Cassandra Pendragon

“Hmm, where does that leave us,” I murmured. “Didn’t you ask for my help as well, at least in actions if not in words? You didn’t even leave me much of a choice, did you?”

“Of course I did, ask for your help, that is. I’d never deny it. Does any aspect of my behaviour suggest anything else? You can do as you please, that’s your prerogative and the main reason why I had you followed for a while. If I hadn’t been convinced you’re… you can be kind, you would never have heard from me. I imagine we would have met by my brother’s design, but I would have done everything in my power to keep you well away from me and my family.”

“Your family… does that also include the remnants of your brother’s servants and familiars?”

“Probably. You have to understand that those who were still bound to him couldn’t be saved. They’re gone, I didn’t spare a single one. When he died, they lost any inhibitions, I imagine you experience a small fraction of what that actually means, and they made up most of his posse. Traditionally, that would have been your job as his responsibilities as well as his assets belong to whoever killed him. But you’re not a vampire, so… I guess, ultimately, it’s your decision. The vamps will accept me as their leader but if you want to be the one in charge, I’m not going to deny your claim. Which means, I should be the one asking you that question.” I didn’t have to think it over, much. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t spare the time to lead a hidden race in Free Land. I was interested in getting them to fight against Amon and eradicate the Pirates he had taken control of, if possible, maybe even make them abandon the slave trade, but I wasn’t going to stay here for much longer. I had to get back to the elves and somehow prevent them from going to war against the fey. And then, I still had a draconic naming to attend, not to mention visiting Ahri’s family, which, for me personally, was one of, if not the most important thing.

“I’m not going to meddle,” I stated resolutely. “They are your people and frankly your problem. Nevertheless, there are a few things I’d like your help with, especially if you’re going to become the undisputed queen of the night around here.”

“All you have to do is ask. If it’s at all possible, I’ll do whatever I can.”

“Thanks. I mean it. You might feel obliged to humour me, but as far as I’m concerned, you owe me for the underhanded way you roped me in, not for what I actually did. I’m not going to complain though,” I added quickly when she wanted to protest. “First and foremost… I assume you know how we lost our home? Why we’re even here?”

“In the broadest sense of the word. The machinations of our neighbours haven’t escaped my notice but I can’t say I’m well informed. The sorcerer who makes himself out to be the Pirate King has far reaching plans… I don’t know what happened, exactly, but I know that you’re home is gone, burned in the fires of his ambition. You want us to keep him busy, or even kill him, if we can, don’t you?”

“Of course, but I don’t think it’ll be that simple. As far as I know, he’s not even here… that sorcerer… he’s old and he’s the sovereign of a powerful empire across the waves. My personal grievances aside, he’s setting out to swallow our world. My home was the first but won’t be the last smouldering ruin he leaves behind. I want him to fail. Whether he lives or dies doesn’t matter too much, for now. One day, I’ll track him down and I’ll make him pay but that’s not important. If we allow him to continue, we’ll soon find our islands ravaged by war and torn to pieces by invaders. I’m not going to allow that to happen, whatever the price. That’s what I want to ask of you. Will you help me?”

“Without a doubt. I believe you… I trust you. Even if I wasn’t already in your debt, only a madman would deny you. But I’m not quite sure I can be of as much assistance as you seem to think. The ships of Free Land are already on their way but… they expect to be dealing with an unruly overlord who got to the top by murdering and intimidating other cutthroats. If they’re truly flying against an organised enemy supported by an empire, I fear most of them won’t return. I don’t know what my brother planned, maybe he wanted to take over afterwards, but without our ships, it’s a question of time before either a civil uprising or an all out attack breaks our neck.”

“Call them back, then. If you can stop him from expanding and gathering more and more captains to his side, it would already be an enormous victory.” She blinked owlishly and started laughing. Despite the bitter resignation in her voice, it was still a beautiful sound.

“I fear you overestimate my standing. My brother was one of seven who kept this city in check. Do you know how many vampires there are around here?” I shrugged. “We’ve never been more than 100 and by now, there might be about 70 left, maybe even less. We’ve always existed in the shadows… while I might hold sway over them and can control the dealings that go on behind the captains’ backs, I can’t influence the decisions they make. I would be lucky to even survive a meeting with the rulers of Free Land. To them, I’m nothing more than a dangerous bug that has infested their city. I can’t make them do anything.” I stared at her intensely for a few seconds, my thoughts racing, before I replied:

“But you have something to offer, do you not? There’s a saying… if you can’t beat them, join them. I’m sure they’d be more than willing to welcome you with open arms if that meant more coin in their coffers. Your dealings must be a thorn in their sight. Wouldn’t they allow you to join their circle if you were to bring the wayward brigands back into the fold?”

