Im so sorry, Timmy, for everything Ive said and how Ive treated you! I love you more than you can ever know, sweetheartIm afraid I just dont know how to show it. I didnt really have anything to model myself on. My own parents didnt know how to deal with who I was, either, except to shun me for dreaming of a life outside the farm. And now Ive become as narrow-minded and reactionary as they were! Please say you forgive me for being such a horrid bitch and making life so difficult for you all this time.
Of course I forgive you, Mom, I said, returning her hug. I looked up at Hexe, who was staring, openmouthed, at my mothers unabashed display of affection. I was glad I wasnt the only one gobsmacked.
If I had any idea you were so close to delivering, I never would have allowed you to leave! she said as she started to fuss with my pillows. I never wanted to drive you away, but thats what I always seem to end up doing. Your father and I dropped everything the moment Clarence gave us the call. We would have been here sooner but this . . . whatever you call it . . . isnt on any GPS.
Mom, calm down and take a breath. I smiled. And say hello to your grandson.
As I held up the baby for her to inspect, my mother gasped and covered her mouth with her hands. Oh. My. God. Timmyhes beautiful! She sobbed, tears of joy filling her eyes. It was the happiest I had ever seen my mother in my life. May I hold him?
I smiled and nodded, adding my own tears to the mix. My mother carefully scooped him into her arms, cupping the back of his tiny little head in one hand as she beamed down at her first grandchild.
Whos got the prettiest gold eyes? she cooed. You do. Yes, you do. The smile on her face faltered as she noticed Hexe watching her in approval. I owe you an even bigger apology than I do my daughter. Can you possibly find it in your heart to forgive a foolish old woman who has said so many cruel and careless things to you? I have been unfair to you from the very start, accusing you of being a manipulative gold digger trying to magic your way to my daughters inheritance, just like my in-laws treated me when Timothy and I fell in love. I refused to see just how much you love my daughter, and how deeply she loves you. Anddear Lord! What happened to your hand?
It was an . . . accident, Hexe replied evenly as he took the baby from my mother and placed him in the bassinette next to the bed. And I accept your apology, Mrs. Eresby. Compared to what your daughter has had to deal with from my side of the family, I have nothing to complain about. Im just glad that we can restart our relationship on new ground.
Suddenly the door to the birthing chamber flew open again, this time to allow a six-foot-tall teddy bear carrying a clutch of Mylar balloons printed with cartoon storks to lumber into the room. Someone get the door, will you? my fathers voice said from somewhere behind the giant plush toy.
There you are, Timothy! my mother exclaimed. What kept you?
Trying to squeeze this damned stuffed bear through the entrance of this place is like trying towell, you know what its like, my father grumbled as he dropped his burden onto the rocking chair. Hello, Princess. Are you okay? What about the baby?
Im fine, Dad, I assured him as he kissed my cheek. As for the babyyou can see for yourself.
My father grinned as he peered into the bassinette. He kind of looks like my grandfather.
Timothy, all babies look like your grandfather: wrinkled and bald, my mother replied, rolling her eyes.
Yes, but this one definitely has the Eresby nose, he grinned, tapping his own for emphasis. Dont you, champ?
Oops! I think somebodys hungry, I said, reaching into the bassinette as the baby began to fuss. As I exposed my breast for a second feeding, my father blushed and quickly looked away.
Maybe we should head out, Millie? he suggested. Let the new mom and her baby get some rest?
Youre right, dear, my mother agreed. There is so much that still needs to be bought: baby clothes, furniture, toys . . . not to mention baby-proofing the house!
Mom, I appreciate the concernbut I dont think hes going to be sticking his fingers into electrical sockets just yet, I pointed out.
Well, better safe than sorry, I always say! Come along, Timothynext stop Neiman-Marcus!
As my mother turned to leave, she froze upon seeing Lady Syra and Captain Horn standing in the doorway. The two women stood at rigid attention, regarding one another for a long moment.
