Return of the High Fae (Vegas Fae Story Book 1) (12 page)

"I did, but I'm not sure it made William very happy. I
changed the terms a bit." I shook my head. "I suppose he'll get over
it."

"I don't believe it's something that just anyone will
be successful at. Besides, you are taking all the risk. Therefore, you set the
terms," he said, draining his glass.

"So what's the deal with William? How do they know each
other?" I asked, waving at Delia for another round.

"William Harrison, retired Hollywood financier and
entrepreneur," he recited, rising and placing money on the bar top.
"Delia, thank you, but none for me. I've got to get back to work." He
turned his attention back to me. "Mr. Milagre has known him since the
'50s. He used to run clients to Las Vegas from Hollywood when this was still a
small town. They partnered up in the junket business. Mr. Milagre here in
Vegas, starting a small casino, and Harrison in Hollywood, sending actors and
other industry professionals here in a fleet of small planes. They did very
well."

"I guess they did," I commented, as Delia placed
another beer on the bar.

She smiled and went back to the other side to clean some
glasses.

"I've got to get back to the property," Siegfried
continued. "I wanted you to know that everything my people could find out
about the woman is in the envelope Harrison gave you. We still have a few
queries out, but the rest is up to you. Please be careful. This is your first
step into a world that, as you have already learned, can be very dangerous.
Things are rarely what they appear to be. If you need anything, and I mean
anything, please contact me. I will do what I can to assist you."

I peered into my mug and then looked back at him.
"Thanks Siegfried, I appreciate it. I have a few tricks up my sleeve as
well. I'll be careful."

"Ha! Excellent," he said, slapping my back.
"Then I bid you farewell. Duty calls."

As Siegfried left, Delia came back over to my side of the
bar. Putting away some glasses, she glanced over at me. "You want another
one?"

"Sure, and thanks for not saying anything."

She poured a mug and slapped it down on the bar in front of
me. "Hey, the less I know the better. I want no part of any dispute
Milagre is involved in."

"Dispute, what dispute?" I had no idea what she
was talking about.

"Fae," she uttered with an air of contempt.
"You never change." She put her hands on her hips. "I don't know
why Milagre has you screwing with the Weres, and I don't want to know,"
she said, throwing down her towel and walking away.

"What the hell are you talking about? A minute ago you
were being nice and now we're fighting. What is it with you?" I asked
loudly.

She spun around and came back, leaning over the bar with her
finger in my face. "I can't afford to have Milagre mad at us, so I played
nice, this time. I will only say this once. Never use me as an excuse again! At
least it makes some sense now. Why can't you just leave us alone?"

Well, shit. She thought I'd used her as part of a plan of
Milagre's to screw with the Werewolves. No wonder she was pissed. How was I
supposed to deal with that? Should I even bother? The real bitch was, I was
stuck between a rock and a hard place. I couldn't let her think Milagre was
planning some coup against the Werewolves. God only knows what that could lead
too. On the other hand, Vampire or not, I liked her and I didn't want her to
think I had used her either. I gulped down my beer, ale, whatever it was.
Women... I must be nuts! Damn green eyes!

"Delia, wait!" I said in my best commanding voice.

She didn't turn around but, I'll be damned if she didn't
stop. I stood up and walked over her.

"Just listen," I offered. "Things are not
what they seem. I need you to believe that."

She swiveled her head and looked at me. "Why? I ask you
again, what has changed?"

"I don't expect you to understand but you have to
believe this. Milagre didn't send me after the Werewolves, and he isn't my
boss." I wondered if I should have said master, damn supernatural crap.
"It's exactly what I said. There's no conspiracy." I paused a moment,
trying to decide what to say next.

"Look, I know you won't believe me but I really don't
understand all this Fae versus Lil stuff. But I will make you this promise;
I'll do what I can to make things better. I just need some time."

What else could I say? She either believed me or she didn't.
I doubted anything I did was going to make a difference tonight.

"We'll see each other again," I said as I walked
out the doorway.

