Chapter 58
The morrow came quickly, and brought with it bright sunlight that streamed through the small crack in the window shades. My body and mind came awake slowly, and for but a minuscule fraction of a moment, I forgot that I had arrived home. A home which had been ravaged by an unknown enemy. A home that was now in mourning over the dead. A home that I was now expected to comfort.
"You literally just woke up. What's there to frown about?"
I turned my head to the side and spotted my mate sitting in the newly installed sofa by the window. In his hand, he held a large ceramic mug that smelled strongly of freshly brewed coffee.
"We do not store coffee beans inside the coven walls." I commented.
"And that's a damn shame." He took a sip "Is that another rule here or something? What's coffee ever done to you?"
"Not a rule." I began. "Blood-drinkers have a heightened sense of smell, and the scent of coffee beans is already pungent in its own right."
He raised a brow. "And?"
"Therefore, the scent alone feels similar to a sensory overload. It is not pleasant." I finished; wrinkling my nose in distaste.
He glanced at his mug for a moment, then his eyes settled on me once more. "I mentioned coffee in passing to Kaio at dinner last night and one of your other drudges made it for me a few minutes ago."
The corner of my mouth raised in a half smile of its own accord. "It seems someone has taken a liking to you."
He shrugged. "The drudge with the cute freckles."
"Ah. Mary." I told him. "She is the youngest on staff, though a great many years older than you I should add.
"So are you." He replied with a chuckle. "Is there a reason you're telling me this?"
I turned my eyes to the ceiling. "Informational purposes of course."
Tony rolled his eyes. "Of course."
"Since we will be here for a while, perhaps it is time you formed bonds with others here. Kaio will not always be there to entertain you."
"Why? Where's he going?" he asked with a frown.
"I simply meant that as my personal drudge, he has many duties to attend to. He will not be present as often as you would like."
"I'm a big boy Rien. I think I'll manage." He replied, before taking yet another sip of the offending beverage.
There came a knock on the door, and Tony set down his now empty mug. I could hear the drudge Mary taking unnecessarily deep breaths outside the door.
"Why did you lock it?" I asked him as he stood.
"Because not everybody needs to see what goes on in here. You should start locking it from now on."
"Nonsense." I waved away his words. "What is there to conceal? Intercourse is hardly an offensive act."
"I like my privacy." He said simply, but with a frown. As I lay there, I watched as made his way toward me in three quick strides and pulled the covers up and over my nakedness.
I laughed at his antics, and he ignored me as he made his way across the room and flung open the chamber door.
Mary's face flushed the moment she lay eyes on him; much to my surprise. "Y—Your meal, as requested Master T—Tony." She held the food tray towards him.
"Thanks Freckles." Tony pulled it from her hands and Mary's eyes went wide in surprise.
"Interesting." I murmured to myself.
"Enter drudge." I said before she could slip away. She followed quickly behind my mate and bowed low when she saw me.
"My Lord." Came her quiet greeting, and as was custom, she did not meet my eyes.
"You are excused from your duties today." I said. "You will accompany us on our tour around the coven grounds at noon."
Another bow. "Very well my Lord."
I waved a hand. "That will be all."
"Yes my Lord."
Tony waited until she had closed the door behind her before he spoke.
"I thought you had an all-day meeting with your dad today."
I sat up against the headboard. "Another day will surely cause him no great inconvenience."
Tony took a bite out of his rather large sandwich.
"Why'd you ask her to come along?"
"She fancies you and now I am intrigued."
Tony shook his head. "No she doesn't. She's a vampire."
"So am I."
"That's...different."
"How so?"
He seemed to think on the matter for a moment before he offered his reply.
"It took me weeks to get you to even look at me, and when you finally did, it was only because I annoyed the shit out of you." He explained. "Today's the first time me and Freckles have even exchanged a word."
"You do not see yourself clearly my love." I told him. "I was enthralled by you since the first day you approached me and insulted my robes."
He snorted. "Sure."
"The night we met I was merely passing through your town. Do you really think it so fascinating in that dirty little village that I would choose to remain there for any length of time?" I asked. "I stayed because you caught my interest. There were days when I would follow the scent of your blood through the streets without a thought."
