A/N: Hello, all! Thank you very much for reading this, my second fanfic! Welcome back to any who have read Down Once More, and just plain welcome to the new readers! I hope you all enjoy this new story, and maybe check out my other one if you haven't already. I love getting reviews and am more than happy to reply to them, so feel free to tell me what you think. Now, on with the show!
Persia-1850
It was hot, almost unbearably so as the dry summer sun beat down on the great palace in Mazanderan, Persia. In the Shah's favourite Rose Garden called a Gulistan, there stood the chief of police, the Daroga, Nadir Khan. He waited for his latest companion to return. Nadir watched as the white of the man's mask flared bright in the sunlight while his black cloak swirled around him almost threateningly. Still, this imposing figure, who Nadir had personally brought here all the way from Russia, took the time to admire the swans out on the pond. Nadir had come to know the man fairly well, though he admitted there was still much to learn about the mysterious magician, and he knew after their many weeks of travel to get here when he was angry or simply contented. The man, Erik, was clearly unhappy. Prodding him would not be advisable in any mood, and the stern set of his shoulders told Nadir that it was best to give him some space.
It had been Nadir's job to bring this purported wonder of the world to the palace to entertain the Shah's mother, the Khanum, and help distract her while her son did some of the actual ruling of the country. The Shah was still young and the Khanum had inserted herself in such a way that gave her more power than she truly should have had, yet until the Shah married and produced an heir, she would remain upon the dais he refused to dethrone her from.
Nadir had struggled to control Erik on their journey here as the insane man had insisted upon going by horse for the majority of the trip. Eventually, the Daroga gave up on his obviously vain notion and simply let the man be to do what he wished. This was both a terrible option and the only one he really had as Erik had little in the way of morals, and apparently even less in the value of his own life. Nothing fazed him or seemed to matter to him…except for beauty. Nadir suspected that Erik was drawn to precious and beautiful objects out of some sort of form of self-degradation. Having to always hide the admitted monstrosity of his face behind a mask all his life had made him hyper aware of the more visually pleasing aspects of the world and therefore obsessed with obtaining them. Nothing about Erik's character had thus far instilled a sense of mental stability or general healthiness, but this obsession coupled with his thirst for power were a dangerous mix. Nadir found himself fearing what Erik would inevitably find and get himself into here, knowing Persia to be a self-proclaimed den of temptation and dangerous centre for the power-hungry. What he feared more, however, was being made responsible for this strange and dangerously passionate man.
Erik still seethed a bit after his tiring talk with the Shah. It was clear that the self-righteous, pompous ass of a man child was used to getting what he wanted when he wanted it and with minimal difficulty. But Erik had already expected that. What he was not expecting were the clever undertones to the ruler's words, or the obvious power he held by a simple turn of phrase. This new world was intriguing and full of potential power and rank for any smart enough to move the political chess pieces correctly. Yes, this place may not be quite so terrible after all.
Despite the glaring sun, oppressive heat, and mind numbingly wasted opulence, Persia seemed like it would wear well upon Erik's shoulders. He would easily be able to impress his way into whatever he saw fit, and then use his admitted vastly cunning intellect to get the rest. It would be a nice challenge, and a nice change from the simpletons he had been pleasing at the fair. Though people were never unimpressed by his skills, these held more benefit to him besides handfuls of coins. All the money in the world could not buy happiness, he had discovered, but perhaps power could at least bring contentment.
Erik was tired of hiding in the dark without reason. Now he could skulk around for the purpose of gleaning information, over stepping boundaries, and perhaps having a little fun while he was at it.
He threw little bits of the ridiculous treats the Shah had given him into the pond for the great swans to enjoy. He did not have a use for what he was sure were very favoured gifts, and saw for the corner of his eye the Daroga tense at his careless actions. Erik did not care. Nadir should have figured that out by now.
He ignored the pointed looks he was receiving from his companion. Nadir was a good man, a bit stubborn –though Erik honestly would not have it any other way-, but at heart a good man who wanted to do the right thing in a world where the line between right and wrong were blended to near nonexistence. The Daroga clearly had not wanted Erik to come here the moment he was brought before the Shah. Erik could hardly blame him, but power was the promise the Daroga had held over his head to get him to come to this place, and that was what Erik wanted.
