by Tom Keller
She greeted us both, then we spoke a bit before Meredith bade her to take her place at the gate.
"I didn't know you had a daughter," I said, as the girl turned to resume her duties.
"There is much about me you do not know," she replied, then bent to speak with Charlie. "Allow me to speak with Lord Robert for a moment."
The big dog nodded and trotted off toward one of the tents.
"What's the deal with working the door?" I asked, as she took my arm and led me through the cool grass.
"It is customary that the closest Fae house's Queen serve as her Lady of Honor," she replied, leading me toward the palace. "Although Nikki would technically have that honor, she has never had a child, and therefor was not familiar with the duties required. I offered to assist in the role."
"I'm sure she appreciates your help," I said. "As does Kyras."
"I wouldn’t have missed it for the world," she replied, chuckling. "See that Witch with the braided hair?" She gestured toward a tall woman wearing a Greek inspired pleated gown with a golden belt. She was accompanied by two muscular males wearing togas.
"Don’t recognize her," I said, but noting that the aura of magic that emanated from her seemed familiar. "Who is she?"
"Circe," she replied. "Great granddaughter of the original Goddess of Witchcraft, or so she claims. We are, shall I say, not fond of one another. But it was worth it just to have her bow to me when we met at the gate." Then she moved closer and whispered in my ear. "Remember the tale of Odysseus? Like her ancestor, she is not to be trusted."
"I'll keep that in mind," I said, also recalling a rumor that her followers may have aided my old enemy in some of the prior attacks on higher ranking Fae, including one on Meredith's son, Eddie Milagre. "So, I take it you trust the oath we took at the gate?"
"Those that have entered will obey its mandate," she replied, then led me up the steps to the walkway that led around the palace proper. "To do any less would make them enemies of all." We paused. "Good, we are here. Kyras asked me to bring you to her when you arrived. She waits in her chamber." She pressed a spot on the wall next to one of the stone doors. It opened slowly. Bidding me to continue without her, I walked through the doorway and into a hall that led to several more doors. I went through the one that was open.
She was standing next to a table with food and drink on it. Dressed in white silk, she did not look the part of the fierce Keres Queen I was used to. That's not to say that she didn’t look regal, or even like the warrior Fae that I knew her to be. It was just that childbirth, or maybe it was contact with so many of the other Fae, had softened the dark side of the Queen a bit.
"You look nice," I said as I stepped through the doorway and laid my duffel bag down.
"Do you like it?" she asked, with a half-twirl. "It was a present from the Nereids. I was told it was the right color for the ceremony"
"Befitting a Queen," I replied, gazing at her. "It looks lovely on you. I'm sure it will be perfect."
"Let us hope so," she said. "The presentation of the Princess must be perfect."
"Where is she anyway," I asked. "I was hoping to finally be able to see her before things get crazy."
Technically, no outsider was supposed to see the child until her presentation at the day of introduction. The last time I'd been here, I'd tried to argue that I wasn't really an outsider, but Kyras was taking this tradition thing literally. Although she had agreed to meet with me before the ceremony to show her off.
"She is in the nursery," Kyras said, walking to a curtained doorway. "You can see her in a moment. But first, there is someone who would speak with you." She pulled aside the curtain to reveal a figure behind it. It was the Dwarf, Bernd.
"Robert," he said, walking over to me. "It is good to see you."
"I was wondering when you would show up again," I said, as Kyras left the room. I knelt to look my old friend in the eyes. "I hope you've been getting my care packages okay."
Bernd had been my mentor to the magical world. I didn’t see him much these days, but he'd never lost the habit of showing up unexpectedly, especially when something was important. Which meant I probably wasn't going to like it. As to the care packages I was referring to. I was sending his folk arms to aid in his war with the evil Dwarf King, Grerin. The war was currently in a stalemate. Not one to lead from the front, Grerin had withdrawn to his home at Dwarfheim, his stronghold in Nidavellir, one of the nine worlds of the Norse. He'd panicked after losing a few confrontations, including one where Nikki sent his emissary packing. That didn't stop him from sending out raiding parties or causing whatever mischief he could manage. Including smuggling swords into the human world and putting prices on Bernd and his commander's heads. Not to mention the one on mine.
