Lady huntress, p.1
Lady Huntress, page 1
Table of Contents
Dedication
Lady Huntress (The Culling, #1)
Chapter I | An Uninvited Guest
Chapter II | For The Dame’s Delight
Chapter III Under Dark Waters
Chapter IV | A Favour In Kind
Chapter V | Eyes of the Wolf
Chapter VI | That didn’t go as planned
Chapter VII | The Tragedy of Pe’luu
Chapter VIII | Falsehood of a Witness
Chapter IX | Eyes of a Devil
Chapter X | A Fate Foreshadowed...
Chapter XI | Behind Valarian Faces
Chapter XII | Our Twisted Fates
Chapter XIII | Beckons of the Song
Chapter XIV | The Bonds of Wit’tra
Chapter XV | Roots of the Deep Forest
Chapter XVI | Tales Of The First Mother
Chapter XVII | Within The Carved Corridor
Chapter XVIII | Lands Beyond the Borders
Chapter XIX | Ballads of the Betrayer
Chapter XX | The Maiden of Martyrs
Chapter XXI | Upon Our Wayward Return
Chapter XXII | To Forgive The Forbidden
Chapter XXIII | Days I Die For You
Chapter XXIV | Thrice the Wind Knocks
Epilogue
Chapter I | Our Lady Abalona
Further Reading: Obsidian City
About the Publisher
To those who believed in me from the very beginning; you know who you are. May you be forever blessed, and live through your bargains with the Fae…
Chapter I
An Uninvited Guest
City of Jeithra; Golden District – Rei’naire Manor
Tonight, would be a night to remember.
At least for those whose pockets were lined with golden silk. For all the others, the Fae servants and slaves, the night would be a constant reminder. They, the great Fae of the known world, once the keepers of the spirit of Theia; had been reduced to simple animals of hard labour. Often treated as less than animals, especially if you crossed the lines enforced by the Priesthood and their pets; the Royal Sunchalance Family.
Ce’thie had been one of the lucky ones. Born into a family indentured to the Bulfrix Estate. Legacy Born, as they were called. After the great Fae Matron was betrayed by the Mortal Generals sworn to serve at her side, the Fae had been scattered. They could no longer hear the Matron’s song, and their connection to Theia’s spirit had dulled. Without the great Mother, the Fae were lost, leaderless, and afraid. They sold themselves into the arms of their enemies, and found refuge in exchange for their servitude and unending loyalty.
Fae Bargains were never intended to be sworn between the Fae and the Mortals. The Fae were kind, generous, creative, and heeded the Matron’s song of community. They bargained amongst themselves, binding family and friends together as one. The Fae did not have a word for foe or enemy in their language.
But now they did. All those still faithful to the Matron and her unsung Song knew it well. It was only a matter of time before all Mortal kind would know the wrath of the betrayed.
Ce’thie knew this word. Kept it hidden within the darkest parts of her heart. Had attended the secret meetings of the faithful. Although it had been dangerous, the song of the Matron still hummed behind her ears. Still called to her blood, beckoning her to return.
But her ancestor had struck a bargain; and she must pay its toll. For now...
“Tighter.”
Ce’thie gripped the leather cords of her Mistress’ thick corset. She gritted her teeth and pulled them taunt till her knuckles were white. Anyone observing would be able to see that the waist of her mistress could not be tightened anymore.
“Tighter Ce’thie.”
Ce’thie knew that if she pulled the cords any tighter, her mistress would crack a rib. Anxious Sweat broke out on her forehead, but she pulled the cords a quarter inch tighter regardless. A frown furrowed her brow.
“Good. Now let me see,” her mistress commanded and moved to face a full-length mirror.
The visage that greeted them both was that of a Mortal woman advanced in age, with dark eyes, shades of mud and pitch, glowering back. Her long strands of hair had been plated up into braids, woven around a headpiece made of silver and emerald stones. Her shoulders were bare, but for thin strands of blue silk. Thick shoulders peaked out from beneath folds of ruffled fabric. Her long arms were draped with more blue silk, hands covered in white gloves peeking out from beneath the end of the sleeves.