Erik heard Nadir speaking with someone, obviously trying too hard to keep the other man's voice down. It mattered little, for Erik heard every word said. He heard every insult, every jab, and wished nothing more than to have the offensive man's head on a pike…or perhaps in his lasso. He could feel the cat-gut at his arm as it almost called out for him to use it. He felt his fingers itch to have that oddly thrilling sensation as the snap of a neck echoed through them and up his arm.
He looked at his fingers wonderingly. How could they do something most deemed terrible, while also making people gasp in pleasure of the spectacles he performed? He heard the other man say something about them, noting their skeletal forms. They were a bit longer than most, and far more slender. He could see the resemblance, though that was partially due to the fact that he was so thin.
He shrugged. He was alive and well, so what did it matter? It did not make the slight burn the words sent through him hurt any less, but he would find out who this insulting fool was and deal with him in time.
Suddenly, something across the pond caught his attentions. A flash of the purest snow white dazzled in the sun light. At first he thought it was another swan, lighting in the water to swallow up his offered treats, but then he saw it move. It was a person.
Erik had always acknowledged things of beauty, just as anyone else would, but at times he felt more obligated given his own circumstances. His face, the travesty against humanity, had taught him to value beauty while others merely took it for granted. As he looked out across the glistening waters, he felt that urge to note it, but beyond that, he felt the urge to worship it.
Dressed in flowing alabaster harem trousers and similarly billowing top was the most beautiful woman Erik had ever seen. She walked over to one of the swans, a great black one, and gently stroked it as if she were simply another of the elegant birds. The long and wafting sleeves of her top made her look like she had wings rather than arms.
The swan before her flapped his wings playfully at her and besprinkled her luscious dark chestnut curls with water while also making her issue forth a sound that could make the angels jealous. Her laugh echoed across the expanse of the pond and rang in Erik's ears.
Erik's heart nearly stopped when her smile and eyes flicked to him. She saw him. He immediately tensed, prepared for her to run or scream or do anything but what she did do. She looked at him with a curious tip of her head and glint of interest in her grey-green eyes.
He could have held her gaze forever had the black swan not stolen it from her. She laughed and smiled again at the bird who was now urging her momentarily stilled hands to stroke it. She glanced back at Erik, however, her mouth parting in preparation to call out to him.
Fate, it would seem, thought differently as Erik found himself hearing not sweet voice of the young woman, but the deeper tones of Nadir.
'Come, Erik, let me show you to your apartments.' The kind Daroga offered.
'Who is that?' Erik asked, waving in aggravation at the interrupting Persian, but not taking his eyes off the glorious vision before him.
'Who?' Nadir craned his neck to see where his distracted companion was pointing.
'Her, you blind idiot!' Erik looked at the Daroga with a growing fire of frustration.
'Erik, I don't see anyone.' Nadir said, briefly glaring at the insult. He watched his mysterious acquaintance look hurriedly back across the pond. He saw the poor man's shoulders fall in disappointment.
'She looked like an angel.' Erik muttered absently, still searching for any hope of seeing her.
Nadir frowned at this. He had an idea of who Erik might have seen, but kept it to himself based upon the unexpected change in his countenance. Something about this whole thing did not seem like it would end well. Best to keep Erik out of unnecessary trouble while he could.
'Come, perhaps you will see her again when you visit the harem to entertain the Khanum.' Nadir certainly hoped not, but if this girl was who he suspected, then there would be little avoiding it.
At the utterance of Erik's new subject for entertaining, he seemed to instantly come back to his senses. He nodded curtly in agreement as they walked out of the Rose Gardens.
'Who was that offensive man you were speaking to?' Erik asked suddenly.
'The Grand Vizier. He is the brother-in-law to the Shah and his position holds much power. He is trying to implement a lot of changes in the country, constantly going on about bringing Persia into the modern world. I doubt it will work.' Nadir shook his head at the sad state of his home. Things would never change in the way politicians always spouted they would. Change brought a momentary relief to corruption only to have it all fall back to where it was before. The age old struggle for power to implement good ideas always turned sour with fraud eventually.
Erik hummed thoughtfully at this, and not for the first time did Nadir shy away from the dark and sharp light that shone in the masked man's eyes. It was like a fine white flame that would sear right through you the instant it came near. He could see the man's mind already spinning in some devious way he was as yet not prepared to question.
