by Tom Keller
It was the Grand Damme of Las Vegas herself, Meredith Milagre, Queen of the Nereids and owner of her flagship property, the Neptune. She was also one of the most powerful Fae on the planet. Back home, we'd been friends and allies. Here, I wasn’t sure what our relationship was. I knew that this world's Robert Hoskins was familiar with her. There were memos in the police files indicating he'd met with both her and her son, Eddie, to discuss business. Beyond that, their relationship was still somewhat of a mystery.
She strolled through the casino floor toward us, looking every bit the powerful Fae she was. There was no need to hide behind her human persona here. She was accompanied by two Nereid warriors who walked behind her a few steps. Her bodyguards, their eyes constantly scanning the area around them. Next to her, and only an arm's length away, was her head of Corporate Security, or at least that's what I knew him as. Descended from Viking Fae from Jotunheim, Siegfried Dorvaror had been my ally and close friend as well.
"Robert!" she exclaimed, acting as if she had just noticed us. "And you brought the family. How wonderful." She reached out and took both Nikki and Kathy by the hand, greeting them by name before turning back to me. "Now tell me, why didn’t you let us know you were coming?"
"My apologies, Ms. Milagre," I replied, wishing I knew more about Robert's relationship with her here. "It was a last minute thing. Kathy just got into town and we decided to go to the steakhouse and then see the Oracle show."
"Robert… please," she said, looking at me strangely. "Call me Meredith. Now, as to the show, I hope you didn't buy tickets."
"No, ma'am," Kathy answered before I could reply. "I have the ones you sent the company."
"Ah, the company… of course," she replied, glancing at Siegfried. "May I see them please."
Kathy opened her purse and pulled out the tickets, handing them to her before returning it to her arm.
"Oh no, my dear. These simply won't do," Meredith said, after a moment. "The seats are fine for most people. But then again, you aren't most people, are you?" She laughed and it was clear she didn’t expect a reply. "No, of course not. Robert and Nikki are valuable members of our community and you are a trusted associate. More importantly, you are our friends." She turned to Siegfried and handed him the tickets. "Tell Maurice to make my booth available."
"That's really not necessary…" I started to say.
"Don't be ridiculous," she said, holding up her hand. "Tonight you'll be our guests. Now, as to dinner. Siegfried will make all the arrangements. Why don’t you head over to the bar and have a drink? He'll come get you when your table is ready."
"Thank you, Ms… I mean, Meredith," I replied. "We appreciate the hospitality."
"Think nothing of it, Robert," she said, taking me by the arm and pointing me toward one of the casino lounges. "Siegfried will take good care of you. Now, you three go and enjoy yourselves. I wish I could join you but you know how it is. Always something to attend to."
"By the Gods, Robbie," Kathy whispered after Siegfried left us at the lounge. "I knew you were acquainted with her, but friends… really? You should have said something."
"It's not like that, Kat," I replied, noting that she couldn’t be too bothered by it if she was calling me Robbie again. Whatever the case, she clearly wasn't aware of Robert's relationship with Meredith either. "Sure, they know me from work. But all this extra attention isn’t normal. Probably all the news coverage."
"Dads right, Mom," Nikki said, stirring her drink and chuckling. "They love celebrities here. That kiss alone made Dad famous. They'll probably have some paparazzi take a pic and have it show up in tomorrow's paper. You know, something like Hero cop survives Keres kiss - Dines with mystery women at the Neptune. Film at eleven."
"Oh, Gods, I hope not," Kathy said, laughing. "I'd never hear the end of it when I got back to the office."
"You and me both," I said, tipping my glass. "I get any more news time and O'Malley's gonna bury me in a closet somewhere. I think the Sheriff's getting jealous." That brought more chuckling and we continued on in that vein until Siegfried returned.
"I'm glad to see you are enjoying yourselves," Siegfried commented as he walked up. "Your table is prepared. I'll take you there whenever you are ready."
"We should probably go ahead then," Kathy said, putting down her glass. "We don’t want to miss the show."