I had just pulled into the driveway when Charlie came
bounding up to greet me. That's the greatest thing about having a dog. They always
act like they haven't seen you in a month, even when they can talk.

I went into the house, threw my keys on the counter, and
headed into the office to put William's jewel and the cash into the safe. As I
opened it, I noticed the scepter I had taken from the young Werewolf the night
I had first met Delia. I had forgotten all about it. I was reaching for it when
I heard something.

"Bernd is here."

"Do you have to do that?" I asked. I rubbed my
head where I had hit it on the safe door when he startled me.

"You have been busy," he exclaimed. He walked to
the safe and picked up the scepter and bag. He held each up and examined them.
"Tell me how you acquired these."

"Just like that, huh?" I replied, as I stood up.
"Who are you anyway? I mean, really, what are you? Did you really know my
grandmother or are you just Cacilia's watchdog?"

He just stared at me with his hands out.

I walked up to him and took back the items, holding them
where he could see them. "If you must know, this one I got as part of a
job from another Fae," I said, holding up the pouch containing the jewel.
Then I held up the scepter. "This one I took away from some punk ass kid
that turned out to be a Werewolf. A week ago, I'd only read about them in fairy
tales, mind you, and now, well let's see... now I got Werewolves, Fae, Lil, and
God only knows what else crawling up my ass. Oh yeah, I also got Dwarves."

I knew I was ranting, but sometimes when you get angry you
just have to let it out. Once I stopped yelling, I looked at him. He looked a
tad irate. Well shit. That probably wasn't good.

He rose to attention, his body straight and tall, or as tall
as his 3 feet or so would allow him. For a second it was almost humorous, but
then I got a good look at him. He didn't look like some lawn gnome you find in
the back yard anymore. He looked tough, like some creature you read about in an
epic adventure. There was a light in his eyes, his voice was proud and he spoke
clearly.

"From the earth my people were born and for ages we
have watched over the lands and water. I am no mere Dwarf and I am not a spy.
We were here before you came and we will be here after you are all long gone.
We do not offer our guidance to just anyone. I am Bernd! I have counseled your
family since the Dryad first walked this Earth and I counseled Maria, your
grandmother, whom I called friend. It was her wish that I come to you when you
needed me and I am here. Do you doubt me?" he asked, walking over and
looking straight up at me.

I didn't know what to say.

Then his face grew less stern and his appearance changed
back to what it had been before.

Charlie chose that moment to come into the room. He sat down
next to Bernd and I heard him say "Bernd, friend."

How could I argue with that? Besides, I had to believe him.
Dogs are great judges of character.

"I'm sorry. It's been a tough week. Maybe you are what
you say. But all this is new to me and I'm beginning to wonder who I should
trust," I exclaimed. "Hell, I'm not even sure what I've become."

He gestured toward me. "It is not what you have become,
it is what you have always been. It was just hidden from you. The world turns
and we turn with it. I cannot change the past, but know that we all have a
destiny, even when we do not realize it. Let me guide you to where yours leads,
as Maria would have wanted me to."

Damn, now I had a destiny. What do I say to that? Especially
after the week I just had? I put the two objects down and sat on the ground, my
back to the safe. "All right Bernd, what do you want to know?"

He picked up the scepter. "Tell me again how you
acquired this?" he asked, examining it with his gnarled hands.

I told him about the fights with the Werewolves, and about
Delia.

"She is a Lilin and yet you came to her defense.
Interesting."

I went over to my chair and sat down. I watched as he picked
up the jewel and walked over beside me, leaning on the leather couch.

"What's the deal with that anyway? What happened
between the Fae and the Lil? Siegfried said there was a war, but isn't it long
over? Why does everyone still hate them?" I asked.

"So many questions and we have just begun," he
answered. "I will try and answer them all, in time, but first, this
scepter." He held it up and twisted it in his hands. "This is a staff
of office. You say you took it from a boy?"

