The Conquering Dark: Crown (23 page)

Kate drew in a deep breath, her heart lifting higher. “And to you, dear Simon. In whose fearless footsteps we follow. In darkness from which all of humanity would flee, you remain stalwart.”

Simon's face shone in the firelight. His glass pushed toward the others. “I wish us all success and long life. I expect that we shall all gather here again, well and healthy. I thank you.”

The multitude of glasses clinked and they all drank.

“What about Mr. Hogarth?” Charlotte asked. “He's our protector.”

“And to Hogarth,” Simon agreed.

“Charlotte and I are relieving Hogarth on the roof.” Imogen reached for the bottle of whiskey. “We'll tell him.”

“No, ma'am, you are not.” Kate looked from Imogen to Charlotte as she pulled the bottle from her sister's hand. “You're both getting some sleep.”

“We can't. It's our turn.” Imogen was firm but polite. Charlotte bounded over to her, trailing her drawing from her hand, and leaned against Imogen. “You should get some sleep, Kate. You look tired.”

Kate put on her stern face. “I won't be disobeyed, Imogen. I want you to go to bed.”

Imogen shook her head and said in her strange calm voice, “Malcolm will take over from us in a few hours, and we'll sleep then.”

Kate could sense stubbornness in her sister that reminded her of the old willful Imogen. Except that it wasn't selfishness; she was trying to help. In truth, Kate was too exhausted to fight this battle, which she probably shouldn't.

“Very well.” Kate rubbed her face and stifled a yawn. “Off you go then, but please be careful on the roof. There are holes everywhere and weak spots that can't be seen.”

“I know.” Imogen took Charlotte's hand. She inclined her head to regard Kate. “Sleep.”

Kate laughed. “I would love to, but I have several hours of work in the laboratory ahead of me. I'm cooking up a little amber. And there's another series of your blood to finish tonight.” Kate continued to talk, but more to herself. “I'm beginning to understand the structural changes I'm seeing. I need a much better microscope. I'll send for a new catalog from Germany.” She tapped her forehead as a reminder. “I'll do that tomorrow. Oh no, not tomorrow; I have plans. The next day then.”

“Kate.” Imogen laid her long boneless fingers against her sister's face. “Stop, please.”

“Stop what? What am I doing?”

Imogen leaned closer. Her rubbery skin was so white, it was almost blue. Her once-full lips were slits across her face. The delightful nose that once graced her beautiful features was nothing more than two holes. However, when she came this near, Kate could see the remnants of the old Imogen in her face. The line of the chin. The curve of the cheek. The slight tilt of her head. These were vestiges of the original woman that had not, and could not, be changed.

Imogen stared into Kate's eyes with the one white human orb. “Stop trying to bring me back.”

Kate flushed with panic. It seemed they had come so far, but now Imogen was returning to her old morose futile self. Her sister had surrendered again to hopelessness after all the time Kate had labored to reassure her and to show her that she would never rest until Imogen was restored to normal. Kate clenched her fists. Her gaze flew over her sister's face in despair.

“Imogen, please, you can't give up,” Kate whispered in a ragged voice.

“I'm not giving up,” Imogen replied softly. “But you are killing yourself. Stop.”

“I can't!” Kate closed her eyes and pressed Imogen's hand against her face. She felt the inhuman touch of the tendril fingers. “I won't.”

“Kate. Look at me.”

Kate opened her eyes and gazed on her sister.

“You don't have to bring me back.” Imogen kissed Kate on the cheek. “I'm here.”

It had been years since Imogen had kissed her in more than a perfunctory or begrudging way. She felt a warmth and kindness that had been gone since they were little girls. Kate threw her arms around Imogen. She kissed her sister and embraced her tightly, feeling strength in Imogen that she had either not seen or denied since they had brought her back from Bedlam on that dreadful night last year. Kate felt her sister's fingers wiping tears from her cheeks and she pressed her face into the touch.

Imogen gently pulled away from Kate and took Charlotte's hand again. The two started for the door.

Kate covered her mouth to stifle her crying as she watched them through new eyes. After they left the room, Kate called out, “Charlotte! Take your wulfsyl before you go on the roof!”

“Aw!” came the distressed reply and the girls' footfalls disappeared down the hall.