"Your contributions are appreciated," he said with a nod. "But that was not why I have come."
"Didn't think it was," I replied, standing. I walked over to the table and poured some wine into two cups, then handed one to him before reaching back and grabbing a handful of grapes. "I hope this doesn’t ruin the festivities, but what kind of shit am I in for now?"
"Grerin continues to fight his war from the shadows," he said. "My agents tell me he has formed an allegiance with some of the descendants of the Risi from Jotunheim. Most likely as assassins. I came to warn you. You and I are likely targets."
"Risi?" I said, tossing a grape into my mouth before responding. "He's sending Giants and Trolls after us? Is that the best he can do?"
"Do not underestimate them," he replied. "These are not slow and dumb like the Trolls you have battled before. The Risi are known to be skilled warriors and can take many forms. Both the Aesir and Vanir feared them, and with good reason. Take care if you come across them."
"I've heard that before," I said. "But yeah, I'll be careful."
"Must you always attach such little value to my words?"
"You know me better than that," I countered. "I always value your wisdom. It's just that I'm not going to lose sleep over some new assassin they send after me. It's not like I can do anything about it until they show up."
"That may be true," he replied, stepping closer. "But take caution nonetheless. It is enough to know that our enemies fear us so. But I beg you. Speak with Siegfried on the matter. He is familiar with the beings of Utgaard and knows their strengths and weaknesses."
"Like I said. I'll be careful."
"So you did," he agreed, setting his cup on the table. "Pour me another cup of wine and we will talk of other things before I go.
"You're leaving so soon?" I asked. Not that I’d expected him to stay long. He never did these days. But still, we'd barely had a chance to talk. Of course, even I wasn't foolish enough to trust Grerin's Dwarves where he was concerned. I grabbed the wine decanter and poured some into his cup. Handing it back down to him when it was filled.
"I have seen to my obligation to the Keres," he said, taking the cup. "And you are now aware of the Risi. That is why I came. Speak with Nikki as well, but she can wait until you meet with the Queen. Now tell me, how goes it with the Oracle? Alf has told me that he believes the second Eye may yet be found."
"I hope so," I replied, wondering what Nikki could be involved in. She'd had her own run-ins with the Dwarves, but I knew she could handle anything that came up. "I'm batting zero on everything else I've tried. But yeah, he's working on several theories. You never know if one will pan out."
"That is true," he said, nodding. "Although not all the paths the Imp takes are safe to travel, nor do they always lead to new discoveries."
"Bernd," I sighed, taking his last statement as a warning. "Are you trying to tell me something?"
"Only to remind you of what you already know," he replied, reaching up and thumping the armor over my chest. "Choose your actions wisely, Robert. The jewel you seek is more than just the eye of a Dragon. Python was a child of Gaea. Sometimes it is best not to be hasty when dealing with such magic. Especially where she is involved."
"I'll keep that in mind," I
said, knowing he had a point. To be honest, I had wondered about that ever since the battle with the other High Fae. It was Gaea herself that told me I could still save Diantha after the first jewel was destroyed. Contrary to what others believe, even Gaea wasn't all powerful. But I wouldn’t put it past her to have set the whole thing up just to have me find the other one. She can be sneaky like that. Even if it doesn’t make any sense to me why she would need me to find it.
"That is all I ask," he said, draining his cup and setting it on the table. "Remember, others may seek the jewel for their own purposes. It is best to keep any knowledge of its whereabouts secret, lest they hear of your search for it. Now, I must be off. Grerin has sent his own emissaries to welcome the new Princess. It is best that they not know I was here." He started toward the doorway, then paused to turn and look at me. "I believe Kyras chose well."
"Excuse me?"
"The Princess," he explained. "She has your eyes." Then he went past the curtain and was gone.