And thick folds of fat had become visible beneath all the layers of carefully arranged fabric.
Her Mistress stared at the reflection; and rage burned red patches through layers of heavily applied makeup.
“Stupid girl! Can’t you see how this obviously needs to be a little looser. I can scarcely move at all! Do you intend for me to stand all night?” her mistress screamed angrily.
With a silent nod, and a practiced hand, Ce’thie let the cords looser. The motion eased a whole inch into her Mistress’ waist, and the folds disappeared. She kept her lips tightly pressed together, knowing anything said would result in a swift beating.
“There. Tie them, quickly!” her Mistress’ pleased voice commanded.
Ce’thie quickly did as bidden before stepping back out of the way. She watched with barely hidden distain as the older woman stared at her reflection.
With her attention diverted, Ce’thie took a moment to relax. Her eyes began to drift about the room, taking in its wasted lavishness. It was one of the largest rooms available for rent within Rei’naire Manor. The left side had been decorated with gold trim across every surface. Thick navy curtains had been festooned across large bay windows, ones overlooking a meticulously tailored garden. The right had a few sets of matching couches and high-backed chairs. These had been placed strategically around the room, and were used to offer seating for multiple occupants. A single king-sized bed, with large and intricately carved wooden posts, was directly in the middle of the room. In the center, plush carpets of cream weaving had been scattered across the floor, used to keep bared toes and slippered feet warm in the cold climate of the region. A large wooden vanity, also trimmed with gold, sat in one corner, nearest the fireplace. Shadows danced about the room as a small fire crackled within the carved stone. It cast a warm glow about the room, warding off the nightly chill.
“What do you think?” her Mistress voice suddenly intruded upon the near silence.
As Ce’thie opened her mouth to respond there sounded a soft knock on the room’s large wooden doors.
“By the Gods, who is it now? Go answer it, girl!” her Mistress’ said with an annoyed wave of her hand.
Eager to be as far away from her mistress as possible, Ce’thie quickly rushed to the rooms entrance. Her hands shook when she gripped the golden handles. She steadied herself, took a quick breath before pulling the doors open, the light from the hallway beyond shone through.
As Ce’thie blinked past the brightness, she found a slip of a girl standing on the other side.
No. Not a girl. A Fae!
She was looking down at her own hands, fingers picking dirt from underneath long sculpted nails. She was dressed in the clothes of a well seasoned traveller; thick layers of brown skirts, knee high leather boots, a cream-colored blouse, and a heavy woolen cloak pulled back. Chin length brown hair fell over pointed ears. Thick golden cuffs had been imbedded into the soft flesh.
After a moment, the Fae girl looked up. When their eyes met, Ce’thie felt the drawing waves of a mischievous ocean. The frantic swirls of sapphiric blues and emeraldian greens stared back at her.
Although she had to look down from a much taller height, Ce’thie felt the air grow cold with calculated appraisal; like she was the one being assessed, and not this unknown intruder.
Ce’thie couldn’t help but stare down at the Fae girl with both fear, and fascination.
“Hello,’ the Fae girl cooed coyly, ‘is the Lady Bulfrix inside?”
“Excuse me, but who are you?” Ce’thie asked softly, so as not to alert her mistress within.
“Oh, just a friend.” The Fae girl answered with a mischievous tilt of her head.
“Who is it Ce’thie?” the voice of Lady Bulfrix sounded curtly from within the room.
“A girl, My Lady. She’s asking about you.”
“A girl? At this hour? What could she possibly need of me? Send her away, immediately!”
“I would My Lady; but she says she is a friend of yours.”
“A friend? Preposterous! What insolence, I ought to—”
When Lady Bulfrix suddenly appeared behind Ce’thie, her eyes grew wide with shock.
“Y-you. It’s you?” Lady Bulfrix stuttered in disbelief.
“It is,” The Fae girl answered coolly, ‘what’s the matter, Nuula? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Ce’thie watched as the Fae girl smiled with a look so cold it could have still the blood.
