Malignant Transfiguration (Endeavor Series Book 2)

by A E M

  “I give you the magical training.” She said. “Grudgingly, I admit. But what skirt I wear and what goes on under my skirt is my business, not yours.”

  Vincent raised his eyebrows, but nodded. “Fair enough. Now, I want to try something; I need you to trust me.” He pulled his gloves off and tossed them on a small table. He breathed deeply and looked at her intently. She trembled under the intensity of his gaze. “I don’t want to hear one word from you. Just trust me.” He reached for her arm.

  She stepped back. She didn’t want to burn him. She wanted to tell him that she could burn him. She wanted to argue with him. But he had asked for no words, and they had had this discussion, this argument, many times before. Words would do nothing now.

  “Come here.” He insisted.

  She stepped forward.

  He took her arm again, and then slowly placed his hands at the top of her gloves. He inched his fingers over the edge of her glove and onto her skin. Charlotte’s breath caught in her throat. He pulled the glove off slowly. Both of them took a breath in when the glove was at last free of her hand. He repeated the motions with her other glove and placed them by his own gloves on the table. Vincent reached over and grasped her hands with his. Charlotte jumped. He let go and looked at his hands. Then he stepped closer and gently picked her left hand up and rested it between his hands. He traced up the inside of her arm with his fingers until he reached her elbow, and then returned the way he had come. He placed her arm back down by her side and repeated it with her right hand and arm.

  “Are you okay?” She whispered when he finished and stepped back.

  “I’m not screaming, am I?” He teased. He held his unscarred palms up. “I’m fine.” His normal color started creeping back across his skin. “You are doing well, Protégé. Better than could be expected.”

  Charlotte reached for her gloves. “It means nothing. You are a calming influence, that’s all. Somebody else might not be so lucky.” She focused her own stern look at him. “Maven, I’m not sure I want to touch people right now.”

  He nodded. “Put the gloves back on for now, but when we are changed, we both need to not wear gloves. They are a dead give away. You can keep your distance from touching other people, of course. We still need to be extremely careful.”

  “But you are going to touch me.” She pulled her gloves back on. “Without the gloves.”

  “Yes. And you will do the same with me. It’s called trust.” He put his gloves on and opened the door. “Are you ready?”

  “Do I have a choice?” She hurried past him into the hallway.

  “You are not the only one without a choice.” He sighed as he shut the door behind him. “Why can’t you see that?”

  21

  The Woman Becomes a Girl

  “Monty!” She ran up behind him and caught his hand.

  “I wish you would quit calling me that.” He tried to shake her off, but she held tight.

  “Like I got to choose what you call me.”

  “What do you want now?”

  “I have a new idea, and I need your help.”

  “Well, I know that.” He said. “It’s always some new spell or potion you need from me.”

  She yanked his arm and turned him around. “Well, no. I don’t need that kind of help this time.”

  He frowned. “Then what do you need from me?”

  She blushed. “I need you to find me a guy. A weaver guy.”

  They arrived on a circular platform painted red with scattered feathers etched into the wood and painted black. The room was dim; there was a single orb in the middle of the ceiling. The walls of the room were covered with raw bark and hanging from the ceiling were strands of twine with many quilted leaves of shades of green hanging from each strand. The archway was made of thick logs into which birds of red with black feathers were painted. A dwarf standing by the archway bowed. “Welcome Charlotte Locklear.” He turned slightly to Vincent. “Welcome Vincent Montgomery. I am Roland Crimrite. We are honored by your attendance. There is a welcome buffet in our dining hall if you want for refreshments. You may also proceed directly to the great hall or the area surrounding if you wish to settle in before the meeting or converse with others. Both areas are through our portal hall, to the left, and up the stairs.”

