Chapter 18

Chapter18

Daphne leftthe apartment with Nelly, Clive, and Marissa. They still didn’t have a real plan because they had no idea what to expect other than wolves. Nelly and Clive did manage to borrow some sleep bombs from the SMU office across the street but had to do so furtively given their actions would be considered out of the scope of their employment.

Or as Clive said, “We’re going somewhere we’re not allowed to be and will have our asses reamed if caught.”

Daphne admired the fact they didn’t use that as an excuse to bail on Baptiste. It had been a long time since she had bothered to have friends. Her loss of her sisters in the grove made it difficult for her to allow anyone to get close. But it appeared time had healed that wound because look at her, collaborating with others, even planning for the future. When Nelly said,“I’ll bet Baptiste’s mom makes an awesome feast once we get him back home. Wait until you meet her. She’s the best,”it warmed her that Nelly assumed she’d be present. Even odder, she kind of looked forward to it.

But first, they had to rescue Baptiste.

They took a battered vehicle that Nelly claimed the SMU had confiscated from someone who’d thought to raid the Monster King’s newly excavated palace. “Dumbass thought he could steal from a dude with literal monsters as his guards. It didn’t end well for him. He’s still not able to sleep, and he screams nonstop if they don’t sedate him.”

A god who didn’t mess around. Daphne approved.

They ditched the junky car a half mile from the compound and continued on foot. The Mother had been mostly silent, her last words being: Take care, Paladin. You are about to face your greatest challenge. Some might have found that statement demoralizing, but Daphne never shied from a confrontation.

“Stay sharp. The compound property begins just beyond this bend in the road.” Nelly indicated with a pointed finger. The main entrance was a mile past, but they didn’t plan to enter that way.

Around the curve, they came in sight of a fence cleared of vegetation for several feet on either side. The barrier was metal, strands of it woven to make something called “chain link.” Easy to climb. The sight of it had Daphne frowning. “I thought you said the area was secure.”

“Don’t let the benign appearance fool you,” Nelly cautioned. “That fence is electrified and will knock you unconscious, maybe even stop your heart.”

That explained the faint hum Daphne could hear. “How do we get past it?”

“Marissa and I will handle it. Rather than take out the power for the entire boundary which would warn those within we are coming, we’re going to provide a bridge for the electricity, creating a dead spot in the fence that can be traversed.” Clive glanced at the pink-haired witch. “Ready to block the current?”

The witch nodded and stood a few paces to Clive’s left and raised her hands.

The moment Clive muttered, “Go!” Daphne and Nelly sprinted for the chain link, gripped the diamond-shaped holes, and quickly climbed. Daphne landed on the other side first, Nelly a few seconds after. Clive’s expression took on an even more serious mien as he murmured, “Okay Marissa, your turn next. When I say go, climb over. Once you’re on the other side, let me know when you’re ready to grab the current from me.”

Marissa nodded and her hands came down just as Clive said, “Go.”

She vaulted for it, nimbly making her way over and immediately putting out her hands, expression taut. “I’ve got it. I think.”

“So reassuring,” Clive replied as he came to join them.

The moment he landed, Marissa let out a breath and huffed, “Damn, that’s quite the electrical load they’ve got running through there.”

“More than usual,” Clive agreed. “Good thing it worked, or we’d have been barbecued.”

“Mmm. I love barbecued meat.” Daphne hummed.

When three sets of eyes stared at her she shrugged. “What? It’s delicious.”

Marissa snickered. “And to think you hooked up with a dude who doesn’t eat any.”

“Speaking of Baptiste, let’s see what the Earth has to say about his location.” She ducked down and placed her fingers on the ground, grimacing at its deadness. “I can’t speak to the Mother. They’ve done something to block her access in this area.”

“Is that going to be an issue?” Nelly asked.

“No. Unlike a witch, I don’t have magic. Just me and my ability to fight.” Nelly had supplied Daphne with an arsenal of new weapons. She had knives strapped to her body, more than she hoped to need. Baptiste might not be happy if she killed any of the wolves. At the same time, she wouldn’t hesitate if it saved his life.

Marissa’s lips turned down. “You’re not the only one cut off. I can’t access any extra magic either.”

The reply had Clive pursing his lips. “I might be able to recharge you if you run out of magic, seeing as how my power isn’t god-dependent.” Apparently, the wizard had an innate ability to siphon off stray bits of magic. “Although, this area is a bit lacking in juice.”

Nelly patted her holsters. “If the spells fail don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.”

“Remember, we’re shooting to maim, not kill,” Clive reminded. The wizard worried about starting a war with the wolves.

The wolves should be more worried about pissing off the Earth’s Paladin. Daphne had the full blessing of the Mother to do what she had to. Mother even encouraged her before they’d left, saying, Make haste, my daughter of the Earth, if you wish to save your mate.

“I’m going to talk to some of the inhabitants.” Daphne headed for a tree as Clive huffed, “We’re supposed to avoid being seen.”