"After you," I said to him as we got up.
We followed him deeper into the casino, past the table games, and toward the Front Desk. Nikki tapped me on the shoulder as we passed restaurant row.
"Where are you leading us, Siegfried?" I asked as we walked by the steakhouse. "Didn’t we just pass the entrance?"
"My apologies," Siegfried replied with a grin, leading us further into the casino. "I should have mentioned it earlier. You have a table reserved at the Double D. The view is spectacular up there and Mrs. Milagre thought you would enjoy the experience."
"What's the Double D?" Kathy asked in a whisper.
"Allow me a moment and I will explain," Siegfried said, stopping in front of the non-descript elevator with a small shelf situated about halfway up on the side. "Metarina, if you would be so kind as to recognize our three new guests." As he spoke, a small Faerie materialized on the shelf. She was clad in armor and had a bow strung across her back.
"Metarina is the guardian of the Gardens of Demeter and Dionysus, more commonly referred to as the Double D," he continued. "Now that you've been introduced, simply call her name and the door will open for you." The fairy turned to look at each of us, gave a small bow, and then disappeared as the elevator door opened.
"Now, as to your question," Siegfried said, holding the door for the girls to enter. "The Double D is named for the Gods of the Harvest. Demeter, in her role as Goddess of Nourishment, and Dionysus, God of Wine. Serving food and drink grown and raised exclusively in the Fae lands. It is our finest establishment, as well as the Neptune's private club. I should mention that, as you may have surmised, entry is by invitation only. Now that you've been introduced, you will always be welcome here."
Nikki gave an audible gasp as the elevator door opened again. There were no walls or roof. Instead, we stood in the middle of a lattice-like structure that boasted an almost unlimited view of the city. Cherubs and other Fairies flew above us, tending to the hanging gardens of flowers and vines. Fae waiters and waitresses crossed the floor laden with platters of assorted food and drink. Fruit, vegetables, and meat were offered to guests by some, and others carried pitchers of wine and drinks, filling goblets as they moved across the floor. Tables and booths were situated between trees and other vegetation that offered the illusion of privacy, most likely enhanced by magic, as I could hear only whispers. He led us across the floor to an empty booth where a Fae waitress stood. She greeted us as we arrived.
"The staff will take care of you from here," Siegfried said, as he motioned for Kathy and Nikki to sit before turning back to me. "Robert, a moment of your time, if you will."
"Of course," I said, stepping back a few feet to give us some privacy.
"Mrs. Milagre was wondering if you were available to meet with her tomorrow," he said. "Would 2:30 p.m. in the tea garden be acceptable?"
"Certainly," I replied, knowing that I couldn't have said no even if I wanted to. Not that it really mattered that much. It would be interesting to learn more about their relationship here. "Tell her I'll see her then."
"Excellent," he said. "Stop by any security podium and ask for me. I'll escort you to her personally. Now, enjoy the rest of the evening with your family." He paused for a moment, raising his eyebrows before continuing. "Robert, please call me before you come next time. You know how Meredith hates surprises."
"No problem," I replied as he walked away.
"What was that all about?" Kathy asked, sitting down at the table.
"Just a request for a meeting," I replied as my glass was filled. Before I knew it, the servers laid down an appetizer platter filled to the brim with huge lobster
claws, crab, and shrimp, before leaving us to ourselves again.
"Uh huh," Kathy said with a slight frown. "I thought this was all too good to be true."
"Probably just wants to hear all about the Keres," Nikki replied, picking up a shrimp the size of her fist. "Everybody wants to know more about her."
"That's the impression I got," I said, not wanting to spoil the evening. "I'll deal with it tomorrow. For now, let's talk about where they find shellfish this big."
The conversation steered to food and then on to other things. Siegfried hadn’t been kidding. The meal and experience were everything one could ask for. The antics of the various creatures flying around us added entertainment to the dinner, which soon found us more than satisfied and ready to move on to our next experience. The staff noticed as well, as a few minutes later, a pointy-eared Fae wearing a Nereid fashioned dress the color of sea foam came to escort us to the showroom.
