Soul Taker's Redemption

by A. S. Hamilton

  I removed Ulyn's data crystal and crouched to slip it in a pocket on the inside of my boot; it was meant to hold a knife, but I'd lost it. Just as I was doing this, I froze. I was sure I heard a sound.

  The worst thing about Ulyn's laboratory is that you cannot planes-shift in or out of it. This is because many a creature with the ability to planes-shift would do so in order to kill her. Thus, she has warded against it. Only silence greeted my tense awareness. I repressed an urge to run, to get out as quickly as I could sprint the distance. Hurriedly, I finished securing the data crystal, then, rising, I fished Qu-te-se's crystal out of my hip pocket. I also dug out the pebble I'd retrieved on my way here. I placed the tiny stone in the curve of the dock and then the crystal after it. Unlike flash drives, data crystals hover a few millimetres above the dock and dropping the pebble in it prevents the crystal from fully connecting. I'd learned this when, one time, after a harpy had escaped, shattering several of the windows above, my data crystal wouldn't load. After hours of frustration, I discovered a sliver of glass was stopping the crystal from properly docking. I knew from this experience that the monitors would retain the image of the previous crystal until the new crystal properly loaded.

  I realised that the sound I thought I heard was real, and I could detect the rhythm of footsteps coming down the stairs. There was no other way out of this room but those stairs. It would be too much to hope that they were heading to another level. My best chance was to hide and slip up the stairs after they entered the room.

  I cast a nervous glance back towards Ulyn's quarters. I had enough time, I thought, to make it to the area cordoned off by black screens. If I hid at the other end, I might be close enough to slip through to the stairs. I did not run because I wanted to remain as quiet as possible, but that did not preclude moving quickly.

  The sound of footsteps disappeared.

  I was just at the beginning of the screened off area and I paused to listen.

  Nothing.

  They must have indeed stepped off at one of the other levels. I decided not to waste my good fortune and changed direction to the exit. Once on the stairs, up far enough, I could relax, I would be just another therilgalen. If they discovered me here though, they would question my presence.

  Considering the circumstances, I did well to maintain a neutral expression when the therilgalen female appeared. As Qu-te-se had warned, she was significantly different from the ones I had known, and I presumed this was Jasilen. Originally, the main difference between males and females were that they were slimmer with small breasts, their bodies streamlined for flying. Jasilen was much shorter than an average therilgalen female. She had a thick mane of wavy, black hair and long eyelashes. Her face was rounder, as was her body; her breasts and flared hips distinctly female. She wore black pants and boots with thick, square heels, but she'd made no sound when she'd entered. A remarkable feat, one, I knew from experience, that required practice. Her halter top emphasised a well-toned upper body without being revealing. I suspected that the artfully designed piece of clothing was actually armoured, which meant a strike to the heart was likely to be deflected. I noted that her belt held nothing but small throwing knives. It told me she liked to strike from a distance, which meant she was not confident fighting up close. She wore actual bracers, so I could not tell if she had the armoured scales that form natural bracers for me. They were more decorative than useful; the black leather was encased in gold vines and embellished with violet gems. Her gold pendant was stylized in a manner similar to the vines decorating the bracers; two wings arced up from a feminine form and held a violet-coloured gem. The most startling change was her eyes, they were violet with red flecks, but her other markings, such as the twin streaks through her hair, remained dark red.

  'I thought I scented a therilgalen down here, but yours is not a scent I have met before...' The dulcet, feminine tone held a note of enquiry, turning the statement into a question.

  'I do not often have a reason to come here.' I paused and she arched her brows in question. I resisted clearing my throat. 'I… I was sent to report the outcome of a hunt Master Ulyn set Qu-te-se's company... but Master Ulyn is sleeping and I do not wish to risk her displeasure by disturbing her.' I kept my voice cautiously low— let her think it was out of consideration for Ulyn rather than fear for my own feathers.

  At my explanation, she relaxed her wary posture, flexing her wings and giving me a seductive smile. 'Well, you can leave a message with me and I can have you sent for if needed,' she offered.

