no different from your other shadowen brethren.’ The arrow’s diamond-encrusted tip glittered dangerously. Augustine brushed his hand over it, coating it with prah. ‘Here, let me demonstrate.’
The Marksman notched the arrow to his bow.
I recoiled against the bars at the far side of the cage. Trapped. ‘I’m a guardian. That’s not going to change.’
‘Say what you like, Sebastian Grey.’ Augustine sauntered along the front of the cage until he was in my line of sight. His black eyes and his white scar glared from the depths of his tanned face. ‘Consider how long you’ve fought against what you are: those dark impulses and instincts. You struggle to keep them at bay but deep down, in the very marrow of your bones, you know there’s more to you than this.’
His words sent a tremor through my wings. ‘You don’t know anything about me.’
‘I wouldn’t be so sure of that,’ he replied. He studied me through the bars. I felt like a rat in a laboratory cage, but I couldn’t look away from Augustine’s piercing stare. He tapped his fingernail against the metal. ‘I have many questions yet unanswered concerning you. But thanks to my newfound knowledge, I do know this: where I have failed with other shadowen, I will succeed with you.’
‘I’ll fight you,’ I said, snarling fiercely. ‘No matter what I am.’
‘Oh, there’ll be fight in you, to be sure, but the fight won’t be with me.’
My body screamed a warning. I dove across the cage, but I wasn’t fast enough. The arrow whizzed through the bars and sank into my shoulder. My pierced flesh burned like fire, and I clawed at it desperately. The diamond tip ripped loose, pulling skin with it. The wound bubbled as I flung the arrow away.
Suddenly, every dark emotion I’d ever experienced rammed into me at once. Red haze blinded my vision. Liquid flames loosened my muscles. I leapt for the bars of the cage, blazing with fury, and slammed into them so hard that the entire wagon rattled. I threw myself against the cage, over and over, until my head threatened to burst. I shook off the pain, panting wildly, and glared into Augustine’s face.
He was laughing.
‘A more impressive display than even my own gargoyles,’ he said. ‘This may prove to be easier than I thought.’
My head was drowning in a sea of lava, and I struggled to think rationally. My shoulder throbbed. I wiped at it with my hand, smearing purplish-black blood across the remains of my ripped shirt.
‘W … what … did you do,’ I gasped.
‘Just a little experiment. The first of many I have planned.’ Augustine brushed the remaining prah off his fingers and into the pouch. ‘As you’ve just experienced, when the prah enters your veins, it runs through like poison, eating away the human blood you have within you. I’ve found a small amount produces a temporary reaction …’
‘And a large amount?’ I asked, grinding my teeth together.
‘You might have asked Thaddeus,’ he replied, ‘before you killed him.’
Augustine turned to the Marksman, and the black-clad Gypsy notched another arrow. I coiled into a crouch, ready to spring.
‘Not to worry,’ he continued. ‘There’s no need to shoot you again. Unless, of course, you disobey my orders.’
/> My eyes narrowed. ‘What orders?’
Augustine wrapped his long fingers around the bars. ‘Quentin will be arriving shortly with the Romanys. They must be convinced that you are a serious danger to the camp and must be removed immediately. In order to do that, I’ll need your assistance.’
‘I don’t think so.’
‘Then you will be responsible for ending your precious Josephine’s illustrious circus career. How dreadful it will be for her to sustain a life-crippling injury the night before the Circe opens – and all while you are stuck in this cage, helpless to protect her.’ A snakelike smile twisted his features. ‘I may even give the task to Quentin. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind the—’
‘Don’t touch her!’
I thrust my arm through the cage. My fingers were around his throat before he could duck. His eyes bulged. But an arrow was at my neck almost as quickly. Thomas held it like a spear, ready to run me through. I hissed and released my hold. Augustine stumbled back, gasping for air.
‘You’re in no position to make threats, demon,’ he panted. ‘Not when you’re behind bars and I’m out here.’ His eyes glittered. ‘Play your part, Sebastian, and she’ll be left alone. Cross me in any way, and I promise you, she’ll never perform again. Are you prepared to have that on your conscience for the rest of your life?’
