The Violent Fae by Phil Williams

Author:Phil Williams [Williams, Phil]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Urband fantasy, contemporary fantasy
Publisher: Rumian Publishing
Published: 2019-11-04T16:00:00+00:00

9

Letty was hunched over some cards on a wine cork table, failing to learn a game Flynt called cuttle, when the knock came. Three sharp raps, and Letty jumped up, hoping to see Edwing so they could finally get to work. Flynt went to the door with his hand on his pistol, less optimistic.

“It’s me,” Smark announced.

“About fucking time!” Letty said. “We’re ready to bust some heads.”

“Oh,” Smark answered apprehensively. “You’ve heard, then?”

Letty and Flynt exchanged a concerned look. Letty waved a hand, let him in, and Flynt stepped aside, peering out for trouble. Smark entered sullenly, and reading their postures decided no, they had not heard. He gestured towards the TV. “It’s on the news, story broke as I was on the way over.”

As Flynt closed the door, Letty said, “Val’s responded?”

Smark gave her an uneasy look. He turned on the television himself. “It’s hell. I’m sorry.” He addressed Flynt: “So sorry.”

The channel was broadcasting a speech from Valoria Magnus, in all her resplendent glory. Talking over a podium again. “– put his trust in beliefs that experience has taught us to doubt. We did our best to find the councilman, but he was determined to go alone. An admirable thinker, and a friend –”

Flynt gave Letty a sideways glance. “What’s going on?”

Smark grunted, reluctant to say it. “It’s unclear – all we’ve got is her word.”

“The young amongst you,” Valoria continued, “may not remember the coup. We’ve moved beyond those violent days. Edwing, certainly, had moved beyond that. But without a crusade to fight, some still seek trouble. And, of course, the influence of that monstrous human cannot be understated. It’s a great loss.”

“They showed photos,” Smark said. “It wasn’t pretty. The Stabilisers claim they tracked him down, to protect him, but what they found – they were too late.”

On screen, Valoria continued, “She knew exactly how to isolate him. Playing on his hopes. Now, I appeal for calm and understanding – do not blame our dear colleague for his folly, nor his family, nor friends. One Fae alone is responsible. Her and the humans.”

A headline scrolled at the base of the screen. Chair of Information, Edwing, Murdered By Human. No. Fuck. That righteous idiot got himself killed? What about Pax?

“Who? How?” Flynt said, horrified. “You said he was safe – Val wouldn’t –”

“The truth,” Valoria said, “is that Letty has been looking for ways to draw the FTC and humanity into a war for decades, even before she left us.”

“I fought for you!” Letty shouted. She spun on the other two, Smark edging towards the door. “You know this is bullshit, right? She’ll do anything to spite the humans!”

Smark was about to answer, but Flynt’s anguished look gave him pause.

“Letty will be punished,” Valoria continued. “The human will be punished. All that is left is for me to appeal to Edwing’s people – those of you that believed in him. Hear me. I am as dedicated to resolving our differences with the humans as he was. I feel his loss as deeply as you.

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