It was a cloudless night of stars. Malcolm picked his way carefully across the rooftop, testing shingles and the exposed rafters before settling his weight on them. At the edge of the roof sat Imogen and Charlotte.

Charlotte waved enthusiastically like Malcolm had been away for months rather than just a few hours. It was that eagerness that made Charlotte such a sweet child. It's what kept the monster in her at bay. He doubted that Kate's wulfsyl alone would have been enough. The two girls rose to their feet. Imogen was a study of calm reserve, while Charlotte saluted him.

“Nothing to report!” she declared. “No sign of anyone except a few deer.” Her arm dropped, then she impulsively hugged him.

Malcolm allowed himself the luxury of returning the girl's embrace. After a moment, she reluctantly released him and brought her head up from the warmth of his wool coat. She regarded the long rifle across his back, but the smile didn't leave her face.

“When that crazy old man shows up here, we'll be ready,” Charlotte assured him.

Malcolm wondered if she truly understood what was happening. Their world was on the brink of annihilation, and she behaved like it was a day at the beach. It was that sort of recklessness that made him worry for her safety. She could be strong and quick, but she didn't understand the ruthless complexity of the world. One day she would.

That was a day he never wanted to face.

Charlotte regarded her friend behind her. “Mr. Simon's ever so clever. He'll make sure Gaios won't hurt anyone.” She rocked back on her heels in obvious devotion.

Malcolm's heart filled once more with dismay. “Gaios isn't just some doddering warlock, Charlotte. He's very dangerous.”

Charlotte's bright blue eyes rose to meet his. Those iridescent orbs seemed old beyond years. “I know that. Even Gretta spoke of him only in whispers.”

That communicated leagues of Gaios's mythical weight. Gretta Aldfather was a centuries-old lycanthrope and Charlotte's past brutal mentor, a furious legend in her own right.

Imogen pressed close to Charlotte. “We both know what he's capable of, Malcolm. But we'll stand together.”

He nodded, his throat tight. Simon was right. There would be no sending them away even if it was for the best. When he spoke, it was deeper than usual. “Go down and get something to eat. Then off to bed with you both. We need you fresh and ready when the time comes.”

Charlotte offered a smile that would melt solid ice and scampered off like an acrobat. Imogen moved slowly and carefully. He stared after them when Charlotte darted back to him. She tugged him down by his lapels, then stood on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on his cheek with an enthusiastic, “Good night!” She ran off again, grabbing Imogen's hand and helping her along the tricky slope to the ladder sticking up though a gap in the roof.

Drawing a hand across his cheek, Malcolm settled himself in their little nest of warm blankets and plush pillows, amused at their desire for simple comforts even for this small task. He wouldn't be surprised if there was a picnic basket about somewhere to go along with it. He was tempted to look when his stomach growled. Utilizing Penny's miraculous long-range scope on the rifle, he made a quick scan of the surrounding area. It appeared serene and still, despite the ravaged grounds. It remained that way for almost two hours.

The sun was beginning to filter over the distant hillocks when the earth shook. Malcolm grabbed hold of the roof's trembling edge and lifted the rifle. Gaios came riding atop a chunk of earth the size of a farmer's cottage, pulled by what Malcolm could only call doglike golems. The creatures drew the
chariot
faster than a fleet coach, leaving a deep, rough furrow behind. Gaios was dressed in a long white garment with a crimson mantle over one shoulder similar to the toga of ancient Roman nobleman. His long white hair flowed in the wind like Zeus descending to Earth. Cowering next to him were Jane and her father.

Malcolm sounded the alarm by slapping the back of his hands together. The temporary tattoos flared, as they would on everyone's hands below, warning them of an incoming enemy. Malcolm lifted the rifle and took aim at Gaios. When the target rumbled into range, he squeezed the trigger. The shell was on target, but with a flick of his wrist, Gaios brought up a section of his stony chariot and deflected the shot.

Malcolm heard footsteps as Simon came up quickly behind and crouched at his side. “We're out of time, Simon. I hope we're ready.”

“We are,” was all Simon said.

“He isn't alone.” Malcolm's voice held an edge. “Jane Somerset and her father are with him.”

