An Angel’s Road to Hell

Cassandra Pendragon

“I won’t lie,” she breathed, “but I can promise you, we won’t let anything happen to her, whatever fate holds in store for us. You might not like what I’ve got to say, though…” I snorted and the rush of hot air made goosebumps erupt all over her neck.

“Let me guess, you think we should try, don’t you?” I felt her nod, her hair tickling my ears.

“I do. Cassy… I never thought there would be anyone who could cherish, who could trust in you as much as I do, but I’ve come to doubt it. It’s not been long… compared to our age it’s only been a single stroke of a hummingbird’s wings, but… Reia and Viyara, they have proven time and again that they don’t care about power, that they don’t really care about what we are. Well, the dragoness might but that could also be some weird fetish,” she added with a brave attempt at making me smile, “but you know as well as I that they won’t leave… that they won’t forsake you for as long as they draw breath. Why can’t it be forever?” My tears were running down my cheeks freely and wetted her pristine skin as I chokingly replied:

“Because they might not be who they are afterwards, because their souls might crumble under the weight… and even if it works, because they might come to hate us for it. Reia is so young… I fear she only sees the deceptive glamour on the surface. You know what she’d be giving up. And I’m not only talking about having children, even though I think she’d regret never being able to have them. I’m talking about the endless years ahead of her, provided she doesn’t even… falter against our brother, when she’ll be forced to watch everyone she loves wither away and die. You’ve been there, you know what I mean. It nearly broke you before and you were born an immortal, you always knew what laid in store for us. Death… isn’t something to fear. Sooner or later it becomes a gift, the mercy of the cosmos. One day, she’ll be alone…” her tails circled around my waist and pulled me closer.

“That’s where you’re wrong. She will always have us… and I think you didn’t really listen to what she said, did you? Use them. Bind them to people you trust… it’s about time we became a family again. Darling… she won’t be the last, only the first. This… whatever it is, it will change our race. When everything is said and done, we will either be dead for good or we will have evolved. For uncounted aeons we have fought a war we can barely remember. When it’s finally over… I’d very much like for your sister to influence where our people are going afterwards. Don’t you?”

“I’m longing for so many things, doesn’t mean I should chase after them,” I snivelled before I forcefully pushed down the suffocating tide of fear and sorrow, threatening to drown me. My thoughts were in turmoil and I wouldn’t be able to make heads or tails of the entire dilemma until I could clear my mind. My fingers tightened around the torn, crumpled pieces of parchment in my hand. Fortunately I had the perfect target to take my anger out on. I stepped back and placed my hands on her shoulders, smiling coldly. “I don’t know if you’re right, even though I want you to be. I’m going to need some time to think about it. For now, we still have work to do and I need to vent, otherwise I might just keep on sobbing on your shoulder for the entire night. Would you like to join me?” The fire in her eyes changed, compassion and care turning into something much more domineering.

“You’d have to tie me down to keep me here. Where do you want to start?” I shrugged, an icy smile spreading across my face.

“Rachmahn’s residence. I don’t think he’ll be there but I’m sure his wife can help us out. After that… whatever is near by.” Our wings whispered into existence and before my last words were carried away by the wind, we already rose into the night sky, a sea of velvety blackness and sparkling lights welcoming us with its eternal embrace.

Barely half a minute later we landed quietly in front of a seemingly dilapidated mansion, close to the harbour. I hadn’t known what to expect, I had used the term address before for convenience sake, even though in reality there weren’t street names or numbers only directions, but when I stared at a wooden gate, embedded in a sandstone wall, the tip of an ancient chestnut tree and the worn out facade of an erstwhile imposing mansion peeking over the yellowish, soft stone, I realised I had been here before. It was the very same estate that had ignited my curiosity when I had made my way back to the dwarven ship from Alassara’s home. Maybe I should have trusted my instincts back then and simply knocked on the door. A few morsels of information could have saved us all a veritable ocean of grief.

I whistled softly through my teeth as I approached the gate, my arm linked with Ahri’s. For all intent and purposes we looked like a young couple out on a nighttime stroll. As long as no one had seen us arrive, that is. Not that it mattered, but I still wasn’t overly comfortable flaunting my wings or powers when it wasn’t strictly necessary. “Somehow I expected a tidy but modest house,” I mumbled, “not a run down palace.”

