The merry halls of hell, p.24
The Merry Halls of Hell, page 24
She shook her head and grinned. “No, I am merely someone who cares about you. Do you think you can sit up?” He nodded and sat up as if nothing had happened. She twisted her head around and met Joachim’s steady silver gaze. “Can you disperse the crowd?”
He nodded, and everyone began to leave, wishing Edgar good luck and a Merry Christmas as if they hadn’t witnessed what happened. She frowned as they walked away. “What did you tell them?”
He shrugged. “That nothing happened, and that they needed to return to their tents so they could sell their crafts.”
Huh. “Well, thank you. Now, can you help me get him up and back inside his tent?” Joachim propped up the elderly man and helped him to the chair behind his sales counter. She turned to see Donna hovering in the doorway, her worried gaze on the elderly man.
“Will he be okay?” she asked. Mer moved to her side and took her hand, but sensed nothing controlling her. She only sensed a human. Pulling Donna inside the tent, she held the woman’s brown gaze. “Will you stay here with Edgar and make sure he doesn’t overtax himself? I don’t believe it was his heart but something that startled him. He should be fine, just don’t leave him alone.”
Donna nodded and moved over to Edgar’s side and laid a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll keep an eye on him. Now, I’m sure the two of you would like to see the rest of the market before the flood of people arrives. Go and show your girlfriend how beautiful our city is this time of year.”
Joachim held out his arm. Mer took it, pulling him closer to her as they left the tent. She inhaled the cold air, taking in the scent of a variety of sweet aromas surrounding them. Her body slowly relaxed.
“What did you do back there?” Joachim asked.
“When?” She glanced up at him. “I just helped him come out of his faint. His heart isn’t fragile, but I think he saw something he shouldn’t have, and it gave him a good shock.”
“He wasn’t breathing, Mer. You brought him back.”
She stopped and turned to him. “I think I’d know if I could do something like that.” She frowned. “Honestly, I didn’t do anything. He has been so lonely since the death of his wife, and he needed to be reminded that others here look up to him and care for him. That’s all I did. I gave him something to live for.”
“I felt the subtle use of magic—a magic much like Gaia’s, earthy and pure, but strong. Very strong. I don’t think you know what you can do. Osiris’s gifts often come with bonuses. The Egyptian god of death is anything but stingy with his powers, and he loves you—maybe even more than his own son. Horus hasn’t been as exemplary as history tells. In fact, during the trials against Set for the kingship of Egypt, Horus turned against Isis, who was only trying to help him win against Set, who was cheating. Gods from all pantheons have long memories and don’t easily forget wrongdoings.”
Mer shrugged. “Set always cheats. However, I don’t know anything about all of that. I only know how they were toward me, and I couldn’t have had a better mother and father during those years. I was so lost after my mother died. I understand Horus’s reaction. His uncle had just killed his father quite brutally, and he was trying to avenge Osiris’s murder. Hovering mothers are never appreciated for trying to protect their children. I get it. I do. I believe Osiris and Isis love us both equally. That’s the type of gods they are.”
“If you say so. Now, if what Raziel said is true, we need to keep our eyes open,. Did Edgar see one of the gods?”
“Either them or an Ironclaw. That would terrify any human. Their lore is rich with tales of vampires and werewolves.”
Joachim chuckled. “Better not let the vampyres here that. They might take offense. They are very prideful.”
Mer turned to look at her…whatever Joachim was. Her boyfriend? That thought alone was ludicrous. In all her many centuries, she had never even been on a date.
Chapter 23
The most beautiful sound floated over the crowd, pulling them toward the community center’s small stage. The inside of the plain building had been transformed into a Christmasy winter wonderland. On the stage stood at least a hundred children of various ages, all singing the solemn carol “Silent Night.”
The children’s voices blended in a beautiful harmony; the simple tune filled the room with peace. Tears filled Mer’s eyes as she watched their adorable faces, each one different but all perfect. Some wore store-bought clothes, simple and serviceable and most notably newer. Other outfits were handmade, but it was the ones wearing obvious hand-me-downs who filled her heart; their clothing was either too small or too large, and all with torn hems, patches, and holes.
