Death Waltz

by A. M. Hargrove

  Jurek rubbed his stubbly jaw for a second. “You know, you’re right. How can he know? In fact, he probably doesn’t.”

  “So that’s a good thing, right? It keeps Smidgen out of danger.”

  Jurek didn’t have an honest answer for her. On the one hand, her erratic emotions made her dangerous, but they also made her stronger. On the other hand, they made her a loose cannon, incapable of making sound decisions.

  “I don’t have a good answer on that. All I can say is I don’t want you in any danger. I want you kept away from him at all costs.”

  “So what’s the plan? I can’t just sit back and do nothing. Remember what I was like when you brought me back from that dungeon? My sanity was hanging by a thread. The thought of January’s little ones going through that sickens me.”

  “Bloody fuck!”

  Abaddon had them up against the wall. They both knew it.

  “He’s got us exactly where he wants us,” Jurek said.

  “Alaric, we need to go to Earth.”

  “I want you to stay here, love.”

  “No! That will never work. I’m the one he wants anyway. Let’s give him what he wants.”

  “Liasare, he can have anything but that. I will give him the entire kingdom of Praestan before he gets you.”

  “Alaric, who else knows of the prophecy?”

  “Everyone. Why?”

  “I mean specifically. Like the nitty-gritty details.”

  “Probably the Triumvirate.”

  “We need to talk to them.”

  Jurek let out a bitter laugh. “That won’t work. We don’t talk to them. They talk to us.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Precisely what it sounds like. The only time an audience is granted is in response to them.”

  “Alaric, tell them I need to speak to them.”

  “Elaborate.”

  “It’s just a feeling I have.”

  “Details.”

  Liasare stuck out her tongue at him. “Do you always have to be such a brute? Can you not ask nicely?”

  “Oh, forgive me,” he said sarcastically. “We’re in the middle of a crisis and I apologize that I’m not thinking about your finer sensibilities.”

  She blew out her breath. “You do know how to frustrate me, don’t you? And you vacillate between sounding like an ogre and someone from the nineteenth century. My finer sensibilities? What the hell?”

  She’d rendered Jurek speechless. He stared at her, jaw hanging down.

  “Ha! No sarcastic comeback this time?”

  “None at all.”

  “Good. Now go and get me in front of the Triumvirate. I need their knowledge.”

  He grumbled under his breath and flashed out of the room. Liasare knew there was more to this prophecy than anyone was giving credit to. There were hidden clues in it and she was determined to find them.

  ***

  When Jurek returned, Liasare practically had paced a trail in their thick rug.

  “Well?”

  “One hour’s time. They’ll allow you only a few questions and believe me they’re pissed. Themis is not happy. I had to beg. Do you know what it’s like to beg Themis for anything?”

  “Not yet, but I’m sure I will.”

  “Your head will be killing you. She punctures your skull with the sharpest of knives and then gouges it in several times before removing it.” He headed to the liquor cabinet to pour himself a drink.

  “I’m going to appeal to her female sensibilities.”

  “She’s a fucking black widow. Be careful. She may eat you.”

  “She seemed nice when I met her.”

  Jurek choked on his tarynyac, and then spewed it everywhere. “You’re joking?”

  “No.”

  “Whatever. I’ll let you deal with them from now on.”

  “Fine.”

  An hour later, Liasare entered the Triumvirate’s chambers.

  “Queen. You expressed a desire to see us?” Themis asked.

  “I did.”

  “You are with child.” It was a statement.

  “I am. A boy.”

  “You know this for certain?”

  “I do. He speaks to me.”

  “Indeed?”

  “Yes.” Liasare couldn’t keep the smile from her face.

  “Are you afraid?”

  “No. Though Alaric is. He fears I will die after the birth. I don’t share that fear.”

  Themis stared at Liasare. “Approach my chair.”

