Chapter 7

Tall, Dumb, and Dangerous

Despite what Cam might have thought, Elena didn’t just dismiss what he’d said.

In fact, it was hard to think about anything but the possibility of re-examining the curse. When she’d told Braeth about her newest blackouts, he had looked as genuinely confused as was possible for someone who technically no longer had a face. He’d never heard of a curse breaking without either the involvement of a cure or real effort on the part of an enemy sorcerer, but he promised to consult his books to see if he could find some kind of precedent.

A proper look of the curse, however, could answer the question so much quicker. The kind of detailed examination they’d need would take hours to set up, and traditionally involved more than one sorcerer or sorceress to handle all of the different spells involved. Still, she knew Braeth and Dr. Flyte would be willing, and she could conceivably ask her mother to be involved without telling her why they were doing it. Lying was also a perfectly acceptable alternative, as it always was.

But as soon as she asked any one of the three of them, she’d be committed to going through with it. And the hope that something might have changed, that after all this time there might actually be a loose thread they could use to pull it all apart—the idea was absolutely terrifying.

To escape having to think about it, she focused on Cameron.

“I promise you, people don’t regularly jump out of the shadows to accost me,” Elena told him the next day, a little amused as she watched Cam survey the busy street the same way his father did. They were making the short walk from the castle to Dr. Flyte’s office, and Cameron was treating the trip as if they were heading into enemy territory. “I also feel I should point out that there aren’t a great number of shadows in the immediate vicinity.”

Cam slanted her a look that said volumes about how hilarious she was. “As happy as I normally am to call Dad paranoid, the walk to and from your therapist is the only time you’re regularly outside the walls of the castle. Though you help that by not having your appointments at a regular time—”

“Alan’s idea, if I recall correctly.”

Cam snorted, eyes still scanning the passers-by. There were several people out shopping, their conversations an easy buzz as they flowed in and out of the nearby stores. “Notice my shock. Still, it’s the best time for someone to come after you. I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t take that into account.”

Elena didn’t respond, looking away so he wouldn’t think she was staring at him. She was beginning to think that traumatizing him with the truth wouldn’t have worked, even if she’d felt brave enough to actually go through with it. Cameron Merrick was as unshakeable as his father, in his own way, and if she suddenly turned into a twenty-foot-tall dragon his only response would probably be to ask if she wanted him to find her a nice tasty cow for lunch. Once she’d stopped fighting it, Elena found the attitude weirdly comforting.

Not, of course, that she was about to tell him that. “I don’t think even Nigel would be stupid enough to defy his exile.” Elena kept her voice low as an older man passed, acknowledging his friendly nod with one of her own. It wouldn’t help her mother if people thought of her as cold. “The next step is prison.”

Cam shook his head. “Anyone dumb enough to go up against Dad twice isn’t smart enough to think that far—” Catching sight of something, he broke off with a muttered curse and grabbed her arm. He then pulled them both into the nearest store, where the proprietor was busy trying to convince a rather ample woman that his dresses were enchanted to make her look twenty pound lighter. Thankfully, they were both so intent on the sale—or the promises that came with it—that neither looked up.

“What is it?” Elena whispered, gathering the magic she’d need for a paralysis spell.

“A very large man who looks like he punches people for a living was headed straight for us.” Cam had pulled Elena behind him, his focus on whatever was happening just outside the front entrance. “Either he’ll pass right by and I’ll look like an idiot, or he’ll follow us in here and I’ll have endangered innocent civilians.”

“If I get a clear shot, I can freeze him,” she offered. “The spell doesn’t last very long, but it should give you time to hit him over the head with something heavy.”

Cam glanced over at the woman. “Hopefully, all either of us will need to do is stand here.”

Elena shifted just enough that she could see the street as well, just in time to see a living mountain of a man stop on the street in front of the dress shop. She tensed, ready to fight, as he glared at the spot where they had been walking. Then back and forth along the street, as if expecting them to suddenly materialize. When they didn’t, he moved toward some nearby shops, leaning down to peer in through any convenient windows. Anyone else who had been out on the street was taking this as their cue to scurry out of the man’s immediate view.

Still, they could be at risk. Elena touched Cam’s shoulder. “If he decides to start hunting for us—”

“He might find some innocent bystanders,” Cam finished, voice serious. “I know.” He tensed, reaching down for his sword. “I’ll distract him and give you that clear shot you’re looking for. While you’re doing that I’ll try to find something heavy, and hopefully by then the other idiots who are supposed to be watching you will finally catchup to us.” He rolled his eyes. “I swear, those guards of yours move like molasses. I’d have better luck calling the city guards for backup.”

