Coming back to the Free City had taken some doing. They scoured all of the remains of Cerise but Lust was gone and so was the body of the queen. Ryze tried to use the zombies that Lust had brought back, to reverse engineer them to tell him what had been done. But even with his sister’s help, they weren’t responsive. Without Lust there they were just regular zombies.
But it wasn’t entirely a waste of time. Morrigan remembered some of her time traveling with Lust in the guise of her Queen. During the time her words hadn’t made sense but now that her mind was clear the context was laid bare.
Lust said that her mission was easier than she’d thought. That finding the God of the Cerisan people should never have been that simple but she was a sentimental sort. She had hoped that she could return to the Necropolis before Wrath or Gluttony did in the Sanctum just to rub it in their faces.
To Morrigan the words had just been the ramblings of her Queen, something she didn’t understand. But all of those words painted a picture for Ryze, a dower picture but a picture nonetheless. They gathered in the ballroom of the castle finally, a motley crew of knights, mages, assassins, and bandits.
“What does it all mean?” Morrigan asked finally strong enough to stand on her own. “I get the feeling it’s not just mindless words.”
Ryze shook his head, “It’s not. There’s seven necromancers including my mother that represent the head of the Ouroboros. There are other members but these seven are the ones to worry about. Lust, Gluttony, Wrath, Greed, Sloth, Envy, and my mother Pride. If Lust is on the move alongside Gluttony and Wrath that means the other three are also moving.”
Alistair shuddered, “Can they all do what Lust did?”
“No. They all have their own specialties. I’ve never met Sloth or Envy,” Ryze shook his head. “If the Sanctum is under attack now that means that Noria is probably in danger next.”
“Forgive me if it’s obvious but what’s the end game here. What’s your mom gaining from this aside from pissing off all the major countries?”
“She wants the Gods,” he said. “Or rather a link to the Gods. The queen of Cerise was one. The speaker of the Sanctum is another. Noria’s Great Leader is going to be the last one. So we need to go to Noria and stop them.”
Orion snorted, “You think Noria can’t defend itself against a few zombies?”
“Not from them no,” Ryze said grimly and looked at Alison. “Can you teleport us there?”
“No,” she frowned hard. “I’m not as skilled as my master. I can only go places that I have previously been. And even then I can only do one round trip before I’ll have to rest.”
Swearing Ryze put a hand to his chin, “It can’t be helped then. We go back to the Free City and prepare to go to Noria.”
“Awfully confident that we’re all gung ho about this,” Benidict whispered to his fellow knights.
“We’ll discuss whether or not we’ll journey with them after we’ve rested Ben,” Morrigan said her face finally revealing the depths of her exhaustion.
“Fair enough,” Benidict conceded and asked Alison a bit louder. “Take us home?”
“What about their horses,” Orion chimed in. “I doubt they want to leave them here.”
“I can transport them as well,” she told them. “It’ll just take a bit more time.
They retraced their steps through the main hall, taking their time. The four horses that they took with them were still together, huddled away from the castle but one reacted to Ryze and came forward.
Once the horses were secure, Alison glanced at Vincent for a moment before channeling the magic through her arms. She felt Penny appear at her side, the demon glancing at Morrigan then Vincent and finally Alison before nodding. Despite Alison’s hesitation, they moved in unison, opening the portal for them.
One by one they stepped through it and once they were on the other side they were greeted by the night sky and a very startled pair of guards. They raised their guns to them but recognized who had arrived. “Don’t worry guys, these newcomers are with us. I’ll let Boss know personally alright?”
“You do that Vince. Cause we don’t want any trouble from this,” one said lowering their helmet slightly. “Rather you shoulder the burden than us.”
Vincent sighed. “I’ll meet with Boss, see if there’s any more space in the city. Alison can you find those four a place to stay at least for the night?”
“Yeah,” she looked toward her brother. “I assume you three want to rest in your tents?”
“Very much so,” Benidict replied.
“Okay, you know where to find us if you need us.”
Vincent waved at them and left to find Boss. Away from the main set of tents where they slept and away from the vendors. Walking for a few minutes most of the tents disappeared to reveal a majorly open area, the Proving Grounds. Usually, it was used for parties or big events though they did use it for training exercises and settling feuds. This was also where many of the ‘office’ spaces were for the city.
The tent he was looking for was set up in the middle of this open space. Its base was a box but a pyramid on the top of it with a few flaps open to let in sunlight. There was a soft glow of a lantern from within it so he knew he’d found him though he realized that he wasn’t there alone. He could guess that the old man was there too.
Walking up he pulled one of the flaps back and there they were. Boss was leaning over a table grinning as he always did. His blonde braids were swept to one side and his skin glowed in the lantern light. Beside him was Lionel, the old man’s hair somehow greyer than before. He had developed a bit of a gut but then again, after enough talking from Vincent and a few others he had accepted a role as a teacher and advisor rather than a bandit.
