Darkling. Part 14

Surprised to hear her so eager to leave, I said, "You still want to go, with what's happened to Erin?"

"Now more than ever. Morio and I did our best last night but we couldn't track them. Dredge is too good at hiding. We have to do something and soon." She paused, then burst out, "It's bad. The local tabloids have gotten wind that at least a half-dozen people are missing and they're screaming at the cops to find them. The one saving grace is that while we we know they're dead and that some of them have gone vamp on us, n.o.body else knows yet. Think of the panic that's going to erupt if this continues." know they're dead and that some of them have gone vamp on us, n.o.body else knows yet. Think of the panic that's going to erupt if this continues."

"What do you mean if if? Dredge won't quit until he's stopped." I slipped into a pair of skin-tight jeans and a long-sleeved tunic made of spider silk, cinching it with a black-studded leather belt. Pulling on a pair of leather gloves and my spiked heel ankle boots, I was ready in five minutes. I nixed the makeup-it took me too long to apply without being able to see my reflection, and why bother when we were headed back to OW anyway?

"It gets worse," Camille said, staring at the floor. She was wearing a flowing skirt from Otherworld, and a custom corset made from a plum-colored jacquard. Unlike me, she was in full makeup. Her hair flowed over her shoulders in a cascade of curls.

"You look like you're made up to pay a visit to Court and Crown," I said. "And what do you mean, 'it gets worse'?"

"Hey, we don't know who we're going to meet over there," she said. "I want to look my best. To answer your question, Chase got a report in from the red light district on the strip near SeaTac. Last night four of the regulars-all girls-disappeared with a couple of rowdy guys and never came back. Their roommate, also a hooker, reported them missing. Chase picked up on it and showed her the photos of the two guys killed at the theater."

"And?" I didn't even have to ask. I knew the answer already.

"She ID'd them all right. Our vamps have struck again, and who knows if those were their only victims. The girl's already on the run-apparently she's afraid it's another Green River Killer thing. Chase couldn't convince her to stay." Camille shook her head. "I want to find Erin, but we can't do that if we can't find Dredge. Maybe this dude in Aladril can help us because we sure aren't having any luck on our own. Queen Asteria seems convinced he can help. We have to go."

"Delilah ready?" I looked around the room, wondering if I should take anything else with me. Deciding that my claws and fangs were better than any weapon I could carry, I motioned to the stairs. "Let's go."

"Delilah's not coming. She's staying here to help Tim on the database. The sooner we can field more info out through the Supe groups, the better. And somebody should stay with Iris and Maggie. It's just you and me. And Trillian."

I let out a low grumble. "Why is he coming along?"

"Because he knows the territory and Tanaquar has called him back for a mission. Which means we'll be shorthanded over here."

"Morio going? I'd like to have the fox demon with us." Morio was good in a fight, and I trusted him to help Camille from going totally haywire on magic.

She sighed. "I'm a little worried taking him into Aladril-he sure doesn't know the customs, but yes, he's willing to come with us."

"So Delilah and Iris are staying here alone? I'm not sure how I feel about that. Dredge is on our tail. If we're gone..."

"Don't sweat it. Zachary and Nerissa are staying here with them. Speaking of which... you two make a cute couple."

I rolled my eyes. Of course she knew. When it had anything to do with love or s.e.x, Camille was always on the inside track. "About that..."

"Don't say it. Don't say anything. I know there's nothing solid there, but the fact that you let her into your life... Just let it be what it is," she said. Then as we reached the kitchen, she added, "I'm happy for you, Menolly. I think this will be good for you."

Trillian might think Camille was afraid of getting involved with locals, but she certainly seemed to have my back on the subject. As we entered the living room, Trillian was there in his OW garb, and Morio was standing beside him in what looked like a ninja costume.

I repressed a snort, but couldn't resist saying, "Halloween come early?"

He gave me a measured look, but all he said was, "If you like."

Trillian shot me a nasty glare. "That was rude."

I bounced it right back. "Since when are you standing up for bachelor number two?"

"You and Delilah watch too much TV," Camille said.

"Not lately." It had been a week or two since one of our late night trash-TV fests. I wasn't about to admit it, but I kind of missed them-they gave us time to just hang out and chill. "Tell you what, though. I'd rather be doing that than chasing down rogue vamps."

Delilah let out a sigh. "Jerry Springer's kind of yummy, don't you think?"

Camille and I shouted her down and she waved us off. "Get out of here. Tim and I are going to start building the database for the Supe community roster. And I might just do a little spying tonight with Roz."

"What? You can't go with him-he's an incubus!" Oh yeah. That's just what we needed. My sister the Death Maiden all wrapped up with an incubus.

