Fang Shway in LA (12 page)

Signing off, I slid to the floor and leaned back against the statue. The marble felt cool and solid, something I wasn’t feeling. Vicor was a formidable opponent and I was likely in over my head. There wasn’t anything I knew that would do more than slow him down.
I pushed myself determinedly to my feet and walked to my desk. I liked long odds. Tatiana had better be right, or I was as good as dead. Scouring my books, I found a few things that might slow him down, either that or irate him and I really didn’t have anything to lose. Pulling all manner of ingredients off the
shelf I started boiling some potions. It couldn’t hurt to have a few more things in my arsenal to use against Vicor. Watching over the beakers, I began to draft my plan.

“Thank God that isn’t dinner and speaking of dinner when is it?”

“You’re probably starving because sleeping round the clock burns tons of calories. I’m almost done here, why don’t you order pizza.”

“Yes, I want one with the works.” Tokem blew by me so fast he was a blur. I swear he had Pizza Hut on speed dial. It almost looked like he was drooling, but then again he didn’t have pizza where he’s from.

Finishing up, I attached my small array of vials to my belt loop. I needed to be able to reach them without looking. I made sure my ace in the hole was first in line because if it came to that I needed to know the balefire would bail me out. Otherwise, this might be my last assignment.

When I got to the kitchen Tokem was setting the table. “I’ll go see if Traygen’s up yet.” I could hear the shower from the hall. Fighting the temptation to join him, I yelled to tell him the pizza would be served shortly. My stomach rumbled. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was. It wasn’t my idea of a last meal but, I couldn’t afford to jest about it. If I was being honest with myself, I was scared. We ate in silence, I didn’t feel like talking. Excusing myself, I went to change. Satisfied I was ready. I awaited Jason’s arrival, not usually known for his promptness.
He surprised me and arrived right on time. Now I really was worried.

It was time to leave. Normally, I’d be fired up to go to the Coliseum, since I’m a diehard Trojan fan. I couldn’t think clearly, my mind grappled with the task at hand and I finally gave up trying to figure out what Vicor would try. There was just no way to know. I retrieved my things and went to the car. Traygen opened the door for me and I got in. Pushing myself back against the seat I closed my eyes and took some deep breaths before buckling up. My nerves made my hands tremble and my stomach lurch. I had to wrestle with my stomach just to keep my pizza down.

I always talk to God, asking for his guidance, it was something I did daily. I know not many witches or wizards believed in God, in fact most didn’t. I honestly didn’t give a rat’s ass, spell or curse what anyone else thought because since my father’s death I did. My faith centers me and guides my life. However, right this minute, I was having a harder than normal time trying to focus. My palms felt sweaty and my legs bounced. I finally settled on a simple request. God, whatever you know to be my highest good let thy will be done. It was all I could manage, but then I tried hard not to give God orders. Honest.

Traygen pulled the car up to the south entrance and we got out. The parking lot looked disserted. Vicor and company could have entered from the other side there was no way to tell. “I need you two to keep an eye on things. I want to be sure Vicor is my only opponent. I’ll have my hands full enough just handling him, let alone any unauthorized helpers.”

“We’ll have your back,” Traygen said as he leaned down and kissed me. He held me close and then he and Tokem strode confidently into the coliseum.

Raising an eyebrow Jason asked, “Am I missing something? I thought you two gave up on having a relationship.”

“Nothing that would concern you, come on I want to get this over with.” Turning I strode quickly across the lot and into the stadium. Holding my staff in my right hand, I activated my Dragon’s Eye pendant and bracelet. They vibrated warmly, something I always found reassuring. Next, I checked to make sure my vials were attached to my belt and my gun’s safety was off. This was not the time to have to fumble for anything. I’d only get one chance to end this in my favor. Locked and loaded, it was time to rock Vicor’s world.

