Merry meet, Sgiach.
Why should I allow you on my island? she said without preamble.
Stark drew a deep breath and lifted his chin, meeting Sgiachs gaze as he had her Warriors. Its my right by blood. Im a MacUallis. That means Im part of your Clan.
Not hers, boy. Mine, the vampyre told him, his lips curving in a smile that was far more dangerous-looking than inviting.
Taken off guard, Stark shifted his attention to the Warrior. Yours? Im part of your Clan? he said stupidly.
I remember you being smarter when you were that young, Sgiach told her Warrior.
Aye, the vampyre snorted. Young or no, I had more sense than that.
Im smart enough to know that the history of my human blood still gives me a tie to both of you and this island, Stark said.
Yie ur barely oot o yur nappies, boy, the Warrior said sarcastically. Yur better suited to schoolboy games, and there are nae o that ilk here on this island.
Instead of pissing Stark off, the vamps words triggered his memory, and it was like Damiens notes were there in front of him again. Thats why its my right to enter the island, Stark said. I dont know shit about what it takes to be Warrior enough to save Zoey, but I can tell you shes more than a High Priestess. Before she was shattered, she was turning into something vampyres have never seen. The thoughts kept coming to him, and as he spoke and saw the surprise in Sgiachs face, the pieces of the puzzle fit together, and his gut told him he was following the right line of reasoning. Zoey was becoming a Queen of the Elements. Im her Warriorher Guardianand shes my Ace. Im here to learn how to protect my Ace. Isnt that what youre all about? Training Warriors to protect their Aces?
They stopped coming to me, Sgiach said.
Stark thought he only imagined the sadness in her voice, but when her Warrior moved a little closer to his queen, as if he was so attuned to her needs that he meant to take even that small note of discomfort from her, Stark knew then, beyond any doubt, hed found the answer, and he sent a silent thank you, Nyx to the Goddess.
No, we havent stopped coming. Im right here, Stark told the ancient queen. Im a Warrior. Im of the MacUallis blood. Im asking for your help so that I can protect my Ace. Please, Sgiach, let me enter your island. Teach me how to keep my queen alive.
Sgiach hesitated only long enough to share a look with her Warrior, then she lifted her hand, and said, Failte gu ant Eilean nan Sgiath. . . Welcome to the Isle of Sgiach. You may enter my island.
Your Majesty. Dariuss voice made everyone pause. The Warrior had dropped to one knee before the archway, Aphrodite standing a little way behind him.
You may speak, Warrior, Sgiach said.
I am not of Clan blood, but I do protect an Ace; therefore, I ask for entry to your island as well. Though I dont come as a newly made Warrior, I believe there is much here that I do not knowmuch here that I would like to learn while I stand at my brother Warriors side in his quest to save Zoeys life.
This is a human female and no a High Priestess. How could yie be Oath Bound to her? asked the vampyre Warrior.
Im sorry, I didnt get your name. Was it Shawnus? Aphrodite stepped to Dariuss side and rested her hand on his shoulder.
Its feckn Seoras, are yie deaf, too? the Warrior said, enunciating slowly. Stark was surprised to see his lips curling up at Aphrodites bitchy tone.
Okay, Seoras. She mimicked his accent with eerie accuracy. Im not a human. I was a fledgling who had visions. Then I wasnt a fledgling anymore. And when I un-fledgling-ed, Nyx, for reasons Im still pretty clueless about, decided to let me keep my visions. So now Im the Goddesss Prophetess. Im hoping that, along with all the stress and eye-aches it gives me, this Prophetess stuff means I age gracefully, like your queen. Aphrodite paused to bow her head to Sgiach, whose brows went up, but who didnt strike her dead like Stark thought she deserved. Anyway, Darius is my Oath Sworn Warrior. If Im getting the allusion right, and heres hoping cause Im shitty at figurative language, Im an Ace in my own way. So Darius does fit in with your Guardian Clan, blood tie or no blood tie.
Stark thought he heard Seoras mutter, Arrogant feckr, at the same time Sgiach whispered, Interesting.
Failte gu ant Eilean nan Sgiath, Prophetess and your Warrior, Sgiach said.