“His lightning elemental?”

“They are
innocents
in this. She won't hurt anyone.” Malcolm paused before growling, “And I won't hurt her.”

“I'm not asking you to.” Regret touched Simon's eyes. “But she may not be given that choice.”

Malcolm knew he was right.

“Let's see what our guest wants,” Simon said, turning to head back down. “Penny's on her way to take this position. And that poor woman down there will need to see a familiar face.”

Malcolm set down the rifle in case Penny wanted to use it, and he followed Simon. By the time they stepped out through the wrecked front of Hartley Hall, everyone had taken up their prearranged positions around the mansion, arsenals at the ready. The two girls had barely slept, but still they both looked spry, their enhanced natures keeping them going far beyond any normal human.

The land and air trembled. Gaios's chariot tore through the grounds as the massive stone monsters dragged it closer. They roared some fifty yards from the portico and stopped in a cloud of dirt and crumbling rock. The beasts collapsed into dust so Gaios could stare down unhindered, his face a mask of rage. Mr. Somerset was held in a prison of hardened dirt that came up to his chest. He looked like a man caught in a nightmare. Jane was on the other side of the earth elemental, on her knees, encased in stone as well. Her pleading eyes were on her father.

Malcolm saw pure red. Jane had believed in the goodness of Gaios. Guilt stabbed him, knowing he could have stopped this before it began.

“Archer!” Gaios's voice boomed down from his mount. “I know you have the Stone. I feel it. Give it to me or this man dies. Now.”

“Please don't hurt my father!” beseeched Jane, struggling to move. “Take me instead!”

Simon's attention never wavered from Gaios. “We've danced this waltz already if I remember.”

“He will die and you will be the cause!” shouted Gaios. The ground shook violently and everyone struggled to stay on their feet. Mr. Somerset screamed in pain with the stone prison twisting around him. “And when he is dead, I will reach out my hand and kill anyone within my power. And I will keep killing until you bring me the Stone. How much blood do you want on your conscience, Archer?”

All eyes turned to Simon. He paused for a second before his breath left in a defeated rush. “All right. I'll bring the Stone.”

“If you cross me,” Gaios warned.

“You will release those two in return for the Stone.”

“Don't dictate terms to me! Bring it!”

Nick stood at the door and he took Simon's arm. He leaned close. “Are you thinking? If you give it to him, he'll kill millions. Including us.”

Malcolm rushed back to them, his fists clenched. “Shut up, Barker! Would you condemn those two up there? They have nothing to do with this.”

Nick didn't flinch at Malcolm's bluster. “Hardly. She's the key to Gaios's scheme. And better those two die than everyone else.”

The ground heaved violently and the loose stones around Gaios rose slowly into the air, lifted with the man's mounting rage. “His life is measured in seconds, Archer!”

“No,” cried Jane to Gaios. “I beg you.”

“I'll bring the Stone, Gaios.” Simon turned back to the door. “Stand aside, Nick.”

Nick hesitated. Then with a curse, he stepped aside. “Simon, you're too good for the bad business we're in.”

Malcolm cast Nick a scathing glare as Simon swept into the house, but Nick didn't even look at him. Malcolm strode down from the portico and shouted up at Jane. “Don't worry. You and your father will be fine.” He then glared at Gaios. “If you dare hurt them, I swear to you, I will kill you.”

Gaios's gaze didn't shift. He had greater things in his vision. Malcolm was not even a bothersome insect beneath the demigod's foot.

When Simon appeared in the doorway, he held the bone of contention in his arms. Nick watched him pass, hauling the heavy Stone down the steps of the portico. Gaios stared eagerly as Simon walked away from the safety of the house. The huge block of stone that served as Gaios's chariot split open into a staircase in the front and the elemental walked down.

Simon stopped a few yards away. “Free your prisoners.”

Without removing his attention from the Stone of Scone, the demigod waved a hand and the earth prisons around Jane and Mr. Somerset crumbled. Jane caught her father. The elderly man was so overwhelmed he could barely speak and what did pass his lips was unintelligible. Jane spoke soothingly to him as she led him to the edge of the high stone platform and they came slowly down the steps. Gaios reached out an arm and prevented them from passing.

“Let them go,” Simon demanded.

