Goblinwraith

by Tamara Grantham

  We faced a small black building. A sign was tacked on the wall near the door with unfamiliar words written on it.

  “Can you read it?” I asked Maveryck.

  “Some of it. Six million people entombed. French Revolution. Something about overcrowded cemeteries. It seems these catacombs were built to serve as a place to keep the dead. Oddly enough, they built it in one of Earth Kingdom’s magical epicenters.”

  “And that’s why the portal brought us here?”

  “Yes, in all likelihood. But the question is—where do we go now?”

  I looked out over the paved courtyard overshadowed with trees. Beyond the treetops, buildings rose in the distance. Soft music and a chorus of voices drifted from cobbled streets. People walked past us, some casting sidelong glances at my attire of bloodstained armor and Maveryck’s ornate elven clothing.

  “We need to find the staff,” Maveryck said, “but in the meantime, we’ll need food and shelter, and in order to get them, we’ll need money.”

  “How will we get money?”

  He was silent for a moment. “I’m not sure, but we can’t get it here.”

  We walked away from the small building and onto the streets, but I wasn’t prepared for the unfamiliar sounds and smells. The city was a bright, noisy place filled with crowds of people and motorized vehicles. It was nothing like the last time I’d visited Earth, where we’d camped in tents and attended a festival away from the cities. And this place was a far cry from Faythander, where magic grew in the trees and in the soil, breathing life and energy while fueling the world.

  Here, cars and buses sped down the road, and I narrowly avoided being hit by one as we made our way onto a landing beside the street.

  Walking down the crowded sidewalks, the reality of our situation began to sink in. We had no coins to barter with, no place to sleep, and no contacts or help of any kind. I’d been in perilous situations before, but that was on Faythander where I understood how to survive.

  I would rather be dropped into the wild lands any day than be transported here.

  As the sun dipped lower toward the horizon, Maveryck still had yet to procure money or shelter of any kind. We neared the city’s center, where a square-shaped tower that tapered to a point rose above the other buildings.

  “That’s an odd building,” I said. “What do you think is its purpose?”

  “I’m not sure of its purpose, but I do know the Earthlanders call it the Eiffel Tower.”

  I shot him a questioning glance. “Eiffel tower? How do you know that?”

  “I’ve read about it.”

  “Have you read about everything?”

  “Of course not, but I have an interest in Earth Kingdom, and so naturally, I’ve read about it.”

  “If you know so much, then tell me, how are we to obtain money?”

  “I’m working on it.”

  “Are you?” I asked.

  “Yes, I am.”

  “How do I know you aren’t saying that just to appease me?”

  He stopped walking and gave me his hard stare. “Enough,” he said. “How am I to get anything done with you constantly questioning me?”

  “So far, you’ve accomplished nothing. I would be better off alone.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Yes, it is.”

  We continued walking in silence. Our clothing attracted a few stares, though I supposed in a city such as this, cultural differences were the norm, so we didn’t stand out as much as we would have in a smaller Earthlander village.

  We passed a large ornate building, and the sign over the doors read Banque de France.

  Maveryck studied the building and then turned to me. “I’ll have to enter alone.”

  “Why can’t I come in?”

  He glanced at the blood drying on my now-tarnished breastplate. “I think it’s best if I enter alone.”

  “Why?”

  “Because this building is where the Earthlanders keep their money, and they tend to be frightened when people carry weapons and wear bloodstained armor into their financial institutions. We would most likely get arrested, spend the rest of our journey sitting in one of their dungeons, and never make it back home.”

  I hated to admit it, but he had a point. “How long will this take?”

  “Not long.” He paused. “Hopefully,” he added.

  “What am I supposed to do while I wait?”

  “I’m sure you’ll think of something.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “How are you going to obtain their money?”

  He gave me a sly grin. “Have you forgotten my profession?”

  He was a thief. Right.

