A Mistletoe Wish, page 6
“About that.” Selena took a deep breath. It was better to say this quickly, like ripping off a bandage. “She’s a sentient sword and wants to pick out her own scabbard, but I need to draw her to let her look at the choices.” She paused to see how her words went over.
Orin looked skeptical, but he stepped back and placed his hand on the large hammer he wore on his belt. “Go ahead.”
Artegenos leapt into her hand. Orin blinked in surprise and took another step back.
“No. No. No. Maybe. That has possibilities,” the sword intoned as she moved it across the wall of goods. “There. That one.”
“This one?” Selena touched a forest green scabbard with a delicate trace of silver vines.
“Behind that one.”
Selena reached in and removed the scabbard hanging behind the green one. This one was crafted from fine, chestnut-brown leather, its texture smooth and supple to the touch. It was rugged but elegant. The mouth of the scabbard was adorned with a simple yet sturdy metal throat fitting forged from polished steel, featuring intricate scrollwork that spoke of timeless craftsmanship. As she examined the scabbard's surface, she noticed a series of discreetly embossed patterns of intertwining vines and leaves. The details were expertly etched, adding an understated touch of artistry to the scabbard's overall design.
She was never going to be able to afford it. Even with the mayor’s line of credit. But why was this work of art hidden?
“That’s not one of my best,” Orin said. “You’d be better off with the first one that you chose.”
“No,” Artegenos said simply. “I do not want that one. This is the one.”
Selena turned it over in her hand. It was exquisite. She’d almost think it was elven-made. “How much for this?”
“One hundred dollars,” he said.
“I’ll give you fifty,” Selena replied.
“Do not haggle with the man. This is the one I want,” Artegenos huffed.
“Yes, but he just admitted it was inferior. You can’t accept the first price,” she thought back to the sword.
Orin cleared his throat. “I have something to admit. That one wasn’t made by me. It was made by my apprentice, Nia. Nia is still learning her craft.”
“Is Nia here?” Selena asked.
“Yes, but her scabbard isn’t fit for one of the mayor’s workers.”
“Why not?” Selena asked.
“As I said, she is only an apprentice.”
“I’d like to meet her.”
“Of course. Nia!” Orin roared over his shoulder.
A few seconds later, a young woman appeared from behind. She was dirty and sweaty. She carried a piece of leather in one hand and an awl in the other. “What do you need, Master Orin?”
On closer inspection, Selena noticed that the girl was half-elven.
“Customer wants to talk to you.”
Nia turned to look at her. Her sea-foam green eyes grew wide. She dropped the leather and ran.
“Nia! What’s gotten into you?” Orin said, slack-jawed. “I’m sorry. I’m not sure why she ran away from you.”
“It’s all right. I’d still like to buy her scabbard. Of course, I’d like to adjust my bid down to twenty-five dollars.”
“Yes, of course. Naturally.”
“Can you put it on the mayor’s line of credit?”
Orin nodded. “Please don’t mention Nia’s poor behavior to him.”
“I won’t,” Selena said. And because she felt bad about negotiating the price down so low, she also bought a new leather belt to hang the scabbard on.
“Ah,” Artegenos sighed as Selena sheathed it. A profound sense of harmony resonated within her. The scabbard was more than what it appeared, and Orin hadn’t known the treasure he had. She was worried about why Nia was so afraid of her, though. But that was a mystery to solve for another day. She also stocked up on arrows for her bow and purchased a multi-tool so she wouldn’t have to use Artegenos as a flint or steel again. Then, after feeling really bad about spending a boatload of the mayor’s money, she decided that she should get to work and earn her salary.
“When Nia feels comfortable talking with me,” Selena said. “I will be staying at the mayor’s house. If you can send her over, I’m sure the mayor will offer her his protection if, for some reason, she’s afraid of me.”
“She’ll be there,” Orin said grimly. “I’ll make sure of it.”
That didn’t sound ominous at all.
Selena spent the rest of the day walking around town and observing the tourists and how they interacted with the townspeople. She didn’t detect any threats, but she did overhear some grumblings at how long the line was to the wishing well.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Selena hurried back to the manor house, eager to see Ben again. As she entered the lavish foyer, she caught sight of two figures standing near the grand staircase. She recognized Sykes but didn’t know who the stern-looking woman was.
"Cutting it close," Sykes said. "You've returned just in time. Master Ben will be rising shortly."
"Good. And you are?" Selena dropped her hand to Artegenos, who was startled awake from the light snooze she had been in ever since being put in the scabbard.
The woman shot her a disapproving look, her lips pursed tightly. "I am Mayor Ben’s administrative assistant, Gertrude St. James," she said icily. "I think your being here is unnecessary. Master Ben has managed well enough for centuries without a bodyguard."
Selena reminded herself to stay polite, even if she wanted to tell the officious little snot to jump in a lake. "I understand that, Gertrude. But now that I am here, I feel it is my duty to do what I can to protect him and the town."
"Your concern is touching," Sykes chimed in, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "But as Gertrude said, we have managed the challenges of working in this town for years. You are here because the Master finds you intriguing."
“That will pass,” Gertrude said. “I’ve seen it before.”