Syra.
Millicent.
To my surprise, my mother abruptly smiled and threw her arms around Lady Syra, kissing her on the cheek. Isnt it wonderful? Were grandmothers!
The moment the door closed behind my parents, I fixed Syra with a suspicious stare. Okaywhat did you do to her?
Honestly, my dear! Is it really so hard to believe that the birth of a grandchild might change your mothers mind?
Theres a difference between a change of heart and a transplant, I replied. What spell is she under?
Its called the Walls of Jericho. Lady Syra sighed, surrendering the charade. Its designed to bring down the barricades around the heart of whoever drinks it. While I was waiting for you in the Grand Salon, I used the occasion to slip a small amount of the potion into her decanter. I didnt put that much in her bourbonwell, maybe a little bit more than usual. You know your mother. But the emotion she showed you today isnt fake or manufactured. I figured it was the least I could do, seeing how much of her animosity and fear of magic is related to me. Nowwheres my grandbaby?
As Lady Syra drew closer, her smile abruptly disappeared, to be replaced by a look of genuine shock. I dont understand, she gasped. The child has human hands . . . but its eyes! How can such a thing be possible?
They said the same thing when Hexe was born. Your family did not believe the child of a Servitor would breed true, either, Horn said proudly. I still remember to this day the joy I felt when our son opened his eyes for the first time. . . .
Hexe looked at his father in surprise. You were present at my birthing?
Of course I was, Captain Horn said with a sad smile. It was the first, and last, time I held you as a baby. It broke my heart to surrender my rights as your father, but even as I did so, I was proud to know my son would, some day, be Witch King.
Yes, but you, at least, are Kymeran, Lady Syra countered. Theres never been a half-human Heir Apparent in all our history, much less a Witch King.
And yet he has been chosen, Hexe said. Perhaps our child is a signa guidepost for the future of not only Golgotham, but the human race as well, proof that Kymerans and humans not only can coexist peacefully, but are capable of transcending the darkness that has plagued us for so many centuries.
It is going to be difficult to coerce even the moderate members of the Aristocracy to accept a hybrid Heir Apparent, Lady Syra said worriedly. And that doesnt even include the host of problems that will arise once news of your amputation spreads.
The child has been born, my hand has been lostthese things cannot be changed, no more than we can alter the outcome of the Sufferance or undo the slaughter of the dragons, Hexe said firmly. Golgotham is on the verge of great changewhether for good or bad depends on whether we embrace the future or fight to reclaim the past. I believe that is why Esau has returned, and why he has worked so hard to destroy meand my son.
I agree, Syra said. But none of this will be easy. There are a number of aristos who would have no problem following your uncle into the bowels of hell over something like this.
As I listened to Hexe and his mother discuss the ramifications of our childs birth, I found my attention starting to drift and my eyes growing heavy. The next thing I knew my head was bobbing up and down like one of the CONGRATULATIONS! balloons tied to the giant teddy bear.
All of this can wait, for the time being, Lady Syra said. Its best your father and I leave, and allow Tate some time to rest. You must be exhausted, poor girl, she said, bending down to kiss my forehead. She then smiled at her grandson, curled in the crook of my arm. And as for you, young man: Welcome to the Royal Family.
Once his parents left, Hexe took the baby from me and placed him back in the bassinette. Hes sound asleep, he whispered. Im going to step out for a few minutes and find something to eat. Ill be right back.
I looked over and smiled at the sight of my son, lying buttered-side up, oblivious to the chaos his arrival in the world would soon start. I placed a gentle hand on one of his feet, marveling at how tiny and perfectly formed it was. I must have dozed off at some point, because the next thing I knew the babys foot was no longer in my hand and he was making a mewling sound like a kitten. I looked up to see one of the pink-robed Daughters of Nana lifting my son out of the bassinette.
What are you doing with my child? I asked.