“What if he’s not actually looking for me?” she whispered. It didn’t seem terribly likely, but she felt obligated to bring it up before he risked himself by going out there.

“He clearly wants to make sure someone gets hurt.” Cam looked back at the store owner and customer, who had just now realized something might be amiss. “Sir, Ma’am, I ask that you please retreat to a back room until we make sure this is taken care of.”

They froze, staring at Cameron as if they couldn’t process what he was saying, and Elena impatiently waved them into the back. “Go! There’s a very large man outside who might rip your front door off at any minute.”

That got the appropriate response, the owner swooping up an armful of his most expensive dresses as he and the customer hurried into the back. When they’d disappeared, Cam took a step outside. “Make sure to stay as much in cover as you possibly— for pity’s sake, not like that.”

The person Cam was speaking to was one of her other guards, who had apparently wandered by to check on the situation. He was striding towards the large man right up the middle of the street, hand on the hilt of his sword. “Sir, I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you—“

The big man’s fist, swinging around like the castle’s front gate, cut off the rest of the sentence. The guard crumpled into a heap, and Elena felt a twinge of sympathy as Cam swore. “Hasn’t anyone taught these guys that you never go after the bad guy one at a time? I know my father’s their co-worker rather than their boss, but I’m still amazed he hasn’t staged a formal takeover out of sheer exasperation.”

When he talked like that, he sounded just like his father. Realizing that now was not the time to distract him by pointing that out, she poked his back. “Technically, you’re going after him one at a time.”

“No, I’m going to wave my hands around like an idiot while you sneak attack him. Completely different.” Then, squaring his shoulders, Cam headed outside.

Elena took his place near the edge of the door, fingers moving through the first part of the spell so it would take less time to fire it. She kept her eyes on Cam, who was wisely staying well out of arm’s reach of the thug. “Hi!” He made sure his voice was cheerful as possible. “Mr. Big, Tall, and Scary? Can I have a minute?”

The enormous man’s eyes fixed on Cameron. “You.” He was silent for what seemed like an eternity, obviously waiting for his next thought to arrive. “Where’s the girl?”

“Sorry, but I’m afraid you have me confused for someone else. I’ve been single ever since my last girlfriend decided I wasn’t funny enough.” As Cam spoke, he slowly moved around their target in an arc. The big man kept shifting around to make sure Cam stayed in sight, putting Elena’s doorway further and further out of his field of vision. Cam’s plan was wonderfully brave and far too dangerous, and Elena’s fingers itched to go out and help him. “Before you knock me unconscious, can I maybe ask what your name is?”

The man’s brow furrowed. Clearly, he wasn’t used to small talk. “Bill.” He paused, while up and down the street the rest of the town was peering through windows and around corners to watch the scene. “You’re lyin’ about the girl, ain’t ya.”

“Still don’t know what girl you’re talking about, Bill, though I can’t imagine why any lady wouldn’t fall all over themselves trying to get to you.” Cam’s patter continued even though he’d stopped moving, and Elena presumed that was the signal for the spell.

As she lifted her hand, however, Cam met her gaze for just a second. Reading the ‘not yet’ in his eyes, she withdrew her hand while he returned his attention to Bill. Still shielded by the doorway, all Elena could do was wait. “Is this girl you’re looking for someone you’ve been dating? Or just someone special you have your eye on?”

Apparently, Bill also didn’t deal well with confusion. “What’re you talkin’ about? Some guy hired me to knock her out and bring her to him.” Looking angry now, Bill took a step forward. “Won’t get paid for you, but that’s okay.”

Pushing down the edge of fear that skimmed through her, Elena raised her hand again as Cam took a step back. “What’s the man’s name?” When Bill didn’t say anything, Cam looked chiding. “You really ought to know who’s offering to pay you, Bill. If nothing else, it’ll help you track them down again if he refuses to follow through with his end of the deal.”

“Nigel somethin.’” Bill said, taking another step forward. When Cam shook his head, looking disappointed, the other man lifted an arm. “What do you care? I’m doin’ you for free.”

