They were paid dearly for their discretion, and their clients were often the worst of society. With that, a clear suspicion among the crowd gathered grew.
"I know it's a questionable way to make a living, but it's the business I was raised in, and I am very good at it." He didn't explain it further, probably assuming those present understood who he was and what he stood for. He held the item with both hands and stared down at it.
"I procured this item for a client, not realizing what it could do and why they wanted it. The client, I fear, had plans forbidden in both the human and the paranormal worlds. I could not let it be taken. I could not be a party to what they were planning." He set the item down on the pavement and took a step back. No one approached. The energy from that thing was sharp and acrid.
“What is it called?” The Master asked.
"Its name is Severine Codex, it is ancient, and it is dark.” Tarek again sounded breathless, but it was fear and not exhaustion. The book was scaring him.
"I've heard of it." The Master made a few motions with his right hand, and the feeling of dread that hung in the air receded. "That will hold it for a while."
“I wrapped it in a binding spell, but it was weakening. That thing is old and formidable.” Tarek interjected. The Master looked at him and gave a curt nod.
“What manner of beasts were pursuing you, and how did you escape them?" Tarek might be a beloved, and he would begiven the rights of a beloved within reason, but trust would be slow to come and need to be earned.
Cal feared that Tarek had a long road ahead of him before a welcome would ever be offered. Discovering who he really was would be crucial to deciding on their future. Tarek was Fate's choice for him, so there had to be more to the relic hunter than appearances would dictate.
Tarek pointed to the Severine Codex that he had placed on the asphalt and began answering the Master. “It provided some protection in that it prevented them from getting too close to me, but it did not stop them from trying to capture me and it. The Severine Codex scared them as it does me." He paused, and he seemed to realize that he needed to make them understand. He needed to make his case clear because Master Louis DuCane was no one to be trifled with.
"I met the client at the end of County Road 48, where the road dead ends before the gully. It’s private there, and I should have been more wary. There's privacy, which is necessary in my business, but then there is total isolation, and that area was total isolation. I wanted the business over with, and I wanted that thing out of my hands." He motioned to the codex before continuing. "I met their leader, and soon the meeting went south, and I realized I could not in good conscience leave the artifact in his hands.”
“You were able to get away.” Master DuCane sounded dubious.
“I can move fast when I need to.” He said this without making eye contact, then went on with his explanation. “I knew that Coven DuCane was in the area and figured that you might help me, given the seriousness of the artifact I carried.” He glanced up at Cal with a sudden warmth and lightness thattouched Cal’s heart. “I had no idea you would be here. Fate can be a crazy old bitch sometimes.” That brought a smile to Cal’s somewhat stricken expression.
“How is it that a human knows the location of my coven?” The Master’s tone was severe, but Cal could see that he was trying to temper it as much as possible. Master DuCane was not one to tiptoe around any issue or take the slow road to information, so Cal was very grateful for his care and understanding under the current circumstances.
"My family are Liminals. I can see the paranormal world. We have no powers and are not ourselves paranormal, but we recognize them." Master DuCane just stared at him, taking in every inch of the man with a new understanding.
“What is the name of the client who paid for your services in procuring this item?” he gestured to the codex. No one got too close to it, and it lay there untouched since Tarek set it down, but everyone was respectful of the item.
Tarek was stressed and did not answer right away, which did not bode well for him. Silence fell, and everyone waited for his response. Cal took his hand and held it firmly, channeling calm and clear-headedness to his beloved in hopes of making a better impression. Cal would stand by him no matter what, but the others did not owe him their time or trust, and unfortunately, he wasn't putting his best foot forward.
"You must be honest and open, Tarek. It is important. I will be here with you, just tell the truth, all of it." Cal urged gently, and Tarek started nodding rapidly.
"They're dangerous." He said, stopped, and took several breaths, steadying himself. He held onto Cal's hand and used the support he was giving. That was a good sign. "I was led to believe that it was one man, a collector of the rare and foreboding. I’dworked for him before, but when I was to make my delivery, I discovered that he had only been a go-between for the actual client." Another pause and a cough, taking time to gather his words.
"The group waiting for me at the end of County Road 48 was a kindred of witches. The leader was a man I recognized; his name is Malfane. He's considered formidable and an up and comer in the magic world. I've heard things about him and his followers. I didn't stay, and I didn't leave the codex." He fell silent like the explanation had exhausted him. Cal squeezed his hand and urged him closer, and he did not resist.
“I cannot read you.” Master DuCane stated.
"I am Liminal. I am immune to mind games and glamours." He said, and then added. "Cal cannot read me as such, but as his beloved, he can sense my truth and my lies.” He looked to Cal for support and got it.
"I sense no lies," Cal stated, and Master DuCane nodded, but his dire expression did not change. A lot was going on here, and the idea of dealing once again with witches hit everyone the same way.
Witches were energy suckers, power seeking, sick fucks that held no moral compass or restraint. They had abused and tortured the Master’s beloved before he found them and made them pay in the most painful way possible. Master DuCane possessed no tolerance for witches of the kindred sect.
Just then, Silas arrived with several others carrying specialized equipment. It was obvious they were going to take control of the Severine Codex and lock it down. Everyone moved back as Silas and his team took over. Master DuCane came to stand next to Cal, who was still holding fast to Tarek. MasterDuCane observed the rituals taking place to secure the item before finally turning to Cal and commenting.
"This is highly irregular, but when is Coven DuCane ever regular?" He looked down at Tarek. "You knew your beloved was here."
"No, sir, that was a very lovely surprise." Tarek looked up at Cal, and it seemed like he tried to smile, but his fear was still making any other expression impossible.
"You recognized me?" Cal asked, surprised that a human would know they had a connection.
"Not at first, but when you took me in your arms and defended me even against your friends, I figured it out. I saw Fate's hand in everything that has taken place today." That was deep and thoughtful, but there was so much he did not know about this man, and, sad to say, what he did know was not particularly good.
“Take your beloved to the cottage in the rose garden. You may reside there while we decide how to handle this." The Master wanted him out of the Palace, and Cal understood. If Tarek had any connection to a kindred, he would not want him anywhere near his beloved Ezra. “Do not let him out of your sight.” The last was a command, and Cal felt it.
