The Silver Rose (19 page)

Goran sat down heavily and shook his head as comprehension registered. “OK, so I am the stupid one.”

Aden leaned back against the wall and folded his arms across his chest. “You and me both.”

Goran huffed with dry amusement. “Now what?”

“You work on unraveling the sisters' magic, and I'll continue working on finding Rosa a man with potential.”

“And at the risk of repeating myself, what's wrong with you? She's a witch. You're a warlock. Perfect match.”

“You, of all people, should know better. I've interfered enough without toying with her further.”

“An epidemic, it seems.” Goran arched an eyebrow, and his mouth lifted in dry, mocking humor. “Interference appears to be catching in this town. Are you certain you've explored all possibilities? Have you considered the bells have tolled for you also?”

“Dragons' Oath! Are you deranged? Did those witches damage something when they Called you down?”

Goran's nostrils flared. “The last warlock who insulted me like that is now a little rooster scratching dust somewhere in Missouri. I've not lost my earthly powers. It's as well you're my superior, or I might be tempted to send you to keep the rooster company for a century or two.”

Aden knew his friend's threat was nothing but hot air. “I'm grateful for your friendship, but your notion that the bells toll for me is ridiculous!”

“Is it? When did you hear Rosa's bells ring? Was it before or after Marylebone issued the assignment? Are you certain the toll did not ring the exact moment as it did for Rosa?”

“Impossible! I would know it without question. Even if it were so, Rosa is neither immortal nor a neophyte of Marylebone.”

“If you were to romance and wed her, in time she could ascend to Marylebone as a neophyte. She has the skills to achieve immortal status.”

“Entrance to Marylebone is an arduous road. The tests are many, and I'll not put her through a lifetime of watching me stay young while she grows old based on such a fickle word as if. I've played that game before and look at the anguish my folly caused. No. I won't interfere.”

“Your past misdeeds have long been forgiven. You'd not be Dragon otherwise. Don't you think it odd they sent you on this assignment? Here you stand, Dragon of Marylebone, next in line to Anton, Grand Dragon, and one step from presiding on the Supreme Council of Magical Beings. Yet they send you to do something my apprentice's familiar could do with his talons behind his back.”

“The only conclusion I've come to is Rosa is so powerful it will take someone such as myself to ensure she meets her fate. To waste her talent would be … .” Aden shook his head, unable to finish.

“Sacrilegious!” Goran filled in for him. “A paltry deduction when it's obvious to everyone Rosa is special. Your brain has been addled by unrequited lust. It could be she's an immortal in training and you don't know it.”

“I'd know if she were being watched by Marylebone for such an eventuality.”

“Just as you know you've not heard the bells?” Sarcasm dripped from each word.

“Get it through that thick head of yours. I've not heard the bells.”

“Ding, dong,” Goran sang heartily and drew a picture of a bell in the air. “My head is obviously not as thick as yours, otherwise you'd take more care with your words. Do you not see what is before your eyes?”

“My eyes see only heartache if I follow the path you suggest.”

“What if it was a directive from the Supreme Council?”

What an odd comment. “You're growing increasingly fanciful in your old age. Marylebone has never condoned a union between a mortal and an immortal, let alone the Supreme Council.”

“There's always a first time.”

Aden clenched his jaw. “You forget. I've been there. It didn't work out.”

“You could consult with Anton and ask his permission.”

“Rosa is not for me.” But he knew Goran's words would stick in his head and annoy him long into the hereafter.

“How do you know for sure, you addle-pated, hormone-overloaded warlock? You've a gaggle of testosterone running loose in your system, and it's all going to waste. If you don't release the build-up, it's possible you'll suffer irrevocable damage.”

The ridiculous notion caused an eruption of laughter from Aden, and Goran joined him. The tension between them evaporated.

“I hate waste,” Goran muttered. “You're powerful — in your prime.”

“Sex appears to be foremost on your mind. In lust again, are you?”

“Don't twist the conversation around to me.” A glint of devilry flared in Goran's dark eyes. “My lust for beautiful woman is perpetual.”