Each child had washed their faces, their skin pink and scrubbed. The boys had brushed their hair, and the girls wore their hair in a variety of styles, from straight or curly to braided or ponytails. It was their eyes, though, that told their stories. Some held a wisdom in their depths, the kind you get when fending for yourselves or seeing too many bad things. Others seemed sad, and many of them wary, as if they expected the worst from the crowd.
The last piano notes of the song faded and the crowd erupted in whistles and cheers. The stunned expression on the little ones’ faces would take a lifetime for her to forget. Their surprise was heartbreaking, yet the hope that sprang from it filled Mer with exhilaration.
“More! More!” the crowd cheered.
Willow, who she noticed was kneeling in front of the stage, raised her hands and counted with each nod of her head. This went on song after song, the audience crying for more. Finally, Willow turned to face the audience and smiled, waiting for the applause to die down.
“Thank you so much for coming out this close to Christmas and celebrating with the children. This amazing choir is made up of neighborhood kids as well as those from the orphanage. She glanced back at Avery with a smile. “Even a few homeless children have joined us tonight to sing for you. Tonight, one of the homeless orphans would like to sing you a song her mother used to sing to her every Christmas Eve. They didn’t have money for presents, but it didn’t matter. Their gift was each other.”
Willow glanced behind her and once more smiled, holding out her hand. Mer was shocked when Avery stepped forward and placed her hand in Willow’s. Willow led her to the center front of the stage and leaned over and kissed her cheek. She whispered something, and the little girl nodded, her strawberry blond hair catching the spotlight and shining like a beacon.
Willow moved away, and the first notes of the song filled the room, soft and slow. Avery glanced up and unerringly found Joachim, locking eyes with him as she began to sing. “O, holy night, the stars are brightly shining…” Her voice was amazing.
Mer’s heart broke and she reached over, threading her fingers through his. His grip tightened. She glanced up and saw tears flowing down his beautiful face as Avery swept him up in the song, the meaning so special and uplifting.
The music slowly faded, and the room’s silence was deafening. A few seconds passed as everyone wiped their tears and reined in their own powerful emotions. One by one, they began clapping until it was a thunderous roar. Since meeting the little girl, she realized that, for the first time, Avery had no idea what to do. She stood in place, soaking in the praise with wonder on her face.
As if on cue, the crowd parted in front of them, giving them a clear pathway to the stage. Hand in hand, Joachim and Mer walked toward her. Mer released his hand as Avery jumped off the stage and ran to him, jumping into his outstretched arms and wrapping her arms around his neck as the crowd’s applause increased.
Mer reached up and gently wiped the tears from Avery’s face and smiled. “What an amazing gift you gave us tonight, sweetheart. I can’t remember a time when my heart was this full of love. Thank you.”
“You are such a blessing and a treasure, little one,” Joachim whispered. “In all my centuries of honoring the All-Father, you humble me.”
They’re here. Lucien said through their mental connection, which surprised her. She didn’t think her link to Joachim was that strong, so it had to be Lucien’s ability, which would be incredibly powerful for his message to bleed through to her.
Joachim kissed Avery’s head and caught Mer’s gaze. “It’s time,” he said and Avery’s body jerked.
“Be safe, Joachim,” Avery whispered and turned to Mer. “You too. I sense something isn’t right. As Marcel would say, watch your backs—and his.”
“You too, little one. They will be coming for you, so stick close to Max. He will protect you and Gianella but if you need him to, he can change into the charm and let us know where you are. ” Joachim said as Max came up to them and held out his arms. Joachim transferred Avery to the mage. “Guard them both with your life, Max,” Joachim said. Max gave him a subtle nod and walked back to the community center with Gianella at his side.
“You heard Lucien?”
Mer nodded. “Surprisingly, yes. Is he that powerful?”