“W-What do you w-want of me?” Lady Bulfrix stammered and backed away from the door.
‘She’s afraid of her?’ Ce’thie thought with growing curiosity.
“I was in the neighborhood, and wanted to say hello to an old friend.”
“I...I...” Lady Bulfrix could not find her tongue and so pressed her bulbous lips together tightly.
“May I come in?” the Fae girl asked.
Without waiting for an answer, the Fae girl leaned around Ce’thie and peered into the room. She placed her hands behind her back and began to rock on her heels.
Ce’thie felt her skin crawl as the shadows dancing along the walls seemed to flicker in their general direction. They only danced for the most notoriously dangerous Fae; and this girl must be one of them.
As if sensing her perusal, the Fae girl looked up at Ce’thie with cat-like curiosity.
“Are you going to let me in? Or not?” the Fae girl inquired, her heels suddenly snapping loudly upon the floor.
Finally, Lady Bulfrix said, “Yes, allow her to enter.”
Ce’thie nodded reluctantly. She bowed to the Fae girl then moved to curtsy. Upon looking up at their new guest, Ce’thie found the hallway to be empty. Ce’thie looked back and forth down the length of the hallway, but saw nothing. Only the guards stationed by the door could be seen.
“In here, girl,” the Fae girl’s voice came from within the room.
Ce’thie whirled quickly around until she saw her. The Fae girl was sitting leisurely upon the edge of the bed, her legs crossed in front, feet dangling.
“Please, make you yourself comfortable,” Lady Bulfrix stated bluntly, moving back into the room.
“Thank you. Do be a dear and pour me some of that delicious bergamot tea,” the Fae girl cooed.
‘How had she gotten into the room so fast?’ Ce’thie thought before quickly closing the doors.
When the room grew quiet, and Lady Bulfrix made no move to serve the Fae girl, Ce’thie realized a moment to late that she had been the one being addressed.
“Move girl! Get our guest some tea!” Lady Bulfrix nearly shrieked.
“Still treating your servants with distain, Nuula?” The Fae girl asked coldly.
Ce’thie’s hands shook as moved quickly over to a nearby set of fine porcelain, and carefully poured a cup of tea. With her hands hovering over the containers of cream and sugar, Ce’thie dared to look up at their guest.
“Sugar dear, lots of sugar,” the Fae girl answered her silent question.
“You always did like sweet things,” Lady Bulfrix huffed before sitting heavily onto one of the chairs nearest the fire.
“Not much has changed; at least for me.”
Lady Bulfrix’ back stiffened at the remark.
“Ce’thie’s Family has been bound to my family’s estate for years. She was born and grew up with us, and knows her place. She just needs...a few reminders here and there.”
“Uh-huh. Well, maybe you should rethink your treatment of those in your charge. One of these days, you might find your throat at the end of a blade.”
As she spoke the words, Ce’thie felt the Fae girl’s eyes settle discreetly upon her.
“W-what are you insinuating? Is my life in danger?” Lady Bulfrix stuttered and darted her eyes back and forth between Ce’thie and the Fae girl.
“Of course not. Your House Elf is loyal, she has to be. Remember?” the Fae girl stated pointedly.
‘Does she know?’ Ce’thie thought, fear causing her heart to race.
“I remember,’ Lady Bulfrix relaxed, but only slightly before continuing, ‘What I don’t remember hearing about is why you decided to come here, tonight of all nights. There is a party going on down stairs. I was planning to attend,” Lady Bulfrix stated with the forced air of a threatened queen.
“Were you? Dressed liked that?” the Fae girl asked, her eyes scrutinizing the gown Lady Bulfrix wore.
“I...I was,” Lady Bulfrix whispered softly, her cheeks flushing deeply.
“Interesting,” was all the Fae girl said.
The statement was barbed, and clearly hit its mark when Lady Bulfrix’s body stiffened.
“Did you just come here tonight to insult me, or was there another reason for your visit?” Lady Bulfrix asked with a snap.
“Of course, there was. I need a favor,” the Fae girl replied as she twiddled a loose end of hair.
