Cross Keys

by Ally Shields

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  “But our uranium deposits were ruled worthless, and then sealed off,” Rhyden objected, shaking his head.

  “Apparently not. It’s a higher grade than the CIA has seen before, and it’s being sold to unstable countries, regimes labeled terrorist by most of the UN, and even to individual terror groups.” Seth’s harsh tone held a icy chill. “The crossbreeds weren’t picky about their buyers. Nor the effects on their own people. We’ve known for decades that uranium causes rapid aging to our race. That has to be what happened to the wanderers, and it’s why our mines were sealed. Crain says it’s worse for humans. They die from uranium poisoning.”

  Kam lifted a hand to her mouth. “The corpses in the mines.”

  “What kind of person does this?” Rhyden asked.

  “I think humans call them sociopaths,” Kam muttered darkly.

  Rhyden went on as if she hadn’t spoken. “He must have started kidnapping humans when his elven workers began to show symptoms.” His nostrils flared. “He knew they’d die, or he didn’t care. And for what? Does this madman want control of the guilds or does he envision himself as king? Just how far does his insanity go?”

  No one answered him.

  “There are a few pieces that still don’t fit.” Seth took up pacing again and seemed to be thinking out loud. “Why were the wanderers dumped in New Orleans? He didn’t seem to have any hesitation in killing this last group.”

  “I think they escaped into the portal. Maybe while transferring cargo,” Kam said. “Why else would they be hunted and killed? Remember when you thought the terrorists’ van was familiar? It was the same van from the courtyard. The humans and elves were working together to track down the escapees and prevent them from talking.”

  “Bastards.” Seth was still seething. “No wonder the poor guy seemed afraid when we said we were taking him back to Elvenrude. He probably thought we were working with the crossbreeds and this vile keyholder.”

  “I would have said an Elite elf wasn’t capable of cold-blooded murder, except I saw the bodies.” Rhyden plopped onto the couch.

  “Then you’ve forgotten the violent wars in our history books,” Seth muttered. “We’re all capable.”

  “He’ll come after us too,” Kam said. “Already has. It hasn’t been Crain. It was our own people and their human associates. And the moment we step through the portal, the keyholder will try again.”

  “Isn’t that stretching things?” Rhyden straightened to sit on the edge of the couch. “Killing Elite elves is a whole lot different than killing crossbreeds or humans.”

  “What?” Kam's hand went to her hip. “Different how?”

  Rhyden spread his hands. “I’m not saying it’s right. It’s just the way things are.”

  “We know too much,” Seth said thoughtfully. “Kam’s right, there’s nothing to hold him back. The murder of Elite elves might cause a public outcry, but isn’t that where this keyholder is headed? Disorder and revolution. What else would he need so many guns for? I don’t think he’ll shy away from the risks.” He turned to Kam. “We have to stick together. No matter how you feel about that.”

  She frowned, annoyed by his harsh tone. “Stick together how? It isn’t likely our paths will cross that often once we return to Elvenrude. We may be working toward the same goals, but it doesn’t have to be together. The Guard will take over from here.”

  “I can hardly wait to hear the rest if this discussion.” Rhyden smiled benignly, got up and went into the kitchen. “But I need another beer. Anyone else?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Me, too. Do you need help?” she offered. It was awkward sitting there with Seth staring at her.

  Rhyden caught her eye and winked. “I think I can handle three cans of beer by myself.” He opened the fridge. “Say, we have a twelve pack in here. If we’re leaving, we need to finish it off. I’m willing to do my share.”

  “Just bring the beer, cuz.”

  Kam breathed a sigh of relief when Seth looked away. She hated the tension she’d created, and now it had spilled over onto Rhyden. But one of them needed to be practical about the future. Didn’t she?

  Once he had a beer in hand, Seth pressed his point. “We’re agreed the keyholder will be after us. If we go our separate ways, we’ll give him three targets and endanger everyone around us. If we stay together, we limit his area of concentration—and ours. We won’t have to hunt him. He’ll find us.”

