Dragon 2 Chapter 24

I was almost a little embarrassed at how well Scarlett worked me over in just fifteen minutes.

“Is it really different?”

She licked at her fingers. “Oh yeah. I wonder if it has anything to do with you unlocking your shifting?”

I remembered what Morgana had said the other night at the club. “Morgana mentioned that my blood smelled better afterwards.”

“Good enough for me.” She scratched at her thigh. “Damn, I think it might even be healing me.”

I raised a brow in question, wondering where she was injured.

“Down there, the reason we are on a pause. I can feel it doing the whole itchy healing thing that potions do sometimes.” She wiggled uncomfortably in her skintight jeans before settling down. “But we need to go.”

I opened the door, finding Morgana lounging against the wall outside of my room.

“Hope you two had a nice chance to relax.” She grumbled. “If I’d had time for a proper bachelor party, you could have had the best relaxation.”

“I don’t think you’re supposed to have sex at a bachelor party.” I mentioned, now becoming a bit more concerned about what she had planned.

“Not if you do them wrong.” Morgana scoffed, whipping her ponytail around as she kicked off the wall. “Come on, before someone throws a hissy fit that we are late.”

Scarlett clung to my arm, folding her hands so the ring would be noticeably on display. It didn’t have a gemstone in it, but I’d need more than fire breath and sharp claws to make a delicate setting for a ring. Maybe one day.

We entered the door that brought us to the council chamber, and Scarlett gave me a peck on the cheek before flitting off to go take her spot up in the onlooker area. Morgana and I weren’t as lucky, taking the main hallway into the pit. I wasn’t sure what it was officially called, but I liked to call it the pit.

We were a few minutes late, but I wasn’t one bit sorry after my time with Scarlett.

The space we walked into was like the floor of an arena. It was a flat circular space, and above us, sitting around the lip, was the council. Although at the moment they were in a less domineering lighting than before when I’d been forced to come and duel an elf, I’d apparently offended. This time, the pit even had an array of chairs.

I took a seat and looked around. More than a few familiar faces were here. Sir Benifolt and Sabrina sat together, the Order of the Magi leadership minus Jared were present, and a few vaguely familiar magi that I might have seen at the hotel were in attendance.

Up above the council, I spotted some heavy hitters. Rupert, Sebastian and the Summer Queen dominated the lesser members, and I looked to where I remember Brent, Kelly’s father, had sat. His seat lay empty.

Sebastian rose as Morgana and I sat down. “Will Jared Nashner be present?” He asked the magi in general.

“I’m here.” Jared strode in, looking in perfect health and wearing a new pinstripe suit. “Thanks for waiting.”

“Good. It seems everyone is here, and I’m sure we are all aware of why this session was called.” Sebastian started the meeting. “A rogue agent has been attacking paranormal and magi in the city for the last few days. Tonight, there was a large-scale attack, one that we thought it best to discuss as a larger group.”

Florita the sorceress snorted. “A discussion is between equals, which I can say this setting is not very conducive to. Generally equals don’t sit far above the others.” She eyed the position of the council. Despite the comfortable chairs that had been laid out in the pit, it was still a very domineering position.

Leaning back in my own chair, I laced my fingers behind my head and relaxed.

“Apologies, but this is for our protection. Magi have been behind the attacks on paranormals in our city.” Rupert supplied as a small commotion of high squeals sounded behind him, cutting him off.

I didn’t know what caused the commotion until Detective Fox looked like he wanted to kill me.

Ah, Scarlett showed off her ring.

“Magi have done nothing of the sort. Trolls killed dozens of magi tonight. Some other paranormal was behind it all.” Jared crossed his arms, not taking a seat. “You should be explaining to us why the paranormal have decided to attack the magi.”

What little respect I had for Jared vanished. He clearly came meaning to further divide the group, working to shift the blame to the paranormals.

For his own goals, it made sense. But in order to resolve this situation, it was downright counterproductive. But maybe to him, the resolution and peace between the groups didn’t matter.

His words sparked discussion among the other magi present.

“Hardly.” Sir Benifolt spoke up, and people quieted to listen. “I along with several others working for the paranormal council AND Jared himself, witnessed three warlocks behind the attack tonight. They created a magic circle that lured the trolls, causing the transmutation and translocation spells that occurred at the hotel tonight.”