Im just taking him to be bathed and change his diaper, the priestess replied, turning her cowled head in such a way that I did not have a clear view of her face. Although she did not appear to be either Zena or Tipi, there was something familiar about her voice.
Why cant you do those things here in the room? I asked suspiciously.
Instead of answering me, the priestess simply turned and fled to the door, clutching my son to her breast. As she ran, the cowl on the robe fell away, revealing slate-blue hair.
Bring back my baby! I screamed as I clambered out of bed, only to discover that my legs had been replaced by bundles of cooked noodles. I was able to take only five or six steps before stumbling and falling to the floor. Somebody, please, stop her! She stole my baby!
The next thing I knew Hexe was there, helping me back onto my feet. Tatewhats happened? Are you all right?
I frantically shook my head as I clung to Hexe. It was her! I mean, it was him! Uncle Esau kidnapped our baby!
Chapter 31
Ive got all available units scouring the streets in search of Erys, Captain Horn said, trying his best to sound confident and in charge as he watched his son pace furiously back and forth in the front parlor. Ive got my best dowsers on the case. They should be able to draw a bead on her general location. Then well cordon off the area and do a house-by-house search.
It was less than an hour after the kidnapping, and Hexe and I were already home. I had downed a panacea at the Temple of Nana in order to restore my stamina before leaving, and was now feeling back to normal, if somewhat sore. Hexe and I, along with his parents, were gathered in the front parlor, waiting to hear from the kidnapper.
I wouldnt bet on your dowsers turning up anything of use, Hexe said bitterly. Esaus too good a wizard to be tracked that easily.
Esau? Horn frowned. I thought you said it was Madam Erys who took the baby. And what could your uncle possibly have to do with all this? The man was murdered by Skuas useless punk of a son, Skal, over six months ago.
Hexe halted his pacing to scowl at his mother. I thought you said you told him the truth about Esau and the Sons of Adam?
Lady Syra shifted about uncomfortably, looking embarrassed. No, I said was going to tell him. When the time was right.
Tell me the truth about what? Horn demanded, giving Syra a stern look.
Syra lowered her eyes, unable to meet his gaze. Well . . . uhm . . .
That Esau grew the Sons of Adam in his alchemy workshop, I explained, and, on top of that, he was secretly going around murdering people so they wouldnt figure it out. He was also the one who sent that demon to kill me, so he could start a race riot and become mayor and purge all the humans from Golgotham and try to start a new Unholy War. Oh, and he murdered Skal, not the other way around, and was going to do the same thing to me and Hexe, except I stole the junk jewelry he was using to control a demon, and ordered it to return to the Infernal Courtand take Esau with him.
And why am I just now hearing this story? Horn asked as he massaged his forehead.
Because I was afraid of what might happen if it was discovered a member of the Royal Family had manipulated both Golgothamites and humans to generate racial unrest, Lady Syra admitted grudgingly. Ever since Lord Bexe and General Vlad, the Royal Family has a tradition of taking personal responsibility for the rogues within its ranks. I deemed it best that Hexe and I kept Esaus involvement in creating and operating the Sons of Adam between ourselvesand Tate, of course.
Heavens and hells, Syra! I realize youre the justicar, and accustomed to making rulings and judgment calls without having to defer to anyone elsebut do you always have to be so chuffing secretive about it?
Im sorry, my dear, she replied. Its a family traditionand not one of our finer ones.
It turns out the old cack-hander has been behind everything from the start. As if trying to drive me mad and murder Tate wasnt enough, hes gone after our son as well! Hexe fumed. Im going to make him wish hed stayed in hell!
Now youre talking, boss! Scratch growled from his perch on the mantelpiece.
Suddenly there came a tapping, as if someone was gently rapping, on the parlor window. I lifted back the curtain and was surprised to spy a raven on the windowsill, staring intently at me with a ruby-red eye, a piece of folded parchment held in its jet-black beak. Scratch arched his back, spreading his leathery wings to make himself even bigger and more imposing.
