‘I’ll bet you have.’ Phantom said under his breath. ‘Just give me a minute –’ he folded his lean body gracefully down onto the ground beside his brother and scanned the parchment rapidly. ‘Oh!’
‘What?’ Mistral demanded eagerly, dropping down at his side to try and peer at the parchment.
‘It’s quite an event!’
‘What exactly does it entail Phantom?’ Fabian asked tersely.
Phantom glanced up and almost flinched when he met Fabian’s glacial look, ‘Sorry, just, well – I’ve never seen so many endangered species up for the chop in one go before.’
Mistral let out an excited squeak and Fabian continued to stare at Phantom, ‘Please, enlighten us.'
‘Well, let’s start with the contentious issue. Each competitor gets to nominate a second to take into the Arena with them.’
‘Which won’t be you. Mage.’ Saul muttered.
A muscle jumped in Fabian’s jaw but he didn’t take the bait.
‘So, these seconds, do they fight too or what?’ Xerxes promptly briskly.
‘Wait –’ Phantom frowned, reading further down the parchment. ‘No ... they get to assist –’
‘Assist?’ Xerxes scoffed. ‘You mean cheer and shout encouragement? What use is that?’
‘No, you misunderstand.’ Phantom held up a hand impatiently. ‘Give me a second … ha! They can offer guidance, re-load, pass weapons, and also patch up any wounds that might prevent their competitor from continuing, er –’
Phantom shrank slightly from the sudden intensity of Fabian’s glare.
‘– although I’m sure Mistral won’t sustain wounds of any kind.’
‘I choose Cain.’ Mistral said quickly.
‘Cain?’ Fabian looked at her sharply.
‘Yes. He can patch me up better than anyone if I manage to lose a limb, or something equally disastrous!’ Mistral laughed then caught Fabian’s expression and instantly stopped. ‘Sorry. Um, what I really mean is that Cain deserves to be in the Arena today, more than I do in fact. He nearly won the horse race and he’s competed in more events than me.’
‘I accept!’ Cain said promptly and grinned at Mistral.
‘Saul.’ Grendel grunted.
‘Sure about that Grendel?’ Brutus asked. ‘Only, I’m fairly handy with a sword too you know.’
‘Injured.’ Grendel looked pointedly at Brutus’ stitched arm.
‘I’m hale, hearty, and willing!’ Xerxes offered with a wink.
‘Huh! You’ll be taking bets while I take a beating!’ Grendel snorted. ‘No, I’ll stick with the yarthkin.’
‘Right, now that’s settled, read out the details brother!’ Cain called enthusiastically.
‘Just give me a damned moment will you?’ Phantom muttered, looking harassed. ‘Right, so we have the five finalists: Mistral, Grendel, Bellona – that’s the scary amazon who won the melee, Ares – the elf that Phantasm threw his sword duel to,’ Phantom paused to give his brother a reproachful look, ‘and finally Dravite; he’s one of the centaurs. Together with their seconds they will each face one of five beasts –’
‘And they are?’ Mistral demanded breathlessly.
‘A gryphon, a manticore, a gargoyle, a sphinx, and a chimera.’
‘Really?’ Mistral burst, oblivious to Fabian’s increasingly stony expression.
‘There’s a final creature to overcome … a gorgon. Whoever deals the death blow to the gorgon wins the competition.’
‘A gorgon!’ Mistral echoed in an awestruck voice. ‘I wonder … do you think Bryden will let us keep the skin for armour?’
‘Let’s focus on how to kill it first.’ Phantom pointed out practically.
‘Simple!’ Mistral cried. ‘Stab it!’
Phantom eyed Fabian warily. He was bone-white and staring rigidly at Mistral’s wildly glowing face.
‘Hmm, let’s run through some of these creatures and their known weak points shall we?’ Phantom continued quickly. ‘Gryphons – ’
‘Never had the pleasure.’ Mistral shrugged happily. ‘But I’m really looking forward to it!’
‘Beaks, claws, wings … what can I say? A fearsome opponent.’ Brutus offered helpfully. ‘Although, the wings will probably have been clipped to stop it from flying away, so it’s going to be just the talons and sharp beak to worry about.’
‘Clipped?’ Mistral shook her head. ‘The poor thing.’