  I bowed my head submissively. 'I would be immensely grateful for such a service.'

  Her smile broadened, her fangs showing slightly, and her gaze travelled the length of my body in unhurried assessment. I was glad I had thought far enough ahead to stop in at Bastien's to exchange my twin blades for a longsword because my short swords would be too easily recognisable here. I registered that she must find me attractive, but what was more disconcerting was how her pheromones hit me: like a brick to the head— that was new, too. Ulyn had not let her reputation for experimentation to go wanting.

  'For one such as you, I am all too pleased to be of service.' She gave me another smile. 'I am Jasilen.'

  'Vestryn,' I responded, feigning shy discomfort. Technically it was not a lie, if she presumed that the word was my name, that was her error, not mine.

  'You are older than most other therilgalen I have met,' Jasilen observed as her gaze took in my wings and estimated my wingspan. Her tone said she liked that, and I realised that had I been younger, I probably would have barely rated notice. 'I cannot believe I have not noticed you before.'

  'I do not often come here, indeed, it is the first time in many years. When not gathering, I lead training sessions, thus, there is little time, or desire, for socialising. I feel there is no better way to serve our god.'

  In a swift, graceful movement, I suddenly found her quite close. 'Your devotion is admirable. Still, I think we could offer each other much more than just this simple exchange of messages, do you not agree?'

  Another wave of pheromones enveloped me. I was more impressed by how quickly she moved, and how silently. Her hands slid up my chest. 'You are very tall... and strong... I can sense your power...' Her voice was heavy with suggestion.

  I have never experienced an 'intimate' relationship, my focus from my first moment of consciousness had been Ceri-talen's will, and after that, redemption. I have seen humans and other races, other species… I knew of 'love' and of sex and of intimacy. Sometimes I wondered, what was a touch that did not bring pain? Yet I had no inclination to return Jasilen's attentions. I just wanted out and I was not sure how to achieve that without making her suspicious.

  Then, something pressed against my side.

  Weakness flooded through me. With the last of my strength I tossed Jasilen across the room. She hit the wall near the doorway and dropped limply to the floor. I managed to turn, but I already knew who was behind me. I think Jasilen's attraction was real, but her aggressive manner, her immediate seduction— that had been to distract me from Ulyn.

  Em

  'Oh, that smells good!' Jay exclaimed upon her first inhalation indoors. 'You couldn't have possibly cooked that this evening.'

  She'd been out in the garden since Ivan had finished interviewing her. He'd left not too long ago having stayed on to write up his notes while Jay was within easy reach. When I checked on her, she'd been on the phone with Yu discussing café business. I was relieved she had finally come in. I didn't want to hover, but without Therion here, I was feeling tense. I was doing my best not to show my daughter that, though. I wondered how long it would be before it was safe enough for Jay to get back to her business. Investigations like this and, if we were fortunate, the resulting prosecution can take months in the very best of circumstances.

  Jay had worked so damn hard to get that café open. The initial investment almost put her under. She barely ate, more because she couldn't afford the food and I'd been too busy at work to rea
lise it. But business slowly picked up and now that she was breaking even she couldn't afford to be away from it for too long. If only the Filipino woman would recover enough to speak, it might help to progress the case along a little faster. At just eighteen, Malaya had lost most of her childhood to those thugs. We still hadn't located her parents. And she hadn't uttered a word since we found her, well, aside from the little bit she had said to Jay before we found them.

  I wondered whether it might be best for my daughter to just disappear, get a new identity. She might not have a choice. None of them might. I sighed and then realised Jay was expecting some kind of response to her remark about my cooking. I pushed down my worries and, turning, summoned up a playful smile. 'I don't know. I'm a modern woman, I've learned to do some fairly fancy things in the kitchen.'

  'Yeah, yeah, single mother equals superhero,' she teased.

  I lightly scuffed her up the back of the head in mock reproach for the hint of sarcasm in her tone, but then hugged her side on, so she knew I was just joking. 'Kids are so unappreciative.'