Tony chewed in slowly. "So, you're saying you pretended to hate me in the beginning?"
I laughed. "Oh no. Make no mistake; I hated you. I hated the very sight of you. I hated your constant chatter, the smell of your blood, the way you would drag your feet as you followed me through the streets. I wanted to strangle you every day that you appeared before me."
He raised a brow. "But?"
"But that was only because you had ensnared me so thoroughly that I could not go even a moment without thoughts of you flitting around in my mind. I hated that you, a mere human child, held such power over me."
"And you're saying your little drudge is feeling the same way?" he asked in disbelief.
"I am simply saying she fancies you. No need to get ahead of yourself." I said, and he laughed.
"Well if that's true then isn't inviting her to come with us a little cruel?" he questioned. "Maybe it's better I kept my distance."
I drew up a leg and rested my arm upon my knee. "I prefer to think that I am doing her a favor."
Tony rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Go to your meeting and stop trying to take your boredom out on your staff."
"My father can wait."
"I've already seen the entire coven by now. What's the point of a tour?"
"Then we shall walk until we come upon a place you have never seen."
He smiled, then turned his complete attention to his breakfast. I took note of the small glass vase that sat atop his tray as decoration. In it, stood a single simple sunflower; broken down from its original height so that it could fit comfortably in its new home.
Young Mary was sweet, but my Tony did not care for flowers and useless baubles. Give him an intricate dagger or a complex puzzle and he would smile for days.
"I've been thinking about my time in the army." He broke the silence after finishing his meal minutes later.
"What of it?"
"There were days when we got ourselves into situations we should have never walked out of. We thought we had some kinda guardian angel out there. I never imagined it would be you and Zahir."
"We gave aid only when strictly necessary. After your one hundred and eighty-second day there, you became quiet adept at the job. Though there was one human who caused us to wonder how he had managed to grow to adulthood. The clumsy fool indeed had some divine power watching over him.
Tony laughed. "Why does that sound so much like Rusty to me?"
"Does he have a lopsided ear?"
"Yeah he does actually."
"Then your Rusty was our clumsy fool. On the tedius days, watching his antics provided us with much entertainment."
He chuckled, then he sighed. "God I miss those guys."
"You will see them again."
"Did they all get out?"
"There were some who chose to remain in service to their country, but they were all given the option.
"How'd you pull it off anyway?"
"That is an unpleasant story for another time."
His eyes narrowed and I smiled. I had wondered when I would see that glare again.
"Tell me you didn't murder anyone."
"I am no villain Tony. There are many ways to persuade humans. And no, torture was also not involved." I said before he could ask. "Let us speak of other things."
The knock which sounded at the door this time was not timid, but confident and sure. We both glanced toward it, and a moment later Kaio entered.
"I apologize for the disturbance my lord" he said in way of greeting. "Your father has sent his drudge to invite you to his work chambers."
"Tell him our meeting is to be delayed for yet another day."
"The drudge was told not to return without you in tow my Lord."
"Then it seems he must remain here until the morrow. Tell Mary we will depart far earlier than planned. Perhaps within the hour."
"Mary, my Lord?"
"Yes."
"The drudge?" Kaio asked with furrowed brows.
"Do you know of another Mary?"
"No my Lord. I shall relay your message." He bowed low, nodded briefly to my mate, and left the way he had come.
.....................................
This was not the home I knew; the war-ravaged buildings, the sullen faces, the strips of black cloth hanging above door posts and the tight feeling of grief that hung in the air around us. This was not the place where I had grown from a fledgling to a warrior. There was a weakness here now. I could no longer sense the people's confidence. I no longer felt their pride. Now there was heartbreak and despair.
The three of us walked along the stone pathways, observing what was left of my home. We would have to rebuild of course; not our homes, but our spirit. The ones responsible would certainly face me in the end, for this I could not let go.
"If I'd known you'd be frowning the whole time, I wouldn't have come." Tony's voice broke through my dark thoughts. I took note of his easy smile, and returned it.
"My home is broken." I told him.
"Then fix it." He patted my abdomen and descended the stone steps leading to the garden. Behind me, Mary was silent. She had yet to utter a solitary word since we had set out two hours prior.
"You are free to speak as you wish." I offered.