  Liasare walked up to where Themis sat and Themis placed her hand upon Liasare’s pregnant belly. “Ah, you have a strong son, indeed.” Then she smiled. The wrinkles around her eyes became even more pronounced, but made her appear much more friendlier. “So, what is it you wish to speak of?”

  “The prophecy. We are in danger. Abaddon has taken my niece, nephew, and sister in an attempt to draw me out. Alaric is afraid for my life and that of our young. I believe there are hidden clues within the prophecy, if only we could read the entire thing. But no one seems to know where I can find it. So that’s why I need your help.”

  “I see. But what if I told you that no one has ever seen the Prophecy of Thul?”

  “But it has to be written down somewhere. How else would it have been passed down?”

  “Through memory,” Themis replied.

  “I have never been told the whole prophecy. Can someone write it down for me, from memory of course?”

  Themis looked at Nikoleta and Demokritos. They communicated with each other through their thoughts. Then she nodded.

  “Queen, do you understand the ramifications of what Abaddon does?”

  “He wants the universe as his.”

  “In truth.”

  “That’s why we have to stop him,” Liasare said.

  “Do you know how he plans to do that?”

  “Through me.”

  “Yes, but how?”

  “He wants to usurp my power.”

  “Think child. How will he do that?”

  “I don’t understand ...”

  Themis stood and her voice reverberated throughout the room. “How will he do that?”

  Liasare’s body vibrated with the strength of Themis’ tone. It went clear through her and touched every cell and nerve ending within her. Even Smidgen started wiggling.

  “I don’t know. He will drain me somehow?”

  “Think, Queen. How can he do this?”

  Liasare’s thoughts tore through her, trying to figure it out when suddenly the ideas impacted with her mind and punched into her. The whole scene unfolded in her brain and she gasped and then felt her legs give out beneath her. She lay on the floor, panting, trying to suck in air. Why had she never thought of this? How had this never occurred to her?

  “You see it, don’t you?” Themis asked.

  “Yes,” Liasare mumbled.

  “He has it planned out. Has had it planned out since the prophecy was written. He has to have you. You are the Key. And the Light. He needs you to complete his plan. You were born of the higher power. He has to make you his. This is not an easy task you were given and it takes monumental courage to lock Abaddon back in his realm. But child, make no mistake, he will not spare your young. If he catches you, he will do whatever it takes to mate with you. Now do you understand?”

  “Yes. But this changes nothing except gives me more resolve to fight against him. I cannot allow him to do this. But I must have the clues in the Prophecy of Thul. And I must save my family.”

  “Child, it may be too late for them.”

  “I have to try. And we need more loyal soldiers to assist us.”

  “You do indeed. Go see Arastas. He will recite the prophecy and you can write it down. From there you can find your clues, if any exist.”

  “Thank you. Are there any other words of wisdom you can share with me?”

  “Your power will be coveted by many. Take great care. And tell your mate and King that you are of sound mind
and body and that he should worry less about you and more about himself.”

  Liasare felt the corners of her mouth turn up. “May I ask you another question?”

  “You may.”

  “Has he always been so headstrong?”

  “Oh, child, if you only knew. He is so much better now, but when he was a young man, all three of us wanted to strangle him.”

  “I can imagine. I want to do that myself. Since I’ve become pregnant, he’s impossible to deal with.”

  Themis laughed. “Wait until your babe is born. Then you shall know impossible.”

  “What if Abaddon wins?”

  Themis’ eyes darkened. “He will not. You can never say such things. The Light is always stronger than the dark. The dark is evil and good weighs heavier than bad. Remember that, child. Do not ever let him into your head. Keep your shields up at all time. Your power will protect you and Alaricus. I saw it during your mating. You are singular in your ability to do that. None other has ever been gifted as such. Do not let Abaddon make you think you are weak. Do you understand me?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I do.”

  “Queen, know this. There is a traitor among you.”

  “But how do you know this?”

  “I felt his presence the night of your mating. One of Abaddon’s minions was here. Just beware.”