Jared stood straight. “A Native American myth was behind all of that. Three warlocks were manipulated into believing they were doing what was right.”

“Are you also being manipulated by your patron? Warlock.” Sir Benifolt threw that down like a gauntlet. “Tonight I saw you bearing the templar’s cross, and a blessed sword. You serve the angelics and are a warlock, the same as those you fought tonight. The only differences between you are the choices you yourself make as a magus.”

“Is this true? Do you work for The Church now?” Sebastian asked with a poker face. “That would make me question our prior discussion where you stepped in to assure us that the magi had a group to look into the issue. Was that you intervening on The Church’s behalf?”

“Yes.” Jared said proudly. “I was within my right as a templar of Raguel to mete out justice as I saw fit. Two of the three warlocks responsible were killed. Unfortunately, the third managed to complete their workings.”

I nearly fell out of my chair. He seemed to have forgotten some key details.

Morgana wasn’t nearly as tactful. The drow vampire burst into laughter so hard her chair wobbled.

“Morgana Silverwing, is there something you’d like to add?” Sebastian turned towards her. He didn’t seem as annoyed at the outburst as I would have expected.

Given she had protected me when I killed Simon, I would have thought he’d still be an ass.

“Sorry. It’s just that Jared left out a few details. My partner and I killed two warlocks after Jared set off the spell, despite warnings. He failed to kill the third, who then was able to trigger the spell.”

Eyes around the room pivoted to Jared, who stood looking calm, although I saw his fingers twitching in a sign of his annoyance.

Simon spoke again. “Ah. Those are a few details. Sir Benifolt, I am told you were also present. Are there additional details that would make the situation clearer to everyone?”

“While Jared did set the spell off early, that was after my own failed attempt to disarm it safely. Setting it off early might be the only thing that saved those further up the hotel. As for the merits of combat, Morgana spoke true.” The old man’s words seemed to shift the opinion of the magi on the floor.

Sebastian paused to collect his thoughts and then pushed the conversation forward. “It would seem that both the magi and paranormal communities have some blame in the matter at hand, and both the communities at large were working in an effort to resolve the conflict. A few rogue agents cause strife and are to blame. Does anybody object?”

No one spoke up, the room falling silent.

I decided to move the conversation along. Blame did us little good, and I was ready to figure out the actions we could take. “If we are done with pointing fingers, what are we going to do about this? We have some magi partially converted into trolls and others fully transformed and kidnapped. They need our help.”

“A cure needs to be found for the magi.” Florita spoke up for The Order. “That must be a priority.”

“What about those who were taken?” A young magus spoke up.

Both of them had addressed the council with their questions, clearly thinking the council needed to step up.

“The best cure would likely be killing the god behind this all.” The Summer Queen spoke for the first time. “Would the magi like to try their hand at that?” The room was quiet. “How about you, templar? Will The Church come and deal with this old native american god?”

“No.” Jared said resolutely. “They would not actively seek a battle of that scale. A group of templars would need to be assembled to even hope of taking care of it.”

“Then I would propose those here in the city with a stake in this band together to deal with the old god.” The Summer Queen declared.

It went against Morgana’s expectations.

“Who’ll deal with the god himself?” I asked.

There was a pause in the crowd as no one volunteered.

The Summer Queen put her chin against her knuckles. “I cannot. I’m out of season and it is the mortal world. It would be a danger to the Faerie Realm. I could, however, seek the Winter Queen’s assistance, but I would need the workings of a number of magi.”

“What form would this assistance take?” Morgana seemed interested.

“A barrier spell and cutting him off from his power, that is the best I could offer.”

“We’ll take it, for the right price.” Morgana grinned wide enough for her fangs to show.

“By yourself?” Florita scoffed. “Impossible.”

“Oh no. Not me. My partner.” Morgana hooked a thumb at me. “He’s more of the god killing type. Look at how broody he looks.”

An unprofessional sigh escaped me. “I’m not broody.”

Rupert leaned down from his seat. “Are you sure you want to take this on?” But Jadelyn appeared at his side and whispered into his ear. He did a double take. “Absolutely not.”

She whispered into his ear again insistently.

“Never mind. It would seem my daughter has all the confidence that you can handle this.”

His comment aroused more than curiosity in the magi around me and the paranormal council above.

“Then this assistance from the Winter Queen? What do we need?” I asked the Summer Queen.

