Greywalker - Kat Richardson [130]
“That’s how I see it. You’ll have to quell this bunch tonight with minimum damage. But I don’t think you’ll find that difficult if you get the right people on your side early. Once you neutralize the threat of the artifact, you’re a hero. After that, the few enemies who remain will be anxious to either kiss the ring or fade into the woodwork. Then you mop up as you see fit.”
Edward looked down, as if the plan lay on the table, then raised his eyes again. “I mend part of the rift between myself and Carlos and, of course, I solidify my position as a wise and just ruler by returning my protégé to the fold—which also repays my debt to you, I suppose.”
“It is the sort of gesture that would make you damn near unassailable.”
He sighed and sat back in his seat, stretching his legs out. He folded his hands in his lap. Then he chuckled. “I don’t know how much of this circumstance you brought to bear and how much you merely took advantage of, but I bow to you. You’re a better tutor than Machiavelli.”
I sat silent.
“Very well.” He shot a glance to the side and I turned my head to see Alice, blazing fury and glaring ice at me. “If I retain my head next week, I will assign Cameron a mentor until he is capable of looking after himself to that mentor’s satisfaction. Now, tell me what you require to lay this ghost and his infernal device.”
I felt Alice’s frozen heat edging closer as Edward listened to what I knew of the organ. Then he turned and speared her with a look.
“Alice, fetch Carlos here.”
Boiling cold fury, she stalked off and returned with the necromancer. Edward brushed her aside and turned his attention on Carlos. “Tell me of this artifact.”
Carlos remained standing, unresponsive. A cold wall shimmered between them.
Edward glared back a moment. Then he shrugged and sighed, the wall shattering. “Carlos, I have agreed to do this thing, and I humbly request your help. Please. Tell me what you know.”
Carlos let loose his unpleasant, feral grin and told him, with a gleam in his eye. I sat back and waited as they worked out their uneasy alliance and laid plans. At last I stood up, noticing that Alice had drawn back a few steps, but not far.
Edward rose to his feet. “I am in your debt for timely warnings. And for delivering my enemies into my hands. I shall do as I’ve promised, but you should leave now.”
I was tired and sore from the twisting and battering of being in their presence. I started to turn away, but he reached out again and caught my wrist. I spun back around, racked by the touch of waking nightmare.
“You could be an asset to me, you know.” His thumb stroked over the soft spot on the underside of my wrist. I wanted to pull away, but I didn’t dare.
I clamped down on my jellied nerves and managed to keep my feet. “Thank you,” I whispered, “but I’m no good without my independence.” I eased my hand from his and made my way to the door. Stares, speculation, fury, and curiosity ripped into my flesh as I went. I heard Edward say “Alice . . . ” in a gleaming, razor voice, and I bolted the last few steps to put the door between myself and the swelling pressure of imminent violence.
Outside, a shadow clutched me and dragged me into its darkness. My knees gave. A clawed hand over my mouth stopped me screaming and I gagged as the bleak, ancient depths of the Grey closed in. He spun me into the dark, but the fire-outlined snake shape and bulking horror riding it were plain.
He let me go and loomed. “Lovely performance, Greywalker. You’re advancing nicely.”
“What do you want, Wygan?” I demanded, keeping myself upright only by clutching the stair rail at my back.
“Just came for the show, for the feast of their rage. Your little curtain-raiser was well done. My gift is serving very well. I’m pleased.”
I croaked, “Pleased? I didn’t do it for you.”
He laughed obsidian