“He is the demon king, so yes. He has powers most do not know about, nor would they understand. Most leaders do, you know.”
She smirked. “Are you trying to tell me you are all-powerful too?” His pointed glance gave her the answer. He was. “So,” changing the subject, “what and who are we looking for?”
“First, I need to ward the good humans. I would never forgive myself if something happened to the people who helped us tonight. I never really thought about mortals or their strength of character, but they are truly amazing beings, aren’t they?”
“Since I began life as a human, I might be a bit biased, but yes, they are. You set your magical wards while I keep an eye out for the evil minions.”
He snorted, which turned into a low chuckle, making her skin tingle. She liked being able to make such a serious person laugh. Joachim needed more lightheartedness in his life, which seemed more tragic than anything else. How difficult would it be always to be condemning someone for their crimes?
She scanned the crowd, looking at the small nuances and things that didn’t seem quite right as she thought about her own life and everyone she had condemned as a Fallen soldier. How she managed to smile still was amazing after all the death following in her wake.
A slight shimmer of light in a nearby crowd of people caught her attention. Another shimmer appeared near a tent. “Joachim, when you ward, should the air shimmer as the ward is set?”
“No. My wards are completely invisible to both gods, creatures, and humans.”
“Then I see two possibilities. There’s a group of people—the one with a blue-haired girl and also near the second tent. Both had a quick shimmer and then returned to normal.”
“That would be a demon. If they’re low-level, they have not perfected their apparition, and you’re seeing the magical residue. It could also be an Ironclaw, although I don’t believe they can apparate, but I could be wrong. If they have been given demon blood, it is a possibility.”
She patted his arm. “Ever the optimist, aren’t you?” Another shimmer appeared near the community center door. This time, she caught a quick glimpse of a male shape, which blended into the shadows near the doorway.
“Demon. I saw his shape as he apparated next to the center’s front door.” She turned a worried gaze to him. “Do you think they can sense Avery?”
“Maybe. Max is a strong mage with a reputation thanks to what he did under Giselle’s spell. For now, we must trust him to keep her safe. Stand near the tent while I take the one standing next to the blue-haired girl. She’s warded, but the boy beside her is not. He is not a nice person. I don’t like what he’s planning on doing to her when they leave.”
“Okay, I’ll go browse in the tent.” She made her way into the street and stepped under the tent top, pretending to browse the cute Christmas ornaments and handmade quilts, which made her think of her own quilt back at the apartment. It seemed like forever since she had been there.
Her gaze followed the slight movement of air in front of her. She was concentrating so hard on it, she almost failed to see the clawed hand swiping downward.
Jumping to one side, she reached for her dagger, which was tucked into her boot. As she cut through the air, the blade elongated and took off the werewolf’s arm, which dropped to the asphalt with a thud. It jerked several times, as if it could still move, and bright red blood poured onto the road, creating a widening pool.
She sidestepped, listening for the raspy breath of the werewolf, and was rewarded when she heard it behind her. In a well-practiced move, she turned her sword around, tucked it under her arm, and stepped backward. With a sickening pop and slight crunching sound, it met some resistance as she penetrated the beast’s chest.
With a loud howl, he slashed at her with his good arm but missed, his body already falling to the ground with a thud. She penetrated its heart. After slicing off his head to make sure he stayed dead, she listened for the second creature lurking in the tent’s shadow.
“I know you’re here,” she said in a soft, sing-song voice. “I feel you and definitely smell you. Your putrid odor could wake the dead.” On the edge of her vision, she saw Joachim decapitate an enormous demon before going after a second one as it tried to enter the community center.
“You won’t leave here alive,” the creature’s raspy voice said, chilling her from the inside out. This was no novice. She recognized the voice. “My, my, how the lowly fall even lower, Apep. Come on out here and face me like the two-faced snake-in-the-hole you are.”
In the corner of the tent, between the two quilt displays, the light shimmered and then burst into a thousand red lights as the giant Egyptian snake appeared, its black-and-white striped body coiled and ready to strike. His hate-filled gaze on her.