“You haven’t seen the inside, yet. It’s probably just a facade. I wouldn’t want the neighbours to become jealous or even curious, if I had to live in this town and wasn’t able to burn them to cinders.”

“Good point,” I admitted while I looked around for a knocker or something similar but almost as soon as we reached the gate it creaked loudly on hidden hinges and swung open, revealing an uneven path of tinged marble slabs, leading to the main entrance, and a figure in a woollen cloak, holding a lantern.

Dark, muddy brown eyes sparkled with interest above narrow lips and a broad nose. The young, beardless face was covered with old, crisscrossing scars but I saw nothing but honest curiosity reflected in the widening smile. “You have been expected,” a surprisingly deep voice stated, while he opened the gate completely with a quiet grunt. “The mistress is waiting for you. Please, follow me.” Without so much as a second glance he marched off down the path, his lantern bobbing up and down. I raised an eyebrow and whispered:

“That’s a first.” Ahri giggled softly.

“Don’t tell me you’re disappointed that he didn’t stare or drool.” Truth be told, I might have been. A little. I had gotten used to being fawned over, but he hadn’t even flinched.

“Not disappointed, only surprised,” I immediately defended myself but I couldn’t quite suppress a faint blush rising to my cheeks. To cover it up I turned around and closed the gate.

“Whatever you say,” she chuckled and pecked my cheek before she ushered me down the path.

Nothing much had changed since my last visit. The gnarly chestnut tree still towered over a badly kept garden overrun by weeds and tiny bushes, as if it hadn’t been cleared in years. Last time I had failed to identify the plants, though, and on closer inspection I realised that the haphazardly growing stalks and stems were actually herbs and poisonous plants, only a few of which I recognised. Their smell was overshadowed by wild flowers, roses, violets and lilies, rustling in a soft breeze, and the disorderly, almost arbitrary, arrangement made it difficult to spot them, but once I took a closer look, I realised that the whole place was a paradise for any herbalist.

I didn’t know a third of the species but the few I recognised were rare and some even nefarious. Widow’s Grief, a small, black, deadly flower, grew side by side with Balm Weed, the basis of any healing potion I knew of. Shimmering lotus petals, some of them opening up under the star light and glowing with a faint, silver or golden light, were hidden behind mighty ferns and at the very edge, peeking over the stalwart roots of the tree, a pale red flower caught my attention. I had never seen it before but from a few illustrations I remembered form my studies it had to be Moonshine, an aphrodisiac for almost every kind of beast kin, strong enough to have them howling at the… well, moon, if they so much as even licked a petal.

Silently I tugged on Ahri’s hand and pointed at the various plants, commenting telepathically: “if I wasn’t immune to poisons I’d be walking right back out the door. If they offer us anything, I’ll try it first.” Her clear, musical laughter washed over me and she squeezed my fingers.

“It’s sweet that you’re worried, darling, but there’s no need to. My body might not yet be a construct of magic, but the fire in my veins doesn’t allow anything foreign to survive. Unless it’s a toxin that’s tailored to my magic I don’t see much happening to me and I’m not going to watch you munch your way through cookies and tea while I fast. Sorry to say, but you’ll have to share.” I huffed indignantly and asked:

“Am I really that much of glutton? I’m just looking out for you, that’s all.”

“I know, but it’s also about time you realised I’m not that far behind anymore, at least when it comes to the mortal world. Yes, I can’t control my mana freely and I don’t have access to my life force, yet, but that doesn’t mean I need you to jump in front of every bullet. Should I burn down the garden to prove my point and soothe your worries?”

“That would be quite a show, wouldn’t it? But I’m afraid we’d have to pay for it. I’m not sure but if I guesstimated, I’d say the whole medicinal marvel is worth more than an airship. I…,” was interrupted when we reached the door and our tour guide produced a heavy, silver key form the depths of his cloak. With a fluid movement he opened the lock, bowing to ask us inside.

“The Ladies Pendragon,” he intoned like a herald, “welcome to the Al’Khasim Residence. The mistress will be with you shortly.” I crossed the threshold with a smile, taking in the opulent atrium, stuffed with comfy armchairs, mirrors and small tables, laden with fruits and sweets. Apparently my fiancée had been right. The neglected facade was hiding a truly marvellous decors that might have given most aristocrats a run for their money. Also, our nigh omniscient trader didn’t know we weren’t married, yet, and hadn’t stumbled across Ahri’s last name. Something else to be grateful for. “Would you like to enjoy some refreshments in the meantime?”