“Possibly. They might just as well try to burn me at the stake.”

“I see… does anybody outside of your confidants and mine know of your brother’s death?”

“No, I don’t think so. At least not yet. Why do you ask?”

“He has… had a celebration planned in a few days time. I imagine the captains of Free Land are invited as well. We might be able to use that. Control the circumstances and you control the outcome of almost every encounter, but… I don’t know if I can stick around that long.”

“Why? Is there something more important than making sure we’re not overrun by a foreign ruler?”

“Probably not, but I’ve given my word I’d be back in the elven capital within a week.”

“Back? You’ve… never mind. That’s not much of a problem. I don’t know if my brother has told you but he was in control of several portals. I know for a fact that you’ve already seen at least one,” she added with a quiet chuckle. “The network doesn’t span all of our islands but getting you north and within a days travel of the Emerald Island won’t be too difficult. Provided I can find his keys and get the enchantments to work.”

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“Oh, I think I know someone, or rather several someones, who can help with that. And if push comes to shove, I can always try to use the marker I’ve left behind. So, basically, all we need to do is convince six stubborn, haughty humans that you’re no monster and that they’re in no position to challenge the Pirates directly. All within 5 days.” It was my turn to chuckle. “Piece of cake.” She cocked and eyebrow, her sapphire eyes sparkling.

“Who’s haughty, now?”

“I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but considering what I’ve lived through in the past weeks, I’m not overly worried. Besides, there’s quite a lot we can offer on top of stopping the bleeding your guild has caused. Admittedly, promoting trade with elves or dwarfs might be straining the truth a little, but they don’t have to know that. Who knows, maybe I can even get them to stop the slave trade.” The last part I added under my breath but her sharp hearing still picked it up.

“You’d have to put the fear of gods in them to make that work,” she replied dryly. “It’s much too profitable and provides amenities they won’t be willing to part with.”

“Oh, however could I possible manage,” I said while my eyes began glowing and my wings materialised. “Especially with a bunch of vampires at my side.”

“Are you really considering revealing your identity? Yours and that of your friends? Anonymity is safety. I wouldn’t be so eager to give it up.”

“The people who are gunning for me and who have me worried already know who I am. As do the people I care about. I’ve been playing the part of the mortal princess for all my life and all I ever got out of it was hardship, pain, loss and sorrow. On the other hand, my immortal heritage has at least brought my love back into my arms. I’m done playing nice and I’m not going to hide anymore. Besides, I don’t intend to reveal what I am, only what I can do. There’s not much to lose, anyways. Fine, if word should reach the elves before I get there, it might make my future plans a bit more complicated, but that’s a risk I’m willing to take. Especially since the Emerald Island is quite far away. Rumours can’t possibly reach them that quickly, whatever I do. And after that… I won’t have much use for anonymity anymore. I’ll have to become known either way.”

“That’s sounds rather ominous. Would you mind telling me what you plan? Whether as a princess or an angel, you did more for me… for us than... I might be able to help and if I can, I will.” Her sincerity was real and her blush told me exactly how hard it had been on her to say the words.

“Oh, you most certainly can. But let’s take one step after the other, shall we? Once you’re firmly seated among the Seven, I’ll most definitely ask for it. But… I’d like you to promise me something beforehand.”

“And what’s that,” she asked, curiosity sparkling in the depth of her sapphire eyes.

“Tell me no, if it’s too much. I… you talked about submission before… I don’t want a servant, I want… a friend.” This time, I felt the blood rush to my cheeks. Of course I didn’t know, but I imagined I felt like someone who was confessing for the first time. Awkward and afraid of rejection. But like most of them, I was worried about nothing. Her bright smile gave her answer away before she even spoke up.

“I’d be honoured. No wonder my daughter has been clamouring for you since you disappeared.”

I was baffled. “She has?”

