The Stone Warriors: Nicodemus Read online

  Nico stood with a grimace. He needed a bath and fresh clothes, not to mention a decent meal, and sleep. He pulled on his coat, did a final check on his prisoners, and left, locking all the doors as he went. Somewhat concerned about the master’s ability to summon his nestmates, Nico took the additional precaution of placing a spell on the outside door that would both hide the door from human eyes, and if that failed, a second spell would make every door in the building impossible to open.

  Finally, as confident as he could be, he turned for home and his bed.

  NICO APPROACHED his house from the rear, using all his senses to scan the building. It was early enough that there was a chance David wouldn’t yet be awake, but as Nico approached, he noted the light on in the young man’s room. A moment later, a second light flashed on in the kitchen. He smiled, thinking it must be the day for the housekeeper’s regular visits, which would work to his advantage. David spent those mornings in the kitchen, having breakfast with the pretty, young woman named Josette. The two young people had begun a courtship, which delighted Nico. He’d be leaving someday and didn’t want David to be alone when that happened.

  Waiting a few minutes to be sure he was right about the two of them being settled in the kitchen, he let himself in the front door and hurried upstairs, aided by a simple spell that muffled his footsteps. Once in his room, he tore off his clothes and collapsed into bed for a few hours’ sleep.

  When he finally made his usual late morning appearance downstairs, his tired brain was invigorated by first the smell, and then the taste of fresh coffee, which he considered one of the greatest discoveries of this world. Walking into the dining room, he found his place set as usual, and David waiting with a large envelope of fine linen. Curious about the envelope, but needing his wits alert, he sugared and sipped his coffee first, then held out a hand.

  The first thing he noted was Charron’s wax seal on the flap. He gave David a questioning glance.

  “It arrived first thing this morning, sir.”

  “Who brought it?”

  “A carriage driver hired for the task.”

  Nico frowned, and his gut tightened with worry. Charron wasn’t a generous or ostentatious man, other than when it related to his own comfort. But this . . . . Had something happened to another member of their group? They were always going off on ill-advised vampire hunts, despite his urging that they wait until he had better weapons for them. Abruptly aware that it could be Vital, or even his sister, who’d been injured or worse, he tore open the seal with little regard for neatness, and read the handwritten note.

  “Nicholas, mon ami, I have news regarding your missing cousin. If you can, please join me for luncheon today at two hours past the noon bell. Send word only if you are indisposed. Otherwise, I look forward to greeting you once more.”

  It was signed with Charron’s usual flourish.

  He read it again, wondering why the damn man couldn’t have simply revealed whatever he’d discovered, but knew that wasn’t Charron’s way. He probably loved the idea of summoning Nicholas to his parlor to receive the news. Mindful of the master vampire waiting in a rented basement, Nico might have sent his regrets and postponed hearing whatever Charron had discovered until the regular group meeting in a few days, but it gnawed at him that the other man had felt it important enough for a separate, personal engagement. What if he really had learned something of Sotiris’s whereabouts?

  “I’ll be lunching with Monsieur Charron today,” he told David. “If you could arrange a carriage?”

  “Of course. What time, if I might inquire?”

  Nico gave him a dry look at the excessively polite question. “Two bells past noon, I’m told. So . . . I don’t know. You decide the appropriate time to ensure a timely arrival.”

  “Of course. And will anyone be joining you for dinner this evening?”

  “No,” he said, slightly puzzled at the question. He rarely had dinner guests. Only Vital, and even that was sporadic at best. “I’m continuing my research alone for now.”

  “Very well.”

  He glanced up. “Stop hovering, David. Go back to the kitchen with Josette. It smells like she’s baking something delicious. Just save some for me.”

  David choked back a laugh he tried to hide. “Thank you, Nicholas. If you need anything—”

  “I’ll shout. Go.”

  BY THE TIME THE carriage arrived to transport him to his luncheon with Charron, Nico was willing to admit a certain curiosity as to what the man’s news might be. It had to be something more than a traveler overhearing Sotiris’s name whispered in a village, didn’t it? Otherwise, it wouldn’t have been worth this private luncheon.

  He presented himself at Charron’s door just as the cathedral bells rang the second hour of the afternoon. He was greeted by Violette, who had ceased flirting with him once she knew he’d learned of her betrothal to Charron. Nico suspected Vital had also told her of his lack of interest, though no doubt he’d phrased it diplomatically. Either way, it meant he no longer had to dissuade her attention, so he was grateful.

  Closing the door behind him now, Violette waved a casual hand in the direction of Charron’s parlor and continued up the stairs, obviously no longer seeing the need for formality.

  When he walked into the parlor, Charron lifted his buttocks off the settee in a semblance of greeting, and waved a hand at the lone chair sitting at the small table between them.

  “Good afternoon, Charron. Thank you for inviting me.”

  “My pleasure, Nicholas. As I said in my note, I have news you’ll want to hear. I also have this.”

  He held out a letter-sized envelope that was completely ordinary, except for the fine linen paper that it was made of. And once Nico took it from him, he couldn’t help wondering at the elegant writing on the outside that read simply, “Nicodemus Katsaros.”

