Did they hurt you? he asked anxiously. Although his purple hair was hanging down into his face, I could see that his right eye was blackened and his lower lip was split.
Im okay, I replied, looking around as best I could at our surroundings. We seemed to be in a warehouse of some kind, and I could distinctly smell the river. What is this place?
Were somewhere in the Strongholdthe Maladantis private pier, Hexe replied.
How did we get here?
Marzs familiar grabbed me the moment that nymph started spinning you around, he explained. They must have been watching us the whole time, waiting to strike. He teleported in and out within the blink of an eye.
I thought I caught a whiff of something hellish. I grimaced.
This is all my fault, Hexe said bitterly. We should have left the festival when I saw Marz, but I was unwilling to back down. Because of my pride, Ive put both of us in danger.
How gracious of you to take the blame, Serenity. But then, youve always been one for noblesse oblige, Boss Marz said as he emerged from the shadows, his familiar riding his shoulder, trailed by a pair of Maladanti goons. He smiled as he approached us, like a gracious host greeting welcome guests. While I was away in the Tombs, I learned how little there is to do when one is in solitary confinement with steel mittens locked about your hands. They only allowed me the free use of my handsand then, only the right onefor a few minutes each day to tend to meals, ablutions, and excretions. Having to rely on my weak hand to feed and groom myself proved quite eye-opening.
Not enough to take you off the Left Hand path, it would seem, Hexe replied acidly.
Ah, but it did provide me with a great deal of inspiration. Marzs smile became almost beatific as he stroked his familiar, Bonzo, who screeched and flashed his tiny fangs in my direction. Gaza, show him the implements.
A Maladanti soldier with peach-colored Jheri curls stepped forward and placed a small bundle on the table next to Hexe. Without anyone touching it, it unrolled to reveal a collection of metal items that resembled a cross between surgical instruments and a handymans tools. My blood ran cold as my mind suddenly flashed back to the display case wrapped in police tape at the museum.
Those are witchbreaking devices, Hexe gasped.
Youre quite right, Serenity, Boss Marz replied. Isnt it ironic that the Witchfinders, in order to rid the world of our kind, were forced to use magical weapons? But I can also appreciate the need to have the right tool for the job. Take this little beauty, for example, he said as he picked up what looked like a double-edged cigar cutter. The last time it tasted Kymeran blood was when Lord Bexe scattered his people to the wind.
Youre still grinding that axe, Marz?
Aye, and its quite sharp now, the crime boss replied as the finger-cutters twin blades shut with an audible click.
Hexes face went white and his cat-slit pupils expanded until they swallowed the gold in his eye. You wouldnt dare, he croaked.
I wouldnt be so certain as to what I might or might not do, if I were you, Serenity, Marz sneered. After all, youre the one who didnt think I would make a move against you during the Jubilee. But you neednt worryIm not going to steal your magic so easily, he said, tossing the finger-cutter back onto the table. He then pulled open the cuffs of his shirt as if to invite inspection. Please notice that there is nothing up my sleeves. He waved his left hand in an extravagant gesture, but instead of conjuring a bouquet of flowers from thin air he produced a metal mallet. Prest-o change-o!
Hexe tried to evade the blow, but there was no way to escape it. I closed my eyes, but could not block the sound of Hexes scream as his metacarpals splintered. Although I didnt want to, I forced myself to look and saw that the color had drained from his face. He was hyperventilating and struggling to keep the pain from showing. Hexe raised his head to glare at Marz.
Is that all you got? he croaked.
Boss Marz brought the hammer down a second time, reducing the already-damaged fingers to kindling. Although he had to be in immense agony, Hexe gritted his teeth and remained silent, determined not to give the bastard the satisfaction of hearing him cry out.
However, I wasnt as strong. Stop it! I screamed as Marz lifted the hammer a third time. Please, dont hurt him any more!
Very well, Ms. Eresby, Marz said, tossing aside the witchbreaking device. Far be it from me to go against the wishes of a lady.
