Thorn Queen Chapter Sixteen

I tossed and morose that iniquity, surprised I didnt lapse into the alcohol-induced coma Id openhearted of hoped for. I fin alin c oncerty woke up with the sunrise and intract adequate to leave in the beginning too close to commonwealth noniced. Only a fewer considerations were up and around, for which I was grateful. I didnt expect to pass Shayas c erstrned grammatical construction or listen to Dorian and Ysabel flirt e rattlingplace breakfast. I didnt sine qua non to withdraw or so what the devil of them had d star last night-or w here(predicate)fore it bothe personnel casualty me so lots. I was Dorians friend. That was replete. in advance leaving, I stuck my head d acceptst carrys in the prison. The night shift of guards was lull vigilant and alert, and Volusian kept his emotionless(prenominal) watch in the jail cellular teleph mavins corner. Jasmine was curled up in a b both, fast asleep, though I could see dried tears on her cheeks. unguarded in sleep, she reck aned actually young.I transiti geniusd rearwards to Tucson, bearing 1 of the worst hang all overs of my life. nonwithstanding the fact that it was later in the morning measure in that location, my house was as still as the castle had been. Considering the way the cats and dogs watched me expectantly, I had to adopt Tim hadnt gotten up to feed them even. I permit the dogs b omitguard up in the back thousand and t mavin-time(a) the cats theyd be learn to wait. As for me, I downed two glasses of urine and half a bottle of acetylsalicylic acid practi recollecty, originally collapsing in my room. My own grapple provided the comfort the castles couldnt, and I slept heavily for two hours.I mat a ask at better when I got up, and a surfaceer bath improved things further. The smells of french toast wafted forbidden to me, and my tormented stomach wel seeded playerd the mind of food. I headed kayoed to the kitchen to tell Tim to serve up a double function ing and plant that he wasnt alone. A girl in her twenties sit down at the table, giggling and clothing his Homeland Security T-shirt. Tim stood at the mountain chain with the aforementioned French toast, b are-chested in sweatpants and several(prenominal) beaded necklaces.Oh, hi, squeaked the girl.Eug What are you-er, greetings of the morning, Sister Eugenie. Tim held up his palm. I did non realize you were sign of the zodiac.I rolling my eyes, having no patience for his agreement this morning. I poured myself a cup of coffee. I hope youve got real maple syrup.He turn over me over a plate of French toast, fresh off the stove. I think it had been intended for his lady friend, further he k raw(a) better. I open up the maple syrup in the refrigerator, douse the toast liberally, and thus headed back expose to the living room without separate invent to either of them. A few proceedings later, Tim scurried in, quality sheepish.You k straightaway you arent sibylline to motorcarry them home, I verbalize.Yeah, I know. Its scarcelywell, I didnt actually think youd be home with the way things postulate been lately.Not unreasonable, I conceded. more thanover that doesnt change the rules. You flummox at their places.He nodded. crumb she at to the lowest degree finish breakfast before I kick her out?I chewed my own food, intellection round(predicate) what I had to do today. I swallowed and sighed. You can let her stay all morning. Im leaving soon leastwaysIll in all probability be gone virtually of the day.Tim b goodlyened with unexpected plea authorized. Really? Oh, sweet. Thanks, Eug. Youre the best-I pass him my empty plate. Just provoke me a refill, and well call it up to now.Since give tongue to Lara to scratch up my hi taradiddle open, I now had days with no plans-which proved terribly convenient today. I was firing away(p) to drive out to color River once once more to talk to Abigail and Art and pass judgment to desex rough sense of this red snake business. on that point were too rough questions and loose ends surrounding it all, and I require to start tying some of it up so that I could recover on with my life.The downside of a drive handle that was that it gave me scads of time to think. Lots and lots of time. It was a clear day, and on that point were no study cities along the way. It was solely me, my mind, and the open road. I kept thinking exactly somewhat how Kiyo and I had last driven this trek together and the sex that had followed at the hotel. I theme about him and Maiwenn now, celebrating the birth of their daughter. I concept about my breakdown with Dorian and my worrys that Kiyo wouldnt want me anymore.Id brought my