‘Grendel?’ Phantasm said quickly, ignoring Mistral’s disappointed expression. ‘Did you bring any sarisas?’
Grendel gave his universal response, a grunt.
‘Good. Take one into the Arena with you. It’ll be useful for fending off some of these creatures.’
‘Right! Next on the list.’ Phantom slid his finger down the parchment. ‘Manticore –’
‘Easy!’ Mistral cried enthusiastically. ‘I’ll get that one! They love my scent!’
‘I think they’ll prefer you to the amazon. She’s barely going to register as female.’ Xerxes muttered.
‘Just avoid the poison barbs in the tail.’ Cain hid a wink behind his raised waterskin.
‘Hush brother!’ Mistral hissed, glancing anxiously at Fabian.
‘So, tackle that one with what?’ Phantom frowned at Mistral. ‘Crossbow?’
‘No chance! Sword or dagger! Anything less is just not worthwhile! What’s next brother?’ Mistral clapped her hands together eagerly.
Noting the glowering look Fabian was giving her, Phantom quickly returned his attention to the parchment in his hand, ‘Gargoyle –’
‘Behead the nasty little beasts!’
‘Squash them.’ Grendel agreed in a low growl.
‘Nice response.’ Phantom murmured and moved his finger down the parchment. ‘Which brings us to the sphinx.’
‘New one on me. Basically a big cat though isn’t it?’ Mistral enquired brightly.
‘Not quite.’ Fabian snapped icily. ‘They are creatures with telepathic powers capable of disabling their enemy, effectively making them defenceless.’
‘So it’s a big cat with a gift like the twins have.’ Mistral summarised then shrugged. ‘It still bleeds right? No problem’s there then. Next!’
Phantom ducked his head to hide from the fury in Fabian’s gaze, ‘Chimera –’
Mistral hid a smile and caught Fabian’s eye, recalling their chimera hunt. Just the two of them, the mountains and a savage creature to hunt. Heaven.
‘Mistral?’
‘Yes?’ she looked up guiltily, caught out.
‘You’ve hunted a chimera before haven’t you?’
‘Yes. It was great.’ her voice trailed off dreamily.
‘I’m sure it was.’ Phantom muttered drily. ‘But can you tell Grendel and your seconds anything that might be useful?’
‘Er, well … we stalked it and took it down with daggers.’ Mistral turned to gaze at Fabian with shining eyes. ‘Do you remember? It was snowing and the chimera had its winter coat. We could barely see it!’
‘I remember.’
‘But was it easy to take down?’ Phantom demanded impatiently.
‘No! It fought like hell!’ Mistral exclaimed. ‘In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever hunted such challenging prey! I hope I get that one this afternoon!’
‘I don’t.’ Fabian said flatly.
‘So.’ Phantom said loudly to cover the sudden tension between Mistral and Fabian. ‘That brings us to the final beast. The winner will be whoever defeats the gorgon.’
‘They’re so rare!’ Brutus exclaimed. ‘I can’t believe Bryden managed to get one for the festival.’
‘He must’ve called in some favours.’ Phantasm agreed. ‘Not least of all at the Council. They’re a protected species.’
‘Protected! I’d like to see someone try and protect one of those things!’ Brutus shook his head. ‘They’re meant to be unbelievably vicious!’
‘Where would you like me to begin?’ Fabian’s voice was granite hard. ‘Perhaps the fact that gorg
on skin is used to make the toughest armour money can buy provides you with some idea of how difficult they are to kill.’
‘Is it true that one look from their eyes can turn you to stone?’ Mistral breathed, her eyes lit with a fanatical gleam.
‘Myth.’ Fabian snapped then continued in a more measured tone. ‘However, they are possessed of a powerfully hypnotic stare that renders their victim helpless to their attack.’
‘No stone?’ Mistral sounded slightly disappointed. ‘And the hair? Snakes? Is that real or myth too?’
‘Real.’ Fabian confirmed shortly. ‘However, that should be the least of your concerns. If the gorgon is close enough for you to be in danger from the snakes on its head then you are already dead. They are formidable archers.’
‘But it won’t be armed today will it? Or it would’ve taken out Bryden’s elves by now!’ Mistral laughed, not seeming to notice when no-one else joined in. ‘So, crossbow from a distance or swords if I get close enough.’ she concluded breezily.