“And well documented. So heed me, my friend,” Aden warned. “Leave the sisters alone. Beth and Alanna are unable to protect themselves from your wily ways.”

“What in the name of Hades is a wily way? And you do me disservice. My lovers never suffer. Once I've dipped my tongue in their well, they're more than happy for me to dive back in for more. What can a warlock do but give them succor?”

“I think I'm going to be sick. Give me your word you'll not touch Beth or Alanna.”

“I'll give you a word.” Goran drew the word
NO
in large letters before him. It flamed into life and burned until nothing remained. “I'm here for a purpose and must be free of promises if I am to accomplish my task.”

Aden pushed himself away from the wall. This was news to him. “I thought you were Called.”

“I was.” Goran laughed loud and strong once again. “The irony being I was coming anyway.”

“Why? What task are you here for?” Aden pushed a little more for an answer. “Out with it.”

“Can't. It would upset the … ”

“Fates. Damn the Fates. Tell me now!”

“All I can say is it has to do with Alanna and that dragon in her courtyard. My immortal soul is far too important to jeopardize. No threats will drag additional information from me.”

Aden shot Goran a sharp assessing look. Gregori! There was mystery at play, and the Coven was proving less than forthcoming. No matter how intently Aden read the stars and omens, his questions remained unanswered.

Magic was his touchstone. He had known it all his life. Lived amongst it as a young babe. It came as naturally to him as breathing. Until now. Now there was an awful silence from Marylebone, a weighty expectation, and no answers to his incessant questions. Bereft, he was without anchor, floating in a sea of confusion.

“Admit it,” Goran insisted. “This one has you stumped.”

“Have I not taught you a warlock is never stumped? Plus Alanna has implemented a sure-fire way to find Rosa a husband.”

Goran threw himself down on Aden's couch, reclined along the length, and rested his head on one hand while the other toyed with the lacy edge of a curtain. “If you mean the raffle, I know all about it. So does all of Marylebone. They're watching and betting on the likely winner. I imagine my name will be added to the pot if it hasn't already.”

Goran's voice was lazy, measured. Aden rolled his eyes. “Just how many at Marylebone are we talking here?”

“Everyone! I believe other covens are considering getting in on the act. Word has it you're courting financial suicide.”

Where was the warning from Marylebone to stop? “My expenses are no concern of yours.” Aden conjured two glasses of port. He placed Goran's on the coffee table and sat down in the chair opposite. Leaning forward, he braced his elbows on his knees and twirled the glass slowly in his hand. “Why is the Coven watching? They never do that.” He thought of all the tickets he had bought. Testosterone tickets!

Goran twirled his finger, and his glass hovered over to him. He grasped the stem and yawned lazily before replying. “Beats me.”

Aden's reprobate of an apprentice was lying. “Can you answer a direct question without skirting the issue? I begin to wonder if you're an apprentice worthy enough.”

“Nasty!” Goran's knuckles knotted around the stem of the glass. “Do not insult my worthiness if you want my assistance.”

Silence ensued. Goran's fingers turned the glass stem to a glowing red as it heated under his fingers. There was no way Aden wanted to alienate his friend. He would enjoy having the support of a friend while Rosa's fate played out.

Goran shrugged, a careless, devil-may-care action. “I was getting bored anyway. It will be centuries before I take your place. There are greater events at play than have been revealed to either of us. I know you don't believe me, but I too am unsure why Marylebone has been watching with so much interest. Although I can reveal Anton is engrossed in the spectacle with far more curiosity than usual. I've seen him rub his palms with glee so often they're slick with shine.” He held his glass out, the stem once again solid and clear. “If Anton were to attempt to pick up this glass it would slip right through his fingers.”

The air vibrated, and the ground trembled as a loud thunderclap rent the air. Anton was eavesdropping again.

Albert appeared in front of Aden in a cloud of smoke. Fanning the smoke away he growled, “Where have you been?”

Used to Aden's ill humor, Albert didn't bat an eye. His nostrils just smoked a little more. “To the coven. You sent me.”