“The help of at least a dozen wizards and time.” She looked at the magi. “Can you commit to that?”

Sir Benifolt spoke for the magi. “I’ll make sure you have two dozen. How long do you need them?”

She waffled her head back and forth, shaking out her long, green hair. “All of tomorrow. This is not a small working. We will be summoning a piece of Faerie temporarily to cut him off and let the Winter Queen exert power over him. Moreover, it will need to be mobile. I doubt we’ll be lucky enough to spend twenty hours setting up a ritual and just having him walk into it.”

“It can be done.” Sir Benifolt bowed. “I’m honored to be involved in a working this complex with you.”

“So tomorrow night.” I clarified. “We need to know where he is.”

“A translocation spell like was used at the hotel is only good for about a dozen miles.” Sir Benifolt explained. “Any farther and it becomes unpredictable. Meaning all the magi and trolls from tonight are still in the city. It also needs an endpoint with someone powerful enough to draw all of them at once.”

“Which would have been Nat’alet himself.” I finished.

“Rightly so.” The old wizard agreed. “So he’s here.”

I looked at the council. “While the wizards prepared for the Winter Queen, can the paranormal council provide men to figure out where Nat’alet is holed up in our city?”

“We will do our part.” Rupert agreed. “I would like a moment to speak with you after this.”

“Of course.” I did a small, polite nod. “Father.”

The way he almost choked was priceless.

“There is still another matter before we conclude.” Jared scowled at me. “My sword.”

Morgana came to my aid. “You attacked Zach. He disarmed you and took your weapon. That is neither a matter for the council or something unfair.”

“I agree.” Rupert said from above. “You two can work out your personal matter. It would seem, though, that The Church has receded their support in the problem we are facing. As far as I’m concerned, you’ve dismissed yourself.”

Jared did a slow turn, noticing more than a few hostile expressions around him. He had denied support when the other factions had come together. He’d become the outsider. “I see. Like the other magi, I have canceled my travel for tomorrow. I do hope I won’t be needed.”

With that, he stormed out, and I wondered if that was the last I was going to see of him for this, or if he’d manage to rear his ugly head once again.

“Morgana, I thought they weren’t going directly for Nat’alet?” This had been outside her earlier predictions.

She shrugged. “Everyone is taking a back seat in this one and if I had to guess the Faerie know him, otherwise Summer couldn’t offer up Winter’s power so readily.”

“Anything we need to be worried about?” I asked, not wanting more surprises.

“No use wasting worries on it now. Come on.” Morgana stood. “I need to go get my beauty rest if we’re going to go up against a god.”

“I thought you said I was fighting him.”

“Just making you look good in front of everyone. Of course I’m going to help. This isn’t some silly training exercise. This is the real deal and we are partners.” Morgana clapped me on the shoulder. “Besides, I haven’t tasted god blood in quite some time.”

She strolled off with that comment, leaving me a little confused. Was that just a joke, or had Morgana gone up against this sort of thing before?

Oh well, I would soon learn if she was up to this sort of task. For now, I had a soon to be father-in-law to talk to.

Taking the stairs I’d seen Scarlett take before, I was stopped by two tough looking guards before being waved through.

Up here, the main council seats around the ring each had several more fanning out behind them, confidants, and seconds. Along with a small troop of guards that seemed to be mixed from all the present species of paranormal.

“Zach.” Jadelyn was first to get up and greet me, grabbing my hand and pulling me through the crowd. “Welcome to the council.” She smiled so wide that it forced her eyes into a squint.

“Fancy digs.” I joked, they all had modern comforts. I half expected them to be sitting on stone thrones carved ten thousand years ago, or something otherwise overly ostentatious.

“No, while some of us might be old enough to remember sitting I stone seats.” Rupert looked over at the elves and the Faerie. “Some of us grew up with nice upholstery for our furniture. How are you?”

I took his hand and shook it. “Good enough. A few tussles tonight but otherwise, I came out just fine.”

“A few trolls and a templar shouldn’t be impossible if you think you can take on this Nat’alet. Even if he’s weakened and further weakened by the Winter Queen.” Rupert fixed me with a look that would have chilled lesser men. “Are you sure you can do this?”

“There are no guarantees in life. But I have solid odds. Not to mention Morgana will be there as backup.” I couldn’t say that I’d walk away tomorrow night without lying. Anything could happen.