The rooms, apparently very graciously bestowed, were nice, but Erik thought little of them. His mind was too busy being torn between his new commission by the Shah for a palace just outside the city, and, of course, that enchanting little bird of a girl he had spied across the pond. She had moved with such grace and her eyes had looked into him with such penetrating emotion he felt as if the mask did little to hide him from view. Indeed, it almost felt as though he were in no need of it.
Erik was delving into these thoughts of seeming normality in his decidedly unusual form, when he was quite ungraciously interrupted by the pesky Daroga.
'What did the Shah have to say?' He asked with concern written plainly in every word.
'He wants me to build him a palace.' Erik replied dryly from his place on the balcony. He was still trying to recapture his earlier train of thought as Nadir came to stand closer behind him.
'Erik, can you? Do you have any experience in this field? For if you were to disappoint him, I should fear for your survival-'
'I have plenty of experience and training in the matter Daroga, without your doubting tones to condemn me. Now, if you please, there are several things that require my attentions.' Erik told him shortly. He had turned from his leaning stance over the rail to look in frustration down at his companion.
'Forgive me,' Nadir said, meaning it, but not ready to back down. 'But I should hope you do not intend to pursue that girl you saw earlier.' He warned, and, judging by the look of surprised guilt that rang out on Erik's face, he was right in doing so.
'Why should I not?' He accused, affronted by this sudden impediment in his desires. Nadir should know better by now than to get in his way.
'Erik,' the Daroga sighed tiredly. 'You cannot steal everything you find beautiful. A girl is not a priceless gem in a throne. Besides, she might be a part of the harem. Even the most foolish man would not dare to consider stealing her from there. You've only just arrived, try not to cause too much trouble for yourself.' He warned, making his way to the door as if condemning Erik to remain inside.
'You know who she is, don't you.' Erik crossed his arms and eyed the man suspiciously. 'Why else would you be so against my seeing her? And who said I would steal her?' He grew more offended with the last question.
Nadir looked at his companion doubtfully from the door. 'You take anything that interests you even mildly.' He observed how Erik tensed and looked away at the admittedly accurate accusation. 'Just do me a favour and wait on pursuing her until tomorrow. Focus on your commission.'
'You would take care in asking favours of me, Daroga, for you do not know of what form their repayment may come.' Erik noted with a dry laugh.
'I am afraid to admit that is nothing new here.' He laughed back and waved idly as he left.
Erik could have killed him. He had killed for much less before. Still, he had a point, irritating as it may have been. Taking this girl would be out of the question for an even slightly clever man, yet even Erik knew it was still near impossible no matter how he employed his considerable intellect to the task.
Turning to the desk that rested in front of his French doors that led out to the balcony, he laid out a piece of paper and began sketching. Somehow the Shah had managed to have a few basic drawing tools delivered up to Erik's apartments before he had even gotten there. It was a little impressive that a man could have such things done in such a short time. To have the power to do whatever one wanted was something Erik had enjoyed for quite some time now, but to have others do one's bidding without question was a thing he still longed to achieve. A fun game it would be in gaining this power, he thought as he worked. He would have to start by inserting himself into the political arena, and based upon Nadir's words of disappointment in the corruption of this place, that would not be an overly difficult challenge.
Yes, a challenge would be just what he needed. He had spent too many idle years with that travelling fair. Despite its deplorably tasteless side, Persia seemed to be a very promising venture for him. A nice playground for his ever wandering fancies.
Taking a break from his ruminations and drawing, he walked through his apartments appraisingly. Finding the bedroom off to the left of his desk with a bathroom attached, he looked for any good place to stash his newfound jewels…or, rather, new-stolen as Nadir would insist. There were a few potential areas, but nothing quite to his liking.
The kitchen and meagre dining section of his new home –dare he call it that- that were off to the right of his desk proved no more fruitful in secretive hiding places. Realising that the room was most likely well known to many in the palace, any place he thought hidden would be general knowledge.
Turning back to his balcony, he sighed. He did not like the idea of his quarters being known to more than just him. If they were truly to be private, then no one else need know their secrets. Coming over to one of the stone pillars that ran in the corner where his study branched out from the wall of his bedroom, he got an idea. Pulling out the tools he always had hidden in his cloak, he began to work at the stone, carving away at it until he could remove the face of it. He continued to work at it, realising he would need more provisions to complete it to his liking, he simply sufficed to dig it out a bit to make a kind of cubby. Placing his prizes inside, he replaced the outer piece and grinned slightly at its seamless fit. No one would ever know of its presence besides him.