He was gesturing towards the tables and quickly added: “If the ladies are partial to it, we can also offer a selection of fine wines.” My eyes lit up and I nodded fervently. I couldn’t indulge any more tonight, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy the taste of a glass or two without the side effects.

“Please,” I replied while I gracefully lowered myself into a heavy leather armchair, Chesterfield would have been the modern description, and reached for a ripe passion fruit. He clicked his heels and vanished though a small door, hidden behind a carved, wooden screen.

I fiddled with the fruit for a few seconds before I put it back, without a spoon I’d only have made a mess, while Ahri was already nibbling on a petit four. “Not bad,” she remarked and offered half of it to me. I took it reflexively and smiled in thanks. While the taste of hazelnuts and honey made my mouth water, I carefully looked around for anything that might tell me a bit more about our enigmatic hosts. Unfortunately they weren’t that stupid and the expensive but generic items didn’t reveal much.

“At least they have a cook,” Ahri commented. “That’s almost perfectly baked.” I nodded silently, cherishing the subtle taste.

“Maybe he’s got a brother or a cousin,” I said after a moment. “We could use someone like him.”

“He,” she asked and arched an eyebrow. I shrugged.

“Stereotyping. Most professional cooks were male, back on earth.” My ears twitched when I heard muffled footsteps approaching. By the sound of it, the… butler had retuned with the lady of the house. A second later my suspicions were confirmed when he led a willowy, tall redhead, clad in a light, blue summer dress, into the room. A northerner, I thought, my gaze roaming over her freckles and sea green eyes, but ultimately got stuck on the silver tray she carried, filled with an expensive looking bottle and three glasses. Ahri and I rose and inclined our heads while the newcomer even bowed from the waist.

“Welcome,” she greeted us warmly. “My husband has already told me to expect two exceptional women tonight, but I’d never have guessed that he actually understated what you are. It’s an honour to welcome you in our home.” I shared a look with my fiancée and when she shrugged, I replied for the both of us:

“You’re too kind. Exceptional would be a fitting description for everything I’ve seen since we’ve passed your gates. Allow me to compliment your magnificent garden as well as your hospitality. We don’t mean to trespass for long but I’m still honoured you would indulge us to this degree.” She laughed softly and indicated for us to sit while her servant brought a third chair over and uncorked the bottle.

“It is my pleasure, even though I dare say you aren’t here to pay me a visit. Rachmahn has left instructions. He,” she fiddled with her dress and produced a sealed scroll from a hidden pocket, “asked me to give you this, should you end up here. Please, take it and if it isn’t too much to ask, why don’t you join me for a glass or two before you head out into the night again? So much has been happening around here and whomever I ask, your names always seem to be tied to the thick of it. Hopefully I’m not imposing, but I’d really love to hear of your adventures.”

“We can’t stay long but I’m sure we can entertain you with a story or two. And please do call me Cassandra. The Lady Pendragon is my mother,” I replied and stored the scroll in my stamp. Her bright smile made her resemble an excited girl much more than a dignified lady.

“Only if you call me Fira.” She raised her glass and added: “to new friends.”

We parroted her words and sipped, the sweet taste of cherries, cinnamon and grapes perfectly merging with the echos of hazelnuts and honey. “Now then,” she continued, “forgive me for being blunt but I’ve never met royalty before. You’re a princess of your people, are you not?” She turned to Ahri and asked: “which would make you a princess consort?” My love took another mouthful, swallowed slowly and retuned her smile.

“Only if there still was a country where it would actually matter. Our home has been burned, as I assume you very well know. For now… we’re just a family, trying to find a place to live and maybe avoid being cursed or lynched by the neighbours. As far as the latter goes, we’ve encountered a few problems. But your husband has told you as much, hasn’t he?” She inclined her head.

“He has and I’m sorry for the reception you had to suffer through but this town has always been… rough around the edges. I hope you won’t hold it against us, for most of the people I’ve spoken to are actually delighted to have you around. Much has changed in the few days since your arrival and most of it for the better. At least where the less fortunate citizens are concerned.”

“You sound like someone who’s well informed, Fira,” I interjected. “I thought your husband was the information broker.”

“We work together. He’s… someone as involved as him can’t simply partake in gossip. I, on the other hand, visit the markets every weekend and take my time to listen. You wouldn’t believe how many people already whisper your names with awe and, dare I say, admiration.”