  “I will. And where do I find Arastas?”

  “Alaricus will know.”

  “Thank you. I must go now.”

  “And Queen, if ever you need us, you do not need to send your Alaricus to ask for an audience.” Themis had a twinkle in her eye.

  “He’s frightened of you, I think.”

  “As he should be,” Themis grinned.

  Chapter Seventeen

  “What did you say?” Jurek asked.

  The room’s temperature dropped and Liasare felt the skin of her arms break out in goose bumps.

  “How can I be more plain? He wants to mate with me. That’s how he plans to take my power. It makes sense. It’s like the reverse of what you did. You and I mated and you gave me your power. He wants to mate with me to take it from me.”

  “Well, that’ll happen when his fucking Hell freezes over, goddammit.”

  “Alaric, love, calm down. I agree. I would kill myself before I’d allow that to happen.”

  Jurek whipped around and was next to her, holding her. “Hey, no talk of that.”

  “Well, I’m just saying. And can you get this room temp back up. I’m freezing!”

  “Sorry.” He wrapped her in his arms and rubbed her back.

  “Themis also said that one of his minions was at our wedding, but we already knew that. And I told her we needed a larger army.”

  Liasare felt Jurek stiffen right before he stepped away from her.

  “Is there anything you need me for?” he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

  “This is not the time to act like a child, Alaric. We have bigger issues looming in front of us. Like January and the kids, for one. Themis gave me a name. This person, Arastas, supposedly can recite the entire prophecy. She said you know where to find him. You need to take me to him so I can write this thing down.”

  “Anything else, your highness?” he smirked.

  She chose to ignore him. “Not right now. Do you know where this Arastas is?”

  “Yes.”

  “Can you please take me to him?”

  “How is it that you go to see Themis and come back with all this information, and smiling no less? I go see her and return with a fucking migraine.”

  “She likes me.”

  Jurek grumbled something under his breath and Liasare didn’t dare ask him what he said. “Well, are you coming?”

  She shrugged and followed him. No one told her she would have to interpret grumpy before she got married.

  They shifted into energy and flashed to a place Liasare had never been to before. It was high on a mountain in a remote area.

  “Where are we?”

  “On Praestan. Come.” He grabbed her hand and took off walking at a quick pace that she had trouble keeping up with. Liasare thought he was only going to walk a short way like this, but when he kept walking and walking, she finally had to stop.

  “You have to slow down. I can’t keep up with you like this,” she panted. The thin air made breathing difficult for her and maybe it was her pregnancy that added to it, too.

  She could tell by the set of his mouth he was clearly irritated with her. “I’m sorry. I’m struggling to keep up with you and I’m short of breath. I hate to complain, but I didn’t realize we’d be going on such a hike. My feet are killing me.” He glanced down at her feet and swore.

  “Damn it, Liasare, why didn’t you wear shoes?”

  Liasare counted to ten in her head, then said, “Like I said, I didn’t know we were going on an expedition, honey. My feet have grown and my shoes are tight and uncomfortable. I never wear shoes.”

  “Why have your feet grown?”

  She looked at him like he didn’t own a brain. “Because I’m pregnant, dear.”

  Jurek scratched his head. He couldn’t remember many of those kinds of details from Larensa’s pregnancy. He’d pushed those memories away long ago. Did her feet grow too? Did her emotions swing back and forth as much as Liasare’s? He wanted to scream right now because he thought Liasare was being ridiculous. Who in the hell would leave home without wearing any shoes?

  “Go ahead and say it.”

  “Say what?” he asked.

  “Say what you’re thinking. I can see it written all over your face. You think I’m stupid.” She used her index finger to make a circle pointing to her feet.

  “That’s not what I was thinking.”

  “Well?”

  “Okay, maybe that was part of it. Can we just go instead of discussing this?”

  “Yeah, but why can’t we flash there?”

  “Because Arastas doesn’t allow it. He thinks it’s rude.”

