INCURSION: Faeblade (Knight's Bane Trilogy Book 2)

by Bryan Donihue

  A ripple passed over the guard's face as the DHS agent mentioned the Queen's name. The guard held his fist up to his face and muttered low enough that even Boomer couldn't hear what he said. He waited for a response and nodded when he got one.

  "You are clear to drive up to the main house and follow the directions of the guard there for parking." The large man talked to Ghost, "You are officially granted honored visitor status for your appointment today. As honored visitors, you are expected to follow all protocols for that status. Do you require assistance at this time to comply with the status, or do you wish to decline the honored visitor status?"

  Ghost looked back over his shoulder to see Captaen O'Beirne shake his head. He looked back at the hulking man standing by Boomer, "No thank you. We accept the status and require no assistance at this time."

  The guard nodded and stepped back. He waved Boomer on through past him, and down the short driveway. As she neared the house, there was a circular round-about in front of the house. She pulled up around it slowly, coming to a halt mere inches away from another guard who was motioning for her to stop.

  "You can leave your truck there," the guard said. "We will watch it for you."

  Ghost leaned over, "There is no offense intended, but my driver and a couple of others will stay with the truck, as is their duty. There will be three of us attending Her Majesty."

  The guard grunted. "No offense taken, Mr. Vanhof. As an honored visitor, of course, those of you attending will leave your weapons in your truck. None may enter the presence of Her Majesty armed, except for Her Guard and her Maidens."

  Ghost nodded, "Of course. We would not dishonor Her Majesty. I and my entourage will exit from the back of the truck. Will you mind if my staff stretch their legs around the truck?"

  The guard shook his head and walked toward the back of the Wunder Buggy. Ghost stood and stepped into the back of the truck. He unstrapped his pistol and removed several small, hidden knives from various locations about him. As he did so, he looked up and said, "Just as we discussed. Doc and Lucky are with me. Doc, your cross should be fine. I'm going to be walking with my cane. Lucky, do you have any weapons on you?"

  "No, Agent Vanhof. I've been to her court before. Although I don't know if she will remember me. It's been twenty years."

  Spooky reached out and handed all three leaders a small case. Inside was a small device that looked like a hearing aid. He said, "I requisitioned these from the CIA. They're not great for combat, but for covert communications, they do a great job. They are each activated. You will hear anything I send you, and anything you say, or is said around you, will be transmitted back here. I'll be recording from moment one. Questions?"

  Ghost shook his head, then placed the tiny earpiece into his ear. Doc and Lucky did the same. Spooky leaned over and pushed a button on his console. He spoke into a microphone, "Testing. Testing. Are your hearing me?"

  All three gave a thumbs up gesture, and then Ghost spoke up, "Time to get moving. Let's talk to the Queen of the Seelie."

  His voice echoed with a slight delay as the transmitted sounds came out over the speakers next to Spooky's rig. He gave a big thumbs up and the trio climbed out the door.

  Ghost stepped out and smoothed his leather duster around him. As he climbed out, he placed his hat upon his head and donned sunglasses. Under his duster, he was wearing blue jeans and a gray button-down shirt. Black cowboy boots rounded out his outfit. As he stepped aside for Doc, he shifted his cane from one hand to the other, making sure that the blade within was locked away.

  Doc stepped down from the team's truck dressed in a conservative gray pantsuit. The white collar that symbolized her office was offset against her black blouse, and her stole was carefully draped over her shoulders. Clutched in her nervous fingers was her large crucifix on a silver chain, and her normal black loafers rounded out her wardrobe. The guard failed to hide his shock when the female priest stepped out of the truck, but he quickly regained his composure when the priest smiled at him.

  Last out of the truck was Captaen O'Beirne. He was still wearing his Irish army uniform, and the medals and buttons flashed in the sunlight. He removed his cap from under his arm and placed it on his head, cocking the hat at the perfect angle proscribed by regulations. The Irish observer also put on a pair of sunglasses and looked around in earnest.

