by Tom Keller
"Rayna, may I introduce you to Robert Hoskins, heir of Demeter. You need not fear him."
Her eyes widened again and she tightened her grip on his waist as she stared at me.
"A pleasure to meet you, Rayna of the Lilin." I said in as nice a voice as I could muster. Then I held out my hand.
She stared at it for a moment and then after a nudge from the Elf, she slowly reached out and took it, then immediately let go.
"Maybe you can convince her that my bark is worse than my bite," I said to Bjartr. Then I stood up from my chair and turned to her. "Perhaps one day you will see that I mean you no harm. I am not the boogeyman you all seem to think I am." With that said I headed out the doorway towards my car. There was nothing else I could accomplish here.
Pulling over just down the block I sent out a call and Sendy reappeared in the passenger's seat.
"You have something more," she asked as she pulled on a shirt she had gotten from the glove box. I had gotten used to her appearing nude for the most part but it wouldn’t do for a passerby to see a young girl naked in my car, especially down here.
"She's coming from Reno, probably by car or truck. It's a seven to eight hour drive so it's hard to tell if they've already left. They'll almost have to take US 95 if they come straight down. But they could come by any route." I pulled out my phone and showed her a map view of the highways that one could travel between Vegas and Reno. Shit, sometimes I forget how big Nevada really is.
"I will do what I can," she said and then she disappeared, the shirt fluttering and falling to the seat.
Chapter 11
"Any luck," I asked, as Sendy appeared in my kitchen a few hours later.
"Nothing yet," she answered. "The area is huge and I have never searched for the Lilin before so it is somewhat difficult to know what to look for."
"Perhaps just a hint of magic, very small, and possibly darker than normal. That should do it, I think," a voice from behind me said.
"I thought they weren't magical beings, not in the Fae sense," I replied, turning to see that it was Bernd, the Dwarf, who had spoken. About time he showed up.
"Indeed they are not," he revealed. "But the decree is. So you must seek to sense that slight magic that binds them."
"Ah, of course," Sendy said as her eyes lit up. "I will return," and then she disappeared.
"What took you so long? It's been weeks since I returned from Fae," I asked him.
"I have plenty of other things to do than just watch over you," he replied. "But your outburst was felt even in far off realms. I thought it best to return to see what you were up to. What caused you to use such magic?"
I told him that story about my meeting with the Roman Lilin and what he had told me of Delia. When I was done he plopped down on a chair and his pipe appeared.
"What's done is done," he finally said, smoke rings blowing over the table. "Let us hope you have not frightened them too badly. But then again, this may prove useful."
"Well, if it was anyone but Delia, I probably wouldn’t have lost my temper." I said, sitting down across from him. "But useful? How?"
"Now that you have identified yourself, rather badly if I must say so, the Lilin will be cautious around you. Assuming any will get close at all," he said. "But, if Sendy is successful, perhaps she can lead you to one of the Elders. If you can locate them then you can release the spell."
"So is that what all this is about," I demanded harshly. "Releasing the Lilin? What are you not telling me this time?" I was beginning to feel manipulated again.
"Of course it's not just about the Lilin," he countered. "But it is an important part. Even you have said so, or have you changed your mind on the subject?"
"No, no, you know my feelings on that." I said, softening. "But why is it so important to you?"
"Balance," he finally said, his pipe smoke forming a cloud above his head. "Even before The Fall, things had not been right with the Fae. Warring amongst themselves, hiding in their forests and seas as fewer and fewer were born each year. Even here on this plane, the Fae fight for what, human crumbs? What use is gold to one who can do magic? Yes, such is the way of many things. But must it be? Not all agree with me but I see the problem as one of balance."
"Balance? What, like karma or something?"
"Exactly," he exclaimed. "The darkness and light must be balanced so that harmony can return. I believe that to be what Gaea's prophesy is truly about."
"That makes no sense," I said. "Gaea is supposed to be a God, right? I mean 'Mother of Earth,' and all that. Why doesn’t she just fix it whichever way she wants it? She certainly doesn't need us to do that."
He got up from his chair and paced a bit before replying. "Perhaps she believes in what the humans call free will. But more likely she is waiting to see who will win. You, or Marissa."
"But why?"
"You said so yourself," he answered. "She is a God. It may be as simple as waiting to see which of her children is more deserving. Not putting one above the other, at least so far as she is not threatened by either of you. Her history is clear on that matter and violent where unfaithful family is concerned. But if you succeed, balance will be restored. If not, then darkness will reign. One can never be sure where she is concerned. But remember, she did prophesize your birth to your grandmother and so saved her lands. I cannot believe that all this is just for sport."
"Still makes no sense," I said, shaking my head. "If I win there is still gonna be evil. If I lose there will probably still be some goodness in the world, although probably suppressed. It's just crazy. But why the Lilin? What's the nexus there?"
"Because," he pointed out. "Before the Fae battled against the Lilin they were still pure of heart. At least for the most part. It was not until the High Fae defeated the Lilin that they changed. Leading humans astray and warring amongst themselves. Remember, the war was won and many more Lilin were killed before Demeter offered them her decree. The choice was slavery or genocide, neither of which is truly a palatable solution."