“Impressive entrance. You’ve been watching the good guys, haven’t you? Too bad your shriveled heart is too evil to change.”
She slid to one side, trying to get into a better position to strike, and followed the serpent’s fiery red gaze. Tilting her head, she studied the tent, noting where every single object was, but where was the tent’s vendor? Mer had seen her organizing her quilts just before their arrival. “Did you have a snack when you arrived? What happened to the lady who was here?”
Mer hoped and prayed Sylvia was all right. She was a sweet grandma who missed her family this time of year, which was why she had agreed to work the market on such short notice. She had even given Mer a beautiful, turquoise-colored quilt, which reminded her of her childhood when she would look out her bedroom window at the Mediterranean Sea.
She slid another few inches to the left, trying to get a better angle at the snake’s heart. She knew it should be about one-third of the way down from his head. He was a water god, and like his brethren, the ground snakes. If he had recently eaten, it could be higher or lower, depending on the meal. And she sure hoped it wasn’t Sylvia.
A low moan sounded behind her, and she breathed a sigh of relief. Sylvia was alive and uneaten. Keeping all emotion from her face, she waited, knowing Apep’s usual attack pattern. He would flicker his forked tongue twice and his gaze would focus only on her. He would hold his strike position, hoping to increase her fear and then strike. However, he wasn’t smart enough to realize she had lost her fear of him centuries ago. He was a coward.
“Come on, Apep, I know you want a bite of me. I’m a simple woman, juicy and quite tasty. When did you last eat a real meal and not souls? You deserve more than what Mors and your leaders are allowing you to have,” she said, goading him. “You are Set’s favorite, are you not? Who are they to restrict you—to what? Nothing. You get nothing from this deal.”
The serpent hissed, filling the tent with his caustic breath, but with a soft exhale, she blew the acidic breath out into the night air. It immediately turned to crystals and fell harmlessly to the ground.
She grinned, gliding a few more inches to the left, and was in perfect position for a kill strike. Kill, being rhetorical, of course. Only Osiris could keep Apep dead. But to keep his brother Set in line, he wouldn’t do that and risk another all-out war.
The serpent’s black tongue popped out for the second time as he held her gaze. Instead, she called on the power of the Fallen and held his. She knew the moment the chaos god realized he was no longer in control and tried to apparate. Her mental grip on his form tightened. He reared back his head and tried to swing his tail, but the tip only flipped up and down.
“By the power vested in me by the Fallen leader, I pronounce you guilty of crimes against mortals and trying to destroy the Mortal Realm. You have murdered too many innocents to remain alive in this form. I condemn you, Apep, favorite of Set, to the netherworld of Duat to be judged and sentenced by both Anubis and Osiris. May Ra pity your soul.” Her sword blazed with a golden light as she stabbed the serpent’s heart, slicing the small organ in two.
With an enraged cry, the snake unwound, its massive body wildly whipping as it slowly disintegrated into a pile of ash as its soul was pulled into the death realm of Osiris.
“Well, that was dramatic,” a familiar voice said behind her.
Whirling, she stared at her adopted father’s tanned face, the blue hieroglyphs showing plainly on his face and giving the skin a green tint. “You always told me that if I was going to do something, do it right and with flair.” She grinned and changed her sword back to a dagger and slid the weapon into her boot.
“I approve,” he said. “Thank you for defeating that silly serpent. Set has been raging for months because he couldn’t find him. Now, he will rage at me because I imprisoned him, at least for a few thousand years. In the life of a god, what’s a year or two? Set will just have to get used to not having Apep to abuse.”
He held out his arms and she willingly stepped into his embrace. “I know I said this before, but I am so proud of you. You are a true daughter to us—more than you know.”
She leaned back and frowned. “Excuse me?”
“I only told you part of the story of your birthright. We were sworn to secrecy by your mother and when you disappeared… I couldn’t say anything until I talked to Isis first.” He shrugged. “It’s a marriage thing you have to do to keep the peace.”
