He took it all in stride and even smiled up at her. “Don’t worry,” Willem said. “He’ll just tip you better if he thinks you have an extra mouth to feed. You’re welcome.” Willem bounded down the steps and away from Shani’s angry glare.
“What now?” she asked, exasperated.
“Now,” I replied, “we go to the bank.”
We started in the direction that Willem had headed and left Langdon to lock up the place. I wondered if Brother Balinar would like it and how he would get people attracted to a temple in a city that saw gods as superfluous. He seemed to think he had a plan.
We had just passed an alley about a block from the major streets when three men stepped in front of us. They were big military types and wore the light armor and insignia of the Mata’s Elite Guard.
I pulled Shani behind me as two more came from the alley we had just passed. Willem was nowhere to be seen. I shuffled back until Shani was against the wall, and I stood between her and the guards. I drew my longknives.
“How’s your friend?” I asked the guards. “Did he get that hand looked at?”
One of the men spoke. I took him to be the leader. “About that,” he said. “The Mata had him whipped for failing to protect her last night. She sent us to make sure you don’t insult her again...ever.”
“You should know,” I said as they started forward, “that’s not why you’re here. You are here because the Mata and I are engaged in a game, and you poor bastards are caught in the middle.”
“Doesn’t matter,” said the leader. “The Mata said kill you, and that’s what we’ll do.”
“I could let you leave and report your failure to her, or I can tell her myself,” I said. “I suppose the result will be the same either way. I hear she is not too keen on bad news. Ah well, I’ll just tell her.” I turned around suddenly and held out my longknives to Shani, hilt first. “Here hold these.”
“You expect me to fight with these these?” Shani exclaimed.
“Of course not. I expect you to hold them for me. I don’t want the edges dulled when they fall.”
“Don’t you need them?” she asked, looking up at me.
My eyes silvered over as I drew deep on my Aspect. “You might not want to watch.”
“Oh. OH!”
I dropped to shadow and emerged with three silver talons already lodged in the chest of the leader, his armor useless. I screamed my defiance into his face, and my choral roar echoed from the walls of the alley as I ripped meat, blood, and soul from his chest. His cries sent my Aspect into a frenzy.
I dropped his corpse and flung a gory mass into the eyes of a second attacker. A third came from behind and managed to get his swordpoint between my ribs. I grabbed the blade to prevent him from ramming it home, then leaned over and bit his face off. He let go of the blade and fell back screaming. I heard the blade hit the cobbles as I dropped to shadow again, the leader’s spirit mingling with my own and bolstering my power. I could feel the wounds closing from the added spirit.
I tore the throat of a third man, spraying blood across the walls and ground, then ducked under the sword of another and followed up with a kick that sent him crashing into the stones of the adjacent building. His head hit the wall with the sound of a smashed melon, and I grasped onto his spirit and drank it down.
The last man standing had just wiped his leader’s blood from his eyes and, finally seeing me, turned and ran. I lunged and dragged him to the ground, talons from both hands and feet lodged in his back. I pulled my claws from his body with a wet slurp only to realize the screaming hadn’t stopped. The guard’s soul trailed after me, caught in my power, as I stalked toward the man that lay writhing on the ground. His hands tried to cover the ruined mass that was his face, but I stomped and caved in his chest, silencing him once and for all.
The threat finally passed, I dropped to shadow to rid myself of blood and gore and reemerged in front of Shani, who still stood back to the wall and eyes wide in shock. She held my blades in trembling hands, my clothes draped over her arms. She was shaking in panicked fright.
I stood before her, my hands outstretched.
“It’s over. You can relax. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
My words shook her, somewhat, from her panic. “Hurt me? What about them? They never had a chance, did they?” Shani’s voice was much higher than normal, and she was gesturing with one longknife.
“Their lives were forfeit the moment the Mata sent them after me,” I said. “They didn’t even know it, the poor bastards.”