  Nico stared at his name, his true name, on the envelope. “What is this?”

  “I don’t know,” Charron protested, seeming flustered by the question. “It is addressed to you.”

  “How is that possible? No one knows I’m here, except family, and this is not from them.”

  “I was told it was left for you by your cousin. I thought you’d be pleased.”

  “Left where?”

  “With a sorcerer friend who lives not far from my family’s country estate. He heard of my inquiries, and sent this on. He was told you would be looking for him, and to give it to you.”

  Nico wanted to tell him that was impossible. No one knew where he was. Not even Sotiris. He’d been long gone by the time Nico had followed, and even if he’d guessed that Nico would come after him, how could he know where . . . . Well, fuck. Of course, he’d known. He’d designed the damn spell. And hadn’t Nico just spent days figuring out how the spell worked? That first transition could only go to Paris, because that’s where Sotiris had designed it to go.

  It wouldn’t have taken a genius to guess that Nicodemus would try to use the spell to locate his warriors. And as much as he hated Sotiris, he had to admit the bastard was very likely a genius. He wasn’t as gifted as Nico himself, but was still quite talented. But for this message to come now . . . . Had Sotiris already moved on, and left this just in case Nico followed him into this world, this city?

  Or by the gods, was the bastard still here?

  Nico ripped open the envelope, wanting whatever answers it could give him, and immediately recognized Sotiris’s flowery script.

  I never doubted you would follow, my old enemy. Just as I’m certain you never believed it would be that simple. Take care with the gift I’ve left for you. The lives of your precious warriors may depend upon it.”

  Nico’s fingers tightened to a fist, crumpling the letter between them. The evil bastard was tormenting him, wanting to make him believe he could save his warriors. Steeling himself for th
e rest, he straightened the letter and read the final paragraph.

  Oh, yes . . . you may have dissected the curse that binds your warriors, and followed me this far. But do you know yet that each curse is unique to one warrior, and can be lifted only if nearly impossible conditions are met? So even if you find their stone prisons, Nicodemus, your power will not free them. The curses must be broken . . . but not by you. They alone know the keys to their freedom. Now, if only they could tell someone . . .

  Nico could almost hear the sadistic bastard simpering that last bit in a mockery of care. “Who delivered this?” he demanded in a harsh whisper.

  Charron blinked in confusion at the question, or perhaps at its furious delivery. He stared for the blink of an eye, then said, “An ordinary carriage driver. One of the servants answered the door, but when the driver inquired as to your whereabouts, Violette overheard. She questioned the man thoroughly in turn, but he knew only that his employer had been entrusted with this letter by Monsieur Sotiris, who had briefly been a guest at his employer’s estate.” He hesitated, then asked, “Is there a problem, Nicholas? Was this letter not sent by your cousin?”

  “No. I mean, yes, it appears to be genuine, and from my cousin. But it says only that he’s moved on, not where he’s gone.” Nico decided against mentioning Sotiris’s allusion to a gift that he’d left with the same man. Or maybe it was not with the man, but on this estate.

  “Where can I find the sorcerer who was keeping this for my cousin? Do you know his name, and where I can find him?”

  “Mais, bien sûr. I know him well. His estate is several days’ ride outside Paris, however.”

  “I’ll need to go there, to talk to him. If you would write me a letter of introduction, I would be grateful.”

  “You need not ask. But it is a considerable distance. When will you leave?”

  Nico thought quickly. He didn’t want to waste time, but couldn’t simply abandon his responsibilities in the city—not the least of which were the two vampires currently imprisoned in his secret location. “Two days. I’ll require one day to finish my research, and a second to set my other affairs in order. I’ve made certain discoveries regarding the vampires in this city and want to share what I’ve learned with you and Vital before I leave. My return to Paris might be delayed if I learn of my cousin’s plans.”

  “You should ask Vital to accompany you on this journey. The roads are not as safe as they once were.”

  “I travelled a great distance to reach your fair city, mon ami. My sorcery makes an excellent companion and defender.” He gave the other man a smile of shared understanding, one sorcerer to another. Though Charron’s power was no more than a shadow of his own, the Parisian had been welcoming in his own way, and certainly helpful.

  “Ah, oui. Will you stay this afternoon, or—?”

  Nico was already shaking his head. “I regret that I cannot. I would meet with you tomorrow, if possible, however.”

  “Come to dinner, then. I look forward to learning of your discoveries.”

  “Bon. Merci.” With a barely civil farewell, Nico was out the door and, grateful his driver had a habit of lingering, jumped into the carriage and ordered him to return home at all speed.

  Chapter Eleven

  NICO MADE SEVERAL decisions on the trip home, though none of them were made consciously. His mind raced as he thought of everything he would need to take care of before leaving Paris for an extended amount of time. The length of his absence would depend on what he discovered upon reaching the estate of Charron’s sorcerer friend. The only thing he knew was that whatever the “gift” Sotiris had left for him was, it wouldn’t be anything good.

