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CHAPTER ELEVEN

G wil waited for the reaction. He’d finished relaying everything he had so far. His contacts had done an amazing job, and he’d explained all the information as calmly as he could. He hadn’t expected the audience, Robin was here with Solivatus. He’d been prepared for them but not for Sebastian Hewel. This was only his third time in Sebastian’s presence, and this occasion was worse than the other two as previously Sebastian had not acknowledged his existence. Sebastian was the Head of the House of Hewel and as such he was one of the most important vampires in the world. He looked as if he were in his twenties despite being over eight hundred years old, and dressed like a goth kid, not someone who could kill you in a heartbeat. Gwil was beginning to wish Hyax was here but he’d not been home when the car had arrived and Solivatus had told him not to fuck about. He’d deal with Hyax later. He was going to be pissed off for leaving without him, but he couldn’t tell Solivatus he couldn’t come out and play because his boyfriend wasn’t home, and Hyax had promised to rein in his jealousy.

Robin stared at Gwil. “Your potato people told you all that?”

“His name is Copperpipe. And given it’s his information, I think it would be nice not to refer to him as a tuber.” He panicked internally for a moment, realising who he was talking to, his defence of Copperpipe automatic and not considering who he was chastising. “If you wouldn’t mind.”

“Apologies, you are of course correct,” Robin said, sounding sincere and Gwil’s fear receded. “But I must admit I am rather surprised at the amount and quality of his information. Especially as it’s been less than twenty-four hours since we last talked.”

He used to underestimate Copperpipe but over the years he’d delivered time and time again, although this was stellar even for him and he would be forever grateful, as getting this sort of kudos from the likes of Robin Flint was priceless. “It’s amazing what he can do for the right incentive and, at the moment, he’s a big fan of a certain female pop star and Solivatus was able to arrange a call which, let’s just say, oiled wheels like I’ve never seen before.”

Robin was scrolling through the information Gwil had sent over. “So, we’re pretty certain a lich is masquerading as a Dr Ralph Mettle, and for the last twenty years he’s been travelling the world as a faith healer?”

He’d been able to corroborate Copperpipe’s information through other means. Mettle seemed to be a smooth bastard who’d managed to stay under the radar and still do what the fuck he wanted and had an almost undercover cult following trying to seek his help. “For the last five years or so he’s been settled in the UK, the exact location is difficult because he’s been able to make himself untrackable and untraceable. But from the intel, he conducts healing clinics and then invites those he thinks need more help to his residential property. We think it’s there he’s been holding Prince Simon.”

Robin looked ready to kill. “Then we go get him.”

Gwil glanced over to Solivatus and Sebastian, he knew how vampire society worked. Nothing would happen without Sebastian’s say-so in the House of Hewel, and he hadn’t told Robin anything yet but Sebastian had been given a download of the information in advance by Solivatus.

“I don’t think it’ll be that simple,” Gwil continued. “The spell work and magical wards are like nothing we’ve seen. We’ve narrowed down the location to three potentials and we’ve people scouting but with that level of security we aren’t going to be able to waltz in there. It’s not going to be a matter of storming the fortress but infiltrating and worming our way in.”

Liches were known for their power and ability to work with complex magic, Mettle fitted the pattern, and Simon would be a perfect target for him. His fellow vampires weren’t known for their patience so Gwil would need help to prevent them from doing something rash and stupid.

“We don’t have the time for that,” Robin snapped.

Gwil understood his concern for Simon but he wasn’t seeing the bigger picture. He could see why Karl and Alex had approached Hyax at the end of their last visit.

“Robin.” Sebastian sat forward in his chair. “This is bigger than Simon, and while I understand you don’t give a flying fuck about anyone else, if we don’t do this in the right way, then this Ralph fucker can disappear and take Simon with him.”

“Can I ask what you consider the right way to be?” Even Robin wouldn’t risk arguing with Sebastian.

“Once the reconnaissance has concluded, we will find a way to get two or three people into the facility. Two as patients and the third on the staff if we can.”

“I want to do it,” Robin said, a demand that wasn’t unexpected but probably not the most sensible, and Gwil didn’t think he’d be talked out of changing his mind.

“I thought you might,” Sebastian said with a smirk. “Which is why we are researching a safe way to alter someone’s appearance without obvious flaws or them looking like they’ve been generated by AI on a detox setting. Having talked to Solivatus, and knowing what you would demand, we thought you, Gwil and Jack Webb would be the best candidates.”

He hadn’t been asked exactly been asked, more voluntold. Solivatus had informed him the research had been ongoing for a while since they’d thought it unlikely wherever Simon was would be an easy target. The truth of the matter was he couldn’t refuse, given who had been making the demands, no matter how the request was couched. It didn’t mean he wasn’t scared shitless at what might happen and although Hyax would be involved, it would also include magic from other spell chuckers who he didn’t know or trust.

“Thank you for understanding,” Robin said.

