Light running steps approached. Seth tightened his grip and braced himself to fight off new opponents. Then the footsteps receded, replaced by louder, heavier steps. Seth swung his weight on top of the other man in an attempt to subdue the violent struggles.
“What the hell? What are you doing?” Crain demanded. “I don’t see anything. Have you caught someone?” Light from the guild’s windows glinted off the barrel of the agent’s gun.
Damn. But it was too late to worry about Crain. Seth shook his captive. “Stop fighting and show yourself or I’ll tell him where to shoot. Your magic won’t protect you from that kind of damage.”
The figure under him stilled.
“Show yourself,” Seth ordered again. When nothing happened, he said, “Fine. It’s your body he’s going to shoot, not mine.”
The man under him tried to free himself again then became visible. “Who in Hades are you?” the pale-haired elf asked in the ancient tongue.
“I was about to ask you the same question.”
“What’s he saying?” Crain demanded. His voice held a hint of uncertainty, but the gun never wavered. “Who or what is he?”
“A rogue. Other than that, I’m not quite sure myself.” How should he handle this with Crain? The agent wasn’t going to be brushed off this time. Seth pulled the elf to his feet, hesitated when Crain offered him his cuffs, and then used them to restrain the elf’s hands. He kept a firm grip on the stranger’s arm. “What’s your name?”
The man tightened his jaw and didn’t say anything.
Seth looked at Crain. “So shoot him. Oh, sorry.” He switched to English. “I just told you to shoot him.”
Crain nodded, catching on to his part right away. “My pleasure.” He aimed the gun at the man’s face.
The elf’s eyes shifted uneasily. “My name’s Andolf. Tell him not to shoot me. I have no weapon.”
Seth translated for Crain, and at his nod, the agent lowered his gun. Seth spoke to Andolf again. “Do you know English? If so, speak it.”
“Not good,” Andolf said in a heavy accent. He lapsed into Elfish again. “Who are you? Why have you revealed our existence to this human?”
Seth ignored his questions. “Who are your people? Where do you live?”
Andolf straightened. “I am Cyrilian.”
“What’s being said?” Crain interrupted. “What language is that? I’ve never heard it before.”
“It’s an ancient one, long dead,” Seth said. “I asked him where he was from. He said he’s Cyrilian, but I don’t know where that is.”
“Never heard of it. Is he one of you?”
“I’m not sure.”
“What the hell’s that mean?”
“Let’s get inside before he decides to go invisible on us again.” Seth urged Andolf toward the guild’s side door. The prisoner hung back as if he might resist until Crain pressed the gun against his back.
Inside the Ryndel Guild, Thom Barrott hurried forward. “Mr. Lormarc. Has something happened? Who’s this?”
“It’s better if you don’t know, Thom. I need to borrow your office and a set of iron cuffs.”
He frowned at Crain and Andolf but nodded to Seth. “Go on up. The cuffs are in the safe. I’ll get them for you.” The guild master gestured toward the open stairs to the second floor.
“You already have my cuffs,” Crain said. “Is he so strong you need two sets?”
“Iron cuffs work better.” Seth wasn’t sure he and Kam had ever explained elven magic to Crain, and he sure wasn’t opening that Pandora’s box right now. Crain shook his head, clearly not satisfied with the response.
When they reached the second floor balcony, Seth shoved his captive into Barrott’s office. The guild master opened the safe and handed Seth the iron cuffs that would prevent Andolf from invoking any form of magic.
“Thanks.” Seth cuffed him and waited until the guild master left, closing the door behind them. He gave the sullen man a stern look and pointed to a chair. “Now we can talk.”
Crain interrupted again. “Seth, what are you telling him? I can’t understand a word.”
Seth gave the CIA agent a thoughtful look. “You should leave now. This doesn’t concern you.”
Crain bristled. “My government has a right to know about any danger to the city.”
“This is private business. I’m sure the New Orleans’ authorities would also be interested to learn the CIA is conducting clandestine operations within the city limits.”
“Don’t even try to threaten me,” Crain said mildly. “You have more to lose than I do.”
