“I wasn’t sure if it was all humans, or just some.”
“Definitely all humans,” Xavier said decisively. Robin lifted his eyebrows. “Except you, of course. You know our secrets, so you don’t count,” Xavier said with a smirk.
Chapter 13
Robin left Drake House after the meal was done, and Xavier left the city to go hunting. When he returned a little before midnight, no word had been received regarding Callaway’s nighttime visitors.
The next day Xavier headed to the Callaway residence, watching from a distance as Suzanna arrived with a small chest of possessions and was welcomed into the household. He could hear the pleasure in Evelyn’s voice as she received Suzanna, and it was not long before the two woman were engaged in animated conversation. He left the vicinity of the house, satisfied with his maneuverings to get Evelyn and Suzanna together.
Xavier and Aaron were engrossed in a game of chess late one evening a week later when the word Xavier had been waiting for finally arrived; three men had been seen entering Callaway’s house under cover of darkness.
After midnight, Xavier made his way quietly through the empty streets. He paused across from Callaway’s house for a moment, watching the men stationed to guard the dwelling. Beneath the eaves Xavier recognized Erik, talking in low tones to Zach. Xavier crossed the street, nodding at Zach.
“How many?” he asked quietly.
“Another two arrived after we sent the message.”
“Where’s the best place to enter?”
Zach gestured for Xavier to follow him, and led him to a dark corner at the back of the house. “Go through the kitchen. The cook and maid are asleep this hour. The footman is awake in the hall.”
Xavier cocked his head and heard the heavy breathing of the two kitchen sleepers. From deeper in the house he could make out the low tones of people conversing, but he could not hear their words. With barely any sound he stripped off his clothes and laid them neatly on the ground, before closing his eyes and letting the flames in his belly take over his frame. The change took only seconds, and he glanced at Zach through fiery eyes before spreading himself over the ground and slipping beneath the kitchen door. The cook and the maid both lay on the ground beside the glowing embers of the fire, and he skirted around them, hugging the wall. Following the sound of the voices, he slipped into the hall beyond and flowed towards the study. In this form his hearing was muted and his eyes were hazy with flame, but he could make out the words of Callaway and guests as he hovered just outside the study.
“…word that Drake is in the city.”
“You’re certain he’s one of them.”
“My source was emphatic. With him here, others will also be congregating.”
There was a rough laugh. “Let’s open the city to the monsters.”
“It’s for the greater good.” The voice spoke with authority. “We must be ready. What news, Lowys?”
“He says one month.”
“One month? Tell him he has three weeks or we halve the payment.”
“He won’t like it.”
“We need to be ready. Do what you can.”
“Have you seen the king?”
There was a derisive snort. “The king is useless. He cares little if his city is destroyed, as long as he’s safe in his palace with his whores. But we have no need of the king or his soldiers. Make sure the people know that the monsters are coming. Rutland, I want an inventory of supplies by next week.”
“I’ll have it ready.”
They conversed for a while longer, discussing weapons and poisons, until finally footsteps sounded on the floor and Xavier pulled into the shadows as the door opened. Five men spilled from the room, making their way quietly across the hall and out the front door. Except for one, they were well built and well armed, their movements predatory and sure as they ignored the footman who had risen from his chair and hurried to the door. They looked dangerous, and Xavier’s thoughts slipped to the innocent women lying in their beds upstairs. He hoped they slept with doors bolted and barred.
Baric Callaway stood at the entrance to the study watching the men leave, and Xavier turned to examine him. Gray hair, tied with a piece of leather, and a well-lined face marked him as a man advanced in years, but his back was straight and the build of his chest suggested he was still proficient with a longbow. His eyes were clear and intelligent as he watched his visitors depart before retreating into his study and firmly closing the door. Xavier silently slipped back into the kitchen, past the sleeping occupants, and into the fresh night air where Zach stood waiting.
“Well?” he demanded as Xavier began to take form.
“They are definitely plotting something,” Xavier said once he was able to speak. “And he knows we can change form.”
In the soft moonlight, Zach paled slightly. “Let’s get back to Drake House and you can fill us in on everything.”
Aaron and the others were already waiting in the hall when Xavier returned, and he filled them in on all he had seen and heard at the Callaway house; but all agreed that until they knew the extent of his plans, and the names of his hunters, it was prudent to wait before taking action.
The following morning Xavier was back outside Callaway’s house, intent on learning everything he could about the man. He lingered in the shadows across the road, listening, as Callaway spoke with the cook as he ate his morning meal, then headed to his study and closed the door firmly. A little later Evelyn and Suzanna could be heard laughing as they made their way to the hall. They left the house a short while later, a box of art supplies tucked beneath Evelyn’s arm, and headed in the direction of the common. Evelyn’s hair had been tightly braided and pinned, but still strands escaped their holds and twisted about her face. Her sweet scent of fresh morning dew mixed with honeysuckle mingled with Suzanna’s earthier tones, and Xavier smiled despite himself. He returned to watching for Callaway, but his mind wandered down the road as he wondered what scene Evelyn might be sketching.