  Vincent and Charlotte bowed. “Thank you, Roland Crimrite. We are honored by your hospitality.” They entered the busy hallway that was also covered with bark. The light was brighter in the hallway, and there were many birds and animals painted on the bark. Two dwarves stood at the door at the end of the hallway. They nodded and smiled as Vincent and Charlotte passed through into a short hallway that led to an enormous staircase made of wood with more carvings on the banisters and railing. On the walls were paintings of many different birds in flight. There were more dwarves posted at the top and bottom of the stairs.

  “It is stunning.”

  Vincent ran his hand over the railing. “I want to see them all someday.”

  “You should attain that goal while I’m your apprentice. I want to see them all, too.”

  He winked at her. “If you are good, perhaps we will.”

  “Demanding.” She teased.

  He shook his head at her and smiled. “Protégé, why can’t you be that lighthearted when I am actually being demanding?”

  “It’s all in the moment, Maven.” She smiled back.

  “Charlotte!” A tall, dainty elf glided over to Charlotte and bowed her head. “Dear friend, it is good to see you!” She lifted her head and smiled serenely. She wore a silk dress of shades of pink and green that complemented her purple hair and let her white tattoos peek out.

  “Evangeline, I’m glad to see you.” Charlotte smiled and bowed her head. She nodded to Vincent. “May I introduce you to Vincent Montgomery? He arrived shortly after you left. He was my brother’s apprentice, and now I am his apprentice.”

  Evangeline turned to Vincent and bowed her head again. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance.”

  “And I, yours.” Vincent bowed his head in return.

  “Evangeline is the daughter of Rafael and Seraphina. They were friends of my father’s and attended the meeting as representatives of the elves that we held shortly after our home was attacked the first time. Her brother is Wilhelm, who is helping repair the castle. I believe you met him while you were there.”

  “Yes,” Vincent confirmed. “I did speak with him and saw the plans he has for the castle. He and David have spoken at lengths. I have also met your parents years ago when they were visiting the Rockies Den when I was much younger.”

  “Oh.” Evangeline’s face lit up. “I remember you.” She giggled and looked over at Charlotte. “I remember he and David.”

  “You missed all the excitement.” Charlotte said. “They had quite the duel.”

  “I got to travel with a cranky Centaur and Unitaur instead.” Evangeline said with a pout. “I knew I should have stayed with you, for you surely must be an adventure magnet.”

  “I could do without the repercussions of attracting adventure.” Charlotte said softly.

  Evangeline’s face grew somber. “I am full of sorrow for your losses.” She said.

  “Thank you.” Charlotte smiled nervously. “How is your back?”

  Evangeline blushed. “I am well, Charlotte. My people sometimes call me Fire Spine now because of the burns.” I suppose it was really the fairies who scarred my back.” Evangeline pointed out. “We’ve all heard.”

  “And what do the elves think of me?”

  Evangeline looked back at where her parents stood across the hallway. “The elves seek peace for all.” Her face was soft, but sad.

  “I remember you now.” Vincent said suddenly. “You look the same as you did when I was a child.”

  “You have grown much since I saw you last.” Evangeline blushed. “You were a troubled young boy full of mischief then.” She turned to Charlotte. “Is he still like that?”

  “I get in enough trouble with
him without you adding more.” Charlotte said calmly while she offered a half smile.

  “Oh, I see.” Evangeline said with a light laugh. She looked back over at her parents. “I must say farewell for now. We will speak again, soon, my friend.”

  “Soon, friend.” Charlotte responded.

  “Oh, Charlotte?” Evangeline said as she turned back slightly. “I will follow you into battle again.”

  Charlotte smiled. “I would be honored to stand by your side anytime.”

  “You’re improving.” Vincent offered her his arm. “Someday soon I want to hear about the battles you fought.”

  She took his arm. “Someday when I find my courage.”

  Vincent and Charlotte moved further through the immense T shaped hallway with a floor and walls of sapphire blue with flying birds made of gems covering both. Pillars lined the walls between the many double doors that lined the walls. The doors were carved with different types of feathers that appeared to float down, and the pillars were lined with spiraling gems. The biggest two doors were wide open in the middle of the T.