Jason followed closely behind me. I saw Vicor near midfield, standing slightly behind him a man dressed all in black. He didn’t look especially impressive but, looks in this case were deceiving. The man reeked of power, lots and lots of power. I made sure they were assigned the visitors’ sideline. I’m no fool SC hasn’t lost a home game in years. I would do my best to make sure their streak remained intact.

“Lauren, this is Erol from the Lazarian Court. I see you have brought your representative from the World Court. Good evening Jason, it’s been a while.”

I turned to face Jason and whispered, “You know him? Why didn’t you say something?” Jason didn’t respond, before Vicor answered for him.

“I see from your response Jason forgot to mention he’s made my acquaintance. I hope that isn’t a problem?”

“No problem,” I snarled at Vicor. “Not for you, but when this is over it will be for Jason. Yet, again he’s failed to mention an important detail.”

Erol stepped forward, “I’ll review the conditions of this contest. A fight to the death using magic and no outside interference will be tolerated.” Glancing from Vicor, to me and to Jason, we each nodded our silent agreement. “Then once Jason and I reach the sidelines you may begin.” Erol said.

Both sides stepped back and the observers moved further away. It was just Vicor and me and we were standing about twenty yards apart. My activated bracelet and pendant pulsed with an eerie bluish, white light. Holding my staff tightly, I felt it begin to vibrate moments before Vicor hurled a flash of energy at me. Grass and dirt flew every which way and I stood my ground. The barrier created by my bracelet and pendant easily deflecting the blast.

“What’s a matter Vicor? I move bigger divots with my driver.” If he was trying to rattle me it wasn’t working. The next blast got my attention. It threw me back four or five yards where I landed in a heap. Damn it, grass stains. Now I was pissed and I was more than ready to ‘Shout’ him out. Trying to regain my feet and my dignity, I scrambled to get up.

Crouching on the balls of my feet, I lowered my staff and sent a line of fire at his head. He ducked to his right and rolled. I sent another blast to his left, and he lunged away just before it hit him. I literally had him stepping and fetching.
Unfortunately, he didn’t look like he was worried. He hadn’t even broken a sweat.

Coming to rest on all fours, he called out, “Oceana,” and all the sprinklers in the stadium came on. My staff sputtered and died. Shit. Dropping my staff and slithering backward, I inched toward the side of the field, wanting to put some distance between us.

Once my feet hit the track, I stood to face Vicor. Two can play that game. I yelled, “Aqaucrystal,” and a blast of water flew at Vicor’s feet, freezing as it hit the earth. Looking like he’d hit a banana peel, Vicor went down hard. I heard his head hit with a sickening snap.
He was momentarily stunned and I took full advantage. Closing the distance between us, I pulled the small vile from my belt. “Vicor, yield and I’ll spare your life?”

“Why should I yield to you? You can’t stop me wizard. It is you who should yield. I promise to make your death quick.”

“You don’t want to try me, now yield, or I’ll kill you.”

Inching to his feet, he started to reach into his coat.

“Vicor, stop, I have balefire.”

“You’re bluffing because if you had it you’d have used it by now. I overestimated you, but now I’ll end this.” Reaching into his jacket, he pulled out a dagger and flicked at me.

Diving to avoid the blade, I landed hard on my side. Oh my God, I hoped I hadn’t broken the vile. I reached for the vile and found it unbroken. Thank you, God. I started to uncap the vile, but I felt a stinging sensation in my shoulder, blood was soaking my shirt, that SOB hit me with one of his knives. That’s it. I turned and unleashed the balefire at Vicor. It hit him squarely in the chest and engulfed him in flames. It was over in an instant.

Chapter 20

Things started to spin and I felt very tired, all I wanted to do was sleep. I’ll just rest my head for a minute, I thought as I stretched out on the ground, putting my head on my arm. Jason leaned over and asked if I was all right. I nodded and he went to confer with the Lazarian Court member that was the last thing I remembered.

