Fang Shway in LA (13 page)

Chapter 21

Directly, above the zombie army rode Erebus. He was sitting atop a demonic black stallion. The stallion snorted, throwing its head, pawing the ground, jostling and stamping its way toward me. Fire erupted from its nostrils and sparks flew from its hooves. I’ll be damned. I had only seen a horse that big once, in the Rose Parade and it was on the Wells Fargo float.

Fear raced through my body. The rider was dressed all in black. His eyes glowed an eerie shade of red and a black cape billowed out behind him. His horse was larger than a Clydesdale by several hands. It tossed its enormous head and another stream of flames flew from its nostrils. The horse and rider were covered by armor. It was studded black chain mail. The armor covered most of the stallion’s body and all of Erebus.

Mesmerized by the sight of the approaching horse and rider, I almost forgot not to look directly at Erebus. Eye contact with him could be fatal. He could paralyze me with fear if I let him. I wouldn’t let him disarm me with fear while Traygen needed me. I had to stop his thoughts from reaching my mind. Love was the light I needed to blot out his darkness. I focused all my thoughts and energy into defeating Erebus.

When I thought things couldn’t get any worse the zombies filled the sky with flaming arrows and all of them were aimed at me, overkill if I do say so myself. The cries of the raging zombies filled the air. I watched in horror as row after row of zombies advanced. Erebus motioned for the zombies to halt, just before he turned and flew at me. Sending a bolt of fire into the embankment where only seconds earlier I’d
been standing. He looked like a giant javelin thrower, except he was throwing lightning bolts. The exploding flames illuminated the darkness, and I could see Erebus and his zombies trudging toward me again. The stallion reared up and they dove directly at me. He fired as he descended and I lunged sideways to evade his attack. Pulling out of his dive, he circled to strike again.

Erebus intensified his attack and I gamely fired at him. The flames didn’t slow him but, his stallion shied away from the river of flames, bucking wildly. Angrily striking at his horse, he tried to bring it under control. He turned his fiery eyes on me and prepared to resume his attack. I hated people who mistreat animals. All right he isn’t human but, I can’t tolerate animal cruelty. It made me angry. He was so going to pay for that.

Bearing down on me, he was closing fast. Then one of my shots grazed his arm and before he recovered, I spewed fire at his head. Damn it, I hit his horse. The horse screamed in pain and began to buck wildly. Enraged by my persistent attacks, he fired repeatedly in my direction. I dove into the nearest crevice to evade his shots, crawling down several feet. I wanted to make sure the flames couldn’t reach me. Satisfied, I dared to peek over the crevasse’s rim. I fired again and this time my shot hit him in the leg. He nearly fell out of the saddle and he had to grab the stallion’s mane to keep from falling. I felt his anger probing my psyche. He was trying to scare me and I fought to clamp my mind closed to him.

As he regained his balance one of my shots hit his cape. The cape smoldered before bursting into flames. He frantically spun and tried to put them out. Sure, I’d aimed at his head. Miss or not I could live with the results and I hoped he wouldn’t. Seizing the opening, I fired repeatedly at him. One of my shots hit him squarely in the chest, and he tumbled from the saddle. I watched as he fell to the ground and land in a heap. I doubted he would stay down long, pressing my attack while I could, I ran to get in a better position to end this.

I was right. Damn, this guy was unbelievable. He slowly rose and turned to face me. He lifted his arms and fired. Flames exploded all around me and I dove to avoid them. Pain shot through my injured shoulder, torrents of flames were peppering the ground all around me and sweat was pouring off me. I’d taken about all I was going to take from this jerk
when I heard Erebus’ voice in my mind. “You can’t save him. He’s already dead.”

Who, what was he saying? Traygen? This time
he’d gone too far. I sprang to my feet, racing to my left, diving just as Erebus fired. I felt fire slice into my thigh. If that leaves a scar, he would really pay. Rolling onto my stomach, I blasted away at him and this time I saw him stagger, stumbling as he tried to avoid my shots. He managed to regain his balance, just as I fired everything I had at him. As the flaming forks of energy streaked toward him, he disappeared in a blinding flash.

