Chapter 24

Robin stared at Gwil. "Your potato people told you all that?"

"His name is Copperpipe. And given it's his information, I think it would be nice not to refer to him as a tuber." He looked panicked for a moment, realising who he was talking to. "If you wouldn't mind."

He could afford to be magnanimous and Gwil did have a point, even if Robin wasn't used to being addressed in such a fashion. "Apologies, you are of course correct. But I must admit I am rather surprised at the amount and quality of his information. Especially as it's been less than twenty-four hours since we last talked."

"It's amazing what he can do for the right incentive, and at the moment he's a big fan of a certain popular female pop star and Solivatus was able to arrange a call… let's just say it oiled wheels like I've never seen before."

Robin scrolled through the document he'd been sent. "So we're pretty certain a lich is masquerading as a Dr Ralph Mettle, and for the last twenty years he's been travelling the world as a faith healer?"

"For the last ten years or so he's been settled in the UK, the exact location is difficult because he's been able to make himself untrackable and untraceable. But from the intel, he conducts healing clinics and then invites those that he thinks need more help to his residential property. We think it's there he's been holding Prince Simon."

"Then we go get him."

Gwil glanced over to Solivatus and Sebastian who were also in the small reception room. He'd been surprised not to see Hyax there as well. "I don't think it'll be that simple. The spell work and magical wards are like nothing we've seen. We've narrowed down the location to three potentials and we've people scouting but with that level of security we aren't going to be able to waltz in there. It's not going to be a matter of storming the fortress but infiltrating and worming our way in."

"We don't have the time for that."

"Robin." Sebastian sat forward in his chair. "This is bigger than Simon, and while I understand you don't give a flying fuck about anyone else, if we don't do this in the right way then this Ralph fucker can disappear and take Simon with him."

He had to bite his tongue because he'd daren't risk arguing with Sebastian, who Robin had no doubt would rescue Simon and then make him watch as he removed Robin's head for insubordination. "Can I ask what you consider the right way to be?"

"Once the reconnaissance has concluded we will find a way to get two or three people into the facility. Two as patients and the third on the staff if we can."

"I want to do it."

"I thought you might," Sebastian said ruefully, "which is why we are researching a safe way to alter someone's appearance without obvious flaws or them looking like they've been generated by AI on a detox setting. Having talked to Solivatus, and knowing what you would demand, we thought you, Gwil and Jack Webb would be the best candidates."

He had no idea what it might entail but he was glad he wasn't going to have to fight for his place because like fuck was he staying at Crofton Hall while anyone else went to rescue his husband. "Thank you for understanding."

"I would do the same for Anthony. I just ask you for some patience. Alex and Ashley are close to a resolution and they are running some ideas past Hyax."

"Not James and Hylei?"

"They are as distraught as you are, and James might go in waving a broadsword, so I can't risk him ruining the plan. You keep this to a strictly need-to-know basis. Is that clear?"

If he wanted in on Simon's rescue, he would need to toe the line, and he had every intention of doing so. "As I've said, I'll do whatever it takes."

"From what I've heard about spells and potions that change someone's appearance, they're not too pleasant, but certain physiologies such as vampires and some other creatures fare better. Hence, why you and Gwil were chosen."

"And Jack Webb?"

"You need a magic user with you, and he's one of the best the Invigilators have. His genetics mean he's no stranger to odd things sprouting."

Robin had heard the rumours. "He's part siren, isn't he?"

"Not my place to confirm or deny. Ben is in his potion shack brewing a few important bits and bobs, so all being well, we should be able to finalise the plans within the next day or so."

A scuffling noise came from the fireplace and a creature that Robin thought best resembled a potato on legs wearing a flour sack scrambled out and grinned. "What is the collective noun for Fang Faces? A phlebotomy?"

"You must excuse Copperpipe," Gwil said. "He doesn't understand the concept of deference."

Copperpipe snorted. "Senior vamps don't have a sense of humour."

Robin had never seen anything quite like Copperpipe, but his genetic origin wasn't important. "There's not a lot at the moment for me to laugh at."

Copperpipe's expression changed to sad, and he rubbed his nose. "Yes, you are missing your pretty princeling, Mr Flint. But I bring you good news."

"You do?"

From out of his sacking he removed a crumpled piece of paper and waved it at Robin to take. "There is no way to speak or write the name of the exact place, there is powerful forgetmist over the area, but I've drawn you a map. It sits in the middle."

He took the piece of paper, deciding not to linger on where it had been kept. Using the word map would be a stretch and have cartographers flinching but there was an X in the middle of three place names Weobley, Ledgemoor and King's Pyon. He'd never heard of them.

Solivatus took the piece of paper, holding it at a distance pinched between his thumb and forefinger. "Herefordshire. I believe."

Copperpipe nodded. "My associate may have accidentally eaten a couple of cows. Tasty."

Sebastian looked at the map. "The X is in marshland… ancient common land and the sort of place witches were thought to hang out. But it's a bit too cold and damp for the fun stuff."

"Surely someone would notice a manor house in the middle of a marsh." Robin turned back to Copperpipe. "Are you sure it's here?"

"Yes. The place reeks of badness… no mistake."

"I suppose if a sewer dweller says it smells bad then there must be something about it."