"Uh, I know know what he is. And he knows better than to play touchy-feely with me. But he's helping us out. I don't like the idea of him out there alone. And remember-the Autumn Lord was standing on my shoulder the other night. We know I'm being watched." what he is. And he knows better than to play touchy-feely with me. But he's helping us out. I don't like the idea of him out there alone. And remember-the Autumn Lord was standing on my shoulder the other night. We know I'm being watched."

"Just be careful, you idiot," I muttered, giving her a peck on the cheek.

Delilah shivered. "I'm not the one who's in danger. If Lethesanar should catch you-" She let her words drift, but we both knew the ending. If the queen of Y'Elestrial caught us, we might as well roll over into the roasting pit.

"That's not going to happen," Trillian said. "Grandmother Coyote's portal leads to Elqaneve, and it's easy transport down to Aladril via one of the private elfin portals."

Queen Asteria had informed us-on the q.t.-that Elqaneve had several secret portals they didn't tell outsiders about. One led to Aladril and one led to Darkynwyrd. There were probably more, but those were the only two she mentioned. We were offered use of them, should we need. And it looked like now we needed. Of course, Trillian knew about them. He seemed to have his fingers in just about all the pies.

"Once we reach the gates of Aladril, we should be safe, at least from Lethesanar and her cronies. She wouldn't dare attack them or the seers would level Y'Elestrial." Camille glanced at the clock. "Time to go."

"Let's get moving." I headed toward the door. "Who's car are we taking?"

Morio held up his keys. "My SUV. Come on, let's get on the road."

Ten minutes later, we pulled into the turnout and piled out of the vehicle. After locking the doors, we began the trek through the woods. Camille had come this way before, alone and in the dark, which impressed the h.e.l.l out of me since the s...o...b..und stillness of the woods was enough to spook even me. I preferred the dark glare of the city streets at night to the wilds here Earthside. There was more control, more ability to predict what was going down. Rooftops were easy to scale, and I never felt like the buildings were watching me.

Camille led the way. We moved silently, any sound we made m.u.f.fled by the thick cloak of snow. The moon shone through the parted clouds, the edge of her full, round beauty slowly being eaten by the dark G.o.ds. During the black of the moon was the time in which the dead preferred to prowl. The Moon Mother owned the Hunt and witches like my sister, but the Dark Mother watched over those of us who had pa.s.sed; the icicles of the Crone mirrored in the reflection of Grandmother Coyote's steel teeth.

We came to the portal, and Grandmother Coyote, who was there, silently stood aside to let us pa.s.s. As we. stepped through the shimmering web of magic that stretched across the standing stones, I wondered what we'd discover in Aladril. And would it be enough to help us find and destroy Dredge, before he created a panic that would sweep the human community and stir up a violent hatred against all things supernatural?

CHAPTER 12.

I'd forgotten that the lack of neon and electricity made for darker nights in Otherworld, with a clearer view of the stars. The world seemed far larger and bigger than over Earthside, and it shocked me to realize just how used to my adopted home I was becoming.

Earlier in the day, Camille had sent a message through the Whispering Mirror that we were on our way, and Trenyth was waiting for us. He brushed aside pleasantries.

"Her Majesty sends her regrets-she won't be able to meet with you tonight. Do not go to Y'Elestrial, no matter the temptation." He bustled us toward a road near the barrow in which the first portal rested. "Follow me. I don't have a lot of time, so I won't be able to go all the way to Aladril with you, but you may return this way to go home again."

Everything about Otherworld was different-from the feel of the air to the energy coiled within the ground. As we stepped out of the portal, it was as if the entire world had come to life and was aware of our presence.

Earthside, I'd gotten used to the muted sense of awareness and actually had developed a taste for it. When my senses were hyped to every noise, every smell, every pulse that walked by, it was nice for a change not to be inundated by the natural energies of the elements, too. But here that aliveness aliveness was still a glowing, living ent.i.ty that permeated the essence of our homeland. was still a glowing, living ent.i.ty that permeated the essence of our homeland.

A look of bliss spread across Camille's face. "Oh, it's so good to be home. I've missed this."

Morio gawked at the panorama of stars. "I've never seen the stars so clearly-not even on the slopes of Mount Fuji." He took a step closer to Camille and she dropped her head back and sucked in a deep breath.

"It's quite the sight, isn't it?" she said. "I wish we could show you Y'Elestrial. Our home is incredibly beautiful."

"We need to hurry," Trenyth said, motioning to us. "I wish we had time to tarry, but we don't."

I touched Camille on the arm.

She let out a long, tremorous sigh and her shoulders drooped. "I'm coming, I'm coming."