I opened my eyes and quickly clamped them shut. The sun shining through my window hurt my eyes. How did I get here? I started to sit up and pain shot through my arm and radiated down my back. Slowly, ever so slowly, I eased myself back against my pillows. That took all my energy, and I closed my eyes again and slept. When I dared to open my eyes again, Traygen was sleeping in the chair next to my bed. He had dark circles under his eyes, but otherwise he looked peaceful. I just loved him and he had been my anchor for as long as I could remember. Maybe it was time to make an honest woman of me. Still, I knew that wasn’t possible, or at least it didn’t seem likely at this point. There were still too many things to do.

I sat up and my shoulder only protested mildly. Traygen must have heard me stir because he jumped to his feet and picked up a pillow which he placed behind my back. Leaning over me he gently brushed the hair from my face before placing a soft kiss on my forehead.

“How do you feel? You scared the hell out of me. I thought Vicor had you. I should have known better.” He leaned over and kissed me again, this time lightly on the cheek, tears slipping from his eyes, tears he didn’t try to hide.

“I’ve felt better, but God only knows I’ve felt worse. How did I get here? Did I kill Vicor?”

“Vicor died instantly when the balefire hit him. The grudge has been settled with Ekil, he has pulled the bounty on your head. You won’t have any more trouble with Ekil. You passed out from blood loss. We brought you here and Jason called in a favor. A doctor came and sewed you up and he thinks you’ll be fine. The knife missed the major arteries and nerves. You were lucky, if that knife had hit any lower you wouldn’t be here.”

“Good, cause I’m hungry. What’s a girl have to do to get fed around here anyway? Seriously, I’m grateful for everyone’s help.” I sounded like myself but, I didn’t feel happy. Vicor’s death was preventable. Needless deaths bother me and I hoped it always would. Ultimately it was his choice. Since, I would have spared his life. Regrettably, he refused to yield.

I slept off and on for the better part of a week. My shoulder was healing and thankfully it was my right shoulder. The shoulder was stiff, but functional. The stitches were out and I was able to move around fairly well. I started to regain my strength, although I tired more easily than normal. Fortunately for me, I’m a lefty, so technically I could still inflict some damage. However,
I was probably more of a danger to myself.

Azif, it seems, went
to ground, which was good for me. It allowed me the time to heal. The wizard had not been seen or heard from, since my duel with Vicor. While I was mending, I decided to put out some feelers in the art world. I wanted to know if anyone inquired about the spear. I’m sure Azif was frantic to find it. Jason had the spear safely tucked away with the World Council.
Fortunately, Azif would have no way of knowing that. So we needed to figure out how we were going to catch him? I had plenty of time to scheme while recovering. Besides, an idea began bubbling to the surface. A trap using the spear as bait, I liked it.

A knock on my bedroom door roused me from my machinations. Traygen and Tokem peeked in. “Want company?” Tokem asked.

“I’m always happy to see you two, please join me. Have you heard any news on Azif?”

“Yes and it isn’t good. No one has made any inquires about the spear, not as far as we can tell. Azif is still nowhere to be found, it’s as if he has disappeared, which worries me the most. It makes me wonder if he knows where the spear is and is biding his time.” Traygen said as he sat down next to me on the bed, concern creasing his forehead.

Tokem hovered lower and landed on the bedpost. “The vampires haven’t found him either. I’ve been following Ekil’s entourage and they’re definitely looking. He may have taken the price off your head, but he moved the offer over to Azif. However, I’m pleased to report he offered more for you.”

“I’m touched and so are you if you genuinely believe that is a compliment.” Damn it, laughing made my shoulder hurt.

“Lauren, you know me, if The Price is Right…”

“Not funny Tokem, if I didn’t know better I’d think you didn’t miss me.”

Brooding in worried silence, a solemn expression was etched into Traygen’s face. I could see the emotions marching across his face, as he absently fiddled with the corner of the sheet. Even my silly banter hadn’t made him laugh.

