Someone was a little too vehement in his response. As I was here for a favor, though, I let it slide. “I’d like your expertise on norns. I might see one tomorrow and I want all the information possible.”
His brow furrowed. “You’re going to see one? Why? They’re very difficult to gain access to.”
“Oh,” I said. “Well, I don’t know if I will. I assumed they’d be at their own casino.” I retrieved the coin from my pocket and showed it to Robin. “I’m going to this place. I found the coin in a smithy called Waterstones and am going to see if I can find a connection to my aunt’s missing sword.”
Robin studied the silver coin. “Norns are very powerful. Are you certain you feel comfortable going alone?”
“I’m not going alone,” I said. “I’m going with Peter.”
“Ah, the death-bringing druid.”
I fixed him with a hard stare. “His name is Peter.”
“The smuggler.”
“I don’t think we should define each other by our genetics,” I said. “He can’t help that he’s a hybrid.”
“But you like being a fire witch,” he replied. “Should I not refer to you as such?”
I heaved a sigh. “Let’s not play semantics. Tell me about the norns.” I made myself comfortable in the desk chair.
“Very well. They’re known as spinners of fate.”
“But not the Fates?”
“No, but similar powers,” Robin said. “They can determine one’s destiny. Paranormals go to them with all manner of offerings in search of happiness, or fortune, or a particular outcome to a specific situation.” He shrugged. “Ultimately, the norns can decide whether your life shall be one of misery or joy.”
“You’re right,” I said. “That’s a lot of power.” Could they restore my family’s good name, so that the burden no longer rested on my shoulders? Was that even possible? I shook off the thought. I wasn’t going to the casino for me. I was going in search of answers about the missing sword. The presence of that coin in the empty smithy was not a coincidence. The locator spell wanted me to find it, which meant that whomever left it there was connected to the mystery.
“You must be quite careful in the presence of norns,” Robin continued. “They’re not as pleasant as the oracle, or so I’m told. One wrong word and they can turn on you in a heartbeat.”
I began to worry that Peter’s presence wasn’t such a good idea. He had a habit of charming all the women in his sphere of influence—until he eventually pissed them off. It was his own special skill.
“How do they control fate?” I asked. “Do they carry around scissors like the Fates?” That might explain the symbol of the spool of thread on the coin.
“Not to my knowledge,” Peter said. “If these norns operate out of a casino, it’s possible that they link their powers of destiny to a type of gambling or game. They take different forms as well, so be mindful of everyone you meet. You never know whether the elderly woman in the elevator with you is actually a norn taking the measure of you and secretly deciding your fate.”
My chest tightened. No pressure. “Thanks for your help, Robin. I appreciate it.”
He patted his pillow. “Now I should try to sleep. I have a meeting with the AMF in the morning.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know or I wouldn’t have knocked. Is it about a job?” Robin had remained at Spellslingers after his graduation, providing additional research on his independent study project.
“I’m not certain. They requested the meeting.” He seemed anxious and I felt guilty for waking him.
“Good luck, whatever it is,” I said. Robin was a valuable wizard and the AMF would be lucky to have his impeccable research skills at their disposal. He’d never wanted to work in the field. He wasn’t the type of wizard who thrived on action and danger. His ultimate goal had always been to become a Lord Justice and starting a career as an agent was one of the surest paths of achieving that goal. If there was a safer path for him than fieldwork, however, I was all in favor of it. “I’m sure it’s good news.”
“From your lips to the gods’ ears,” he said, and I left him in peace.
Chapter Seven
I gaped at Peter as we approached the Order of the Edge. For the middle of the night, the line of paranormals waiting to cross into Terrene was unusually large. “Why is this place such a popular crossing point?” The one close to the academy wasn’t ever this busy.
“If we cross the border here, we can jump to the right part of the quadrant,” Peter said. “There aren’t many border crossings that allow us to cover thousands of miles with a single step. This is one of them.”
“Another of your entry points for your business, I take it?” I queried.