“I would do the same for Anthony,” Sebastian admitted and since Anthony was Sebastian’s Eternal, lord help anyone stupid enough to hurt him, as Sebastian Hewel would see them pay for it. “I just ask you for some patience, Robin. Alex and Ashley are close to a resolution, and they are running some ideas past Hyax.”

“Not James and Hylei?” Robin seemed surprised.

“They are as distraught as you are, and James might go in waving a broadsword, so I can’t risk him ruining the plan. You keep this to a strictly need-to-know basis. Is that clear?”

Hyax hadn’t mentioned being contacted, but Gwil guessed that might be happening as they spoke. Apart from his initial visit, James hadn’t been mentioned again and it was Queen Hylei who’d been in touch. She had been distraught at the thought of what might be happening to her only child. Given how unstable fae could be at the best of times, Gwil thought Sebastian was wise to keep her away from the fight. In her current mood it could save half a village from being wiped off the map.

Robin squared his shoulders, looking resolute. “As I’ve said, I’ll do whatever it takes.”

“From what I’ve heard about spells and potions that change someone’s appearance, they’re not too pleasant, but physiologies such as those of vampires and certain creatures fare better. Hence, why you and Gwil were chosen.”

“And Jack Webb?” Robin seemed surprised at the choice.

“You need a magic user with you, and he’s one of the best the Invigilators have,” Sebastian said. “And elements of his genetics mean he’s no stranger to odd things sprouting.”

“He’s part siren, isn’t he?” Robin said.

Gwil hadn’t met Jack Webb He’d heard of him as a legal whizz, although nothing about him being on the scaley side. He knew to keep his mouth shut, even if he had. If Jack had been recommended by the Invigilators, he’d be one of the best, as the Invigilators were there to ensure fair play in the Vampire Council and had to be able to deal with pretty much anything.

“Not my place to confirm or deny. Ben is in his potion shack brewing a few important bits and bobs, so all being well, we should be able to finalise the plans within the next day or so.”

Gwil hadn’t expected the Dark Earl of Crofton to do the brewing, but he was fast realising there was nothing about the assignment he should take for granted. They must be more advanced with the plan than he thought. He got the feeling Hyax was about to be dropped into the middle and he wouldn’t be happy but would mask his annoyance outwardly until he got the chance to blast the shit out of something to vent his anger.

A scuffling noise came from the fireplace and Copperpipe, wearing a new flour sack judging by the minimal stains, scrambled out and grinned. Gwil hadn’t told him where he was, but Copperpipe knew things Gwil had no idea how he found out, and if he were honest didn’t want to know. “What is the collective noun for Fang Faces? A phlebotomy?”

“You must excuse Copperpipe,” Gwil said quickly. “He doesn’t understand the concept of deference.”

Copperpipe snorted. “Senior vamps never have a sense of humour.”

It was obvious Robin didn’t know what to make of Copperpipe. “There’s not a lot at the moment for me to laugh at.”

Copperpipe’s expression changed to sad, and he rubbed his nose. “Yes, you are missing your pretty princeling, Mr Flint. But I bring you good news.”

“You do?”

From out of his sacking, he removed a crumpled piece of paper and waved it for Robin to take. “There is no way to speak or write the name of the exact place—there is powerful forgetmist over the area—but I’ve drawn you a map. It sits in the middle.”

Robin took the piece of paper between his thumb and forefinger, no doubt wondering where it might have been secreted. He held the page up for them all to see. Gwil wouldn’t call it a map as such, but there was an X in the middle of three place names Weobley, Ledgemoor and King’s Pyon, like a rubbish treasure map.

Solivatus took the piece of paper from Robin, looking equally concerned about its origin. “Herefordshire. I believe.”

Copperpipe nodded. “My associate may have accidentally eaten a couple of cows. Tasty.”

Sebastian peered at the map. “The X is in marshland… ancient common land and the sort of place witches were thought to hang out. But it’s a bit too cold and damp for the fun stuff.”

“Surely someone would notice a manor house in the middle of a marsh.” Robin turned back to Copperpipe. “Are you sure it’s here?”

“Yes. The place reeks of badness… no mistake.”

“I suppose if a sewer dweller says it smells bad then there must be something about it,” Robin said, and Gwil thought he had a point. He’d never known Copperpipe to offer judgment on his intel, making him think they should be extra cautious.

“Weobley is one of those old places, there’d be powerful ley lines under the marshland.” Sebastian seemed to be recalling a memory. “Used to have a castle… lots of dark places and willing bodies that bleed. I do miss the 1400s… death was simpler then.”

“Thanks, Copperpipe,” Gwil said, shooing him back to the fireplace, keen that he didn’t say something that might get them both into trouble. “I’ll have the eclairs shipped straightaway.”

“The good ones, with extra salted caramel.” The way Copperpipe smacked his lips made Robin shudder and several others in the room grimace.

“Absolutely. A dozen a day for the next month.”

He went the way he came, and Robin turned to Gwil. “Eclairs?”

“He’s got no need for money, and our dealings are transactional dependent on what he wants at the time.”

“If he’s found me Simon, I’ll give him anything he wants in the world.”