“I could give her a nasty scar,” Artegenos mused.
Selena was more distracted by the thought that Ben found her intriguing. If it were true, the feeling was mutual. She just wished his minions weren’t so hostile to her.
“I get that you’re feeling threatened by my presence.”
They both reared back with sharp gasps.
“I’m not here to usurp your authority. I’m here to protect Ben from Izina Broome and the vampire hunters. Once that’s finished and I have my wish from the well granted, I’ll be on my way. Until then, it’s in your best interest to remember that your Master wants me here. If you’re loyal servants like I think you are, you’ll respect that.”
“Never mind,” Artegenos said with a yawn. “Your cut was more deadly.”
"Very well," Gertrude sniffed, clearly unhappy with Selena. "But remember your place."
“Right back at you,” Selena said.
Sykes wisely remained silent.
As they finished speaking, the sound of a door creaking open echoed through the manor. Ben emerged from his coffin room, a weary smile gracing his pale features. "Good evening, everyone," he greeted them.
She wondered how much he had heard.
"Master Ben," Sykes and Gertrude both bowed in unison.
“Selena,” he said. “How was your day?”
“Uneventful, and yet I have a few questions.”
“I’d be more than happy to speak to you about them. Let’s walk to my office.”
"Master Ben, we need to discuss the upcoming Winter Festival first," Gertrude said hurriedly. She practically leaped in between Selena and Ben.
"Is that so?" Ben raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes as he glanced at Selena. "I’m sure that you and Sykes can work out the details. It’s the same damned thing every year. Parade, sidewalk sales, midway games, and the crowning of the Winter Prince and Princess. Did I miss anything?"
Gertrude consulted her tablet. “No,” she said quietly. “That’s about it.”
“Then I’ll leave you two to it,” Ben said and gestured for Selena to move towards the door.
“Security needs to be tighter,” Sykes said.
“That’s Rahl’s area.”
“He’s not back yet from your errand,” Gertrude said.
“Well, next time he checks in, you can speak to him about the Winter Festival. And once he gets back, make a point to spend some time with him and get those details taken care of.”
Gertrude blanched. “Alone?”
“What about your personal safety?” Sykes said, following them as Gertrude stood stock still in the foyer with a hand on her heart.
“That’s Selena’s job now.”
“Are you sure she can be trusted?”
"Sykes, Gertrude," Ben said firmly, clearly losing patience. "Selena is here to help, just as you both are. Now, if you don't mind, we're in the middle of something important."
"Very well," Sykes huffed, shooting Selena a venomous glare before turning on his heel and stalking out of the room, Gertrude following closely behind.
"Sorry about them," Ben apologized once they were alone. "They can be a bit overprotective."
"It's all right," Selena reassured him, grateful for his support. "I understand where they're coming from. In any case, I won't let their jealousy distract me from the task at hand."
"Thank you, Selena," Ben said softly, his gaze warm and appreciative as they walked to the town hall.
Chapter Seven
Ben
The cold December air whipped around them as they walked to his office in the town hall. He, of course, didn’t feel the chill, but he wondered if Selena needed a heavier coat or if her cloak was enchanted. Her green eyes were alert and focused as she scanned the streets ahead of them. The small town of Hope seemed to be holding its breath, waiting for the first major snowfall, which could arrive any moment. Twinkling colored lights adorned the shops while wreaths and garlands hung proudly on doors, signaling that the holiday season had arrived.
“You mentioned you had a few questions for me?”
Selena's brow furrowed in thought as they continued walking. "I had a thought about why Izina Broome could be targeting you. Perhaps it’s because she or someone she loved didn't get their wish granted by the well."
Ben considered it. “It’s possible. I don’t remember everyone I’ve had to handle.”
“Or it could be because someone that you used your vampire powers to compel them to forget wants vengeance and has hired Izina’s coven or the vampire hunters to take you out."
"Could be," Ben mused, his voice tinged with uncertainty. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to it than just a failed wish.
"Has anyone ever held a grudge like that before?" Selena asked. "Grudges can be powerful, especially when fueled by magic and unfulfilled desires."
As they approached the town hall, the scent of gingerbread and mulled cider wafted through the air, momentarily distracting Ben from his darker thoughts. The festive atmosphere was a stark contrast to Izina’s sinister machinations to assassinate him.
Upon entering his office, Ben lit the fireplace with a snap of his fingers. The flickering flames cast a cozy orange glow across the room, highlighting the festive decorations strewn about. He gestured for Selena to sit on one of the plush chairs facing the crackling fire.
"Gertrude," he called out, pressing a small button on his antique wooden desk. "Could you please send up some supper for us? Something warm and comforting would be perfect."
“Gertrude?” Selena asked. “Isn’t she back at your mansion?”
"Of course, Mayor," Gertrude's voice replied through the intercom.
“Magic.” Ben twinkled his fingers. “Actually, we just have a really good Wi-Fi connection.”
He sat behind his desk and powered up his computer. “Do you think we should take the fight to Serenity and confront Izina?”
“Not yet,” Selena said. “We need more information. I hate to dangle you out like bait...”