  “Don’t stay here,” he said, “meet me at the base of the tower after sunset. With any luck, we’ll soon have a few coins to barter with.” When he turned away and entered the building, I had half a mind to storm in after him. What made him think he could just abandon me here in the middle of the street? I balled my fists. People walked on either side of me, crowding me, pressing in on every side.

  I hated this city, hated the loud noises and crowded sidewalks. It was unfamiliar in every way possible, and though I was loath to admit it, the city frightened me, especially now that I was alone.

  But I had no way to get back home, so I walked away from the building and toward the strange tower. Lights illuminated its peak in colors of red and blue. The sight was strangely awe-inspiring, and I found myself drawn to it. Soon, I stood in a large open space beneath the tower. This area, like every other place in the city, was crowded, but I managed to push my way through the throng in order to find my way to the spot directly beneath the structure’s apex.

  As I stared overhead, the peak seemed to stretch all the way to the top of the universe. Although Earth Kingdom was a strange and unfamiliar place, I had to admit that nowhere in Faythander would I find a sight such as this. The elves had no use for towers, the Wults preferred their keeps and fortresses, and the pixies built homes in the trees. Finding a construction such as this in my world would be a rare sight.

  I remained lost in thought until something touched my arm and a wisp of magical energy flowed through my shoulder. I grabbed my knife and spun around, but I saw no one. Scanning the crowd, I looked for the person who had touched me, but only saw a few people with frightened expressions as they focused on my knife.

  I sheathed the blade but kept an eye out for danger. I was being careless. What if the wraith was following me and waiting for any moment of weakness to attack? Cursing under my breath, I vowed to be more vigilant.

  A man with dingy white hair crossed my path. I followed him as he weaved through the crowd, keeping my blade close.

  Searching for anyone in such a large crowd was nearly impossible, and I was sure the wraith knew it. After searching for what felt like an eternity, I finally gave up. He’d probably made his escape long ago.

  But why did he need to track me? He already had the staff. I’d seen him create a portal in the tombs, so why was he still here in Earth Kingdom? Why hadn’t he created a portal and left this world?

  I made my way back to the tower. A less-crowded square sat several hundred paces away from the Eiffel’s base, so I made my way toward it. Grass muffled my footsteps as I traded pavement for earth while I weaved through a maze of trimmed hedges. Sounds of running water came from up ahead, and I soon found a large fountain surrounded by stone benches. As I stepped into the courtyard, quiet footsteps echoed behind me.

  Again, I grabbed my knife. This time, the intruder wouldn’t elude me. I rounded and readied my blade but stopped when I saw Maveryck approaching me.

  I almost didn’t recognize him. He wore Earthlander clothing—a gray shirt that fit snugly and hinted at his defined chest muscles, dark pants, and leather shoes that looked more expensive than anything he should have been able to afford. The wind tousled his long locks of dark hair, and the faint, heady scent of his cologne filled the air. He looked even pretti
er than he had before, and my heart fluttered, a feeling that both annoyed and confused me.

  Eying my knife, he took a step back.

  “What are you doing?” he asked.

  “Defending myself. I thought you were the wraith. I believe I saw him earlier.” I sheathed the weapon, thankful I didn’t have to use it.

  “You saw the wraith?” he asked, raising an eyebrow in a distinctly elven gesture.

  “I think so, but he escaped before I could track him down. I believe he’s here and he wants us, but for what purpose, I can’t say for sure. Why hasn’t he created a portal and gone back to Faythander?”

  “I might know.”

  “You do?”

  He nodded. “Yes, but I can’t tell you here. I’ve found shelter for us in one of the hotels and made arrangements for our evening meal. I also found clothing for you. You’ll need to change as soon as you can. The armor makes you too easy to spot in a crowd.”

  Again, reluctantly, I had to admit he was right.

  “Follow me,” he said.

  I hurried to catch up with him as we walked back the way I’d come—through the grassy area and back to the tower. After making it to the street, Maveryck led me down one walkway and then another. I followed him, keeping track of the landmarks in case we got separated.