I laughed and filled my mug.
A few minutes later, Kyras returned with the baby. I slipped off my breastplate and upper armor before she handed her to me.
"She's beautiful," I said, cradling her in my arms. Bernd had been right. She did have my eyes, although the pouty lips were reminiscent of both Kyras and Nikki. "Have you chosen a name yet?"
"I have named her Nyxia, after the Goddess," she replied.
"You've got some big shoes to fill, little girl" I said, looking down into the child's eyes.
"I do not understand," Kyras said, pausing. "Do you not approve?"
"I do approve," I replied, smiling. "I merely meant that with such a name, great things will be expected from her. But, knowing her mother, I'm sure she will be up to the task." I stepped over to one of the sofas, playing coochie coo with her as we sat down.
Kyras just looked at me strangely, apparently not sure of the significance of my words, if any.
"Sorry," I said as I saw her expression. "It's just something humans do. Soothing words to make the child feel wanted, or something like that. It's supposed to sound cute and make the baby happy."
"Yes," she replied. "Although I do not fully understand your words. Nikki and Meredith spoke similarly."
"I guess it's a cultural thing," I said, now playing patty-cake with her arms as little Nyxia began to grow restless. "Playing baby games, I mean. Although it doesn’t seem to be having the effect I was looking for. But I seem to recall you singing to a child on at least one occasion."
"So I have," she agreed, holding out her arms. "Song soothes all manners of creatures. But in this case, I think it is more sustenance she craves then the sound of a loving voice. There was a time when we would go into battle with our children suckling on our breasts. She will have time a plenty to learn the harder ways of a life such as ours."
"Well, let's hope those days are gone," I said, handing her to her mother. "At least as far as she's concerned."
"We shall see," Kyras said. Then she sat down beside me and undid a strap on her gown, bringing the baby up to her breast. "It is a strange thing we do."
"What's that?" I asked.
"Mingling with all these other Fae," she replied. "Once they feared even the mere mention of our name. Yet now they bring gifts and rejoice in our birthing."
"Bernd used to tell me that the wheel of time turns," I said. "If we don’t grab on to it and hold on it will pass us by."
"He is correct," she replied. "As were you. We must take our place among the others. Presenting the Princess to them is the first step in that direction."
"It's a good start," I said. "For what it's worth. I don’t think you have to worry about the other Fae not fearing you. Just like they do me in my role as the God of Hades. I doubt that will change too much. But I think most of them have finally accepted that we're all in this together, for better or worse. Of course, not all of them feel that way, but we'll deal with the naysayers later."
"Indeed we shall," she said, suddenly sitting up with the baby. "I am wise enough to know that not everyone who attends is our ally. I do not like playing this game of politics, as Meredith calls it. I would much rather be dealing with my enemies at the point of my sword. Yet I understand the necessity. Now, forgive me, for I must take my leave. There are things I must attend to before the ceremony can begin. Perhaps the three of us can be together again once it concludes."
"That would be nice," I replied, as she stood. "But before you go, is there anything I can do to help?"
"Go and see to our guests," she said. "They must know that the God of Hades is here. Nosia will find you before the ceremony begins."
"I'm sure she will," I replied, getting up and reaching for my breastplate. Then I leaned over and kissed the baby still suckling on her breast. "I'll see you soon."
I put my armor back on and then headed out the way I came. I wasn't surprised to find Nosia waiting for me near the doorway that led outside and back to the grounds.
"I would have words with you," she said as I approached.
"Now there's a surprise," I said. I looked around and saw an empty chamber behind us. "Why don’t we talk in private?"
I should probably take a minute to explain that Nosia is the Keres Protector of the Realm. Like Jay's duties to Nikki and the Dryad, she watches out for anything and everything that could affect the Keres within their realm. In this case, that includes keeping an eye out on anyone the Queen was close to. Specifically, that meant me. Although there's more to it than just that.
"Don’t tell me," I said as we entered the room. "You're concerned about Jay, aren't you?"