  “The great hall of the Appalachian Den.” Vincent started forward, but Charlotte tugged back on his arm.

  “Charlotte!” Triton walked toward them along with several mermen and mermaids. “My condolences, child. It’s good to see you.” Triton’s fin was transformed into legs, but his legs were still covered with silver and blue scales and there was a small fin on the back of each calf. He was well built and tanned and there were a few healed scars across his chest and back. He carried his trident as always.

  “It is so good to see you, sir.” She smiled despite the expanding pit in the bottom of her stomach. She hadn’t even had proper time to grieve the passing of her parents, and the well-meaning condolences were tearing away at the fabric of the bravery she was trying to hide beneath today.

  “Rest assured, I heard about the bounty. We all have. You are brave for showing up. I’ve told my people that they are to protect you if there is an attempt. I believe Stonebinder has informed the Maguard of the very same thing.”

  “Thank you, Triton.” She felt a rock tumbling down the pit now. She looked over at Vincent and pleaded with her eyes, hoping he would clue in quickly. Was he even paying attention? She made a note to herself to ask him many more questions about the bond later. Did he have to pay attention to it in a certain way?

  “I hope you will visit me soon.” Triton looked Vincent up and down.

  “Triton, this is Vincent Montgomery. I am his apprentice as of very recently.” She said.

  “Ah, so you did get your father’s abilities.” Triton smiled. “He will be greatly missed. I am glad to see you follow in his footsteps.”

  She breathed in and out slowly. “Thank you.”

  “Visit us soon. Both of you, of course.” He left to mingle with others.

  “I think we could fit a visit in to his kingdom this summer.”

  “How will we do that?”

  “Guess you’ll find out when I teach you. Come on, let’s find our next stop.”

  “Wait.” She dug her fingers into his arm. “I need a moment.”

  “Let’s find a safe place to have that moment, shall we?” He led her to a storage closet located in the same spot as the one in the last den he had pulled her into before they left. “The dens may all be decorated differently, but the layout is the same. It makes it easier for them to go from one den to another.”

  Charlotte stepped past Vincent and stared at the back wall while she breathed in and out slowly. She could feel the tingle of heat teasing her skin in random places.

  Vincent tucked his hands in his pockets and leaned up against the door. “Find the cave. It’s morning and sunbeams are stretching through the cave, lighting up the rock and sand. You hear the ocean lapping on the shore outside and feel the cold morning breeze.”

  Charlotte’s muscles started to relax, and the pulsing stopped. She breathed softly and slowly now. “Thank you.” She whispered. “I did not stop to think this morning of the many condolences I would hear today. Not that I don’t appreciate them. It’s just hard.”

  “Is that why you looked at me like that back there?”

  She opened her eyes and turned around the face him. “I was hoping you would catch that I was about to lose control.”

  “Ah, details.” He said. “Usually you are yelling at me when it happens. Now I know a subtle sign. Okay now?”

  “Yes.” She answered.

  He didn’t move from the door.

  “Well, not completely.” She corrected. “But I’m not going to be today, am I?” She reached behind him and opened the door.

  They made their way back through the crowds of magani to the great hall where they inquired after Stonebinder. One of the Maguard escorted them to his office and offered them plush seats. The room was very tall and long, much like Bouldershaker’s office. Stonebinder bustled in not long after in a black suit, rings on his fingers, and his beard in elaborate braids.

  “Charlotte, dear Charlotte. I am so very sorry.” He bowed to the side of his desk, which was held up by four beaver statues in place of feet. The back wall was covered with a bookshelf and a large oval table surrounded by stools perched on statues of beavers stood just in front. “Your parents’ death will be felt heavily by many. They were loved deeply.”

  “Thank you, Stonebinder. Your words mean so much to me.”

  “You have many friends here.” He said as he nodded to the dwarf who was standing guard at the door. The dwarf at the door bowed and exited the room.

  “Thank you. We are overwhelmed by your kindness and hospitality.”

