“You, reaper, are an idiot.” I rose, walked across, and hugged him as fiercely as Tao had me only moments before. Then I stepped back and gave him a somewhat stern look. “The thing is, I not only want this child, but lots of little brothers and sisters for him as well. You’d better start preparing, reaper, because you have a lot of work ahead of you.”
“A task I look forward to.” He tapped my nose lightly. “And now, you should do what we came here to do.” And let us hope that Markel still watches, not Janice Myer.
Because if it was Janice, I might have to kill her, as I had Nick Krogan. Just thinking about the possibility had my stomach turning over.
I returned to the sofa, got comfortable, then closed my eyes. In very short time, I was back on the fields. The fates were with us for a change—Markel was our watcher.
He smiled and gave me a somewhat formal bow as I appeared. I take it you have come here because of Hunter’s recent actions.
So you know about Jack’s disappearance?
I am charged with following you astrally, remember. I heard your conversation with your uncle.
Ah. Bugger. Does that mean you haven’t heard anything else on the grapevine?
The event is only recent, so no. He paused. I would doubt if even Harry has more knowledge of it, as I would imagine the murder of her brother is something Hunter wouldn’t advertise. It would set off too many alarms within the council.
I snorted softly. And her recent behavior hasn’t been enough to do that?
He half smiled. Well, no, because she is a very old vampire, and old vampires tend to have peaks and troughs when it comes to behavior.
So they’re viewing her whole “I will take the keys from hell and rule you all” as nothing more than one of those troughs? Because you and I know it’s a lot more than that.
He nodded. But not all the councillors feel that way; otherwise, Harry would not have contacted you.
He contacted me because he wanted me to fight Hunter for him, I retorted. It had nothing to do with the council’s desires and everything to do with his own.
Not just his, Markel said, a slight hint of censure in his mental tones, but for the good of all. You’ve seen what she has become. Do you honestly think someone who would kill her own brother—who also happened to be the one person who has had any sort of influence over her in recent years—should be allowed to remain in control, be it on the council or at the Directorate?
No, I don’t, but I also think it’s a bit rich to expect me to do what you, Stanford, and a whole other bunch of very old vampires fear to.
Sometimes, life isn’t fair. I would have thought you’d have learned that after all that has happened recently.
Oh, I’d learned it, all right—that didn’t mean I had to be happy about it. Is there any way we can uncover whether Jack is alive or not?
Markel was shaking his head even before I’d finished speaking. None. If the Directorate and your uncle cannot find any trace of him, then he has surely been destroyed by her.
Meaning destroyed as in eaten, I thought with a shiver, as she’d eaten the Jorõgumo, the shape-shifting spider spirit who’d foolishly chosen Hunter’s lover as one of her victims. I hated to think Jack had died that way—and I hoped like hell that he’d at least had a chance to defend himself. That he’d got in a blow or two and made the bitch pay for her betrayal before she’d consumed him.
My stomach threatened to rise in my throat again. I swallowed heavily and said, I still think it’s worth asking Stanford if he knows anything. There’s always a chance—a very small chance—that she’s not quite as bloodthirsty or insane as we think.
I might not actually believe it, but for Jack’s sake, I couldn’t help hoping for a miracle.
Insanity is something no maenad can escape, Markel said. The close contact with their god, and the rituals they perform, usually send them over the edge sooner rather than later. Hunter has held on to her sanity centuries more than most, but these last few years have proven even she is not immune to the fate of her sisters.
I take it, then, that you do not wish to contact Stanford at this present time and actually ask him about Jack?
He raised an eyebrow, expression suddenly amused. On the contrary, Harry has already been contacted and is on the way.
That surprised me. I studied him for a moment, then said, Telepathy?
Indeed. He paused. How do you think we reported to Hunter? She is not the type to wait until the end of a shift to hear an update.
I hadn’t actually thought about it. I paused. That makes Janice Myer something of a threat moving forward.
She’s certainly a threat if you find the key while she is on duty. She will report immediately to Hunter—and if you think Hunter will not take action right away to acquire said key, then you are a fool.
I know she will, which is why everyone I care about—except Rhoan—is somewhere safe.
You’re not. Markel’s voice was grim. And she will come after you the minute you find it. No one else. Just you. And if you think she has no way to counter the presence of your reaper, then you had better think again.
The only thing that can stop Azriel is magic. And death—and to kill him, she had to catch him unawares—not an easy task given he was well aware of her intentions when it came to him. I hesitated, then asked the question for which I really didn’t want confirmation. Is she capable of that? Aside from the magic her god gives her, that is.
Hunter is capable of many things, a new voice said. Including, I suspect, the darker art of magic.
Harry Stanford appeared to one side of Markel. He was little more than a shadow, though his green eyes once again glowed with an eerie fire. And from what I could see of his expression, he was not happy. But that wasn’t actually a surprise, given that Hunter was gearing up for a takeover he wanted to prevent, and one of the key players in his prevention plan wasn’t playing the game.
But you’ve never seen her actually perform it, have you?
