A Fairy Captain of the Guard [Hold]

Chapter 5

"I'm surprised you didn't run, Fairy." They had only traveled a short distance, heading West from Beattie, when the Vampire spoke. Their pace was a slower run and Fiona was thankful as her legs and back were still sore.

"The thought passed my mind, Vampire." He slowed his pace to be next to hers as they settled in for a walk. He had mentioned it was not far from the town, but so far she had not seen anything – not even a tree – as they passed the tiny village.

"That probably wasn't smart." He said and Fiona saw his shoulders shrug. She glanced at his face from the corner of her eyes. She noted again that he was handsome in the moonlight. His face was no longer sallow. He must have fed.

"You can look for free, but a touch'll cost you." Her eyes met his as he gave her a wink. Fiona frowned.

"If I had any coin I wouldn't spend it so frivolously." She snapped. "You look young, compared to the Vampires I have met before."

It was small, but it was conversation starter. The first either of them had really initiated between themselves. Fiona had opened the door and she knew it.

"I am." Was all he replied.

It was silent for hours as they walked. She didn't want to comment on their slow travel. She was comfortable enjoying the crisp night air. Fiona had always enjoyed the salty ocean air.

She was sure they going to walk forever in silence when he finally spoke again. Daybreak was near and she knew they would have to stop soon anyways.

"We're here." Fiona's eyes darted to the Vampire's face. Is he crazy? The thoughts swirled in her mind. There was nothing around – there hadn't been for hours. The land was flat with a makeshift dirt road the only changing scenery for miles. No trees. No town. Not even an animal had scurried by for hours.

"Look." Was all he said, his voice lower as his hand pulled on her left arm.

Fiona's eyes narrowed as they looked at what he was trying to show her. Far off, possibly a mile or so away, she could see a small tent. A sigh of relief escaped her mouth as they both began to run for the tent. At least he isn't completely insane...

It took only a few minutes to reach the tent and Fiona almost changed her assessment of the Vampire. The tent was the only building around. It was the only landmark around. She didn't have much time to assess the building as the sun was nearing its rise and the Vampire roughly pulled her inside.

It was not much bigger on the inside. Large chests and drawers seemed to line every inch of the small tent, giving on a half-foot wide walkway to the back. Each area was covered in either fabric or jewels or candles. Small items of magic hung haphazardly around. Fiona saw an item she recognized as she narrowly avoided stepping on it. She was almost certain it was demon carrier, having only seen two in her lifetime. The large star sapphire wrapped in gold filigree radiated a green tint and she could just make out the eerie voice calling her by name, muffled by the magic keeping it trapped.

"Where are we?" She asked as the Vampire expertly dodged and stepped over junk pile after junk pile.

He didn't answer and they made their way to the back of the tent. She was going to ask again when he threw up a rug from the floor and revealing a trap door. Fiona's lips went tight in a straight line as her browns furrowed. Now it was getting weird.

"Watch out for the first and last step. They like to bite." Was all the Vampire said as he led opened the door. Fiona followed into the darkness, taking a tentative step behind him.

As they walked down, a torch would light next to them, lighting the way. When they passed, the torch would go out again. It followed this pattern for ten steps when they reach the bottom.

"Ow!" She screamed as she felt something bite her ankle. Looking down she didn't see anything unusual, but the Vampire let out a short laugh.

"I warned you."

"Warned me of what?" She asked, rubbing her ankle. Blood was seeping through the small holes in her leather shoes. Whatever had bitten her had left its mark.

"The stairs." Fiona could almost hear the eye-roll that the Vampire had given as he walked down the narrow hall.

They quickly came upon a door and he knocked twice before opening it.

The Vampire opened the door and grabbed her hand before pulling her in front of him. If she hadn't been on edge she might have fallen to the ground. Instead, she caught herself and planted her feet firmly just a few inches from his body. She could feel his frustration. It was odd not feeling someone's body heat – it almost felt as if he was taking hers in, sucking her warmth.

"Here she is." He huffed out, like a child, as he crossed his arms, letting go of her. "I'm going to grab a bite before we head off." The door slammed shut behind her and she took her time to stare at who he was speaking to.

The room was large and full, though not filled to the brim like the one above ground. Gold tarps lined the walls and rich red carpet lined every visible inch of the ground. There was a visible path that led to a large round table. On the table sat a crystal ball and two chair surrounded it. One was empty and the other sat a figure. The scent of different herbs congregating into one, complex smell, permeated every inch of the room.

Fiona took the empty chair as she eyed the figure. A dark purple robe covered every inch and a hood masked the person's appearance. It sat stock still as she approached. She couldn't even see any breathing.

"Why am I here?" Straight to the chase.

"Would you like your fortune read, Fiona?" The figure, a male by the deep voice that came from under the hood, asked.

"Not really, no." She shook her head. She wanted to leave. This man, or thing, she wasn't quite sure yet, was not to be trusted. Fiona did not have a wide knowledge of the supernatural beings. Brennan's kingdom was devoid of most as it was known for being more hostile to them. The West was much more welcoming and there were talks of other continents that were full of only supernatural beings like herself.

"There is nothing to be afraid of, Fairy." The voice said, like a teacher consoling a frightened child. "You are untrusting of magic." It was a statement and Fiona, usually calm, could feel her anger rising.

Her wings fluttered under her top as she made her way to stand.

"At present I am untrusting of everyone and everything. I am – was Captain of the Guard the other day and now I am a wanted criminal. No-," her fists balled, "I am worse than that. I am considered a traitor."

"I understand, Fiona. Please, sit." The chair behind her bumped into the back of her knees and she sat down accordingly. All of her strength had faded with her outburst.

"I see a long journey in your future. One with many difficult battles – some physical, yes, but others not so much." Her eyebrows furrowed at his vague words. "You will have the answers in the end while helping others."

"Are you saying that because you expect something of me?"

"Yes, and no." The figure pulled his hood off and Fiona froze. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the last few days and even the Vampire, Fiona could say for certain, in hindsight, she was never truly frightened. Fear had seized her initially at discovering Carson's body, but over the past two nights she had realized it was mostly shock. Even the Vampire was not frightening – but the memories of other, much more threatening Vampires had caused her to be on edge.

Looking at the man in front of her, a cold shiver ran up her spine. His eyes stared into hers as a smile formed on his face. She couldn't look away from them. One was completely black – devoid of any white in his sclera – while the other was similar to a normal human's, but red like the Vampires.

This man was not human. Or Vampire. Or Fairy.

"I want to help you, Fiona." The man said as she gaped openly at him. "If you're willing to help me."