“Wasn’t talking about the two-legged kind,” she muttered as she slapped her palm on the nearest tree. A shiver went through its trunk as she communicated with it, speaking aloud for her non-tree-understanding friends. “Where is Baptiste?” She projected an image of him for the poplar.

The tree’s branches rattled.

“It doesn’t know,” she murmured. “Given its youth, its roots don’t extend far enough to see anything of interest. We’ll need to go deeper into the forest.”

Clive glanced at the sky where the sun’s final bright rays turned all kinds of colors. “We really need to get moving if we’re going to snag Baptiste and get out before the wolves notice us.”

“I thought the plan was to put any wolves we come across asleep,” Daphne reminded as she set off in the direction her gut indicated.

“There’s very little magic to play with on this side. Less than expected,” Clive admitted. “Depending on how many shifted we encounter, that could pose an issue. They’re more resistant to spells in their wolf shape.”

Marissa trudged by her side. “If all else fails, climb a tree. That should keep us safe until morning.”

Speaking of safe… Daphne’s head canted as she heard a whisper in the boughs overhead. Her lips pursed at the news.

“We have a problem,” she stated.

“What’s wrong?” Nelly asked from her position ahead of them.

“Circe is here.”

Marissa stumbled. “Wait, what? How?”

“I don’t know, but that’s just made the situation a lot more complicated.” And dangerous for her companions.

“Are you sure?” Nelly asked.

“Trees don’t know how to lie.” Daphne pointed. “We’ll need to split up. You guys go find Baptiste while I handle Circe.”

“Handle her how?” Marissa pointedly asked. “Have you forgotten just how tricky and powerful she is?”

“I am aware,” Daphne grumbled. “But what else can we do? If she’s here, then someone has to distract her in case she’s looking to mete out revenge on Baptiste for snapping her neck.”

“We’re stronger together,” Nelly insisted.

Daphne would have argued, only the trees had more to say. “Seems like you’ll get your wish. The ash says Circe is heading for Baptiste.”

“Where exactly?” Clive queried.

“That way.” Daphne pointed in the direction of the setting sun. “There’s a very large oak in a clearing. They’ve tied Baptiste to it, and everyone has gathered around.”

“How far is Circe from them?” Marissa asked.

“Not far.” Daphne tried to filter the messages from the forest, the many rustling leaves, rubbing branches, and creaking limbs making it hard to separate. “We need to be careful, though. The fir trees are saying to watch for the rotted things.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Nelly’s brow creased.

Daphne’s shoulders rolled. “It’s not quite clear. Their way of seeing things isn’t the same as us.”

“Whatever the threat, the plan stays the same. I’ll scout ahead. Clive will flank to the left. Marissa, you bring up the back. If you see anything move, drop it with a sleep spell. If you can’t, holler for me and I’ll take it down with a non-lethal shot.” Nelly reiterated their simple plot.

With that, they spread out, Nelly disappearing into the forest dappled with the last of the sunlight. Clive moved off to the side as Daphne kept walking straight, not needing the rub of leaves to know what direction to find Baptiste. She felt a tug, as if a vine stretched between them. She followed it, her steps silent, her resolve firm. She didn’t know when she’d pulled her daggers, but they rested comfortably in her grip.

As she trod through the forest, the trees got quiet. No insects buzzed. A stench of rot filled the air.

The attack came suddenly, humps of leaves suddenly bursting into the air as bodies exploded from them.

“Zombies!” Nelly yelled.

Not quite. It took a second to grasp what attacked. Forest animals, but a grotesque version. The squirrel leaping for her was the size of a large dog, its eyes rolling in opposite directions, its flesh oozing with sores.

Daphne crossed her arms and slashed in an X that took the head off the flying rodent. It hit the ground, ichor leaking from the stump, the smell enough to make her eyes water.

To her left, Clive confronted something that once might have been a fox, but this one had an extra leg and a tail coming from its side. It drooled from its deformed jaw as it snapped. It froze when Clive flung magic at it.

“Kill it,” Daphne advised. “We don’t want it at our backs.”

For a second, she thought he’d argue, but he held his finger out pointing at its head. The impact of the magic missile caved in its skull.

Marissa approached, huffing, “What the fuck? Zombie forest animals? I didn’t realize Circe was a necromancer.”

“She isn’t,” Daphne stated. “These animals were tainted by what she was doing outside Palusville. It would seem the fire didn’t destroy everything.”

“How many more can we expect?” Nelly asked as she neared, wiping her blades on a rag. Smart not using a gun as it would have been loud and announced their presence.

Daphne put a hand to a tree for answers. She bit her lip. “They can’t give an exact number, but there are more.”

“How did she get them into Nexus and past the Monster King?” Was Nelly’s next question.

Clive replied, “I imagine she cloaked their arrival.”

“Or the King ignored them, thinking them some of his subjects.” Nelly’s alternative answer. “Either way, we need to tread cautiously.”