I’ve never seen her consume someone in a maenad fever, either, but I’m nevertheless aware that she has and does.
Unhappiness and frustration rolled from his shadowed form, rippling the ether surrounding us and washing across my astral skin; the sensation was unpleasant, itchy.
Good point, I said. What do you know about Jack’s disappearance?
Nothing more than you, at this point. His tone was grim. But it is worth noting that killing Jack is the one thing we all thought she would never do. If she has, then it is the greatest sign we have that we are no longer dealing with a rational mind.
What about the rest of the council? How have they reacted?
In general, with disbelief. He shrugged. But those who would oppose Hunter are already in our camp. This event will not change anyone else’s mind.
Why? Because they fear to cross her?
Generally, yes, Markel said. And let’s be honest here; she is worthy of such fear.
Then surely you can understand my reluctance to get involved in any sort of confrontation with her?
What I understand, Stanford said, tone even grimmer, is that if you continue as you are—totally unprepared to battle a woman with the force of a god at her back—then you will not only die, but condemn this world to one of darkness and hell.
He was right. I knew that. But, by the same token, I couldn’t help holding on to the fragile—and no doubt futile—hope that somehow I could find the key and avoid any sort of confrontation with the bitch.
Have you contacted your ghostly friend? The one who knows how to counter the powers of a maenad?
Just for a moment, Stanford’s eyes glowed even more fiercely. Elation, hope—I wasn’t sure which, because his expression didn’t actually change much.
I have. We were working on the particulars when I was summoned here.
And what, precisely, are the particulars?
As I have said before, to have any hope against her, you must first disconnect her access to her god and his powe
rs.
How will the disconnection help?
If she can’t access her god, she can’t access the strength and power of the maenad.
I snorted. Meaning I’d only be confronting a mad ancient vampire capable of performing ordinary magic. What a relief that would be.
Your sarcasm is misplaced, Stanford said, expression annoyed. You are an Aedh armed with a demon sword, and more than a match under normal circumstances.
Hunter wasn’t normal, though. Neither were the circumstances. So how do you intend to cut her access to her god?
With magic, of course. He shrugged. I cannot tell you the details, because I am not magic proficient. It does, however, involve a type of warding shield, similar in style to what currently guards the Brindle.
I frowned. Meaning we have to get her to that location for it to work?
Yes.
But won’t she sense the magic before she goes in?
No, because we won’t actually enable the magic until she is within the building.
I really don’t think it’ll be that easy—
She wants the key, Markel cut in. If you have it as bait, she will come. Believe that, if nothing else.
I did believe it. I just didn’t believe Hunter would walk willingly or unprepared into any sort of trap. I glanced at Stanford. Hunter’s well aware of your plot to dispose of her—aren’t you afraid you’re next on the hit list?
A smile touched his lips, but the light glittering in his eyes turned cold, harsh. She has already made one attempt on my life.
Markel raised an eyebrow. When?
Stanford glanced at him. At the same time that the other councillors were assassinated. She sent Cazadors.
Markel’s anger shot across the astral plan, so strong it felt as if the very foundations of the place were trembling. She has no right to use the Cazadors as her own private kill squad.
No, but even Cazadors are not immune to the promise of power. And that is what she offered them, Markel.
Them. Meaning Hunter had sent more than one Cazador after Stanford, and he still beat them. I’d been right before—Stanford was every bit as dangerous as Hunter, just in an entirely different way.
You know this for a fact? Markel asked.
Stanford nodded. I questioned them.
Who? There was an odd sense of urgency—perhaps even a touch of . . . not fear, but something close to it—in that one simple word.
Frances Halberry and Edward Appleton. Stanford paused, his expression sympathetic. I am sorry.
Markel briefly closed his eyes. I would have sworn neither could have been swayed by her.
Were they your friends? I asked softly.
Markel’s gaze met mine. In the dark depths of his eyes, rage burned—a rage that was deep, fierce, and close to uncontrolled. Berserker, I thought with a shiver. Uncle Quinn had mentioned once, long ago, that the berserker mentality was often a result of being a Cazador for too long. And becoming berserker, these days, was a death sentence. I hated the thought of that happening to Markel, because he actually seemed a pretty decent person otherwise.
Yes, he said, voice clipped. And I cannot believe they would willingly go to their death on the promise of power from a madwoman.
I didn’t say anything. There wasn’t really anything I could say, as I didn’t know his friends. But I certainly knew firsthand that Hunter wasn’t above playing dirty if it meant getting what she wanted. It was also a sad fact that the desire for power sometimes struck the most innocuous people.
They were given a clean death, Stanford said softly. I did that much for them, at least.
Markel took a deep breath and released it slowly. Thank you.
Stanford’s gaze returned to me. Do not be surprised if Hunter contacts you to demand the key be found sooner rather than later. And I would warn your uncle to be wary; she has more support in the Directorate than he imagines.
He knows that. I hesitated. How soon will you be ready to move, if needed?
It will take a few more hours to prepare the wards, Stanford said. I will arrange to have the address sent to you as soon as we are ready.
