The Man Who Dies for Fun

Mansions Galore

Chapter Eleven: Mansions Galore

    We pulled up to the gate, it's grey and gold fillings catching the last few beams of sunlight. The gate had a large G in the center, gold inlaid and rather magnificent. I'd have made it black, but people don't seem to have the same tastes as mine. The tall metal structure opened, and Halina moved us forward. Lamps lined down the road, revealing the forest like scenery.

"This guy must be loaded," Halina said. Even through the car we could hear the sounds of animals, snarls and roars and buzzes. "Are those like, magic animals?"

"Probably. He is a collector." A group of rolling monkeys went by, swerving around trees and rocks. I could just barely make out their red fur. "I wouldn't mention it though."

The long driveway came to an end. And let me tell you, the mansion was very big, and very tricked out on magic. Buildings were suspended in mid air, connected by flowing tunnels of water. Large four winged birds flew in between large luminescence bulbs, showing off the hand carved stone work. The bottom building attached to the ground had a man standing out front, waiting.

"Ugh. So tacky," I said, going up the steps to the man in the suit. "Hey Gene, what's going on?"

"Master Ditto, glad you could arrive on time." Gene the Butler of this manor nodded, his long blonde hair tied back in a pony tail. Half human and half warlock, Gene made for delight to be around. "We were just waiting."

"Cool Gene. This is Halina. Don't try to kill her or anything."

He nodded. "Noted. Now, if we may hurry. Master is very tired of this ghost."

"Hey, who house is this?" Halina's head went back as she examined the foyer, white marble and gold inlaying everything. Huge paintings and statues decked the room, making it feel like a museum.

Saying nothing, we followed Gene into a living room, where a man sat with a glass of wine in hand. The fae was average built, dark blue skin matching the black suit, wings not visible, and like his butler his black hair was in a pony tail.

Halina gasped. "That's Sir Gedec, the legendary fae hero and billionaire. Oh my God, he's considered one of the best."

"Ah, Ditto. Glad you could finally arrive." Gedec stood, a good head taller than me, and shook my hand. His voice was like a typical rich guys. Smooth, yet in control. One that made ladies get down on two knees. Er, I mean, ah fuck it I stand by it. He flashed a smile. "It's been too long."

"Sure has. Look at you, still as hot as ever." So, I've learned a long time ago you can't be formal with the powerful. Not if you want to prove your own dominance. You have to make them think twice about believing that you are inferior. That's a reason why I've lived till now, by implanting the idea that I'm better. Which, usually, I am. "Hear you got a ghost problem."

"I'm afraid so. A nasty bugger." He motioned, and two glass cups and a bottle floated over. He poured us glasses, a fine red type. Rich wine is the best wine. "Who's your friend here? Last time, you told me you kept away from the humans."

"Ah, this is Halina Deya. A book writer, researching the Hidden." I motioned between them. "Halina, this is Sir Gedec Hath. A top hero by most rankings. Mostly for hire now, by the most elite of elites."

"A pleasure." He came and kissed her hand. "How rare it is to find such scholars in this world. A daunting task I'm sure."

Halina I think wanted to freak out. Her breaths came in ragged, powerful gasps. "I can't believe it. Sir Gedec. You were one of the first names I ever heard about. God, you once defeated twin dragons. You saved a city from a warlock's earth bomb. I--you're the coolest."