Squeezing his arm softly I asked, “Care to share? You look like you are waging an internal war. Are you?”

“You know me well. I’m worried Azif is planning to attack us. He must know the Russians were jailed and Vicor is dead. Azif, also, has to know the vamps have no use for the spear, which only leaves us. For all we know he’s scheming to attack us at this very moment, especially if he knows you’re injured.”

“I agree, which is why I have a plan ready. My strength is returning and I’m feeling better every day, thanks to the excellent care I’m receiving.”

Gliding down from the bedpost, “Let me get comfortable.” Tokem said. “Do you want me to take notes?”

A worried look momentarily darted across Traygen’s face. “Do you want me to fluff your pillow?” He teased.

Drumming my fingers on the sheets, I waited for silence. I just loved a captive audience, “Notes won’t be necessary. I suggest we pose as smugglers and put the spear up for sale. Not the real one, a replica. We will leave the real one in Jason’s safekeeping. However, I’m sure a realistic enough replica, infused with energy would fool Azif.”

Hopping up and down Tokem gave me his enthusiastic support.

“Do you really think he would be fooled? If we are wrong it could cost us our lives,” Traygen said.

“Yes, we only have to trick him long enough to distract him. Then I can catch Azif off guard and finish him.”

Traygen didn’t look convinced but, he supported the plan. That was fortunate, since he was the only one skilled enough to pull it off. He’s artistic and a master craftsman, if anyone could make the spear look genuine, he could.

“I don’t like you drawing Azif’s attention while you’re not fully healed. He’s going to be hard enough to stop. I think taking the offensive makes the most sense.”

“While you make the spear, I’m going to put some feelers out. I’ll spread the word through the art community. If Azif is interested in the spear, he’ll contact us. After all, it isn’t like he can just run an ad for it in the LA Times.”

After the forced down time, caused by my injury, we were all eager to get going. Tokem tried to help Traygen. A collaboration I knew was doomed from the start. However, when I saw Tokem streak from my office followed closely by a handful of sawdust, I knew I’d been correct.

It was late afternoon before we reconvened. I whistled in appreciation at Traygen’s rendering of the spear. It would have fooled me. “Traygen, it’s wonderful. You’re a master or should I say masterful.”

“Yeah, a temperamental one, but on the positive side I got caught up with the Price is Right.” Tokem said as he flitted away.

Traygen took a few quick jabs with the spear in Tokem’s direction. “It will certainly serve the purpose from afar. Did you have any luck starting the rumor about a spear for sale?”

“I put it out there, now we’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, I need to rest, this is the most I’ve done, since I was injured and I’m tired. I’m going to take a nap.”

“Do you mind if Xena and I go for a run? I’ve been cooped up all-day. I need to stretch my legs and burn off some energy.”

“Traygen, you know you don’t need to ask. If I said no, Xena would never forgive me. You two have a good run and for the record, I’m jealous.” I went in to take my nap and fell instantly asleep.

Sometime later a dog’s persistent barking roused me from my nap. What the hell? Whose dog was making all that noise? The barking grew more insistent by the minute. Shaking off the cobwebs, I sat up and listened. Xena? Why was she barking? I got out of bed and went to the door. Xena sat there alone. She ran in dragging her leash before I had the door all the way open. “Where’s Traygen, girl?”

I had a bad feeling about this. Reaching down to unsnap her leash, I felt something brush my fingers. Exploring further, I found something fastened near the clasp. I took a closer look and I found a piece of paper attached to her leash. What in the hell was this? My fingers trembled as I untied the paper and I exhaustedly dropped into the nearest chair to finish unrolling it. It was a note from Azif. I swear my heart skipped a beat or just stopped and fear gripped me like a vice.

The note said, “You have twenty-four hours to trade the spear for the dragon. I’ll contact you to let you know where to make the exchange. If you don’t produce the spear the dragon dies.”