Lionel glanced over to him and smirked. He limped over to Vincent and the two shook each other’s arms., “Hey kid.”
“Hey old man.”
Boss looked up and his grin got even broader as he spread his arms, “Vince!” He walked over and hugged the cartographer picking him up in a tight embrace.
“Yep shoulda known,” he groaned. “Hey Boss.”
“I was wondering where you and Alison disappeared to this morning,” he said setting him down.
“Me and Alison had something to take care of with Alistair and the knights,” Vincent shrugged. “Was a full day affair. Which is why I’m over here.”
Boss walked back to the table leaning one arm against it but look his way, “What’s up?”
“While we were helping them, we found some new friends in trouble who need a roof over their heads. Need to know if we have any more tents open. They’ll be gone in the morning and knowing my luck so will I.”
“Do I want to know what new crazy adventure you’re getting yourself part of?” Lionel asked then raised his hand. “Actually, don’t wanna know. That bit with you out at the Cerisan castle is more than enough adventure for me. There’s a few near the walls but we’re running out. Wonder why.”
Boss gave a deep laugh grinning at Lionel. Vincent walked to the table and picked up one of the pages scanning through the words, “Wow. You’re really considering this aren’t you?”
“Well look at this Vince. The people are speaking. Can’t ignore all this can I?” Boss’s face was still bright but Vincent could see something beyond it, the weight of it.
Lionel looked at Boss “Becoming the leader of the Free City isn’t something you should face with your usual bravado. It’s a huge step up. I keep telling you that just because the people are saying they want you, that doesn’t mean you have to.”
“I know old friend. It’s still something I’m considering,” he replied picking up another report. “Leading the Rogues has been in me years. But bringing everyone else together? It just makes sense. What do you think Vince? Got any opinions?”
He was already waving his hands, shaking his head as he looked at him, “Don’t look at me Boss. I just make maps and go on magical adventures with my girlfriend and her brother. I don’t know anything about leading.”
Lionel chuckled, “The words of a man content with his life. Can’t blame him. I don’t say it often but maybe you should hear Vince out.”
“Now come on old man. I know some things here and there,” Vincent shrugged. “Unite the free city, right? That’s all you, Boss. Or maybe you can make the old man do it. That’d be a treat.”
“Please kid. I can barely make it around with this leg of mine. I’d get challenged by some hotshot with a sword and be in the ground by sundown.”
Another booming laugh and he shook his head, “Well when you put it that way it’s hard to argue. And you sell yourself short old friend.”
Vincent laughed, “Yeah everyone likes you old man.”
“That’s not all it takes for this type of thing kid,” Lionel replied looking at the both of them but sighed. “Though it is hard to argue. All you need now is a sign from the Free Lady.”
“You hear the rumors?” Vincent asked shrugging his shoulder. “Some people think he’s the Free Lady’s chosen one. Hard to argue with that kinda devotion.”
“Sometimes the people just need something to believe in. And if I can do that much I’d be more than happy,” he motioned to the table. “We’ll be here awhile in case you want to lend a hand. A third set of eyes would be appreciated.”
“Young eyes at that.”
“Thanks, but no thanks Boss. Just wanted to ask about those beds.”
Waving bye to them Vincent made his way back to the entrance to the city but he only ended up finding Alison and none of the others. “Everything good?”
“Yeah. Boss is just dealing with some stuff about being the leader. The old man’s with him so those two will be okay. Probably. Where’d our merry band of misfits go?”
“I sent them to Annie’s for some dinner. Ryze didn’t seem like he wanted to waste any time and start heading to Noria tonight.”
“Jeez. No chill on that guy huh?”
“He was like that last time we met him. What do you think happened to his partner? The soldier.”
Vincent shrugged, “Maybe they actually got him home in one piece.”
“I hope so,” Alison replied. “It’d be nice to see some people have a happy ending.”
Vincent looked at her with his eyebrow raised and frowned, “Are you two alright?”
She glanced his way and realized what she had said and frowned hard, shaking her head slowly. “No we’re not. It’s kind of why I wanted to talk to you.”
“Just you?” he asked and she nodded curtly. “Okay. Guess we can talk back in our tent right?”
“That would be best.”
Nodding once more Vincent took her hand and squeezed it lightly. Navigating the camp they walked back to their tent. Alison walked over to the bed and sat down brushing her fingers through her hair. Vincent kicked his boots off against the grass and then moved to sit next to her.
Alison stared at the ground trying to piece her words together. Raising her hand she made a few gestures and she felt silence in her head. Not just the silence of no one talking but the silence of just herself in her head. She looked down at her hands, flexing them slowly and just seeing them move.
“Do you remember what Penny said? Before we went to the castle?”
Vincent nodded, “Yeah it was weird. They said that they wanted to protect me and they would prioritize me over everyone else. It was weird.”
“In a vacuum yes,”
“What do you mean?”