"You have named him a Prince of your realm," she replied. "I must know how this affects Nyxia's claim."
"He doesn’t want to be King," I replied. "As in the Dryad realm, he is more than content to let his sister rule, when it comes to that. He will be as loyal to her as he is to Nikki."
"She is not his sister," Nosia said, looking slightly puzzled. "This is not the human world. I thought Kyras made that clear."
"I doubt he or Nikki would agree," I replied with a sigh. "I certainly don’t. Whether you like it or not, our lines have merged. Just like my mother's and father's did. This child will know both. But don’t worry. I won’t make that claim publicly, unless that is Kyras' wish. Either way, I promise to grant her the Key to Hades and proclaim her title during today's ceremony. But if I were you. I'd be more worried about why all this happened, and where it will lead."
"I do not understand," she said.
"Consider this," I replied, having given the circumstances a lot of thought. "When Kyras and I first met, I wasn't the King of Hades. Oh sure, I was a Dryad King and a High Fae, and I'm sure that power in magic for her future daughter was the only thought in her mind. Yet since that union, or because of it, I've been able to lead you to the gates of Tartarus and to the recovery of your ancestral home, and I've become a King once again. Now, this child will be named a Princess of Hades. We've both gone from obscurity to the top of the food chain, as it were. Based on past experiences, I can't help feeling that there's more than just fate that has played a role here."
"Your words are strange, but your point is taken," she said. "Why have you not discussed this with the Queen?"
"Contrary to popular belief," I replied, knowing that if I had discussed it with Kyras, Nosia would have already brought it up. "Sometimes, I'm just winging it here like the rest of you. But believe me, if I knew what it all meant, your Queen would be the first to hear about it."
She didn't respond, but looked like she was, once again, trying to decipher what I had said.
"Sorry," I said. "What I meant was that sometimes, not even the Gods can predict everything. Something that should be obvious considering that the old ones aren’t around anymore. But to your point. She's smart enough to know that we all have enemies, and she has enough to keep her busy for the moment. Which is why I'm telling you."
"You expect danger, then?" she asked. "From whom?”
"I wish I knew," I replied. "Hell, maybe I'm just being paranoid. Just watch over the Princess as you do your Queen. That's all I can ask."
"In this, we are in agreement," she said.
"So are we good?" I asked, then realized she might not understand again. "I mean, are you satisfied now?"
Nosia nodded and I left the room to look for Nikki before the ceremony began.
Chapter 5
The place was getting crowded, I saw as I stepped back onto the field that surrounded the palace. Different kinds of Fae and other creatures wandered around, talking and meeting in small groups. There was a steady flow in and out of the food tents and the area set aside for the main event was starting to fill. I spied Nikki and Jay standing on a lawn away from the crowds talking to Hippodice, one of Kyras' servants, so I turned and headed in that direction. Hippodice saw me as I walked up and bowed. Then excused herself as she left in the direction of the palace.
"Dad," Jay said, gesturing with his cup at the woman beside him. Dressed in a white gown, she was petite, with curly blonde hair that flowed down her back. "Let me introduce you to someone. This is Iris."
"A pleasure to meet you," I said, raising an eyebrow at him. Jay had told me he'd befriended a Witch back home, but I hadn’t known she'd be attending the ceremony.
"It was my idea, Dad," Nikki chimed in. "I thought it was important to forge a relationship with the modern Witches as well. Besides, she already knew about us."
"Can't hurt," I agreed, turning to face her "I hope you're enjoying our Fae hospitality."
"I am," she replied, grinning. "I've never seen so many Elementals gathered in one place. It's fascinating."
"It is a little different than the parties back home," I said, chuckling, then watched as she moved closer to Jay and leaned up to his ear.
"Jazzy's back," I heard her say, and then she turned her head toward the gate.
I looked over and saw the dark-skinned Werewolf that was Jay's partner at the EAB conversing with Meredith's daughter. A moment later, she picked up a cup of wine from a nearby table and began to walk in our direction.