Deciding that she was going to kill Nigel slowly, Elena finished the spell and aimed it squarely at Bill’s back. The man froze, muscles locking together in a single instant, and she strode out into the middle the street to stand next to Cam. “You have thirty seconds,” she told him, watching as he reached into his pocket. “And if we see Prince Nigel again, I’m going to murder him long before he ever sees the inside of a prison cell.”

“Fair enough.” Cam pulled his hand out, now wearing a well-used set of brass knuckles, and walked over to Bill. Without breaking stride, he leaned forward slightly and delivered a solid uppercut straight to the man’s unmentionables, then took a single step back. Even from here, Elena could see the agony flooding Bill’s eyes, and she felt the corners of her mouth curve upward. Maybe they could do this to Nigel.

The street was still mostly quiet, most of the people wisely deciding that the danger hadn’t passed yet. However, one old woman poked her head around the doorway of a hat shop. She hesitated, then lifted a hand to catch Cam’s attention. “Young man, you might want to back away from him. Once he can move again, he’s going to be very angry about what you just did.”

“I know, Ma’am.” Cam smiled, eyes never leaving Bill’s. “Don’t worry. I have everything under control.”

When the spell released him, Bill’s entire body curled inward as he clutched himself and dropped to his knees. Before he could get further than that, Cam stepped forward and delivered another solid right hook to the man’s cheek. As Bill toppled over like a tree, Cam dropped the brass knuckles back into his pocket and turned to Elena. “See, cheating is much more effective.”

It was impossible not to smile back at him, and it seemed ridiculous to try and fight it. “As impressive as that was, we should probably get this mess cleaned up.” Cam gestured down the street. “I believe I hear the cleaning crew coming as we speak.

Hearing the sound of running feet, she turned to see two of the city guardsmen coming to join the part. When they got close enough, she gestured to Bill’s unconscious form. “Get him to the nearest holding cell. He assaulted one of the castle guardsmen.” The guardsman in question was just now coming to, groaning and holding his head. Cam crouched down beside him, having a quiet conversation that likely focused on the finer points of sensible fighting.

The other guardsmen were still trying to haul Bill away by the time Cam , walked back over to Elena. “You shouldn’t be too late for your appointment, but I’ll apologize to Dr. Flyte if you want.” There was a crashing sound from behind them, followed by a round of cursing. Apparently, Bill was as heavy as he looked. “Bill should probably do it, but it’s probably best that he stay unconscious for the next little while.”

Elena hesitated briefly, not wanting to show that she’d entirely forgotten they’d been on their way somewhere. “He should be fine. He leaves the hour before and after my appointments free as a basic security measure.” She watched as the guardsmen backed a cart into position, then attempted to hoist the unconscious criminal into place. The guard who had been knocked unconscious, now wearing a very familiar set of brass knuckles, had been assigned the job of making sure Bill didn’t wake up.

“I hate to say it, but I was wrong.” She turned back to Cameron. “I should have taken Nigel more seriously.”

He shrugged. “You had no reason to. Dad always says that he’s paranoid so the rest of the world doesn’t have to be.”

Elena’s temper flared at the memory of Nigel’s thin, apologetic face. “That’s no excuse for me to be one of those idiotic princesses. He just seemed so ridiculous that I underestimated—” Realizing something, her gaze focused back on Cameron. “Why didn’t you? You pretend like you’re the kind of person who gets by entirely on charm, but you knew exactly what to watch for with Nigel. You’ve never even met the man.” The logic of it all unfolded in her head, making so many things she’d dismissed about Cam slot neatly into what was suddenly a much larger picture. “You do that to everyone, don’t you? You say just the right thing to make sure they don’t pay attention, and while they’re looking away you study them like a battle plan.”

Cam’s eyes widened a little. “I don’t know if I’d say that.”

“No,” she said firmly, watching his face change as he tried and failed to find an argument. “You’re better at hiding than you look, Cameron Merrick.” She smiled a little at the thought. For the first time, she understood how Cam had felt when he’d caught her out in the woods that night. “You really had no right to be annoyed at me for lying, though. Just because you’re more subtle than I am is no reason to yell at me.”

Now he looked almost alarmed. “Wait, I’m not sure what—”

But she had already turned, heading towards Dr. Flyte’s office at a brisk pace. “Are you coming? As you so kindly pointed out, we’re running late. I’d hate to have to do any apologizing today.”

