Cormac shook his head as well. “This makes no sense. None at all. I’m not familiar with this master of yours, but he’s clearly new and uninformed. The Conclave will hear your testimony, Simon, and though you may have to perform some sort of annoying service as a fine, they will not prevent you from completing your training.”
Gray was happy for Simon, but still didn’t quite believe it. He wasn’t sure where Cormac was getting his information, but from what Simon had told him, this master person of his seemed pretty clear on the results of his actions.
“Now, first things first, let’s get this spell removed from you.”Cormac walked to the side of the room by the staircase and held his hands up to a door nearly hidden behind it. “Come along, Simon. All of you.”
They followed, and Gray felt more magic in the air as Cormac removed another layer of protections from the door. Once inside, he understood why this room was so well guarded. This was clearly where the vampire did his work.
A large table was in the center of the room, cluttered with open books, notes, and vials of unidentified substances. Gray thought it looked like an evil scientist’s laboratory, but he didn’t feel any evil here. It was oddly peaceful, despite the jumbled piles around the room.
Cormac grumbled at the mess. “Help me clear the table. Carefully, please. Just put everything over there.” He gestured to an equally cluttered desk. Liam gathered up a few books and carried them over. Simon inspected a few of the containers as he lifted the holder they were in and found a place for them.
Gray stood watching, wanting to keep his eyes on Cormac. Trust didn’t come easily to him, and he was placing an inordinate amount in this person he’d just met. Simon was too valuable to risk, but if they did nothing, Gray would lose him. His options were limited. Either he allowed Cormac to help, or he stood by while Simon weakened further.
While the table was cleared, Cormac pulled a few old texts from the shelves. He mumbled to himself, opening drawers in an old apothecary chest that stood to one side. He pulled out a large crystal, closed his eyes, and focused on it for a moment before shaking his head and returning it to its place.
He looked back to Simon, then nodded and opened another drawer. This crystal was smaller and an eerie green color. “Simon, up on the table,” he said, and Simon complied. “Go on, lie down.” Simon appeared anxious but lay back. Gray slipped off his jacket, rolled it up, and placed it under Simon’s head.
Simon gave him a grateful smile and reached out for his hand. “You’re going to be fine,” Gray assured him, even though he wasn’treally sure about it himself.
Liam stood in the corner, watching Cormac carefully. He was ready to pounce if anything looked like it was going wrong. Gray was glad he wasn’t the only one feeling the need to protect. Liam’s instincts were good, so Gray kept his focus on Simon.
Cormac carried the green stone over and held it above Simon’s head. He muttered under his breath when it lit up and then faded back to its previous color. “Damn it. What the hell is this thing?” Cormac didn’t seem to expect an answer, so Gray didn’t try to give one.
Cormac went back to the cabinet and stared at it for a moment then turned away. “I wonder—” He went over to the wall and pulled a jeweled dagger from its hook. Gray hadn’t noticed the weapons before, and he growled when Cormac turned toward them with the blade held in his hands.
“Down, boy,” Cormac said and carried the weapon over to his desk, where Liam stood. “Out of the way,” he said, and Liam moved to the side, his body tense and ready to spring.
Cormac fumbled in the desk drawer and pulled out a smaller, thin knife. He used it to pry a black stone from the handle of the dagger and held it up triumphantly when it was free. “This is it.” He tossed the weapon aside, holding the stone gently in his hands.
Crossing back to Simon, Cormac laid the stone on his forehead. It didn’t light up or anything, but Cormac seemed pleased with the results. “Yes, yes,” he mumbled. “Ah, perhaps some copper.” Back to the cabinet, where he pulled out some copper wiring and snipped off a piece. He wrapped it carefully around the stone, once, twice, three times, then held it up again.
“That should do it.” Back to Simon, where he returned the stone to Simon’s head. “This may hurt”—he glanced at Gray as he spoke— “but it must, in order to remove the spell.”
“I understand,” Simon whispered, his eyes drifting closed. Gray tightened his hold on Simon’s hand, and Simon squeezed back.
“Simon, I need you to center yourself. Isolate your magic as much as you can, do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.” Simon took a deep breath, and Gray heard his heart ratespeed up. Cormac met Gray’s eyes, and Gray could see the puzzlement in the vampire’s expression. Gray knew Simon’s nervousness stemmed from the simple request for Simon to center himself. Gray looked away and brushed his thumb over Simon’s knuckles.
“Easy, Simon. Remember what Garon said? Don’t force it, just let it happen.”
Simon smiled and let out his breath, and Gray could feel him settle. Cormac shot Gray another confused look, and Gray had a feeling he’d be answering a few more questions later.
“I’m ready, Grandfather.”
“Very good.” Cormac closed his eyes and held his hand over the stone. He grunted when Simon arched his back off the table and cried out. Gray used his free arm to hold Simon in place, and Liam went to his other side and added his hold to the mix.
“Come on, you bastard,” Cormac yelled, sweat beginning to form on his head.
Simon screamed, and Gray nearly came undone. He began to shift and watched Liam’s hands turn to claws beside his. They both growled as the scream continued. Finally Simon collapsed back against the table, and Cormac fell away, holding the stone tightly in his hand. “Gotcha,” he whispered as his back hit the wall, and he slid down onto the floor.
17
Simon opened his eyes and blinked up at the ceiling. He could hear low growls beside him and turned to look at Gray. “It’s gone,” he smiled. He felt no presence of the darkness in his mind.
“Not gone,” Cormac said from his place on the floor. He held up the stone, now streaked with red. “Trapped.”
Simon tried to sit up and turn around so he could see. Gray helped him up, and Simon stared at Cormac. “Thank you.”
