by Lisa E Parry
Stephanie giggled, “I could tell you but then I’d have to kill you.” She even began to twirl her hair impishly around her finger. I couldn’t help but stare at her reaction. Warwick leaned in to nuzzle at her neck and I saw her face light up with anticipation but he drew back.
“Pretty please will you tell me?” The words melted off his tongue like caramel.
“Hmm, maybe if we were alone…” Stephanie hinted, her eyes now glazed over. Warwick turned to me and I knew why. He was asking for permission to be alone with her. I gave a nod so he took her outside the room. We needed any information she could give us so I would use any possible means at my disposal.
King Aidan rounded on me. “Is there something you wish to share about our companion, Cheri?” I looked at Aidan as he towered over me. He didn’t need the title of ‘King’ to be intimidating. He radiated authority and I was a little envious of that. Do I tell him the truth or don’t I to keep the peace? I thought about keeping Warwick’s identity a secret but withholding the truth from Melissa, not so long ago, proved to be the wrong decision. I glanced at Oliver and he urged me to come clean with a nod - like I needed it.
“Warwick is a little different to us, your Majesty. He has certain abilities that we don’t.” I said.
“I don’t want half-truths, Cheri.” Aidan’s dark blue eyes bore into mine.
I hesitated but decided to see how the truth would play out this time. “He’s a vampire.”
“How can he be a vampire? He looks human.” Aidan declared. I briefly wondered what the vampires of this world looked like to merit such a comment.
Adhelm cut in, “I believe, your Majesty, that in their world vampires have evolved to imitate the most powerful and plentiful species. Human beings. They use seduction to lure them in.” Had circumstances not been so dire, I would have laughed at his attempt at describing them.
“Then he is dangerous and must be killed!” Aidan said pulling a knife out.
“No!” it was Viola. “He drinks but he does not kill! He is not a murderer and I know there are more like him. In our world I think we could live in harmony with the non-murderous ones, all we have to do is give them a chance. Yes, he has killed people but only because he was forced to like Melissa and I was.” Her voice cracked on that last statement. “If you give him a chance to prove it then he’ll take it. Melissa did and he vowed to protect her. Does that sound like a murderer to you?” The girl’s purple eyes were wide and wild. Her loose white hair floated around her in the breeze. It was the most I had ever heard from the quiet elf, but I heard what she was saying. If there were more out there like Warwick, then life would be a little easier. I would still need more convincing though.
The King stared at her, then turned to Adhelm, “You knew what he was? Why didn’t you tell me?” He asked his oldest friend with a little hurt.
Adhelm briefly looked at Viola and then back to Aidan, “I wanted to give him the chance too.”
Aidan’s reply was cut off when Warwick entered the room with Stephanie unconscious in his arms. He unceremoniously dumped her on a bed and Ethan sprang to his feet, but Warwick hit him so fast he hadn’t even drawn his sword.
Warwick turned to us and addressed the room, “Stephanie is Anarch’s spy.”
***
Chapter 12
“Melissa, for God’s sake wake up!” Someone yelled, I awoke with a start. My vision cleared, and the image of Oliver’s smiling face swam into view. He looked over my head to someone out of my field of vision.
“See? You don’t have to shake her like a rag doll, even though you like to.”
“I wasn’t going to shake her like a rag doll,” Dorian’s agitated voice came out of nowhere.
“Sure, you were, it’s your thing. Melissa falls unconscious, you jostle her around and end up sticking her in the car whilst banging her head.”
“I have never hit her head whilst getting her into the car.” Anger rose dangerously in Dorian’s voice now.
“You have so, I saw you.”
“I have not!” I could imagine the vein in Dorian’s temple throbbing.
“Shut up! Jeez, will you two grow up?” I sat up and sighed with the memory of my dream. Dorian positioned himself so I could see him. Dark circles had appeared under his eyes.
“Oh God, are you alright?” The memory of Anarch causing Dorian pain came back crystal clear and my eyes rove over him to make sure nothing was broken, bruised or otherwise. He took my hand and gave me half a smile.
