Cross Keys

by Ally Shields

  “That’s simple enough. I want you as my wife, raising my children, and welcoming me home every night.” He reached down and turned her chin toward him, giving her lips a quick kiss. “I love you, Kam. Anything else will be built around that. But what do you want?”

  “Family, kids eventually. All of that, and… I don’t know, something more. Maybe I’m just being silly or having an attack of nerves.” She scooted around and kissed him back. “Give me just a little time?”

  He eyed her. “You haven’t had an attack of nerves in your life, but I don’t want to rush you. I’m willing to wait, but not forever. It’s time I had a home and family of my own.”

  “I understand, believe me I do, but I need to be sure this is the right step for both of us.”

  “I want that too. So, let’s say the Winter Ball. That gives you several weeks. We’ll announce our engagement that night or we’ll agree to move on.” He smiled and tapped her nose with one finger. “Fairy promise?”

  “Fairy promise.” The familiar pledge from their childhood tugged at her heart. If you broke a promise to a fairy, the rest of your life would be cursed. Tears threatened. She and Caleb had been successfully negotiating most of their lives. Why did she question her love for him?

  * * *

  Saturday afternoon Kam and Estelle mingled with many of the area’s younger generation at The Bookstore. It was a favorite gathering place in Brierwood that not only served the village but also the surrounding community, both Elite and common elves, although the two classes mostly remained on their own levels. The aristocracy arrived by way of the hanging walkways, strung from tree to tree by hemp ropes. The commoners arrived by the ground level entrance.

  By long-standing tradition, this was the time each week that the younger members of the aristocracy gathered to mix with members of the opposite sex, drink tea at the attached tearoom, purchase sweets at the candy counter, and maybe purchase a book or two. Today, everyone was talking about the party coming up that evening, and Mariel had invited friends from several guild houses, including both Ryndels and Lormarcs. It was causing a stir, given the bad blood between the two guilds, and everyone who was anyone—or wanted to be—was planning to attend.

  “See, I told you. We just have to go.” Estelle was nearly breathless with excitement. “I’m so glad that Caleb agreed to take us. Mother and Father would never have consented otherwise. Where is he anyway?”

  “He’s working at the Guild this afternoon, but he’ll be there to pick us up at eight o’clock.” Kam smiled at her sister’s flushed face. “We should go home soon so you can lay down for a while before it’s time to get ready. If you continue at this pace, you’ll be exhausted before the evening starts.” She cocked her head. “Is there a special young man you’re so eager to see?”

  “No, no one in particular. I just know it will be lovely.” Estelle closed her eyes and shivered. “I’ve heard that Mariel throws great parties. Think of all the new men to meet! We almost never see the Lormarcs or the members of the smaller houses, unless it’s at a king’s ball.”

  Kam shook her head, a smile parting her lips. Estelle was such a drama queen, but it was part of her charm. In another year or two, her parents would be sweeping suitors from the front steps.

  “Esty?” A young man stood before them, a confident smile on his face. “I thought that was you. Want to join me for a cup of tea? Your sister is welcome, of course.” His eyes flashed to Kam as he remembered his manners.

  “That would be very nice, Charlz.” Esty fluttered her eyes, and Kam had to cough to suppress a laugh. At this rate their parents wouldn’t have that two year reprieve.

  “Kam, are you coming?” Estelle’s eyes were frantically signaling her to say no.

  “Maybe in a few minutes. I think I’ll look for a book first. You two go ahead.” Kam watched them walk away. She wasn’t sure she liked the swagger in Charlz’s walk, but maybe he’d take Esty’s mind off the Lormarc men at the party.

  It certainly seemed that way as the two sisters took the swaying walkway home thirty minutes later. Esty talked about little else other than what Charlz said and what Charlz was planning to do. “He is one of the most popular boys in my class, and he is going to the Academy in a few months.”

  Her sister clearly had a new crush. Was this number four or five this year? It was hard to keep track.

