by Mark Eller
Unfortunately, despite Sulya’s expectations otherwise, Tessla had arrived long before her, almost as if the time flow had been fucked up somehow. Nearly impossible since that could only happen if some of the remaining Seven, other than weak-assed Omitan, walked Terra’s surface for long. Possible but not likely. The always reclusive Throm had made his presence even less known these last two hundred years while searching the nano fields for Flinstar. As for Trelsar and Anothosia, those meddlers were too much about preserving the land to risk harming it at this time. Neither would condense their fields enough to become corporeal for longer more than an hour or two every few days, and never at the same time. Doing so with their present power levels while Zorce and Athos remained embodied could stress the planet beyond repair.
An alarming thought, but one it wasn’t her concern to deal with. No, her concern was that the assassin was already here, Because of this, Sulya had no choice but to kidnap the girl and her mother within the next few days. It was her only option since every attempt to ferret out Calto’s secrets had failed. The man’s lips were sealed tighter than a spinster’s legs, almost as if he didn’t quite trust her. Which left kidnapping Anithia and the girl as her only option. From what Sulya had seen, the woman would do just about anything to keep her daughter alive, even betray secrets.
Sulya nodded with satisfaction. Perhaps it was best Tessla had arrived early. It was good to finally be making progress even if she did feel rushed. Once the kidnapping was complete, Tessla would be her largest immediate problem. Possibly an almost insurmountable problem. Sulya wasn’t sure how much help the assassin’s god was giving her, but she suspected Trelsar kept a close eye on the bitch. Things were getting complicated.
Well, if I can’t distract you,”Sulya thought toward the assassin,“I guess I’ll have to kill you,
The similian’s skin turned a deep shade of blue. Perhaps she should attend to other matters before attending to Tessla, the mother, and the girl, starting with Calto Morlon since he stood determinedly between her and her prize.“If I can get rid of one brother, I can get rid of the other, High Warrior Priest or not.”
Stepping out into the crowded street from the boardwalk, her hand absently stroked her sword’s hilt. Further down the avenue Calto was having his new wards fitted with ‘appropriate attire’ as he had so arrogantly put it. About her, the air smelled of the coming winter, of dying leaves and chimneys stoked against the cold, as well as the market smells of butchered meats and evening bread. People rushed from store to store trying to get their chores and errands completed before the sun went down because the life giving orb dipped into the bay earlier each night, forcing the mortal herds into the assumed safety of their homes. Sulya grinned. Let them enjoy their ignorance. Before long, nowhere would be safe, not after Zorce’s army swarmed over the landscape and claimed all of Yernden for its own. Then…after Yernden…the world!
A trill of excitement covered Sulya’s body in goose bumps. If all went as planned, she’d reign over this world as supreme general, disemboweling anyone who got in her way along with a great many who only irritated her. Only a few loose ends and then it would all fall into her lap.
Loose ends— like Calto and his entire order of knights. In some ways it was a shame she had to kill him. Sulya had hoped to keep him as a slave…a pet. During their time together he had been a hell of a lover, as had a few of his knights. She had actually held fond thoughts of him, until he not only kicked her out of his bed but also forbade his knights from sleeping with her. For that insult she wouldn’t keep him as her pet slave. No, Calto would have to die, hopefully after a long period of excruciating pain. As for the others, she would keep as many of her former lovers in one piece as she could. The thrill of having them prostate themselves to her, serving her needs, was too much to pass up. But not Calto. Not Calto. What a pity. He had been her favorite toy. Making him look like a fool was something she enjoyed intensely, but he would have to die. Probably too soon and too fast. Still, she would receive high marks from Zorce for destroying Anothosia’s warrior priest, leader of the bitch’s church.
Suddenly, an unpleasant question popped into her mind: Exactly whywas Tessla in Grace?
She frowned. Tessla hunted for the spawn. Belthethsia hunted for the spawn. Both were now in Grace. A growl crept its way up Sulya’s throat. The spawn must be in the city then. No other explanation was plausible, and yet no one had bothered to tell her. Someone would pay for this silence. If the spawn was nearby, both he and Athos’ss Hook belonged to her.
