By Blood and Magic Read online

  Blossom fluttered down and landed on Sabine’s shoulder. She gripped Sabine’s braids and whispered, “It’s shiny. It wears shells in its hair like you wear flowers.”

  Sabine made a noise of agreement as she stared up at the creature, recognizing it was a male of its species. His top portion appeared similar to humans, but the bottom was more fish. Its long blue-green hair more closely resembled seaweed than actual hair, with a collection of shells and other items attached by some unknown means. Sabine had heard the Merfolk had the ability to shapeshift into more of a humanoid form, but only the spellcasters of their race possessed the ability.

  Sabine threw out her hand in a silent command, and the ship unceremoniously dropped the Merman on the deck of the ship. Malek withdrew his sword and ordered several of the other sailors to surround their captive. The crew appeared wary, but they immediately jumped to obey their captain. The Merman snarled at his assailants, but Sabine ignored him and walked down the stairs to the lower deck.

  Aware her glamour hadn’t been reapplied, she sent a pulse of her magic along the etchings on her skin. If the Merman was familiar with the Fae, he would be able to identify her markings in accordance with her rank and level of power. Unfortunately, everyone on board the ship was now aware of her true heritage. The crew would either need to be blood sworn to keep her secret or permanently silenced, but that would be something to worry about later—if they survived the next few minutes.

  As she approached the Merman, Sabine realized the shimmering effect was from the sunlight hitting his scales. It was strangely beautiful, but it also served as a reminder his ways were alien compared to her own. His eyes narrowed on her, the false eyelids sliding over his eyes as he blinked.

  “You dare much, Fae Royal,” the Merman hissed at her in the ancient language of the gods. “You, who would treat with our enemies, now attack the home of the True Folk?”

  Sabine held her head high, refusing to be cowed by his accusations. Any sign of weakness would only hinder her position. They were already at a disadvantage, but she might be able to convince this Merman she possessed hidden reserves of strength. She hoped he wouldn’t call her bluff.

  Infusing her voice with power she couldn’t afford to spare, she said in the language of her birth, “There is no True Folk beyond the will of the gods. Order a ceasefire so we might speak, and you will be returned safely to the sea’s embrace once our business is concluded. If you refuse, I shall instruct the ship to capture another of your people. Perhaps one of them might be more cooperative.”

  The Merman flicked his tail, spattering nearby sailors with a salty spray. Sabine waited, and he held her gaze for a long time in silent challenge. The rays of the sun had to be uncomfortable for him, given the Merfolk’s preference for the cool depths of the oceans. On occasion, they enjoyed sunning themselves on large flat rocks but only in limited amounts. As they grew older and embraced the magic of the sea, their tolerance for the sun faded. The one in front of her was considerably older than she’d expected, and he was likely a powerful opponent. She’d heard the storms summoned by the Merfolk were designed to shield them from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. She suspected it was why so many of them were able to attack the ship at once. By negating the storm, she’d stripped them of the ability to venture close to the surface without grave risk.

  “Very well.” She inclined her head in acknowledgement of his refusal and lifted her hand to command the ship.

  The Merman hissed at her.

  She arched her brow expectantly and said, “I wish none of the True Folk harm, unless you force my hand. The choice is yours.”

  He studied her for a long time before lifting his head and releasing a long bellow. The noise resounded through the wooden deck of the ship. Immediately, the waves calmed and the ship stopped rocking precariously. Only the gentle slap of the waves against the hull filled the air. Inwardly, Sabine breathed a sigh of relief. At least they’d have a brief reprieve.

  He turned his gaze back on her and spat, “Speak, Fae.”

  “Careful,” Malek warned, angling his sword in the Merman’s direction.

  Sabine held up her hand to stop Malek. The Merman likely knew Malek was a dragon, and his presence would only make things worse. She approached the Merman, noting other details that had previously escaped her notice.

  He wore jewelry around his neck and wrists, in the form of shells and colorful pieces of coral. Delicate webbing stretched between his fingers, but it was his pointed ears which surprised her the most. They had the same curve and shape of hers, but such a feature was lacking among the dwarves and demons. It was one more similarity the Fae shared with the Merfolk.