  “Oh, great. We’re supposed to set ourselves up as a target?” Rhyden returned to the couch.

  “An irresistible target.”

  Kam wasn’t sure how she felt about the plan. Of course, she was tempted to extend their time together. As the men continued to debate, she sipped her beer and studied Seth’s profile. The black hair curling near his ear had been so soft to her fingers, and his lips… OK, enough. Why was he insisting on sticking together? Did he really think his plan would work or did he just want to be near her? No, that was wishful thinking. He hadn’t even argued when she’d said they were finished, and his chilly tone proved he’d accepted it. He might even have suggested the break himself, if she’d given him the chance. By speaking first, she’d pricked his pride.

  “OK. Say we agree to this…how do we pull it off? I assume you mean together 24/7. Where do we stay?”

  Rhyden’s question pulled Kam’s wandering thoughts back to the conversation.

  “Wait a minute. 24/7?” She stared at Seth. “I haven’t agreed to that. But Rhyden has a good question,” she added dryly. “Where do you propose we stay?”

  “The Guard quarters in the palace.” Seth gave her a dispassionate glance. “It couldn’t be more circumspect, if you’re worried about gossip. You should feel right at home. If it helps you decide, I’m convinced the king will support this.”

  “He already has.” Rhyden shrugged. “I was kind of waiting to push the issue, but that’s why I’m here. He wants us all working together.”

  Kam frowned. She’d assumed from Rhyden’s earlier comments that the Lormarcs would remain on the case, but she hadn’t anticipated this amount of “togetherness.” She returned Seth’s level look, thinking rapidly. The Guard quarters were spacious, and the women’s rooms well-separated from the men. That should suit them both just fine. She could work with Seth during the day, but she didn’t want him too close at night.

  “I’m not sure this is the best idea,” she finally said, “but I don’t have a better plan. If Captain Brunic and the king agree, then I’ll try to make it work.”

  “Now that’s settled, let’s devise a plan our keyholder won’t be able to resist.” Now that he’d gotten what he wanted, Seth’s manner was brisk and impersonal.

  The three of them talked over possible excursions to isolated places in the countryside that might entice the enemy to reveal himself, but nothing seemed as logical as using the mines.

  “I’m not crazy about going back in there,” Rhyden admitted. “That room of death is still too vivid. But our killer will love the idea. His territory, the isolation.”

  “Our poking around in there should worry him.” Seth rubbed his chin. “He wouldn’t want us stumbling over his uranium operation. I can’t think of another plan more likely to spur him into action.”

  Kam had only been in the mines once or twice, but they held a certain fascination for her. The plan was a logical choice. “How do we protect ourselves from armed gunmen?”

  Rhyden didn’t hesitate. “By shooting back. We take our guns to Elvenrude.”

  “No, we can’t do that!” Kam scowled at him. “It’s forbidden.” And an executable violation of elven law.

  Rhyden leaned back, stretched his long legs out before him, and took a deliberate swallow of beer. “I’d like to hear your rationale. It’s not as if we’re bringing something that isn’t already there. You’d choose getting shot over making Seliwyn angry, huh? Not me.”

  “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that,” Seth said. “But I don’
t see that we have a choice except to fight firepower with firepower.”

  “You too? But, Seth,” Kam protested.

  “What do you suggest?” His face darkened. “Are you really worried about breaking some law or are you just being oppositional?”

  She blinked at the anger in his eyes—and hesitated, searching her motives and reaching for an answer that wouldn’t escalate the current tension. “We’re after this keyholder because he’s broken elven law. Right? If we resort to guns to stop him, we’ll prove to the people that we can’t protect them without violating our own rules.”

  “A nice sentiment, but surely you don’t equate his mass murders with our need to defend ourselves. And the truth is we can’t protect the king or the people without having weapons sufficient to those of the enemy.” The anger faded, leaving Seth’s eyes filled with determination. “I won’t let one crazy keyholder destroy everything.”