"So," I replied. "You think that by restoring the Lilin and erasing the spell, the Fae will be what? Saved?"
"In a manner of speaking, yes. Oh, not all at once. But I do believe that Demeter's decree and subsequent treatment of the surviving Lilin in some way brought the first hint of evil to the Fae. If nothing else it will be a start," he answered. "Then, who knows? Perhaps the sins of the past will begin to heal. And if I am wrong, well, either way the Fae and the Lilin will still be better off."
He'd never really talked to me this way before. Almost like an equal, I mean. Still didn’t make a lot of sense, but then again, damn near nothing does when so called Gods are involved. But at least I had some insight on what motivated him, and that was making me curious to what else I was missing. The Dwarves were supposed to be more like counsellors than active participants. And yet all three dwarves I'd met, Motgnir, when I'd fought Marissa, Valen, when the spell on me was removed, and Bernd all seemed to be working toward some same goal. At least so it seemed. Maybe balance was what they really wanted. If true, apparently I was the key. Not necessarily a pleasant thought. But as to what it all meant, well, that remained to be seen. Just another thing to deal with, I guess. Damn, that list was getting long!
"We shall see, shall we not?" he said, putting his pipe away. "Now I must return, for there is still much work to be done."
"I thought you'd be staying for a while," I said. "At least long enough to see if Delia is ok."
"I will return when I can. Lucinda can always find me if I am needed," he said, eyeing the cat on the sofa.
How long had she been here?
"That's what you said last ti…" I responded, but he was gone. I looked over at Lucinda but she just leapt off the couch and headed for the doggie door. Friggin Dwarves! Just once I'd like to get a few complete answers out of one of them.
****
I was awakened by a nude Sendy shaking me. Not necessarily a bad thing but I hadn’t slept well so it took me a m
oment to realize what she was saying.
"I found them, I found them."
"Great, that's great… Uh, can you put some clothes on and give me a second to wake up?
"Oh," she replied, somewhat embarrassed. "Certainly, my Lord. It was just that I'd never searched for Lilin before and after what Father Dwarf said it was so easy…"
"Ok, ok, I got it." I said, sitting up in bed as she pulled a shirt on.
"So where are they?"
"About two or three hours out at the speed they travel," she answered. "I found them at a place called Crystal Wash, under a copse of trees. Very strange, the sign says it is an ET Highway rest area. What does that mean? Oh, and she was moved from one vehicle to another."
"Crystal Wash… ET Highway? Why would they come that way?" I said out loud. I knew the area she was talking about. It was a few miles above Alamo, two hours or so north of Vegas. But it was a strange route to take from Reno. I would guess that would add at least 100 miles to their journey although it would definitely be a less obvious way to go.
"I cannot say," she replied, thinking I was asking her.
"Oh, sorry. What do you mean she was moved?"
"I first located two Lilin in a vehicle shaped like a box moving south. Then they met a male in one like yours, with four doors, under the trees at this ET Highway area."
"A boxy vehicle. You mean a van?" I asked, fumbling for my phone to search for an image of one.
"Yes, exactly," she replied, pointing to the image on my smartphone's screen. "Anyway, they stopped and met. They argued for a moment and then the male went to the back of the… van… and then carried the other Lilin to his vehicle and left."
"Carried? Was she injured? What were they arguing about?" If they had hurt her there was going to be hell to pay.
"She appeared to be sleeping but I know little of a Lilin's needs. As to the argument, the male was angry that they had called him there and said that he had already done all that was asked. I believe he is afraid of you my Lord, for he mentioned of being in fear of the Heir's wrath again."
Hmm, it must be the Roman, I thought. "Very good, Sendy." I said. "Now I have just a few more tasks for you." I told her what I needed her to do and then got up to start the coffee. I had a reception party to plan.
****
Bjartr and I were talking when the car arrived. It was an older, four door Lincoln. Jet black and still nice looking even if it had probably seen better days. I buzzed them in and we went outside. Charlie beat us to the car and indicated that Delia was in the back. She looked asleep. Bjartr pulled open the door and picked her up, carrying her inside to Elithia, the Fae healer that I had summoned. Lucius started to leave but I stopped him.
"Why don’t you join us," I said, leaning into the driver window before he could put the car in gear.
"I don’t think that's necessary," he replied.
"I insist," I said, opening the door for him as he put it in park. "And best leave your sword where it sits," I told him, eyeing the hilt sticking out from the passenger side. He didn’t look happy, then again, why should he? Of course I had to believe that whatever they had done to Delia hadn’t involved him. But by the look on his face, and the way he'd eyed his sword, I doubted he knew that. That was ok. I had other plans in mind for the former Centurion. So, I turned and headed for the front door which was still open. Charlie stayed back just to make sure he didn’t change his mind.
"The kitchen's this way," I said to Lucius as he came in through the doorway. I shut the door behind him, Charlie already leading the way. "Have a seat. The coffee's hot," I said, gesturing to the carafe on the table. "I'll just be a minute."
I walked into the downstairs bedroom where Bjartr had taken Delia. Elithia, the Fae healer I had summoned had tended her wounds the last time she'd been injured, after the battle with the Demon. As before, she was bent over the bed, her hands clasping Delia's face as I came in.