“But quickly. Baptiste is in trouble.” Daphne could feel his emotions, the anger. The frustration of being caught.

It led to her suddenly running, fleet of foot and graceful as she leapt and bounded through the forest, following the invisible tether. Her companions tried to follow but couldn’t keep up.

The forest darkened as twilight took hold. The full moon rose, but the gleam didn’t penetrate this section of the woods. A howl erupted. Then another.

Close.

Almost there.

Seeing lights up ahead, she didn’t slow down but rather burst into a clearing lit with torches spaced around the open area. They illuminated the chaotic scene. Wolves, all shapes and colors, fought with each other, snarling and snapping, their eyes wild with madness.

A woman watched. Circe, healed of her injury, stood tall over a prone body on the ground, lying in a pool of blood.

But the thing that drew Daphne’s eye? The massive tree taking the place of pride. Bound to it in silver was her beast, who looked straight at her as if he’d known she was coming.

She waggled her fingers and he hissed, “What the fuck, Psycho? Get out of here.”

“I don’t think so. You owe me breakfast.” She spoke to him but kept her gaze on Circe, the most dangerous one in the group. “And once I save you, I expect to be fed promptly.”

He groaned. “Now is not the time for humor.”

“Wasn’t being funny. I’m actually kind of annoyed. Your uncle had no right to kidnap you.”

Circe turned to see her talking to Baptiste and smirked. “Well, well, if it isn’t the dryad. I’m surprised to see you here. Haven’t you heard? The wolves don’t like people trespassing on their grounds.”

“Yet here you are. I’m surprised the wolves haven’t tried to eat you yet. Then again, old and stringy meat probably isn’t high on their list.”

Rather than react to the barb, Circe waved a hand. “They’re a little too busy attacking each other. Moon madness caused by the death of their Alpha.” She glanced at the body at her feet. “Not a very good one, I should add.”

On that, they agreed. “I don’t suppose you’ll save me the exertion and just let me cut off your head?” Daphne asked nicely.

Circe smiled back just as cattily. “It’s like you want me to curse you again. But lucky for you, you’re more useful to me dead.”

“You should know by now I’m not that easy to kill.”

“Says the dryad who entered a place where the Mother can’t reach.”

“Shows how little you know.” Her lips tilted. “Looks to me like I’m still standing on Earth surrounded by trees, making this part of the Mother’s kingdom.”

“Your goddess has no power here,” Circe insisted.

“Is that what you think?” Daphne lied and kept smiling as her slow movements brought her to stand between Baptiste and Circe.

“I’m going to enjoy cracking open your chest and eating your heart. And then I’ll ingest that of the Garou, making him a part of me.”

“You know, I like meat. Love it, actually, but even I have lines I don’t cross. Cannibalism is one of them.”

Her comment met with a snicker from Baptiste and a murmured, “I don’t know, I kind of like eating you.”

A startling thing to hear in the situation, but it oddly made her bolder.

Circe pursed her lips. “You’re missing out. Humans have the most tender meat, especially the young ones. Their souls are also especially juicy in power and, lucky me, these dumb dogs collected them all in one place for an easy slaughter.”

“Don’t you dare touch the children,” Baptiste growled.

“Or what? You’re not in a position to make any demands and neither is your tree bitch. By the time dawn arrives, you’ll all be dead. Your souls will make a great contribution to my new well of power. Thanks to your actions, I’ve decided I won’t waste my time on puny humans anymore.”

“You’re a complete and utter lunatic,” Daphne murmured.

“Says the soon to be kindling,” Circe spat back.

Before the last syllable left the witch’s lips, Daphne’s knife flew but her target moved fast enough to avoid being impaled in the heart. Circe only suffered a nicked arm.

The scratch curled Circe’s lip. “My turn.” She flung a spell from her hand at Daphne, the ball of fire a sizzling blue. Daphne wondered if the drain on magic in this area would affect her too. Only one way to find out. She needed to force the witch to use her power in the hopes it ran out.

Daphne used a poignard with a repelling spell to block it along with Circe’s next tossed attack. Before Circe could throw a third, Daphne fired several small knives, one after another, pulling them from her chest harness and whipping them at her enemy.

The witch threw up a shield and uttered a low sound of irritation. “You’re so annoying. Let’s see how you do against a pack of rabid wolves.” Circe’s next flung spell wasn’t at Daphne but towards the furballs fighting amongst themselves.

As one, they suddenly stopped their furry fighting and their shaggy heads swiveled. Glowing eyes, too many of them, fixated on Daphne. One of the wolves uttered a low growl and stepped forward. Then another.

Baptiste yelled, “Leave her alone! She’s not the enemy.”

But the wolves weren’t listening and there were too many for Daphne to stand and fight.

“I’ll be back for you,” she promised as she sprinted for the forest. The trees whispered of a spot where she could take a stand.

First, though, she had to make it.