  'I love you,' she retorted.

  She was such a great kid; she didn't need all this. She certainly didn't need my fears on top of everything, so I determined I would keep things as light-hearted as possible. At least until Therion returned and we had to face reality again. I gave myself a mental shake, I'd just referred to an angel and reality in the same thought…

  Jay flicked on the oven light and peered into the oven. The casserole dish was covered in foil so she wouldn't be able to tell what it was.

  'The aroma definitely has garlic, and… mushrooms…'

  I passed her a knife and pointed to a long, sesame seed roll on the counter. 'Put some garlic butter on that and pop it in the oven. I'll get some tea going.'

  'A-hah! Garlic bread, it's some kind of pasta!'

  I rolled my eyes at her as I put the kettle on. 'I gather you'll have coffee, even if the sun's long gone?' Before she had a chance to answer, I turned the coffee machine on.

  I served the meal, which turned out to be tortellini with vegetables smothered in a creamy sauce.

  'I didn't know you could make tortellini,' Jay commented.

  'Alright, you've got me. Aaron made it,' I admitted, referring to Tien's partner who was a chef. 'He thought, with everything we have going on right now, we wouldn't have much time for preparing real food.'

  It was nice to enjoy a meal that wasn't microwaved or warmest when eaten out of its packaging and I made a mental note to thank Aaron next time I saw him. Despite my resolution to keep things upbeat, we didn't talk much through dinner. The silences weren't uncomfortable, but I could see that Jay was just as mindful of Therion's absence.

  I told myself we'd be okay. Therion would return soon; we'd be fine. Leaning back in the chair, I savoured my last mouthful of pasta while appreciating the view from the veranda for a few minutes. Nope. I wasn't fooling myself. I still remembered that dark-angel in the clearing using a woman's voice to lure us into an ambush. I rose and started to collect dishes; it was best to keep busy. Jay moved to help, but I waved her back to her seat. When I returned, I placed a bowl of sorbet in front of her and received a smile of thanks. Dropping into my seat, I handed her a spoon.

  'Thanks. Mmm, lemon and strawberry—'

  We both said at the same time, '—the best of both worlds!'

  Before Zack died, he'd been the one to prepare the meals as he'd had the more routine job. After he passed away, I struggled to take over and it seemed like everything was burned or tasted pretty awful. One evening, while trying to redeem a meal I'd burned, I found two containers of sorbet, one lemon and the other strawberry. Not being able to decide which one to serve, I'd served them both. Originally, Jay hadn't been sure about the combination, but she'd seen how hard I was trying and so she dug in, telling me that with both sweet and sour flavours we had the best of both worlds. I'd almost burst into tears. Jay was very much like her father in that thoughtful way she had. It had been an incredibly painful and wonderful realisation that while Zack was gone, there was a lot of him in our daughter.

  Jay tried to surreptitiously peek at her watch, I knew from the kitchen clock it was almost ten. Reading her concerned expression, I said, 'Therion should have returned by now, right?'

  She mumbled an affirmative around a spoonful of sorbet. I signalled her to finish before trying to continue.

  'He said he'd left a message with a friend to come in the evening, but didn't say when that might be.'

  'I remember, you said so earlier. He advised that we get anyone else that might be here to leave before dark and I was worried Ivan stayed over long. I think it was close to eight before he finally left. Do you think Therion's friends came, saw Ivan and decided to stay hidden?' I asked.

  Jay thought it over. 'That's a good point, perhaps they did. But I'm not sure where that leaves us.'

  I sighed, looking at my empty bowl. Dessert bowls always empty far too quickly. 'I'm going to make tea. Coffee?'

  Jay got up. 'I'll make both, you've done enough.'

  I didn't object as she collected the bowls. Suddenly realising how tired I was, I let myself lean back in the chair so it could support me and give my muscles a break. I scanned the yard; it was so still and quiet. Then, the smell of Zack's roses drifted over on the breeze and I found myself closing my eyes, missing my husband.