I clung to the bars as raging emotions burned inside me. I was caged like an animal, while Josephine was on the outside, unaware and vulnerable. I had to buy some time, give myself a chance to think clearly. I met Augustine’s gaze steadily.
‘What do I have to do?’
‘You’re a gargoyle,’ Augustine answered smoothly. ‘It won’t be that difficult for you to convince them you’re dangerous.’ He smiled. ‘Rest assured, though. You’re doing the right thing. After all, Josephine is my niece, and I would hate to see her suffer. I have such a tender place in my heart for family.’
The haze and the pain vanished at his words. Augustine nodded in satisfaction.
‘Yes, Sebastian,’ he continued, ‘I’m her uncle. Though I doubt she’s ever mentioned me. You see, Josephine was quite young when I was banished, and when I lived among the Romanys I went by another name.’
‘Adolár,’ I said with a growl.
He chuckled. The sound made me want to throw myself against the bars. ‘So she has mentioned me,’ he said. ‘Then you understand why I was so adamant about keeping you from this clan when you and I first met. But so much has changed in my favor.’ The renegade Gypsy clasped his hands and sighed in triumphant pleasure. ‘Now that I’ve acquired the prah, Karl’s books, and most importantly … you.’
I swallowed hard past the lump of fury in my throat. ‘If I do this, if I get myself removed from the Romany camp, you’re saying you’re just going to leave Josephine alone?’
‘Of course,’ he replied. ‘I don’t like harming innocent people, really.’
‘How can you expect me to believe you?’ My lip curled, exposing my teeth. ‘I heard you and Quentin talking. I heard your plans. She’s in more danger now than ever.’
‘Only if I allow it,’ he replied. ‘Quentin is a powerful man, but even the most powerful can be bought with the right price. He has sworn allegiance to me, and the Marksman will do nothing without my express command.’ Augustine’s lips flatted into a narrow line, and for once, the sneering look in his eyes was gone. ‘I give you my word, Sebastian. Josephine will be safe with her family, and you’ll be—’
‘Standing trial in front of the High Council.’
‘Yes, you will,’ he said. ‘But I have no intention of leaving you there. Going before the Council is just the beginning of our journey together. Under my control, your potential will finally be realized.’
I turned away, my gaze wandering over the rotting hay and metal chains of the cage. So what if the Corsis and Esmeralda thought I was different? I was still just one person. I shook my head fiercely. No. One gargoyle. A single creature. No matter what Augustine thought he could do to me, it didn’t change that fact. The Outcasts had dealt with my kind for centuries.
They’d kill me eventually.
But before they did, I’d make sure Augustine went down. And with us both gone, everything could go back to the way it was. My wings snapped against my back, and my shoulders tightened in resolution.
This was it. All the fighting against what I was, my desperate attempts to embrace it – the hope of a life with Josephine – it had all come to nothing. But for these last few moments, I was still her guardian, and I would keep her safe. Like I’d promised. Bittersweet emotion swept through me, and then, it was gone. I turned hardened eyes to Augustine.
‘I’ll do it,’ I replied coldly. ‘I’ll do it.’
26. Unending Finality
‘A reasonable decision,’ said Augustine. ‘And really, the only one you could make. The clan doesn’t trust you. The kris put too many doubts in their minds, even those who were on your side. As the chimera attacks increase – and believe me, they will – it will be only a matter of time before they rip you from your charge permanently.’
‘It’s your game, then.’ I pressed my face against the bars. ‘For now.’
Augustine motioned to Thomas, and the two Gypsies began untying the heavy ropes knotted at the front corners of the cage, releasing a molded tarp from the roof. They pulled it over the bars, leaving only a narrow opening in front of the cage door. My hay-filled prison went instantly dark.
‘Quentin should be along any minute now with my loving family,’ said Augustine, smoothing down the fabric. ‘I’d better not hear one word, not one snarl, from you. Not until I’m ready to showcase you for what you really are.’
He started to turn, and I pushed forward.
‘Wait.’
Augustine glanced back at me over his shoulder, one brow raised. I positioned my head between the bars so I could look him right in the eyes. ‘If you want a show, you’ll get one,’ I said through clenched teeth. ‘But you have to do something for me.’
