Chapter 169
Katelina and Jorick turned to see a vampire with long dark hair pulled back into a bun. He had soft brown eyes, and there was a lyrical cadence to his voice that was distinctly foreign, though eroded by time. His skin was smooth like marble, and though he might be younger than Jorick, it wasn't by much. Next to him was a woman with braided black hair and a cool expression. Her features were Native American and she had the same marble smoothness.
Jorick surveyed the pair, though he addressed only the male. "Hello, Jamie. It's been a while."
Katelina started to ask who they were, then she saw the twisted silver medallions around their necks. They were Executioners.
"It has been a while." Unlike Beldren's cool curiosity from the night before, Jamie's face held something close to friendliness. "I heard you'd been summoned."
"If you want to call it that," Jorick answered stiffly.
Jamie met his eyes and a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Verchiel is fond of dramatics."
"Then he'll enjoy a dramatic death. Enough about him. I hear you're the second in command now."
Jamie nodded. "Ark took your place, of course, and has kept it all these years. Though at the current mortality rate perhaps that won't last? We've lost three since October. You and your fledgling have been busy, Jorick."
"I didn't do it, and Bren's no loss, anyway. As for the other two, I didn't know them."
The woman's brows drew together and she snapped, "They were Franklin and Philip. Just because you didn't know them doesn't make their lives meaningless."
Jamie laid a hand on her arm to calm her, though he spoke to Jorick, "Franklin was killed at your Fledgling's house in October, and it was Philip that Traven and his followers recently dispatched. You should remember him. He was a greater guard and travelled with us on several of your last assignments." He cocked his head to one side. "Though perhaps you were too preoccupied to notice him? You did spend much of the time elsewhere." The smile became more definite. "The perks of command. They don't allow that anymore. After Kateesha left, Malick decided that we should live close at hand. Of course, he blamed it on the population increase and the westward expansion, but-"
Jorick murmured a noise of understanding, and then asked bluntly, "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"We weren't looking for you, if that's what you're implying. Though, I'm glad to have found you, all the same. As you said, it has been a long while."
Their eyes met and Katelina had a sense that they were having a silent conversation, like Jorick did with Oren. If so, that meant-
"Yes." Jorick broke eye contact with the Executioner and turned to her. "He's what they call a Whisperer, the same as I am."
As if he'd only noticed her, Jamie turned his dark eyes to her too. "I'd heard you were traveling with a human."
Katelina waited for Jorick to explain that they were a couple, but much to her chagrin he simply said, "Yes."
She scowled deeply, though neither of them seemed to see it.
Jamie indicated his passionate companion. "This is Migina. She was one of three who had the dubious honor of replacing Kateesha, as was the late Franklin." He turned to her and added, "I believe you'll know who Jorick is by reputation alone."
"Yes." It was only one word, but it was cold; very cold.
Jamie continued as if she hadn't spoken, "I didn't expect to see you back, Jorick. Whether summoned or no. Not after the scene when you departed."
His comment piqued Katelina's interest, and she took a step closer, as though to better catch the meaning behind their words.
Jorick's jaw clenched and his brows drew together defiantly. "My anger was justified."
"I said no different. I only meant that many were surprised when Malick didn't have you put to death for your- actions."
"Rebellion, you mean?" Jorick's eyes flashed.
Jamie quickly held up an appeasing hand. Before he could make amends, Migina said, "If the stories I've heard are true, then rebellion is the correct choice."
"I'd ask what you've heard," Jamie said quietly. "Though I doubt it does justice to it."
Jorick snorted contemptuously, but Migina apparently felt the need to find out. "That he threatened his master and attacked his fellows when they tried to intervene, including Ark, who he nearly killed, and probably would have, if Malick had not stopped him at the last moment. Then, he escaped."
Katelina's questioning eyes sought Jorick's, but he didn't look at her. "You've heard correctly. Except for the end. Escape implies that I was challenged, and I wasn't."
"No, he left freely." Jamie's attention turned to Jorick again. "There was only Malick left to challenge you, and it was his whim to let you go. Perhaps the story of your dramatic escape is what has fueled the rumors."
Jorick rolled his eyes. "If you're referring to the ridiculous relic-"
"I am."
"- it's nothing more than an old story used to scare fledglings. This is the second time I've had to listen to this nonsense." Jamie didn't comment, but Jorick answered as if he had, "I spoke to Beldren last night. It appears I'm going to be lucky enough to be reunited with everyone while I'm here."
There was a hint of hostility in his tone and Migina glared at him. He glared back; a clash of wills. Finally, she looked away. "Unless you require my presence, Jamie, I will go and report."
"Yes, of course." They exchanged nods and she swept down the hall, her long black coat trailing behind like a cape. When she'd disappeared from view, Jamie said by way of explanation, "We've only just returned from a riot in New Mexico."
Jorick drew back a step. "Then I shouldn't detain you."
Regret showed in Jamie's eyes. "I had hoped we could put the past behind us."
"It is. But Katelina and I were on our way to the lounge."
"The sixth floor lounge?" Katelina nodded emphatically and he went on, "How long will you be in the Citadel?"
"I don't know."
"I see. Then perhaps we can meet later, when it's more convenient." His eyes flicked to Katelina and she had the distinct impression he meant without her. "It would be a shame if you left before we had a chance to catch up."
"Yes. Perhaps tomorrow?"
Jamie inclined his head. "Until later." And then he turned and followed his partner.
He was barely out of sight before Katelina demanded, "Who was that?"
"Jamie." She glared and he added, "We- worked together. Long ago."
"I gathered that much. I just meant was he a friend of yours or something?"
The idea surprised Jorick. "I don't know that I'd call him a friend. But we were on good enough terms."
"What did they mean about when you left? I thought you just never came back after-" after Velnya died. Again, she didn't say it.
His voice was soft and shaded with regret. "No. I came back. Once. I killed the humans and turned straight for the Citadel. It was new then, and nothing like this." He waved his hand around. "Malick wasn't hiding in dungeon chambers, and I meant to kill him. I blamed him for keeping me away when I was needed at home." He made a noise in his throat, as if trying to clear away old demons. "Of course, I didn't succeed. The others had to protect him, and so I fought my way through them. When I reached him, Malick was much stronger than I was." Something dark passed across Jorick's face. "He defeated me and then released me to do as I would."
Katelina found his mercy surprising and Jorick laughed hollowly. "Mercy? No. It wasn't mercy. At the time I imagine my actions were the same as Oren's are now. I believe I wanted Malick to kill me, and he knew it. He refused. He wasn't being merciful, only cruel."
She shifted uncomfortably. She could see old pain and anger shading his eyes, but she didn't know how to comfort him. Still, she tried. "I'm glad he didn't kill you." She took his hand in hers. "I like you being alive." She offered him a tentative smile and he returned it, then pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her.
"Yes, I suppose it is rather more convenient than being dead, isn't it?"
She nodded against him and he released her. "All right, so you wanted to go to the lounge?"