  Choosing her words carefully, Sabine said, “Despite our current situation, we mean you nor your people any harm. We simply seek passage to the southern lands. You have attacked my ship, in direct violation of the treaty formed between my people and yours ages ago.”

  “The treaty does not include the messengers from the underworld,” the Merman hissed, indicating Bane’s presence, and then he glared at Malek. “Nor does it include the enemies of our world.”

  Sabine paused, unaware of any contention between the demons and Merfolk. She glanced over at Bane, but he was heavily perspiring from holding the death magic over the ship. She didn’t dare have him release it just yet, or all their efforts would fail. Blossom tugged on Sabine’s braids, but she couldn’t take the time to speak with the tiny pixie. She needed to hurry before the magic crumbled. Already, she could feel herself losing a bit of control over the ship.

  Turning back toward the Merman, she said, “That may be, but the demon and dragon are under my protection. By attacking them, you also attack me. Order your people to release those you’ve stolen from me, and we will depart in peace.”

  “There shall be no peace,” the Merman snapped, swishing his tail in fury. “You have betrayed your kind and the gods if you protect our enemies. Once you kill me, my people will rejoice in the destruction of your ship and ripping your lives from the fabric of this world.”

  Sabine’s hands curled into fists, her nails biting into her palms. She wanted to lash out and punish this Merman, but it probably wouldn’t do much good. He was as arrogant as the Fae, believing his people’s supremacy was their gods-given right. The idea she’d be unable to save her friends was a bitter drought to swallow.

  Esmelle deserved so much better. Her witch friend had a caring and compassionate nature that had touched Sabine from almost the first moment they’d met. In one fell swoop, these sea-dwellers threatened to destroy one of the most beautiful souls Sabine had ever encountered.

  Blossom tugged on her braids frantically. “Don’t kill him, Sabine. We can fix this.”

  In a low voice, Sabine asked, “How?”

  “The chalice,” Blossom whispered in her ear. “The goddess says she’ll make them obey you.”

  Sabine froze. The chalice? She looked down at the image of the chalice etched onto the inside of her wrist. It was a symbol of her pact with the goddess Lachlina. The goddess should have no reason to aid them in this matter, but it would be foolish to discount her offer.

  Keeping her voice quiet so the Merman couldn’t hear them, she asked, “At what cost?”

  Blossom fell silent. When she spoke, she sounded somewhat uneasy. “The goddess has her reasons for making this offer, but she won’t elaborate. I don’t think she likes being questioned.”

  Sabine weighed the decision carefully. It was impossible to know what could motivate Lachlina, but she’d already helped them several times back in Akros. If Sabine refused the offer, such a thing might never come again. Besides, she didn’t have any hope of saving Esmelle’s life without the goddess’s help.

  Sabine took a steadying breath and nodded her agreement.

  Power, sudden and surprising in its intensity, rushed through her. Her hair lifted, and the wind whipped wildly around her. Sabine lifted her arms as the goddess’s magic filled her and traveled along h
er skin. Her marks pulsed even more vividly, shifting colors from silver to gold and then back again.

  The Merman’s eyes widened in shock, and he threw himself down on the deck in obeisance. Several of the remaining crew also fell to their knees, pleading for mercy. Even Malek appeared taken aback by her appearance. Sabine swallowed and forced her attention back on the Merman.

  “Forgiveness, Shining One,” the Merman pleaded from his prone position, stretching out his webbed fingers in supplication. “We were unaware the gods still speak through your kind.”

  Sabine lowered her arms and took a step toward the sea-dweller. “What is your name?”

  He lifted his head enough to meet her gaze. “I am Ilwan.”

  “Well met, Ilwan. Please rise,” she stated, closing the distance between them. She wasn’t trusting enough to get within touching distance, but the Merfolk were a proud race and deserving of respect. “You may call me Sabine.”

  Ilwan sat up, regarding her with wariness. “What is it you wish to discuss?”