  A loud whooshing sound followed by the sound of branches snapping put me on alert. That wasn't a bird. A wombat or a roo might make that much noise, but not the flapping sound. Perhaps it was Therion.

  Slowly, I got to my feet, examining the shadows. Something told me that if it was an angel on our side they would have announced themselves by now. Then I saw it. I really couldn't tell you what it was, there were too many shadows, but I had the impression of a massive bipedal bat, and not the superhero variety.

  I started backing up into the house. I had to get my shotgun; I didn't think a handgun would do in this situation. Jay was just walking back out onto the veranda, but I swung a hand behind me to shove her back inside, making her grunt. I realised she was holding two cups full to the brim, but years of serving hot beverages and being unexpectedly jostled by impatient or unaware customers paid off as she managed to swing herself and both cups out of my way and put them on the bench unspilled.

  'Get down,' I growled.

  'What—'

  I backed into my office just off from the dining area. I didn't want to take my eyes off the last place I'd seen the creature, but I finally turned to get to my gun safe.

  When I came out with my shotgun in one hand and one of two handguns in the other, Jay's eyes went wide with alarm. She darted a glance outside, but the creature had disappeared. She looked back to me, her expression clearly indicating she was wondering what that was out there warranted a gun of any type let alone a shotgun.

  'Mum, what—'

  I moved past her. I'd shoved the second of my handguns in my waistband, and, after I flicked the safety off, I handed the first gun to Jay.

  She looked down at the Glock in her hand with a shocked expression. 'Mum, I can't shoot a real gun.'

  I knew that. Aside from trying target shooting a couple of times, she had no real experience using a gun, but I'd rather she had something.

  'You need something, just in case. The safety's off, as long as you keep it pointed away from you and make sure I'm not in your path, you'll be fine.'

  I was sidling into the kitchen now, keeping well away from the window but staring tensely out. 'Tomorrow…' I started; was that it there? I squinted. No, it was just the shadows of the trees moving in the breeze. 'Tomorrow,' I continued, 'I will start training you and we'll start the process for getting you a licence. You need to learn.'

  Jay started to respond, but I wasn't listening, the bat creature appeared right in front of me.

  It was as big as the angels. I didn't register much about its features except for black pupil-less eyes and a whole load of teeth. I brought the shotgun up
and fired— straight through the kitchen window!

  Okay possibly not the best move, but I really didn't want to get too close to it, and, to be honest, I kind of panicked a little. My daughter's face was as white as a sheet.

  In the silence that followed, we heard the sound of wings.

  Then, in a panicked tone, Jay hissed, 'Mum, that could be Therion…'

  I shook my head. 'No,' I assured her in a tight, clipped tone.

  We both saw a shadow moving along the back area of the garden. 'Mum…'

  'I see it,' I said as I fired again.

  The shadow blurred, speeding forward and then disappearing into the darker recesses between the trees. I changed positions to where I could cover most of the veranda in front of the sliding door. It was still open and a breeze fluttered through, making the world seem deceptively calm. I picked up the shadow again, this time it was using the veranda as cover. I tracked it, waiting for a clear shot. I tensed as the shadow disappeared again. I hadn't seen it go anywhere, so either it was waiting in a blind spot or it had moved without my seeing it.

  There was no sound, no warning to give it away. One moment the veranda was clear and the next blazing eyes and teeth that reminded me of a bear trap flashed as it stormed the open doorway. In the full light of the room, I got a better look at it. If you crossed a lizard, bat, and dragon, made it bipedal and covered it in a striped, leathery, brown hide, you'd come somewhere close to envisioning the dreadful thing. I ran forward and shot twice. It hissed and darted back out the door. A solid thump told me the thing had slammed its back up against the wall near the door, just out of sight. I shoved Jay back as I moved to put my back against the wall nearest the door; the same one the creature was against outside. I placed the shotgun on the bench so I could draw my spare Glock. I flicked the safety off and, before I had a chance to rethink my course of action, I spun about the frame of the door, firing as I did, aiming for the head region. This time the creature exploded into fiery ash.