What else was there in that cavern?Faerie asked.
“Just the net that held Princess, Aaron's rod, and then Cerberus and Princess,” I said.
Nothing else?
“Not unless you want to count the evil blood flowing around them.”
Evil blood,Faerie repeated.Bad blood. That could be a clue. There is bad blood between Azrael and whoever is behind this.
“I think that's a stretch,” I said. “And we already know this person doesn't like Azrael.”
Bad blood makes it more personal,Faerie insisted.Has Azrael wronged anyone recently? Anyone in particular?
“Not that I can think of. And certainly not a faerie. Our last big battle was with gods. We did have a suspect in Heaven. But even he, an ex-Jerry supporter, was happy with the way things turned out.”
“Well, if Viper does end up here, we can be certain it's a faerie,” Arach said. “Non-faeries can't get through our wards without permission from the High King.”
Not necessarily, Faerie said ominously.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
The trickster got into Heaven and Hell, as you said. If they can do that, perhaps they've found a way around wards.
“Either that, or they knew the entry chant,” Arach said.
“That would take us back to Angels,” I said. “Or Demons. And then they wouldn't be able to enter Faerie. And how would an Angel or Demon get fey chains?”
“Don't Azrael's people visit the Golden Citadel?” Arach asked.
“Yes. Sometimes.”
“And don't you have several sets of manacles there?”
“Yes. We need them in case faeries are arrested for crimes committed on Earth.”
Arach stared at me.
“So anyone who has access to the citadel could have taken a set,” I concluded. “Yeah, that makes sense. I'm not even sure where we keep them. I assume it's with the citadel guards.”
Who are Fey, Faerie said.
“Ugh, we're getting nowhere,” I muttered. “Just running around in circles.”
“No, this is good,” Arach said. “We've learned that we shouldn't rule anyone out. But the Earth Royals are—how do you put it?—our prime suspects.”
You can question them tomorrow,Faerie said.They'll be at the Castle of Eight to welcome the humans along with the other royals.
“Perfect,” I said.
“Let's get some rest, A Thaisce.” Arach stood up.
“You mean sex.” I got up as well.
“Yes, of course.”
I guess I'll just spy on the Earth Royals while you two enjoy yourselves,Faerie grumbled.
“I didn't think of that!” I said. “Thank you, Faerie. That would help a lot.”