Thats Esaus familiar, Edgar! he hissed. Id know that filthy feather duster anywhere!
As Captain Horn opened the window, the raven flapped into the room, landing in the center of the floor. Scratch leapt from the mantelpiece, placing himself between the familiar and Hexe. The raven opened its beak and dropped the note it was carrying on the floor. Then, with an abrasive caw, it once more took wing, flapping its way out of the open window.
Hexe snatched up the parchment and unfolded it, reading it aloud for the benefit of the rest of us.
Greetings, Nephew:
Congratulations on you and your nump whore bringing forth an abomination whose very existence is an affront to our hallowed bloodline. It would please me beyond measure to rid the world of the ill-born freak you have spawned. However, seeing as we are family, I am prepared to be merciful. If you wish to ever see your brat again, you and your traitorous mother must formally abdicate as Heir Apparent and Witch Queen, respectively. If you do not agree to these terms, I will hand the infant over to the trolls living under the Brooklyn Bridge, to be raisedor feasted uponas they deem fit. Write your answer, yea or nay, on the back of this parchment and set it afire, then await instructions.
Your loving uncle,
Esau
Hes out of his mind! Horn snorted.
No, hes far from insane, Lady Syra sighed. My brother knows me all too well.
Youre not going to agree to this madness, are you? Horn asked.
If it means saving my grandsonI will do whatever he wants, she replied grimly. My brother is more than capable of handing over a helpless infant to trolls. She turned to look at Hexe. What about you? Are you willing to surrender the throne in order to reclaim your son?
Id do it in a heartbeat, if I thought that was all Esau was after, Hexe replied. But what good does our abdicating do him, if hes still trapped in the Infernal Region? If theres one thing Ive learned about my unclenothing he does is as simple as it first seems. Im certain hes got something up his sleevebut what?
I think I know someone who might have some insider information, I suggested. But its not going to be easy to get it out of him.
* * *
Are you sure you want to use that thing? Hexe asked, eyeing the amulet. It was triangular in shape and fashioned from some unidentifiable metal and affixed to a golden chain. Both the front and back of the amulet were inscribed with symbols and words from a hodgepodge of languages, including Sanskrit, Greek, Kymeran, and Babel, the language of the Infernals.
Ill summon a hundred Demon Knights if it means getting our son back, I repliedand I meant it. I have never wanted anything more in my life than to have my baby safe in my arms again. The ache of having him stolen from me was greater than any physical pain I had ever endured, and so unbearable it was all I could do to keep from screaming like a crazy woman.
What is the demons name, by the way? Syra asked. You cant summon an Infernal without first knowing its namethats how you gain control over it.
I dont know, I admitted. We never really got to know each other, beyond him breaking my arm.
Here it is, on the back of the amulet, Hexe said, pointing to an inscription that looked like it had been written by a chicken with a calligraphers pen strapped to one foot. Hes called Mephitis.
Well, its going to take two hands to prepare the wards for such an evocation, Lady Syra said as she rolled back her sleeves. Better leave this to me.
Ten minutes later, the rug in Hexes office was rolled back and Lady Syra was putting the finishing touches on the pentagram shed drawn on the bare floor with a piece of chalk the size of her fist.
What do I do? I asked as I slipped the amulet about my neck. Do I just stand here and yell his name like Im calling a dog?
As long as you wear that medallion, all you have to do is formally summon himthe amulet binds him to your will, just as it bound him to Esau, Hexe explained. The pentagram is to make sure he doesnt escape or try to harm anyone.
I took a deep breath to steady my nerves. I told myself that the amulet and the pentagram would protect me, and that I had to be brave. I was doing this for my baby. As I thought about my child needing me, a resolute calmness came upon me, driving the fear and self-doubt from me. Mephitis! Knight of the Infernal Court! I shouted into the empty air. I call you forth! Hear me, demon, and obey!
