Thorn Queen Chapter Sixteen

I tossed and turned that night, surprised I didnt lapse into the alcohol-induced coma Id kind of hoped for. I at desire prevail woke up with the sunrise and decided to leave in advance too numerous people noticed. Only a few servants were up and approximately, for which I was grateful. I didnt want to see Shayas concerned look or heed to Dorian and Ysabel flirt everywhere breakfast. I didnt want to say approximately what the two of them had d atomic number 53 last night-or why it bothered me so much. I was Dorians friend. That was generous. in front leaving, I stuck my head downstairs in the prison. The night shift of guards was hitherto awake and alert, and Volusian kept his emotionless watch in the cells corner. Jasmine was curled up in a b completely, fast asleep, though I could see dried tears on her cheeks. Unguarded in sleep, she seemed genuinely young.I transiti one and only(a)d back to Tucson, bearing one of the worst hangovers of my life. De enmity the riveicu lar that it was later in the morning there, my house was as still as the castle had been. Considering the way the cats and dogs watched me expectantly, I had to assume Tim hadnt gotten up to feed them yet. I permit the dogs turn come out in the backyard and told the cats theyd have to wait. As for me, I downed two glasses of water and half a bottle of aspirin practi forebodey, before collapsing in my means. My own bed provided the comfort the castles couldnt, and I slept heavily for two hours.I matte up a lot better when I got up, and a shower improved things further. The smells of French toast wafted out to me, and my tormented stomach welcomed the thought of food. I headed out to the kitchen to tell Tim to serve up a two-base hit helping and found that he wasnt alone. A girl in her twenties sat at the table, giggling and wearing his Homeland Security T-shirt. Tim stood at the stove with the said(prenominal) French toast, b atomic number 18-chested in sweatpants and several b eaded necklaces.Oh, hi, squeaked the girl.Eug What ar you-er, greetings of the morning, Sister Eugenie. Tim held up his palm. I did not realize you were home.I rolled my eyeb totally, having no patience for his minute this morning. I poured myself a cup of deep brown. I hope youve got real maple syrup.He handed me over a plate of French toast, fresh off the stove. I think it had been intended for his lady friend, nevertheless he knew better. I found the maple syrup in the refrigerator, doused the toast liberally, and thence headed back out to the living room without another(prenominal) word to either of them. A few minutes later, Tim scurried in, looking sheepish.You k today you arent supposed to bring them home, I said.Yeah, I k forthwith. Its thowell, I didnt in reality think youd be home with the way things have been lately.Not unreasonable, I conceded. But that doesnt change the rules. You stay at their places.He nodded. brook she at least finish breakfast before I kick her out?I chewed my own food, thinking about what I had to do today. I swallowed and sighed. You can let her stay all morning. Im leaving soon anywayIll probably be gone most of the day.Tim b well(p)ened with unexpected plea real. Really? Oh, sweet. Thanks, Eug. Youre the best-I handed him my empty plate. notwithstanding get me a refill, and well call it even.Since telling Lara to keep my schedule open, I now had days with no plans-which proved terribly convenient today. I was freeing to drive out to Yellow River again to talk to Abigail and artifice and try to agree round sense of this red snake business. There were too many questions and loose ends surrounding it all, and I shooted to start tying some of it up so that I could get on with my life.The downside of a drive interchangeable that was that it gave me lots of time to think. Lots and lots of time. It was a clear day, and there were no major cities along the way. It was good me, my mind, and the open road. I kept th inking about how Kiyo and I had last driven this trek together and the sex that had followed at the hotel. I thought about him and Maiwenn now, celebrating the birth of their daughter. I thought about my breakdown with Dorian and my fears that Kiyo wouldnt want me anymore.Id brought my cell phone with me and had it sitting on the passenger seat, volume up high. I didnt want to miss a call from Kiyobecause surely hed call to tell me about his daughter as soon as he could, right? If I hadnt heard anything, it meant he was still in the Otherworld, which-as one might imagine-didnt have the greatest cell coverage.Wed landed Art first last time, scarce when I got off the highway, I found I was nearer to Abigails. So, I drove by Yellow Rivers modest downtown- gone the sex-toy descent-and parked outside her building. It was afternoon by now, and people were out and about, with tourists in particular poking their heads into the antiques store beneath Abigails flat tire. I found the lit tle doorway by the stores entrance and headed upstairs, wondering if Id be overrun with cats.But I wasnt-largely because I never do it into the apartment. I knocked several times and even called Abigails name once. When that didnt pan out, I dialed the number Roland had given me. I got her voice mail but nothing more.So much for that, I muttered. perchance it was just as well. Art was the one who held most of my attention anyway, what