  “Before we come to blows, may I make a suggestion, a compromise, really?” Rhyden stood his ground when they both turned to glare at him. “Just listen a minute. We take the guns and ammo with us and go straight to the king with them. If he says destroy them, we will. But everyone will have their say.”

  Kam wasn’t satisfied, and she could see that Seth didn’t like the idea either. Well, wasn’t that how a compromise worked? Both sides giving a little?

  “Just our three handguns. No semi-automatic rifles or machine guns,” she clarified. “Is that the deal?”

  “That’s it.”

  She looked at Seth. “Are you willing to leave the decision to the king?”

  “If you are.”

  She sighed and turned away, not wanting to argue with him anymore. Or look into those indifferent eyes. “OK. Now, I’m going to bed.”

  As she closed the bedroom door, a voice called, “Goodnight, Kam.” It wasn’t Seth.

  “’Night, Rhyden.” She closed the door softly, leaned her forehead against it a moment, and then went to bed.

  * * *

  By 7:45 a.m. they were assembled in front of the portal, waiting for the tell-tale shimmer that would pronounce it was open. Their destination was the Lormarc Guild on the Elvenrude side. Rhyden had told them that Captain Brunic and a few guards would be waiting to provide immediate protection and escort them to the palace, so Kam was surprised to see a much larger group assembled—including her father standing stiffly next to Harad Lormarc. The heads of both houses together? Inside the Lormarc Guild? It had to be a first. Ignoring the others, she walked straight into Sawyer Ryndel’s solid and reassuring hug.

  “Welcome home, Kameo. Your mother has been worried.” Only a brief catch in his voice betrayed his own emotion.

  “I know, and I’m sorry. Where are they? Mother and Esty?”

  “At home, waiting for you.”

  Of course, he would never have brought them here.

  Captain Brunic cleared his throat behind her. “I’m afraid your family will have to wait, Kam. The king is expecting us.” He gave an apologetic smile. “Sorry, but it could be a few hours. Leave your bags here, and someone will gather them for you.”

  Seth picked up his backpack and slung it over his shoulder. “This goes with us.”

  Brunic shot him a look of mild surprise, but nodded. “We should go. The king is most anxious.”

  They found King Seliwyn pacing back and forth. He’d dispensed with his royal robes and greeted them in an unadorned uniform of black fine-spun woolen.

  “Ah. You’re here at last.” He hurried toward them, brushing aside the formalities. He linked his arm through Kam’s and led them to a seating area near the windows. “I want to hear everything that has happened.”

  When they finished, he scowled at the floor. “Uranium. How could such a worthless mineral cause so much trouble?”

  “Not worthless to the human world,” Seth reminded him.

  The king looked up and tightened his lips. “They’d be better off without it.”

  No one could dispute that. But it didn’t change reality or the unfortunate truth that someone from her world had made the human world even worse.

  “At least the supply is cut off, as long as we keep the portals closed,” Seliwyn added.

  “But that still leaves dangerous weapons in both worlds. The CIA is trying to find and eliminate the uranium. We have to locate the firearms.” Seth paused. “By the CIA’s estimates, there could be hundreds of guns that came through the portals.”

  “Hundreds?” The king sat forward abruptly. “So many. How can we combat that?”

  “If they don’t have sufficient bullets, most of the guns will be useless. We have good reason to believe that is the case. The last shipment we stopped contained hundreds of cartons of ammunition.”

  “But the men in the mines were shot.”

  “The crossbreeds were carrying a few loaded guns, including a semi-automatic rifle, at the time they transported. And possibly spare ammunition.”

  “A semi-automatic? What is that?”

  Seth explained.

  Seliwyn looked discouraged. “So a loaded rifle and three or four handguns, also loaded.”

  “Maybe.” Rhyden’s response only made Seliwyn’s look darken. “That’s all we saw.”

  The king leaned back with a sigh. “Even that few could potentially kill dozens of our people.”

  “Depending on the supply of ammunition, and their skill,” Kam said.