  The city’s streets had been constructed in a deliberate pattern. The tower sat at the city’s center and the streets fanned away from it, so finding my way back to it wouldn’t be difficult. Finally, we stopped at a large ornate building made of white stones and surrounded by decorative iron railings. Old trees with long, sprawling branches grew inside the courtyard, their limbs creaking in a quiet wind as soft white lights made their leaves shimmer.

  “What is this place?” I asked.

  “Our shelter.”

  My mouth gaped.

  “Maveryck, how were you able to obtain sleeping arrangements in a palace like this? It must have cost a fortune.” I narrowed my eyes. “Exactly how much money did you steal?”

  He sighed, seeming annoyed. “I never said I stole it.”

  “Then how could you afford this?”

  “I have many talents. Not every situation requires theft—not when negotiation and tactfulness will work. Now, we really should get inside the hotel.”

  He turned on his heel and walked through the gate overshadowing the courtyard. I watched him before following. He hadn’t answered my question. I was beginning to trust him even less, if that were possible. Plus, he was overly aloof and dangerously pretty—I was no longer sure either of us would survive this quest.

  After entering the building, I tried not to gape at the marble floors, the wide, winding staircase with the gold-embellished railing, or the enormous crystal chandelier hanging overhead. I felt so small, and I knew every eye in the place was focused on me.

  As Maveryck led me past a desk and up the stairs, I couldn’t help but run my hand over the gold-leaf banister. Was Maveryck used to such lavish arrangements? Although I’d been raised in the Wult keep, we preferred to use less opulence in our building construction.

  In truth, the hotel reminded me of a palace I’d visited in the elf kingdom.

  After finding a door on the third level, Maveryck led me inside a room.

  I’d been doing an awful lot of gaping, but I couldn’t seem to stop. The room was decorated in gold and ivory with vases of white roses arranged on the small tables beside the bed. Soft lights illuminated the windows overlooking the tower.

  “I realize it isn’t proper for us to share quarters, so I arranged to sleep in a room just down the hall. This room is yours. As is the clothing.”

  He pointed to the bed, and for the first time I noticed a dress was laid out. I approached the garment cautiously, the way I would a rabid beast. I spied gauzy, white fabric, pearls, and a pair of high-heeled shoes. What had the man been thinking?

  “What is this?”

  “Clothing. This is the appropriate attire for women on this planet in formal settings.”

  “I will not wear it. I refuse.”

  “I’ve made arrangements to eat at the hotel restaurant where attire such as this is required. It would be unfortunate if they refused to allow you to eat because you chose to wear your armor.”

  “I would rather wear my armor.”

  “You’re sure about that?”

  I glanced at my torso—the once-gleaming breastplate reeked of blood, and the gore had dried and tarnished the metal. It would take hours to polish. Even by Wult standards, wearing such soiled attire at an evening meal would be considered poor taste.

  Taking a second look at the dress, I ran my fingers over the mirror-smooth silk. It had a heart-shaped neckline and a knee-length, flowing skirt. Ivory-white lace trimmed the sleeves and hemline. The fabric was so delicate that it would fall apart in a fight.

  When I turned back to face Maveryck, he was studying me with those haunting gray eyes.

  “I refuse to wear it,” I said. “Perhaps it would help me blend in, but it would not protect me in a fight.”

  He took a step closer, and the rich, amber scent of his cologne enveloped me. “Heidel,” he said my name softly, “have you considered that there may be times when you do not need to hide behind your armor?”

  His words made me pause.

  “Meet me in the restaurant in twenty minutes,” he said.

  “And I suppose I’ll have to wear the dress?”

  The hardened edges of his face softened. “It’s your choice. I won’t force you to wear it. Should you decide to wear your armor, I will not stop you.” He gave me a small smile and then left the room, shutting the door with a soft click behind him.

  I stood alone in the room, staring at the dress as if it were a venomous serpent. Across from me, a mirror hung on the wall. My reflection stared back.