with his tattoo and all. He was the one who impoverishmented to be questioned.So, I left the town for the suburbs, and in full day take down I could really restoration in how cute Arts neighborhood was. The houses were large and new resembling his, and his neighbors appeared to approve their lawns just as much. I didnt see Art outside, but a large red SUV in the driveway boded well for him being around.I knocked double on the door, and for a moment, I thought he too must be out and about. Just as I nearly rang the doorbell, he finally opened the door. His hair was damp, like hed just come out of the shower, and he held a pair of hedge clippers in one hand.Eugenie His grimace split into a grin. This is a surprise. The smile momentarily faltered. Is everything okay? Roland?Fine, exquisite, I assured him. I just valued to ask you some more questions.You drove a long way for that, he mused, stepping outside and shutting the door behind him.People had an easier time lying over the phone, but I could hardly tell him that. I had the time and thought it would make things simpler.Sure. Im happy for the companyso long as you dont mind hanging out with me while I get a little croak done? He waved the clippers by way of explanation.No problem.He offered me something to drink first, but I was still holding on to coffee Id bought at a gas station and declined. I sat down on his front step while he began trimming some of the compact shrubs flanking the front of the house. They were thick and heavy-leaved, filled with pretty yellow bl ossoms. They seemed to want to consume the house, and I was reminded of Sleeping Beautys castle, and the thorns that had surrounded it. He didnt cut their overall height but mostly seemed concerned with making them look neat.I stop by Abigails on my way here, but she didnt seem to be home.I think shes in El Paso for a few days, Art said. The muscles in his arms bulged, raising his T-shirts sleeve and showing me the coiled red snake. Her sister lives there. Theyre close, which is good, but I sure could have used her help with a banishing the other day. You should have come by then. It was a gentry girl, actually-you were looking for those, right?Yes, I said, startled. I take it you managed to send her back on your own?Yeah. She wasnt that tough. More s apportiond than anything else.I sipped my coffee, trying to make sense of this new development. I may have very well indeed jumped to conclusions about Arts kidnapping role. Maybe Moria had just been banished after wandering here. Do y our jobs ever actually take you to the Otherworld? I asked.He gave a gruff laugh. Not if I can help it. Those transitions are a bitch, even with that crossroads. I havent actually been over inI dont know. Years.Huh, I said.Art paused in his clipping, giving me a puzzled look. Why do you ask?Ive heard stories-that is, gentry rumors-about some human over there who kind of sounds like you.Like me? His confusion grew. Thats a little weird.It was a human with a red snake tattoo. I didnt mean to sound accusatory, but a diminutive bit of it slipped into my tone.Why on earth would I lie about crossing over? he asked. He wasnt angry, exactly, but some of that friendly way had cooled a little.Whoa, hey. I didnt say you did. I tried not to sound too defensive. It was just weird that there were sightings of someone who looked like you near where your crossroads lets out.The gentry Ive banished are probably getting confused and thinking I was in their world when I kicked them out of this oneit s honestly hard to escort how any of them think. And you know how disorienting banishing is.Yeah, I know. Im just reflection the story I heard was weird. Art said hed kicked a gentry girl out, but Moria sure had sounded like shed escaped.If I thought his attitude was cool earlier, it was frigid now. I find it equally weird that a shaman is chummy enough with gentry to be listening to their stories-and concerned about them. Why does it matter to you if humans are over there anyway?Because those humans might be harming gentry.And?And its not right.He snorted and returned to his trimming. Theyre gentry, Eugenie. Theyre not like us. And from what I hear, youre not all that gentle with them anyway.When theyre in this world, yeah.Any world, Eugenie. Theyre literally not human. Why do you care so much?None of your business. The harsh words were out before I could stop them. Art paused again and this time turned to fully face me.And its none of your business where I go and what I do-in ei ther world.My heart lurched in my chest. What, are you saying it is you? That you have been over in the Otherworld recently?Im saying Im done with this discussion. Youre not welcome here if youre just going to toss around ridiculous accusations-accusations that dont even matter.It matters to them.I think youre asking the wrong questions here. You need to examine your motives and figure out why youre so eager to defend those who have no regard for us-and why youre picking fights with your own kind.I piquantness up, careful of the coffee. Im not picking a fight.Then get out of here before there is one.We stood there, lock uped in antagonism, and I wondered if it would come to a fight. I was armed, and he wasnt, though he was bigger and better-muscled. No, that was stupid. Why would he fight? He hadnt confessed to anything, only grown hostile at what he read as me