Oh my God, not Traygen. What was I going to do? Jason would never give me the real spear.
It was too valuable and extremely dangerous. Still, I had to at least try and convince him, hurrying to my office, I sent for Jason.

Pacing nervously around my office, I couldn’t form a coherent thought. Settle down, you can’t help Traygen like this. I knew there was no way I could track Traygen, without endangering his life. Azif would sense any attempt by me to find him. He’d have him well shielded. So, I had to find a way to get the spear.

I felt Jason just before he appeared in my office. “What’s up?” He asked.

I handed him the note and waited until he’d finished reading it before speaking again. He blanched as he read the note and solemnly returned it to me.

“Jason, I need the spear. Can you get it for me from the council?”

“What? You know I can’t, the council would never agree. They would say the spear is more important than Traygen’s life. Lauren, stop before you go off because you know Traygen would agree, if he were here. No single life is worth the consequences of giving Azif the spear.”

“To hell with the council, I’m not going to sit here and do nothing. I found the spear and they can damned well trust me to return it.”

Jason ignored my comments while he walked over and picked up the reproduction of the spear. “This is an excellent imitation. Is it Traygen’s work?”

“Yes, we were going to try to trick Azif, unfortunately he grabbed Traygen before we could try it. Help me damn you. Jason. There’s got to be something we can do. Help me, please.”

Jason paced slowly around my office, his hands clasped behind his back, apparently deep in thought. “You could find the spear’s maker who could tell you how to neutralize the spear’s power. Then it would be useless to Azif. Besides, I can’t imagine the council would care about the spear if you disarmed it. My guess is they would be grateful and Lauren, you know I am not qualified to speak for them.”

“Where is he? How do I get there? I’ve got less than twenty-four hours to find him and disarm the spear.”

“He was exiled to Hades when the spear was created. You’ll be looking for Erebus.”

“You can’t be serious, the home of the dead. Erebus is the freaking warlord of death.
No one in their right mind would go there, never mind come out alive.”

“One and the same, you’ll find him at the end of the Phlegethon River. The spear is ancient and obviously so is its creator. He surrounds himself with zombies and the landscape is plagued by fiery eruptions. Be careful, no one can help you once you enter his realm.
You would be on your own.”

“Have the spear ready, I’ll be coming for it.” Jason nodded and vanished as quickly as he’d come.

I went to my desk and started to research my target. Killing this guy was impossible.
He had been dead for centuries. No, I had to bring him to his knees, make him yield. If I beat him, then he would be obligated to grant me one request. Beating this guy on his turf wouldn’t be easy. However, it was the only option open to me and for Traygen I would literally go to hell and back.

Satisfied I’d
gathered all the information I could on the challenge facing me, I prepared to go through the veils to Hades. Earth is surrounded by many veils. The fae have their own land and so did the dead, to name just a few.

Putting on my pendant and bracelets I activated them and the familiar throbbing of their energy comforted me. Strapping on my pouch full of vials, I picked up my staff and strode to the Dragon’s Eye. I began chanting a spell to use to transport me to hell.
No, not L.A. traffic on a holiday weekend, I meant literal hell. The room began to recede, and I vanished.

I stepped through the veil, transfixed by the inferno enveloping everything within it. They didn’t call this place hell for nothing. Focus. Flames were erupting all around me and the air smelled like burning tar. The area was barren, except for a smattering of boulders and loose rocks. Smoke billowed around me fueled by a stiff wind, partially hiding the crevices that ran randomly across the ground. I’d better watch my step around here. Then I saw Erabus and his zombie army.

The zombies stared through sightless eye sockets. Their bodies hung with rotting, decaying flesh. Zombies were mindless and they need to be animated by a strong, powerful conjurer. They’d never win a beauty contest but, they were lethal nonetheless. They would mindlessly obey Erebus and they could kill me, which wasn’t the worst part. Dying here at the hands of the zombies would turn me into one of them. Not a chance, these guys had no sense of style. Get a move on girl. You don’t want to die here.