  The waiting guard had called inside the house for an escort, and a massive creature headed toward the team. The creature stood over seven feet tall, and was broad shouldered, with muscles showing through the sleeveless uniform and a short gray and brown mottled fur covering all the exposed hide. While the creature was humanoid, with two arms and two legs, the head was an altogether different matter. With a long, drawn face that would be more correctly called a "snout" the creature had large eyes that homed in on the DHS agents.

  A large bone plate wrapped around the top and sides of the massive head, and two large, curved horns emerged from either side of the creature's head. The horns extended sideways and almost curved like a ram's horns, except they only extended about a half circle, and the points almost touched the creature's jawline. The creature wore an ornate uniform, sleeveless, and carried a massive war hammer effortlessly in its left hand. Ghost did not recognize the make of the massive automatic pistols sitting in holsters on each hip. The creature stepped up to the trio of humans and raised a massive three-fingered hand in greeting.

  "Welcome and well-met, honored visitors." The big creature spoke a deep, perfect English with a slight Eastern European accent. "My name is Tar Katel, and I am the head of Her Majesty's Elite Guard. It is my honor to be your escort today as you visit Her Majesty."

  Ghost collected his thoughts. "Well-met, Tar Katel. My name is Jonas Vanhof, Special Agent from Section Twenty-Eight, and representative envoy to Her Majesty. My adjutant is Doctor Noelle Sorenson, also from Section Twenty-Eight, and our guest is Captaen Callum O'Beirne, representative from Ireland and the European contingents. We are honored to visit Her Majesty."

  Lucky nodded slightly as Ghost was able to put together all the correct phrasing for this important initial meeting. They had spent several hours together as the Irish intel officer taught the monster hunter how to talk to the fae without insulting them. Ghost was an apt pupil, and he had not been flustered when the giant minotaur had appeared.

  Tar Katel bowed slightly and spoke, "Would you please follow me. Her Majesty is expecting you." The trio of human agents followed the lumbering hulk of a creature.

  Inside the truck, Boomer had let out a gasp when the minotaur had lumbered out of the house. Spooky had quickly run through the images of known fae on his screen, searching for a match. Even as they heard the thing introduce itself, the electronics specialist had stopped scrolling and pointed to his screen.

  "Apparently, that thing is called a minotaur," the young man had spoken. He squinted as he read the fine print. "They look to be the Queen's elite guard, or something. They're like her secret service. Looks like tough SOB's."

  Heavy had spoken up and pointed to the massive war hammer clutched in its hand. "That looks just like the one in my room. I hope we don't actually have to fight these guys."

  As the creature led their teammates away, those still in the van had grown quiet, listening to the their leaders walk into the Queen's court.

  The minotaur led the DHS agents into the well-appointed entryway of the home. Granite tiles and heavy wooden furniture bespoke an understated elegance that never went out of style. A wide staircase rose to the smaller second story, and the house continued in all the cardinal directions off of the entryway.

  Inside the small mansion, several minotaur and elven guards stood motionless in strategic locations, and small creatures floated around on rapidly buzzing wings, flying close to the visitors, before buzzing away. Doc thought they looked like the classic pixies or fairies found in european fantasy. As the priest gazed in wonder, the group seemed to pick up a small entourage of the creatures, following around them as the
y walked.

  Ghost was nervous. According to his family's archives, pixies were not nearly as nice or friendly as the fantasy made them out to be. Known as fierce warriors, their speed and deviousness more than matched their size disadvantage. As he watched, he noticed that the group now had at least six of the creatures fluttering around them in a constantly moving circle. His fingers clenched the head of his cane as he willed himself to relax. He forced himself to remember that he was representing humanity today.

  The minotaur led them toward a large set of double doors that looked like they were cast from solid bronze. As they approached, the doors smoothly, silently glided open, drawn apart by two of the burly minotaur from inside the court. The room was likely the original great room or family room. All the modern family furniture had been stripped from it, and large floor-to-ceiling expanses of glass offered panoramic views of the grounds and the woods surrounding them. In the middle of the room was a large throne, made of blond and dark wood. The woods had been crafted so finely and with so many intricate curves that it was almost as if the monarch's throne had grown in place. Ghost mused that it might actually have been grown in place. The Lo'a are druids and forest creatures of the highest order after all.