“Want to test that theory? And risk losing our specialized services?”
“I’m not sure you speak for Kam.”
“On this I do. Trust me. She will agree this is our problem.”
Crain eyed him with a shrewd look. “OK, I’ll back off for now…on two conditions. You help me with tonight’s surveillance, and you tell me if he’s connected to the gang problems or becomes a risk to our people.”
To humans, he meant. But Crain didn’t understand there was always a risk to a non-magical race pitted against those with magic.
“Dammit, Crain. I have my hands full tonight.”
“Tonight,” the agent insisted, a hard note of finality in his tone. “My situation could blow. You can put this guy on ice for a few hours.”
Seth clenched his jaw. Crain was being a pain in the ass, but three hours might be worth it to get rid of the CIA agent. If he hurried, he’d have time to get his prisoner to Elvenrude and get back before midnight. “Give me the address then get out of here. I’ll meet you.”
Crain scribbled on the back of a business card and handed it to him. “Midnight.”
“I’ll be there.”
By the time the agent had exited the guild, Seth had called Rhyden and explained his predicament. While he waited for his cousin to arrive, Seth sat on the corner of the desk and eyed the prisoner. “What have you done with the elven woman?”
“What woman? I know nothing about a woman.”
“We found the spot where she was captured.”
Uncertainty flickered in Andolf’s eyes. The man knew something.
Seth sucked in his breath and leaned forward, his voice low and hard. “She’d better be alive or your life is worth nothing.”
Andolf drew back. “She’s alive. Beyond your reach but alive.”
Seth came off the desk and grabbed the front of Andolf’s shirt. “Where is she? Why was she taken?”
“She’s in Cyrilia.”
“Where is that? How do I get there?”
“You’ll never find it.”
Seth released his hold to keep from shaking the man to death, and Andolf dropped back in his chair. He scrambled to right himself and stared at Seth with wary eyes. “I didn’t take her.”
“But you know who did. Is she beyond a portal?” Seth slapped both hands on the desk. “Is she?”
Andolf jumped. “You can’t get her back.”
If Rhyden hadn’t walked in the door at that moment, Seth might have hit the Cyrilian in spite of the cuffs. “Saved by the bell,” he muttered.
“Well, what do we have here?” Rhyden peered at the pale-haired man then lifted a brow at Seth. “A moon elf? Really? He looks rather ordinary to me.”
“We haven’t established that, or much of anything else…except he knows where Kam is,” Seth said through clenched teeth. “Some place called Cyrilia.”
“Then let’s go get her. I assume he can take us there.”
“So far he isn’t being cooperative. He doesn’t speak much English. I don’t know if he can understand us now or not. We’ve been conversing in Elfish.”
“Doesn’t want to talk, huh? Let’s take him to—”
Seth interrupted with a vigorous shake of his head.
“To someplace more secure,” Rhyden amended. “Brunic and I can talk with him while you’re making Agent Crain happy.” He turned to the prisoner. “Get up. I’m goi
ng to blindfold you.” When Andolf just looked at him, Rhyden repeated his order in Elfish.
This time the Cyrilian reluctantly stood, but he pulled his head back to avoid the dark cloth Rhyden produced from his pocket. Seth grabbed his arms, and Andolf stilled. With his eyes securely covered, they led him downstairs and through the Ryndel portal into Elvenrude.
At a shout from one of the portal guards, Sawyer Ryndel hastened across the main floor of the Elvenrude guild house. He scowled at the prisoner. “Who is this man? Did he have something to do with my daughter’s disappearance?”
“I’m not sure, but he knows who did. Can someone help Rhyden get him to Brunic? I have to get back to New Orleans.”
Kam’s father turned and motioned to Caleb, the tall, elegant man who was Kam’s ex-boyfriend. Now that Kam and Caleb were no longer dating, Sawyer hadn’t hesitated to appoint him as the guild’s head supervisor. It was a good choice. Seth, Rhyden, and Caleb had graduated together from the King’s Academy. Caleb was more than capable.