Youve gone too far, even for the Maladanti, Hexe rasped. His face was starting to go gray with shock and his pupils were distressingly large. Theyll throw you so deep into the Tombs youll never see sunlight again.
If I was frightened of your mother or the GoBOO, I never would have tossed you in that fighting pit in the first place, Marz snorted in derision. Understand this, Serenity: nobody interferes with me and gets away with itI dont care how blue their hair is! The fact you are the Heir Apparent means less than nothing to me. You are not, and never will be, my Witch King. He motioned for Gaza to remove the restraints pinning Hexes arms to the table, and then ordered the other croggy to untie me from my chair. As I jumped to my feet and rushed to his side, Hexe instinctively reached out to me, only to grimace in agony. I sobbed as I saw the swollen mass of tortured flesh that was now his right hand.
Dont cry, dont cry, he whispered hoarsely, clumsily wiping away my tears with his left hand. Its going to be okay. Cradling his ruined hand to his chest, he turned to face his tormentor. I dont care what you have planned for me, Marzbut leave her out of this. Shes done you no harm.
I would beg to differ, Boss Marz replied sourly. That accursed mechanical cat of hers cost me an excellent lieutenant. But theres no need for you to plead for the numps life. I dont want either of you dead, Serenity. Seeing you reduced to using your left hand to survive is far more satisfying to me than watching your blood dry on the floor. But I warn you: should you breathe a word of this to the authorities, Ill make sure your loved ones pay the price, starting with Her Majesty. And I wont stop there: the centaur Kidron and his mare; the kitchen-witch Lafo; that runaway bastet, Lukas, as well as the old were-tiger Mao and his cubeach and every one of them will die because of you. And do not think my reach is limited to Golgotham, he said, flashing me a nasty grin. It would be quite gauche if your mother began to vomit venomous snakes in the middle of a garden party, dont you agree? And just imagine the headlines should your father and his yacht be attacked by a kraken! And its always so sad when newlyweds like your nump friends come to an early, tragic end. And then theres the matter of your dog. . . .
Thats enough! Stop threatening her! Hexe growled, grimacing in pain. Youve made your point, Marz!
Im glad weve reached an understanding. Bonzo, please show our guests out.
The squirrel-monkey jumped off its masters shoulder, transforming into its demonic aspect in midleap. As Bonzo reached for us, Hexe staggered to his feet, valiantly putting himself between me and the hell-ape. With a hideous shriek, the familiar swept us up in its shaggy arms as if we were dolls and disappeared in a cloud of brimstone.
Suddenly I was tumbling through darkness, my ears echoing with the distorted screams of an angry ape. Although I could see nothing in the void, I felt Hexes arms wrapped about me. I returned his embrace, hanging on for dear life. Then the next thing I knew, I was dumped on the street outside the locked gates of one of the piers that jutted out into the East River. Hexe was lying on the pavement next to me, his face drawn and pale. He cradled his damaged hand close to his chest, as if protecting a small, wounded animal.
Weve got to get you to Golgotham General, I said as I helped him back onto his feet.
No, he said with an emphatic shake of his head. Theyll ask questions. Take me to Dr. Mao.
Chapter 8
Dr. Maos Apothecary and Acupuncture Parlor was located on the bleeding edge between Golgotham and Chinatown. By the time we arrived, Hexe was barely able to walk and I was genuinely terrified that he would collapse on the street and I wouldnt be able to get him back on his feet. I banged on the front door so hard that the SORRY, WERE CLOSED placard nearly flipped itself back over.
The door opened the length of its security chain and a feline eye peered out. Cant you read? Lukas growled, his face an intimidating admixture of puma and human. Upon recognizing us, he resumed his usual boyish appearance. What are you two doing here? he asked in surprise.
Open up, Lukas, I said urgently. Hexe has been hurt.
The young were-cougar threw open the door and helped me escort the near-unconscious warlock over the threshold. Basts eyes! he gasped upon seeing Hexes damaged hand. What happened?
Never mind that, I said tersely. Just fetch Dr. Mao.