Furious, the similian stopped dead in the middle of the street, nearly causing a young couple to walk directly into her. For a moment it appeared the male wanted to yell, but after one look at her face, and then her weapons, they both quickly crossed to the boardwalk.
Sulya continued on while thoughts wiggled around her brain, twisting, scheming, turning her known information and likely suppositions around in her head like a puzzle box. Yes, no one had told her the spawn was here, but he must be somewhere in Grace. If she could bring Athos’s hook to Zorce, as well as destroying Tessla she could completely discredit Belthethsia and probably have the bitch cast from Hell for good. Sulya liked the idea.
But what if Tessla had been ordered here for a reason other than Jolson?
Sulya shoved her way through the crowded streets, silently cursing at the human trash littering her way. More was going on than she had suspected. Someone was trying to manipulate the game in mid-play, and she would have none of that. The winds of change were hot upon Grace’s heels. She intended to make sure she controlled those winds.
When the similian arrived in front of the dressmaker’s shop, she pasted a fake smile on her face. An old woman shrank away and scuttled across the street, crossing her heart with an ‘x’ sign as she did so, warding herself from evil.
“Hmm…why shouldn’t I be happy?” Sulya thought as her eyes shot daggers at the old harridan. After all, she was close to figuring out Calto’s secret. When it was finally divulged she could get rid of two pains in her ass, which would soon lead to her reigning in Hell by Zorce’s side.
Sulya warmed at the thought. Her smile became real. Everything would be just fine. She’d deal with Tessla and Calto and put things in order the way they should be, her on top and everyone else licking the shit off her boots.
Sulya reached for the dressmaker’s door, and Tessla tumbled out.
So much for happy endings.
* * * *
Ani stood in the dressmakers shop amid an explosion of colors. Apparently, no fabric was to be left on its shelf when Calto brought his two charges into the shop. Ani marveled at the tiny dressmaker’s quick, sure fingers as she pinned the hem of her new dress. Another quick look in the mirror brought a contented sigh as she admired the unfinished ball gown. Robin’s egg blue and trimmed with white and silver lace, its neckline owned a plunging ‘V’ that lifted and thrust her breasts out for all too see. She found the style embarrassingly uncomfortable since it reminded her of the year she spent whoring before meeting Larson. Still, the dressmaker assured her it was the latest fashion so it couldn’t be too bad, could it?
Calto walked over to her, circled Anithia’s perch, and nodded appreciatively. “I must admit Anithia, blue is your color.” He smiled at her; a brilliant flash of white. “You will love the Harvest Ball. You will shine like a diamond in the sun Anithia. I cannot wait to show you to the queen.” A quick wink from him warmed her cheeks and nearly stole her breath. Every time she looked at her brother-in-law she saw Larson’s face staring back at her. Every time Calto touched her arm she felt Larson’s skin slide upon her own, sending nervous bumps along her body. For everything he did, for everything he was, Calto seemed to be a near version of Larson.
Well— sort of. There were differences.
One difference was Calto’s hair. He sported a silky braid that hung past his shoulders, one he assured her would eventually reach the middle of his back, an idea Ani discovered she liked. No matter how much she begged, Larso
n never grew his past shoulder length. Another and more disagreeable difference was in their bearings. While Larson’s face had been imperfect— he’d had a jagged scar on his left cheek— his features had always been laughing and playful for her and Missa, even when she knew he was beat down and exhausted. In the quiet times, when Missa was asleep, Larson shared his worries and concerns. Calto was the exact opposite. His smoothly perfect face never betrayed a hint of what he truly felt. It bothered her. Larson had always been an open book, a kindred soul. Although Calto was technically the more handsome of the two despite their being twins, his was a cold beauty, distant. But despite Calto’s aloofness she had grown fond of him for his attentiveness and generosity.
“Are you almost finished?” Calto asked the dressmaker.
Shoving one last pin into place, she nodded. “For now. The fitting is over. I just have to set needle to thread and start sewing, but that doesn’t happen until she changes out of it and the two of you leave my shop so I can get to work.”
“We will give you peace in a few moments,” Calto said, smiling. “First, I have a little something I want to do. Ani?”
“Yes.”