  Seth cleared his throat. “It will be difficult to defeat them with bows and arrows.”

  “Well, we have to try.” Captain Brunic glared at him. “What are you suggesting? That we give up at the first sign of rebellion?”

  Kam tensed, knowing the moment of revelation had arrived.

  “Not at all.” Seth set his backpack on a side table and unzipped it. He reached inside and brought out a pistol. “I think—”

  Seth’s explanation was cut off as Brunic lunged at him calling out for help. “Guards! To the king! To the King!”

  The enormous doors flew open and men poured into the room. Kam and Rhyden offered no resistance. Seth was roughly pinned on the floor, before being jerked to his feet.

  “What is the meaning of this?” Seliwyn demanded.

  “They’ve violated our sacred laws.” Brunic’s brows lowered in a thunderous glare, his face flushed with anger and shock as he locked eyes with Kam.

  “This is my fault, and I take full responsibility.” Seth ignored the guards’ tight grip on his arms. “Your majesty, we have no wish to harm you. The guns are—”

  “Guns?” the king interrupted. “You have more than one?”

  “We have three, but they are not loaded.” Kam hoped Brunic and Seliwyn would listen to a member of the Guard. “Please, allow us to explain. The handguns were brought for your approval, to help balance the risks. We agreed we would destroy them if that is your wish.”

  Seliwyn studied her face, then turned to Seth. “Was this your agreement?”

  “Upon my honor, your majesty.”

  The king’s regard moved to Rhyden, who nodded. “Very well. Release them, Captain. Let us hear the rest of this.” He raised an eyebrow at Seth. “Perhaps you should have warned us.”

  Seth’s lips twitched, as the guards reluctantly released him. “Yes, sire, in retrospect, I believe that would have been a wise idea.” He stepped toward the side table. “May I show you the rest?”

  “You may.”

  “But very carefully.” Brunic took a step back, as if to give himself room to maneuver, one hand resting on his knife sheath.

  Seth’s movements were slow and deliberate as he pulled out the two extra pistols, three magazines, and four boxes of bullets. He placed it all on the table and stepped away.

  Brunic relaxed and moved forward to stare at the guns. “Do you know how to use them?”

  “Yes.”

  Brunic looked at Kam. “You too?”

  Kam nodded. “Although he’s a better shot than I am.”

  “They’re not l
oaded?” King Seliwyn touched one of them with his finger.

  “No. We transported them empty.” Seth motioned toward the table. “It’s safe to handle, if you like.”

  Seliwyn picked up the firearm, resting it across his palm. “They are smaller than I thought they would be. Pictures made them look much longer.”

  “You may have seen rifles. They’re longer and shoot farther.”

  The king met Seth’s look. “You said the crossbreeds have one. So they can kill from far away?”

  “If we let them. We have a plan if you’d like to hear it.”

  Seliwyn put the pistol back on the table and stood looking at the pile of munitions as the seconds ticked away. “I believe I could use some tea,” he finally said. “Tea and sweet cakes while we sit and talk this over.”

  * * *

  An hour later, King Seliwyn left them while he consulted with his advisors. Two hours after that he ordered his Captain of the Guards to make Seth and Rhyden honorary members of the King’s special guard unit, and by supper time, the two newest guards and Kam were settled in their new quarters in the palace.

  At 7:00 p.m. they met with the king again.

  “Elvenrude is counting on you, but we have formed a backup plan,” Seliwyn announced. “Captain Brunic is gathering the guards, and with greater numbers, I believe we could win, even against the guns. Hopefully only a small number of them are operational. But, as you know, our losses would still be tremendous.” He walked over to the table where the firearms had laid untouched over the intervening hours. “Take these with you. Keep them hidden unless you use them, and don’t use them unless you must.” He looked back at Kam and her companions. “When we are victorious, they will be melted in the forges.” He lifted his hand. “May the gods speed you.”

  Kam inclined her head. “We’ll do our best, your majesty.”