Whats going on out there? the old were-tiger asked sharply, stepping out from behind the curtain that separated his familys living quarters from the shop. He had shed his traditional black Mandarin jacket and was dressed in a damask robe covered with embroidered phoenixes. Why did you open the door? You know I dont see patients after hours. . . .
Theres been an accident, Doc, I explained. Hexe told me to bring him here.
Take him into the parlor, Dr. Mao said, pointing to an alcove at the far end of the shop that was partially hidden by an elaborate lacquered screen.
Where the apothecary resembled a traditional Chinese herbalist shop, with jars and cases filled with dried caterpillars and sliced deer antler, the acupuncture parlor looked more like a doctors examination room, complete with stainless-steel exam table. As Lukas and I lifted Hexe onto it, his eyelids fluttered and he groaned in pain.
Dr. Mao winced as he saw Hexes hand. Go fetch Meikei, he told Lukas. Im going to need her help.
Upon hearing his friends voice, Hexe opened his eyes and attempted to sit up, only to have Dr. Mao push him back down. Lie still, Serenity, he said gently. I must assess your wounds. As the were-tiger attempted to examine Hexes fingers, he gasped like a drowning man coming up for air and his golden eyes rolled back in their sockets.
Wheres Tate? he rasped.
Im right here, I said as I grabbed his uninjured left hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. His eyeballs abruptly dropped back down like the reels in a slot machine. Dont worry, Im not going anywhere.
He flashed me a wan smile before turning his attention to Dr. Mao. How bad is it, Doc?
You need a boneknitter, not an acupuncturist, the old healer replied matter-of-factly.
Hexe shook his head. A boneknitter would be worse than useless. Its a witch-hammer injury.
Who did this? Dr. Mao demanded, his head suddenly replaced by that of a snarling tiger. Although I knew he meant me no harm, I instinctively recoiled in fear at the sight of his razor-sharp teeth and flashing amber eyes. It was Marz, wasnt it? Mao growled, his stripes once more fading back into his skin. I may be old, but Im no fool.
Yes, it was Boss Marz, Hexe replied grudgingly. But you cant tell anyone what you know, Doc. Marz has threatened to kill our families and friendsincluding you and Meikeiif we talk.
I understand, Mao sighed. But how did the Maladanti get their hands on a witch-hammer?
They stole a collection of Witchfinder implements from the Museum of Supernatural History, I explained. The Curator was talking about the theft when I was there with Canterbury earlier this week.
Im not surprised that the Maladanti would stoop to such tactics, Mao grunted as he took out a black and red lacquer box from a nearby medicine cabinet. Have no fear, you have my silence on the matter.
Meikei, dressed in a housecoat, entered the parlor. Whats going on? Lukas said something about an emergency She froze upon seeing Hexe lying on the exam table, her mouth hanging open in disbelief.
Dont just stand there gawping at the patient, girl! Mao snapped. I need you to compound some Chin Koo Tieh Shang Wan while I block his nerves. You know the formulation?
Pseudoginseng, dragons blood, Angelica root, myrrh, and safflower, Meikei replied, quickly regaining her composure under her fathers quizzing.
Thats my girl, Mao said, with a proud smile. Now go make pills.
Lukas moved to follow Meikei into the apothecary, but Dr. Mao shook his head. You stay here, boy, he said sternly. My daughter can run the pill mill by herself. I need you to hold him down when I insert the needles.
The young were-cat nodded his understanding and laid his arm across Hexes shoulders, pinning him to the exam table.
The healer scowled down at his friends hand, which now resembled an overfilled hot-water bottle, the fingers jutting from it at unnatural angles. I wish I could lie and tell you this isnt going to hurt, he said apologetically.
I understand, Hexe rasped, clenching his jaw. Go ahead and do it.
Dr. Mao flipped open the lid of the lacquer box, revealing rows upon rows of golden acupuncture needles ranging from near-microscopic to something you could knit with. As he inserted the first of them into the fractured right hand, Hexes body jerked and bowed, as if undergoing electroshock, and then suddenly went limp.