“I’m okay, just a headache. Adhelm’s concoction for that was another experience entirely. How are you?” I took a quick glance around to make sure no one could see us holding hands - a knee jerk reaction now.
“I’m fine, maybe a little depressed. Ugh, exhausted, definitely exhausted.”
“Well you seem determined to self-combust so I’m not surprised,” Oliver jibed.
“Again? The last thing I remember was being angry, really angry at Anarch. I wanted to rip him apart and that was my last thought.” Dorian and Oliver shared a worried glance. “Fess up, what is it guys?”
“Warwick saved you from burning to death. Your anger disappeared when you woke up but by then your bed was on fire. Everyone knows what he is now because he extracted information out of Stephanie using his … special abilities,” Dorian answered me. “She’s a spy for Anarch.”
“She’s been telling him all our moves. That’s how he knew to mount an army by the next full moon. He knew we would get there by then,” Oliver added and scratched at his head only to scruff his hair up.
“That bitch,” I said under my breath. “What happens now?”
“You have to fulfil your deal with Anarch to break his binding spell.” Dorian said while giving me a level look. The cat’s out the bag. I hugged my knees.
“Err, I think that’s my cue.” Oliver disappeared. Shit. Everyone would know about my deal with Anarch, including Dorian and he didn’t look happy. I searched his face for disappointment, but I only saw hurt and I felt my heart break.
“Why couldn’t you tell me?” He ran a hand through his dark hair and stood up to pace. “He is going to take you away from me.” I felt tears well up at the pain on his face and I got out of bed to grab his arm and cease his pacing. Those light grey eyes cut into me with a deep sadness and I couldn’t make him feel better. Yes, Anarch was going to take me from him at the next full moon, whenever that was, so what could I say?
“I have to go with him to break the spell and finally be free of him. I don’t think he wants me dead, he wants to use me. I’ll be alive, at least.”
“At least,” he repeated with frustration. He placed his hands on my shoulders, “Why did you make that deal? I wasn’t worth it.”
My hand flew to his face, but he caught it, “Don’t you ever say that again! You are worth more to me than anyone.” I wrenched my wrist out of his grip. “I cast that god-awful spell on you so I had to make it right. It was my fault you were suffering.”
Dorian shook his head and placed his hands on his hips. A shadow of a memory flitted across his face and I knew he had nightmares about the wraith that tried to take over his body. I stood on tiptoes and softly kissed his lips. “You are my future, so as long as you are around then I know I will be too. If you had died as a result of something I had done, then I don’t think I could have lived with that.”
Dorian began pacing again with occasional glances in my direction. I knew he was trying to find the words so I waited for him to string them together. “You know, until you came along I was a nobody - a witch’s bodyguard, someone who was overlooked, in the background and I had no one. Why did that change with you?” He was so sincere that I had to bite my lip to stop it from wobbling. “I’m not just someone’s bodyguard anymore. You make me feel like I matter.” I closed the gap between us and reached up to touch his cheek, now rough with several days’ growth, and he placed his hand over mine, “But I’m not going to let you die for me.”
“What’s
that supposed to mean? You can’t do anything. No one can but me.”
“Guys,” Oliver popped into the room. “They want to see you, Mel.” I nodded. Dorian and I started towards the door.
“They know about us now. After all, I am the reason for your bargain.” Dorian told me.
“They know about us, my bargain with Anarch and that Warwick’s a vampire? It’s all out in the open. No more secrets?”
“No more secrets,” he repeated and looked away. I felt his hand slip away from mine. “They know about us, but it might not be best to show it yet.” I stuck my bottom lip out in protest. He slid his hand through my hair and tipped my head up to kiss me soundly.
We entered the room the girls had been sharing to find everyone silent. The tension was palpable, their faces bleak. It looked as though we had interrupted a mini council meeting. Cheri was the only person to approach us on entering the room. My eyes slid to a bruise blooming on her cheek and I raised my eyebrow. She waved off the question before I asked it.
