The Nightwillow

Chapter 10

"No. I've heard from both of you what that girl can do, and I won't subject my people to it! I just can't put them in that kind of jeopardy. They trust me," Fitz said, moving toward the window. The moon was just about full, and the light of it emphasized the determined expression on Fitz's face.

"Fitz, this isn't a request. It's a demand. If she continues out of control, they will swarm here. They won't just take her. They'll kill every creature of yours in their path. If they can find an excuse, and believe me, they'll find one, none of you will survive," Micah reminded them. Fitz and Michael shivered.

They had both seen these Seraphim in action. Michael had survived more than his share of close calls with the angels, and he still bore the scars of those encounters. Michael had seen them slaughter armies of virtually indestructible creatures in minutes. They both knew that bringing the Seraphim down on their heads would mean certain death for every creature in the area.

Even if they weren't slaughtered, the idea of the Seraphim returning could mean an uprising. The Co-existence Movement might be gaining ground in the Hollow, but the fringe element would never stand for the idea of the Seraphim returning. They would go after Sophie immediately. The weight of that responsibility took the wind out of Fitz.

"Can you promise to do your best to keep her from killing us all? She's untested, and I just worry that-" Fitz asked, turning back to Micah.

"She's not completely untested, Fitz. That's what we need to find out. Why does she only react at certain times. Mellie has been her maidservant since she can remember, and she doesn't react to her. Fitz, you have been around her for ages, and nothing.Callaghan, you walk into town, and boom! Sparks and energy everywhere. She gets attacked by a strange vampire, and voila! Ash. We need to know what it is that brings out this ability, and we need to know soon. I fear that our time is getting short." Micah ran his hand through his hair, worry marring his ethereal features.

"I will start you off with those that will volunteer. I cannot promise anything," Fitz offered.

"I am sure you will make the best case to them," Micah told him. "I give you my word, Fitz. I will do my best to keep them safe. I cannot do any more than that."

"As will I. I'll let you know in two days time," Fitz responded, but his brow was already furrowed as he wondered how he would fulfill this request.

###

Fitz and Michael stepped out that evening to feed. This time they braved the old haunts. Despite neither of them having the desire to be drawn into the local politics, Michael had to spend a little time checking on his businesses, and Fitz had to try to drum up volunteers to test the Tabbris girl. He wasn't having much luck.

"You have to have some favors to call in," Michael told him. "Anyone owe you?"

"Michael, I'm not sure those are the favors I want call in." Fitz shook his head.

"Your heart's not in asking for this."

"No, it's not. This is dangerous business, and I fear we lose either way," Fitz explained. "If we find the volunteers, and she does them harm, I lose my reputation. I lose every relationship I've built. But let's say she doesn't. Let's say they come out unscathed, she is found out and the questions begin. So maybe I don't find volunteers, maybe I just walk away, do you not think Tabbris won't bring doom upon my head? There is no way this ends well," Fitz sighed and took another sip of the blood in his glass. As always, Fitz weighed his options, thinking through all the scenarios.

"When have we ever shied away from an impossible task?" Michael responded after weighing that heavy analysis. "Doing what is right for the greater good is not always about winning."