Dont worry, hes still alive. Hes just fainted, thats all. It is better he not be awake for this, anyway, the were-tiger explained. Seeing the worried look on my face, he gave me a reassuring smile. You got him this far, Tate. Lukas and I will take him from here.
I nodded dumbly and stepped away from the exam table, leaving Dr. Mao and his apprentice to their work. It tore me up inside that the man I loved was in agony, and there was sweet FA I could do about it. As I entered the apothecary, I saw Meikei at the counter, wearing a half-mask respirator as she vigorously pounded the contents of a pharmacists mortar with a pestle.
If my father wants to know whats taking so long, she said in a muffled voice, you can tell him that Im working as fast as I can and to get off my back, Dad.
Actually, I just came out here to keep from being underfoot, I admitted.
You can help me make the pills, if you like, she said, gesturing to a machine that looked like a cross between an old-fashioned meat grinder and a die press. I joined her behind the counter and took my place at the compounding bench. The Chin Koo Tieh Shang Wan will reduce the swelling and soft tissue damage, and dull the pain, she explained as she poured the powder from the mortar into the machines hopper.
I turned the crank on the side of the press. There was a slight resistance, but not too much, and a second later the mechanism popped out a yellowish aspirin-sized tablet, which dropped down a narrow slide and fell into a small steel basin. Relieved to be of assistance, no matter how slight, I turned the handle faster and the solitary tablet was followed by several more. Suddenly, in midcrank, my vision abruptly dimmed and flared, like a malfunctioning video monitor, and the next thing I knew I was lying on the floor, staring up at a startled Meikei.
Are you okay? she gasped as she tore off her mask.
Whwhat happened? I muttered, blinking in surprise.
Meikei knelt beside me, checking my pulse and inspecting my pupils. One moment you were cranking the pill press, the next you stopped and sat downexcept there wasnt a chair.
Im sorry if I freaked you out, I said apologetically. I guess everything just kind of caught up to me. . . .
Meikei frowned and leaned in closer, sniffing me like a cat checking out a mouse hole. Have you been nauseous lately? she asked.
Well, I have been feeling a bit queasy, here and there, I admitted. But Ive been under a lot of stress at work. . . .
Thats not why you fainted, she said with a shake of her head. You are with child, Tate.
I sat there for a long moment, my brain vibrating like a struck gong. I tried to figure out what Meikei must have really meant to say, because there was no way it was what I just thought Id heard. Maybe she said Id been beguiled, and in my dazed state I heard something altogether different. Surely it must have been a simple misunderstanding on my part.
Tate? Did you hear what I just said? Meikei asked, snapping her fingers to get my attention. I said that youre pregnant!
No, youre wrong. Even as I shook my head in denial, my mind was zipping around like a hummingbird on speed, finally making the connections Id been steadfastly ignoring over the last month. I mean, its impossible! Ive been on the pill for years!
Human contraception is all very well and good, Meikei said with a smile, assuming your partner is also human.
Oh, crap, I groaned as my last defense crumbled before me.
Are you okay? she asked gently, resting her hand on my shoulder.
Im not sure, I replied. Its going to take a little while for this to really sink in. Right now, Ive got to think about Hexe.
Of course, she said as she helped me back onto my feet. I wont say a thing.
* * *
There you are! Dr. Mao said as Meikei and I returned with the pills. I was beginning to wonder if you had fallen into a black hole.
There was a mechanical problem with the pill press, Meikei fibbed, glancing in my direction. Tate was able to fix it, though.
Ah, very good, her father replied, returning his attention to the last of the needles. Hexes right hand bristled liked an angry golden porcupine.
Wheres Tate? he moaned, drifting in and out of consciousness.
Its okay, baby, I whispered as I brushed the hair from his face. Im here.
Dont let them take it, Hexe rasped, his eyes rolling about in their sockets like greased ball bearings. My handdont let them take it.
