Dark Age by James Wilde

Author:James Wilde
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Transworld
Published: 2018-10-03T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

The New House of Wishes

‘WHY DO WE need to look after Catia as if she were a babe?’ Comitinus grumbled as Mato strode on ahead through the emptying streets. ‘I’m scared of her. Even with child, she could bring down any enemy who ventured near.’

Mato glanced back past the other man to where Catia stepped out of the night and into a halo of light from a torch guttering beside a door. Lucanus was huddled away with the wood-priest, no doubt trying to draw some jewels of truth from the druid’s twisting words, but Bellicus and Solinus flanked her, swords drawn. Her hood was pulled up, her face lost to shadow, but he thought how regal she seemed, her back straight, her head slightly raised, her pace elegant. He could see no sign of grief.

‘You saw what happened when we were on the road from Vercovicium. Those hungering for power sprang up like flowers in the spring fields. A fever seems to have gripped this world. We can’t take any risks.’

Comitinus sniffed and looked up at the amphitheatre towering above them. ‘One night of freedom, that’s all I ask.’

‘It will come, in time. Perhaps even this night.’

Mato whisked one hand towards a plain door in a plain house in the shadow of the amphitheatre’s soaring walls. The only distinguishing feature was a red rose roughly painted on the door jamb.

‘What is this …?’ Comitinus’ voice trailed off.

Mato rapped on the wood. When the door swung open, a waft of lavender-scented air rolled out. In the glow from the lamps, a familiar silhouette hove into view.

‘Welcome to the House of Wishes,’ Amarina said, her tone wry.

Mato shoved Comitinus inside. ‘Just … just the three of you?’ the younger man stuttered.

‘There is something for every taste.’ She nodded towards an open door and Comitinus saw several women displaying themselves, hands on hips, lips pouting.

‘You lost no time finding friends,’ Mato said.

‘I know how to keep a good house.’

You know how to survive, Mato thought.

Amarina looked past him and he saw her brow knot. There was no love lost between her and Catia.

‘Again?’ she said, remembering, no doubt, how she had sheltered Catia once before, at the House of Wishes she had managed in Vercovicium.

‘Keep her safe. Her father has been murdered, and Lucanus fears that’s only the beginning. We have enemies here in Londinium who will come for us all sooner or later.’ Mato looked into her face, wishing he could be more sure. ‘We trust you, Amarina,’ he said softly. ‘You’re one of us, whether you like it or not. You have duties now. But you should know that the Grim Wolves are fiercely loyal to their friends.’

‘Enough of your talk,’ she chided him. ‘Do you think I’m a child?’ She eased him aside and crooked a finger to beckon Catia inside. The two women eyed each other for what Mato felt was an unsettlingly long time. Finally Amarina said, ‘One of my girls will find you a room. I’ll come to you there.

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