"Thank you my Lord." She walked two steps behind me at all times, with her hands clasped in front of her and her head lowered.
Rather than follow Tony on his descent, I paused atop the steps, as did she.
"I have never truly understood why some beings were able to stand passively by rather than fight tooth and nail for what they want." I said. "Come here." I urged her, and she came to stand beside me.
"I am curious." I told her. "What is it that first drew you to him? For me, it was his way of thinking. He does not play games and he does not think in twists and turns. It is as he said; if something is broken then I must fix it. If one is happy then one must smile. When the moon rises we sleep. When it is the day we awake.
"His mind has always been like a breath of fresh air; unlike those of our brethren, who connive and manipulate. I like that my Tony is uncomplicated." I said. "So, I invite you to answer; what is it that first drew you to him?"
Mary's eyes flickered to mine, before escaping once more to the stones beneath her feet.
"I do not understand my Lord."
"I just now told you of my preference for simplicity. Let us not play these games."
Mary twisted her hands before her, and as I watched, beads of sweat began to form along her forehead. She was like a grapefruit; completely uninteresting, uninspiring and easily overlooked.
"I have known it for quite some time." I continued. "Do not think I have not seen the way you watch him; even from the very first day he entered my dwelling place. Where he went, your eyes have always been sure to follow. When he smiles you smile, when he frowns you do the same."
Mary's heart thundered riotously in her chest. It was a wonder how her ribs remained intact.
"At first I had thought it nothing but a passing fancy, but there was something that I saw in your eyes this morning, that made me realize that what you feel for him runs deeper."
"My Lord, I..." She trailed off; eyes filled with unshed tears.
I turned to watch as Tony paused by the pond not far away. He crouched to retrieve a small rock, which he threw in such a way that it skipped along the surface of the water.
"He has that effect on people; my Tony. He held my interest even before he had uttered a single word. So do not think I resent you for this."
"Please forgive me my Lord. I never meant any harm—" she began, but I held up a hand to silence her.
"You never answered my question." I reminded her.
It took her a few moments to gather he courage, and when she did, she began with a distinct stutter.
"H—H—His face my Lord."
"His face?" I question in amusement.
"T—The way his face shows all his emotions. I—I have never seen it before. He cannot hide what he feels, as every emotion passes easily across his face. It m—made him seem honest...my Lord."
This time I smiled. "What else?" I asked. She turned her head to look at him, and I watched the way her eyes softened just at the very sight of him.
"He is kind. He feeds the kittens when he thinks no one watches him. It is why they now flock the back doors. And when he smiles..." she pressed her hands to her heart as she watched him, and a small smile rose to her lips.
"When he smiles it as as though he has stolen the very light from the sun." I finished, and she nodded, then blushed scarlet and turned away again.
We watched him in silence as he skipped his stones across the pond.
"This may be selfish, but I am glad that you care for him. "I said. "For it means that whenever I am away he has yet another person to watch over him and keep him from harm."
Mary watched me with wide eyes that were filled with surprise.
"This is not a safe place for humans, but for the time being he must remain here and I wish for him to have as many allies as possible."
"Of course, my Lord."
I would not admit it, but it had been a nice feeling having someone to speak to about him; however brief the moment. The fact that she too shared a fraction of these feelings meant that she also at least understood just how precious he was to me.
"For you, loving him means a broken heart Mary. For he is mine." I told her moments later, and she bowed her head in shame.
"Of course, I have always known that my lord. Watching him from afar has always been enough."
"Rien what're you doing? Come on!" Tony called out. I took a step down, then turned to look at her.
"He, more than anyone is deserving of your love, but I do hope that in time that feeling will pass. I said. "Though, I have no doubt that it will be a difficult transition."
"Thank you my Lord."
"That will be all."
Mary bowed low, and turned quietly to go. It seemed this particular grapefruit was rather sweet. I descended the steps, and Tony came to meet me at the bottom.
"What was that about?" he asked. I reached up to brush a stray leaf from his hair.
"We spoke of the sun, smiles and stray kittens. Nothing too entertaining."
His brows furrowed but he did not comment on it.
"Riener. Why must you continue to be so predictable?" We both turned at the sound of Marcan's voice, and watched as he descended the steps.