Nobodys going to take away your hand, Hexe, Dr. Mao said in a loud, slow voice, as if speaking to a child on a bad phone line. Take thesethey will help with the pain.
Hexe clumsily tossed down the offered tablets with his left hand and chased them with a sip of water. Within a minute of taking them, the knot in his jaw unclenched and the muscles in his face relaxed. With a relieved sigh, he lay back down and closed his eyes.
That should give him some relief for the time being. Safflower is similar to opioids for Kymerans, Mao explained. Now that hes sedated, I can splint his hand properly.
Is he going to be okay? I asked anxiously.
Dr. Mao paused for a long moment before finally answering. Ive done everything in my power to help him, but there was a great deal of nerve damage. The hand, once splinted, should heal well enough. But I seriously doubt he will regain complete dexterity without the aid of magic.
My heart sank like a lead anchor, threatening to pull me downward into despair, but my brain told the rest of me that turning into a blubbering ball of boohoo was not going to help anything or solve any problems. I stared down at Hexes unconscious face, still pale and drawn, and felt a surge of love so intense I almost forgot to breathe. We had been through more, in the relatively short time wed been together, than most couples would ever face in a lifetime: escaping angry mobs, angrier demons, and crazed homunculi, all while saving one anothers lives thrice over. If we could survive all that, then we would overcome this as well.
Despite Dr. Maos grim diagnosis, I refused to give up hope. Golgotham was filled with wizards, witches, and miracle workerssomebody, somewhere, had to know how to fix that which could not be repaired.
Chapter 9
Lukas will accompany you home, Doc Mao said as he helped me load an extremely groggy Hexe into the livery carriage. You will require assistance getting him upstairs.
Thats okay, Doc, I replied. I can handle him.
The old were-tiger raised his unibrow in surprise. Are you sure of that? Given your condition? Dr. Mao chuckled as my eyes darted suspiciously at Meikei. No, my daughter has not betrayed your confidence, my dear. However, I did not get to the age I am now without knowing a pregnant woman when I smell one, he said, tapping the side of his nose.
As Lukas and I entered the front door, Hexe slung between us like a drunken sailor, we were greeted by Scratch, who was perched atop the newel post of the staircase like a living finial. Finally! Its about time you two came home! the familiar yowled indignantly. Beanie is about to explode! And if you think that Im going to clean up after him . . . He trailed off as he watched us guide Hexe toward the stairs, his hairless brow furrowed into a feline frown. Whats wrong with the boss? Is he munted?
Yes, but not how you think, I replied as we dragged Hexe upstairs and steered him into his room. The carved owls atop the bedposts swiveled their heads about in concern as I propped a pillow under his splinted right hand. Thanks for helping me, Lukas, I said as I unlaced and removed Hexes high-tops before tucking him in. I can handle it from here.
Are you sure about that? he asked worriedly.
Ill be fine, I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt. Go home and get some sleep. Its been a long day for everybody.
Call me if you need anything, he said as he gave me a farewell hug. Ill bike right over.
Scratch jumped up onto the bed, nervously slapping his tail against the footboard as he watched me do my best to make Hexe comfortable. Whats going on? he growled.
There was an accident, I replied.
What kind of accident? Scratch scowled.
It doesnt matter, I answered hastily, trying to dodge any further questioning. Its none of your business. . . .
None of my business? the familiar spat. Hexe is my master! I have no business but him! He cast back his head, sniffing the air as if on the trail of a rat hiding in the wainscoting. Whats that smell? He hopped onto the mattress, slowly creeping forward. As his twitching whiskers brushed against Hexes injured right hand, he recoiled in disgust. Saint of the Pit! he screeched. Malleus Maleficarumthe witch-hammer!
The familiar threw back his head and gave voice to a yowl that sounded like a band saw chewing its way through sheet metal. As he leapt off the bed he cast aside his domestic skin, revealing his demonic aspectthat of a hairless saber-toothed tiger with the wings of a dragon and the tail of a crocodile.
