Savage Worlds, page 5
part #3 of Savagery and Skills Series
“As happy as I am that you have, we can’t stand against Rudarius.” Nathaniel leaned in closer, whispering, “Rumors are spreading the fae kingdoms have fallen.”
“They have. His army has grown, and he’s found a way to use fae magic along with the mages.”
“Great. So not only is he going to outnumber us, but he has magic now?’
“He and some of his army,” Shane added, and I glowered at him. “What? If you’re going to give him the bad news, might as well do it all at once.”
Nathaniel was looking less and less pleased to have run into me. “Any other bad news?”
“No, I think that might cover it.” I kicked Shane under the table to stop him from saying anything else, and he winced. “Look, I know we’re up against terrible odds, but if we don’t stop Rudarius, he’s going to destroy everything in his wake. He’s already allying himself with packs in Otherworld and several witch covens. As soon as he’s free to leave Otherworld, he’ll either attack Valesk, or he’ll come here. We have to stop him.”
The silence stretched on at our table as the others in the bar carried on as if impending doom was not on their doorstep.
Nathaniel finally shook his head as he picked at a splinter at the edge of the table. “When we escaped Otherworld, after I healed, those who survived turned to me to keep them safe. To ensure they survived. The other covens turned us away. They feared Rudarius would hunt us down one by one and they didn’t want death knocking on their doors.”
“Nathaniel—” I started.
He shook his head. “You were dealing with your own troubles. Don’t blame yourself for what we went through. But if you come with me to see the rest of your coven and bring them messages of war, not all of them are going to be so eager to listen.”
“And if we told them we have a secret weapon—shit! What was that one for?”
Shane held the leg I just kicked as Nathaniel frowned.
“What secret weapon?”
“It’s not a secret weapon. She’s a person, and we’re not sure if this plan of ours is even going to work,” I explained, shaking my head at Shane.
“A person?”
How much did I want him to know? Nathaniel had grown harder and more serious since the coven fell, but looking in his eyes, I could see he was the same vampire my father had trusted. The same one who stood by my side for decades. I had faith in him, but when it came to Seneca, telling him anything about her gave me pause.
“As much as I hate my time spent with that monster,” I said slowly, choosing my words, “it led me to meet someone who could turn the tide of this war in our favor. But, we’re not a hundred percent certain of anything yet.”
“And again, I’m asking you who this person is?”
“She’s a vampire,” I replied. “And a fae.”
Nathaniel said nothing then burst out laughing. “That’s a good one. Nice to know you still have a sense of humor.”
I rubbed the back of my neck as Shane shook his head.
“Wait,” Nathaniel muttered, his laughter cutting off instantly. “You’re serious? How is that possible? The vampire would die. There’s never been a fae and a vampire.”
“Years of torture at the hands of Rudarius made it possible.” My hands curled into fists on my thighs, and when both vampires gave me a worried look, I realized I was hissing viciously. “Sorry. Touchy subject.”
“I can tell. This… hybrid—she means a lot to you?”
“You could say that, yes.”
Nathaniel’s smile returned with a whole new meaning behind it. “I see.”
“Meaning what?”
“I’ve known you a long time, Draven. Never seen that look on your face until now. You love this woman, don’t you?”
Shane was nodding without even giving me a chance to answer. He and I were going to have a very long talk when we returned to the cottage.
“I do, but the situation is complicated. There’s much we need to talk about, but I’m not willing to do that unless you’re going to take me to my coven.”
“Like how she’s your secret weapon? What can a hybrid do to help?”
“When she’s a dark fae and apparently a long-lost royal to a forgotten kingdom, she can do many things,” I told him, giving in a little. “Please, I’ll tell you everything, but we’re too exposed here.” I rattled off the address for Seneca’s cottage and told him to meet me there tomorrow night. “I’ll tell you everything I can as long as you promise to take me to where my people are hiding.”
He held out his hand for mine, and I shook it. “Deal. But like I said, your people might not be the willing army you’re hoping to find.”
“Leave the army to me. We’re busy gathering the fae to our cause, too.”
“The fae? How?”
“With me.” Marlie approached our table, Ash behind him. “Meet you boys back at the cottage. Ash is joining his brothers, and I’ll be heading out there tomorrow.” He bowed his head to Nathaniel in greeting. “Prince Marlie at your service.” He raised his one arm then smiled at me and lowered it, saluting us with his other hand instead. “One of these days, Draven, you and I are going to go a few rounds.”
He left the bar with Ash.
Nathaniel turned his curious gaze to me. “I take it you’re responsible for his missing hand?”
“I am. It’s a long story.”
“One I’ll be happy to hear tomorrow night. It’s good to see you alive, my lord,” he said as he stood. “I’ll be there.”
I watched him leave, my optimism that had waned early this morning was coming back.
“This is a good sign,” Shane said, as if reading my mind. “I had no idea who he was. You must feel extremely hopeful now.”
“Getting there.” Then I told Shane I was going back to the cottage.
He informed me he was going to stick around for a while longer. He mentioned something about it being cramped in the cabin, but I saw him eyeing a witch from across the room.
“Just make sure you get your ass back to the cottage before dawn.”
