Dark 4

"Why did you do that?" said wink.

She knew he wasn't happy about what she said

"Because it's the truth" said Jinn.

The troll snorted in irritation. "he was attempting to do something nice for you" said Wink

"Tell him to save his breath" said Jinn.

The troll eyed her critically for a few seconds. Truthfully Jinn liked the troll he was essentially in the same boat as she was. Royalty never treated their servants well; elves were no different in her book. He was a slave in her book the prince was just pretending friendship.

Nuada walked ahead of them, wink was talking to her. He hoped he would reach her where he had failed. She didn't like him, her reactions to his touch proved that. He wondered if it was personal or the sign of something else. If what she said about her people was true they were incredibly vulnerable in their current state. It was no wonder they withdrew from fae society. Without any form of government they had no recourse if they were wronged.

As proud as they were he doubted they would turn to fae courts for redress. He looked back at her; she was talking to wink still. He looked away he pitied her people now and understood why they had stayed out of the war. As much as he felt for her plight he still needed her. He walked into his house and went towards the kitchen area. He poured himself a glass of water and watched wink walk in followed more slowly by the woman. He took a sip of his drink and watched her. She glanced around the room obviously looking for the child.

He wondered if he should tell her now or wait and let her find out on her own. She walked into the next room. Wink started to follow her and he raised his hand to stay him. Wink glared at him, he knew she would realize the child was not here soon enough. Jinn stormed through his rooms flipping back bedding and opening cupboards. There was no child anywhere. She stormed back into the main room.

"where is she?" she said.

Wink moved away from him, telling him without words that he was on his own. Nuada glared at his longtime friend.

"most likely in new jersey with her new family" said Nuada.

He set the glass down before she rammed it down his throat. She crossed the room quicker than he thought she was capable of moving. She had her weapon out and was aiming at his head. He sidestepped and blocked her weapon with his own. He couldn't help but notice the make of her blade, since it was inches from his face.

He saw her wince and knew the bracelet was causing her pain.

"I'm sorry I deceived you but it was necessary" he said

She kept pressing forward against his block. She was gaining ground rapidly and pushing him back. She was strong he realized, stronger than he thought she was.

He sidestepped at the last minute before her blade got any closer to his throat. He back stepped and put his weapon in a defensive position.

"I do not wish to harm you, stop attacking me and we can talk about this" said Nuada

She growled "dirty rotten stinking elf" at him and lunged forward in a killing blow.

The bracelet sent a wave of fire through her and cut off her oxygen supply. Nuada stepped back from her and waited for the bracelet to stop hurting her. Jinn swore at him, he had tricked her. The only reason she had followed him had been the child.

She wasn't sure who she was madder at the elf or herself. She lost it and attacked him, how dare he use her and try to enslave her. She was about to finish him, he wasn't even fighting back. Then the enchantment on that damn bracelet hit and she doubled over in pain, she couldn't even draw a breath it hurt to even breathe. She was seeing spots by the time it relaxed its hold on her. She drew in a hesitant breath she was shaking and she wasn't sure if it was from rage or an after effect of the bracelet.

Nuada kneeled down near her and took the blade from her hand.

"Easy just breathe it'll stop soon" he said.

She glared at him in anger.

"you tricked me" she hissed through clenched teeth.

He nodded in agreement.

"yes I did I am sorry but I found it necessary" he said

"Take it off" she hissed

He shook his head no.

"no I can't I need your aid right now" he said

She grabbed his collar and pulled him closer to her.

"Take it off or I swear I will kill you" said Jinn

He turned his head sideways and closed his mouth on hers. She froze in shock. He drew back reluctantly.

"when I no longer need you I'll set you free I promise" said Nuada

She snorted at his words.

"hollow words from a creature without honor" she said

His jaw tightened in anger. He lifted her blade in his hand and sliced his palm.

"by my blood I promise I will return your freedom to you when I feel I no longer need your service" he said.

He met her eyes when he said it. Her glare became somewhat less hostile though.

She refused his aid to stand so he walked into his kitchen and grabbed a towel. He pressed it against the wound and watched her. She brushed her clothes off and stared at him. The gaze was still very hostile though.

"why?" she asked

He wrapped the towel around his hand and walked closer to her.

"Like I said before I need you, there are few of us willing to fight the waves of humans" said Nuada

She rolled her eyes; she couldn't believe he was even considering this.

"we'll be slaughtered they out number us more than a hundred to one" said Jinn.

"Not with the golden army at our side" said Nuada

Her mouth dropped open in shock and her stomach did flip flops. She regained her composure and snorted

"then what do you need me for?" said Jinn

"I need someone to check something out for me, with your background as a history professor" he said.

He let the rest of her imagination fill in the blanks.

She glared at him. "You thought you'd use my well earned reputation to con your way into where?" said Jinn

"Blackwood's auction house" said Nuada

She laughed at him

" Blackwood's is by invitation only, they wouldn't let me through the door" said Jinn

"Not dressed like that but as my consultant yes they would" said Nuada.

He nodded to wink who fetched a box for him.