  Kam watched the geese flying high above the trees and pulled her cloak snuggly around her throat against the chill wind. Maybe her failure to check out the competition had stymied her relationship with Caleb. They’d been neighbors and close friends since they could run and play outside. They’d been attracted to each other, then lovers, almost from the moment of legal maturity. Had she missed something her sister was getting right?

  When they got home, it was Kam who decided she needed a nap. Actually, she wanted time alone to think. But instead of thinking, she fell asleep and didn’t wake until Esty poked her to get ready for the party.

  Kam yawned, then stretched. The short rest had been good, restored her spirits. She was looking forward to the party, and the thought of spending time with Caleb afterwards brought a glow to her cheeks.

  Since the party was considered casual, she and Esty already knew they were wearing the denim leggings that sold in the human world as jeans, but it took quite a while to decide which jeans. The popular leggings had started out as a human import twenty years ago, but it hadn’t taken long for elven designers to create their own. The elven brands were now more popular than the imports and came in several general designs, including those that had eyelet insets on the sides, revealing a peek of skin underneath. Kam smiled to herself, thinking they’d look pretty stunning if she’d brought the lacey Manolas home. She hadn’t, not wanting to explain how she came to own them.

  She smoothed the front pockets of the sexy black jeans and wondered if they should be exporting the eyelet style to Cityside. She might take back a few samples for the showroom and see what customers thought.

  “What do you think about this top?” Esty held the bright fabric up against her chest. “Too green?”

  “Hmm.” Kam gave her a critical once over. “What about that pale blue pullover with the silver threads? You bought it last spring, and I haven’t seen you wear it.”

  “Oh, gosh, I’d forgotten.”

  “Then you have too many clothes.”

  “Impossible.” Esty dug in the back of her closet and pulled out the feminine top. Holding it up, she stared at herself in the mirror. “This is totally awesome.”

  Kam jerked her head up. “I haven’t heard you say that before.”

  “What? Totally awesome? It’s Cityside talk.”

  “I know that, but I didn’t know it had become popular over here.”

  “Come on, Kam. Most of us have visited the City, and the spotters go back and forth all the time.” She flicked a quick glance. “If you didn’t work for the monarchy, I’d tell you about the smuggled music player.”

  Kam clapped her hands over her ears. “I didn’t hear that.”

  “OK, but we know a lot about the human world.”

  “And you admire it?”

  Esty gave her a bright-eyed look as she pulled the top over her head. “In a way. I’d like to spend time there like you do, but this will always be my home. Nothing can compare to Elvenrude.” She straightened her top and glanced at her sister. “Aren’t you going to get ready? Caleb might not mind seeing you in your undies, but Mother won’t let you out of the house. And I really want to go to this.”

  “Don’t be silly. I’m almost ready.” Kam slipped into the deep blue, long sleeved shirt she’d chosen, leaving the top three buttons undone at the throat and fastening those at her wrist. No need to make room for weapons or magical charms tonight. Over the blouse she shrugged into a close-fitting black vest to match her jeans.

  Esty looked her over. “Ooh, nice. Kind of exotic.” Her eyes twinkled. “Caleb will appreciate that. Maybe not as much as the undies, bu
t you look good.”

  * * *

  When they arrived the requisite one hour late, the party was just getting underway. Beer, ale, mead, and wine flowed steadily from wooden casks; breads, cheeses, sliced apples in a gooey dip, and imported fruits were set on tables around the edges. A few couples danced to the music played by a five-piece ensemble of harps, lutes and deerskin drums, but mostly guests were clustered into small groups, talking, eating and drinking.

  The room quieted when the three Ryndels appeared in the doorway, but no one stared at them openly, and chatter picked up again moments later. Mariel spotted them and hurried over. “I’m so glad you came. My brother said you wouldn’t, but I had hopes.” She hugged Esty, then grabbed her hand. “Won’t you come and meet him? All of you?”