  Standing in front of the throne was a tall, slender elf, dressed in a finely tailored jerkin and clothing that looked as if it had come directly from the middle ages. A wide golden sash was slung across his left shoulder, and it was accented against the maroon of the elf's attire. The sash was attached to an ornate sheath that held a very slim, rapier-like blade. The hilt of the sword was golden, with small jewels worked into the hilt and crosspiece.

  Seated on the throne was the Queen of the Seelie court. Radiant in the sunlight pouring from the strategically placed skylight above, Her Majesty Lishe ta Merenaré gracefully stood and glided down the small raised dais to stand by the elf in the golden sash. Her long, flowing gown billowed behind her, and made her look as if she was floating on a cushion of air toward them.

  Ghost slowed to a halt and stood about six feet from the faerie Queen, his companions did the same. Ignoring the menacing minotaur close by and the pixies dancing in the air around him, the DHS agent bent and gave a small bow to the Queen.

  "Your Majesty. May I present myself and my companions?" The monster hunter saw her give an almost imperceptible nod. "I am Jonas Vanhof, designated envoy and representative of the signatory Section Twenty-Eight, and by proxy, representing humanity. I am joined by my adjutant, Doctor Noelle Sorenson, and by formal observer and representative of Ireland and the European signatories, Captaen Callum O'Beirne. We thank you for granting this audience."

  The Queen of the Seelie bowed slightly, acknowledging the introductions and the formal presence of signatories of the Accords. Her soft, lilting voice was musical, and she began. "Well-met, Jonas Vanhof. I recognize your honored visitor status and your presence as the designated signatory to the Accords."

  The Queen turned slightly to address Doc, "Well-met, Noelle Sorenson. Is it not... unusual for your Church to have a woman priestess? I would wish to hear that story later if you are so inclined."

  The monarch then turned slightly and gave a wider smile toward the Irishman. "Well-met, Callum O'Beirne. It is truly good to see you again. I am thankful for your presence."

  The elf queen turned back to Ghost and smiled warmly, "I formally welcome the representatives of Section Twenty-Eight, the United States, Ireland and Europe to the Seelie court. I welcome you as signatories of the Accords, and all due honor is granted to you.

  "My second for this audience is my Knight, Tó Coferal." The Queen of the Seelie gestured to the tall elf in maroon standing next to her. She made a small gesture towards a doorway, "Let us adjourn to the conference room for this audience. I have a room prepared and have light snacks available if you so desire."

  10

  ULTIMATUM

  SEELIE COURT, BURTON STREET SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

  The Queen's Knight led the party through the doors leading away from the receiving hall and down a short hallway that was over ten feet wide. Gorgeous stone flooring accented the richly papered hallway. The furnishings continued the appearance of comfortable, unpretentious wealth. A plush red carpet was laid down the center of the hallway, and the Queen and her Knight seemed to glide over the floor.

  As the group walked in silence, Ghost noticed that the sprites had taken up their circular station around the moving group, never straying within arms length of the humans, but always nearby. He followed one of the little creatures with his eyes, waiting for just the right light, and he finally saw what he thought he would see. The fluttering ball of light was a female sprite, wearing a perfect little uniform and tiny sword buckled to her waist.

  His attention was drawn back to the Queen as she reached a large mahogany door that was guarded by another Lo'a elf. This elf's uniform was the same color of the Knight's clothing, however it was a slightly darker shade, and was overlaid with armor of the same color. The creature opened the door for his Queen, and then stood at stiff attention, warily regarding the humans as they passed him through the open door.