Without any further discussion, Stark, carrying Zoey, followed by Darius and Aphrodite, passed beneath the marble archway and entered the Isle of Women.
Chapter 20
Stark
Seoras led them to a black Range Rover that was parked around the corner and out of sight of the archway. Stark stopped beside the vehicle. His face must have shown his surprise because the Warrior laughed, and said, Did yie expect a wee cart an a Highland pony?
I dont know about him, but I did, Aphrodite said, climbing in the backseat beside Darius. And for once Im super glad to be wrong.
Seoras opened the front passengers door for him, and Stark got in, holding Zoey carefully. The Warrior had started driving before Stark realized Sgiach wasnt with them.
Hey, wheres your queen? Stark asked.
Sgiach doesna need the motor tae be traveling her island.
Stark was trying to figure out how to ask his next question when Aphrodite spoke up.
What the hell does that mean?
It means Sgiachs affinity isnae limited tae any element. Sgiachs affinity is with this island. She commands everyone and everything on it.
Holy shit! Are you saying she can transport, like an undorky version of Star Trek? Not that its possible to be undorky about Star Trek, Aphrodite said.
Stark started to consider ways to gag her without Darius freaking on him.
But the old Warrior was completely unruffled by Aphrodite. He simply shrugged, and said, Aye, it will be as good an explanation as any.
You know about Star Trek? came out of Starks mouth before his brain could stop it.
Again, the Warrior shrugged. We do have the satellite.
And the Internet? Aphrodite asked hopefully.
And the Internetograph, too, Seoras agreed, straight-faced.
So you do let in the outside world, Stark said.
Seoras glanced at him. Aye, when it serves the queens purposes.
Im not shocked. Shes a queen. She likes to shop, ergo the Internet, Aphrodite said.
She is a queen. She likes to be informed about the world and its goins on, the Warrior said in a tone that didnt invite further questions.
They rode on in silence until Stark started to get worried about the lightening in the eastern sky. He was just about to tell Seoras what would happen to him if he wasnt inside and under cover at sunrise when the Warrior pointed ahead and to the left of the narrow road, saying, The Craobhthe Sacred Grove. The castle is just beyond on the shore.
Mesmerized, Stark gazed to the left of them at misshapen trunks of what must be deceptively spindly-looking trees because they held up an ocean of green. He only caught glimpses of what lay within the grove, layers of moss and shadow and clumps of more of the marble from which the archway had been made that appeared as splotches of sparkling light. And in front of all of it, like a beacon drawing travelers, was what looked like two trees twisted together to form one. From the branches of the strange joining, strips of brightly colored cloth were tied to it in a strange yet complementary contrast to its ancient, gnarled limbs.
The longer Stark stared at it, the odder it made him feel.
Ive never seen a tree like that, and why is all that cloth tied to it? he asked.
Seoras braked, coming to a stop in the middle of the road.Tis a hawthorn tree and a rowan tree, grown together to make a hangin tree.
When thats all the explanation he gave, Stark shot him a frustrated look, saying, A hanging tree?
Yer education is sadly lackin, laddie. Ach, well, thon tree is a tree of wishes. Each knoteach strip of clothrepresents a wish. Sometimes its parents wishin for the well-being of a wain. Sometimes its friends remembering those passed on to the next life. But most often its wishes of lovers, tying their lives together and wishin fer happiness. Theyre trees grown by the Good People, roots fed by passin on their well wishes from their world tae urs.
The good people? Stark looked exasperated.
The FeyFairies tae you. Do yie no know thats where the sayin Tie the knot comes from?
Thats romantic, Aphrodite said, her tonefor oncetotally devoid of sarcasm.
Aye, wumman, if its truly romantic, then it must be Scottish, said the Warrior as he put the Range Rover into gear and pulled slowly away from the wish-laden tree.
Distracted by the thought of tying a wish with Zoey, Stark didnt notice the castle until Seoras stopped again. Then he looked up, and the blaze of light reflecting off rock and water filled his sight. The castle sat a couple hundred yards from the main road, down a single lane that was really a raised stone bridgeway over a boggy field. Torches, like those that lined the bridge from the mainland, lit the lane, only here they were easily three times in number, illuminating the pathway to the castle and the walls of the huge edifice itself.