I couldn’t believe my eyes. I’d won and now it was time to collect. Erebus sent me a telepathic message containing the answers I’d sought and a warning to leave Hades immediately. I didn’t need to be told twice, uttering my name and I was on my way home. I sent out my mind and landed in my office. My clothing was covered with ash and there were holes where the fire burned through. My leg ached from the burn I’d received from Erebus and my shoulder throbbed painfully. I’d been through worse and I was still here. I showered and cleaned the wound. Then I summonsed Jason. While I was waiting, I heard Tokem enter the room.

“What the hell happened to you?”

“Hell, I mean literally. I just paid a visit to Erebus in Hades. I needed the spell to remove the spears power, which I was able to do. Now I’m waiting for Jason.”

“Did I hear my name? I’m glad to see you’re still in one-piece. Did you get the spell? Can you neutralize the spear?”

“Yes, is the council ready to meet with me? I don’t have much time before Azif contacts me.”

Zipping between Jason and me Tokem nearly hit me. “Tokem, have you lost your mind? What was that for?”

Tokem whirled around and strafed me again, before landing a safe distance away. “I know I’m little and the little guy never matters but, what is going on and where is Traygen? I want answers and I want them now.”

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry Tokem. You were asleep when Xena came home without Traygen. Azif has Traygen and is holding him captive in exchange for the spear.”

“What are we waiting for, let’s go get the spear,” Tokem said.

Jason nervously fingered Traygen’s reproduction of the spear. “There’s a problem. The council doesn’t want the spear disarmed.”

Spit flying from my mouth, I screamed at Jason, “They what? Why did you send me to Hades to get the spell? They must give me the spear. Traygen’s life is at stake.”

“The council feels the spear is more of a deterrent when it’s armed and now that you’ve gotten the spell no one can challenge its power. As long as Erebus had the spell, the spear could be compromised and now it cannot.”

Walking toward Jason, I grabbed his shirt, “What about Traygen? Doesn’t his life matter? He’d never let you die, unfortunately for you, he isn’t here. Besides, they don’t have the spell. I do.”

Taking a step back, holding up his hands, Jason blanched. “I guess it wouldn’t do any harm for you to talk to them. It can’t hurt, after you,” he stammered.

I held my hand out to Tokem and he landed lightly on my palm. “Are you ready?” I asked.

He nodded and I reached out to grasp the Dragon’s Eye tucking him safely into my pocket. We vanished, landing moments later outside the World Council’s chambers where we waited for Jason to join us. A second later he appeared and headed toward the council doors.

“You two wait here. Let me talk to them first.”

Jason was gone for some time and I paced, unable to stand still, even though my heart was paralyzed by fear. I just couldn’t lose Traygen. I loved him
too much. Then the door opened and Jason motioned for me to enter.

You’ve got to get a grip if you expect to convince the council to give you the spear. A quivering bundle of emotions won’t impress them. With a surge of will, I managed to control my emotions, calming my breathing, stilling my hands. I lifted my head and squared my shoulders before entering the room. Striding confidently to the dais I faced the World Council.

Swallowing hard, I began. “Esteemed members of the council, I thank you for seeing me on such short notice. You know why I’m here and what is at stake. I need the Spear of Destiny to free Traygen, without the spear he will die.”

“Lauren, we have the utmost gratitude to you for the services you have provided on our behalf. You and Traygen have both risked your lives on many occasions. We owe you both a great deal but, we simply can’t chance the spear falling to Azif.”

“What harm would there be if it’s disarmed? I’ve obtained the spell to disarm it. The spear would be useless to him and excellent bait to trap him with.”

“Precisely, we are grateful for knowing no one but us can use the spear. We simply can’t allow you to disarm it. You see it is a powerful deterrent armed, unarmed it’s useless. It is worth more to us armed.”

“Useless? How dare you. Traygen has risked his life for this council for as long as the council has existed. Does his life mean nothing to you?”

“You know it does, but, you also know he wouldn’t want you to exchange the spear for his life. I’m sorry Lauren we can’t help you.”

“Then I’ll help myself.” Darting from behind the dais, I dove for the spear, which was on the table in front of the council. My actions took them by surprise and they froze in astonishment. I reached out and snatched the spear. Then I backed toward the door.