~

“I’ve never known you to be late before,” Dr. Flyte said thoughtfully, motioning for Elena to sit down once all the polite greetings had been made. She and Cam had only been fifteen minutes late—the man knew how to run when he needed to—but the mirror wasn’t about to let even that small an aberration go unnoticed. “Did something happen?”

“Cameron and I ran into a little trouble on our way here.” Elena settled back in her chair, having already decided that full disclosure would be the best course of action. Particularly since she would need the good doctor’s help. “Apparently, Nigel’s decided that hiring people to kidnap me is the best way to make a good impression.”

Alarm crossed the mirror’s face, though he was quick to collect himself. “I didn’t notice any injuries on you or young Mr. Merrick,” he asked, examining her for any sign of a bruise or tender shoulder.

“There was only one man, though he was about half as big as Cameron. Together, we managed to knock him unconscious and get him carted away without either of us being the worse for wear.” She felt like she was shorting Cam’s part in it, but she didn’t dare sound too complimentary around Dr. Flyte. He’d make far too much out of it. “The problem is that I doubt this is Nigel’s last brilliant idea.”

“No, I can’t imagine that it is.” The mirror was solemn. “Are you planning to tell your mother?”

Elena hadn’t decided the answer to that question yet. “She knows about the other two incidents and didn’t lock me inside the castle. Cameron and I proved as competent together as Alan and I were, so I’m at least as well protected as before.”

Dr. Flyte raised an eyebrow at the entirely non-committal response. “Clearly, you’re still giving the matter some thought.”

Not able to properly argue, she waved the chain of questioning aside. “What’s really important is that we find out more about Prince Nigel. He told us he was a younger son from Long Ago, but right now I think it’s safest not to believe a word that’s come out of his mouth.” She leaned forward, letting herself look hopeful. “You have more contacts than anyone in the kingdom, including Bishop. Is there any way you could talk to them? Even if we can’t figure out where he’s really from, it’s might be possible to find out where he’s hiding.”

Dr. Flyte considered this. “If he’s still within the boundaries of the kingdom, your guardsman might be more useful in this particular quest.”

“He’s not—” Elena snapped her mouth closed, realizing that the term was technically accurate. And arguing against emotional shadings he likely hadn’t even meant would only make her look like a fool. “Alan and Marie will likely be even more helpful. I’ll ask Cameron once the appointment ends.”

“And I’ll see what I can do on my end. An old friend of mine, a dragon named Mandrake, may know something—I believe he has relatives near Long Ago.” Dr. Flyte’s voice was pleasant, but his gaze was alarmingly focused. “So, it sounds as though you and Cameron Merrick are getting along better than you were during our last appointment.”

She lifted her chin, refusing to be baited. “He’s less infuriating than I’d initially thought he was. There’s no longer any threat of me snapping and killing him.” She smiled deliberately, deflecting. “Which I know must disappoint you.”

Dr. Flyte sighed. “I just want you to talk to me, Elena. I’m supposed to be here to help.”

Inconveniently, the memory of Cam’s comment flashed across her mind. Seeing you shout is the only time they have any idea what’s going on inside your head.

Elena softened her expression. “You are helping me. Information is what I need most right now, and there’s no one at it better than you.” Once she’d admitted that to herself, it seemed childish to let her fear stand in the way of getting that information. She took a deep breath. “I would also like you to be involved when we do another full examination of my curse. You’ve been involved in all the other examinations, and I want this one to include only those I trust the most.”

The doctor’s ghostly face went absolutely still. “You’re planning another examination? Full projection, protection circle, a full complement of study spells?” Only when she nodded did he allow his surprise to show. “We haven’t held one of those in—”

“Years, I know,” she finished for him. “I haven’t told anyone else yet, and I ask that you don’t say anything until I do.” He opened his mouth again, and she held up a hand. “Yes, I will ask my mother. With all the alert spells she has up, there’s no way I could hide such a large spell casting from her.”

“She’s also the finest sorceress in the kingdom,” Dr. Flyte said mildly.

“I’m going to ask her, Doctor. I promise.”

The mirror nodded. “Then I would be honored to participate. And I won’t say anything to Braeth or your mother until you’ve figured out the way you want to present the situation.” He paused. “I would suggest honesty, however.”

She rolled her eyes at him. “Of course you would.”

Dr. Flyte simply smiled in response, making the image of a monocle appear over one of his eyes. “Now, my dear, let’s talk about any dreams you’ve been having.”