He pressed his lips together. “I know you don’t approve, so I won’t elaborate.”
“You don’t have to smuggle for a living, you know. You have so many talents.” I’d expressed this sentiment more times than I could count, but I couldn’t stop myself from saying it again.
He raised a finger to his lips. “Are you trying to get me thrown in prison? Say it a little louder and maybe we can draw the attention of the guards.”
“I’m sorry,” I said. “I’ll stop.” Part of me wondered whether his career choice was part of the reason I kept him at arm’s length. I’d worked so hard to build an exemplary reputation and a relationship with a criminal could completely derail my efforts.
When it was finally our turn to pass through the gates, Peter and I handed our IDs to the border guard. The minotaur took a long time studying our cards before checking the blood samples contained within them. The new system was intended to keep better records on which paranormals were visiting Terrene and preventing anyone from exceeding their allotted number of days, but Peter had found a way to circumvent the system with a synthesized blood sample, so I suspected others likely had as well. The scammers and criminals were often one step ahead of the government.
The minotaur returned the ID card to Peter. “You don’t get out much do you?”
Peter grimaced. “I try, but you know how it is with a busy job and a girlfriend.” He inclined his head toward me.
The minotaur’s heavy lids considered me. “Yeah, I hear you. If I had a girlfriend as pretty as her, I wouldn’t get out much either.” He winked at Peter as he returned my ID to me. “You’re not planning to get married over there, are you? A lot of paranormals do it and find out the hard way that it isn’t a valid union.”
“Married?” I sputtered.
The minotaur’s deep, rumbling laugh seemed to roll from his body. “You’re heading to Las Vegas, Nevada in Terrene. It’s known for quick weddings among humans. Many of our kind mistakenly think they can get in on the act.”
I shot a quizzical look at Peter. “Did you know this place is a wedding hotspot?”
Peter’s guilty expression gave him away. “I thought everyone knew that.”
My hands flew to my hips. “You know that’s not happening, right? We’re going for one reason only.”
“Fun,” Peter said quickly. “We’re going for fun. If a wedding doesn’t sound good to you, we’ll stick to booze and gambling.” He fist bumped the minotaur.
“Have fun, you two,” the minotaur said, and ushered us through the gates.
“Nice rant,” Peter whispered. “Totally distracted him.”
“You’re not the only one with skills,” I replied. A wave of nausea passed through me as we crossed into Terrene, probably a result of the long distance jump. I clamped a hand over my mouth and hoped my last meal didn’t make a return visit.
“You okay, princess?” Peter asked, regarding me.
I nodded, but kept the hand over my mouth for another moment. “Does it always feel like that?”
“You get used to it.”
I surveyed the arrival area as my eyes adjusted to daylight. It was nothing like I expected. We were surrounded by reddish rocks that reminded me of Hellside Canyon. A narrow gorge ran between the rocky w
alls. “This is the way in?” I asked, uncertain.
“For us it is.” He started forward. “Not everyone arrives at the same point. It would draw too much human attention.”
I followed him down the pathway. The width was restricted enough that I couldn’t extend my arms beyond an L-shape. “This is Las Vegas? Why would anyone get married in a canyon?”
“This isn’t Vegas. This is called Valley of Fire.” He offered a smile over his shoulder. “Right up your alley, princess.”
“I can see why.” The gorge emptied out into acres of bright red sandstone. It looked as though the world was burning around us. Thankfully, there was no actual lava, unlike Hellside Canyon. There was something strangely beautiful about the place. Swirls of limestone and petrified trees engulfed us and I took a moment to drink in our surroundings.
“This is a safe passage for us,” Peter said. “That’s why I chose it. I’ve made the mistake of entering Terrene right at the entrance of a Vegas casino. Trust me, you do not want to do that.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” Sweat trickled down my chest. The desert was h-o-t. “How do we get to the casino from here?”
“It’s an hour away by vehicle,” Peter said.