The next few days were spent in a similar fashion as Xavier waited for Callaway to make some move, but apart from a brisk walk each afternoon the man barely left the house. Xavier finally gave up his surveillance, instructing the others to send word should Callaway do anything of note. He had decided that it was time to discover what he could using other means.
“I think we should present ourselves to your sister,” Xavier told Robin a few days later.
“Very well. Is Callaway your man?”
“Yes. But we still don’t know what he’s planning. I need to discover everything I can.”
“What will you do if he mounts an attack before you’re ready?”
Xavier turned to look at Robin, allowing sparks to bleed into his eyes. “We are still dragons, Robin. We can destroy Callaway and his men in an instant. Do not let this human guise make you forget that we are the most powerful predators in the world.”
Robin swallowed. “Forgive me, Xavier. I do forget.”
“No man, don’t apologize! You’re my cousin – I don’t want you trembling before me!”
They reached Callaway’s door, and Robin rapped on the wooden surface. It was opened a few moments later by the footman, whom Xavier recognized from his previous visit to the house, and they were ushered inside to wait for Suzanna. She arrived with Evelyn just a step behind.
“Robin! Xavier!” Her face was wreathed in smiles. She turned to Evelyn. “You remember my brother? And my cousin, Xavier?”
Evelyn smiled. “Yes, of course. Please, come inside.”
She led the men into the hall, and called for a maid to bring some drinks. “I must thank you for sending Suzanna to me, Master Seaton,” she said.
“Actually, it’s Jackson. Xavier Jackson. And it was my pleasure.”
“Jackson? I’m sure you said –”
“Seaton is my mother’s name, and I use it sometimes. But I prefer Jackson.”
“Very well, Master Jackson.”
“In fact, just call me Xavier,”
he said with a grin.
Evelyn eyed him for a moment. “Well, then, Xavier, Suzanna and I were about to go to the market, so you will have to excuse us.”
“Shopping again, Mistress? Have you used your art supplies so quickly?”
“Shopping is a wonderful pastime when you’ve spent weeks restricted to remaining indoors, Master Jackson,” Evelyn said with a sniff, but the scent of her amusement belied the snit.
“I think an escort would be prudent, Mistress. Perhaps my cousin and I should accompany you?”
“Really, Master, we are quite capable of looking after ourselves.”
Xavier grinned. “Indeed. We will wait for you outside.”
“I’m not sure she wants our company,” Robin said as they headed outside to wait.
“She does and she doesn’t.”
“How do you know?”
Xavier tapped his nose, and Robin rolled his eyes. “Of course.”
A half hour had passed before the women emerged from the house, and the foursome started down the street.
“How is your uncle, Mistress?” Xavier said.
“My uncle is well. I think he’s relieved that I’m getting out.”
“And yet he did nothing to find you a companion.”
Evelyn frowned. “He’s a very busy man.”
“Yes, I’m sure. What does he do?”
“I’m not entirely certain. Some merchant business, I believe. His business associates are often required to conduct their business late at night.”
“Contacts passing through the city at all hours, perhaps?”
“Yes.”
Xavier could hear the sounds of the market in the distance, and as they rounded the next corner it came into view. The bright morning sun shone down on the vendors, a few of whom were already showing signs of discomfort as sweat trickled down their necks and dampened their underarms. A seller with a tray of tarts clasped around his neck hawked his treats, and Xavier pulled out a few coins and bought one for each of the group. Evelyn blushed prettily as Xavier handed her the pastry.
“I noticed you admiring some of the fabrics,” he said as they continued between the stalls.
“I like the bright colors,” she replied.
“The eye of an artist. What do you like to draw?”
“I especially enjoy nature and scenery. Back home, there were no concerns about me rambling over the countryside by myself. Whenever I had a free moment, I would go to the woods and draw the fauna and flora. Sometimes I would …” She looked up at him and blushed. “Never mind.”
“You’ve roused my curiosity. What would you sometimes do?”
“It’s just foolishness,” she said.
“What is wrong with a little foolishness?”
“My father thought my fanciful notions would lead me into trouble.”
“You’re teasing me, Mistress. Tell me your fanciful notions.”
“Well … sometimes I pretend I can see the little people, and I add them to my drawings. Once I drew a tree filled with faeries and elves.” She smiled. “Now you’ve forced me to reveal myself as a simpleton.”
He brought his mouth close to her ear. “I’ve heard it said that only the wise are fortunate enough to see the wee folk.”
He lingered a moment before pulling away, breathing in her subtly changing scent. “Do you think I could see some of your drawings one day?”
She blushed. “I’m not that skilled. I really just do them for my own enjoyment.”
“I’m sure you underestimate yourself, so why don’t you let me be the judge of your skill?”
“Well, perhaps I can show you one or two.”
They turned a corner and almost collided with a man carrying a pile of newssheets against his chest. His fingers were stained black with ink, and smears of ink lined his cheeks. He thrust one of the newssheets towards them. “The dragons are coming! Learn how you can protect yourselves from the monsters.”