“No one moves or I’ll disarm it right now. The men in front of me stopped, but just as I was about to reach the door Tokem screamed. I caught movement from the corner of my eye and ducked just in time. One of the guards flew past me, “I warned you, Encanto ilusario finite.” The spear flickered, glowed brightly for a second and died.

The council stunned by my disarming of the spear, looked like deer in a headlight.
Naturally, I took the opportunity to vanish with the spear and Tokem.

Landing softly in my office, I immediately set the house’s shields and blocked any transport through the Dragon’s Eye. Keeping the council out for an extended period of time was impossible but
 I only needed a few hours.

Emerging slowly from my pocket, Tokem asked, “Now what?”

“You check for any signs of visitors. I’ve got some work to do before we meet Azif for the trade.” I let Tokem out and closed my office door before placing the real spear next to the replica. They were remarkably similar. Good, now I’ve got to get cooking. It took me a while to get the right mix and I couldn’t afford to make a mistake. Testing my potion, I was satisfied I’d achieved my goal. I took the Spear of Destiny wrapping it and sealing it in a silver lined case. I stowed both the replica and the real spear in a vault set into my floor, the vault was lined with silver. Dosing them with my freshly brewed potion, I sealed the container with a binding spell. Then I pulled my desk back over the opening. I didn’t like defying the council, but they hadn’t left me a choice. I would not risk Traygen’s life for anyone. I took a minute to center myself, allowing my breathing to return to normal. Then satisfied I’d done what I needed to do, I went to find Tokem. It was time to see if there had been any word from Azif.

Chapter 22

I found him in the kitchen making his lunch. “Any news? Does it look like we had company while we were gone?”

“Not yet, I can’t find any sign anyone was here while we were gone.”

“Good, now we wait. I’ve sealed off the house to keep the council out. They’re going to be coming after me and I hope I can keep them at bay until we make our trade.”

“I don’t mean to be a party pooper, but then what? They’re going to be mad as hell. You could be sentenced to death?”

“Better me than Traygen, besides if I kill Azif and return the spear maybe they’ll go easy on me. I’m more useful to them alive.”

“I doubt it after you’ve disarmed the spear. It is useless to them now. I’ll try to be optimistic. However, if it doesn’t work out can I have your pendant and those tickets you promised me?”

I threw my glass of water at him. “Your sentimental side is so touching. Keep an eye on things. I need to get ready for Azif.”

I left the room and returned to my office. There were a few things I needed to check. Once I was sure that all my vials, heartstone cuendillar, shields and staff were ready and then I prayed. God, don’t let Traygen die. I need him and that’s just between us. I can’t afford to ruin my image. Besides Traygen and I need to rethink things, talk them out. Maybe it’s time for me to make a change.

Satisfied I was prayed up and ready to do battle, I headed to my room. My shoulder ached and my thigh burned. The pain kept me alert, if nothing else. I couldn’t afford to take anything for the pain because I needed a clear head when I took on Azif. I decide to get ready, since I couldn’t be sure when he would contact us.

Dressed in dark, loose fitting garb, I went to my office. I had no idea what to expect. So, I had better bring it all. No need to hide my gun or knife. He would expect as much. Specifically, I needed to make sure I could get the cuendillar without fumbling for it. Satisfied I was as ready as I was going to be, I went in search of Tokem. “Any news?”

“No, I did a fly over and didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. I’ll check again in a little while.”

All this waiting was making me nervous. It was nearly midnight and still no word from Azif. I hoped Traygen was okay. I’d be lost without him, no one knew me like he did. He was my oldest and dearest friend. Lately, he had become my lover but we’d started out as friends. My life just wouldn’t be the same without him. A position I’d vowed I’d never be in again after my father’s death. I guess that’s why people say, ‘never, say never’.

Slumping into a living room chair, I let my mind wander back to the first time I’d met Traygen. How many years had it been? Far too many life times to count and I refuse to reveal my exact age. For as long as I could remember, he’d been Clyde to my Bonnie. Jason assigned Traygen and me to battle some fae in the veil between their land and Earth. Dealing with the fae was never easy. They could be deceivingly charming and I’d been a rookie adept.
Not surprisingly, I begrudgingly accepted Traygen’s help. I was sure I didn’t need anyone and I wanted to make sure he knew it. Ever the gentleman, he remained unperturbed by my rude declarations.