I frowned. Why not just meet here on the astral plane again?
Janice Myer takes over the watch in one hour, Markel said. While I am willing to take her out if absolutely necessary, to do so would alert Hunter of not only where my allegiances lie, but also that her opposition is on the move.
It is better she believes us caught flat-footed, Stanford said. Besides, I would not put it past her to place her own people on the plane, watching the watchers.
I hadn’t thought of that possibility. How do I contact you if something goes wrong or I decide to accept your help?
Your reaper can always contact either of us, Stanford said. Myer cannot track him, and as long as you keep your discussions with him in regards to this matter telepathic, no one will be the wiser.
Fine, I said grimly. But accepting your help will only be an absolutely last choice.
Stanford bowed, the movement holding a slightly mocking edge. I will nevertheless be prepared, as I believe we both know that your last choice is the only choice you actually have.
With that, he disappeared. I glanced at Markel. He’s an arrogant bastard, isn’t he?
Not arrogant as much as determined that Hunter’s shadow will not linger over the council longer than now necessary.
I snorted. And, of course, he’ll just happen to step into her shoes once she’s gone.
If you mean he would assume her position on the council, then no, he wouldn’t. Markel’s mental tones held a hint of censure. That can only be done through direct challenge, and he has no intention of doing that.
No, because he wanted me to do it for him. Then what happens when she’s dead?
The rules of ascension come into play. If there is more than one candidate, they will fight, with the survivor taking Hunter’s place. Harry is not old enough to ascend to her position so would not be in consideration. The censure that had been evident in his voice appeared in his expression. Do not judge those you do not know based on your experiences with Hunter. Not all vampires—or indeed councillors—serve their own interests first and foremost. Not even Hunter did that initially.
And that was me told, I thought with amusement. I’m sorry if I misjudged your friend, Markel, but it’s kinda hard not to, given all the contacts I’ve had with Hunter and the council have not exactly been great experiences.
He nodded. And I’m afraid that is likely to continue until Hunter is gone and equilibrium restored. In the meantime, be careful. There are still those within council ranks who believe the simplest solution to the current situation would be to kill you.
Isn’t that just what I need at this point in time—the fucking council coming after me rather than the madwoman they’ve left in charge of the whole zoo.
You, Markel said with a smile, are seen as the easier option. You are not, of course, but Hunter has kept them relatively unaware of that.
Then they are bigger fools than I’d already thought. I hesitated. You’d better be careful yourself, Markel. If she is the slightest bit aware of your friendship with Stanford, you may well be next on her hit list.
Of that, I am well aware. But thank you for the concern.
I nodded. Talk to you later.
And with that, I returned to my body. As awareness of my immediate surrounds began to return, I did nothing more than breathe deep in a vague attempt to wash the tiredness and the need for sleep from my limbs. But after several minutes, the rather enticing scent of coffee mingling with the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread invaded my awareness and made my stomach rumble. I opened my eyes and sat up. Azriel leaned against the front of my desk, his arms crossed and amusement in his expression. Beside him, on the desk, was a large mug and the thickest steak sandwich I’d ever seen. My mouth began watering just looking at it.
“You could have told me you’d arranged food,” I said, getting up. “I would have stirred faster
.”
“You needed the rest, however brief, more than you needed the food. Besides, I figured your olfactory senses would kick in sooner rather than later.”
“And you were right.” I picked up the sandwich and bit into it as I parked my butt on the desk beside his. It was every bit as delicious as it looked.
As much as I dislike the idea, it was wise to ask Stanford to prepare for a possible confrontation. Especially if Hunter is capable of the darker arts.
I’m protected against the darker arts, so that’s not so much a concern. I glanced at him as I munched. You, however, are not.
It takes a lot of preparation and power to trap a reaper, he said. But I nevertheless will be cautious.
Good. I finished the rest of the sandwich in quick order, then licked the remaining juices from my fingers and said, Do you think Markel was correct that some of the council still considers me a risk?
Undoubtedly.
Taking me out won’t negate Hunter’s madness.
No. His mental tones were somewhat grim. But it is entirely possible that, given she has just murdered the most vocal of her opponents on the council, those who are neither with her nor against her might believe their only option now is to take out the bigger threat in the equation—and that is Hunter gaining control of the hell portal. The easiest way to do that is to kill you.
I guess. I took a sip of coffee. Surely Hunter will know that’s a possibility, though, and take steps against it.
Perhaps. Perhaps not. His gaze met mine. If there is one thing I have learned in my time here on Earth, it is that human thought processes are not logical at the best of times. When someone has stepped onto the field of insanity, determining what they may or may not think or do is beyond even the ability of the fates to guess.
Meaning we had better watch out for an attack out of left field?
Confusion flickered briefly across his expression. Left field?
I grinned. Yeah, you know, something totally unexpect—
I cut the explanation off as the phone rang yet again. I pulled it from my pocket and hit the Answer button. Stane’s image appeared on the screen, and he looked rather harassed.
I frowned. “What’s wrong?”