Chapter 3

Two weeks passed as Loki adjusted to his new role. It wasn't hard playing the timid Daegon Niequist whose only interaction with the world were fairytales. Often he found himself either fetching Owen and Xanatos coffee. Setting appointments throughout the day, canceling others, sending e-mails, and making calls to people to confirm an order or check a source. He was astounded at the volume of work Puck had been doing on his own for so long. At times Loki, better known as Daegon in his new human identity, wondered what had possessed his pupil to take on the role of servant.

There were other tasks required of Daegon which were not quite so demanding. Right from the start it became clear Niequist did not make an efficient bodyguard. Xanatos did, however, comment on how Daegon and Owen complimented each other immensely. Daegon with his raven black locks and emerald eyes was a stark contrast to the blue eyed, blond haired Owen. Flanking the CEO on either side it was clear Xanatos enjoyed the entrance he made every time he entered a room. He instantly became the center of attention with his two assistants.

It became clear that while Daegon was less than stellar at the day to day tasks Owen did the folklorist was excellent at recalling information. Daegon also proved to have a knack for research, preparing reports, and drawing up important documents. Xanatos ordered his newest assistant to familiarize himself with his personal library on the chance he might have need of information from there. The former professor also proved to be popular at parties. Often enthralling a large audience with his tales of Greek myths, Native American legends, and especially Norse God tales. His favorites being those of the exploits of the trickster god, Loki.

After one such day Daegon found himself with a night all to himself. Xanatos had to attend to a matter in Arizona, and had taken Owen along with him. Leaving the professor to oversee the castle and take any calls that came in. It wasn't truly required for Daegon to remain there.

Not wanting to waste his opportunity Daegon set the alarm system for the castle. Ever since his first night at the castle he had not seen wing or tale of Thailog. He prayed it was the first and last time he ever saw the gargoyle. He did not look forward to having to deal with mythical creatures during his stay. Checking his wallet to make sure he had adequate cash, cellphone, and car keys he finally left.

Ah, the night is young. A shame I never explored New York during my first time I was here so long ago. She really is quite stunning at night.

Daegon thought wryly as he descended to ground level in the elevator. When he finally came out he nodded to the guard at the front desk. The man tipped his hat to the assistant in greeting. Daegon took a deep breath when the night air hit his face.

There was heavy traffic as people rushed home to make dinner. Hoping to catch the evening news so they could plan their schedules accordingly despite the fact they would hardly change. Daegon decided to head towards the police building as he walked. He had come across a small café not far from there. Officers tended to frequent the place once they got off duty, but the coffee was good there. It was no wonder the place was always swamped between shifts.

A small bell jingled above the door when he stepped through. Thankfully, there didn't seem to be a long line. Daegon stood off to the side studying the menu. A second later the bell jangled again as a police officer came in along with a woman. They stopped were talking as they came in ignoring their surroundings.

"You don't think Drakon has anything to do with those robberies, do you?" The woman asked. Her companion, an African American, sighed heavily as he took off his hat to scratch his head. There were bags under his eyes and his shoulders slumped from a twelve hour shift.

"I don't know Elisa. Could be anyone at this point. I have my money on Drakon, but where is the proof? Without any evidence we can't bring him in. And with the Pack on the loose again I'm shocked the city hasn't gone to hell yet. For all we know they could be behind this." The officer responded. Daegon frowned, tilting his head to the side as he listened to the two. Perhaps the woman was a detective?

"Well find something on him soon. Count on it. Drinks on me, Morgan. Which do you want?" Elisa asked her fellow officer. The man in front of her appeared to be oblivious to their conversation. She waited patiently until the stranger moved forward to make his order. Dressed completely in head to toe in black the man looked as if he were ready to start giving a lecture. After he paid for his coffee the man left stepped to the side sipping his warm beverage.

"Two coffees, please." Elisa said rubbing her head. Sleep would have to wait for a few more hours. She was glad she had tomorrow off. She had to meet with Goliath and his clan to bring them up to date on the case. When Elisa drew out her wallet the woman behind the counter only shook her head. Sliding the coffee across the counter to her.

"The gentlemen before paid for yours already, ma'am. He told me to give you this as well." The woman said handing Elisa a small folded piece of paper. The detective took it her suspicion growing as she picked up the coffee. She knew the man in front of them had been dressed a bit to well to be caught on this side of town. Handing Morgan his coffee she opened the small piece of paper.

Thank you. Your risks make this city a safer place to live in.

- D. N.

"Huh, well would you look at that." Elisa said with a small smile. She showed Morgan the note who had been looking at her curiously. When he saw what was written he gave a soft laugh. Taking a gulp of his coffee to soothe his sore throat.

"Nice guy. At least some people are glad to see us. Most days it seems like everyone is either scared of us or running away." Morgan said with a sad shake of his head.

"Take care of yourself, Elisa. Get some rest. You see that guy again tell him I said thanks. Means a lot to me, you know?" Morgan said.

They talked for a few more minutes before they parted ways. Elisa pretended she had to go back into the building to retrieve some papers. Once he was out of sight she hurried to the clock tower. She was late in getting there, but her heart picked up when she opened the door. To her relief as usual Hudson was leaning in his armchair watching TV. At his feet Bronx slept soundly only stirring now and again. Not to far away across the room Matt was talking to Goliath in hushed tones.

"Sorry I'm late boys. I had a long day. Matt, what are you two conspiring about?" Elisa asked sliding her hands into her pockets. Goliath turned to gaze at her his expression stern. When he gazed upon her, however, his features softened just the slightest. At times Elisa was tempted to tell Goliath if he ever smiled his face would crack.

