Delphinium, or A Necromancer's Home (TCoLaD Book 2)

Revenge

~ (Previously) Vijfday, 30th of Iovilios, 11831 ~

Elwin carried Renaud through the Duc's Forest. The body was soaked in blood, reeking, the wound in the back still leaving a trail behind them. Given that Autumnfinding would be here come dawn, he could either wait a few days, or have this done before the morning, and there had already been enough time wasted.

Magec met him as soon as he stepped into Faery.

"Go let Rhianu know that I will be home soon," Elwin said, hefting the body to a more comfortable position. "And that I wish her expertise."

"Shall I dine tonight?" the wolf asked in reply.

"You may, if there is enough left of him to consume when we are finished."

Magec barked and wagged his tail before running ahead.

Eyes watched from the shadows and trees. Those going to Cardinalis, those preparing for the morn. He gripped his prey and glared into the night.

"I am fay. I am the Margrave de Spadé. His blood is mine."

The world soon shifted, and his home appeared down a deep glen. Candlelight burned in the windows. The night sky was clear, Erebia, the moon of the other-planes high in the sky and almost full for tomorrow night.

His wife was already in the doorway. Magec sat at her side, growling softly, his hackles raised and ears alert. Elwin stopped to watch her.

He was fay. But she was Fée.

She wore a gown of gold and grey, her skin glowing in the moonlight, and a dagger in her hand. She had been making preparations for the Autumn King and his subjects, the unseelie fae, those more cruel and harsh in their justice.

She was unseelie.

Elwin let the corpse fall from his arms. "A maggot," he said. "His life is ours to do with as we please. On behalf of our daughter, and our grandson, and his beloved." He told her quickly of what the young man had done, and how Pierre had even shown mercy, only to be repaid with more treachery.

Rhianu walked up to them, and Elwin could swear she was floating, for she did not even bend the grass beneath her feet. Her expression had hardened at his tale, but as she moved closer, he could see fury and rage. She held a dagger in her left hand. Her perfect fingers shook.

The Margravine de Spadé circled first her husband. Her hand touched his shoulder, wove over his chest, checking the old blood stains and finding no wounds underneath. She then stopped at the feet of Renauld de Feuilles.

"You speak of his life, but bring me his corpse. That does not give me satisfaction, Husband. For such pain caused I wish he had suffered further... Are those we love alright?"

"They will be. Síofra's heart was broken, and an attempt made of Pierre's life. Lady Elizabeth was struck down by this... but she too will be well, I made certain of it before I came here. As for your feelings, my dear, I have good news. I have been keeping a secret from you—I consort with Mora. Sabine was my teacher... In addition to it all, this filth is part of the reason Sabine is dead. It will be my pleasure to return his life so we may end it."

Her eyes widened, and Elwin smiled, knowing for the first time in many years he had surprised her.

"Then come. We have a few hours before dawn and I have come up with a new transformation. Bring him, my dear, I will show you."

They trekked up the side of the glen to a nearby hill, filled with wildflowers, where their daughter and granddaughter had played together as young girls. On this first day of autumn it was still in full bloom, the petals catching the scant moonlight and looking as if the whole hill glowed. Come morning they would wilt.