"How is she?" I asked.
"Drugged," Elithia answered, looking up. "It will take a moment for the magic to cleanse her system. Then we will see if she requires more."
"How bad is it? Does she need my blood?"
"Perhaps later. Best to let the magic work first before feeding her. It will not take long. Whatever they gave her seems to have only affected the Lilin organism inside. Other than that she appears unharmed, only asleep. I can give her some of my blood when awakens."
"Ok, let me know if you need anything else, then. Bjartr, you ok?"
"I am fine," he replied. "I will stay here. It may help to have a friendly face in the room when Elithia's work is finished."
"As you wish. I'm gonna have a friendly chat with Lucius then." I started to head back to the kitchen but stopped at the doorway and turned to the healer. "Will it help to know what they gave her?"
"Not for the magic to work," she replied. "But if he knows I would be interested."
"Good enough," I said, and went back into the kitchen to talk to my other guest.
"Well, will your Elders meet with me?" I asked as I sat down across from him and poured myself some coffee.
"They will not," he answered. "It is no secret that many would wish the decree gone. But as you yourself noted, with much of the magic that hampered our daily lives supposedly already lifted, they feel that the risk does not outweigh the benefits of further action. Especially in light of the potential damage that could be done should you not be as trustworthy as you make yourself out to be."
"I see," I replied. "That's a shame. By the way, do you know what Delia was given? The healer believes she was drugged."
"It is a draught known only to the Elders. I do not know the ingredients," he replied, shifting uncomfortably. "What do you plan to do with me?"
"With you? Nothing. Why? Did you think I was going to play some wrath of God crap and strike you down," I said with a laugh. "Please, I just wanted to talk." I had noticed that he was constantly scanning the house. Looking at both Charlie and me and keeping an eye on potential exits.
"This is not what I expected of you," he finally said, still looking around the kitchen.
"What, me or the house?" I asked, gesturing with my hand around the room. "What'd you imagine, a palace?"
"It is so… human," he said, drawing out the word. "And you do not act like a Lord of the Fae. Except, possibly, when angered."
"Oh, I'm still angry, just not at you." I said with a smile. "But seriously, I really would like to end the obligations that the decree places on you. I wish you could believe that."
"Even if I did, what then? I cannot believe the others would support your decision, High Fae or not. Your line does not encompass all of the Fae. Believe me, I was once a Centurion in the legions of Rome. If the decree is lifted what is to prevent us from rising against those that oppressed us? That is what our slaves once did. Then where would you be?"
"They fought for freedom, whereas you would already be free. It is not a worthwhile comparison. But if that is what you would do then I would have no choice but to fight back." I answered. "But at least you would die free."
That made him laugh. I would have liked to continue the conversation, but Bjartr took that moment to peek his head out of the bedroom.
"She stirs," he said.
"I'll be back," I said to Lucius, getting up from the table. Elithia met me at the doorway.
"She is awake," she said. "She may be drowsy for a time but the poison has been expelled. If you require no further I will return to Fae."
"Thank you."
"It was simple spell, really. That and a few drops of Fae blood was all that she required. If you need me I will return," she said as she headed for the backyard.
I went into the bedroom and saw Delia still lying in bed with Bjartr standing over her. "I will give you some privacy," he said, standing. Then he left the room, closing the door behind him.
Delia sat up and faced me as I sat down beside her. Then she slapped me.
"That is for all the trouble you've caused
me," she said.
"So much for lifting part of the spell," I said, rubbing my cheek.
"I have never been able to slap a Fae," she giggled. "You will be the death of me yet. First the Fae and now my own kind. That should probably be the last time I accept help from a stranger."
"Yeah, I'm really sorry about that," I declared, trying to look humble. "But I did get you out of there as soon as I heard. What was all that about anyway?"
"The Elders are not happy," she replied, getting out of bed as I moved over. "Even with the spell partially removed they fear what is to come. Several of the older ones were angered after hearing of my receiving your blood, saying that it was a violation of the decree. They were going to sacrifice me as an example. I was forced to drink something and that was the last I remembered until I was awakened just long enough to be rushed to a car, only to be drugged again and find myself here. "
She hesitated for a moment and I thought she was going to say more. Instead, she bent down and kissed me, deeply, on the lips. "… and that is for saving me. Bjartr told me what you did. It appears I owe you my life, again."
"I would not be here if you had not fought beside me on Olympus," I said, standing and taking her hand. "You owe me nothing."
"I do not know what to do now," she said, the moment lost as she bowed her head and tears formed. "Bjartr says I can return to the bar but I fear the Lilin will have no more to do with me. I have been cast out. They will shun me if I try to return. Even my friends will disavow me rather than face the Elders punishment."
"It's my fault that you're in this mess," I finally said. "I am truly sorry. I can’t fix that, I'm afraid. Hell, your Elders won't even see me. But I might have an idea, if you're willing."
"What would that be? Even shunned, I will not betray my kind."
"Nor would I ask you to," I said in return. "But you could be my emissary, of a sort."
"Emissary?" she asked.