As soon as Caleb and Rhyden were on their way, Seth brought Kam’s father up to date. “When I finish with the authorities in New Orleans, I’ll be back to question this guy. Brunic and Rhyden could already have some answers by then.”
“I think I’ll head over to the captain’s office myself,” Ryndel said. “I want to hear what the Cyrilian has to say.”
“That might not be a good idea…” Seth’s voice faded at Ryndel’s stern look.
“What if it was your daughter?”
“I’d want to be there, but—”
Ryndel laid a hand on his shoulder. “Finish your other business. He won’t be going anywhere before you get back.”
* * *
Seth spotted Agent Crain in a black van parked across the street from the one-story house used as a drug dealer’s headquarters. The building was dark except for the porch light and a small light Seth spotted on a security camera.
He opened the van’s door and scooted into the front passenger seat. “Any activity?”
“Not yet. But the other break-ins occurred after midnight. Assuming these guys don’t change the pattern, we should see some action soon.” Crain gave him a sideways glance. “Did you take care of the other matter?”
“He’s secure and being interviewed. I’ll have my shot later.” Seth hesitated. Should he bring up what Andolf had said about Kam? Or would that just encourage the agent’s interest? He decided against it and jerked his thumb toward the house. “How did Kam get involved in this mess? I thought her missions were outside the US.”
Crain told him about her trip to Mexico, the counterfeit money that had turned up in New Orleans, the break-ins involving the same drug traffickers, and Kam’s discoveries in Gormley’s safe. “All these intrusions may be intended to get the gangs fighting among themselves while an outside terrorist group moves in. We’ve heard reports of a new dealer/buyer in town. Kam’s photos verified Gormley’s connection with the Mexican cartel…and their terrorist backers. One of the documents in the safe was a cost analysis for a business expansion.”
“Thorough, aren’t they? Expanding into what? More drugs or different drugs?”
“Wasn’t identified. Could be either. Or prostitution. Or gambling. These gangs aren’t picky if it’ll make money. Regardless of the goods, I’m worried Gormley’s terrorist associates will turn on him and establish their own base in New Orleans. Not exactly what we want,” he said dryly. “But it’s hard to combat when we’re just guessing at who’s involved. That’s where you come in.”
As they continued to talk and watch for movement around the building, the minutes stretched into an hour then two. Seth listened to everything the CIA man said and grew increasingly uneasy. Getting in and out of heavily guarded buildings without being seen was almost impossible for humans. But would be simple for elves with access to invisibility magic.
Were the moon elves the new dealer in town? Had Kam stumbled into their operation? But that didn’t make sense. Drugs were of no use to elves. Seth rubbed his forehead with one hand. Lack of sleep had him seeing connections where there were none.
By three o’clock with still no action, Seth’s questions resurfaced. He considered the possibility the burglar hadn’t shown because he—or at least one of the group—was under guard in Elvenrude. Sensible or not, it seemed to fit.
Crain insisted they wait until four. Seth agreed, but he was impatient to get back and explore the drug angle with Andolf. He nearly bounded from the van when Crain finally gave up.
“What about trying again tomorrow night?” Crain asked.
“Three hours you said. I’ve already given you four.” Seth bent down and looked at the agent before closing the door. “Once Kam’s back, we’ll look into it.” He hurried into the night to access the nearest portal to Elvenrude.
* * *
Brunic’s office was dark when Seth arrived. He rubbed his chin, noting the stubble he’d collected in two days of neglect. Where would they be questioning Andolf? Assuming they’d sought privacy and secrecy, he went out the rear entrance of the palace and turned down a path that led to the outskirts of the property. The Security Sanitarium loomed directly ahead.
Seth lifted the heavy knocker. When a guard responded, he confirmed Brunic was there and escorted Seth to a corridor in the opposite wing from Jermon’s cell. That was good. The less his uncle knew, the better. Even under lock and key, his ruthless relative might find a way to capitalize on the information. Spreading word of the moon elves’ reappearance would cause unrest and fear across the kingdom. The guard stopped in front of a heavy wooden cell door and knocked.