  They group of humans was led into a large conference room that was dominated by a gigantic wooden table at least fifteen feet long and half as wide standing in the center. The rich wood adornments and furniture spoke of a Fortune 500 boardroom. Scattered around the enormous table were several plush leather chairs, and a tray with a selection of light snacks and hors d'oeuvres sat at one end of the table. Ghost realized that he could only identify about half of the food before him.

  The Queen moved to the head of the table, and her Knight deftly held her chair as she sat. Her Majesty gestured for the human delegation to sit in several chairs as her Knight sat next to his Queen a couple of feet away. As they sat, Ghost noticed that two of the sprites had alighted on the back of the Queen's chair, sitting mere inches from her shoulders.

  The Queen of the Seelie court noticed his gaze, and she gave a small laugh. "I see you have noticed my guardians, Jonas Vanhof. These folk, and the others you have seen around here, have been specially chosen to be my Handmaidens. They are my loyal guardians, and my last line of defense. They care for my heir and I. It is their sole purpose in this life."

  Doc pursed her lips as if about to say something, but Ghost broke in, "I had heard that the pixies were fierce warriors, but have never seen them outside of my... research. Thank you for enlightening us, Your Majesty. And thank you for your hospitality in providing these delicacies for us." A small smile crept onto his face, "I'm sure my companions who wait in our vehicle will be jealous of your hospitality."

  The Queen returned his warm smile, "Worry not, Jonas Vanhof. My guards are bringing some of the snacks to your companions as we speak. It is only befitting that they should eat as guests as well. As we begin our discussions, please feel free to eat and drink. This is what you would call a 'working lunch' for the court."

  "Speaking of the business at hand," Doc spoke up as she reached for some small, interesting tidbits close to her. "Would you be able to give us information on the attack on your private club? I'm afraid that we have been tasked with this investigation and are woefully unprepared with information."

  The Queen looked at her Knight and nodded for him to answer. He cleared his throat and his melodious voice rose, "The club is located downtown, just south and west of the interstate intersection. It is unmarked, and as proscribed by the Accords, closed to the public. Yesterday morning, just past dawn, one of my Knights went down to the club. When he walked in, there were bodies, or pieces of bodies, everywhere." As the Knight talked, his voice grew colder, and less alive, while his lips curled in a fierce growl.

  "He quickly looked around for survivors, and found none. We reviewed the camera footage from inside the club, and we could clearly see humans in SWAT-style body armor enter the building and kill the fae that were present. Their weapons cut through them better than any normal human weapons would. Each attacker seemed to kn
ow how to kill each particular type of fae present.

  "The group of butchers that committed this massacre then went back through to look for survivors. Any fae that they found with even the slightest light of life in them were quickly dispatched. They methodically killed every fae present in the club and did so remorselessly. They were trained in fighting those that come from a reality incursion."

  Ghost thought for a moment. He looked back and forth between the Queen and her Knight, trying to figure out how to ask the hard questions he needed to ask. He looked at Doc and Captaen O'Beirne. The priest looked just as lost as he was. The Irishman, on the other hand, looked thoughtful and caught the monster hunter's eye. They had discussed several possibilities and questions on their trip to the court, working on a particular set of questions to ask. He gave a slight nod, telling Ghost to ask the questions.

  "Your Majesty. Tó Coferal. I can provide complete assurance that Section Twenty-Eight had no part in the attack on your court. We are prepared to investigate this attack, and we will begin with several groups that are our main suspects. But before we begin, I have a few questions for you.

  "Can you provide us with your records for which fae were present in the club during the attack?"

  The Knight looked at his Queen and then nodded, "We can provide those records for you. Which groups do you think might have done this?"

  Ghost shook his head, "I don't know who committed the attack. Will we have access to the video footage as well as the club itself? We want to see if your initial investigation missed some information that might point us toward the attackers."

  "You will have access, as I stated." The Knight's voice grew cold again. "Which groups do you think attacked the court? We can assist with the investigation."

  Doc spoke up, her softer voice barely audible as she realized she might tread on cultural taboos. "Tó Coferal, has anyone completed an autopsy on the victims? If it breaks none of your laws or customs, may I examine the bodies?"