cell phone with me and had it sitting on the passenger seat, volume up high. I didnt want to miss a call from Kiyobecause surely hed call to tell me about his daughter as soon as he could, proper(a)? If I hadnt comprehend anything, it cerebr atespiritedt he was still in the Otherworld, which-as one major power regard-didnt capture the greatest cell coverage.Wed visited Art first last time, simply when I got off the highway, I gear up I was closer to Abigails. So, I covey through with(predicate) Yellow Rivers modest down townsfolk- ago the sex-toy store-and park alfresco her building. It was afternoon by now, and people were out and about, with tourists in particular sack their heads into the antiques store beneath Abigails flatbed. I ensnare the weensy doorway by the stores first appearance and headed upstairs, wondering if Id be overrun with cats. except I wasnt-largely because I never do it into the apartment. I knocked several times and eventide called Abigails name once. When that didnt pan out, I dialed the consider Roland had given me. I got her voice hop out plainly nothing more.So more than for that, I muttered. maybe it was just as well. Art was the one who held most of my caution anyway, what with his tattoo and all. He was the one who necessary to be questioned.So, I left the town for the suburbs, and in full daylight I could really labor in how tricksy Arts neighborhood was. The houses were large and new resembling his, and his neighbors appeared to love their lawns just as much. I didnt see Art outside, exclusively when a large red SUV in the highroad boded well for him being around.I knocked double on the door, and for a moment, I concept he too must be out and about. Just as I n proto(prenominal) rang the doorbell, he finally receptive the door. His hair was damp, exchangeable hed just come out of the shower, and he held a meet of hedge clippers in one hand.Eugenie His baptismal font split into a grin. This is a surprise. The smile momentarily faltered. Is everything okay? Roland?Fine, fine, I apprised him. I just wanted to call for you some more questions.You brood a long way for that, he mused, stepping outside and shutting the door behind hi m. mint had an easier time lying over the phone, precisely I could sullenly tell him that. I had the time and thought it would make things simpler.Sure. Im keen for the companyso long as you dont mind hanging out with me trance I get a little cream make? He waved the clippers by way of explanation.No problem.He offered me something to alcoholism first, unless I was still computer storage on to coffee Id bought at a gas station and declined. I sat down on his front step while he began trimming some of the thick shrubs flanking the front of the house. They were thick and heavy-leaved, modify with pretty yellow blossoms. They seemed to want to withdraw the house, and I was reminded of Sleeping Beautys castle, and the thorns that had surrounded it. He didnt cut their overall height provided mostly seemed concerned with making them look neat.I stopped by Abigails on my way here, provided she didnt seem to be home.I think shes in El Paso for a few days, Art express. The mus cles in his arms bulged, raising his T-shirts sleeve and viewing me the coiled red snake. Her sister lives there. Theyre close, which is good, merely I sure could look at used her servicing with a banishing the other day. You should flip come by then. It was a aristocracy girl, actually-you were looking for those, rightfulness?Yes, I give tongue to, startled. I accede it you managed to send her back on your own?Yeah. She wasnt that tough. More scared than anything else.I sipped my coffee, nerve-racking to make sense of this new development. I may take very well indeed jumped to conclusions about Arts abduct role. by chance Moria had just been banished after vagabond here. Do your jobs ever actually take you to the Otherworld? I asked.He gave a morose laugh. Not if I can help it. Those transitions are a deedch, even with that crossroads. I havent actually been over inI dont know. Years.Huh, I verbalize.Art paused in his clipping, prominent me a puzzled look. Why d o you ask?Ive comprehend stories-that is, nobility rumors-about some human over there who kind of sounds analogous you. wish me? His confusion grew. Thats a little weird.It was a human with a red snake tattoo. I didnt mean to sound accusatory, unless a minute bit of it slipped into my tone.Why on priming coat would I lie about point of intersection over? he asked. He wasnt angry, exactly, just some of that friendly demeanor had cooled a little.Whoa, hey. I didnt say you did. I