Chapter 508: On The Trail
Either the transport Ahbi used to give us our tour was much faster or Ram's magic just wasn't up to the same task, because it took us a couple of hours to reach Bilhaeder, just as the first of the suns was starting to come up. Nights were short on Demonicon, all those spinning stars making it almost impossible to predict, though I was sure there was a calendar of sunrises and sets somewhere.
Just as well. The view was even more spectacular than I remembered, the rainbow quality of the city's domes catching the early light, throwing back flashes of reds and blues and greens as we swooped low, still disguised by my power, into the edge of the city. I sighed sadly as Ram set us down on a quiet street, looking up at the tall domes further off, wanting to hold onto the wonder and contentment I'd felt through the ride, a welcome respite from the urgency of the last day or so.
Ram dropped his magic and I did the same, but he shook his head as he leaped out and turned to catch my eyes.
"I'm not risking you this time," he said. "Put the shields back up and stay here. I'll come back for you when I know if the local leader will listen to reason."
There went my good mood. "You're kidding me, right?"
Ram sighed, a fast, tight sound as his jaw clenched once. "Princess," he said, words honed to blades, "I realize you're used to getting what you want all the time-"
Snort. "You don't know anything about me," I shot back.
"-but I'm actually trying to keep you safe. Okay?" Ram's foot actually tapped on the ground as he waited for my answer. Was I getting to him?
Sweet. I shot him a girly smile and batted my lashes. "Yes, o brave and mighty warrior. Go save me. Please, please, save me."
His eyes narrowed, but he managed to keep his temper. Barely. The pulsing vein in his forehead told me I'd pushed his buttons. Wickedsauce.
"I'll be right back." He spun on one heel and marched off, disappearing through a door into a nearby building, the sound of the hissing seal opening and closing music to my ears.
The second he was gone, I dropped the shields and leaped out of the transport. Time to cut him loose and find Ameline so I could go the hell home.
And she was here, oh yes she was. I could feel her, thanks to Ahbi. The tug had grown stronger as we settled to the street, strong enough I knew if I let it lead me, I'd have my hands around her throat in no time.
One glance down at myself told me I would have to do something about my appearance, especially when passing pair of young demon girls giggled and pointed. I ducked down an oddly shaped alley, the two buildings bowing in toward each other and, as luck would have it, came across a clothesline hanging outside a doorway. A heavy black robe swayed in the breeze next to an embroidered dress and several pairs of undergarments I wasn't willing to examine. Guilt twinging inside me, I liberated the robe and slunk off as I pulled it over my head, a true criminal now.
The deep hood did wonders to hide my face, though the short bows and gestures passing pedestrians offered me made me nervous. My luck I'd taken the vestments of some demon priest or something. But no one seemed off put by the fact I was a girl or challenged me in the least so I smiled back and repeated their gesture as best I could.
Worked for me.
The tug of my grandmother's power led me several blocks to a massive, domed building with writing etched in amber magic across the face. I had as yet to learn to read demon, but from the other black-robed citizens entering, it had to be a church or some kind of library.
Either way, I was dressed for the part. Confidence in every step I didn't feel on the inside, I strode with my head up across the street and through the large double doors into dim coolness.
Okay, so a cross between a church and a library. I was a good guesser. There were altar-like stands on either side of a massive entry, all glowing with power, rows upon rows of massive books just beyond. Above, floating on a transparent platform, were several demons dressed like me, etching words into the air as they chattered away at each other with great vigor.
University? A gong sounded and every demon turned and bowed to a large statue in the center of the room. I hastily joined them, shocked to discover I was genuflecting to my grandmother. The giant effigy rose majestically into the dome, standing, robed and holding a book the size of a transport in her hands. I felt a moment of regret, and sadness, as I gazed up at her face, feeling her inside me, and knowing, despite our differences, I'd miss her.
"May I help you, colleague?" I turned to find a small demon smiling at me, his thin horns barely turning a half crescent. Young then. And not very powerful.
