45

Verasa and Markus had withdrawn to the west wing of the vast castle, which was Verasa’s domain, staffed with her servants and advisors.

“Well?” she said.

“I’m satisfied,” replied Markus.

The Mistress of the Werewolves was pleased. She had secretly feared that her younger son might have been intimidated. But Markus had stood up to Sarapen. His mother had always admired him for that.

Since the meeting ended Verasa had been busy. She knew that she had been fortunate in the voting. She’d expected Great Mother Dulupina to vote for Sarapen. As she had abstained, there was obviously room for negotiation. Verasa scanned her list. Nine votes were required and she only had five. How to find four more votes, that was the question. Quite a challenge, with the whole MacRinnalch Clan assembling on the estates for the funeral of the old Thane, and Verasa having all the duties of her position to perform.

Verasa felt that the five votes for Markus were all secure. Tupan and Dominil would not support Sarapen. As for Lucia, Verasa had promised her sister that if she voted for Markus then Lucia’s son, Decembrius, could have the next vacant place on the Great Council. This place was Verasa’s to give by right. It was a powerful bribe, and Lucia was well pleased at the prospect.

Another great fire burned in Verasa’s room. She had reverted to her human shape though Markus remained as a werewolf. He sat on one of the old oak chairs that were a feature of the castle’s decor.

“We need four more votes,” declared Verasa. “I have some hopes of the Barons.”

Markus was doubtful. “They’ll always support the eldest son.”

“I haven’t been idle you know. I’ve been working on them. Had your father’s death not come so inconveniently quickly, I may even have won them over before the vote. Two of them anyway. Baron MacPhee was such a friend of your father he’ll probably support Sarapen in any circumstances. No doubt he thinks of Sarapen as very like the old Thane. But MacAllister is a modern sort of werewolf. Besides, he’s sorely in debt and I’ve been dangling a very favourable loan in front of his eyes. I may well have his vote by tomorrow. Which would make six for us and six for Sarapen.”

Verasa pursed her lips.

“It is rather a shame that you’re not on better terms with your sister Thrix.” The Mistress of the Werewolves eyed Markus. “What did happen between you and her?”

Markus would not say. It was one of the very few things concerning the family that Verasa didn’t know. It irked her.

“Is it so terrible that you cannot tell your mother?”

Markus remained silent.

“Whatever it was, you must try to make things up with her. We need her vote.”

Verasa moved away from the heat of the fire. She had a glass of wine in one hand and her list in the other. She put down her wine to light a cigarette. She smoked occasionally, at times of stress.

“What will happen if neither of us get nine votes?” asked Markus.

“I’ll officiate at the funeral and carry on as acting head of the clan. The Council will reassemble in a month’s time. Much may be accomplished in a month. Remember, not all the council members were in attendance. Butix, Delix and Kalix are all entitled to vote.”

Markus was surprised.

“Mother, none of these three are going to come to Scotland. Kalix can’t, she’s under sentence of arrest.”

“True. But as for Butix and Delix, who knows? I understand that Decembrius went to visit them on Sarapen’s behalf. But Sarapen wouldn’t know what to offer the twins.”

Verasa stubbed out her cigarette.

“Whatever Butix and Delix are up to in London, there’s no doubt something they need. Perhaps I can provide it. Do you know anything about their music band?”

Markus did not.

“Well you must learn. Look it up on the internet. Find out whatever you can about them while I visit Dulupina. And be ready to be charming to Thrix.”