Captain Brunic opened it and peered out. “Seth, finally. I was getting worried.”
“Sorry. I was delayed. So where are we?” Seth looked past the captain. Rhyden stood next to Andolf, who was seated at a table. Rhyden didn’t look happy.
Brunic stepped into the hall and let the door close. “He’s not saying much. No question in my mind he’s a descendant of the moon elves, but he just repeats he’s Cyrilian. I think it’s safe to say this guy and his people weren’t aware Elvenrude existed before tonight. But they’ve been looking for the darkkin. Best I can figure out, they’re leaving their homeland. I’m not sure why, but I suspect they’re looking for a new world to conquer.”
“What about Kam? How’s she fit into this?”
“That I don’t know. And getting her back is going to be tricky. Cyrilia has to be on the far side of another portal.”
“Yeah, that’s what I thought. He hasn’t said why they’re holding her?”
“Nothing. When pressured, he claims he doesn’t know, that he simply follows orders from his prince and somebody named Dreysel.” Brunic shook his head. “I’m not sure he’s going to tell us anything useful.”
Seth clenched his jaw. “He’ll tell me.” He turned and beat on the door.
Rhyden pulled it open. “I thought I heard you. I was just telling Andolf it was time to quit playing games, that you wouldn’t be in the mood.”
“Damn right.” Seth marched over to Andolf and leaned down until he was inches from the man’s face. “I don’t care about you or your prince. You’re going to tell me where to find Kam and how to get her back. One way or the other.”
“I have told you. She’s in Cyrilia.”
“And where is it? There must be a portal.” When Andolf didn’t answer, Seth grabbed the front of his shirt and shook him. “Are you hard of hearing? Where’s the damned portal?”
“Even if you find it, you can’t access it without the keycode. Which I don’t have,” Andolf rushed to add. “Only our leaders have it.”
Seth shoved him back in the chair. “That’s a start. Now give me some details, beginning with a location.”
While Brunic leaned against the far wall, Seth and Rhyden peppered the captive with questions. But no matter how much they threatened or cajoled, Andolf failed to give them a precise location.
“It’s in the swamp.” The
prisoner jutted his jaw. “But that’s all I can tell you. I’d never betray my people.”
“Yeah, sure,” Seth said. “Or maybe you don’t really know how to get there on your own. How’s it feel to be deserted like this?” He switched tactics. “Why are you stealing from the drug gangs?”
Andolf’s head jerked up. “What?” He stopped and licked his lips. “I don’t know anything about that.”
“No? You’ve been raiding drug houses. Do you need money? Or have the moon elves taken to using narcotic substances?”
The Cyrilian leaned back, acting more confident now, and Seth wondered why.
“You’re mistaken. Why would we use drugs? They have little effect on us. And I know nothing about any raids.” He leaned forward. “I don’t even know why I’m here. What am I supposed to have done?”
“I caught you sneaking around outside our guild. Were you hoping to rob us too?”
“Rob you? No. I thought I saw another elf. I was going to introduce myself. I had no idea you’d be so hostile.” Andolf’s expression was bland.
Seth mentally threw up his hands, turned away, and ran a hand over his face. Andolf had been waiting for that question with a prepared response. But his initial reaction to the drug gangs had been authentic. Unrehearsed. He’d seemed disconcerted, almost scared, and then his demeanor changed, his confidence returned. Was it something Seth had said? The man was hiding something important enough it frightened him.
Dammit. This wasn’t helping to find Kam. He was getting sidetracked. After she was safely home, he’d worry about the guilds and the drug gangs and the CIA and all the rest of it. Right now, he didn’t even care why the Cyrilians had taken her, not unless it helped to get her back. He just wanted her home.
Rhyden tapped him on the shoulder and motioned for Brunic to join them. “Let’s step outside.” When the door closed behind them, Rhyden shook his head. “This is getting us nowhere. We’d be better off searching than talking to this jerk. Except we’re too exhausted. If we don’t sleep soon, we’re going to drop. What shall we do with him?”