“Ahri, are you sure she’s fine, will she come back,” she mimicked, her voice a high falsetto. “Can’t we follow her? If I hadn’t known better I’d have guessed she was your child, not mine. You made quite an impression, even though I’m sure freeing her from a cell already gave you a head start.”

“Are you jealous,” I asked incredulously and a little uncomfortably.

“No, I’m grateful. But it’s still funny and I would never have guessed that it’d be so easy to make you uncomfortable. You haven’t been in close contact with normal people much, have you?”

“I wouldn’t call you or your family normal,” I mumbled. “But yeah, I’ve been surrounded by royalty, servants or bootlickers for most of my life, a few friends aside which you can easily count on one hand. And recently quite a few enemies… come to think of it, it’s actually rather depressing.”

“Really now? I don’t mean to pry, but a dragoness, a fey, a whole troupe of dwarfs, a former pirate and now my daughter and I… not to mention your family and the other immortals you surround yourself with. From where I’m standing, I’d expect you to tumble into a friend anytime you fall. Is that really a reason to be depressed?”

“No, it’s not, but the ones you’ll never have a chance to meet are… you’re still right, though. I guess I’ve started to take the good things for granted and lament the bad…” I chuckled quietly. “You know, considering I was contemplating chopping your head off only a few hours ago, you’re surprisingly good company. I don’t think I’ve ever been this honest with a stranger. I just hope I’m not going to regret it.” I turned slightly and allowed my hair to fall down and cover my face while my wings whispered in the air around us. “Would you… would you mind answering a question while I touched you?” Even through the silky black curtain I could see her grin.

“Oh my, I thought you were taken?”

“I…I am,” I stammered, the blood pounding in my cheeks. “That’s not… Damn it, you’re teasing me again, aren’t you?”

“I am. I already figured you meant your wings. Sure, I’ve got nothing to hide. They allow you to read my thoughts, I take it?”

“In a way. It’s not as infallible as a spell, I’ve already learned that the hard way, but it’d still make me feel better.” I touched her temples lightly with two of my wings. To her credit, she didn’t flinch. She even appeared like she enjoyed the sensation. “It’s actually a pretty simple question. Do you love your daughter?”

“With all my heart,” she replied on the spot, but I was barely able to hear her. In contrast to her brother, she didn’t try to hide the memories and emotions my question had prompted and for a few seconds I became swamped by the myriad of impressions Alassara associated with her daughter. Care and love, anger, worry, pride, insecurity and exasperation, all of them tied to small scenes from her life. The first time she had held Layla in her arms, the fist time she had fed her, Layla’s first kill when she had sucked a servant dry in her frenzy, her guilt and shame afterwards… It was disorienting and partly embarrassing but through it all, I came to know one thing for sure: Layla was the most precious thing in the world to her. It had been the thought of her, drained to revive an ancient relict, that had driven her to such extremes.

Contrary to my intuition, she didn’t care too much about Aurelia, her submissive attitude and unbound gratitude didn’t stem from me saving the vampire. No when, she had first embraced her daughter again on the way here, she had been able to glimpse a few of her memories through their bond. Alassara had realised that Ahri and I had truly been willing to protect her child, no matter the circumstances and that we weren’t going to abandon her, whatever happened. The simple fact that her daughter would be safe and looked after, even if she wasn’t there, that she’d have two guardian angels on her shoulder, had brought it on.

My vision swam and I had to blink back my tears, the torrent of emotions strong enough to crack my facade. Alassara was happy, she was so content it felt like a fire was burning inside her chest. “Oh my, once we get back, you really have to meet my mother. The two of you will get along splendidly,” I snivelled and retracted my wings. “Gods, I’m sorry. I… I’m glad I could free her. Neither of you deserved that. I couldn’t even imagine what I would do if Ahri was taken from me. You’re a much better person… I wouldn’t have managed to hold back for a single day.”

“More restraint, maybe. But to be completely honest, had my gamble not paid off, I would have drowned this city in its blood and fought fang and claw until I would have held her in my arms again. I don’t think we are much different in this regard, except… I imagine your rampage would have left behind nothing but scorched earth, whereas mine would probably have ended with my death. He took her four weeks ago… those were the darkest days of my life and I’ve already been thrown into more hellholes than most people can imagine. Another thing we have in common.”

I gave her a tremulous smile. “That we have. So… what do you say, my friend. Ready to climb into some more?”