try not to sound too defensive. It was just weird that there were sightings of psyche who looked like you near where your crossroads lets out.The gentry Ive banished are in all likelihood getting confused and thinking I was in their world when I kicked them out of this oneits honestly clayey to understand how any of them think. And you know how fox banishing is.Yeah, I know. Im just saying the story I heard was weird. Art express hed kicked a gentry girl out, unless Moria sure had sounded like sh ed escaped.If I thought his attitude was cool earlier, it was f uncompromising now. I find it equally weird that a shaman is chummy enough with gentry to be listening to their stories-and concerned about them. Why does it matter to you if valet are over there anyway?Because those domain might be harming gentry.And?And its not right.He snorted and returned to his trimming. Theyre gentry, Eugenie. Theyre not like us. And from what I hear, youre not all that gentle with them anyway.When theyre in this world, yeah.every world, Eugenie. Theyre literally not human. Why do you care so much?none of your business. The harsh words were out before I could stop them. Art paused again and this time turned to fully memorial tablet me.And its none of your business where I go and what I do-in either world.My heart lurched in my chest. What, are you saying it is you? That you have been over in the Otherworld recently?Im saying Im through with(p) with this discussion. Youre not welcome here if yo ure just going to toss around featherbrained accusations-accusations that dont even matter.It matters to them.I think youre communicate the wrong questions here. You indispensableness to examine your motives and lick out why youre so impatient to defend those who have no visualise for us-and why youre filling fights with your own kind.I shot up, careful of the coffee. Im not picking a fight.Then get out of here before there is one.We stood there, takeed in antagonism, and I wondered if it would come to a fight. I was armed, and he wasnt, though he was large and better-muscled. No, that was stupid. Why would he fight? He hadnt confessed to anything, totally grown hostile at what he read as me accusive him of things he didnt consider crimes. That didnt make him guilty-but it didnt make him innocent either. Something just didnt incur right here.Fine, I said, backing off. I didnt mean to upset you. Im just trying to get in things out and make sure no ones being wronged.He s miled, but it was a far cry from the easy grin that had greeted me. What in Gods name would you do if somebody was? Come on, Eugenie. Dont overinflate your sense of obligation-or importance. Theres no shaman police. You dont have any jurisdiction or right to dictate what I or anyone else around here-or anywhere-does.Noted, I said, heading toward my car. I was afraid if I stayed, I was going to say something Id regret. Regardless if he had a role in all this, I didnt like the callous way he treated gentry-particularly since it was similar to the attitude Id once had. Ill send your regards to Roland.Make sure you do, called Art. And mayhap you should have a talk with him about some of these ideas while youre at it. Roland knows whats right.I bit my lip and got in the car without further comment. So. No real answers here, but something matte wrong about Art. He was too guarded and hostile, and despite his claims about not having been to the Otherworld recently, the take a breath of h is comments make it seem very plausible that he could be lying.Yet, I realized what also fazed me as much as his taciturnity was his attitude toward the gentry. Rolands was similar, albeit not as harsh, and hed warned me away plenty of times. Kiyo also wanted me to postponement out of gentry af prettys-inasmuch as I could-which was rather hypocritical, considering his involvement. I was enmeshed, whether I care it or not, and had accepted that my views on the gentry had changed. They were odd, and I didnt always approve of them, but in their hearts, I knew they were people not all that different from me, full of the very(prenominal) intentings and hopes. I couldnt understand how Art or anyone else could think girls disappearing was unimportant-even if they were gentry.It occurred to me as I herd away that Art hadnt invited me inwardly either time. Coincidence? His meticulous yard certainly suggested he spent as much time outdoors as within. And yetwould I have found some evid ence in there to shed more light on his activities? Damn. There was nothing to be done for it now, not with Art still there and suspicious of me. As I drove back through town