Augustine sighed. ‘And what is that?’
‘Quentin goes, too.’ My eyes flashed with heat. ‘You’ll need an escort to the High Council, won’t you? Make sure Quentin Marks is the one heading it up.’
‘I don’t think you’re under—’
My acid snarl cut him off. ‘If you’re really holding the upper hand, then prove it. Make it happen. Besides, if I’m as big a threat as you claim, I don’t think it will be that difficult for you to convince Nicolas to send his head Marksman along.’
Augustine smiled with thinly drawn lips. ‘Honestly, Sebastian. Does it really make any difference? Once we arrive in Savannah, Quentin will merely return here to the Circe … and to Josephine. You have no control over that.’
‘Do we have a deal or not?’
‘Very well,’ he replied.
I leaned against one corner of the cage, breathing hard. A fierce wave of hunger crashed over me. It made me feel thickheaded and hazy, almost as much as Augustine’s prah. I stifled a groan.
Augustine observed me from the outside of the cage. ‘Ah, you haven’t eaten in a while, have you?’
I clutched my stomach. It was futile to pretend otherwise. Not only did Augustine have possession of whatever information was written in Karl’s books, it seemed apparent he’d acquired more than just those. And I was certain he was behind the murders in the Boswell clan, whether he said it directly or not.
‘Well, I’m sorry about that,’ Augustine continued, with an expression that showed the complete opposite. ‘But I’m afraid you’ll have to remain hungry. There’s far too much to do, and I believe things will go far better for me if you don’t eat.’
Karl had said food was a technique. Did it mean his ancestors starved shadowen into submission, or was there something more to it? Something I hadn’t experienced yet? What would happen to me?
Something changed on the breeze. My head jerked up, and I caught a whiff of air. The scents of all the Romany family – as wel
l as Quentin, Phillipe, and several other Marksmen – filled my nostrils. My stomach turned sour. I’d already been painted as a bloodthirsty monster. Now, Josephine’s last memory of me would be like this. ‘They’re here,’ I said quietly.
‘Right on time,’ said Augustine.
He laughed softly and tugged the tarp closed, blocking my view. I smelled Thomas taking up his guard position near the door, and I heard Augustine’s feet as he slipped around the outside of the cage, hiding himself from sight. I squeezed my eyes shut and prayed it would all be over quickly.
‘This is where you’re holding him?’
The voice belonged to Nicolas, but I couldn’t see anything beyond the canvas wall. I pressed my face against the cold bars and kept my eyes closed.
‘I wanted to keep him as far away from everyone as possible,’ said Quentin.
‘In a cage?’ Josephine’s voice. Demanding. Beautifully angry. ‘You could’ve held him anywhere but here. He’s not an animal, Quentin.’
‘No,’ the Marksman replied. ‘He’s worse.’
‘Sebastian isn’t some stupid grotie,’ said Francis. ‘He’s one of us. And, in case you’ve forgotten, he wasn’t found guilty. The kris was divided, remember?’
‘Yes, thanks to me,’ Quentin replied. ‘And, trust me, I would’ve preferred to remain impartial. But this creature has become uncontrollable. I had no choice but to restrain him like this. I told you what he did to my men. And he attacked me as well. He nearly clawed out my eyes.’
‘Yeah, and how did that happen, exactly?’ The Romany twin huffed. ‘When I left the kris, he was chained to a tent pole.’
‘He’s a gargoyle,’ said Quentin dangerously.
‘Enough, both of you.’ Nicolas took a deep breath. ‘This is not the time to fight among ourselves.’
The wind wafted through the bars of my cage, carrying Josephine’s scent. I tried my best to wrinkle my nose against it, but it was impossible. I clenched my hands into fists, concentrating on the pain as my claws pierced my skin.
‘Nicolas,’ said Quentin. ‘My men are exhausted from patrols and hunting shadow creatures. The troupe is on edge. The Circe opens tomorrow. We have to remove this gargoyle from our camp now. Having him here has done more harm than good. Let the High Council deal with him. We have to take care of ourselves.’
Shadow Page 30