“But if we can capture another minion, it would be helpful.” He nodded in satisfaction. “I appreciate that you don’t treat me like I’m unable to defend myself. I have one of Izina’s coven in my dungeon, and Rahl is tracking another witch who escaped after the attack the other night.”
She blinked at him. “Dungeon?”
“It’s more of a jail cell,” he said hurriedly, not wanting her to see him as a monster. “In the basement of my house.”
“I see.” She tilted her head at him.
“You’re more than welcome to question her and Avery, but they haven’t been very forthcoming. Lettie is more terrified of her cousin Izina than she is of me, and Avery is a zealot. I don’t think you’ll get a lot out of them.”
“We could set them free and follow them back to Izina’s stronghold and gather information that way.”
Ben nodded. “I’m in talks with some of the forest creatures to see if they can spy for us. Unfortunately, no one wants to get on the bad side of the witches.”
A knock at the door interrupted their conversation, and Gertrude entered with a tray laden with steaming bowls of soup, fresh bread, and mugs of hot cider. The aroma of cinnamon and cloves filled the room as she set the tray down on a small table in front of the fireplace.
"Thank you, Gertrude," Ben said, noticing that she wouldn’t even look at Selena.
“Is that going to be a problem?” Selena asked when Gertrude closed the door behind her, just barely below a slam.
“I hope not for very much longer.” At her alarmed look, Ben clarified. “She is enamored with the idea of having a supernatural lover. My head of security, Rahl, has shown interest in her. I’m trying to gently guide them together.”
Selena nearly choked on her soup. “I hadn’t pictured you as a matchmaker.”
He gave what he hoped was a careless shrug. “My dark exterior hides a soft heart.”
“Does it?” she asked, smiling shyly at him.
“No, but it sounded good, didn’t it?”
“It did.” She broke off a piece of bread and buttered it. “I have a confession to make. I spent a lot of your money today at Orin’s shop.”
He waved his hand. “I have enough money to outfit an army. I need you well equipped.”
“Something odd happened today. Do you know his apprentice, Nia?”
Ben had a vague impression of a grubby girl who was always working hard. “Not well.”
“She’s got elven blood in her, and she made this.” Selena showed him the scabbard where her magical sword was secured.
“She’s got talent.”
“Untrained talent. There’s magic in it, but wild magic. I would need to speak to her to know more, but she ran away from me. Orin said he would send her to me under your protection, but I can’t shake the idea that she’s gone for good.”
Ben held up a finger. “I can help with that.” He pressed another button on the intercom. “Wyatt, can you come in here, please?”
Almost immediately, the door burst open. Ben noted that Selena half rose out of her chair but apparently recognized the werewolf and sank back down again.
“How may I serve?” Wyatt asked.
“I need you to get a scent from Orin. His apprentice, Nia, may have left town, and we need to speak with her. Track her and bring her back to me.”
“Gently,” Selena interjected. “She may be afraid. Assure her that she will be under the mayor’s protection, and no one will harm her.”
Wyatt glanced at Ben for confirmation and then nodded. “It will be done.” The werewolf took off as fast as he arrived.
“Thank you,” Selena said.
“If only our problems with Izina could be handled like that.”
“Couldn’t they?” she asked. “Assign a werewolf to your two prisoners and have them followed.”
“I’d hate to lighten the town’s defenses, but at least I wouldn’t have to worry about their loyalty. They are bound to me. However, if they are captured, they know a lot about me and the town.”
“I think it’s worth the risk,” Selena said. “I can fill in with the town’s defenses if needed, and if we have to rescue them from the coven, we can use the other werewolves to track them.”
“If they are captured, we’ll need to take the fight to Izina.”
Selena nodded.
Ben liked that idea. “Let’s put that plan into effect once Rahl reports back with his findings.”
SELENA
After a bureaucratic weekend, where Selena thought she would grow cross-eyed with boredom, Monday finally arrived. While Ben slept in his coffin, Selena made the pilgrimage to the wishing well. There was a small line of tourists waiting for their turn to make their wish, their faces alight with anticipation and, in some cases, dread.
As she waited, Selena scanned the crowd, trying to sense if anyone was considering violence or if they could lean that way if they didn’t get their wish.
As she observed the crowd, most people were genuinely excited or nervous about making their wishes. However, one man caught her attention. He stood apart from the others, his face contorted with anger and frustration. Selena noticed the dark bags under his eyes and the clenched fists hidden in his pockets.
Intrigued, Selena approached him discreetly, curious about what could be troubling him so much. She gracefully maneuvered through the crowd until she stood beside him, maintaining a friendly smile.
"Hello there," she greeted him warmly, "Is everything all right? You seem upset."
The man glanced at her with suspicion and hesitated before responding. "This is my fourth time here. I've been asking for money," he admitted, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "I want to provide a better life for my family. Give my children the opportunities I never had, but every time I wish for it, nothing changes. It's like the well is mocking me, and I can't bear the thought of returning home empty-handed again."
Selena could sense the man's desperation, and a shiver ran down her spine. “Don't give up hope just yet. Sometimes, wishes take longer to come true than we expect. Maybe try wishing for something else? Something more specific, perhaps?"