“I have a gift for you…a token of my affection, if you will accept it.”
Calto’s manservant, Goron, a young, dark haired, gangly youth still growing into his own skin, stepped up and handed Calto a flat, square box measuring ten inches to a side and an inch thick. Anithia’s heart fluttered. Another gift?
Stepping in front of her, Calto looked into her eyes and slowly opened the box. Gasping, her hands shaking, Ani tentatively reached out for things of utter decadence and pure beauty; a necklace and earrings made entirely of blue diamonds, both set in silver. The necklace was delicate, dainty, creating three different diamond shaped flowers. The round diamonds created the centers, the pear shaped ones became petals, and the marquise diamonds formed the leaves. The earrings matched.
Unbelievable.
“Step down Anithia,” Calto said as she lifted them from the box. “Try them on while you are wearing the dress and then look at yourself in the mirror.” He held out his hand.
Ani accepted it; feeling nervous, incredulous, never taking her eyes off the diamonds. The man was unbelievably wealthy.
Then why did you suffer so long without, and why had she and Larson lived close to poor.
Ani brushed the thought away as quickly as it had come. But it was only replaced by another.
What price will he require for all these gifts? Nothing is ever free.
Again, she stomped the thought from her head. She wouldn’t allow her own self-doubt to ruin what was rightfully hers; she was no longer a lowborn. She had risen above that dismal station when she married Larson and bore him an heir; technically theonly heir to the vast estate. This alone carried great importance.
Unless Calto finds himself a wife and she gives him a son, then you’ll be nothing but a burden.
“Ani?” Calto’s cultured voice broke into her thoughts.
Smiling, she turned around, stared into the mirror and gasped at the sight of her and Calto standing together. They looked like they could have stepped out of a children’s tale where the prince and princess marry and live happily ever after. Ani quivered. This was a dream from which she did not wish to wake. Stunning was the only word she could think of to describe Calto. A soft sigh escaped as her eyes slid up form fitting dark blue trousers tucked into the same colored knee high boots, then lingered on his groin, an area she had yet to see up close and personal; but she would soon remedy that if he permitted. Calto had taken off his overcoat and was now in his shirt and vest. They, too, hugged his body like a second skin. He was temptation dressed in dark blue desire, and it had been a very long time since she voluntarily lay with a man.
“Perfect aren’t we?” Calto gave her shoulder a light squeeze. “Here, the necklace first.”
Carefully taking the exquisite piece from the box, he fastened it around her neck. It lay warm, secure.. Anithia reached up, touched the stones, and frowned as another thought wormed its way into her fairytale.
Since when did pretty things and your husband’s brother become more important than your honor and pride?
Calto also frowned…a much more serious expression on his face than hers. “My gift displeases you?”
Ani shook her head quickly. “No, no. They are wonderful. Sorry. It’s just that they feel so odd against my neck. I guess I’m not used to being spoiled.” She gave him her brightest smile. Making him unhappy was the last thing she wanted. No, deliriously excited and completely enchanted with her was what she would strive for. Ani had her mind set upon him. They would be husband and wife, and then Missa would be entirely secure.
A pleased, wide grin returned to Calto’s face, and he leaned his head close to hers. “I hate to see you frown Anithia. I only wish you to be— satisfied.” Warmth caressed her neck and ear as he softly exhaled.
Ani shivered. Just how satisfied did he think he could make her?
As Ani finished putting the earrings on, the shop’s bell clanged. Calto turned, frowning. “I thought I requested a closed session Madam Lacy?”
“Doors can’t stop me priest. Where is the child and have you any word of the spawn? I’ve been unable to sense any trace of him, and that never happens when I’m hunting a creature from Hell.”
Turning, Ani saw a warrior woman standing in the doorway. White shoulder length hair, dazzling green eyes, and a lithe body, blocked the only way out.
Fucking Tessla. The woman was trouble. During her short time working for the Hellhole Tavern Ani had learned the only time Trelsar’s personal assassin sought someone was for death.
And where was Missa? Ani frantically looked about the room for her daughter.
Calto remained calm. “Why don’t you just put up notices around town? Then even more people will know our business.”