Almost instantly the shadows in the corners of the room seemed to deepen, as if the light was being sucked inside them. Accompanying the rise of shadows was a sudden chill, and within seconds it was so cold I could see my breath hanging in the air. The flames of the candles anchoring the points of the pentagram began to gutter in unison, nearly snuffing themselves out, only to turn themselves into towers of roaring fire. The smell of brimstone abruptly filled the room, followed by the sound of a hog squealing in rage, as if being dragged by its trotters to the slaughter.
As the candle flames died back down, there stood revealed in the center of the pentagram a figure that put the hair on my head and arms on end, and not because the office was as cold as a meat locker. The demon Mephitis was humanoid in general shape, with the torso of a man and the legs and hooves of a goat. His face resembled that of a boar, complete with snout and tusks, save that there were three eyes instead of two, the third located in the middle of his forehead. Large batlike wings grew out of the demons back, and rams horns curled back from his temples. The very sight of the Infernal was enough to make my arm, long since healed, start to ache again.
The last time the Demon Knight had manifested in this world, he arrived bearing the wounds he won from battling Hexes Right Hand magic, not to mention the business end of my acetylene torch. But now he appeared recovered from his injuriesno doubt the result of the restorative wonders of the sulfur baths of the Infernal Court.
Mephitis hears your call, milady, and doth appear, the demon snarled, flexing his wings in an anxious manner.
Do you remember me, Infernal? I asked.
Yes, milady, the Demon Knight replied, with a bow of his hideous head. You blinded me in one eye. But I harbor no ill will, for it has since grown back. For what purpose have you called Mephitis forth?
I require information that only you can give. What has Esau been doing since you took him to your world?
Mephitis made a snorting noise, like that of a pig at a trough. It did not take the sorcerer long to become influential in the Infernal Court. He has gained the favor of high-ranked courtiersnot mere knights, such as I, but princes and marquisesby promising them a fresh hell to make their own.
How can he make good on such a promise? Hexe asked.
Mephitis snarled and shook his head, flashing his tusks in defiance. I answer only to milady.
Answer the question, demon, I said sternly.
The sorcerer Esau is erecting a permanent portal in this dimensionone large enough to accommodate a legion of Infernals. Please, milady, I beg of you, the Infernal Knight pleaded, do not make me speak more of this. I shall be sorely punished should they learn I spoke of it to you.
The thought of a punishment so extreme it would frighten a demon was nothing I wanted to dwell on. Very well, Mephitis. Get the hell out of here.
Thank you, milady! the demon said with a bow, and then disappeared in a puff of sulfurous smoke. Within seconds of his departure, the rooms temperature and lighting returned to normal.
So thats his plan, Hexe said sourly. I knew there had to be a hidden agenda somewhere.
I was well aware Esau walked the Left Hand path, Lady Syra said in stunned disbelief. But I still held out hope that there was some trace of the brother I used to know left within him. Now I realize the Esau I loved is long dead.
It would seem that Esau has finally found his natural elementhell suits his temperament far more than Golgotham, Horn said grimly.
I would have thought kidnapping your grandson and threatening to sell him to trolls might have been proof of that already, I remarked.
You dont understand, Tate, Horn replied. Portals are incredibly unstable. They can only stay open for a few minutes at a time. There is only one way to permanently open a portal between worlds large enough to accommodate troop movements: a blood sacrifice. But not just any blood. Only that of the Royal Family will do.
Just then, there was a knock on the office door, and Clarence poked his head into the room. Excuse me, Miss Timmy . . .
Yes, Clarencewhat is it?
I hate to interrupt, but there are some people here to see you and Master Hexe. Quite a few, in fact.
As Hexe and I returned to the front of the house, we were surprised to find the entire GoBOO council, at least all of those who could fit through the front door, standing in the parlor, along with several of our friends, including Bartho, Lukas, and Lafo.
Seamus OFae stepped forward, holding his Kelly green homburg in his hands as he spoke. The news of the kidnappin is all over Golgotham, Serenity. We have come here to offer our help.