“Are you both okay?” she asked with genuine concern. She looked beyond exhausted, leading me to wonder if things were becoming too much for her. The charred bed in the corner drew my attention from Cheri and I winced at what could have been my fate. I was also self-conscious about my tatty, singed clothes. I must have given everyone a fright. They all looked shaken - everyone, except King Aidan. Stern determination shadowed his features. I relaxed a little when he gave me a small smile and I instinctively sat by his side in the need to be close to his solidarity. Dorian sat on my other side.
Aidan turned to me with a questioning look so I assured him that both Dorian and I were fine. “There has been a change of plans,” he told us. I waited for him to embellish, but Cheri took up the conversation.
“We are splitting up.”
“What? But we are stronger together. This is exactly what he wants!” Regardless, I looked around to see any giveaway signs as to who would be leaving.
“Dayna, Owen and Viola are escorting Stephanie and Ethan back to Esentia, where they will be taken to the dungeons for questioning. Aidan has given Dayna documentation to get them there. The elves are escorting them as far as Velkin in the Tregon Mountains. From there, they will return in safety.” She paused and I turned to look at Dayna and Viola. I opened my mouth to speak but Cheri rushed on.
“Nick is in danger. Stephanie has had him watched and as soon as he gets too close to an answer that will get us home, then an assassin will kill him. Dayna may get to him before this happens, but the clock is against us. If he is still alive when they get there, then the assassin will be flushed out, locked up and Dayna and Viola are going to help with Nick’s research.”
I gave Viola a pleading look, but she answered before I could protest. “I’m no good here, I can’t access my powers. As long as I’m here I’m a liability.”
“Don’t you dare say that! I can look after you, you will get your powers back.”
“We can’t take the chance,” she replied sadly.
“But Aidan is protecting you,” I countered. She solemnly shook her head. I wanted to break down because Viola was my support system. She’d been there at Henrik’s, and I knew I could count on her. I sighed. Perhaps it was for the best, I would soon be doing Anarch’s bidding, so it would be easier if everyone I cared about left. Anyone going with me would be going on a suicide mission.
“I should go alone. I don’t want to be forced to kill any of you. I couldn’t live with that.” As soon as I had said it, there was uproar. I just sat there quietly as they yelled their outrage at me, and then arguments ensued. Perhaps it was a stupid idea, but it was the only way I couldn’t hurt the ones I loved. I noticed the only people who didn’t shout their defiance were Viola and Warwick. I held their gaze as they sat together, holding each other’s hands. They understood, and they knew there was no point in trying to change my mind. Adhelm saw the unspoken communication between the three of us and so he also remained silent.
“Quiet!” Aidan shouted over everyone, and they all fell silent. I sought out Dorian’s hand. I turned to look at him, but his spot now lay vacant. Realisation began to creep in. My heartbeat quickened when I stood and couldn’t find him in the room.
“Dorian?” I said stupidly and finally everyone looked around for him. “Where is Dorian?” I asked almost hysterically. Deep down I had a feeling he had used the arguments as a distraction. I ran to the other room to find he wasn’t there, and neither were his belongings or his sword. I closed my eyes in a vain attempt to control my panic.
“He has gone.” I turned to find Erethorn before me, our Elf guide.
“Where has he gone?” I demanded breathlessly; but I already knew. His words echoed in my mind: that he wouldn’t let me die for him. I squeezed my eyes shut as the fear lanced through my body. This isn’t happening.
“He asked me to prevent you from stopping him.” In this light I could see his eyes were a maroon colour, almost the colour of blood. It freaked me out a little. I strode back to the others with tears of rage stinging my eyes, searching my mind for Dorian in a struggle to communicate with him. He had blocked me. When did he learn to do that?
“We have a problem. Dorian has gone on his own in search of Anarch.” I announced to the room.
“Why?” Dayna asked.