In her shock, Shani giggled—a nervous reaction. “You really feel sorry for them, don’t you?”
“I didn’t want to hurt them. They were not my enemy.”
“Who is?” she asked.
“The Mata is,” I said. “And whomever stands between me and those girls.”
Shani gulped.
She took a moment to compose herself , but when she did, she looked down at me, covered in shadow.
“I guess the answer is yes,” she said.
“What?” I had no idea what she was talking about until she nodded down to my lower half. There I was standing proud as a peacock, pun intended.
I blushed and drew shadows around me. I made them a little extra thick.
Her hand flew to her mouth. “You meant it. You meant every word. You said that every important fight you have fought, you did so naked.”
I didn’t say anything. There was nothing to say, and she looked to be going over memories and conversations we had.
“You also said you would have killed Lord Tyrus and Kiernan and disposed of their bodies. You would have if I had asked it of you, wouldn’t you?”
“You would be appalled at what I am willing to do for those I love, Shani.”
“Turned on more like,” she muttered. “I’ll have to watch my tongue around you.”
I smiled at her then, and she returned it. It was Shani. She was herself once more. It was short lived, however, as she looked about the street, empty but for the corpses, and turned green.
“You’re the Andvari,” I heard Willem say. I turned to find him standing there in awestruck wonder, sugary glaze still coating half of his face.
“Where have you been?” I asked. “I thought they got you.”
“Don’t worry about me,” he said. “I was hiding. I know I’m too small to fight, but I’m real good at hidin’ when the burlies come around.”
“Good. Look, Willem. I don’t know what all you saw, but no one can know about this, do you understand?”
“No. You’re the Andvari. You are unbeatable.”
“I’m not unbeatable and I can’t be everywhere, Willem. The more that knows about me, the more dangerous it is for them and me.”
He kicked at the dust in the street.
“What is it?”
“I kinda told some of the other kids about you. Not who you are, mind you, just that I saw you—well, the Andvari.”
“And?”
He scoffed. “They didn’t believe me. Called me a liar. Said if you was real then why didn’t you save all of them, too?”
I looked at Shani who gave me a look that said ‘see what you’ve done?’
“I can’t save everyone, Willem,” I said. There was no point in trying to convince him I wasn’t some savior of children out of legend. No matter how I argued, I knew the effort would prove fruitless and just make matters worse.
This is becoming a pattern, I thought. I resolved to look up this legend and see what more I could learn about it.
“If you show yourself, the real you, and show them, they will believe me,” he begged.
“I don’t do tricks. Keep this a secret. Otherwise everyone could get themselves killed. This is not a game.”
Willem looked defeated. “I won’t tell nobody, Master Evan. I promise.”
“Make sure you don’t,” I said. “I need a favor, though.” Willem still looked at his feet. “Find me two big bags. Shani will give you money from my purse to
buy them, as she is currently holding my clothes.”
Shani jumped at the realization and started toward me.
“I don’t need coin for a couple bags,” Willem said. “I’m a street rat.” With that, he turned and clomped away as fast as his new shoes would take him.
I waved Shani back, and took a sword from one of the dead men, and set to work.
First Date
“Was that necessary?” Shani asked, eying the bag in my hand.
“Yes. The Mata sent a message, and I am obliged. To not respond would be rude, I think.” I called to Willem, who had run ahead, and he trotted back to us.
“Willem,” I said, “come. We are going in here to arrange everything for your new home.”
“Do I have to go?” he asked. “It looks boring in there. Besides, I want to show off my new clothes to my friends.” Willem pointed to a group of ragged kids playing near the fountain in the square.
I took in the bunch. They were dressed in much the same manner Willem had been this morning. I made a mental note to ensure Brother Balinar received enough funds to clothe any child that came to the temple, whether they lived there or not.
“That’s fine, but don’t run off. And stay out of the fountain. When we are finished, we will go eat somewhere nice. I don’t want you dripping water all over the restaurant.” Willem took off in a run toward the group.