And in between the torches were stakes, as thick around as a mans arm. On each stake was a headleathered, mouth grimacing, eyes missing, the macabre things at first appeared to move and then Stark realized it was just the long, stringy hair from each shriveled scalp that floated, ghostlike in the cold breeze.
Gross, Aphrodite whispered from the backseat.
The Great Taker of Heads, Darius said, his voice hushed with awe.
Aye, Sgiach, was all Seoras said, but his lips curved up in a smile that mirrored the pride in his voice.
Stark didnt speak. Instead, his eyes were drawn from the grisly entryway up and up. Sgiachs fortress perched on the very edge of a cliff that overlooked the ocean. Though he could only see the land side of the castle, it wasnt hard for Stark to imagine the sheer face that must present itself to the outer worlda world that would never gain access to her domain, even had the queens protective spell not already repelled intruders. The castle was made of gray stone interspersed with the shimmering white marble that littered the island. In front of the thick, double wooden doors was an imposing archway that sat before the narrow, bridgelike entrance to the castle.
As he got out of the Range Rover, Stark heard a sound that drew his gaze even farther upward. Lit up by a circle of torches, a flag flew from the uppermost turret of the castle. It rippled in the cool, brisk breeze, but Stark clearly saw the bold shape of a powerful black bull with the image of a goddess, or perhaps a queen, painted within his muscular body.
Then the doors to the castle opened, and Warriors, male and female, poured from within, crossed the bridge, and jogged together toward them. Stark automatically stepped back as Darius moved up beside him in a defensive position.
Dinnae look for trouble where nane is meant, Seoras said, making a calming motion with his callused hand. They wish only to show proper respect to yer queen.
The Warriors, all dressed like Seoras, whether they were male or female, moved quickly, but without any sign of aggression, to Stark. They came in a column of two, holding a leather litter between them.
Tis tradition, respect, laddie, for when one o us falls. It is the responsibility of the Clan tae return him, or her, home tae Tír na nÓg, the land of our youth, Seoras said. We never be leaving behind one of our own.
Stark hesitated. Meeting the Warriors steady gaze, he said, I dont think I can let her go.
Och aye, Seoras said softly, nodding in understanding. Yie dinnae have tae. You be takin the foremost position. The Clan will do the rest.
When Stark stood there, unmoving, Seoras walked to him and held out his arms. He wasnt going to let Zoey go; he didnt think he could bear it. Then Stark saw the gold chieftains torque glittering at Seorass wrist. It was the torque that touched something inside him. With a jolt of surprise, he realized he trusted Seoras, and as he passed Zoey to the Warrior, he knew he wasnt giving her up but sharing her instead.
Seoras turned and carefully laid Zoey on the litter. The Warriors, six on each side, bowed their heads respectfully. Then the leader, a tall, raven-haired woman who held the foremost position of the litter, said to Stark, Warrior, my place is yours.
Moving on instinct, Stark walked to the litter, and as the woman stepped away, he grasped the well-worn handhold. Seoras walked ahead of them. As one, Stark and the other Warriors followed him, carrying Zoey like a fallen queen into Sgiachs castle.
Stark
The interior of the castle was a major surprise, especially after the gruesome decorations on the exterior. At the very least, Stark had expected it to be a Warriors castlemanly and Spartan and basically like a cross between a dungeon and a guys locker room. He was seriously wrong.
The inside of the castle was gorgeous. The floor was smooth white marble veined in silver. The stone walls were covered with brightly colored tapestries that depicted everything from pretty island scenes, complete with shaggy-haired cows, to battlefield images that were as beautiful as they were bloody. Theyd passed through the foyer, walked down a long hallway, and come to immense double stone stairs when Seoras halted the column with a wave of his hand.
You cannae be a Guardian of an Ace if you cannae make a decision. So yie need to decide, laddie. Do yie wish to take yur queen above and use some time tae rest and prepare, or do yie choose to begin yur quest now?
Stark didnt hesitate. I dont have time to rest, and I started preparing for this the day Zoey accepted my oath as her Warrior. My decision is to start my quest now.