‘A crossbow would be too cumbersome to carry through the first round of creatures.’ Phantasm ventured thoughtfully.
‘Cain?’ Fabian turned to fix him with a hard look. ‘As Mistral’s second, will you carry a crossbow for her?’
‘Of course –’
‘I think that was my question to ask wasn’t it?’ Mistral cut in sharply.
‘Can you thicken a poison into paste so that it can be smeared onto the bolts in advance?’ Fabian continued, ignoring Mistral.
‘Good idea.’ Cain nodded and reached for his saddlebag. ‘I could use chalk powder to thicken a hemlock brew I’ve got. I think that would work quite well.’
‘Grendel?’
Grendel squinted at Fabian.
‘Could I request that you protect Mistral as much as you can during the event?’
‘Just hold on Fabian!’ Mistral cried. ‘You obviously think I’m incapable of competing without having my hand held but could you just try and remember that I actually managed to earn my place in the final without your interference?’
‘Mistral. For once, please just try to be sensible –’
‘Sensible? You mean be nurse-maided through the damned event!’ Mistral flared. ‘Well I won’t be sensible because I can’t! I think the wretched harpy hunt showed us that didn’t it? I can’t be sensible and I can’t keep a promise … a selfish, reckless liar, that’s me!’
‘Right! I’ll go mix the poison!’ Cain announced, rising quickly to his feet and vanishing into the tent.
‘I think that we need to tend to the horses.’ Xerxes gave his brother a meaningful look and hurried away, swiftly followed swiftly by Xerxes.
‘Lunch needs to be prepared.’ Phantasm said, glancing pointedly at his twin who nodded quickly.
Grendel merely grunted and stomped off in the direct of the nymph tent.
‘I’ll be over here if you need me Mistral.’ Saul walked over the far side of their camp and began to sharpen his sword.
Mistral glared silently at Fabian while her brothers made their excuses and left. They moment they were all gone she opened her mouth but Fabian cut across her in a quiet voice.
‘Mistral, you are not selfish and you are not a liar.’
‘No? Then I’m worse! I can’t keep a promise to the man I love! What does that make me?’
Fabian smiled, ‘Wilful, impulsive … mine.’
‘Oh Fabian!’ Mistral let out an angry breath. ‘I will always be yours, but I let you and my brothers down today. Please, please don’t make Grendel wreck his own chances of winning by asking him to babysit me.’
Fabian sighed and reached out to take her hand. He turned it over, tracing her lifeline with a frown, ‘I would rather be the one looking after you Mistral.’
Mistral fought the distracting lure of his touch, clinging vainly to her fading anger to mutter half-heartedly, ‘You could actually try and have a little faith in my abilities.’
‘I do not doubt that you could win this event Mistral. You have the skills, courage and complete disregard for your own life to make you the perfect competitor.’ Fabian paused to look intently at her. ‘But this is not just about winning the festival.’
‘How could I forget?’ Mistral snatched her hand from his. ‘It’s all about the damned Sight! Surely I can’t be the only wretched Seer on the Isle!’
Fabian regarded her patiently, ‘Tell me what Imperato told you about Seers.’
Mistral made a dismissive gesture, ‘He told me that his tribe had produced three Seers over the last thousand years, so?’
‘And with the Divinus, that makes four … in a thousand years. How common is that?’
Mistral glared at him until her defiant expression wilted, ‘Not very,’ she admitted then scowled. ‘So, Sight is rare and I’m the lucky one supposed to have it! But I don’t have it do I? It’s so frustrating Fabian! All my life I’ve done exactly what I’ve wanted and now I feel like I’m beholden to everyone – the whole Isle in fact!
Fabian sighed and reached for her hand again, but Mistral pulled back sharply, denying him her touch.
‘No Fabian, don’t talk me round like you always do! You, the twins, Leo, even Mage Grapple! You all want to change me into something I’m never going to be! I feel like everyone is pushing and pulling me in different directions until I hardly know what I want anymore.’ she paused and shook her head. ‘Apart from you that is.’
Fabian smiled, his dark gaze instantly drawing her in. When he reached for her hand again she didn’t resist but gazed helplessly, adrift in the black pools of his eyes.