"Your home has been ravaged, yet here you are, frolicking in the gardens with the human."
I gestured to the open land. "You are welcome to join us." I said, and he pursed his lips in obvious disdain.
"Twice now you have disregarded father's invitation. This is not the time to anger him."
I grinned. "You disappoint me brother. How quickly you have slipped back into your cowardice. Were you not the one who conspired with me to end our father's life? Now you have once again reverted to the role of his lapdog."
I grabbed his hand when it was merely a hairsbreadth away from my face, and he howled in agony when I snapped his wrist.
"Do not test my patience Marcan."
"Must you two always fight?" Came Peitre's voice from atop the staircase. Jorlon appeared by his side not a moment later.
"Must you three always travel in a pack?" I asked, sidestepping Marcan, who was clutching the broken wrist so as to prevent it from setting badly.
Jorlon sighed. "Why do we still continue to bicker? I had believed we had formed a close bond during our recent travels.
"You speak as though we had gone on holiday." Marcan gritted out. "You do what is necessary during war."
"Riener's blatant disregard of father's invitation has made him furious. War or no war, we should band together." Jorlon urged.
"Banding together certainly did not prevent Marcan from nearly murdering Noah. I have my doubts about whether it will make much of a difference going forward." I said.
"I wish for peace." Jorlon said. "I grow wary of these constant battles among us."
"I agree. This is hardly the time for pointless banter. Riener, let us attend the meeting so that we may decide on a cause of action to help our people."
"You are a fool if you believe that father intends to discuss our people at this meeting." I said. "Do you not know him by now?"
"What is more important than the attack on our home?" Jorlon questioned in clear confusion.
"He believes that Kandane has betrayed us. His pride is no doubt bruised and that is the only thing he will have on his mind. Any efforts to help our people must be done on our own until he is in the frame of mind to see reason." I said. "I am in no mood to discuss revenge today. I shall visit upon him on the morrow."
"You are wrong." Marcan countered. "This is a time of strive. He may be impulsive, but he is no fool."
I chuckled because I could not help myself. "Go back to the dwelling Tony." I told my mate. "I shall meet you there in a few short hours."
Tony looked at each of us in turn and finally nodding. I met his eyes briefly, before he turned and left. When he was half way down the path, I turned back to the others.
"Lead the way." I said, and though Marcan sneered, he turned to go, followed my Peitre. Jorlon, however, chose to walk alongside me. Every now and then he would glance at my face with a small frown.
"What is it Jorlon?" I questioned.
"You look strangely ill."
"I am recovering." I said simply and his frown deepened.
"Recovering from what?"
"Death apparently." I replied, and walked ahead of him, thereby leaving him to stare on after me as though I were missing a fragment of my mind.
........................................
Father was already seated in the court with the special council when we arrived. He glanced up briefly when we entered and frowned when his eyes met mine. I smiled in greeting, and his eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Clear my right." He commanded, and the blood-drinker seated to his right vacated his chair. Father gestured toward it, and I sat without a word.
"Your brothers have already given their reports on what occurred in the wolf camp. It is now time for a new plan of action." He began.
"Would it be too bold of me to hope that this new plan of action involves settling the minds of our people who have lost their loved ones during the attack?" I asked, already knowing his answer.
"Nonsense. Kandane has made us fools before our own people and all those of our kind. I want him found and brought before me."
"Then send your trusted warriors after him and let us discuss the more important issues."
Father turned his full attention upon me and I met his gaze unflinching. "Death is no stranger to the warrior coven. The people will move past this as they do all things."
"Had you walked through the streets and seen the looks on their faces, or felt the solemnity in the air, you would know that this is no simple grieving. We must make preparations for the families that have—"
"If you are set on continuing down this road, then you have no authority to speak here this day." Father's tone rung with finality.
I glanced at my brothers; each in turn, and none of them could meet my eyes.
"Your reaction is of course of no surprise to me father. Your pride will be your undoing." I said.
When the bone-jarring slap came, I expected it, so as the bones in my my left cheek shattered and began to quickly heal, I turned my attention to my brothers. "Now do you understand?" I asked them, and no one offered a single reply.
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-unedited.