  A handsome man appeared behind her before anyone could answer. “I saw our guests arrive,” he said. He smiled at Kam, his green eyes twinkling with amusement. “I’m Rhyden Lormarc, and you must be Kameo. That would make you Estelle.” He nodded at the younger woman. “And Caleb I already know. You’re working at the main Ryndel Guild, I understand.”

  “Nearly a year now,” Caleb affirmed.

  Their host turned back to Kam. “I believe you know my cousin Seth.” He looked even more amused than before.

  “We’ve met. We were in an arbitration together.”

  “Yes, he mentioned that too. A pity he could not be here tonight. I know he will be sorry he missed you.”

  Kam blinked but refused to look away. Exactly what had Seth told his cousin? The glint in Rhyden’s eyes said he was up to no good. In fact, he reminded her of Seth. A lot of trouble in an attractive package.

  “You have a nice crowd for your party.” She took control of the conversation before he brought up his cousin again. She’d rather not clarify how she and Seth met. Or explain the flutter in her stomach when she’d heard he wouldn’t be here tonight. She was sure it must be relief. At least he wouldn’t be around to annoy her or say anything embarrassing in front of Caleb.

  “The turnout is gratifying.” Rhyden accepted her change of subject with a smile, then turned his attention to Estelle. “May I get you a cup of tea?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “That won’t be necessary.” This challenging statement was issued by Charlz, Esty’s most recent conquest, as he stepped up behind them. “I’ve already taken care of Estelle.” He handed her a filled cup and offered a plate of fruit.

  “How sweet of you.” Esty glanced at Rhyden apologetically. “Thank you for the offer.”

  “Any time. You’ll have to excuse me now. I should see to our other guests.” Still smiling, he turned away and quickly engaged with another group of party goers.

  Caleb took Kam’s hand. “Since no one has offered to wait on us, shall we make the rounds?” His voice was indulgent as he watched the interaction between Charlz and Esty.

  Kam suppressed a sisterly urge to intervene. Clearly Charlz was staking his territory, and he was much too possessive. Still, Esty didn’t seem to mind. When the younger couple joined those who were dancing, Kam and Caleb strolled off on their own, stopping to talk with acquaintances and to sample the refreshments.

  After two hours, Kam lost interest in the social gossip that seemed to be the center of every conversation. She’d had fun, but her feet hurt. Caleb had been attentive, the music good. The handful of Ryndels present had been well accepted. A thoroughly pleasant party, but Kam could sense Caleb too was ready to leave. During the last few minutes, he’d touched her more often, his hand moving across her back in a subtle caress.

  “Shall we find Esty?” she asked.

  He squeezed her hand. “Does that mean you’re ready to go?”

  “If you are.”

  He didn’t bother to answer but pulled her toward the back of the room where the musicians were playing. “I saw her over here a few minutes ago.”

  The music had switched to a slow dance tempo during the last half hour, the floor had been sprinkled with fairy dust to lighten their feet, and the room overflowed with swaying bodies. Kam couldn’t spot Esty.

  “Don’t touch her!” The sharp order cut through the soft music, shattering the romantic atmosphere.

  Kam turned toward the sound. “Oh, no,” she whispered. Esty was at the center of a disturbance on the dance floor.

  Rhyden Lormarc and Esty still stood in dance position; young Charlz confronted them, his face twisted in anger. The other dancers scrambled to get out of the way, and Rhyden pushed Esty behind him. He turned to deal with the younger man. Charlz’s right fist flashed toward Rhyden’s face, but Rhyden twisted sideways and the blow struck his shoulder. In return, he landed a solid upper cut, and Charlz staggered.

  Caleb leaped forward to pull Esty to safety; other men grabbed the two combatants. Rhyden shook them off and stepped back. Charlz continued to struggle, his face flushed a dark red. Kam drew her sister into her arms, and Esty burst into tears.

  “Oh, Kammy.” The girl hid her face in Kam’s shoulder. “How could he? I’m so mortified.”