accusing him of things he didnt consider crimes. That didnt make him guilty-but it didnt make him innocent either. Someth ing just didnt feel right here.Fine, I said, backing off. I didnt mean to upset you. Im just trying to figure things out and make sure no ones being wronged.He smiled, but it was a far cry from the easy grin that had greeted me. What in Gods name would you do if someone was? Come on, Eugenie. Dont overinflate your sense of obligation-or importance. Theres no shaman police. You dont have any jurisdiction or right to dictate what I or anyone else around here-or anywhere-does.Noted, I said, heading toward my car. I was afraid if I stayed, I was going to say something Id regret. Regardless if he had a role in all this, I didnt like the callous way he treated gentry-particularly since it was similar to the attitude Id once had. Ill send your regards to Roland.Make sure you do, called Art. And maybe you should have a talk with him about some of these ideas while youre at it. Roland knows whats right.I bit my lip and got in the car without further comment. So. No real answers here, but som ething felt wrong about Art. He was too guarded and hostile, and despite his claims about not having been to the Otherworld recently, the rest of his comments made it seem very plausible that he could be lying.Yet, I realized what also bothered me as much as his reticence was his attitude toward the gentry. Rolands was similar, albeit not as harsh, and hed warned me away plenty of times. Kiyo also wanted me to keep out of gentry affairs-inasmuch as I could-which was rather hypocritical, considering his involvement. I was enmeshed, whether I liked it or not, and had accepted that my views on the gentry had changed. They were odd, and I didnt everlastingly approve of them, but in their hearts, I knew they were people not all that different from me, full of the same feelings and hopes. I couldnt understand how Art or anyone else could think girls disappearing was unimportant-even if they were gentry.It occurred to me as I drove away that Art hadnt invited me inside either time. Coinci dence? His meticulous yard certainly suggested he spent as much time outdoors as at heart. And yetwould I have found some express in there to shed more light on his activities? Damn. There was nothing to be done for it now, not with Art still there and suspicious of me. As I drove back through town toward the highway, a backup plan came to me. What had Art said? That Abigail was out of town for a few days? As of yet, I had no evidence whatsoever to suggest that she was involved with any of this Otherworldly intrigue, but she was an associate of Arts. Maybe there was something to be unearthed at her place.So, I parked outside her apartment once more and slipped in past the antiques store. My athame, wand, and gun were my usual tools of the trade, but I did carry a few little-used ones, such as a lechatelierite crystal for reading energy. I also had a small lock-picking kit I kept in my bag. Imps, trolls, and other creatures of that ilk sometimes tried to lock themselves away from me. If Abigails lock wasnt particularly state of the art, I should be able to get in.It wasnt, and judging from the lack of beeping, there was no alarm system within either. The closest she had was her herd of cats. They swarmed around me in a furry, slithering mass, less hostile than hungry. I wondered who fed them when she was gone. Uneasily, I decided to make this search quick, lest an unsuspicious pet sitter come trolling around.Searching wasnt easy since the place was still cluttered with books, incense, and candles. My task was made more difficult by the fact that I had no clue what I was looking for. I lifted and moved things as best I could, hoping the place wouldnt look ransacked. In spite of the mess, I was again struck by how nice the apartment was, how it had been expensively restored. The floors were true hardwoods-no laminate here-and all the molding and top offwork was elaborate and beautiful. This place couldnt be cheap, and it seemed a shame shed let her pack-rat h abits get the best of it. Not that I was one to talk.I concluded my search with a quick scan of the bedroom. It was less mussy and hence had less to browse. Her duvet was a patchwork of brightly colored silks, and the closet was filled with scarves and gauzy dresses. A jewelry box on her breast disp placeed a stunning collection of necklaces and rings, and beside it was-so help me-a pair of handcuffs. I almost laughed, trying to imagine New Agey Abigail into something kinky. Maybe I hadnt been the only one to visit the sex-toy shop. Of course, whereas mine had been cheap and lightweight, these were industrial-strength steel ones, like cops would use. If she was into kinky stuff, then it was pretty hardcore.I drove back to Tucson after that, arriving in early evening. My automatic pilot sense of direction started to take me home, and then, at the last moment, I called Tim.Has Kiyo called or stopped by?Nope. But one of his cats threw up on the living-room floor.Thats not quite the sa me.We disconnected, and I checked my cell phone for the hundredth time. Nope. No missed calls there either. With a sigh, I turned toward Saguaro National commons and its easy-access crossroads. If Kiyo couldnt emerge from the Otherworld and into this one, then perhaps hed sent some sort of message to the