"Weobley is one of those old places, there'll be powerful ley lines under the marshland." Sebastian seemed to be recalling a memory. "Used have a castle… lots of dark places and willing bodies that bled. I do miss the 1400s… death was simpler then."

"Thanks, Copperpipe," Gwil said, shooing him back to the fireplace. "I'll have the eclairs shipped straightaway."

"The good ones, with extra salted caramel." The way Copperpipe smacked his lips made Robin shudder.

"Absolutely. A dozen a day for the next month."

He went the way he came and Robin turned to Gwil. "Eclairs?"

"He's got no need for money, and our dealings are transactional, depending on what he wants at the time."

"If he's found me Simon, I'll give him anything he wants in the world." Robin would rebuild the sewers if Copperpipe asked.

"That's the thing, what he wants at the moment is salted caramel eclairs." Gwil grinned. "It'll be different again next time, but he does like a pear drop and I have a bag of those delivered once a month whether I need him or not."

Sebastian opened up a laptop and an ordnance survey map of the area appeared on the screen. "Now we have our location let's get our three witches together and see what they've come up with."

Robin thought he was several moves behind Sebastian. "But there's so much we don't know."

"We couldn't wait for everything to be confirmed, I've been making plans and drawing up scenarios based on what we did know and used a risk-based hypothesis. We need to be ready to act."

He should have known Sebastian would be prepared.

Solivatus's mobile pinged. He read the message. "Seems Dr Mettle is holding a new meeting in two days… time for you to be saved, Robin, maybe taken into residential care."

"How are we going to make him do that?"

"Then we've luck on our side," Sebastian said. "I've been thinking about this. While I accept they do cure people of their ailments, I can't believe a lich would do anything for purely altruistic reasons."

Robin had thought the same. "He must want something in return."

"Oh yes, but they might not know what he's taking. My theory is he invited individuals who can be of use to him, a vampire's blood is worth a lot on the black market, as are the bark scrapings of naiads."

"I suppose there's use for anyone, darker potions ingredients or spell work often have a sacrificial or biological aspect."

"Exactly. I've a business generating an income based on those principles but I don't go around kidnapping innocent people. I pay for donations—and I pay bloody well—but I'd bet one of my properties, Mettle is harvesting from his patients without their consent. To be honest, I wouldn't give a flying fuck, but he crossed the line when he took Simon and he will have to pay."

He'd have been more surprised if Sebastian had been concerned for the other residents, as it had seemed unlikely, and Sebastian had now confirmed his initial thoughts. "I'm not sure how we're going to make him pick me and Gwil."

"We need to make you look like a decent prospect… or if he doesn't pick you, replace you with one he does."

"How are we going to do that?"

"Some sort of rare condition might be a good start. We need to think about this, if it were a sexually communicable disorder then both you and Gwil could have it… set you up as lovers who need to get rid of the vampire pox."

Gwil looked stricken. "I don't think Hyax would be in favour of that idea."

Solivatus grunted. "You'd just be acting and it wouldn't even look like the real you. He'll be fine… or I will speak to him about his trust issues."

Robin didn't particularly like the idea either but had to admit it did have merit and if they were to concoct a ruse that they'd dabbled in dark magic and had got contaminated then he could work with it. "I can speak to Prince Hyax, he is already aware of the bond I share with Simon and would know I would have no interest in Gwil."

If he were being honest, he wouldn't have had an interest in Gwil for longer than a quick fuck even if Simon hadn't been on the scene.

"The Invigilators should be able to build a trail if they check backgrounds… a police report about the spell use, medical records showing they hadn't been cured with some flavour to make you even more interesting," Sebastian said. "They'll want to be seen to help Simon's return."

Robin guessed this wouldn't have been the first time Sebastian had arranged this sort of paper trail and probably didn't need the help of the Invigilators but would let them do the heavy lifting.

"This all does depend on whether the magic is possible," Robin said, not wanting Sebastian to get too carried away as he seemed to be as keen on inflicting a painful vengeance as Robin did.

"I have every faith, Robin. You'll see. Ashley, Alex and Hyax all bring distinct flavours to the mix and the lich won't realise what's going on until it's too late."

He was in two minds, he wanted Simon back and would do whatever it took, but untested magic, a blended version of warlock, elf and fae at that, might not be the safest way. "Are we certain there's no way to do an extraction? Go in get Simon and get out?"

"I've already explained once, Robin, I'm not one for repeating myself. Now, if you're not keen on helping us get your Eternal home, I'm sure I can find someone else to step in and it would be a shame if your lack of engagement were to get back to Simon and his family."

He knew not to question Sebastian, and this wasn't even a veiled threat. "I'm completely committed to bringing Simon home, and to Simon."

"Correct answer, Robin." Sebastian's smile had no warmth to it. "Now you should go rest, leave the planning to me and Solivatus."

He wasn't used to being dismissed but he would not answer back. "I am grateful for your guidance." He turned to Gwil. "Come on, Gwil, let's go and inform your fiancé of the plan and start to work on our backstory."

Robin took Gwil firmly by the arm and they left. Now he would just need to explain to an uptight fairy that his one true love was going to be pretending to have caught something due to getting down and dirty with sex magic, but that was still preferable to risking pissing Sebastian off any further.