"No, thank you," I said. "Just admiring Ruler."
He sighed, looked up at her, bowed. Wiped at one eye. "So tragic," he whispered. "You've heard?"
I nodded. Had I.
"I hope they burn her, the one who took our great Ruler from us." His tone had turned nasty, bitter. "She deserves the magma."
What was with burning people? I'd endured the risk of that at home, too. Shuddering, I shrugged to hide it.
"Things aren't always as they seem," I said. "Have a good day, colleague."
He bowed and moved on, though I noticed he glanced back at me over his shoulder and the look he gave me wasn't exactly friendly.
Goody. Syd's making friends again.
No time to waste. I continued to follow the pull of Ahbi's magic, growing stronger as I passed through the glowing, arched entry and into the library proper. I paced the rows of huge books, feeling the tug of Ahbi's urgency grow more insistent, until I eased around the end of a bookcase and spotted Ameline at last.
She stood before a large tome, open on the table before her, speaking to the girl she still clutched with one hand. The girl was weeping again, but quietly, as Ameline whispered to her. The girl shook her head, looked up at Ameline, whispered back. I watched Ameline shake her a little, felt the surge of her power as she did, knew from the fresh fall of the girl's tears Ameline had done more than shake her.
Enough. Time to act. Though I worried about the child and how I could protect her, Ahbi's geas had enough observing and fought me for control.
What is she looking for? My vampire broke through the pull and helped me regain composure.
Exactly, I sent. I want her dead as much as the next geas, but her goal makes me nervous. We have no idea if she's already put something into motion that could cause us trouble later. I'd rather know for sure before I rip her heart out with my bare hands.
An excellent plan, my vampire sent, though I advise you do it in private. That much blood could draw unwanted attention.
I shoved down a giggle, knowing my vampire didn't understand sarcasm and was being absolutely serious. Which made it even funnier.
I eased closer, head down, pretending to look at books while Ameline flipped a page and asked the girl another question. I was almost close enough to hear what she was whispering when she straightened and said in full voice, "Oh, there you are, Syd. How lovely of you to join us."
Ahbi's power shrieked at me to pounce, barely restrained as I closed the distance between us in a few strides, the table between us. Ameline was as stunning as usual, though her icy eyes were amber like mine, skin a pale red, the palest I'd seen on a demon, perfectly curved horns as glossy as her hair. As much as I hated to admit it, she looked almost better as a demon.
Though I supposed it fit.
"Nice to see you too, Ameline," I said with a vicious smile. "Time to die."
She didn't really look all that happy to see me, despite her words, frustration creasing her angry face. But she forced a throaty laugh, the girl beside her quivering as she stared at me in terror. "Don't be silly," she said. "I have far too much to do yet."
"That's what you think." I gestured at the book in front of her. "What are you looking for?"
"You'll see." Ameline winked one eye very slowly. "But for now, you'll have to wait."
"I'm done waiting." Ahbi's voice broke out of me as she seized my vocal chords. "I owe you a death, girl."
Ahbi writhed for control, but my vampire was right. If I was going to kill Ameline, it had to be somewhere less likely to draw attention and a gazillion Guards.
"Let's take this somewhere we can talk," I snarled. "And you can bleed without making a mess."
"I think you have something else to worry about right now," Ameline said.
It was only then I caught the flicker of movement and glanced around, noticing at last I'd been quietly surrounded. Black-robed demons crowded us, cutting me off from Ameline as she smirked and turned to a young male who made an odd gesture with one hand. Ameline repeated the gesture and pointed at me.
"As I told you, Fenukamadi," she said, voice smooth as butter and sweet as a candy apple from her very red lips, "the fugitive, now in your hands. Leader will be pleased."
"Well done," Fenukamadi said. "Can we assist you with your quest, colleague?"
"Not at all," she said with a smile to me. "You already have."
And while the pack of rebels disguised as scholars closed in around me, Ameline left, the girl held tight by one hand, waving with the other.
***
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