I balked. “Then how far is it on foot?” It wasn’t as though I’d brought my broomstick.
“Don’t worry, princess,” he said. “You seem to forget how resourceful I am. I’ve made arrangements.” He tilted his head toward the ground. “Here’s our chauffeur now.”
The only living creature within view was a lizard. “You think we’re going to ride on a lizard? Have you lost your mind?”
“You’re wearing a cloak in the middle of the desert,” the lizard said. “I think we can safely say which one of us is out of her mind.”
Peter stifled a laugh. “How’re you doing, Newt?”
“That’s not a newt,” I said. “That’s a lizard.”
“I know, but his name’s Newt.”
The lizard nodded. “I owed Peter a favor. Consider this my payment in full.”
Only Peter would be owed a favor by a talking lizard in the desert. “So how do you get us to the casino?” I asked.
As if on cue, the ground stirred and a rectangle emerged from the earth, lifting Newt along with it. “Valley of Fire Magic Carpet at your service. Hop on.”
I climbed aboard the magic carpet and Peter jumped on beside me. “No one in Terrene notices a magic carpet with a lizard flying around?” I queried. “That seems unlikely.”
“We’re cloaked, duh,” Newt said. “Speaking of which, you really need to ditch your pretty robe before we get there. You’ll stick out like a cactus in a poppy field.”
I unclasped my cloak and stuffed it into my bag. “I was too hot anyway.”
The lizard eyed me. “You sure are.”
Ew. Did a lizard seriously just hit on me?
“We’ll have to buy you a new outfit when we get there,” Peter said. “I’m sure you didn’t pack anything suitable for Vegas. You can’t show up looking straight out of the academy.”
“I have plenty of clothes,” I said. “You should’ve told me.”
Peter wagged a finger at me. “But you don’t have Vegas clothes.”
I didn’t want to ask what ‘Vegas clothes’ entailed. I’d find out soon enough.
We soared through the air, over a long stretch of highway, passing over cars and trucks. The wind felt good on my face. It was much cooler up here than in the Valley of Fire.
“Tell me, Newt,” I said. “How does a lizard manage to obtain a cloaking spell for his magic carpet?”
“I bet you’re also wondering how I managed to get the magic carpet,” Newt said. “I used to live near Rainbow Falls. I met a girl there, as you do.”
I scrunched my nose. “Another lizard?”
“Oh, I probably should’ve mentioned I wasn’t a lizard then,” Newt said. “I was a genie. This lizard body now serves as my bottle.”
I softened. “I’m sorry, Newt. I didn’t realize.”
“It’s a long story and not a particularly pleasant one,” Newt said. “The girl was not the sweet sorceress I believed her to be. Suffice it to say, I’m destined to live out my days here in Nevada as a lizard that runs a magic carpet service for visitors from our world that venture into Vegas. You do not want to scrub vomit and urine out of this carpet. Trust me. It’s gross.”
“Well, you must meet a lot of interesting paranormals,” I said, shifting my bottom on the carpet. I didn’t want to think about the bodily fluids that once graced this fabric.
“I met Peter,” Newt said. “Does that count?”
Peter stroked the lizard’s small head. “Of course it counts, buddy.”
“What about the norns?” I asked. “They determine destiny. Can’t they alter yours?”
The lizard’s eyes popped. “You’re going to Valhalla Casino?”
“That’s the plan,” Peter said. “You’d advise against a visit?”
“I’ve seen many paranormals come through here seeking a change of fate from that trio,” Newt said bitterly. “It doesn’t often end well. They’re a tough trio. I hear the ones in the Northern Quadrant are nicer.”
I swallowed hard. “We’re not here to ask for a change in destiny. We’re searching for information on a missing sword.”
“Even information can be difficult to extract from the Valhalla norns,” Newt said. “I wish you luck.”
As we floated closer to the city, I became fixated on multiple tall structures. “They seem to rise straight up out of the ground.”
“An oasis in the desert,” Peter said.