I swung in behind her and Trillian, next to Morio, and we continued on another quarter mile until we came to an ancient oak that must have been a good six hundred or seven hundred years old. The tree rose into the night, a dark silhouette framed by a faint glow. The branches spread over the path, draped with oak moss and ivy. Spiderwebs stretched between limbs, and the spiders within watched us with careful precision, their jointed legs crooking in the air when we got too close.

Camille let out a low gasp. "This oak must be ancient."

"I've never felt this much power from a tree before," Morio said. "Or maybe I have, but not this much...connection."

"The woodlands here are more connected to those of us who walk the magical path," Camille said. "Earthside, the forests are wild and unpredictable. They keep to themselves and harbor their secrets, darkly. Here the power of the forests is stronger, and allows us an easier communion. Though the forests don't like everyone, of course. There are those who enter the woodlands, never to emerge."

Morio nodded, staring up at the ancient behemoth, a rapt expression on his face. "I think I understand."

"We grew the oak around the portal," Trenyth said. "I remember when we planted the acorn. The moment you walk through the door, you'll enter the portal. May the G.o.ds be with you." He motioned to the guard on duty, who opened the door and stood back.

Trillian stepped to one side. "Here's where I must leave you. I'll return Earthside as soon as possible. Be safe." He turned to Camille and held out his arms. She silently walked into his embrace and their lips met. They looked perfectly matched. He loved her, and she loved him. In their own ways, they were as good as married, though I knew they would never wed. When she stepped away, Camille's eyes shimmered with tears.

"Every time you head out, I worry that you won't return. You make sure you keep your b.u.t.t alive, you hear me?"

He held her hands in his. "These are dark times. I can't make any guarantee, but I'll always come back if there's a way."

"Walk under the Moon Mother's protection." She reached up and brushed his long silver mane back from his face. "You are mine. You belong to me."

Frost-colored eyes flashing, he merely inclined his head, then turned and disappeared into the night. Camille watched after him for a moment as Morio rested his hand on her shoulder. She motioned toward the tree.

"Let's go for it," she said and stepped through the portal, the energy sizzling as it sucked her in. Morio followed suit, and then it was my turn. Walking through the portal was like walking into a magnet factory in full metal armor. It was as if every cell was being yanked apart and then smashed together again before you realized just what was happening. There were no sights or sounds save blinding flashes of color and a perpetual buzz that rattled the skull. And then, as quickly as it had begun, the journey was over.

As we emerged into Aladril, I hoped that the man we were seeking in Aladril would be as anxious to meet us as we were to meet him.

The portal from Elqaneve to Aladril opened up into a small shrine about a quarter mile outside of the City of Seers. The guards had been alerted that we were coming through and were waiting for us. Though they looked full-blood human, there was an aura of magic about them. They positively reeked with it, smelling of ozone and burning metal.

Two men and one woman waited for us. All extremely tall, over six five, their expressions were forbidding. Long capes masked their bodies, the woman in orange, the men in indigo, but not a weapon was to be seen. I had the distinct feeling they didn't need them.

"Trenyth vouched for you," one of the men said. His hair was swept back, almost a buzz cut, and his skin was the color of coffee. He gave us the briefest of nods. "We usually don't allow demons of any kind within our city gates but your circ.u.mstances demand an exception. Don't disappoint us."

I bit my tongue. Not the time to come back with a witty retort.

He held out three necklaces. "Wear these at all times. Before you put them on, place the necklace and your hand onto this plate." He held out what looked like a square piece of silver and he must have noticed me shudder. "The metal isn't silver, so don't fret. It won't hurt you. What this alloy does does is to key your identification necklace to your body chemistry so no one can steal your ident.i.ty." is to key your identification necklace to your body chemistry so no one can steal your ident.i.ty."

Now that was an interesting fact to tuck away. Sneaking into Aladril would be difficult at best, but identifying yourself to the guards would be useless without the magical GPS system they had going. Better than a trace, even.

"If you don't don't wear your identification, you will be considered a threat to the city and members of the guard are free to do as they see fit." Apparently that was the end of his spiel because he placed the necklaces on the table and stepped back. wear your identification, you will be considered a threat to the city and members of the guard are free to do as they see fit." Apparently that was the end of his spiel because he placed the necklaces on the table and stepped back.

I swallowed my pride and placed my hand and one of the necklaces onto the scanner. A few seconds later, a bright burst of light flared and the seer motioned for me to drape the beaded circlet around my neck. Nothing happened-no burns, no stings, no sense that I was hampered in any way. Camille and Morio followed suit.

"Thank you," I said. "We appreciate your help."

Camille grumbled something under her breath and I elbowed her. "Shut up," I whispered as low as I could. She quieted down.

"You are free to walk in our city. Obey the rules. If you don't know whether something is allowed, ask first. You have three days before you must return here and apply for an extension." The woman wasn't any warmer than the men. She motioned toward the path waiting just outside the door. "This trail will lead you to Aladril. Don't delay, and don't stray off of the path or you run the risk of death."