Seoras nodded slightly. Aye, then, its to the Chamber of the Fi-anna Foil we will be going. The Warrior turned from the stairs and continued down the hallway. Close behind him, Stark and the others carried Zoey.
To Starks complete irritation, Aphrodite quickened her step until she was almost even with him, and asked, So, Seoras, what exactly did you mean when you called what Stark has to do a quest?
Seoras didnt so much as glance over his shoulder at her when he said, I didnae stutter, wumman. I named his task a quest, and that it is.
Aphrodite snorted.
Shut up, Stark whispered to her.
As usual, Aphrodite ignored him. Yeah, I got the word. Im just not sure of the meaning.
Seoras came to a huge set of arched double doors. Stark thought they looked like they would take an army to open, but all the Warrior did was to say in a low, gentle voice, Yur Guardian asks permission to enter, my Ace. With the sound of a lovers sigh, the doors opened by themselves, and Seoras led them into the most amazing room Stark had ever seen.
Sgiach sat on a white marble throne that was on a triple-tiered dais in the middle of the massive chamber. The throne was incredible, carved from top to bottom with intricate knots that seemed to tell a story, or portray a scene, but the stained-glass window behind Sgiach and her dais was already revealing dawn, and Stark staggered to a halt just outside its encroaching brightness, bringing the column to a standstill and drawing curious glances from all the warriors. He was squinting against the light and trying to make his brain work through the haze that the sunlight hours caused in him when Aphrodite stepped up, bowed quickly to Sgiach, and then told Seoras, Starks a red vam-pyre. Hes different than you guys. Hell burn up in direct daylight.
Cover the windows, Seoras ordered. Warriors immediately did his bidding, unfurling red velvet drapes Stark hadnt noticed before.
Starks eyes instantly adapted to the darkness that blanketed the room, so even before more warriors lit wall torches and tree-sized candelabra, he clearly saw Seoras stride up the dais steps and take the place to the left of his queens throne. He stood there with a confidence that was almost tangible. Stark knew, without any doubt, that nothing in this world, and perhaps not even the next, could get past Seoras to harm his queen, and for an instant Stark felt a terrible wave of envy. I want that! I want Zoey back so that I can be sure nothing ever hurts her again! Sgiach lifted her hand and caressed her Warriors forearm briefly, but intimately. The queen didnt look up at Seoras, but Stark did. He was gazing down at her with an expression Stark understood completely. Hes not just a Guardian, hes The Guardian. And he loves her.
Approach. Lay the young queen before me. As she spoke, Sgiach made a beckoning motion.
The column moved forward and gently laid Zoeys litter on the marble floor at the feet of the queen.
You cannot bear sunlight. What else is different about you? Sgiach said, as the last of the torches was lit, and the room took on the warm yellow glow of open flame.
The warriors faded into the chambers shadowy corners. Stark faced the queen and her Guardian and answered her quickly, without any messing around or time-wasting preamble. I usually sleep all during the day. Im not one hundred percent as long as the sun is in the sky. I have more bloodlust than regular vampyres. I cant enter a private home without an invitation. There might be more differences, but I havent been a red vampyre for very long, and thats all Ive figured out so far.
Is it true you died and were resurrected? the queen asked.
Yes. Stark said the word quickly, hoping she wouldnt question him more on that subject.
Intriguing . . . Sgiach murmured.
Was it during daylight when your queens soul shattered? Is that why yie failed tae protect her? Seoras asked.
It felt like the Warrior had shot the questions through his heart, but Stark met his gaze steadily and spoke only the truth. No. It wasnt daylight. I didnt fail her because of that. I failed her because I made a mistake.
Im sure the High Council, as well as the vampyres at your House of Night, have explained to you that a shattered soul is a death sentence for the High Priestess, and quite often for her Warrior as well. Why do you believe coming here will change that certainty? Sgiach said.
Because, like I said before: Zoeys not just a High Priestess. Shes different. Shes more. And because Im not just going to be her Warrior; I want to be her Guardian.
So yer willing tae die for her.
The Warrior didnt speak it as a question, but Stark nodded anyway. Yes, Id die for her.