"Well, a young man, anyway. He was carrying it in his
pocket. When he started to shift, I stopped him. How did I do that?" Damn,
not even a minute and I'd asked another question. I looked down at him and
shrugged my shoulders.

"Do not be so hasty. There is much to learn. Let us
deal with this first," he lectured. "As I was saying, this is a
symbol of power. I do not believe the true owner would let it go so
easily."

"What exactly is it?" Oh, damn. More questions.

"Werewolves are pack creatures, and as such, only one
can lead. This is an ancient symbol of command. It symbolizes the bearer's rule
without having to bare fang and claw over every disagreement. Interesting to
find it here. It is one of the old ways. Much has changed since
The Fall
.
He must come from an ancient pack. I doubt the true owner will be glad to see
it missing." He looked thoughtful.

"Wait," I interjected. "When I was fighting
at the bar, the father... I could sense his line. I remember it was something
from France, really old. I remember something like 300 B.C."

"You sensed his line. Very good, Robert. That explains
much about the scepter, and about you. It is indeed very old. Why the boy
carried it, I cannot say, as only one who leads can wield it. Perhaps it was
stolen. Whatever the reason, it could be a useful tool to exchange for the
pack's allegiance, especially now that you have bested three of them."

"What do you mean it can only be used by one who leads?
It worked for me."

He gave me a funny look, twisting his head. "Did it
now? What did you see?"

"It was during the fight. Right after I took it from
the second kid, the one that was taunting Delia. It burned with blue
fire."

"Indeed. Well, that is interesting. Such things are
possible after all. Now, about this stone," he continued, picking up the
leather pouch.

Why did I get the feeling he wasn't telling me everything?

"This is a Dragon's eye," he said, emptying the
pouch into his hand and lifting up the stone by its golden chain.

"A Dragon's eye? You don't mean a real Dragon's eye do
you? Like from a real Dragon?"

"Where else would a Dragon's eye come from? They are
rare. Very rare indeed. This one has been gifted. Return it you must."
Looking closely at the stone, he continued. "While a scepter may be passed
in succession, this cannot. It truly can only be used by the one to whom it was
gifted, as it is the magic that binds it. Since it has already been bound to
the one it was given to, it will be safe to deal with."

"I kind of figured that since William didn't seem to
have much luck with it"

"Yet another link to your line. It is said that Apollo
slew the Dragon at Delphi and gave the eye to the Oracle. In doing so, he
granted her the gift of youth and long life, as well as other powers over
men."

"You mean, the Apollo, the Greek God?"

"Yes, the twin brother of Artemis. He was no God;
although he was worshipped as one. A powerful Fae he was, but this is a story
for another time."

"What happened to him?"

Bernd sighed and walked closer to me. "He faded during
The
Fall
, as did the others; when the magic dwindled and their followers
deserted them. That is the fate of those who aspire too high and fail. Even the
Gods are not immortal. A good lesson, is it not?"

"I guess so," I said, thinking I knew what faded
meant. Cacilia's comments about the Fae had been similar. "I was hired to
return it. Any tips you care to share?"

"She will be cunning. If it is a bargain you must
strike, be cautious of her words. She must have been exceptionally gifted in
her own right. Apollo would not grant such power to just any mortal. He must
have thought greatly of her. If there is a ritual, you must follow it. Do not
forget her cunning. I must leave it to you. It will be a fine test of your
abilities, as well as your craft."

A ritual? That was helpful — not. My disappointment must
have shown.

"If she is indeed the Oracle, she could be a valuable
ally. But she will know the Fae. You must charm her as Apollo did," he
said with the hint of a laugh. He handed me back the pouch and scepter.
"You will know what to do when the time comes."

Charm her? What did that mean? "Whoa, whoa... Where are
you going? I thought we were going to talk!" I yelled as he started to
walk toward the doorway.

"Come. I have something you must see," was all he
said.

I started to put the scepter and jewel back in the safe, but
the Dwarf interrupted me. "Bring the scepter."

I hurried after him. We were in the backyard when he stopped
and turned back to me.

