by TR Cameron
She nodded. “I will inform the palace of the result.”
A motion caught her eye as the two men who’d come with her opponent walked toward him. She said, “You might want to keep him out of any future fights. Mercy only goes so far. Anyone who doesn’t learn their lesson and attacks me a second time won’t be headed anywhere afterward but into the next life.” They both nodded and one boosted the fallen man onto the other’s shoulders. They left without looking back.
When they’d gone, she sagged and let herself sink to the floor. She pulled the healing potion from her pocket and drank half of it, moaning as the pain of her injuries was washed away. Slowly, she sipped the rest to ensure she would be fully healed and smiled as the burn from the charm finally faded. Tanyith and Fyre sat on either side of her.
“I thought you might be in trouble there for a while,” the man said,
“Yeah, I tried to be clever and held back so they wouldn’t know everything I could do. That was a dumb idea.”
Fyre snorted. “Indeed so.”
She smacked him as she rose and crossed to the person who had overseen the bout and extended her hand. “Hi. I’m Cali.”
The other woman smiled and shook it. “Anyas. You fought well.” The pineapple taste that signaled goodwill spread over her tongue at the contact.
She laughed. “Yeah, not so much, but thank you for lying to me. Would you be willing to answer a couple of questions about all this?” The woman nodded. “So, first, can we do the two-on-two here if it works out that way?” There was no telling what the other family might do, including challenging her in return.
“Certainly. We would be pleased to provide that service for you. But that is about the largest battle this location will accommodate.”
“I assumed that. Okay, good. You’ve seen many of these by now, I’m sure. How often does someone cheat?”
Anyas laughed. It was an unexpectedly happy sound from the thus far taciturn woman. “Quite often, depending on how you define the term. For instance, your opponent today had taken a drug to increase his power.”
Cali frowned. “Those exist?”
“Of course. There is always magic you can use to improve your odds. The problem is that they usually come with a downside. In the case of what he chose, it increases aggression at the expense of logic.”
“That’s why he didn’t respond when I told him to surrender. Okay, that’s good to know. I think I’ll avoid doing that for as long as I can, though.” She swallowed hard and asked the question that scared her most. “How often do combatants die during the battles?”
The other woman’s face turned neutral with a slight edge of regret. “It is far rarer for a bout to end with everyone alive than it is for one or more to be killed.”
“And incapacitated people?”
The woman sighed. “Frequently are not given the opportunity to return to consciousness.”
She nodded. While she’d known she was playing for keeps, the woman’s words cemented that knowledge into her brain. “Thank you. It’s not a good thing but it’s good that I’m aware of it.”
“Will there be anything else?” Anyas asked and Cali shook her head. “Until next time, then. You have the room for as long as you need it.” The woman turned and strode toward the door.
Her partner stepped beside her and watched her leave. “That’s cheery.”
“Totally. You know what, I think I’m over New Atlantis for the moment. How about we hurry back to the house and get the hell out of this place?” Fyre flooded her with assent and Tanyith nodded. “Good. Let’s say goodbye to Jenkins and portal home before Zeb gives my job away.”
Chapter Thirty
When they’d returned to New Orleans the previous night, Cali had gone straight to bed and hadn’t woken until late afternoon. An exchange of texts with Tanyith arranged a meeting at the Dragons for that evening and confirmed that he’d stopped by to inform Zeb that they were still alive. She spent much of the interval between showering and working on making sure her apartment was spotless. It was likely that she’d spend less time there since she now had another house in need of her attention and she wanted to know that everything was in its place in case she had to be away for a while.
She pulled on her favorite jean shorts and a tank top and walked through the Quarter with Fyre at her side. Dasante hadn’t answered when she’d knocked, so they took a meandering route to Jackson Square, where they found him engaged in his magic act to the delight of the nearby tourists. He took a break to chat and catch up, and she spent her remaining spare hour acting as his barker, spreading her inane patter over the passing people and urging them to come and enjoy the mysterious magician.
She loved every minute of it and by the time she headed toward the Dragons, her sides hurt from laughing too much. Zeb grinned widely at her entrance and motioned for her to take a seat. In moments, stew, bread, and cider appeared in front of her, and she told him the story of their adventures under the sea while she wolfed the food down. The second helping went more slowly, and when Tanyith finally arrived, she was thoroughly full and content.
It was no surprise that Detective Kendra Barton trailed him in and for once, Cali didn’t feel the need to tease them. She was merely happy to have everyone safe and together. Zeb made a quick-draw soda water spray at Fyre, and the Draksa snapped and growled obligingly as he drank it from his position behind the bar. So much had been different over the last week that it was a joy to be back with her extended family.
The trip had cemented that concept in her mind. Family had been an elusive idea for her since the deaths of her parents. Part of her was afraid to truly let others in for fear she’d lose them. Another part desperately craved that connection. Among these people, she’d found the right balance. Aside from all the chuckleheads trying to kill her and the knowledge that behind her, Janice was probably annoying the customers who Cali relied on for tips, everything was excellent.
“So, did you discover anything interesting about your parents?” Kendra asked and Tanyith shot her a strange look at the question.