  Blood dried on my forehead, sticking to my dark hair. My braid had come loose, and strands of hair stuck out in all directions. I rubbed at the now-crusted blood smeared on my skin in an effort to clean myself up, but nothing but soap and water would remove it completely.

  Was this really how Maveryck had seen me?

  The thought horrified me more than it should have. Why was it that I couldn’t stop thinking about him and his pensive gray eyes, the shape of his lips, the strong curve of his jawline, or the seductive scent of his cologne?

  Was I attracted to him?

  Surely not—well, perhaps a little—but any woman would be; he was a breathtaking specimen of male perfection. But was I attracted to him? And if so, did it mean anything?

  I glanced back at the dress.

  If I wore it, would it mean he controlled me the same way I’d been controlled before?

  I traced my fingers along the jagged, puffy scars covering my hands and arms. I’d promised never to fall in love again, and although I had to admit I was attracted to Maveryck, it meant nothing. Wearing the dress meant nothing. It was simply a tool to aid me in my attempt to blend in, and that was all. I snatched the clothing off the bed and entered the bathing chamber. This room looked as luxurious as the bedroom, with a marble tub, a sink with gold fixtures, and a separate shower.

  I bathed quickly while trying to talk myself out of my emotions. I knew nothing about Maveryck—where he came from, who his ancestors were. I didn’t even know where the man lived or why he chose to wear the clothing of an elf when he was most likely Wult.

  The lavender-scented soap washed away the blood and grime from my hair and skin. When I felt ready, I left the tub and toweled off.

  I slipped on the dress, pulling it over my head and shoulders, and let it fall into place. Although the sleeves and bodice fit comfortably, it felt strange not to wear my breastplate, like I’d lost a part of myself. But Maveryck was right, perhaps I had been hiding behind my armor for too long, yet after years of wearing it on a daily basis, it was impossible not to miss.

  I found a brush in a package on the counte
r, and after combing through the long strands, I contemplated whether to wear my hair in the usual braid or ponytail or if I should leave it hanging loosely around my shoulders. It had a tendency to curl at the ends, so most times I refused to deal with it by opting to put it up and out of the way. But since I’d already done away with my armor, I decided to leave my hair down.

  As I glanced in the mirror, I hardly recognized myself. A woman—not a warrior—stared back at me. I’d never thought of myself as attractive, but the person in the mirror was almost pretty.

  The dark strands of my hair brushed against the exposed skin of my neck and chest, and the dress fit snugly around my breasts and waist, tapering at my hips. Running my hands over the fabric, it felt soft and silky, nothing like the cold metal of my breastplate. If it weren’t for the scars covering my hands and forearms, some would consider me beautiful. Thankfully, my brother was nowhere to be found. He would have never let me live this one down.

  I had almost convinced myself I was okay with the dress, and then I slipped on the shoes. As I stood, I felt my knees wobble, and it took a great deal of balance and coordination to make it out of the room and down to the hotel’s bottom floor to the restaurant.

  Exhaling nervously, I stood outside the restaurant’s doorway. When a man questioned my seating arrangements, I realized I could no longer go through with sharing a meal with Maveryck. A tight knot formed in my stomach, making me queasy.

  The man questioned me again. I could only mumble a reply before I turned to leave, but as I did, Maveryck appeared at the doorway.

  “Heidel?” The way he said my name made me stop and slowly turn toward him. He had changed his clothing again, and now wore a suit with a dark coat that accentuated his broad shoulders. He’d pulled his hair back, bringing attention to his high elven cheekbones.

  My goodness, can the man be any more gorgeous?

  I straightened. Although I no longer wore my armor, I was not weak, so I stood tall.

  “Hello, Maveryck,” I said.

  “Heidel.” He nodded.

  “Well, are you going to escort me inside or not?”

  He offered his hand, and the knot in my stomach tightened. What was I doing? I couldn’t share my dinner with him. I wanted no part in whatever my feelings were doing to me. I couldn’t afford to fall in love, and being dangerously attracted was the first step.