He waved me off, and I exited the bar. Madwich wasn’t terribly busy. The few people I passed paid no attention to me. As always, I kept a wary eye, all the same. Rudarius might not be able to get through the veil, but he had plenty of vampires on this side to do his dirty work. If he could reach Seneca, he could reach them. He was probably giving them orders. For all we knew, there was an army making ready to attack Madwich any second now. The sooner we left, the safer these people would be.
When I reached the cottage, I walked around the side, drawn to a familiar presence in the back.
Seneca was elbow deep in another flower bed, the orbs hovering close by to give her extra light. They were calm colors tonight, a good sign.
I didn’t say anything, just knelt in the grass beside her and worked on a bunch of thorny bushes cropping up amongst the rose bushes. It’d be cold soon enough, and her garden would look dead, just as every other garden in winter did. This wasn’t about the garden, though, and I knew it. This was about Seneca holding onto something real, doing something real.
We worked in silence until she yanked a stubborn root out of the ground and flung dirt everywhere. I sputtered as some went in my mouth and quirked an eyebrow at her. She smiled as she tossed the weed aside then scooted closer and kissed me. It didn’t last long, and she pulled back laughing and wiping dirt from her mouth. I laughed with her, then pulled her into my arms and kissed her again. Holding her was enough to chase away my quickly darkening mood since meeting with Nathaniel. As happy as I was about finding an ally, his visit tomorrow would bring the stark reality of how dire our fight against Rudarius was.
Seneca pushed me to the grass and looked at me intently.
“What’s bothering you?” She brushed my hair from my forehead as she asked then worked at the worry lines there. “Tonight with Shane not go well? Marlie said everything with the fae is going well. He’s setting out tomorrow to join them.”
“We’re going to have a vampire swinging by tomorrow night.”
“And?’
“He’s from my coven.”
She grinned. “That’s a good thing, right?” She tilted her head then let her full weight lay on me as she came as close as she could. “Why are you acting like this is bad news? Is it? Did he say there’s no one left?”
“The opposite actually. The vampire, Nathaniel, he was—is—one of my most trusted men. He helped the others survive when the covens turned their backs on them.”
“I’m still not seeing how this is bad news.”
“He’s coming here tomorrow night to get the full story,” I told her as I wove our fingers together. “Meaning what happened to me. And your part in all of it. He mentioned my people wouldn’t be too keen on what I have to say as far as making a stand against Rudarius.”
“But he’ll take you to the rest of your coven if you tell him everything?”
“Yes,” I replied slowly. “Are you sure you’re alright with this?”
“Not like you’re going to tell him about me the way my father did. I think I’ll live.”
I hissed in remembrance of that moment until Seneca kissed me soundly, and I all but forgot it. Wrapping her in my arms, I rolled us over in the grass, content to stay out here in the garden, lying in the grass until sun up. The orbs moved in closer as the night wind turned chilly. Colder weather was coming soon enough.
Seneca shivered, and I helped her up, draping an arm around her shoulders as we walked to the cottage.
“Everything will work out,” she said after we told everyone good night and were alone again in her room.
“Now look who’s being all positive.”
“You’re a good influence.” She yawned, stretching her arms over her head. “I slept all freaking day. No idea why I’m tired.”
I was about to tease her, but when she spun around and faced me, the words died on my lips.
Forcing my smile to remain in place, I watched her as she found her sleep clothes, then said she was going to take a quick shower to try and wake up.
When the door clicked closed, I sank onto the bed, holding a hand to my face. The shadows were there, lingering in her eyes. She needed the rings for more than one reason, it seemed. Her magic, it had to be draining her somehow, making her weak. Vulnerable.
And I was about to send her off with Macron into an unknown realm with who knew what kind of dangers. I was going to watch them leave, just like that. If I tried to stop her, she’d be pissed. If I tried to go with her, she’d get suspicious then get pissed anyway.
Warning Macron was all I could do.
Then I’d prepare for tomorrow night and Nathaniel’s visit. I never thought I’d be nervous to see that vampire again, but damned if I wasn’t terrified about his hearing my story and deciding it was in my coven’s best interest not to be found.
Chapter 5
Seneca
I shut my eyes, soaking in the rays of the late afternoon sun. Though it was warm for a fall day, I had a heavy sweater on and was ready to grab another one to chase away the weird chill seeping into my bones. I hadn’t told Draven about it. There was enough going on in his head now. He didn’t need to worry more. I woke up tired after sleeping for way too long again. Draven had been snuggled close when I opened my eyes afternoon. Trying not to wake him, I quietly snuck out here.
Helena and Minnie were preparing for Macron and me to leave first thing tomorrow evening. I asked them both what this lost kingdom was like, but they told me nothing. Said I had to see it for myself. Marlie had set out already to join Ash. I’d told him to be careful as I hugged him goodbye, not something I expected to do to my brother any time soon. But there was a high chance I wasn’t coming back alive. He’d seemed as surprised as I was at my show of affection and I told him not to get used to it. He’d laughed then left. Lark had gone with him. My crowded cottage was going to stand empty soon enough, all except for Helena and Minnie. I had a feeling those two should not be left alone, but someone needed to look after the place.