“Are you going straight to Valhalla Casino?” Newt asked. “If so, I’ll drop you a block away. I try to steer well clear of that place.”
“No, we’re staying at the Bellagio,” Peter said.
The lizard nodded. “Excellent choice, sir.”
“Are you sure the norns can’t help you?” I asked. “Maybe they can return you to your original form.”
The lizard shook his head and his whole body seemed to follow suit. “My genie days are over, sweetheart. I’m a carpet-flying lizard now. It’s okay. I’ve embraced it.”
The carpet landed safely on the pavement in front of a huge hotel. “That’s a pretty lake,” I said.
“That’s not a lake,” Newt said. “That’s a fountain. Believe me, you don’t want to miss it. It’s magical.”
I couldn’t imagine what was so magical about a Terrene fountain, but I bit my tongue. “Thanks for the lift, Newt. It was nice meeting you.”
“Enjoy your stay,” the lizard said. “I hope you get whatever answers you want from the norns. My debt is paid, right, Zilla?”
Peter inclined his head. “Good luck to you, Newt.”
The carpet lifted into the air and sped off, leaving Peter and I alone. Well, alone in the midst of dozens of people walking in front of the busy hotel.
“Have you been here before?” I asked, scanning the area.
“Once,” Peter said. “Same trip I mentioned. It’s a cool place. You’ll like it.”
“But you think I need to shop first?” I glanced around at the other women and immediately saw what he meant. There was a certain style to these women. I definitely looked out of place.
“I brought extra dollars with me,” Peter said. “I always keep a stash of Terrene money handy for these occasions.”
“We don’t need to spend money,” I said. “If we find the right outfit, I can magic my own version of it. I packed my wand.”
Peter’s eyes widened. “Fire witch and fashion designer. I do forget the extent of your talents.”
I flipped my ponytail over my shoulder. “That’s understandable. After all, there are so many to keep track of.”
Peter grinned. “Don’t be modest, Dani. Tell me how you really feel about yourself.”
I bumped him with my hip. “I loathe false modesty.”
“And you want to remind everyone how awesome you
are so that it somehow enhances your family’s status. I get it.” When I fell silent, Peter seemed to realize that maybe he’d overstepped. “I’m sorry. Am I not supposed to be insightful?”
“My confidence has nothing to do with helping my family,” I said, although now that he’d said it, I wasn’t sure that was true. “Women are often taught to be modest, and why should we be when we’re good at something? Why not embrace our talents the way men do?”
“You don’t have to convince me, princess,” Peter said. “I’m a big fan of all your talents.” He brushed my cheek with his thumb. “Especially the ones I haven’t experienced since the Peento Banquet.”
The reminder of the palace in the Jade Pool Mountains immediately invoked memories of Peter and I in the middle of a peach orchard, kissing each other as though our lives depended on it. The color in my cheeks must have given away my thoughts because Peter’s mouth twitched.
“Friends, Peter, remember?” I said.
“I guess that means two beds,” he said, entering the hotel. “Good thing I booked the Presidential Suite.”
The interior of the hotel was incredible. I’d never been anywhere like this before. I let Peter handle checking in while I ogled the lobby. A constant flow of people came in and out of the hotel. It seemed very popular with humans.
Peter guided me to the elevators. “The Presidential Suite is ready for us. But are we ready for it?”
“You’ve done well, Peter,” I said. “This hotel is great.”
“Let’s drop our stuff and then we’ll sort out clothes.”
“Then off to the casino, right?” I asked. This wasn’t a vacation. I couldn’t afford to get distracted by all the fun activity around us.
“That coin is the priority,” he said. “Unless you want to stop and get married first.”
“I am not getting married, Peter. In fact, I don’t know if I ever want to get married.”
His expression clouded over as he processed this news. “What about kids? Do you want those? I mean, personally, I don’t think a wedding certificate is necessary for having kids, but I know you come from a certain type of family.”
Outfox_Spellslingers Academy of Magic Page 7