Cali shrugged. “Not much. All the information I found was from before they came here. So while I know why they left, I have no idea what they did afterward. I had hoped to find out who might have had a problem with them, but no such luck.”
Tanyith interrupted and changed the subject. “So, did anything interesting happen here while we were gone?”
“Nope, same old same old,” Zeb answered. “It looks like all the trouble in town is tied to the two of you. Maybe you should vacation more often.”
“Ha. Ha. Ha,” Cali replied. “Maybe you should go away for a while. Give us all a break.”
The dwarf shook his head. “And leave my business in the hands of you two? Not a chance.”
She grinned and was about to continue the banter when Kendra asked, “What’s next, then?”
Beside her, Tanyith shrugged. “For me, it’s taking care of the errand my new friends have requested.”
Cali felt all their eyes turn to her. “Well, we have more than enough on our plates. But in addition to all the normal drama, we need to find the other pieces of my family’s sword. Along the way, hopefully, I’ll discover more about my parents’ time here. Plus, I have to bounce to New Atlantis regularly for my language lessons.”
“Maybe you can take Agent Sheen along with you,” Zeb added.
“I’m happy to, but it won’t help them. No one portals in directly without a token from the Empress and I don’t have an extra.” She raised her hand to display the heavy ring with her family’s seal. “And this won’t leave my fingers anytime in the foreseeable future.”
Tanyith frowned. “What about the Malniets?”
“Jenkins told me I need to give them at least a week to get their nonsense together. I’m thinking more like two. We’ll do the next round with the idiots here unless I can find a way out of it, then Fyre and I will go and beat down some more of their champions. I have to believe they started with
the weakest one, for whatever reason.”
“They’ll probably have tridents, eventually.”
Cali gave a theatrical shudder. “Oh gosh, oh heck, save me.” They all laughed and again, she felt the warmth of being part of a family. “What about the dude you’re looking for, Tay? Will you give up on it?”
He shook his head. “Nope. I’m determined to run down every single lead before I call it over. Hopefully, one of them will get me somewhere. It’s not really about finding him for Sienna anymore. I feel more like I need to track him down simply to smack him for being so hard to find.”
She nodded. “I feel that, totally.” Behind her, a loud crash sounded from the common room. She cringed and Zeb put his head in his hand. “Do I want to know?”
Kendra chuckled. “You do not. But I think your job is safe for a while, at least.”
The dwarf sighed. “So, you’ll be back tomorrow, then?”
“Yep. I can’t miss out on those Saturday night tips.” She’d also make her return to the dojo in the morning. The hours between, unfortunately, would be spent catching up on the classwork she’d neglected for the last week. “And on that note, it’s probably time I headed out.”
Cali stood, stretched, and called for the Draksa. Fyre bounded out from behind the bar in his Rottweiler disguise and received shouts of admiration from several of the patrons as the two wandered down to the basement to portal home.
This weekend will be all about catching up. But on Monday, recovering my family’s legacy begins for real. First the sword, then the poison, and after that, my brother.
Tanyith waited until Zeb moved into the common room, then turned to Kendra and whispered, “What’s your deal? Is it necessary to push on her parents the first time you see her?”
She scowled and took a sip of the beer the dwarf had pulled for them after Cali’s departure. “I need to know the answer. It’s your fault for taking me to the damn bunker, so maybe don’t be so judgy-judgy.”
He kept an eye out, not wanting to be overheard. “Why does it matter? They’re gone. It’s irrelevant.”
“You don’t think it’s tied to the reason they were killed? Isn’t it better to get it out there as soon as we can rather than have it appear out of nowhere and blindside her at a bad moment?”
His expression stern, he shook his head. “I think you should lay off.”
She stood and threw some bills on the bar. “You’re straddling a line, Tay. Good people on one side, bad on the other. Eventually, you’ll need to make a choice. I hope you make the right one.” She leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Later, Gator.”
Tanyith didn’t follow her out, even though part of him wanted to. Like he’d told Cali, there were things to negotiate and boundaries to establish.
And she’s not wrong. He was on a tightrope with winds pushing him in both directions. All he could do was stay on it until a better option presented itself.
Chapter Thirty-One
The remainder of her time in New Atlantis had been frustrating for Usha. Empress Shenni had listened to her words and taken her suggestions, and the results had been as expected. The girl had challenged the Malniets and not surprisingly, had won the first match. Eventually, she would probably discover that allowing her foe to live was a bad choice.
During the Atlantean gang leader’s climb from her humble beginnings, showing such mercy had been impossible. It was well known that any opponent left alive would seek a rematch not governed by the rituals. She hadn’t needed any enemies watching and waiting for her to falter to strike from the shadows, although she understood why they would do it. Had she failed in her attempt to rise to the Empress’s notice, she would have had no goal, nothing to drive her, and no hope.
Every now and again, the idea that things might have turned out differently made her shudder with fear. But at this moment, other fears claimed her attention. Empress Shenni’s words at their final meeting had been as pleasant as always, but she’d heard the commands beneath them with complete clarity. If Usha didn’t make New Orleans hers and if she was unable to turn Caliste Leblanc to their cause, she would be the failure she fought so hard not to be.