Thorn Land. I felt stupid and desperate, like a girl hold by the phone. But what else could I do?Unfortunately, the Otherworldly news was no better.No, your majesty, said Nia. Her voice was anxious and apologetic, as though she herself was personally to blame. Theres been no word.I thanked her and figured that if Id gone to the trouble to come here, I should find Shaya and get some sort of update. When I went searching, however, it was a most unexpected visitor I found instead Girard, the dark-skinned courtier and metalsmith from Maiwenns party.Your majesty, he said with a bow, as flamboyant as ever. I was hoping Id see you before I had to leave.Before you had towhat are you doing here? I asked, more perplexed than displeased by his presence.Ive come to bring you this.Like a magician producing a rabbit from under his cape, Girard held out a stunning necklace. The chain was made of exquisite, swirling links that rippled like water, and a pear-shaped sapphire ringed in pearls hung from it.Oh my God, I gasped, taking it from him. This is incredible. Did you make this?Yes, your majesty. His voice was modest, but he was clearly pleased by my regard.Whos it from?Recalling the comments others had made about his political aspirations, I half-expected it to be a gift from him. Then, suddenly and hopefully, I wondered if Kiyo had sent it as a token of affection since he had to spend so much time away from me. I wouldnt have put it past Dorian either, but he would have presented it himself.Its from Prince Leith of the Rowan Land.Of course. I should have known. Leith accepting his fate last night had been too good to be true.His stateliness adds that hell also have me make a crown to match if you would like. He sends this with his greatest love and devotion.Im sure he does. I sighed and handed the necklace back. Well, a crown is definitely out of the question, Im afraid. And actuallyIm really sorry, Girard, but I cant even keep this. I hate for your work to go to waste.He took the necklace and deftly slipped it into one of his many pockets. Its no trouble at all. I understand how romantic affairs go-or rather, how they dont go. His highness will be sad, but I enjoyed the chance to work on something new for a change, so it was worth it, even if it wont grace your neck.I recalled how he lived at Katrices court. What do you usually work on?He made a small face. Her majesty Queen Katrice is partial to animals and collects figurines, jewelryanything depicting them. Last week, I made a crystal squirrel. It was lovely, of course, but its the 5th squirrel Ive made this year.I couldnt help but laugh. Well, I guess Im glad for this, then. Maybe An idea su ddenly came to me. Maybe I can give you another project away from her menagerie. Do you have the time?Girard bowed low. Of course.I heard you can work with iron to a certain extent. Heres what I need. I described my problem with Jasmine and how I require more flexible restraints that contained as much iron as he could handle. Theoretically, I could have brought over human handcuffs, but I wanted special ones not only for mobility but because I needed bronze or copper somewhere on them so that my guards could touch them if need be.Girard listened thoughtfully, nodding as I spoke. Yes, of course I can do this. I can have them for you tomorrow.Whoa, I didnt expect-He threw back his head and laughed. Your majesty, you forget that we dont forge and work metal like humans do. I order the metal to bend, and it does. The rest is in skill and patience.I supposed he had a point. I thanked him profusely, telling him that Shaya would settle the price with him later. Once he left, I then set ou t to find Shaya myself, still needing a report.Before I could, I was intercepted again-this time by Ysabel. She was alone, which I took to mean Dorian had returned to the Oak Land. That was something, at least. I didnt want him camping out around here-particularly after my teary-eyed weakness last night.She came to a halt before me, arms get over. Whatever fear shed had from our last lesson seemed to have completely vanished. Maybe Dorians visit had reassured her. Or maybe she figured she had little to fear from someone whod spent all of last night moping and drinking away her sorrows.My ecclesiastic says I still cannot leave until weve worked together at least one more time.Bummer, I said and started to pass her. Ive got to find Shaya.She blocked my way again. It was deja vu of the last time shed accosted me about this. Shayas gone right now. The sooner we get this over with, the better. I know you have nothing else to do with your time right now either. Youre simply waiting for your kitsune to throw you some sort of bone.Alright, now shed pissed me off, largely because she was right. Thats not true. I have plenty of things to do. Besides, I dont know if I really need your help anymore. I think at this point its all just practicing on my own.With my mind, I reached out, feeling the different types of air around us. I stayed well away from her but pulled together several groups. Now that I understood their individual natures, it wasnt that hard to combine them into larger gusts. I goddamned the air through the hall, creating a gust of wind that rivaled the one shed smugly showed me that first day. Her expression showed disdain, but I swear, there was fear in her eyes again. I remembered what Shaya had