Chapter 6
The showroom, at least at first glance, was vintage Vegas at its finest. Rows of tables lined the stage and booths of red leather filled the middle and rear. As best I could tell, there wasn’t a bad seat in the house. But what else would you expect at the Neptune? We were met at the door by a tuxedoed Fae Maître D'. After an introduction, Maurice kissed Kathy and Nikki's hand, then led us to Madam's booth set back from center stage. Slightly raised, it commanded a perfect view of the front of the theater. You could even see the live orchestra performing a playful melody while guests were being seated and drinks were served. I offered a tip, customary where I came from, but he waved it off, reminding me that we were Madam's personal guests and that no gratuity was necessary. I guess this wasn't exactly vintage Vegas after all.
As the commotion of the seating process died down, the band played a drum roll, and then the lights were extinguished. Fireworks burst in front of the curtain and a magic-induced hologram of ancient Greece appeared as a deep voice narrator began her tale. The setting moved to a peaceful valley with meadows and oak trees. Suddenly, a large snake-like Dragon burst out from an opening between the rocks.
The God, Apollo, swooped down from the clouds. Colliding with the beast, he took it by the neck and an epic battle began. Eventually, Apollo was victorious, throwing Python's carcass to the ground. At the Dragon's final resting place, a deep chasm appeared. Over time, mists and steam vented upwards, and eventually, a temple was built on the spot. It was then that an image of the Oracle appeared. The speaker continued, explaining the history of the temple and the origins of the Pythia, the priestess better known as the Oracle of Delphi. As the narration ended, the curtains parted and Diantha, the Oracle of Delphi appeared.
The stage was now covered in mist. As it settled, she could be seen sitting on a tall three-legged stool. I'd know her face anywhere. Even with the hooded cloak that obscured her figure, I could see the familiar white silk gown embossed with gold trim and belt. This was Diantha, and around her neck, she wore the green stone I knew was the Eye of Python. Funny that there had been no mention of it anywhere that I had seen. The scent of burning Laurel and other herbs filled the room as a red carpet slowly came into view in front of her stool. It led to an opening on one side of the stage where a staircase had been placed. A small group of people waited for her to motion them forward.
These had paid for the privilege of having the Oracle answer a question for them. They had completed a ritualistic questioning before the show and each held a round gold token which would be presented as a gift to the Pythia.
"I hear you have to shell out a minimum of a grand to get one of those coins," Nikki whispered to Kathy. "That's just to be there, more if you want to be further up the line. Sometimes she'll pick people from the audience. When that happens she may not get to you, so the more you pay, the better chance you have to speak with her."
"Is she really that good?" Kathy asked, looking shocked when Nikki mentioned the dollar amount. "I've read some of her oracular statements, but that seems like a lot to pay for what is basically just fortune telling."
"You've been living in California too long, Mom," Nikki said with a chuckle. "She's the real deal. They have the tests and her DNA posted if you want to see them. I've read the reports. We even have a class about her in the academy. She's the oldest human in the world… and yeah, she's really that good. Even the CEO's of major corporations come to town to ask her questions. Although you'll never see them in here."
"I'll bet they pay a lot more for a private audience," I said, chiming in.
"No doubt," Nikki replied.
The conversation died as the Oracle waved the first person forward. An attendant led them to the base of her stool. It was a woman dressed in a business suit.
"Do you have a gift for the Oracle," Diantha asked, pulling back the hood that covered part of her face.
The woman placed the gold token in a silver bowl that rested on a small table next to the stool, then stepped back.
"What is the petitioners name and where does she hail from?" the Oracle asked her attendant.
"This is Jennifer Baker, from Buffalo," she answered.
"Well met, Jennifer Baker from the Realm of Buffalo," Diantha said, having turned to face the woman. "State your question."