  “Let’s get you home. Caleb will take care of this.”

  By the time they found their coats, Caleb joined them. “It’s over, and everyone is fine. Charlz’s friends are taking him home. Lormarc was actually pretty decent about it.” He smiled at Estelle. “You OK, kid?”

  “Are you serious? How will I ever live this down? We ruined Mariel’s party.” The tears started again.

  “It wasn’t your fault men are such idiots.” Kam urged her toward the door.

  “Hey, wait a minute. Not all men. I didn’t do anything.”

  Kam turned to look at Caleb. “Are you saying you wouldn’t start a fight over me?”

  He looked at her as if he was trying to judge her mood. “I don’t think there is any good answer to that question.”

  She threw him a half smile. “You’re smarter than I thought.”

  Esty was calm by the time they arrived home. In fact, she’d begun to see the incident in a whole different light, a brief grin crossing her face when she realized she’d had two very handsome, eligible men fighting over her. Kam couldn’t decide whether Charlz or Rhyden had come off better in her sister’s eyes, but it was clear to her that Esty was growing up too fast.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Kam rolled over lazily, rearranged her pillows and burrowed under the covers for an extra minute or two. Monday morning. For the most part, the weekend had been relaxing, the perfect break. She was reluctant to set those pleasant feelings aside, yet her mind already drifted toward her business duties and the unsolved mysteries. What new challenges would she face in the week ahead?

  She stretched one more time before throwing off the blanket. On the way to the shower, she flipped on the TV that had come with her furnished space, and turned up the volume so she could hear the morning news. Two minutes later she popped out, toothbrush in hand, her attention caught by the newscast.

  “This cell phone video was taken by an unidentified area resident as the van sped away. Police are investigating the report. This may be their first break in the recent disappearances of other homeless residents.” A poorly defined video of a black van on a darkened roadway played on the screen. A flood wall, black fencing, railroad cars, and stacked cargo containers showed in the background. “If anyone has information about this incident, NOLA police are asking you to call their tip line or the port authorities.” The numbers displayed across the screen.

  The wharf area again. Just what had happened this time? She switched the channel, hoping to catch the rest of the story on another broadcast, but that part of the news was over or the story hadn’t made the final cut at other stations. She finished dressing and headed to the office. The morning paper was waiting as expected.

  It didn’t tell her much. The incident had taken place after midnight, too close to the paper’s deadline to get more than a mention.

  Homeless Kidnapping

  For the eighth time this month, police received a repo
rt of a missing transient. At 12:49 this morning three transients who live near the wharf district flagged down a passing police cruiser and reported the abduction of a male friend. According to preliminary reports, the victim was dragged into a black van by three male assailants. The vehicle then sped away. Police have not confirmed the incident nor released the name of the alleged victim. The report is under investigation.

  Kam folded the paper. That had to be the fencing along the docks. And a black van. Was it stretching things to connect this to the illegal firearms? Probably, but the coincidences were piling up. Maybe he’d been a witness to the gang’s activities. Or maybe not.

  She shrugged. This incident didn’t happen near the Ryndel Guild. She should leave it to the New Orleans’ authorities. Yet it brought police into the area asking questions. So far no one had made any awkward inquiries about the origin of the guilds’ merchandise, but an official investigation could change that, even lead to the shutdown of the guilds to avoid exposure. None of the houses wanted that. New Orleans was the oldest continuous portal in America. But hiding their elven identities was becoming harder each year with the advances in technology and the tightening of US security procedures.

  She stood and looked around her office. The new space would be ready tomorrow. She had intended to spend the day packing, but maybe she should take time to check out this story. The potential investigation might ruin or delay her plans for expansion.

  Nothing here was going to take long to pack. Only a few things would go in boxes; the furniture and equipment was up to the movers. Which would leave her with enough time to poke around, ask a question or two. Maybe the street people would remember something they were reluctant to share with the police. The faster this incident was explained, the faster the police would go away.