Part 35 (2/2)

I think there will be some kind of event,' he said, but don't worry, you won't be in danger. That's what I'm here for.'

Aninka laughed dryly. I am rea.s.sured beyond measure. What kind of event?'

Obviously, most of the information I've been given is sensitive.' Lahash sat down again, sipped his drink. All I can tell you is that Othman is approaching a crisis. That is why the Parzupheim want him brought in.'

I thought you might kill him.'

Lahash grinned. No. That would not be desirable.'

But perhaps expedient - in the event.'

Lahash shrugged. I will, of course, protect you and Taziel. Don't think that Enniel looks on you as disposable.'

This is all very sinister,' Aninka said. It's like a boy's game. I can't understand it, or I don't want to.'

Lahash smiled at her. Sometimes we forget what we are. Perhaps you should think about that. We have a.s.similated ourselves with human culture, but destiny occasionally pokes us to remind us of our heritage, which is inescapable. We have responsibilities too, which we took upon ourselves in the beginning, and which we cannot s.h.i.+rk.'

Are you lecturing me?' Aninka asked archly.

Lahash shook his head. No, perhaps lecturing myself.'

But what has Othman to do with these things you're talking about? Is it because he's Anakim, a throwback?'

He is more than that, Ms Prussoe.'

Do we have to be that formal? My name's Aninka. Also, I have not been given the privilege of knowing your second name.'

It is Murkaster,' he told her.

Aninka opened her mouth to ask another question about Othman, but a cry from beyond Taziel's closed door silenced her. It sounded like the screech of a bird of prey.

Lahash stood up quickly.

What was that?' Aninka asked, also rising. Is he all right?'

Lahash went to open the door, Aninka following. Fortunately, Taziel had not locked it. Light from the sitting room fell over the wide bed, where Taziel lay fully clothed. He was writhing in what looked like pain. Aninka turned on the overhead light, while Lahash hurried to the bed.

What's the matter with him?' Aninka asked, thinking of the lobster.

Lahash was leaning over Taziel. He's dreaming.'

Then wake him up! It must be a nightmare.'

Taziel's faced was creased in agony, and gleaming with sweat. There were marks, like scratches, on his neck and the upper part of his chest revealed by his open s.h.i.+rt. There was a smell in the room, salt and sear, perhaps the smell of terror.

Wake him up!' Aninka repeated. She had become conscious of a watching presence in the room, a silence wrapped around the core of movement and energy that was Taziel Levantine. She could feel something cold and damp, and utterly beyond physical form, touching her mind.

Lahash did not touch Taziel. Taz,' he said. Taz, can you hear me?'

Aninka said, What's the matter with him?'

Lahash frowned, shook his head.

Guardian!' Taziel wheezed. In the house.'

Where?' Lahash demanded.

Taziel's body squirmed across the bed. Grigori stronghold. Closed up.'

What's happening?' Aninka asked.

Lahash shrugged. He could have pinpointed Othman's location, and encountered some kind of guardian, perhaps a protection Othman's conjured up. Whatever it is, it doesn't look as if it's going to let Taziel past.'

Taziel uttered a wordless sound, a plea. The temperature in the room was falling. Soon, their breath would be steaming.

Aninka moved closer to Lahash. Can't you stop this?'

Lahash ignored her. Taz, you are in control. I have surrounded you in light. You are safe. Speak!'

Hot,' Taziel said. He had calmed down a little, although his eyes were screwed up tight. It's so hot.'

What is?' Lahash sat on the edge of the bed.

The heat is around him, it reaches up to the sky, condensing. His epiphany conjures the heat, and it is close, very close.' Taziel suddenly opened his eyes, although he did not seem to see the room or his companions. He sat up, rigid, on the bed. Moorland, heat. He is making heat. He has returned to Eden. In the north.'

Suddenly Taziel's back arched and his body emitted a piercing howl. He began to claw at his chest and throat. No! No!'

Lahash grabbed Taziel's arms, pushed him back down onto the bed, where he kicked and struggled as if being attacked by an unseen a.s.sailant.

Lahash shouted out Aeshma Vohumana, Dregvant Masha, Yazatas, Daeva, Spenta Mainyu!'

Beside him, Aninka felt compelled to repeat the invocation in English, Through the wrath of Mazda's will, wicked magic, depart from this body. In the name of the adorable ones, and the spirits of fire and good will.'

Abruptly, Taziel's body relaxed, and he uttered a long, hissing sigh. Aninka, who'd been frozen in horror and disbelief, realised the temperature in the room had returned to normal. Taziel opened his eyes, and blinked up at Lahash. He is in the north,' he said. But we knew that, didn't we?'

Lahash nodded. Yes. Can you be precise?'

Taziel frowned. I shall have to concentrate, but not yet. The name Eden is prominent. It is a vital clue, I think.' He shook his head. It is clear, but unclear. I'm too subjective. Othman has been drawn towards a power source. That too is inevitable. What power sources are there in the north we might not know about?'

Aninka was astounded at how quickly he appeared to regained his composure. His chest was still scored with long red weals.

There are none - that we don't know about. But there is one that has been - shall we say corked?' Lahash smiled, without humour. It is ironic, but perhaps no coincidence I should be involved in this. There is a place called Long Eden in the north, the site of my ancestral home. My family were exiled from it twenty years ago, for transgressions. Our community service, to atone for our delinquencies, include my employment with the Parzupheim. I am bound to them for a millennium.' His smile became grim. It will be there. I know it.'

Taziel reached up and took one of Lahash' hands in his own. I'm sorry.'

Lahash shrugged. It's only pertinent.' He smiled. Well, I have been prevented from seeing my home, and I had expected that by the time I had paid my penalty, Long Eden would be dust. In some ways, it will be good to see it again.'

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