"I own a small company," the woman began. "Business has been good and we're close to increasing in size and breaking out into a much larger marketplace. A rival has offered to buy me out. I built this company by hand and I'd like to see it succeed, but I think he's threatened by us. He's big enough and ruthless enough to try and put me out of business if I don’t accept his offer. What should I do?"
"First, pay homage to those that have walked beside you," the Oracle said, after dropping some leaves in a burning bowl beside the stool. As they began to burn, she breathed deeply of the vapors and started to sway. The mists began to take form. Still shapeless, they swirled around the stool slowly making their way up to her body. As they reached her feet, they began to move faster, until tendrils of magic replaced the mist and swirled around her upper body. They moved faster and faster, until all of sudden, they flew into her as her body stiffened and her words came out.
"Honor them with spears of silver. From humble beginnings, they have accompanied you on your journey. Do not let them stray from the path! With such warriors at your side, you may conquer the kingdom."
Having given her answer, Diantha swooned, and then her head fell to her chest. The attendant nodded and led the woman away. A few seconds later, the Oracle looked up and waved for the next petitioner to step forward.
"Pay your employees a decent wage and you'll be successful," Kathy said, chuckling. "Now there's a concept."
"That's not all she said," I replied, feeling like I had to defend Diantha to some degree. "It's a little more than that. Stuff like you couldn't have done it without them and you better keep them happy if you intend to turn down that offer and go forward on your own. Let's not forget, folks have been seeking her out for a long time. Even Alexander the Great came to see her. Still, it's not the kind of question I'd spend that kind of money on… or ask in a public setting like this."
"I don’t know, Dad," Nikki said, swirling her drink before sipping it through her straw. "Tomorrow her statements will be a matter of record. I bet her competition starts to worry when they read that she's seen the Oracle and got a positive response."
"That might make them think twice," Kathy agreed, nodding her head. "If they believe in that sort of thing."
Although it started slow, the questions became more complicated as the show continued, and the answers more cryptic as well. Except, of course, for the question one man asked about removing his brother from the family corporation. The Oracle politely told him to go to Hell. The crowd loved it; she got a standing ovation for that one. After the last petitioner had received their answer, the Oracle removed her robe and stepped down from her tripod.
"Welcome, Lords and Ladies," she said, moving to the front of the stage. "While I am afraid I cannot hear any more petit
ions today, perhaps I can still offer advice to a few members of the audience. Let us see what I can divine in our remaining time together." She placed her thumb and index finger on her forehead and then dropped more leaves into the burning bowl. She bent over it, breathing deeply of the smoke as her head began to sway again. As her movement became more intense, mists of magic appeared halo-like over her head. She began to walk back and forth across the stage, then stopped as her other hand pointed to someone in the audience. "Your mother offers sage advice. All is not what it seems. Heed your head before your heart."
"He asked me to marry him," the young woman Diantha pointed out said aloud. "But my Mom doesn’t like him. I wasn't sure but…" The rest of her words were drowned out by the audience.
From there on, what transpired was similar to a mentalist act. She pointed to various members of the audience and offered advice. Most of it seemed simple enough. Take the job or promotion. Spend the money or save it. Occasionally, her advice would be more cryptic. After a half hour, or so, and thinking we were near the end of the show, she paused and looked out over the crowd. Suddenly the mists of magic above her head exploded into green fire. The audience gasped as it engulfed her.
No sooner than had it appeared, it receded, leaving the Oracle appearing untouched but standing perfectly still. Slowly, her head moved, her eyes scanning the crowd as if searching for something, or someone. Then they fell in my direction and she began to speak.
"Hear me, he that has walked between the veils of worlds. Seek not fulfillment of punishment. Death's kiss has opened your eyes. Remember the words beneath the words. God, or mortal, the past leads only forward."
Well, shit, I thought to myself, as she collapsed to the floor. I watched as attendants rushed out to check on her as the curtain fell. There was a hush over the crowd and the lights remained dim. Was that a warning? What words beneath words? I'd have to think about that. Assuming it was about me, but then again, who else could it be? I doubted there was anyone here that had walked on as many Fae worlds, and Underworlds, as I had.