“That was three days ago. I expected you back sooner.”

“Clarissa was unhappy to see Goran go. Clarissa needed Albert.”

“A little dragon dalliance should not keep you from your master.”

“She makes goo-goo eyes at me. Albert goes a little loco and forgets time.”

“Well, watch it, buddy. First it's goo-goo eyes, then it's a stake through the heart before being hauled out to burn in the midday sun!”

“Aden mixes with too many vampires. My little Clarissa wouldn't stake her Albert. She'd singe me with fire, but it's only excitement. Albert likes a little fire. Albert likes a little loco. Very exciting.”

Aden wished he liked loco too. “Have you a report for me?”

Albert shook his head, and a spray of sparks exploded from nostrils glowing red with excitement. “No decision to report. Sworn to secrecy.”

• • •

It was a pity there was no spark to speak of between Goran and Rosa. It would have solved a lot of problems. His charisma was considerable. Before the sun had set on his first full day in Raven's Creek, he had shamelessly charmed virtually every woman he'd encountered.

Two days after his arrival Rosa invited him on a picnic to Morepork Bay a few miles out of town. She wanted his undivided attention as she had questions only he could answer. She looked over to him as he sat beside her under the shade of a great Norfolk Pine. His eyes were closed, a self-satisfied smile on his lips. She knew her next question would wipe that smile away..

“Who is Albert?” She needed answers and she hoped Goran would provide them. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him start and his eyes popped open. Much as she willed him to turn to look directly at her, he steadfastly gazed out to sea. Oh, he knew all right.

“Albert, you say?”

“Yes, Albert. A little dragon with wings, a tail, and fiery nostrils. I saw him the night you arrived. One minute he was there in a starburst and then he disappeared just as fast. I saw him as clearly as I see you sitting next to me pretending you don't know who I'm talking about. He was with a warlock, but I couldn't make out his face or identity.” His stature was a whole lot like Aden's.

“A dragon?” Goran spoke softly and stroked the day-old stubble on his chin. “And a warlock?”

“Don't go all mysterious on me. I know you know who they are.”

“I was not there to see. If you remember, I was otherwise occupied.”

“Dragons are the domain of Marylebone Coven. You would know all of them.”

He turned to give her his full attention. Regret laced his voice. “I might be inclined to answer, but I'm afraid I cannot.”

“Cannot or will not?” Disappointment welled within Rosa.

“I'm bound by an oath to remain silent on many things. This is one of them.”

Rosa's neck prickled with dissatisfaction. “Surely you can tell me something?”

“I can tell you nothing.” Goran barked with laughter and slapped his thigh with the flat of his hand. “Unless your questions are exceptionally clever.”

“That's no answer.”

“It's the only one you're going to get.”

He flicked several leftover crumbs from the sandwich Rosa had made to the waiting seagulls pacing back and forth on the grass a few paces away. She had been hoping good food might loosen his tongue a little.

“You're from Marylebone. The little familiar could be yours.”

“If Clarissa were this side of the veil, she would be Earthbound as well and at my side.” Regret filled his eyes. “She will be well looked after at Marylebone until my return. Still, I will miss her.”

Rosa scrambled to her feet and stalked to the edge of the grass where the golden sand began. “I wish I could make sense of everything.”

Goran quickly followed. “Do not take responsibility for an action that wasn't yours. You have other things to worry about.”

“But I'm getting nowhere!”

“Silence your doubts and allow intuition to lead the way.”

“You're beginning to sound a lot like Beth. What happened with being direct and to the point?” Rosa hugged her arms about her middle, closed her eyes, and allowed the warmth of the sun to seep into her skin. Her tension eased a fraction. “It's hard to still a mind when all it does is churn anxiously, wondering and waiting.”

“What you seek is above the base interference of mental thought. Drop the mind.”

“How do I do that?”

“With love. It's one of the things both witch and warlock must learn to do before being allowed entry to Marylebone. Unless you're born there, of course. Those born at Marylebone are born immortal and trained from the moment they are born.”