Who has done this thing to my master? Scratch roared, his outrage rattling the very walls and frightening poor Beanie so badly he peed himself in terror and dove under the bed skirt for protection.
Calm down! I shouted, clamping my hands over my ears.
Ill calm down once Ive torn the throat from whoevers responsible for this affront! the familiar snarled, his head nothing but blazing eyes and gleaming fang. The acerbic, wisecracking Scratch I thought I knew was nowhere to be seen, and in his place was a demon, born and bred in the pits of the Infernal Realm, transformed by anger into something truly terrifying. Tell me who did this! he thundered, slapping his tail against the floorboards so hard it shook the entire house.
I cant! I replied, my voice quavering with fear.
Scratch roared again, his monstrous, curving fangs flashing like scimitars. Tell me their name, nump! he growled as he took a menacing step in my direction.
I stood there, momentarily paralyzed, like a frightened gazelle, before breaking free of my fear. I snatched up one of Hexes high-top Chucks and hurled it at Scratchs head, striking him between the eyes.
Bad kitty!
The familiar blinked in surprise, completely taken aback. Diddid you just throw a shoe at me? he asked indignantly.
Scratch! Stand down!
Hexe was awake and sitting up in the bed, fixing his familiar with a disapproving scowl. Although he looked to be in a lot of pain, he seemed in full control of himself.
Scratch lowered his head, literally shrinking before my eyes as he reassumed his domestic form. Forgive me, boss, he said contritely. I kinda lost it for a moment; you know how I get.
Yes, I dobut Im not the one you should be apologizing to, Hexe said sternly.
Scratch hopped back onto the foot of the mattress, staring down at his paws as he kneaded the bedclothes like a baker making biscuits. Tate? Im, uh, you know, uh, Im, uh . . .
Sorry? I suggested helpfully.
Yeah! Thats the word, he said, relieved that he hadnt been forced to actually utter the phrase. We good?
Yeah, we good, I sighed, holding out my fist. The familiar bumped his forehead against it, his purr as loud as an idling tractor.
Now that thats out of the way, Scratch said, turning to look at his master, are you going to tell me who got medieval on your hand? It was Marz, wasnt it? Hes the only cack-hander in this town, now that Esaus out of the picture, crazy enough to use Witchfinder implements. Just say the word, boss, and Ill get rid of that thug and his fancy-dress baboon once and for all!
Absolutely not, Hexe replied firmly.
Look, I know you dont believe in offensive strikes, but you cant let Marz get away with this!
Even if I was prone to revenge, I still wouldnt permit it, Hexe said wearily. I need you here, Scratch. Youre the only defense I have left. I know youre powerful, but Marz has more than just his familiar backing him up. What if you attacked and lost?
Phfft! Scratch snorted in derision. Who? Me? Lose to that overgrown organ-grinders monkey? Dont be ridiculous!
But what if you did lose, Scratch? What if you were slain? Not merely disincorporatedgenuinely killed. Who would protect me then?
Your mother is no slouch in that arena, Scratch replied. And your dad has an entire police force at his disposal. . . .
And Marz has promised to kill everyone we know if we go to them for helphe went so far as to threaten Beanie.
Even he wouldnt do something like thatwould he? Scratch gasped, his eyes widening in alarm at the thought of his pet being harmed.
Now that you understand the position Im in, please, stop tempting me with revenge.
But . . . but . . . the familiar sputtered.
Hexe propped himself up a little straighter, fixing Scratch with a hard stare. By whose blood are you bound? he asked solemnly.
Yours, my master, Scratch replied, lowering his gaze.
Whose will is your will?
Yours, my master, the familiar said, bowing his head in ritual deference.
Hexe smiled and automatically reached out with his right hand to stroke the winged cats back, only to grimace in pain.
Are you okay? I asked nervously as I readjusted his pillows.
Ill be okay. He smiled wanly. Im just . . . tired, thats all. Its been a long day.
Would you like some herbal tea?
Yes, he replied, the strength that had been in his voice mere moments before fading like breath on a windowpane. That would be nice.