EIGHT DRAVEN’S OFFER #2
‘I do love that pathetic poetic aspect of the Keeper heritage. Seeing your predecessor meet their end, in full colour too. It must be a fascinating watch.’ Draven gives a fake shudder, relishing the thought.
There’s an unsettling playfulness to his tone.
He’s a predator taunting its prey before the final strike.
‘Miss Ford was a spritely thing. Broke free from our clutches. It does bring me on to reason number one of why I am here.’
Tariq’s breathing has quickened. I can almost feel his pulse racing through his body and into mine.
Draven stands, playing with his hat in his hands. ‘I need you to tell me exactly what you saw in your dream.’
‘You know what he—’
‘Ah, ah, ah.’ Draven holds up a finger to Tariq. ‘I’d like to hear it from the Auctus.’
Why does he want to know what I saw? He already knows I’ve seen him kill Katie. What else would he want to know? Or maybe it’s something he doesn’t want me to know. Something I shouldn’t have seen in my dream.
‘Don’t be shy,’ Draven says, bending down in front of me to reach my eye level. He’s even more vile up close.
Tariq nods as if giving me permission to speak.
‘You were in the forest, with two other Dark Friars,’ I say.
‘Yes, go on,’ says Draven.
‘You tried to kill Katie, but she fought back.’
‘Ah, yes. She didn’t realise her powers were useless against me.’ He looks at Tariq. ‘Of course, I played along. I had to give her some hope before I ended her.’
My gut turns as I recall his blade sliding inside her.
‘Your Friars held her as you killed her,’ I continue, through gritted teeth.
‘And? What happened next?’
Is this what he’s getting at? The chanting, the fire, those demonic eyes appearing in Katie’s lifeless body. How do I play this?
‘Tell me what you saw!’ Draven shouts.
I jump. ‘Nothing. Her body fell. Everything went dark. Then I woke up,’ I say, trying to sound as sincere as possible.
Draven studies me closely.
‘Very well,’ he says, straightening up.
My heartbeat slows down just a little. But I can tell Tariq is still on edge.
‘Now, the second reason I am here. I’d like to make you, and the Guild, an offer,’ Draven continues, retaking his seat.
Tariq scoffs. ‘What could you possibly offer us?’
‘How about your life?’ Draven responds quickly, and Tariq fidgets again. ‘In particular, this one’s life.’ He points a bony finger my way.
My stomach sinks. Tariq’s eyes find mine for just a moment.
‘I’m sure the Guild would not wish to lose another Keeper. Not after what happened to dear sweet Thomas.’
Tariq gets up so quickly he almost knocks me over. When I regain my composure, I can’t believe my eyes. Tariq is cradling a ball of… fire!
‘Tariq…’ I say, but I don’t think it’s audible.
The tennis-ball-sized flame spins beneath his fingers. His jaw is clenched, his eyes narrow. Is he trying to blow Draven up with his mind or something?
‘You have no right to say his name,’ says Tariq.
But Draven hasn’t moved. In fact, he seems more calm than when we first entered the courtyard.
‘Now, Mr Ashar, you know your party tricks won’t work on me,’ says Draven. He tuts before standing. ‘I see you haven’t lost that fiery temper.’
Tariq hesitates for a moment, then lowers his arm, the ball of fire vanishing in an instant.
How did he do that? And who is Thomas? There’s so much I want to ask, but now is definitely not the time.
‘Now, back to my offer. I don’t plan to be in Sarumbourne long, just a few weeks while I take care of some business. If the Guild stays out of my way, then I will stay out of theirs, and in turn, let your new Auctus live.’
‘I don’t believe you,’ Tariq says.
Draven sighs. He stands, taking a few steps toward Tariq, now just an arm’s reach away. He’s taller than both of us, way over six feet. He holds his hat in both hands, his long skeletal fingers clasping at the rim.
‘You know me better than that, Elementa. I’m an honest man. What I am offering is a one-time deal. You keep your distance from the Dark Friars while we’re here, and this one will be unharmed.’
I swallow. Being threatened really wasn’t on my to-do list today.
Draven places his hat on his head and nods, first at Tariq, then at me. ‘Good evening, gentlemen.’
We both watch as Draven walks away.
‘Oh, and, Mr Ashar, tell the Motus I said hello,’ Draven calls back, before vanishing down the darkness of the alleyway.
Motus? I’ll just add that to my WTF list.
Neither of us moves until we hear the gate open and close at the other end.
I turn to Tariq, quickly. ‘I didn’t just see Katie die in my dream.’
‘What?’ says Tariq.
‘After Draven killed her, he and a couple of other Dark Friars started this sort of… chanting. Then her eyes opened again, but they were different. Her body burst into flames. That’s when I woke up.’
‘You didn’t mention this before?’
‘I guess I didn’t think it was important, until just now.’
‘It must have something to do with the reason Draven and the Dark Friars are back in Sarumbourne. We need to tell Nathaniel.’
Something stirs in the corner of the courtyard. I can’t make it out, but there’s a familiar sound. Screeching.
‘Shit.’ Tariq grasps at his neck.
I grab at mine, feeling his pendant on my skin.
‘We need to get inside now,’ he says.
We race toward the back door of the Seven Angels, but just as Tariq reaches to put his key in the lock, the door swings open.
A girl stands before us.
‘You’re late.’