But he knows if he does, then hell have no chance of getting her back into her body, Aphrodite said, as she and Darius stepped up beside him. Because thats what other Warriors have tried, and none of them have been successful.
He wants to use the bulls and the ancient way of the Warrior to find a door to the Otherworld while hes alive, Darius said.
Seoras laughed humorlessly. You cannae be expectin tae enter the Otherworld by chasing myths and rumors.
You fly the flag of the black bull over this castle, Stark said.
You speak of the tara, ancient symbolism long forgotten, like my island, Sgiach said.
Stark countered with: We remembered your island.
And the bulls arent so forgotten in Tulsa, Aphrodite said. Both of them manifested there last night.
There was a stretch of silence in which Sgiachs face showed utter shock, and her Warriors expression flattened to a dangerous readiness.
Tell us, Seoras said.
Quickly and with surprisingly little sarcasm, Aphrodite explained how Thanatos had told them about the bulls, how that had led Stevie Rae to evoking the aid of the wrong bull at the same time Damien and the rest of the kids were researching, which, in turn, had them discovering Starks blood tie to the Guardians and Sgiachs island.
Tell me again exactly what the white bull foretold, Sgiach said.
The Warrior must look to his blood to discover the bridge to enter the Isle of Women, and then he must defeat himself to enter the arena. Only by acknowledging one before the other will he join his Priestess. After he joins her, it is her choice and not his whether she returns, Stark recited.
Sgiach looked up at her Warrior. The bull has given him passage to the Otherworld.
Seoras nodded. Aye, but only passage. The rest is his to be doing.
Explain it to me! Stark couldnt keep a handle on his frustration any longer. What the hell do I have to do to get into the damn Otherworld?
A Warrior cannot enter the Otherworld alive, Sgiach said. Only a High Priestess has that ability, and not many of them can actually gain access to that realm.
I know that, Stark said through gritted teeth. But, like you said, the bulls are letting me in.
No, Seoras corrected. Theyre allowing you passage to, nae entry. You cannae ever gain entry as a Warrior.
But I am a Warrior! So how do I get in? Whats the part about defeating myself mean?
Thats where the old religion comes in. Long ago, male vampyres could serve the Goddess or the gods, in more than a Warriors capacity, Sgiach said.
Some of us were Shamans, Seoras said.
Okay, so, I need to be a Shaman, too? Stark asked, utterly confused.
There is only one Warrior Ive ever known who also became a Shaman. To convey her meaning, Sgiach rested her hand on Seorass forearm.
Youre both, Aphrodite said excitedly. So tell Stark how to do it! How he can become a Shaman along with being a Warrior.
The ancient Warriors brows went up, and one corner of his mouth lifted in a sardonic smile. Ach, tis quite simple really. The Warrior within must die tae give birth to the Shaman.
Great. Either way I have to die, Stark said.
Aye, so it would seem, Seoras said.
In his imagination, Stark could almost hear Zoeys Ah hell!
Chapter 21
Stevie Rae
She knew shed catch a bunch of crap when she got back to school, but Stevie Rae didnt expect Lenobia herself to be waiting in the parking lot for her.
Look, I just needed some time by myself. As you can see, Im fine and
On the evening news there was a bulletin about a gang break-in at the Tribune Loft apartments. Four people were killed. Their throats were cut out, and they were partially drained of blood. The only reason the police are not on our doorstep accusing us is the report from several witnesses who all swear it was a gang of human teenagers. with Red eyes.
Stevie Rae swallowed down the sick taste of bile in the back of her throat. It was the red fledglings I left at the depot. They messed with the witnesses memories, but none of them are Changed, so they dont have the ability to cover up everything.
They couldnt wipe those blazing red eyes from the humans memories, Lenobia said, nodding in agreement.
Stevie Rae was out of the car and moving toward the school. Dragon hasnt gone after them, has he?
No. Ive kept him busy with small groups of fledglings. Hes already started going over self-defense skills with them in case of another attack from Raven Mockers.
Lenobia, I seriously think that one in the park was a fluke. Ill bet hes miles away from Tulsa by now.