  He’d told Charron that he needed time to complete his research on Paris’s vampires, though that wasn’t precisely true. He was already confident the amber manacles would hold a master, though the true test wouldn’t occur until that evening. He didn’t want to rush his conclusions, since Vital and the others would pay the price for any mistakes he made. But he didn’t want to linger, either.

  He would get started as soon as he reached the townhouse, but would need to be in the rented basement before the vampires rose for the night. If the manacles didn’t hold for any reason, his power would be necessary to eliminate the master vampire before he could escape. That was one task that he couldn’t trust to anyone but himself.

  As details sped through his thoughts, a fresh possibility arose that had him leaning forward to order the driver to take him to the office of his banker, instead of straight home. There was a good possibility that he would never return to Paris—or if he did, not for many years—and he wanted to make such arrangements as he could for the townhouse and what it contained. Nico’s home had been purchased with a single cash payment, which was unusual, but had been explained away by a windfall bequeathed to Nico by a recently dead grandparent. David was already a co-owner of the property, though he doubted the butler knew what he’d signed. But knowing now that he might be gone for some time, he wanted to clarify the arrangements and any legalities with the banker to avoid problems for David later on. He would also leave a letter with Vital, whom he trusted to protect David’s legal interests if necessary. He would never have trusted Charron with a similar responsibility.

  The banker saw Nico immediately, and their conversation took very little time. The man was honest. Nico had used his magic to be sure of that before doing any business with him. David had been as close to family as Nico had in this world, and he wanted the young man to be financially able to do whatever he wished with his life, including marriage and family. He would have advised him to sell the townhouse, and leave Paris, which Nico thought was on the brink of another revolution. Not to mention that the city was generally an unhealthy place to live. But David was an adult, or would be soon, and would make his own choices as every man had a right to do. Still, he was inexperienced in matters of property and wealth, and so Nico had penned a letter with his recommendations, making clear that was all they were.

  With the bank business behind him, Nico arrived home in time for an early supper, after which he retired to his office, pleading a pile of research waiting for him. He wasn’t convinced David believed him. The young man saw more than most would give him credit for. Later that evening, he asked David to join him for dinner, so they could discuss his departure.

  “I’ll be traveling outside the city soon,” he told David. “I’ll need you to look after this house while I’m gone. Keep it clean and well-maintained and such.”

  “I should go with you, Nicholas. The roads aren’t safe, and your banker can see to the house,” David said.

  “You forget that I traveled to Paris from my home—which is very far away—and arrived safely.”

  “And you forget that you resembled a peasant when you arrived. No self-respecting thief would have wasted time on you then. Now is another matter.”

  Nico laughed. “I did, didn’t I? But I am still capable of protecting myself.”

  “There are new and dangerous bands of brigands on the roads, I’ve heard. And capable or not, you are only one man.”

  “One very skilled man, who has fought and survived more wars than you’ve ever heard of.”

  Seeing that reason wasn’t going to work, David said simply, “I’d like to come, sir.”

  Nico’s expression softened. “I know. And there is no one I’d rather have by my side. But I’ll be moving fast, and don’t know where I’ll end up, or how long it will take me to get there. I need you here, so that I have a home to return to.”

  David sighed deeply. “Vital could stay here, in your house. He’d probably welcome the opportunity to get away from the others.”

  Nico smiled. “You’re not wrong, I suspect. But his attention is already split between his family estate in the country, and his business here in the city. Besides, if he left the townhouse, Viole
tte would have to come with him, lest he create a scandal by leaving her to live unchaperoned with Charron.”

  The young butler rolled his eyes. “I don’t know them as well as you do, but if Charron tried anything untoward, Violette could run all the way from their townhome to the other side of the Seine before Charron even managed to put on his coat and climb into a carriage.”

  Nico felt compelled to swallow his laughter, though he privately agreed. “Even so. This house is your home, not Vital’s or anyone else’s. I need you here.”

  “Yes, sir,” he sighed, with all the reluctance of the boy he’d so recently been.

  “Besides, think how impressed our young housekeeper will be with your rise in station.”

  He brightened. “Do you think so?”

  “Of course. Women love a responsible man.”

  “I suppose they have to, don’t they?” David said thoughtfully. “Do you think I’m too young to marry?”

  Nico choked on the bite of fish he’d just swallowed, and had to drink some wine before answering. “How old are you?”

  “Sixteen years, according to my mother.”

  He was definitely too young, but only in Nico’s world. In France, especially outside the city, David could well have been married and a father already. “I think,” he said slowly, “that being ready to marry has more to do with the person than the number of years. You, David, are one of the most trustworthy and resourceful men I have ever met.”

  “Resourceful?”

  “It is a quality that can be more important than any other. It means if there’s a problem, you don’t sit in a corner and cry. You figure out a solution and get it done. Your family will never want for food or shelter, because you will figure out a way to take care of them. You’re clever, and you’re intelligent. Those matter. Besides, you’ll always have a home with me. You and your family both.” He said it as a promise, knowing that it might well be a promise he’d have to keep from afar.