A crude picture of a dragon decorated the front page; the text beneath was smudged slightly from the woodblock used to print the pamphlet. Xavier took the page and studied it for a moment before crumpling it in his hand and stuffing it in his pocket, his expression grim.
“Utter nonsense,” he growled. He clenched his hand, stifling the flames that had raced to the surface.
“Xavier?” He turned to see Robin with a newssheet clasped in his hand. Their gazes met, and Xavier took a deep breath, then gave a slight nod and turned back to Evelyn.
“Apologies, Mistress. Shall we continue?”
Xavier’s anger subsided as they walked, and they soon reached the parchmenter’s, where Evelyn paused for only a moment before continuing on her way. Xavier turned back to the merchant, and pointing out a half dozen of his most expensive inks, a collection of fine nibs and a roll of parchment paper, paid for the items. He gestured to Suzanna.
“These are for Evelyn,” he said, “but I fear she will reject the gift if she knows they are from me. Can you give them to her?”
Suzanna frowned. “She will wonder why I bought her such an extravagant gift.”
“Pretend they are yours, and share them with her.”
“But I don’t draw,” Suzanna protested.
He quirked an eyebrow. “Does she know that?” He passed Suzanna the items and turned away, satisfied that Evelyn would receive the gift. His motive in purchasing the supplies had been purely to satisfy his curiosity at what she would create, not, he told himself, because he had any interest in the girl.
When the women were tired of the market, the group watched some of the mummers that hung around the cathedral. On the cathedral lawns a group of boys were playing with sticks that were serving as swords. “Take that, you monster,” one of them shouted, lunging towards one of his playmates. The boy dropped to the ground, grasping his chest with a groan.
“You’ve killed me, human,” he yelled, before feigning his death.
“I killed the beast,” the first boy crowed, as the others cheered. Xavier turned away, but not before noticing Robin’s eyes on him. Suzanna fell in step with him as they walked, oblivious to his vexation.
“Thank you for recommending this position to me,” she said.
“You and Evelyn are getting along well?”
“Oh, yes, indeed! She’s a lovely girl.”
“What about the uncle? How do you find him?”
“I haven’t really had a chance to form an opinion. He keeps himself aloof, even from his niece, and seldom shares more than a few words with either of us. He’s a very private man. Once, when Evelyn misplaced her book, I offered to help in the search. The study door was partly ajar, the room empty, and I wondered if perhaps the book had been left in there.” She smiled a little ruefully. “Master Callaway came in while I was looking over his desk, and was not happy to see me. He forbade me from entering the study again.”
“He didn’t hurt you, did he?”
“No. He didn’t even shout. But his tone and expression made it clear I had trespassed where I shouldn’t have.”
“Did you see what he was working on?”
“His desk was spread with papers, but the only thing I noticed was a list of poisons. I thought it a little odd, but paid it little heed in my search for Evelyn’s book.” She looked up at him. “Why are you so interested?”
“My father mentioned he’d had some business dealings with him once, many years ago, and I wondered what kind of man he was.”
“Was that before he left the city? When he still hunted dragons?”
“Yes. Why?”
“He had drawings of dragons on his desk.”
“I see. I understand they hunted together, so perhaps he still enjoys the pursuit. But give me your word that you’ll tell either Robin or me if you ever feel you’re in danger.”
“Why do you think I might be in danger?”
“I don’t. But it will put my mind at rest.”
She smiled. “Very well, I give you my word. You know, I’m so glad you are
here, Xavier. I used to wonder about you a lot growing up.”
“You did? What did you wonder?”
“You just seemed so mysterious, locked away in your castle in the middle of the mountains.”
“I was hardly locked away,” he said with a laugh.
“I know that now. But you never came with your parents into the city, and my fanciful imaginings made me think that you weren’t allowed to leave.” She slipped her arm through his. “Mother used to talk about your father all the time. She was so proud of her brother, the professor. It was because of him that she insisted we all go to school, even the girls. She always thought he would move back to the city, and we would be friends with our cousins.”
“We can be friends now,” Xavier said.
“I would like that.” She watched Robin as he talked to Evelyn, laughing at something she said. “I think Robin’s glad you’re here, too. He’s the one who spent the most time with your father, whenever he came to visit. He would sit beside him and ask him so many questions! About his travels, and his studies. About you.”
“Me?”
“Hmm. He seemed particularly fascinated by the idea of you. Perhaps it’s because you are so close in age.” She looked at him. “Why did you never come to the city with your parents?”
“I was not a good traveler.”
She gave him a skeptical look. “That’s a good excuse for a child, but you haven’t been a child for a long time.”
“No, I haven’t.” He gave her a gentle smile. “I’m here now, though.”
“Yes, you are.”
They were nearly at the house when Evelyn turned to Xavier. “I don’t believe I thanked you properly for coming to my aid the other day. I would like to remedy that by inviting you and your cousin to join us for supper one evening.”
“No further thanks are needed, Mistress, but we would be delighted to accept your invitation.”
She smiled. “Perhaps you would like to confer with your cousin first?”
Xavier glanced in Robin’s direction as he replied with a laugh. “I am happy to say that on this matter I am in full agreement, Mistress.”
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