  Sabine clasped her hands together and said, “I would ask you to release my people. As long as our passage isn’t impeded in any way, we will trouble the True Folk no more. You will be returned to the sea, unharmed.”

  The false eyelids slid over the Merman’s silvery eyes. “Regretfully, I may not return your people without compensation. You have invaded our territory, and they are no longer your subjects.”

  Sabine paused in surprise and then tilted her head to study him. Like the Fae, the Merfolk couldn’t lie. She didn’t believe he would disregard such a request, especially with the goddess’s power riding through her.

  Blossom tugged on Sabine’s braids again and whispered, “The goddess says their people will negotiate a release, but their honor requires something of equal or greater value in exchange. They reject the concept of gifts or returning property rightfully stolen.”

  Sabine’s entire body went rigid. “Esmelle is not property.”

  “She’s considered spoils of war by the Merfolk,” Blossom explained, her wings brushing against Sabine’s neck.

  Ilwan narrowed his eyes on Blossom, but he remained silent.

  Sabine considered the Merman for a long time. She had no idea what would appeal to them or what they’d consider suitable in trade. Her knowledge of the Merfolk was cursory at best. Sabine wasn’t sure she was up to the task of maneuvering this new set of rules. Unfortunately, everyone else on board had even less insight than her.

  “You must hurry, little one,” Bane said in a voice barely above a whisper. His shoulders were tense as though struggling under the weight of the magic he was wielding. Sabine frowned and sent a small wave of her magic toward him to strengthen his resolve. Her own was quickly nearing depletion, and only the goddess’s power continued to sustain her.

  Sabine took a steadying breath, determined to end this quickly. Holding out her hands in a peaceable gesture, she decided upon honesty. “I regret to admit I know very little of your ways, Ilwan. My pixie companion has informed me you would be willing to negotiate a trade, but I’m unfamiliar with the normal procedure for such matters.”

  Ilwan straightened, sweeping his gaze over the ship and the mostly human crew that surrounded him. “I have never known one of your kind to admit to such a flaw. Nor have I heard of your people traveling with such… unusual companions.”

  Sabine gave a half-hearted shrug. “Necessity leads to strange alliances. What do you wish in exchange for the lives of my friends?”

  Ilwan studied her thoughtfully. “A trade. Your companions shall be returned, unharmed and in the same condition in which they were given over to the sea. In exchange, you will return our Pearl to us.”

  Sabine’s brow furrowed. “Where can I find this pearl?”

  Ilwan pursed his lips together, and his ears twitched as though listening for something. “Pearl was sent as an emissary to trade with one of the human cities. She did not return at the appointed time. If she fails to return to the sea by the next full moon, she will be lost to us forever.”

  Sabine’s eyes widened in surprise. She’d thought he’d meant an actual pearl, not one of the Merfolk. “She’s one of your spellcasters?”

  Ilwan inclined his head. “And a beloved mate to one of our leaders.”

  Malek lowered his sword and asked, “Do you know which city she intended to trade with?”

  Ilwan didn’t spare Malek a glance. Instead, he kept his attention on Sabine as he answered. “The humans call the city Karga, but none know what path she took once she arrived on land. Our efforts to contact her through arcane means have failed. We sent another one of our people to search for her, but he could not find any trace of her. All I know is Pearl still lives, but her whereabouts are unknown. She’s not the first to go missing, but she is the most powerful.”

  Sabine frowned. Only a handful of races would have the ability to hide one of the Merfolk, unless something else was going on. The Fae could do it, but they wouldn’t leave Faerie. “The magic of the True Folk is legendary. Who among your enemies would have the means of thwarting your magic?”

  Ilwan’s mouth formed a thin line. “It matters not that the gods deign to speak through you. Such knowledge is forbidden to outsiders.”

  Sabine nodded. Trust was a fragile thing, and if she were in Ilwan’s position, she wouldn’t confide in her either. “I understand, and I hope my question hasn’t caused any offense.”

  He waved his hand, dismissing her concerns. “It is a small thing. I will provide you one last piece of information. Your purpose here must be important if the gods have decided to aid you.” He paused and darted a glance at Malek and Bane. “Regardless of your choice in companions.”