“Shall we?” I asked Shani, who was still eying the bag.
“You’re not taking that in there, are you?” she asked.
“I can’t very well leave it on the steps,” I said. “We’ll come back out to find the kids there playing footie with the contents in the middle of the square.”
Shani huffed and stormed toward the bank doors ahead of me.
“Slow down, dear. You shouldn’t be moving so quickly in your condition, love,” I called overloud to her back just inside the doors to the bank. She stomped to a halt and wheeled on me, stunned. She looked quickly around to see who heard my accusation. In short, everyone heard it, and all eyes were on us. She raised her finger and aimed the deadly instrument straight for my face, then took a deep breath, ready to annihilate me, when a voice sounded beside us.
“Are congratulations in order?” an older gentleman said. He was thin and had a wiry, grandfatherly gray look to him. He wore fine clothes that distinguished him as a more senior employee of the bank. He smiled proudly at us both and clapped joyfully. “How wonderful. My own daughters have gifted me with five beautiful grandchildren. I hope the same and more for you two.” He patted us both on the cheeks and beamed. “Now, what can I help you with?”
I smiled at the man and turned to Shani, who was still poised to strike. I placed a hand on her finger and gently pushed it down. “Now, now, love. Best put that away before you hurt someone. It would be a shame for anyone to run into that who didn’t deserve it.”
Shani finally seemed to catch onto my little act and pursed her lips in a scowl.
The gentleman chuckled and clapped me on the shoulder. “Ha. Have to keep them well in hand, don’t you, young man? Well, don’t be too harsh. It seems you have a good one there.” He sent a wink toward Shani, who smiled and played along.
“Yes, Evan. Be gentle.” She pouted. “I’m fragile after all.” She rubbed at her belly, all the while giving me sad eyes and a pouty lip.
I leaned down. “You’re right, my dear. I will endeavor to be more thoughtful.”
“What are you doing?” she hissed in my ear as I kissed her cheek.
“Perception may be reality, lover, but payback is a bitch.”
“You’re such an ass,” she whispered through a demure smile.
I straightened, offered her my arm, and addressed the banker. “Now, sir. I need to arrange funds to purchase a property.”
“For the budding family, perhaps?” The man wagged his eyebrows at Shani, who blushed to her ears as she practically wrapped herself around my arm. From the outside looking in, it was an endearing sight. The fingernails digging into my bicep, however, told another story entirely.
“Oh no,” I said, waving the question away. “We have that well in hand. My Shani has been decorating nonstop for weeks. Even now I hold her recent acquisitions.” I smiled down at her with the most adoring face I could make. “I just can’t wait to get home and put them up.”
“You are not putting those in my house,” Shani said, hands on hips. “You just ‘had to have them,’ you said. ‘Couldn’t live without them,’ you said. Well, they’re your problem now, mister. I’ll not dust those hideous baubles.”
I smiled broadly at Shani, who beamed back up at me.
I spun on the banker, who started, as we had drawn him in our little familial dispute. “No sir. This is more of a charitable nature. There is a property I have arranged to purchase, and I need to release funds to the landlord and set up accounts for the proprietor that will look after the place.”
“Very well, then. Right this way.”
We walked past numerous tables and to the end of a short hall, where we landed in an office that reeked of wealth. High-backed leather chairs adorned the office along with an ornate, leather-topped desk. Shiny lanterns hung from sconces, and even the two quills that sat beside his writing pad were nibbed in gold.
“If you would have a seat, I will fetch your records. Your name, sir?”
I told him, and he was out the door.
Shani looked around the room and whistled low. “Wow. Bonus if you steal his quill,” she said with a mischievous twinkle.
“Bonus?” I asked. “What are you offering, Shani?” I slid one of the gold-tipped feathers up my sleeve.
“That’s too obvious. We’ll get caught,” she hissed frantically.