Alison pressed her fingers together shaking her head, “Vayne had taught me that demons are almost a blank slate. They become what we turn them into. His own he enslaved and thus it lost most of its autonomy aside from enhancing what he needs. But because I made Penny my partner instead of slave, they’re becoming more and more like me. My thoughts, some of my mannerisms, and my feelings.”
Vincent paused as he looked at her laughing, “So what? You’re saying that they’re falling in love with me?” Alison looked at him and as understanding came to him he put both hands on his head. “Okay. Shit. That’s not even remotely on the top ten things I expected you to say.”
“Well that’s not what I wanted to tell you. I mean it is, but not what we have to talk about.”
“There’s more?”
“Yeah,” she averted her eyes again frowning hard. “While we were at the castle I had to let Penny take control so that we could fight Morrigan. But Penny went too far. Penny almost killed her. If I hadn’t stopped her should would have?”
“What? Why?”
“They said that Morrigan was too strong and too far gone. Said that we wouldn’t be able to save her,” Alison shivered. “Said that there was only one option to stop her.”
They sat in silence for a long while as Vincent tried to process all of this. Getting to his feet he walked forward a few steps and then turned around to face her. He opened his mouth to speak and the words escaped him. But finally, he just sighed and looked at her.
“Penny was really going to do it,” Vincent said. “They said it but I didn’t think they were serious. But I guess I should know better.”
Alison shrugged her shoulders staring at the grassy floor. “I remember when they talked to you, said that they would do anything to protect you but I didn’t think they’d go that far. Morrigan’s our friend. Unless Penny doesn’t see her that way.”
“They do but like you said, Penny’s gotten attached to me through you,” Vincent frowned because he didn’t think of how proactive protecting him at all cost would be. He walked over to the far end of the tent and then looked over his shoulder at her.
“And are they listening now? Like we’re talking about them but they can hear us now.”
Alison was already shaking her head, “Vayne also taught me how to separate the two of us. To divide me and my demon just in case. That’s what I did when we came inside.”
Vincent stared at her his expression lost as he tried to process it and waved his hand through the air. He tried to pick the words and finally settled on, “Why?”
“What do you mean why?” she looked at him as if he’d asked her why the sun rose and then stared at the opposite wall of the tent. “After what happened at Cerise I was scared. If I hadn’t been strong enough to get control back they would have killed our friend.”
“No Alison I didn’t mean ‘why’ like that,” Walking back over he crouched in front of her and took her hand trying to turn her back to look at him. “Look I know Penny was out of line. But like you said Penny is learning from you right?”
“Are you saying this is my fault?”
Vincent rolled his eyes, “No. But what I am saying is they’re like you but without that wonderful moral center of yours. Would you kill anyone for me that isn’t a part of the immediate family?”
Her forehead creased as she said, “If it was your or them I’d pick you.”
He gave a slow nod, “Exactly. Just because Penny needs more lines in the sand that they can’t cross, doesn’t mean ice them out. Especially since you know, demon.”
Alison frowned but shook her head, “It’s my responsibility to give them those lines. Not assume they’ll figure it out, even if they’re becoming more like me.”
“The fact that they’re becoming more like you probably means it’s more important to draw those lines.”
“You’re right,” she kissed his lips lightly and held his face in her hands. “Sometimes I forget that even when it’s just me and Penny it’s not just the two of us. We have you too.”
He smirked, “I had hoped you thought about me in the equation. I’d like to think I’m the glue that keeps us all together in this happy little team.”
She rolled her eyes and kissed him slowly taking a slow breath and sliding away from him, giving his chest a slight push. He pulled away from her and gave her space so that she could stand. She made a few symbols in the air chanting a few words and like a pair of eyes opening she felt her demon’s presence in her mind again.
“You’ve finished your conversation then?”
“Yes,” she said and felt embarrassed. “I’m sorry for excluding you Penny. I needed a moment to figure things out.”
“And have you?” There was no accusation in their tone. Just a question.
“Me, you and Vince are a team. A unit. And cutting you out wasn’t fair. That means we need to talk. All of us together.”
“I fully expected you to change our agreement. To enslave me.”
“I said we were partners when we first met and I’m going to honor that.”
“You are a strange mage. My kind would not expect this from you. Especially after what I did.”
“I tried to be different from my master and others. Now we need to try and set up some sort of rules.”
“Rules?” they repeated.
“I’ll call you to our side and we’ll take it from there.”
She opened her eyes and curled her fingers calling the magic to her hands. Then her fingers smoothed and another hand formed in her palm. Penny appeared next to her and Alison sat on the bed feeling the looseness of her legs.
She looked at them and saw that they weren’t the frail things they were before. She could maybe even stumble on them but flying was second nature for her at this point. Penny looked at her then to Vince, “You wanted to talk to me,” they said softly.
Alison grinned at Vincent and then them, “Yep. Communication is the key to a good relationship after all.”
The Harlequin Library 