I told him to go fly a kite. He assured me he didn’t need a kite to fly. To prove his point, he changed and soared into the sky. His dragon body sparkled, flecked with flickers of Kelly green, sprinkled with bands of red and cobalt blue. My kite hint went right over his head.
Dragons it seemed were metaphorically challenged, but cute. When he’d landed, he beamed with obvious pride. I didn’t have the heart to explain my jest. Fortunately, it didn’t take him long to understand me and my sick sense of humor. He soon learned to trade barbs and wit with the best of us.

When had it all changed? I’m sure there was a specific incident but today I couldn’t put my finger on it. Too much stress, I guess. To this day, whenever I thought of night blooming jasmine, ocean sunsets, and moonlit skies I thought of Traygen. There was nothing in this world, or any other, that compared to a moonlight ride with my dragon.

Hang in there my love and I’ll get you out of this. Why had I refused his many proposals? Right this minute, I couldn’t think of a single valid reason why I shouldn’t marry him. Realistically, I knew that wasn’t true. We’re from two different worlds and the services we provide are both necessary and dangerous. His family needed him and our jobs didn’t provide any permanence. It sounded like an excuse to me, even as I thought it.

Tokem yelled from the kitchen that we had company. Drawing my gun, I went to the kitchen to see who’d arrived.

“You can put that away. It’s a messenger sylph. Yeah, I know in your culture it’s acceptable to shoot the messenger. I wouldn’t. We need to hear what he has to say, if you’ll remove the shield I’ll let him in.”

“I’ll remove the shield, you escort the messenger in.” I holstered my gun and moved to help Tokem open the door.

A small sylph flew in and handed me a rolled up paper. “I’m to await your response?” He said as he put the message in my hand.

Accepting the paper, I unrolled it and slowly read it. I jotted down my response and handed the scroll back to the sylph. Bowing slightly, the sylph left as abruptly as it came.

“Don’t keep me waiting. What did it say?”

“We are to meet Azif at the Los Verdes Golf Course, on the back nine, at three AM. It gives us plenty of time to get there and scout out the area.”

Tokem gave me a funny look. “I don’t think we should. I know I should. I know you want him back. So let me handle this. I can get in and out without being seen or felt. You can’t. Azif will watch the house and I’ve got plenty of time to get there and back. Lauren, you need to trust me on this.
He’s my friend too.”

“All right. I’ll give you until one
forty-five and then I’m going over there. Be careful.”

“Of course,” He yelled over his shoulder on his way up the vent.

Xena came over and pushed her head against my knee. “I miss him too, girl. We’ll bring him home.” I went to my office and moved my desk. I opened the box holding the spears. The Spear of Destiny shimmered in the dim light of my office. Its power was real, nasty and intrinsically evil. It chilled me to my marrow. A weapon like this spear should have been destroyed long ago.

I hoped I wouldn’t need to use it. I closed the box and pushed my desk back into place. I went to Traygen’s room to get the case we used to transport the spear from the train station, picking up the case I
turned
to leave.
A deep maroon color caught my eye and I stopped myself.
Instead of leaving I went back to sit on the bed. Picking up Traygen’s robe from the end of the bed, I held it to my face, inhaling deeply as his scent washed
over me.
A tear slid down my cheek, brushing it away, I prayed. God, I need your help. Keep him safe and lead me to him. Thy will be done.

I picked up the case and left the room. A quiet confidence began to radiate from my core. Striding into my office, I gathered the spear and set it in the case. Then I collected my gear and went to the kitchen to await Tokem’s return.

I poured a glass of wine and started to sit down when I remembered to check the Internet. Hurrying to my office I turned on my computer and Goggled Los Verdes golf course. It took me a minute to find what I was looking for, a topographic map of the course. It confirmed what I’d already guessed.
The back nine ran along the bluffs above the ocean.