Someone was watching me. I tensed, knowing immediately it wasn’t Draven. This was a glare. The sun was out. I was going to rule out vampires, but with the amount of power Rudarius took from the fae rings, I supposed there was a chance they were here.
With no weapons, I summoned the shadows to my hand, ready to attack, when a voice I never thought I’d hear again called my name.
“Seneca, just want to talk.”
Owen. My ex-boyfriend. He stood on the other side of the fence, and as I turned to face him, his eyes widened, and he stepped backward.
“What do you want?”
“What is that?” he demanded, ignoring my question.
“What is what?”
He pointed at my hands where the shadows wrapped around my palms and up my arms. “What has he done to you. That damned vampire, I knew this would happen. He’s corrupted you, hasn’t he?”
I considered taking his legs out from under him and making him fall on his ass. As much fun as that would be, Owen and I had spent a good few years together. I couldn’t—shouldn’t—do that. I let the shadows fall away and held up my empty hands. “You’ve missed a lot. Draven didn’t do this to me.”
“I hope he’s dead then,” he spat.
I hissed and charged the fence, not crossing it. “Don’t you dare talk about him. Don’t.”
His eyes searched my face as if trying to convince himself I was under some enchantment. His jaw clenched, and his hands curled at his sides. “What’s happened to you?” he whispered.
“As I said, you’ve missed a lot. What are you doing here?”
The debate whether to stay or leave was evident in his eyes. Then he threw his shoulders back and held my glare with one of his own. “Someone said they saw you around Madwich. I wanted to come and see for myself if you were back and if you could explain to me why no one is able to reach Otherworld.”
“And why would I know anything about that?”
“Because I saw you leave that night with the fae and the vampires,” he shot back furiously. “Don’t lie to me.”
I tilted my head as I studied him. “How do you know where I went that night?”
His eyes flickered away for a second.
I was so close to decking him. “You stayed and spied on us. Really? Wow, you’re an asshole.”
“I couldn’t trust leaving you alone with them.”
“Right. So instead you let my brother drag us all into Otherworld where we were almost killed by Rudarius. Thanks, that’s great, really great,” I rambled on.
He shook his head, looked horrified. “Wait, Rudarius? What the hell happened?”
“Now you’re worried? That’s nice, but it’s a bit late.”
He came closer to the fence but jerked himself away as if reminding himself how it ended between us. If only he knew the whole story. Shit, I couldn’t wait to see his face when he realized I was with Draven. With, with. In the beginning, I might’ve felt guilty about shoving Owen aside, but not anymore. What we had wasn’t real, and it only would’ve dragged him down in the end. Trying to save me. Fix me. My anger slipped away, slightly, not to be replaced by guilt, but sympathy. He could never understand what I went through or was still going through.
I was damned certain he couldn’t accept what I was about to become either, even if it meant sending Rudarius to a permanent grave.
“Look, I’m sorry for what I did to you,” I said, not really wanting to be the bigger person, but we had larger issues than mine and Owen’s past relationship. “But I don’t have time to stand here and argue with you. Not when Rudarius is on the warpath.”
He let out a heavy breath and crossed his arms, but some of the anger slipped from his face. “All we’re getting are rumors the fae kingdoms fell. You were there?”
“I was. Saw it all, including his army. He’s using fae magic, along with the mages he managed to capture.”
“And he sealed himself in Otherworld?”
“No, we did that when we escaped as the last kingdom fell,” I explained. “There was no other choice. We need time to build an army to fight back.” And to find new fae rings, but I wasn’t in the mood to share every bit of information with Owen yet. Including the part about it being Rudarius who turned me. And that I was technically the heir to some lost fae kingdom. My head throbbed, and I wished he could’ve waited another day to show up. I might’ve been gone by then.
“Valesk has been in an uproar for days. The demons we have in Otherworld can’t get out. We’ve had minimal communication through magical means, but even those have cut off. And it’s all because of you?” he accused.
“Not like I had a choice. Rudarius was going to take me if we didn’t force him to remain behind.” Valesk. The demon realm in Otherworld.
“So my kin and all the other demons in Valesk were left as collateral?”
“Do you have any idea how many fae are already dead or captured now?” I hissed as I said it, marching up to the fence now, putting him in hitting range. “Don’t you dare stand there and give me some guilt trip because your demons are trapped with that monster. Maybe it’s time the other races see exactly what being a guest of Rudarius means.”
He snarled in reply. “This isn’t you talking. It can’t be.” His eyes narrowed then widened. “You’ve changed. There’s darkness in your eyes.”
“There was always darkness there. You just couldn’t see it. Didn’t want to.”
“Seneca,” he whispered, but whatever he meant to say next was drowned out by a growl. “You.”
The sun had set enough, and without turning, I knew who stood directly behind me. His presence was an instant comfort, and I leaned into Draven’s chest as he placed a hand on my shoulder.
Owen’s eyes followed our actions, and he snarled even louder. “You’re with him now?”
“Yes, she is. Problem?” Draven moved to place himself between us, but I stopped him with a subtle shake of my head. “Why are you here, demon?”