“A favor? Those are dangerous things,” Lady Bulfrix said flatly.
“Only in the wrong hands,” the Fae girl replied cheerfully.
Lady Bulfrix paused for a moment, “What do you need?”
“Just an evening gown,” stated the Fae girl.
“An evening gown?” Lady Bulfrix asked with surprise.
“Yes. A gown,” the Fae girls stated again as she reached out expectantly towards Ce’thie.
Ce’thie hurried over, placing a steaming cup of tea into her hand.
“What do you need a gown for?” Lady Bulfrix asked and rose stiffly.
“That is none of your concern.”
Lady Bulfrix opened her mouth to protest, but closed it again after a moment.
“Fine...will I get it back?” she asked instead.
“Perhaps,” the Fae girl sipped her tea delicately and grinned; the flavor obviously to her liking.
“Perhaps...I suppose what I should really be asking is if I’ll get it back in one piece,” Lady
Bulfrix commented stiffly.
The Fae girl simply stared her down and took another long sip from the tea. Lady Bulfrix sighed
heavily and pressed fat fingers into her temple.
“I’m getting a headache. You were always so difficult to deal with. I suppose I have no other choice here. My youngest granddaughter is about your size. You can have one of hers.”
“Oh? Is little Gippria staying here as well?”
Ce’thie felt the air shift, something in the Fae girl’s tone causing her heart to race.
“No. She is away at the moment.”
Ce’thie knew the words were a lie.
Gippria, Lady Bulfrix favorite grandchild, was staying in a room three doors down. Although not allowed to attend the evenings festivities, the young girl was allotted every luxury afforded to those who were attending. The household was at her beck and call. A child spoiled since birth; the young girl was a bundle of mischief and wildness. She made every young Faeling proud.
“Oh? Pity. I was hoping she would play another round of Cards with me. We had such fun last time.”
Ce’thie knew, just by looking over at the Fae girl, that she knew Lady Bulfrix was lying.
“Gippria doesn’t play cards anymore. Not after—”
“Not after she and I played for a favor? And she lost?”
“......yes...” Lady Bulfrix admitted, her expression stony.
Ce’thie watched the two women exchange a look beyond her understanding.
After a tense moment, Lady Bulfrix lowered her eyes again, sighing deeply, “You have yet to call that favor in.”
“I will. When the time is right. But this is not that time. I’m asking you for a favor, not her. Thank you, by the way, for the gown. I’ll do my best to return it,” the Fae girl said and quickly finished the rest of her tea.
She slipped gracefully from the bed, placed the empty cup on a nearby end table, then proceeded to leave the room.
“Have the gown sent to room 4193 within the next 15 minutes. I’ll be expecting it.”
“May I at least inquire as to the favors purpose?” Lady Bulfrix asked quickly.
Without stopping, the Fae girl said, “I’m going to a party.”
“A party? You mean the party downstairs?” Lady Bulfrix asked, her eyes going wide at the thought.
“Of course; are there any others going on tonight?” the Fae girl asked, and reached for the door.
“You-you can’t just walk in! It’s for the nobility of the city, by invitation only!”
The Fae girl’s hand stopped just short of landing on the door handles, “Are you insinuating something, Nuula?”
Her sweet voice was thick with malice.
Both Ce’thie and Lady Bulfrix stepped back, fear in their now wide eyes. The air seemed to crackle around them, the fire shimmering just a little less brightly. Shadows danced along the walls and flickered out like tendrils of smoke from a fire.
The Fae girl turned the handles of the door and pressed them open without a sound. Her shadow fell across the floor as the light from outside once again flooded the room.
“I-I meant no offense. It is ju—” the words slipped like lead weights from Lady Bulfrix’s lips.
The Fae girl looked over her shoulder, her eyes shimmering with rage, “Not that you deserve an explanation; but I’m going hunting.”
Without another word, the Fae Girl slipped out into the hallway, her chilled whisper echoing across the room, and caressed those still within. When the doors shut of their own accord, Ce’thie and Lady Bulfrix shivered with fear.