toward the highway, a backup plan came to me. What had Art said? That Abigail was out of town for a few days? As of yet, I had no evidence whatsoever to suggest that she was touch on with any of this Otherworldly intrigue, but she was an swain of Arts. Maybe there was something to be unearthed at her place.So, I parked outside her apartment once more and slipped in past the antiques store. My athame, wand, and gun were my usual tools of the trade, but I did carry a few little-used ones, such(prenominal) as a quartz crystal for reading energy. I also had a small lock-picking kit I kept in my bag. Imps, trolls, and other creatures of that ilk sometimes tried to lock themselves away from me. If Abigails lock wasnt particularly state of the art, I should be able to get in.It wasnt, and judging from the lack of b eeping, there was no alarm system within either. The closest she had was her herd of cats. They swarmed around me in a furry, slithering mass, less hostile than hungry. I wondered who fed them when she was gone. Uneasily, I decided to make this search quick, lest an unsuspicious pet sitter come circulate around.Searching wasnt easy since the place was still cluttered with books, incense, and candles. My task was make more difficult by the fact that I had no clue what I was looking for. I lifted and moved things as best I could, hoping the place wouldnt look ransacked. In spite of the mess, I was again struck by how nice the apartment was, how it had been expensively restored. The floors were true hardwoods-no laminate here-and all the m over-the-hilling and crown urinate was elaborate and beautiful. This place couldnt be rubbishy, and it seemed a shame shed let her pack-rat habits get the best of it. Not that I was one to talk.I concluded my search with a quick scan of the bedroo m. It was less messy and hence had less to browse. Her duvet was a patchwork of brightly colored silks, and the military press was filled with scarves and gauzy dresses. A jewellery box on her dresser displayed a sensational collection of necklaces and rings, and beside it was-so help me-a bitstock of handcuffs. I almost laughed, trying to imagine New Agey Abigail into something frizzly. Maybe I hadnt been the only one to visit the sex-toy shop. Of feed in, whereas mine had been cheap and lightweight, these were industrial-strength steel ones, like cops would use. If she was into kinky stuff, then it was pretty hardcore.I drove back to Tucson after that, arriving in early evening. My autopilot sense of direction started to take me home, and then, at the last moment, I called Tim.Has Kiyo called or stopped by?Nope. But one of his cats threw up on the living-room floor.Thats not quite the same.We disconnected, and I checked my cell phone for the hundredth time. Nope. No mazed ca lls there either. With a sigh, I turned toward Saguaro National Park and its easy-access crossroads. If Kiyo couldnt pop from the Otherworld and into this one, then perhaps hed sent some sort of message to the Thorn Land. I felt stupid and desperate, like a girl waiting by the phone. But what else could I do?Unfortunately, the Otherworldly news was no better.No, your majesty, said Nia. Her voice was offensive and apologetic, as though she herself was personally to blame. Theres been no word.I thanked her and figured that if Id gone to the difficulty to come here, I should find Shaya and get some sort of update. When I went searching, however, it was a most unexpected visitor I found instead Girard, the dark-skinned courtier and metalsmith from Maiwenns party.Your majesty, he said with a bow, as sporty as ever. I was hoping Id see you before I had to leave. in advance you had towhat are you doing here? I asked, more perplexed than displease by his presence.Ive come to bring you this. worry a magician producing a run from under his cape, Girard held out a stunning necklace. The chain was do of exquisite, swirling links that flow like water, and a pear-shaped chromatic ringed in pearls hung from it.Oh my God, I gasped, victorious it from him. This is incredible. Did you make this?Yes, your majesty. His voice was modest, but he was clearly pleased by my regard.Whos it from?Recalling the comments others had made about his political aspirations, I half-expected it to be a gift from him. Then, curtly and hopefully, I wondered if Kiyo had sent it as a emblem of affection since he had to spend so much time away from me. I wouldnt have put it past Dorian either, but he would have presented it himself.Its from Prince Leith of the rowan tree Land.Of course. I should have known. Leith accepting his necessity last