He raised his arms chest high, palms pointing outward.
"Within these walls and trees is your land. I have claimed it for you.
Here is your sanctuary. You will be safe here. Outside these walls there is
danger. The Mages you killed will not easily be forgotten. Others may want
vengeance. There you must be cautious, but this land I will make as safe as I
am able. I have whispered to the earth. It and the trees will guard their gates
from outsiders."

Charlie chose that moment to appear. Bernd reached over and
petted him. "Charlie too will guard, as he always has. There is another.
One who sees the worlds that he cannot."

"Another?"

"Lucinda," Bernd called out.

I looked around, not knowing what to expect. Suddenly, a
black cat jumped out of the oak on the other side of the pool. "A
cat?" I asked, caught off guard.

"But of course," said Bernd. "Who better to
guard you from evil?"

The cat ran over to him and rubbed up against his legs.

Bernd bent down and looked at her. "Lucinda, do you
accept the charge?"

She walked around his leg, then sauntered over to me and
sniffed. She began to twirl around me, rubbing her head against my leg, as cats
do. "I do," I heard her in my head the same whisper as I hear when
Charlie speaks.

What do you say to a cat? "Ok, Lucinda. Thank you, I
guess. I hope Charlie doesn't mind sharing."

I looked over at the dog and only felt a mental shrug. Not
exactly an endorsement, but then again, he wasn't chasing her across the yard
either. I took that as a good sign. Then Lucinda trotted off around the corner
of the patio with Charlie following.

"The scepter, Robert," he said, motioning to me.
"Try it now."

I held it out in front of me and concentrated, but nothing
happened. I tried it again a few times but it remained cold. So much for a
repeat performance. "It was only when I felt the rage inside that it
worked," I commented.

Bernd just grunted. "Kneel," he commanded. He
walked over to where I was standing.

I knelt down and bowed as he placed his hands on the sides
of my head. I heard him muttering something, but I couldn't make out the words.
I felt pressure in my head, like I would have if I had a head cold. Suddenly,
it was unbearable; until he let go. "What was that about?" I asked. I
shook my head, the pain and pressure subsiding.

"Maria's spell was like a dam; holding back the magic
within you. The attack by the Mages cracked a portion of Maria's spell. I have
opened this gap a little wider. Magic is like water. It begins as a small
trickle. Eventually it will flow faster, until it becomes a mighty river. Do
you understand?"

"But what about when I fought the Werewolves? That was
no trickle."

Bernd took my hand and pulled me up. "Sit," he
said, and gestured toward one of the pool chairs.

I walked over and sat down.

He took a stance that reminded me of a college professor
lecturing his student. Ok, so he was short and dressed funny, but you get the
idea.

"Even though you were not aware of it, the magic has
always been part of you. Once hidden, it is now free and will respond when
called upon. That is what occurred when the Werewolves began to shift into
their other selves. The magic sensed the danger and answered your call."

"My call? What? But I couldn't control it. How did I
call it?"

"Even untamed, it is part of you. Time is needed for
you to adjust to it and it to you. I have done what I can to aid that
adjustment." He stood in front of me and gestured toward the scepter.
"Let us see what you can do now. Do you remember what it felt like when
you used it before?"

"Yeah, sort of," I said, looking down at the
scepter. "It was like it became an extension of my hand."

"Good, good. Then that is what you must make it become
again. Try it now."

I held up the scepter and tried to will the jewel to light.
Nothing happened. I concentrated harder, but still nothing happened. Finally, I
willed myself to calm down and just tried to just feel the wood in my hand.
Still nothing. Wait... slowly I felt something happening. It wasn't the
red
rage
feeling I had before. This time it was gradual. The awareness of
everything around me began seeping in as well. I felt the scepter in my hand as
it became part of me.

I opened my eyes and saw the jewel glowing. Ok, so it wasn't
as strong or as bright as it was the time before, but it was glowing with a
steady flame. I looked over at Bernd. His arms were crossed and he was stroking
his beard.