said, that I was learning too quickly and too well.That isacceptable, Ysabel said at last. But it was clumsy. And you cant combine it with water yet to truly control the weather.She was right on that, but I felt I had a good enough understanding of both to jus t keep practicing. Itll come with time. Ill be fine on my own.My lord said one more time That scornful expression faded now, replaced by uncertainty. There is something elsesomethingwell, you havent even come close to it yet.I inherited storm magic. Water and air. What else is there?Follow me, and Ill show you-if you can handle it. There it was, the old attitude. It was almost comforting.She took me back out to the courtyard wed been in last night. A servant Id seen around the castle was painstakingly setting more tiles into the ground, expanding the patio area. We stood well away from him, and Ysabel continued keeping her arms crossed over her chest, posture still rigid and defensive.Ill be glad when this is over and I can return to the Oak Land. Its obvious my lord misses me. Her eyes glinted wickedly. He made love to me last night with a passion Ive never seen before. It left me screaming and aching in ecstasy.I rolled my eyes and stopped myself from saying, Yeah, because he was thinking of me. Lets just get this over with so you can leave and get all the screaming and aching you want. What else was there I needed to know?Theres something else in the air, she said. She bit her lip in thought, trying to articulate her meaning. I can feel it, but Im unable to touch it. Probably you cant either.Can you be a little more specific?Its always thereits like the pieces of the air arebriary. Sharp to the touch. There are more of them, though, before a storm.I stared stupidly for a moment, and then the human part of me put it together. Lightningyoure talking about making lightning, I breathed. What was the scientific term? Those are charged particles.The term meant nothing to her, but shed nodded when I mentioned lightning. Eagerness flared up in me, and I immediately felt out around me. Sensing all the air molecules was easy now. The only two I could name were oxygen and carbon dioxide. All the others had their own unique feel, but I couldnt say if they were atomic number 7 or hydrogen or what. After a few minutes of groping with my mind, I shook my head.I dont feel anything like that.Ysabel seemed pleased by this. Like I said, you likely arent strong enough.Its a clear day, I pointed out. There probably arent any around.No, theyre always there. There arent many today, but I can feel them.I set my lips into a hard line, trying again. It was just like the old days with Dorian endless waiting, save that he would have tied me up. Ysabel probably would have too if Id let her, if only to use the chance to slit my throat.Air, air, air. Every particle unique, yet none of it had the sharp, prickly feel she was describing. Distantly, I remembered the one time I had summoned a storm. Id been caught by an elemental gentry, on the verge of being raped while my mother lay injured. In my crazy desperation and panic, Id summoned a storm that nearly leveled my house. I had little memory of how Id done it, though. The whole thing was a blur, like some kind of dream that-All the hairs on my arms suddenly stood up. There. There, mixed in with other air above us was somethingwell, to put it bluntly, electric. It felt prickly, just as shed described. I reached for it, trying to control it as I had the other particles, but it was slippery. It was like oil running through my fingers, and I understood now why she couldnt do it. It was a very different phenomenon. Steeling myself, I tried again, and for one heartbeat, I drew them together into a knot. The smell of ozone filled the air, and then I lost my grip. No flash of light, no thunder.But Ysabels face was dismayed. Youyou did it. You shouldnt have been able toI didnt really do anything.You shouldnt have been able to do thatnot yet. I cant even touch them.Too fast and too easily. Just like my father.Im nowhere near to being there yet. I hoped I sounded reassuring. This is going to be harder. I couldnt say how I knew it was just something I felt. Wielding air, creating windthat would come wi th practice. Lightning was a different beast. But when I didI suddenly shivered and was astonished at the exultation that ran through me. If I could learn to create and control lightningJesus Christ. That kind of power was unimaginable. It was a large part of what had made Storm King so feared. Being able to do that would be unbelievable. Amazing. Exquisite. Being like a godI snapped myself out of those thoughts, aghast at what Id been thinking-again. Talk about megalomania. I was no god. Craving that kind of power was wrong everyone said so. Well, those from the human world, at least. Yet, if I could summon lightning, I could blow a fair number of those fucking demons out of existence. Surely that was a good use of my power. Unfortunately, what Id said to Ysabel was true. It was going to take awhile, and until I real some other amazing weapon, those demons were going to keep coming back and-I froze, suddenly forgetting about the phenomenal power Id just touched. I had a weapon rig ht in front of me, something that might seriously get rid of those demons once and for all. Unfortunately, it was not an easy one to use.Son of a bitch, I said. Jasmine.