  Sabine smiled. “I’d gladly hear any advice that might better aid our cause.”

  Ilwan reached up, unfastened a necklace, and held it out to Sabine. She accepted the unusual piece of jewelry, surprised and intrigued by both the craftsmanship and design. The pearls shimmered with the same sheen of Ilwan’s skin, shifting to various shades of white, pink, and blue, depending on how the light caught it. The effect was rather hypnotizing.

  “Wear this necklace, and Pearl will know you have been sent to aid her,” he instructed, gesturing for Sabine to fasten it around her neck. “Once you have located her and are ready to make the trade for your companions, simply clasp the necklace in your hand and infuse your magic into it. As long as you are near the sea, we will heed the call and come to you.”

  Sabine dipped her head in a gesture of appreciation. Like most of the original races, words of gratitude were an acknowledgment of a debt to be called due at a later date.

  She fastened the necklace, its weight a reminder of her oath and purpose. “I will do as you instruct. Do you need any assistance returning to the sea?”

  Ilwan looked upward at the wooden masts of the ship. “In truth, I have never heard of anyone bringing life to dead wood. If I hadn’t seen it for myself, I would not have imagined such a thing was possible. It appears the Fae have more secrets than we believed.” He frowned and shook his head as though to clear it. “I will return to the sea on my own power or not at all. I wish you good fortune in your efforts. Your people will be kept safe and comfortable until the next full moon.”

  Sabine watched Ilwan use his arms and tail to pull himself toward the edge of the ship. Without another word, he dove over the side and disappeared from sight.

  Malek sheathed his blade and moved to stand beside Sabine. Her accomplishment in forcing the Merfolk to negotiate was no small feat, but he wasn’t sure what it had cost her. He studied her in the sunlight as she stared at the sea, absently fingering Ilwan’s pearl necklace. She hadn’t yet reapplied her glamour, and her skin still glowed faintly with the vestiges of her power.

  “You managed to buy us enough time to try to save them,” he said quietly, wishing he had more insight into this intriguing woman. He was hesitant to pry too much, lest she reject the invasion outright and push him away. But t
he memory of the kiss and power they’d shared would likely haunt him for a long time.

  “I just hope it’s enough,” she murmured, still staring at the waves where Ilwan had disappeared. With a sigh, she slipped the necklace under her shirt to hide it from view. “I’m sorely out of my element. I don’t know enough about the Merfolk to guess where this Pearl could be hiding. We don’t even know if she’s left her people voluntarily. If she doesn’t want to be found, what hope do we have?”

  He frowned. Before he’d left the Sky Cities, both he and Levin had come to terms with the possibility they might never return home. If one of them should fall, the other had agreed to see their purpose through. He hadn’t lied to Sabine; it would pain him to lose Levin, but it was worse for her. Her companions hadn’t necessarily agreed to the same risks. If Malek hadn’t coerced Sabine into finding the artifacts needed to seal the portal, Sabine and her companions would be safely back in Akros.

  He sighed, knowing there was no way to offer her reassurance, but he couldn’t leave her without hope. “Your knowledge of the Merfolk is greater than mine. They’re more secretive than the Fae in some respects. I have a few contacts in Karga we can call upon for information. If anyone’s heard anything about this missing woman, we’ll find out.”

  Sabine turned and looked up at him with her lavender eyes. With her silvery hair and softly glowing skin, the effect in the sunlight was staggering. It was never more apparent this woman didn’t belong on a ship but in a forest among the silver trees. She might be attractive in human form, but without her glamour, she was utterly breathtaking. But he was drawn to more than her appearance, which could be altered as easily as the wind changed course. Sabine possessed a quality he’d never encountered in any other woman, and he’d been captivated by her since the moment they met.

  Unable to resist, he reached up and tucked one of her silvery braids behind her pointed ear. She gave him a small smile and said, “I’m glad you’re here, Malek. If you didn’t agree to share your magic with me, we wouldn’t even have a chance to save them.”