“I dunno. If he kills Anarch, then that damned necromancer won’t own my arse, will he? Maybe it will break the spell.” I said with supressed anger. “Okay, whoever is coming with me, we leave now!”
“Melissa,” Cheri implored. “We can’t just leave in a hurry; we need to plan these things.”
I turned on her, “I’m leaving now, so if you want to dilly dally then you are not coming.” My voice emotionless, I turned my back on everyone to start packing my things. Pointedly, I chose a warm, woollen dress to put on.
“You heard the lady, we’re leaving,” Aidan declared and I heard them break into action. I gave him a grateful, half-hearted smile. Viola and Dayna approached me, we exchanged a parting hug.
“Be careful you guys. I’ll see you when I get back,” I said to them with forced optimism. I didn’t want to feel like it was a permanent goodbye. They both looked doubtful. Unable to promise anything, I sought words of reassurance from them instead, “Promise me you’ll stay safe and help Nick find a way back, okay?”
“Of course. Don’t worry about us, Melissa,” Dayna assured me in that Irish lilt that reminded me of Britain and home - our world. I had no time to think of home though. Viola became weepy and that almost cracked my resolve. We just looked at each other, both understanding our duties, and parted with one last embrace.
It wasn’t long before the winding road stretched out before us yet again. King Oswyn and Queen Parnell rode alongside us until we left their borders. I soon felt wide-awake as the colours of dawn began to stain the sky. Oliver hovered beside me and Anarch’s words came crashing back, “What’s it worth to you if I don’t snuff him out?” My heart sank. It would be so easy for Anarch to hurt Oliver. I watched him carefully as a growing fear sat in the pit of my stomach.
Oliver looked at me, “What?”
I turned away, “Nothing, just stewing over things.”
Turning over the events of the evening, I still couldn’t believe that Dorian had gone on ahead of us to try and kill Anarch. What is he thinking? How can he possibly kill the necromancer? I wouldn’t even know where to begin; but I was sure that as soon as I saw him, the right spells would come to me. I closed my eyes, picturing him offering up his life, giving him his soul in place of mine, or meeting a grisly death for nothing.
Oliver floated beside me a little closer to lean in and Daisy danced away uneasily. “Warwick doesn’t look too good, does he. What do you think?” he asked quietly.
I glanced back at the vampire trailing behind us. “Shit, I forgot he’s hungry.” I twisted in the saddle for a better look and found he appeared deathly pale with shadows darkening his eyes. He was determined not to feed on us
and I was thankful for that.
I urged Daisy to pick up her pace and I was beside Aidan in a few moments. “Your Majesty-”
“Aidan.”
“Er, Aidan. Um, when will we be in the next town or city?” I glanced around at our desolate surroundings. Hills grew and dipped to carve valleys into the countryside with rocky outcrops peppered here and there. No sign of civilisation; plus, there were no thick forests or woods nearby. Warwick would have difficulty finding something larger than a rabbit to suck dry.
“We shall approach Grassmire in about two days’ ride. Is everything okay?” Even on horseback, Aidan was tall enough to look down on me. His eyes narrowed, and his eyebrows drew together with concern.
I didn’t want to worry him about Warwick’s diet just yet. I’d heard Viola had argued his case for Aidan to accept him and it had worked, so I didn’t want him to consider our vampire as a threat. Not yet anyway. “No reason, just wondered.”
I slowed down to trot parallel to Cheri, “We may have an issue with Warwick’s appetite.” I whispered and her eyebrows shot up. She looked back with a squint.
“He doesn’t look too bad,” she decided unperturbed.
“Well the next town is in two days’ ride and he was hungry two days ago. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to wake up in the night with him feasting on my neck.” I whispered vehemently.
“Do you have any suggestions?” she asked dryly.
“No, that’s why I’m talking to you.” I rolled my eyes.
“Well I don’t either, so he’ll have to wait for his barmaid.” She said it with such disgust that I got the feeling she didn’t give a damn about him. My anger began to simmer at the surface.