  “Oh. Then can you walk a bit slower?”

  He took her hand and realized that in his haste to get to Arastas’ he hadn’t noticed that Liasare was limping.

  “Why are you limping?”

  She huffed, “I told you. My feet hurt.”

  He spied a rock off the side of the road and led her there. “Sit.” She did and he lifted her foot. The bottom of it was cut and bruised. When he touched them, she hissed.

  “Christ, Liasare, were you not going to say anything to me?”

  “No.”

  “And why not?”

  “I didn’t want to complain.”

  Jurek lifted his eyes to the heavens for a moment and asked for patience. Now it was his turn to count to ten. After he did, he took her hands, looked at her, and said, “Please complain to me all you want. Is that clear? You are never to walk around with bruised and bloodied feet, nor do I ever want you in pain. Tell me you understand me?”

  “I do.”

  “Good.” Then he took each foot in his hands and healed them. “Better?”

  “Mmm, yes. Thank you. Now will you kiss me?”

  “Gladly.”

  Their lips met and Liasare’s hands latched onto his shirt. Jurek’s found their way into her hair. She tasted of citrus and honey and sunshine. And as their tongues found each other’s, Liasare remembered of how much she adored his exotic scent. This was a kiss that reminded them of forever. That their love wouldn’t be for a moment or a week or a year. That they were a part of each other, for better or worse and that they would never be separated until one of them died. When the kiss ended, Liasare could only stare at her Alaric, because he had stolen her breath and her words away. Jurek’s frustrations were forgotten as he gazed back at the beauty before him, and knew there would never be another love to match the one in his arms.

  “Don’t move, love. I want to look at you like this for a bit.” He brushed her hair back from her face and ran his thumb across her lower lip. “Hmm. It’s hard to believe.”

&n
bsp; “What is?”

  “That you’re all mine. How did I get so lucky?”

  “How did we both get so lucky?”

  He grinned at her and said, “I’m a persuasive sort. If you remember correctly, I think I had a pretty good plan laid out for you.”

  Her heart stammered when she looked at him because he still had that kind of effect on her. “Yeah, well, I’ll give you that much. Even though you were an ass at first.” She scrunched up her face and said, “Well, you’re still an ass on a regular basis.”

  “It’s hard to shed. What can I say?”

  “Alaric?”

  “Yes?”

  “What do you think Smidgen is going to be like?”

  Jurek grinned. “Me, of course.”

  Liasare punched him in the arm.

  “Ouch. Did you have to do that?”

  “Yes. That was for your asshole-ishness.”

  “Right. Uh, Liasare, do you think we should be on our way?”

  She giggled. “Oh, I guess we should. I kinda forgot.”

  He held out his hand and she accepted it. Off they went to Arastas’ place.

  When they finally made it to his door, Liasare felt like she was in one of the storybooks January used to read to her when she was a little girl back on Earth. “Is Arastas an elf?”

  “What?”

  “Well, this house looks like something an elf would live in.”

  Jurek looked up to the heavens again. “Liasare, Arastas is over three thousand years old. He’s a very wise old man and should be treated as such.”

  “Well, I meant no disrespect. It’s just that his house has a thatched roof, and those cute little mullioned windows. And it’s made out of stone and reminds me of something from a fairy tale that I read in my youth.”

  “Okaaaaay. Let’s just get this over with. I’ll do the talking because quite frankly, I’m a little worried about what might come out of your mouth.”

  “Oh, I’m not trying to be mean. I just think it’s adorable.”

  “Right.”

  Jurek rapped on the door. After a bit, a withered old man answered. Liasare marveled at his nest of gray fuzzy hair and the sprigs of gray brows that sprouted over his eyes. He did remind her of an elf in a way, for his ears were slightly pointed on the top and quite large as they flared out framing his face in a way. His nose was long with a hump in it and his three thousand years had taken quite a toll on his teeth as he only had a few remaining.