Centuries ago, our ancestors swore fealty to the Throne of Arum, Giles Gruff said solemnly. That oath still binds us, by blood and honor, to aid the Royal Family in its time of need.
Lorelei Jones nodded her seaweed-green head in agreement. When the humans atomic tests drove us from our native waters in the South Pacific, your grandfather, Lord Eben, welcomed my people into Golgotham without a seconds hesitation, giving us a new home and new hope. The merfolk owe his bloodline much.
And Im sure my son appreciates the councils show of support, Captain Horn said firmly. But the PTU is already on the case. Ive got my best officers out there looking for the woman responsible for the kidnapping. . . .
I dont mean any disrespect, Capn, the leprechaun countered. But ye only have so many men. The way we see it, the more eyes ye got lookin, the more likely shell be seen.
Seamus is right, Hexe agreed. We need as many boots on the ground as possible.
Skua, the querent for the GoBOO, stepped toward me. Although I knew her to be unsympathetic toward humans, I saw none of her previous disdain in her deep green eyes. In her hands she held a multifaceted scrying crystal the size of an ostrich egg. I know all too well what it is like to have a son disappear, she said sadly. Picture the face of the woman who took your child and exhale onto the crystal.
As I closed my eyes, the face of Erys flashed across my mind and I quickly exhaled. When I reopened my eyes, the scrying crystal was filled with a swirling, multicolored mist. Within moments the image of Erys appeared, replicated within each individual facet, like the eye of a fly.
Skua placed the crystal on the coffee table and made a couple of passes with her hands, causing the crystal to disassemble into dozens of smaller shards, each holding the image of Erys at its heart.
Take these with you, the querent said as she handed the crystals to the others. This way you will be able to identify who youre looking for.
Be carefulthis woman is very dangerous, Captain Horn warned. She is also wanted for questioning in the murder of Dr. Moot. If you see her, dont approach her or attempt to apprehend her! Instead, simply contact either me or Hexe or Tate, and let us know where you saw her and if shes travelling with anyone.
After Hexe and his father succeeded in eliciting a grudging agreement that no one would do anything stupid if they spotted Madam Erys, the assembled volunteers filed out of the house, each carrying the image of the kidnapper in their pockets. After the last one was safely out the door, Hexe turned to look at his father.
I noticed you didnt tell them that Erys is, in fact, Esau.
I decided your mother is right, Horn replied. Revealing Esaus involvement in this isnt going to help. Itll only make matters worse.
Im sorry we didnt tell you sooneryou deserved to know, Hexe apologized.
Damn straight I did, his father grunted. But, whats done is done. To tell you the truth, I already suspected Esau was somehow connected to the SOA. It just seemed like an awfully big coincidence that the Sons of Adam disappeared the exact same time he did. I know your mother loved himafter all, he was her brotherbut as far as I was concerned he was always a manipulative conniver, not to mention an elitist snob.
It seems you dont have a great deal of fondness for my uncle, Hexe observed wryly.
I loathe the man, Horn replied flatly. And Ive done so ever since he slapped my mother for not serving him a meal fast enough to suit him, when he was fifteen years old. Syra may have known a different Esau, but I never have.
Hexe frowned. Your mother worked as a cook for the Royal Family?
Before Horn could reply, Hexes cell phone ringtone began to play, alerting him that hed received a text message.
Whos it from? I asked anxiously.
Its from Bartho. He says, I think I found her! Theres a JPEG attached. . . .
Syra, Horn, and I crowded around as Hexe opened the file. Although the screen wasnt very big, I could make out what looked to be Erys, dressed in the traditional multicolored skirt and patchwork vest of a Kymeran witch-for-hire, standing in front of the Stronghold, the secured pier belonging to the Maladanti, and pointing at its locked gates. It took me a moment or two to realize that parts of her were transparent.
Is that Erys? I asked, frowning in confusion.