“Only if you keep overacting,” I hissed back.
Just as the banker returned, Shani threw her hand up between our faces and turned away as though she were thoroughly fed up with me. “Ah yes. I have your records here. Oh dear,” he said at the sight we made. He shrugged. “Well, at least it’s just the hand and not the finger this time. It has been my sad experience that once the finger comes out, everyone is getting an earful. You narrowly avoided that earlier, young man. Take it from me, son, you don’t get to dodge that twice in one day.”
“You should take note, Evan.” Shani huffed playfully. “There is wisdom in his words.”
I licked her palm and reached for his desk. “I will make note, my dear. It would be a shame to forget such sage advice.” Shani made a disgusted face and wiped her hand off on my shoulder as I snatched up the banker’s remaining quill and dipped it in ink. I mumbled as I wrote:
“Note to self: One may not avoid the Finger of Doom twice in one day without full ears.”
“There,” I said. I blew on the ink to dry it, and tucked the note into my jacket.
Shani rolled her eyes.
The banker chuckled at our antics as he turned the documents toward me so I could look them over. I perused the ledger entries and made my adjustments. After verifying all was correct, I signed the sheet and slid the quill atop it.
“All seems in order, Lord Hostric. I will ensure the landlord receives his funds and the deed to the property will be delivered to you within a day of signing.”
“I look forward to it, sir.”
“Excellent,” he said, and dipping the quill in the inkpot. “Where shall I send the documents?” I gave him his directions, which he jotted down. We shook hands, and he walked us out. When we reached the door, he said, “Thank you again, and congratulations on your newest family member. You really are a lovely couple.”
We bowed and pushed through the doors, staggering into the city in unbridled laughter.
“That was so much fun,” I said.
“Are congratulations in order?” Shani mimicked. “Do you have it?”
I pulled the gold nibbed feather from my sleeve and took a knee, bowed my head, and presented it to Shani as a token of my undying affection. She giggled, then curtsied and accepted it w
ith solemn reverence. She flung herself forward nearly double. Her hair sailed over her head, and she wrapped it in that manner that has baffled men for ages and stuck the quill through it, pinning the mass in place. The feather was a perfect addition to her wardrobe.
She turned, hands dangling in a delicate pose. “Well?”
“Gorgeous!” I cried. I picked her up and spun her, kissed her, and set her back to her feet.
“Careful,” she chided, her hand on her belly. “The puppies, or whatever.”
I stood there staring at her as she giggled uncontrollably.
“What is the matter with you two?” Willem asked, jogging to meet us. He was soaked.
“I guess we’ll need an outdoor café after all,” I said. Shani smiled and shook her head and we made for dinner.
I begged off a few blocks from the brothel to deliver my reply to the Mata. It didn’t take long, as it was later in the evening. The Mata and Jardir were about their own business, and their rooms were silent as I stole through the window and left the bag full of heads on her nightstand. As I placed it, I caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of my eye. In the Mata’s closet, I saw an absolutely gorgeous dress and and decided to have a bit of fun. I took the dress and hung it beside her dressing table. After sniffing through her perfumes, I found the scent she had worn in our first meeting. Lilac and Snow Pearl. I dabbed a bit at the neck of the dress and returned to her closet to resume my search. After retrieving a white silk scarf, I found a pen, and scribbled a note on the scarf and left it tied around the knot holding the bag shut.
I placed everything back the way I had found it and departed with none aware of my intrusion.
I was clean, dressed, and ready. It was time to make my way downstairs. The Mata would be arriving any minute, and for my plans to be effective, the timing had to be perfect.
I came down the back stairs as I always did. It was a longer walk than descending the staircase straight into the salon, and I needed the time to help shake off my anxiety. Everything rode on tonight’s meeting. If I cocked this up, I might never find the girls.
Oathbound: The Emperor's Conscience, Book 2 Page 14