  “You must be Vincent.” Stonebinder said.

  “Yes, it is a privilege to meet you, Stonebinder.”

  “Ah, the privilege is mine.” He laughed. “You take care of this girl, son. I’ve seen her grow from a tiny baby into the young woman she is now.”

  “I will, sir.”

  “I have heard a lot of new news this morning.” Stonebinder said. “I am disturbed by the events of recent days, and I fear they are snowballing into much larger events. Charlotte, you protected our world when you took action and by helping discover and defeat the first stronghold. Now it is our turn to help you.”

  “We appreciate your assistance.” Vincent said.

  “I must warn you that you do need to do your part, though you will only know your part.” Stonebinder turned his eyes to Charlotte.

  “I understand.” She said.

  “Do you really?” Stonebinder drummed his desk with his fingers. “It’s vital that you do know.”

  “I know.” She insisted. “I didn’t say that I liked it.”

  Stonebinder laughed. “There’s the girl I know!” He turned to Vincent. “Did you know that she stood up without invitation at our first Alliance meeting and addressed the crowd quite passionately?”

  “No, I did not hear that.” Vincent said.

  “I believe that was right after she yelled at Lodestar.” He puffed and laughed and hit his desk. “Can you imagine this little one taking a stand against a Unitaur?”

  Vincent sat back and turned to Charlotte. “I think I can believe those charges.”

  “Now, enough story telling or none of us will make it to the next Alliance meeting. It’s time for you to meet my grandson.” Stonebinder went to a side door in his office and opened it. A tall young man in slacks and a dress shirt stepped forward.

  “This is Lennox. We don’t judge him because he’s unnaturally tall.” Stonebinder said. “Plus, he’s a talented weaver.”

  “Thank you, Grandfather,” Lennox bowed to Stonebinder. He turned to Vincent and Charlotte. “If you will follow me.”

  “You’re in good hands.” Stonebinder said.

  “We are most honored.” Charlotte bowed to him.

  “Why, Charlotte! Well done! I’m used to you running madly through the castle and here you are learning our culture. You are growing up, my dear. You honor me.”

/>   Vincent and Charlotte followed Lennox through the side door and into a hallway with many doors. He stopped in front of one. “This is my office.” He ushered them through and put up a shield around the room. The office held many tables and bookshelves and shelves with jars and odd items. There were no decorative items in this room; it was bright and smelled of peppermint.

  “It’s good to see you again, Lennox.” Vincent said as soon as the door shut. The two hugged.

  “How do you two know each other?” Charlotte asked.

  “He actually has an office at each of the dens. He taught me a few things while David and I lived on the west coast.” Vincent explained.

  “Look at you with your own apprentice! How goes it?”

  “It is new.” Vincent looked over at Charlotte and winked.

  “Ah, I remember new.” Lennox smiled at Charlotte. “Any time you want stories on this one, just ask. He was quite the adventurous boy. There was this one time when he decided to climb the mountain without any food, water, shelter, or supplies. Determined little guy he was. David told him he couldn’t climb the mountain and he refused to listen. Climbed a tree to get away from him.”

  Charlotte tried to keep a straight face. “What happened?”

  David and I camped nearby and waited him out.”

  She laughed. “How long?”

  “He was up in that tree past supper and well into the night before he gave up and came stumbling down to our campsite.”

  Charlotte looked at Vincent. “What were you thinking?”

  “That I wanted to climb a mountain.” Vincent said and shrugged.

  “The next day, David took him up the mountain with the proper supplies and equipment.” Lennox added.

  “That’s too cute.” Charlotte laughed.

  “Moving on to more serious matters.” Vincent said.

  “Ah, yes.” Lennox leaned up against the desk. “Do you have anything in mind?”

  “She needs to be very young.” Vincent said. “Make us both as plain as you can without it being obvious.”

  “How young?” Lennox asked.

  “It needs to be believable, and she and I are having a rough time learning to work together given our present age situation.”