Finding a bit of comfort in this fact, he walked back out to his balcony, leaning on the rail and willing his memories of that girl to flow back into him. Try as he might, however, the only thoughts that came were of Nadir's words of warning. Scowling at the man's pestering insistence, Erik decided to put the wish aside.
Removing his mask, he closed his eyes to the feel of the wind on his skin. It was hot and dry, but still gratifying. He sighed at the foreboding that lurked within him at what may be asked of him when he went to see the famed Khanum. Something did not sit quite right in him about the whole arrangement. He thought of that spineless idiot who was the Shah. What a petulant child. Always willing to do whatever his mother thought best, while holding the power to overthrow her in an instant. To have such power, yet not seek its boundaries made Erik's skin crawl.
He thought of the power game he had played with his own mother. How she had claimed dominance for so long until he had driven her nearly insane by proving her wrong. Her own weakness had almost crushed her and he had to do so little to show her.
The Shah was clearly made of weaker stuff to not exploit his power. Taking a wife would put his mother down a peg, and the moment that wife bore a child –preferably a son- the Khanum would cease to hold any sway. Why the Shah would not just go ahead and do it, Erik did not know. The child of a man had seemed more than capable, and if the rumours of his great harem were to be believed, then he clearly had the means.
Erik shook his head at the shameful waste. Anyone who preferred to bow beneath the word of another when the roles could easily be reversed was not worthy of having the power at all.
Turning back to his desk, he closed the doors behind him. Making it only half way across the room, however, he stopped at the oddest sound. He could not tell where it came from, but it sounded desperate. Searching the walls and corners he could not find the source of the scrabbling scratching. Coming over to the doors to his balcony, he happened to look down at the cause of his earlier confusion.
Caught between the doors was a frantic little lizard. One of his back legs was trapped and preventing his obviously well desired escape and release.
Stooping, Erik reached down to shelter the small animal under his cupped hand, while his other opened the doors. He felt the little creature run into the barrier of his hand and freeze. Gently lifting it up for his inspection, he saw through its squirming that the previously pinned leg was now broken.
Giving the reptile a few soothing words, he walked to his bathroom and began searching for something to make a splint out of. Settling with a thin cotton bandage and some slivers of wood, he temporarily put the lizard under a bowl in the kitchen.
Carefully retrieving the animal from his momentary prison, he worked quickly to bind the injured leg in the tiny splint. Carrying the lizard into the living room, he sat down on the settee and stroked the little creature in what he hoped to be a calming manner. It was only then that Erik realised how tired he was. He was always amazed when he found this, not used to requiring the same things as most humans. He looked down to the small animal in his hand and thought that perhaps he had more in common with it than with Nadir.
Going into the bedroom, he cleared out one of his drawers and placed the lizard inside. Opening the window, he reached up and pulled down a branch from one of the taller trees and deftly cut a bit off. Placing it in the makeshift terrarium, he watched the animal scurry over to it comfortingly.
'I'll find you something more permanent soon. Tomorrow I'll make sure you can find some flies to eat.' He told it, though he was not entirely sure why. He had always found friends in animals. Animals were universally more accepting and kind than humans, plus they rarely told him not to do something he wanted.
His thoughts strayed to his horse. He felt a bit of worry knowing his dear companion was somewhere potentially far away and being touched by others. He laughed to himself at this. They may try. He knew his horse was loyal to only him, having gained its respect and trust for many years now. Yes, that horse had followed him and bore him since Italy.
He stopped there. He did not wish to remember. It had been so good. He realised now that it had been too good. Too good to be true.
Laying down on the plush bed, he put his mask on the night stand and felt his long tense muscles begin to relax. Some would never fully let go, but he found comfort in that. Like a cat, he slept with the ability to move at the first hint of a sign of danger. Letting this last thought lull him into sleep, he found himself in a soft, dreamless sleep that he had been lacking for a few days now.
A/N: So, what did you think? I realise that his backstory may be a bit fuzzy at the moment for those who have not read the Kay novel (which I highly recommend), but I intend to flush it out in coming chapters. Hope to hear from you all in your reviews (hint, hint). I plan on updating every Tuesday and Friday so look for my latest chapter in a couple days.