“That’s the thing, what he wants at the moment is salted caramel eclairs.” Gwil smiled, he wished some of his clients were even as half as straightforward. “It’ll be different again next time, but he does like a pear drop and I have a bag of those delivered once a month whether I need him or not.”

Sebastian opened a laptop and pulled up an ordnance survey map of the area. He had a way of hyper-focusing that was unnerving and Gwil never wanted to be the object of his scrutiny. “Now we have our location let’s get our three witches together and see what they’ve come up with.”

Gwil winced at the term, as one of those had to be Hyax.

“But there’s so much we don’t know,” Robin said.

“We couldn’t wait for everything to be confirmed, I’ve been making plans and drawing up scenarios based on what we did know and a risk-based hypothesis. We need to be ready to act.”

Solivatus’s mobile pinged. He read the message. “Seems Dr Mettle is holding a new meeting in two days… Time for you to be saved, Robin, maybe taken into residential care.”

Gwil knew he wasn’t the only one with contacts, and Solivatus would have people all over waiting to act once he had something to go on, Copperpipe’s early insights would have allowed Solivatus to send out his dogs.

“How are we going to make him do that?” Robin asked.

“Then we’ve luck on our side,” Sebastian said. “I’ve been thinking about this. While I accept they do cure people of their ailments, I can’t believe a lich would do anything for purely altruistic reasons.”

Gwil didn’t know much about liches but what he did know wasn’t good and he didn’t think they’d do anything for nothing.

“He must want something in return,” Robin said.

“Oh yes. My theory is he’s invited individuals from the meetings who can be of use to him, a vampire’s blood is worth a lot on the black market, as are the bark scrapings of naiads.”

Robin’s top lip curled into a sneer. “I suppose there’s use for anyone, darker potion ingredients or spell work often have a sacrificial or biological aspect.”

“Exactly. I’ve a business generating an income based on those principles, but I don’t go around kidnapping innocent people. I pay for donations—and I pay bloody well—but I’d bet one of my houses Mettle is harvesting from his patients without their consent. To be honest, I wouldn’t give a flying fuck, but he crossed the line when he took Simon, and he will have to pay.”

“I’m not sure how we’re going to make him pick me and Gwil,” Robin said. Gwil didn’t think he’d be of interest, they might want his blood, but they probably wouldn’t need both him and Robin.

“We need to make you look like a decent prospect… or if he doesn’t pick you, replace you with ones he does.”

“How are we going to do that?” Robin was holding back his frustration, but Gwil saw it was a lot of effort.

“Some sort of rare condition might be a good start. We need to think about this, if it were a sexually communicable disorder then both you and Gwil could have it… set you up as lovers who need to get rid of the vampire pox.”

He’d agreed to go undercover but not this, and he could see Hyax losing his shit. “I don’t think Hyax would be in favour of that idea.”

Solivatus grunted. “You’d just be acting, and it wouldn’t even look like the real you. He’ll be fine… or I will speak to him about his trust issues.”

“I can speak to Prince Hyax,” Robin said. “He is already aware of the bond I share with Simon and would know I would have no interest in Gwil.”

If he were being honest, Gwil didn’t think Robin would have fucked him even if he’d been single. He wasn’t sure that would make Hyax any happier though.

“The Invigilators should be able to build a trail if they check backgrounds… a police report about the spell use, medical records showing they hadn’t been cured, with some flavour to make you even more interesting,” Sebastian said. “They’ll want to be seen to help with the return of Simon.”

“This all does depend on whether the magic is possible,” Robin said.

“I have every faith, Robin. You’ll see. Ashley, Alex and Hyax all bring distinct flavours to the mix and the lich won’t realise what’s going on until it’s too late.”

Gwil hoped Hyax wouldn’t take afront at all the assumptions being made, Gwil had no clue about the level of power or what type of magic was needed and, if this hadn’t involved another fae, he could’ve seen Hyax flouncing off, spraying holy water as he went.

Robin still didn’t seem fully convinced. “Are we certain there’s no way to do an extraction? Go in get Simon and get out?”

“I’ve already explained once, Robin, I’m not one for repeating myself. Now, if you’re not keen on helping us get your Eternal home, I’m sure I can find someone else to help and it would be a shame if your lack of engagement were to get back to Simon and his family.”

Gwil held his breath, then remembered he didn’t breathe. Sebastian was a scary bastard and Robin tensed at the rebuke. The threat was clear, and Robin wasn’t stupid.

“I’m completely committed to bringing Simon home, and to Simon.”

“Correct answer, Robin.” Sebastian’s smile had no warmth to it. “Now you should go rest. Leave the planning to me and Solivatus.”

“I am grateful for your guidance.” Robin turned to Gwil. “Come on, Gwil, let’s go and inform your fiancé of the plan and start to work on our backstory.”

Robin took Gwil firmly by the arm and they left. Gwil was not looking forward to having to explain to Hyax that he wasn’t going to pretend to have caught something due to getting down and dirty from sex magic with Robin.