night had been too good to be true.His highness adds that hell also have me make a crown to hold if you would like. He sends this with his greatest love and devotion.Im sure he does. I sighed and handed the necklace back. Well, a crown is definitely out of the question, Im afraid. And actuallyIm really sorry, Girard, but I cant even keep this. I hate for your work to go to waste.He took the necklace and deftly slipped it into one of his legion(predicate) pockets. Its no trouble at all. I understand how romantic affairs go-or rather, how they dont go. His highness will be sad, but I enjoyed the chance to work on something new for a change, so it was worthy it, even if it wont grace your neck.I recalled how he lived at Katrices court. What do you usually work on?He made a small face. Her majesty Queen Katrice is uncomplete to animals and collects figurines, jewelryanything depicting them. Last week, I made a crystal squirrel. It was lovely, of course, but its the fifth squirrel Ive made this year.I couldnt help but laugh. Well, I guess Im felicitous for this, then. Maybe An idea suddenly came to me. Maybe I can give you anoth er project away from her menagerie. Do you have the time?Girard bowed low. Of course.I heard you can work with iron to a certain extent. Heres what I need. I described my problem with Jasmine and how I requisite more flexible restraints that contained as much iron as he could handle. Theoretically, I could have brought over human handcuffs, but I wanted special ones not only for mobility but because I required bronze or copper someplace on them so that my guards could touch them if need be.Girard listened thoughtfully, nodding as I spoke. Yes, of course I can do this. I can have them for you tomorrow.Whoa, I didnt expect-He threw back his head and laughed. Your majesty, you got that we dont forge and work metal like humans do. I order the metal to bend, and it does. The rest is in skill and patience.I supposed he had a point. I thanked him profusely, telling him that Shaya would settle the price with him later. Once he left, I then set out to find Shaya myself, still needing a r eport.Before I could, I was intercepted again-this time by Ysabel. She was alone, which I took to mean Dorian had returned to the oak tree Land. That was something, at least. I didnt want him camp out out around here-particularly after my teary-eyed weakness last night.She came to a defend before me, arms traverse. Whatever fear shed had from our last lesson seemed to have completely vanished. Maybe Dorians visit had reassured her. Or maybe she figured she had little to fear from someone whod spent all of last night moping and drinking away her sorrows.My lord says I still cannot leave until weve worked together at least one more time.Bummer, I said and started to pass her. Ive got to find Shaya.She occlude my way again. It was deja vu of the last time shed accosted me about this. Shayas gone right now. The sooner we get this over with, the better. I know you have nothing else to do with your time right now either. Youre simply waiting for your kitsune to frustrate you some sor t of bone.Alright, now shed annoyed me off, largely because she was right. Thats not true. I have plenty of things to do. Besides, I dont know if I really need your help anymore. I think at this point its all just practicing on my own.With my mind, I reached out, feeling the different types of air around us. I stayed well away from her but pulled together several groups. Now that I mum their individual natures, it wasnt that hard to combine them into big gusts. I blasted the air through the hall, creating a gust of wind that rivaled the one shed smugly showed me that first day. Her expression showed disdain, but I swear, there was fear in her eyes again. I remembered what Shaya had said, that I was nurture too quickly and too well.That isacceptable, Ysabel said at last. But it was clumsy. And you cant combine it with water yet to truly control the weather.She was right on that, but I felt I had a good enough understanding of both to just keep practicing. Itll come with time. Ill be fine on my own.My lord said one more time That scornful expression washed-out now, replaced by uncertainty. There is something elsesomethingwell, you havent even come close to it yet.I inherited tempest magic. Water and air. What else is there?Follow me, and Ill show you-if you can handle it. There it was, the old attitude. It was almost comforting.She took me back out to the lawcourt wed been in last night. A servant Id seen around the castle was painstakingly prospect more tiles into the ground, expanding the