She didn't bother explaining exactly how we'd die, but I, for one, decided to take her word for it. Once outside, we found ourselves on a well-defined stone path leading toward the gleaming spires of Aladril. The path was clearly marked by globes of floating light lining the sides. We had no excuse for making a mistake and taking a wrong turn, that much was clear. As soon as she stepped aside, we hightailed it down the road.

I'd sat up late one night watching The Wizard of Oz The Wizard of Oz with Delilah and Camille. Trust me, Dorothy's yellow brick road had nothing on this trail. The slate stones might not be yellow and uniform, and the surrounding forest wasn't exactly neon Technicolor, and Aladril wasn't the Emerald City, but we sure as h.e.l.l weren't in Seattle anymore, Toto. with Delilah and Camille. Trust me, Dorothy's yellow brick road had nothing on this trail. The slate stones might not be yellow and uniform, and the surrounding forest wasn't exactly neon Technicolor, and Aladril wasn't the Emerald City, but we sure as h.e.l.l weren't in Seattle anymore, Toto.

The walking was simple, though the lights illuminating the path gave off a creepy "we're watching you" vibe.

"They're eye-catchers," Camille said.

"Eye-catchers?"

"Magical orbs designed to catch the attention. Not exactly charm magic, because they're usually used as warning signals, but... like the bright yellow yield signs back over Earthside." She glanced at Morio. "Do you know the enchantment that makes them? They seem right up your alley."

He shook his head, drawing near her. "No, I don't think that's in my repertoire. Other youkai might know it, though I can't say for sure. I haven't dealt much with most other nature-demons back Earthside. But I can see someone like t.i.tania using these. At least back when she was holding her own instead of holding the bottle."

"I learned very few higher spells when I was training," Camille said. "My teacher didn't bother trying to teach me anything he thought I'd screw up too badly, except for the energy bolts. By the time I moved on to the more advanced stages of training, word had spread that I was a klutz. I'm beginning to think that maybe I wouldn't have so many problems if I'd had teachers who cared more and didn't turn their backs on me because I'm a half-breed."

I recognized the sting in her voice.

Morio just patted her on the arm. "You're doing fine with the death magic," he said. "Maybe we can help you relearn some of what you missed out on." His voice was so tender that I jerked my head up and stared at the two of them. Camille might be Trillian's, but it was apparent that Morio had been slowly, silently staking his claim. Was he trying to undermine the Svartan or just complement him? I shook off the thought. The only thing that mattered right now was what sort of man this seer we were searching for turned out to be.

As we rounded a bend in the trail, the curving spires of Aladril rose up from behind the city gates. Minarets rose from the domes, marble and alabaster gleaming with a finish so highly polished that they reflected the starlight. Aladril's architecture was much like that of Terial, the port city at the edge of the Mirami Ocean, but there the resemblance between the two cities ceased. Terial thrived, a noisy city of vendors and merchants. Aladril was a quiet city of scholars, seers, and magic.

When we approached the gates, a guard, wearing a turquoise and white uniform with golden epaulets on the shoulders, motioned for us to stop. "Proper identification, please."

We held out our necklaces. Using what looked a lot like the crystal bug detector Queen Asteria had given us, the guard touched the crystal to the platelet on the cord and a soft beep sounded. Giving me an odd look, he stepped back and motioned to the gate. "Enter Aladril, the City of Seers, and be welcome."

I paused. "Do you know where we might find a seer named Jareth? Queen Asteria directed me to seek him out."

The guard gave me another strange look. "Are you sure she said Jareth?"

"Yes," I said. "I'm positive."

He resumed his unreadable stance. "You'll find Master Jareth in the Temple of Reckoning. Follow Arabel Avenue to the central park, then cross through the gardens to the Hall of Temples. You'll find him there." As I turned to go, I heard him whisper under his breath, "And may the G.o.ds smooth your way, little demoness."

I glanced back, about to ask what the h.e.l.l he meant, but he ignored me. No matter. We'd find out soon enough.

As we pa.s.sed through the thirty-foot tall gates, a hush descended around us, as if the world were m.u.f.fled by a magical blanket. Even though it was night, the streets were bustling with activity, people in long cloaks coming and going, all looking intent on their journeys.

The streets were made of cobbled brick. The buildings varied from stucco to marble to what appeared to be bronze facades. Rounded domes dappled the skyline with spires and minarets rising into the air, complete with flags of blue, white, and gold fluttering from their pinnacles. We saw no farm or transportation animals in Aladril, at least no horses or cows, but dogs and cats and rabbits dashed through the streets and I had the feeling they were familiars.

"There," Camille said, pointing to a street sign. "Arabel Avenue."