Lenobia made a dismissive gesture. One Raven Mocker is one too many, but whether hes alone or with a flock, Dragon will hunt him down and destroy him. And unless Kalona and Neferet are goading them, I dont think we need to worry about them attacking the school. Im much more concerned about the rogue red fledglings.
Me, too. Stevie Rae was eager to change the subject. The news report said the people had only been partially drained of their blood?
Lenobia nodded. Yes, and their throats were ripped outnot cut or bitten and then bled as you or I would feed.
They arent feeding. Theyre playing. They like terrorizing people; its a kind of high for them.
Thats truly an abomination of Nyxs ways. Lenobias words came fast; her voice filled with anger. Those from whom we feed should only feel our mutual pleasure. That is why the Goddess gave us the ability to share such a powerful sensation with humans. We dont brutalize and torture them. We appreciate themwe make them our consorts. The High Council has even banished vampyres who misuse their power over humans.
You havent told the High Council about the red fledglings, have you?
I wouldnt do that without discussing it with you first. You are their High Priestess. But you must understand that their actions have taken them beyond where they can be ignored by the rest of us.
I know, but I still want to deal with them myself.
Not alone again. Not this time, Lenobia said.
Youre right about that. What they did today shows me how dangerous they are.
Should I call Dragon in on this?
No. Im not goin alone, and I do plan on givin them an ultimatumshape up or ship outbut if I take outsiders down there, I wont have a chance of any of them deciding to give up Darkness and come with me. Then Stevie Rae realized what shed said and stopped like shed run into the side of a barn. Ohmygoodness, thats it! I couldnt have known it before I met the bulls, but now I understand. Lenobia, whatever it is that gets ahold of us after we die, and then un-die, and were all evil and filled with bloodlust and stuffits part of Darkness. That means it isnt a new thing. It has to be as ancient as the Warrior/bull religion. Neferet is behind what happened to me and the rest of the kids. She met the Horse Mistresss gaze and saw the fear she was feeling reflected there. Shes involved with Darkness. Theres no doubt about that now.
Im afraid theres been no doubt about that for a long time, Lenobia said.
But how the heck did Neferet find out about Darkness? For centuries and centuries, vampyres worshipped Nyx.
Just because people stop worshipping, doesnt mean the deity stops existing. The forces of good and evil move in a timeless dance, regardless of mortal whim or fashion.
But Nyx is the Goddess.
Nyx is our Goddess. You cant really believe there is only one deity for a world as complex as ours.
Stevie Rae sighed. I guess when you put it like that, I gotta agree with you, but I wish there wasnt more than one choice for evil.
Then there would be only one choice for good. Remember, there must always, eternally, be balance. They walked in silence for a while before Lenobia said, Youll take the red fledglings with you to confront the rogues?
Yep.
When?
The sooner the better.
There is only a little over three hours left until dawn, Lenobia said.
Well, Im askin them a simple yes-or-no question. Thats not gonna take much time.
And if they say no?
If they say no, Ill make sure they cant use the depot tunnels as their cushy hideout anymore, and Ill make sure theyre separated. As individuals, I still dont believe theyre all bad. Stevie Rae hesitated, and then added, I dont want to kill them. I feel like if I do, Ill be giving in to evil. And I dont want that Darkness to touch me, ever again. An image of Rephaim, wings spread, fully healed and powerful, flashed through her memory.
Lenobia nodded. I understand. I dont agree with you, Stevie Rae, but I do understand. Your plan has merit, though. If you shake them from their stronghold and force them to scatter, those who are left will have to worry about surviving and wont have time to play with humans.
Okay, so lets split up and spread the word that I need all the red fledglings to meet me at the Hummer in the parking lotnow. Ill take the dorms.
Ill go to the Field House and the cafeteria. Actually, on my way to meet you, I saw Kramisha going into the cafeteria. Ill get to her first. She always knows where everyone is.
Stevie Rae nodded, and Lenobia jogged away, leaving her alone and heading toward the dorms. Alone and able to think. She should be thinking about what the heck she was gonna say to the stupid Nicole and her group of killer fledglings. But she couldnt get Rephaim out of her mind.
Driving away from him had been one of the hardest things shed ever done in her life.
So why had she?