“When I am done with them. Don't vex me. You are outside your safe house now.” Gaios pointed to the ground at his feet and gave Simon a stern glare. Simon stepped forward and set the Stone down. He then took a step back where he stood waiting.

“Miss Somerset,” Gaios commanded, “come here.”

She flinched at Gaios's hard tone. She left her father leaning against the rock, apparently unaware of anything. She obeyed with her back straight despite her fear.

“Bring your lightning to bear on the Stone. Seed it as I taught you to do to the earth.”

“You lied about everything.” The muscles in Jane's clenched jaw twitched.

“I didn't lie about your power. If they knew, they would fear you.”

“You should as well.” Her eyes sparked with an unearthly light.

Gaios smiled at her as if she were an angry infant and glanced menacingly back at her father.

“Stop!” The light faded from Jane's eyes and she put out her hands. “I'll do it! Please don't hurt him.”

Simon took a step forward, but Gaios looked up and the ground shook with a warning rumble.

Jane lifted her hands over the Stone. Her red-rimmed eyes searched for Malcolm. Anguish was written on her face. Her lips moved as if she was praying. Tendrils of light coiled around her hands as she held them out. Small at first, they began to build, growing brighter and larger. They crawled from her hand onto the Stone in cascading arcs of electricity. Even Gaios stepped back, with an arm thrown up against the lightning bolts that roared around her. Daylight faded into night as dark clouds billowed to engulf the sky above them. A rumble of thunder sounded. The Stone glowed unnaturally as lightning spread over its craggy surface.

Jane slumped as the electricity faded from her hands. She staggered back as the rush of energy left her. Reaching out for her father, she lifted her head at Gaios. “I've done as you asked. Please let us go.”

Gaios studied the Stone closely with a wild grin on his face. “Your father may go. You stay until I am finished here.”

Hogarth ran up to help. The manservant gently relieved Jane of the burden of her father. Jane's expression was filled with disgrace and regret. Tears fell from her eyes in silent sorrow. Hogarth whispered comforting words to her as he hefted the frail man into his arms and started for the house.

Gaios dropped to his knees next to the Stone. He held his hands over the grey surface as if warming them over a fire. He laughed. “Thank you, Archer. Finally the world will be set right. It is time for Ash to pay.”

He slapped his palms against the Stone and there was an explosion. The grey lump of rock and the elemental clutching it disappeared in a flash of white. Great arcs of lightning flared into the sky and ground. All the power that Jane had sent into the Stone now roared out. Simon had runed it to resist enhancement. He felt blistering heat and a tremendous force blasting him back. But his aether-driven strength rooted him to the spot near the Stone. He saw the figure of Jane cast away in the eruption. She had an almost comical look of surprise on her face, but the lightning could cause her no pain.

Gaios screamed and tried to keep his grip on the Stone. The incredible power surging out finally ripped him free as well and hurled him back against the jagged surface of his huge rock chariot and he lay smoldering in the dirt. The burning ozone cracked into the atmosphere and left the ground around the Stone scorched and dry.

Now was his chance. Simon leapt for Gaios. The elemental moved slightly, stunned and barely conscious. Simon raised his left hand to press the powerful rune against the old man's bare face. His arm jerked to the side with horrible force. He caught a glimpse of a monstrous face, a combination of beast and stone leaking red magma from its crevices. Massive jaws clamped around his forearm. It was one of the doglike stone golems that had pulled Gaios's chariot. It had appeared out of the ground in an instant to protect its master. The creature shook Simon wildly, threatening to tear his arm from the socket. With a guttural growl, it tossed its jagged head and sent Simon sailing toward the house.

Simon hit the dirt and rolled, holding his singed arm close to his body. He came up on his feet and whirled to face back in the direction of Gaios. The two monstrous dogs stood beside their fallen master. Their huge heads were held low and massive shoulders bunched some ten feet above the ground. Burning stone drizzled from their mouths.

Malcolm raced out for Jane, who was moaning where she had been thrown many yards from the Stone. He reached her and lifted the dazed woman to her feet, helping her back toward the house. One of the dogs turned its head toward him and started into a rumbling lope. Malcolm scooped Jane up and kept running, but the beast came on fast.