‘Mistral. I have no desire to change or even tame any part of your beautiful, wild nature. Please understand that I never imagined I was even capable of feeling the way I do about you. You are my first, my last, my absolution. Do you understand how important you are to me? I am begging you now.’ Fabian moved onto one knee, mimicking the traditional pose of a suitor. ‘Please. Please do not deny me the chance to spend my life with you by throwing yours away in a worthless competition.’
Mistral sighed, ‘You know I could never deny you anything.’
‘Even though you understand that my wish to protect you is based purely on selfishness?’
‘Now selfishness I can do.’ Mistral rolled her eyes. ‘Selfish, reckless –’
‘Oh I disagree.’ Fabian shook his head slowly. ‘You have already given so much to me that to ask for any more is sheer greed.’
‘Ask Fabian. There is nothing in me that I cannot give to you.’
‘Then allow me to protect you in any way I can today.’
‘How can I refuse when you look at me like that?’ Mistral complained. ‘And what part of me is so selfish and bent on self-destruction to make me even want to? I’m sorry Fabian, yet again, I know that I’d feel the same about you if the situation were reversed; in fact no, I would be worse, much worse. You are, without doubt, my better half.’
‘I think to call me that may be stretching things a little too far.’ Fabian laughed and raised her hand to his lips, brushing the skin with a soft kiss. ‘But you are agreeable to a few compromises?’
‘I’m listening.’
‘Permit me to request your brothers to do their utmost to protect you during the event –’
‘Does that include the twins?’
‘Yes, but only if it becomes absolutely necessary. I am certain that Bryden not take kindly to the twins using their gift to secure a Ri champion. What I really want is for you to listen to Cain. Follow his advice and take whatever help he offers you.’
Mistral pulled a face, ‘That might be a bit difficult. Cain and I don’t always agree on how I should behave –’
‘Mistral. You don’t agree with anyone on how you should behave.’ Fabian interrupted wearily. ‘Please just listen to him today.’
Mistral shrugged and looked sullen.
‘Well?’
‘Well what?’
Fabian sighed, ‘Do you agree to heed Cain’s advice?’<
br />
‘Oh, I suppose so.’ Mistral rolled her eyes. ‘So long as it’s nothing too ridiculous like –’
‘Not drinking poison?’ Fabian suggested quietly.
Mistral flinched, her petulance diminished by shame, like her voice, ‘Sorry.’
‘Then we are agreed on the first part.’ Fabian continued firmly. ‘Secondly –’
‘There’s more?’
‘Yes, Mistral there is most definitely more. Now please try to just listen or you may find that your persistent interruptions cause you to miss the event entirely.’
Mistral pouted and shrugged sulkily.
‘Thank you for that, which I think was your agreement not to interrupt further. Secondly, whichever creature you are presented with, I want you to use the most effective method to dispatch it and not the most challenging.
Mistral hesitated then nodded reluctantly.
‘And finally, whichever competitor reaches the gorgon first I am certain Grendel will not be far behind. He could probably take on all the finalists plus the five creatures and still be standing!’
Mistral gave a short laugh, ‘Definitely.’
Fabian’s brief flicker of humour was gone, leaving him deadly serious once more, ‘I need you to promise Grendel his moment of glory.’
Mistral looked at him, her brow knitting into a small furrow, ‘Are you saying I can’t have a go at the gorgon?’
‘No. I think that would be expecting an unrealistic amount of restraint on your part. I am merely requesting that you to wait for Grendel before you attempt to approach the gorgon. Crossbows, throwing knives and longbow are all perfectly acceptable weapons to use from a distance. But if you could please refrain from rushing in with your swords, or worse, just your dagger, then I would feel that I stood slightly more chance of having you back still alive at end of the event.’
‘Not even a gorgon could take me away from you Fabian.’
‘Perhaps.’ Fabian smiled. ‘However, I am not willing to take that risk. All I ask is that you allow Grendel to be the one that deals the final blow. Gorgons fight hardest when they know death is imminent.’
Mistral was silent for a moment, her expression puzzled, ‘Can I get this straight? You’re giving me permission to compete – ’
The Assassin's Destiny (Isle of Dreams) Page 53