Tessla scanned the room. A strange sense of fear filled Ani’s stomach as she stepped down from the seamstress’s alteration table and moved slowly toward the side dressing room. She doubted she could outrun the woman; maybe Calto could distract Tessla while Ani found and grabbed Missa.
“Missa?” Calto held out his hand, never taking his eyes from Tessla.
Parting the dressing room’s curtains, Missa appeared wearing the exact duplicate of Ani’s dress. Ani froze. What was Calto playing at by calling Missa now? Every nerve in Ani’s body screamed a warning. Any time either Tessla or Sulya came anywhere near her, a horrible sense of doom stole into Ani’s bones, making her want to run and hide from the two.
Missa laid her hand in Calto’s and smiled up at him, innocent blue eyes, trusting, unaware. “Yes Uncle Cal?” The smile she turned toward Tessla was pure love and joy.
Tessla’s mouth parted, then closed. She blinked. “How did you manage it?”
Calto sighed. “Good gods and two woman, can you not take a hint?”
Leaning down, Calto kissed Missa on the top of her head. “Madam Lacy, please attend to my niece. Get her ready to leave. The same goes for Lady Morlon.” He turned Missa toward the dressing rooms and gave her a gentle shove toward Madam Lacy before giving Ani a tight lipped smile. “Please go with them. I have private matters to attend to Anithia.” Dismissing her, Calto walked toward the assassin.
Ani’s mouth dropped open. She hesitated.
The room stilled. Stopping, Calto turned his head slowly toward Anithia. His face was erased of emotion, his eyes frosty pools of blue. “Lady Morlon, a proper lady does as her Lord requests.” He nodded toward the dressing room.
Swallowing, ashamed at the rebuke, Ani hurried to follow her daughter. Who did he think he was, talking to her like a child? Larson would have punched Calto in the nose if he had heard. Unlike Calto, Larson had always been respectful, had cared about her opinions. And why was Tessla looking for a spawn and some child? Was the spawn Jolson? Because of the hook?
Ani drew the curtains behind her with an angry rasp and started to walk away. In
mid stride she stopped. Why was she letting Calto tell her what to do? The man was not her husband. He might be a lord, but she was now a lady. She started back toward the main room. A small tug on her arm stopped her.
“Momma. I don’t want the lady to undress me. Can you help?” Missa’s smile was shy, her face rosy. God’s, she was getting so tall. Her tenth birthday had seen her grow another two inches. The gangly child was five feet two inches tall— another four inches and she would be as tall as Ani.
Tension and anger slipped from Anithia’s body, and she smiled back at her daughter. A sense of calm serenity flowed through her. So what if Calto was acting an ass? All men could be brutes. Why should she allow Missa to see her uncle and the assassin argue, especially in front of strangers?
“Yes, of course I will.” Ani replied.
By the time she finished up with Missa, Tessla was gone. Calto came back to fetch them.
“Come along now Anithia. It is getting late. I do not want my two wards being out after dark.” His voice sounded tight. Strained. Taking Ani’s hand, he led her into the front.
The shop bell rang again. Ani grimaced when she saw the newcomer. Sulya.
The bitch queen slipped into the shop, dressed in the full battle armor of Anothosia, with extra knives strapped to her forearms. A gauntleted hand rested on her sword. Sulya’s skin was a dark blue. Curly midnight hair fell loose and luxurious about her shoulders.
“Lord Calto, Sir.” Her voice, wrapped in the velvet sounds of desire, slid across Anithia’s skin, tugging at her desire, speeding her heart.
The thick, musky smell of sex permeated the air.
Fighting back a scowl, Ani gritted her teeth.
Next to her, Calto sighed softly and then took a deep breath, his eyes falling closed beneath Sulya’s spell. Releasing Ani’s hand, Missa darted forward to grab Calto’s. She started humming, low and soft, almost as if she were trying to put them all to sleep with a lullaby.
The smell began to dissipate. Calto’s expression refocused, hardened. Ani thought for a moment she saw his eyes glow. Stepping closer, she took Missa’s other hand and gave it a light squeeze while trying to get a better look at Calto’s face. If it had ever been there, the glow was now gone. Nothing remained but his normal ice blue stare.