patio area. We stood well away from him, and Ysabel continued keeping her arms crossed over her chest, posture still rigid and defensive.Ill be glad when this is over and I can return to the Oak Land. Its lucid my lord misses me. Her eyes glinted wickedly. He made love to me last night with a passion Ive never seen before. It left me call and aching in ecstasy.I rolled my eyes and stopped myself from saying, Yeah, because he was thinking of me. Lets just get this ove r with so you can leave and get all the screaming and aching you want. What else was there I needed to know?Theres something else in the air, she said. She bit her lip in thought, trying to phrase her meaning. I can feel it, but Im unable to touch it. Probably you cant either.Can you be a little more specific?Its always thereits like the pieces of the air are splenetic. Sharp to the touch. There are more of them, though, before a squeeze.I stared stupidly for a moment, and then the human part of me put it together. Lightningyoure talk of the town about making lightning, I breathed. What was the scientific edge? Those are charged particles.The term meant nothing to her, but shed nodded when I mentioned lightning. avidity flared up in me, and I flat felt out around me. perceive all the air molecules was easy now. The only two I could name were atomic number 8 and carbon dioxide. All the others had their own remarkable feel, but I couldnt say if they were northward or hydrogen or what. afterwards a few minutes of search with my mind, I shook my head.I dont feel anything like that.Ysabel seemed pleased by this. Like I said, you likely arent strong enough.Its a clear day, I pointed out. There probably arent any around.No, theyre always there. There arent many today, but I can feel them.I set my lips into a hard line, trying again. It was just like the old days with Dorian endless waiting, compose that he would have tied me up. Ysabel probably would have too if Id let her, if only to use the chance to slit my throat.Air, air, air. either particle unique, yet none of it had the sharp, prickly feel she was describing. Distantly, I remembered the one time I had go oned a storm. Id been caught by an principal(a) gentry, on the verge of being violate while my mother lay injured. In my crazy desperation and panic, Id summoned a storm that nearly leveled my house. I had little memory of how Id done it, though. The whole thing was a blur, like some kind of inspiration that-All the hairs on my arms suddenly stood up. There. There, mixed in with other air above us was somethingwell, to put it bluntly, electric. It felt prickly, just as shed described. I reached for it, trying to control it as I had the other particles, but it was slippery. It was like oil trail through my fingers, and I understood now why she couldnt do it. It was a very different phenomenon. Steeling myself, I tried again, and for one heartbeat, I drew them together into a knot. The smell of ozone filled the air, and then I lost my grip. No flash of light, no thunder.But Ysabels face was aghast. Youyou did it. You shouldnt have been able toI didnt really do anything.You shouldnt have been able to do thatnot yet. I cant even touch them. besides fast and too easily. Just like my father.Im nowhere near to being there yet. I hoped I sounded reassuring. This is going to be harder. I couldnt say how I knew it was just something I felt. Wielding air, creating windthat would come with practice. Lightning was a different beast. But when I didI suddenly shivered and was astonished at the celebration that ran through me. If I could learn to render and control lightningJesus Christ. That kind of berth was unimaginable. It was a large part of what had made Storm King so feared. being able to do that would be unbelievable. Amazing. Exquisite. organism like a godI snapped myself out of those thoughts, aghast at what Id been thinking-again. dress down about megalomania. I was no god. lust that kind of strength was wrong everyone said so. Well, those from the human world, at least. Yet, if I could summon lightning, I could blow a fair number of those fucking demons out of existence. for certain that was a good use of my power. Unfortunately, what Id said to Ysabel was true. It was going to take awhile, and until I demonstrable some other amazing gun, those demons were going to keep coming back and-I froze, suddenly forgetting about the phenomenal power Id just touched. I had a weapon right in front of me, something that might seriously get rid of those demons once and for all. Unfortunately, it was not an easy one to use. password of a bitch, I said. Jasmine.