“At least you aren’t stupid. I think we should cancel your and Jadelyn’s arrangement tomorrow.” Rupert said it with the sort of finality that it wasn’t really a suggestion.

Jadelyn jumped at him. “Absolutely not. I have no doubt he’ll be back tomorrow night and I’m willing to stake myself as collateral.”

Rupert’s brows shot up in surprise. “Daughter, I think I might have spoiled you too many times. Stop for a moment and consider what you are risking.”

“I’m risking nothing, father. You don’t understand, Zach will be fine.” She smiled at me. “Won’t you?”

“How could I not come back if someone like you is waiting for me?” Then I saw Scarlett. Scarlett had a worried look on her face. So instead of being realistic, I decided to reassure them all. “Both of you. I’m clearly too lucky. I’ll be fine.”

Sometimes comforting them, even if in only a small way was worth tempting fate.

Rupert grunted, still not convinced. “I’ll be discussing this with your mother.”

Jadelyn smiled as if she’d already won and grabbed my arm, pulling me away before me and her father broke out into another conflict. “Are you really going to fight this god?” She asked. Scarlett came up and grabbed my other arm and we meandered around the area, just enjoying being with each other.

“Morgana is going to help, and it sounds like the Winter Queen is even going to pitch in. By the way, what’s with that?” I looked to make sure no Faerie were around me.

“I’m almost positive there’s at least a few attacks we don’t know about.” Scarlett spoke up. “They hit the Faerie, I’d bet money on it.”

I gave a soft whistle. That was a stupid move.

“You don’t get off that easy. Are you sure you can handle this?”

“No?” It came out as a question. “But if Morgana has confidence in it, then I’m willing to try. I’ll never know what I’m capable of if I don’t push myself.”

“But a god?” Scarlett tried again.

“A heavily weakened god with the support of two other powerful paranormals. Besides, there’s got to be precedent. How scary is one of my kind known to be?”

“Not sure.” Jadelyn bit her lip. “Most of your kind stay hidden. Obviously, the bronze in Dubai is tough enough. He’s not worried about anyone.”

Scarlett added. “Dragons were killed early in the 17th century conflict. The church threw everything at them. They didn’t want to send down angelics until the dragons were gone. So I guess pretty fucking scary, still I can’t help but worry.”

“Baah. Enough of that.” I wanted to push past the worry. “What can I expect tomorrow? What do I wear?”

“Cheap suit.” Jadelyn answered quickly. “Don’t wear anything you want to use again. Otherwise, just come ready.” She blushed at the final part. I knew that was at least involved.

“Not going to let me in on the big secret, are you?”

“It’s more fun to surprise you.”

Scarlett broke the two of us up before we could kiss. “It’s midnight, and I’m afraid your pumpkin is about to expire Jade. Not to mention you shouldn’t see the bride on your wedding day. Bad luck and we certainly don’t want to accrue any of that for you.” Scarlett had a smirk on her face as she pulled Jadelyn off, who looked at me wistfully.

I was looking forward to tomorrow.

“Young love.” The Summer Queen said behind me. “Like blossoms in spring. Beautiful, short and something to be savored.”

“Hello, we haven’t formally met.” I extended my hand. “I’m Zach.”

“Charmed.” She took my hand daintily. “We don’t often need Morgana’s assistance, but we do keep track of her for when we do. Pleasure to meet you. Though I must admit I am vexed. What are you?”

Those gold eyes of hers bore into me with almost a physical weight.

“I’d prefer to keep that close for now.” Figuring honesty was the best policy when it came to Faerie. Maybe it was just a myth, but I wasn’t about to get into a war of words with her.

She gave a soft, thoughtful hum. “I can’t even see past the veil put over you. Incredibly strong. We like strong and the Faerie Courts aren’t stupid enough to make an enemy out of you off the start. I heard about your tussle with the elves.”

Ah. Now it made sense. This was a recruitment conversation. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“That’s all I can ask. But I’d mention that the Spring and Summer Courts make for some of the most beautiful get aways and word is you might be honeymooning soon.” She let go of my hand. “Think about it, and all you have to do is ask.”

With that, the Summer Queen turned and left without waiting for a reply.

What strange people. There was just an oddness and alien quality to the interaction with the Faerie Queen.

But that was behind me. I had a great day to look forward to tomorrow.