The street level map was even more helpful. Thank you Goggle. There were ground level pictures of the golf course. It provided me with a quick tour of the surrounding area and a few ideas to use against Azif. The golf course had trees between most fairways, some deep looking rough.
Playing this course must be challenging but, I wasn’t playing and it would provide me some cover.

Azif, I would think was planning to harness the wind off the ocean or the water itself. Whatever, at least I had an idea of what to expect. I almost sprinted to my office, thumbing through my vials. I found a few that might prove helpful, if their shelf life hadn’t expired. Potions tend to have a short shelf life, not working indefinitely and I hadn’t used some of them in years. Satisfied I’d done what I could, I wandered back to the kitchen. Azif, you bastard, you’re going down.

I heard Tokem knock and I momentarily dropped the shields. Puffing like he’d just run a marathon Tokem glided down into the kitchen. It took him a few minutes to catch his breath. “He’s set up in a stand of trees near the 9th hole. He’s roughing it, get it?”

“Very funny. Did you see Traygen?”

“No, but Azif isn’t alone. I think they are holding him somewhere nearby.”

“Okay, I’ve already goggled a map of the area. Let’s go take a good look at the 9th hole, come on. I need you to point out what you saw and where.”

“Isn’t technology amazing? I spotted Azif to the left of the green, right about there. One of his men was over by the 11th hole and the other was right above the bluff.” Tokem said pointing out a few more details for me.

“We should leave now. I’ll have to lose any tail he has following us. Then we’ll park down at the state beach, hiking up from below.” Walking quickly to the car, I stowed my things in the front passenger seat, pulled out of the garage and headed for the freeway.

The traffic never fails to amaze me, even at this late hour there were plenty of cars. I couldn’t imagine where all these people could be going and I didn’t have the time to wonder. “Tokem, keep an eye on the cars behind us and let me know if any follows us.”

“I’m watching. Eyes like an eagle, that’s me.”

Merging into the left lane, I headed south on the 10 freeway, exiting onto the 5 and headed toward San Diego. “Do we have company?”

“Yes, a sedan has been following since we got on the 10 freeway.”

I sped up and entered the carpool lane. Technically, Tokem didn’t count, but this was no time to quibble. I drove four or five miles and got off on the 405 heading north, taking the Topanga Canyon exit, doubling back to the east. Checking my rear-view mirror, I waited until I turned a corner, pulled into an alley, turning off my lights. I waited. Hopefully, they wouldn’t notice until it was too late.

A few seconds later a car sped past, I counted to 10, backed out, turned on my lights
 and merged on to the 405 south. Satisfied we’d lost our tail, I exited on to PCH. I headed for the state beach, just north of the golf course. It was a little longer, but it would also tell me if we hadn’t lost our tail, or if we’d attracted another. There were significantly fewer cars this late at night and anyone following us would stand out.

I pulled in and drove down until I found an empty parking space between two RV’s. It would provide some cover, in case the original car tailing us, had resumed their search. I turned off the engine and turned to Tokem. “Can you fly up and see what’s going on. I’ll wait for you to return and then start up the trail.”

“I won’t be long. Don’t worry, Lauren we’ll get him out.” Then he was gone.

Checking my gear one last time, I took the safety off my gun.
Next, I reached over an unzipped the case holding the spear and opened one of the vials. Chanting in a barely audible tone, I poured the vial onto the spear. The hair on the back of my neck stood on end.
The spear vibrated in its case and had begun to glow. It thrummed with energy.
The thing gave me the creeps. I’d be happy to give it to Azif. Satisfied, I zipped up the case and reached for the door.

Tokem rapped on my window, I put the window down; so, he could dart in. “I saw him, Traygen. They have him staked out in a deep bunker, near the 10th green.”

“Is he all right? Is he hurt?”

“Not that I could tell. Azif has the area surrounded by at least four men. One is above the bluff where we saw him earlier on the map. Two of the men are near the parking lot and one is in the bunker near Traygen. Lauren, I think Traygen detected my presence. He’ll be ready.”

“Let’s get this over with. I’m going to go up through the rocks and take out the man on the bluff. Then I’ll circle around and remove the two in the parking lot. I’ll need you to distract one of them. Ready? Be careful Tokem.”

“Right, I’ve got your back. This will all be over soon.”