Danna Cudon appeared within moments of her arrival in the Shark office, a look of concern on her face. “I expected you to stay for the weekend.”
Usha shook her head and crossed to the bar cart to pour herself a hefty portion of rum and gestured for her second in command to take care of her own alcohol needs. She sank into the couch with a tired sigh. As much as she enjoyed being home in the underwater city, she was always “on stage” there.
At least here I can be myself among those I can truly trust. She loved the Empress with all she was but knew the woman would never, ever put her subordinate’s interests above her own. Such was the cost of being a monarch. But it meant that while she might be a knight or a queen, she was still a piece on Shenni’s chessboard at constant risk of being sacrificed to a greater need. But not here. This place is mine.
Danna lowered herself to the edge of the couch opposite. “Are you okay? You look stressed.”
She laughed. “Some visits are more difficult than others. You’ll be glad to know we’ve been given the go-ahead to make our real move on the city.” More like orders, but that knowledge doesn’t need to go beyond me. “And, of course, to find a way to kill Caliste Leblanc or turn her to our cause.” The Empress had indicated that either was acceptable, although she’d prefer the latter. Eventually, if they arrived at the point where they had to assist the girl, they’d have to find a way to make the story she’d been told seem real. But that’s a problem for another day.
Her subordinate nodded. “So, what’s the plan?”
“We’ll need to risk bringing more people into the production of the human product. I had no opportunity to ask the Empress for support so you’ll simply have to resolve the problem here. Secrecy is still essential, of course.” To her credit, Danna only stiffened and didn’t argue or display the rage that Usha would have felt in her place.
Here, do this impossible thing and it’s on you if it goes wrong. She shrugged internally. Power is a privilege and a burden. Sometimes, one side of that scale is heavier than the other.
“Very well. I’ll find a way to make it happen.” Her tone was colder than it had been and she wished she could apologize. Not being able to was part of her burden.
“We will continue trying our best to kill the girl, of course. The next match will be four on four. I’ve hired two mercenaries from New Atlantis—the nastiest ones I could find. We’ll need to supplement them with two of our finest.”
“I’ll review our people immediately. That shouldn’t be too difficult. There are many who look for a chance to prove themselves.” She hesitated, then continued. “Should we consider ending this situation outside the rules?”
It was a dangerous question. She’d already thought about it, of course. Caliste’s movements were predictable enough that a sniper’s bullet or a bomb could end the issue efficiently and effectively. But to step outside the laws her monarch supposedly championed would inevitably bring problems for the Empress and thus for Usha.
But if Danna took care of it, I would have deniability. She rejected the thought as soon as it appeared. Even if I wasn’t involved, no one would believe that. Besides, a leader is responsible for the actions of her followers. “No. Not yet. But perhaps some very quiet examination of the options wouldn’t be inappropriate.”
The other woman nodded again and managed to summon a smile despite all the responsibility that had been dropped onto her shoulders. “I’ll put it on my to-do list right after the production issues.”
Usha smiled widely. “Danna, you are the best. I don’t know what I would do without you. Whatever rewards I reap, whenever they happen, you will share in them. I have already recommended you countless times to the Empress.” Her subordinate’s loyalty and her commitment to their shared mission were the things that carried her through the many challenges she
faced.
Danna bowed her head and whispered, “Thank you. I’ll continue to do my best for you and for her.” She rose and departed quietly, leaving her boss alone in the office. A word caused the lights to dim and she stretched on the couch, too tired to bother getting herself home. Her last thought as she drifted off to sleep was of Caliste Leblanc.
The Empress is kidding herself. That girl will never join us voluntarily. So, we either need to force her or she needs to die.
Rion Grisham felt celebratory. He’d allowed his lieutenants to bring dates to dinner and his own woman of the moment sat at his right hand. The mage’s selection seemed to have nothing in common with the man, but she ate, drank, and laughed with the skill of a courtesan and entertained the entire table.
Maybe she’s bought and paid for. He wasn’t one to judge, and if Ozahl had purchased the woman’s companionship for this gathering, at least he’d chosen exceedingly well.
The drinks and cigars portion of the evening was for the men only, however. They said their goodbyes as the ladies exited the private room and headed to the bar to enjoy their own nightcap. Their waiters—two men whose Italian heritage or imitation thereof showed clearly in their hair, skin, and accents—bustled about pouring Prosecco into flute glasses, exchanging empty cocktails for full ones, and offering flame to spark the tobacco. They slid plates of cookies and chocolates onto the tables, then departed quietly.
The Zatora leader leaned back with a sigh, eminently satisfied with both the meal and the results of their efforts at Fort Polk. “I received word today that the Army has no leads on what occurred at the base. They plan to continue their investigation but it appears you accomplished it without leaving a trail.”
Colin Todd shrugged and smoothed his suit but didn’t reply. He’d played a fairly small role in the action and was appropriately humble about it. Jack Strang, who’d been a key element with his impressive diversion, nodded his appreciation for the recognition. “There was a substantial collection of flammables at the airbase, as it turns out.”