"Xanatos has a new man working under him. Another personal assistant by the name of Daegon Niequist." Matt informed her. Goliath shot the red headed detective an annoyed look as they came down the steps together to greet Elisa.

"Yes, Matt was just telling me about him. I had Lexington do a background check. There is no man who goes by that name. Yet he's entered in Xanatos's system as one of his employees." Goliath explained. Elisa frowned at this new worrying information.

"You said Daegon Niequist?" Elisa said drawing out the note from earlier. Matt nodded as he handed over the pictures he had taken from a clipping in the newspaper.

"Yeah, and here's our man. See, the one on the left with Xanatos? And get this. Brooklyn was on patrol last night and flew by to check on him. He saw Thailog go into the castle and talk to this Daegon guy before he left with a suitcase." Matt said. Elisa frowned as she took the picture and studied it.

"You know, I just saw this guy less than ten minutes ago. He bought me and Officer Morgan coffee. If we hurry we can still catch him!" Elisa said urgently. Goliath frowned and took the picture to study it a second time. Committing it to memory before he handed it back to Matt.

"You know this man, Elisa?"

"No, but I want to know what he's doing on our side of town. I'm starting to think maybe he was sending us some kind of message from Xanatos. A warning of some sort." Elisa said taking out the paper and looking at it again. Trying to decipher what in the world it could mean.

Several blocks down from the police station Daegon had continued walking. He didn't feel like heading back to the castle just yet. When would he have free time again to explore? He continued to drink his coffee to fight back the chill. Tossing the cup into a trash can as he came to Central Park. He saw no one in sight other than a few teenagers standing on a street corner not to faraway. Ignoring the youths Daegon crossed the street to the park. Picking out a random path and continuing his walk.

I'm starting to see why Puck enjoys being in his mortal guise so much. There's hardly ever a dull moment here. It's so easy to deceive them! And yet…to hide amongst them with the true knowledge of what you are is invigorating. Why have I never tried this before?

Loki mused as he picked his way carefully down the path. He had decided to play by Puck's rules and not invoke his magical talents unless absolutely necessary. It was a bit more of a challenge, certainly, but one the trickster found he welcomed readily. He enjoyed taking a back seat to these mortal affairs. It was actually a relief to allow for Xanatos to decide his next actions. Give him a task to do and all would be well. Puck had been correct. Servitude was its own reward after a fashion.

He did not notice a dark winged figure glide above his head. For a second Daegon jerked his head around feeling as if he were being watched. When he saw no one he made a soft sound in the back of his throat at his foolishness.

"Jumping at your own shadows, old boy. Not doing yourself any favors if you give yourself a heart attack." Daegon murmured to himself. He felt the wind stir above his head and frowned. The weather man had not said anything about it being windy today. Or had he?

When he touched his head Daegon heard a flapping sound. A second later he felt a pain in his arm and suddenly he was lifted clear off the ground. The ground beneath him shrank rapidly as he was carried upward into the sky. Wind rushed past his face causing Daegon's eyes to water. He let out a cry of alarm at the sight of feet dangling beneath him. Above him he heard a deep laugh and felt his heart plummet. He raised his head and caught sight of demonic red eyes gazing down into his own. Sharp white fangs glinting in the moonlight as Thailog laughed at his prisoner's shocked expression.

"Guess you jumped so high you never came back down, did you?" Thailog said wryly. He had a good grip on the man's coat sleeve. His claws easily cutting through the fabric as he glanced over his shoulder at the park. He spotted Goliath and several of the clan already approaching the park. Angling his wings Thailog caught an updraft which carried him higher above the buildings. He wasn't in the mood to fight the other gargoyles.

"Where are you taking me?!" Daegon wailed flaying uselessly in the empty air. Thailog growled turning his head to look at the clan. They were dwindling away now in the distance. If they heard the human they showed no signs of it. They still circled the park still thinking he was there walking around by himself.

"Shut up before I dump you in the river!" Thailog spat as he caught another updraft. The human finally fell silent breathing heavily as if he were about to be sick.

He didn't glide for long. Within twenty minutes Thailog came into view of Nightstone Unlimited and began to make his descent. He circled just to be sure he wasn't being followed. After he found the coast was clear he spread his wings out even farther. He managed to land with relatively little trouble upon the roof. Dumping Daegon unceremoniously on the ground as he folded his wings back around himself. The human quickly staggered to his feet eyes wide with panic behind his glasses. The gargoyle snorted looking away from the human as he walked over to the door.

"Stop your whining and get up. It wasn't that bad." Thailog snapped over his shoulder. Behind him Daegon had regained his footing. His black hair rumpled from the flight as he stared dumbfounded at the gargoyle. Then looked back in the direction of the park longingly wondering what had ever possessed him to take a stroll at nightfall.

"You have wings. If you haven't noticed, I'm devoid of that particular feature. So do forgive me, sir, if I struggle to get my heart out of my throat." Daegon snapped. He sounded far braver then he originally felt. For a second Thailog's tail lashed as he turned to glare at the human for his impudence. Then deciding he wasn't worth the trouble he only laughed at the fake bravado. Shaking his great mane of white hair as went inside the building.

"Either stay outside and freeze your ass off or come in. I could care either way. Goliath and Elisa Maza will find you soon enough. Eventually, I'm assuming, if they're still not circling the park like idiots by sunrise."

Thailog chuckled when he heard the human hurry after him. There was a click as the door was shut and locked behind him. Not soon after Daegon took the stairs one at a time. His hand flat on the wall to prevent him from falling as he followed this strange creature into the darkness.