Page 30 of Searching for the Prince
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Gwil waited for the reaction. He’d finished relaying everything he had so far. His contacts had done an amazing job, and he’d explained all the information as calmly as he could. He hadn’t expected the audience, Robin was here with Solivatus. He’d been prepared for them but not for Sebastian Hewel. This was only his third time in Sebastian’s presence, and this occasion was worse than the other two as previously Sebastian had not acknowledged his existence. Sebastian was the Head of the House of Hewel and as such he was one of the most important vampires in the world. He looked as if he were in his twenties despite being over eight hundred years old, and dressed like a goth kid, not someone who could kill you in a heartbeat. Gwil was beginning to wish Hyax was here but he’d not been home when the car had arrived and Solivatus had told him not to fuck about. He’d deal with Hyax later. He was going to be pissed off for leaving without him, but he couldn’t tell Solivatus he couldn’t come out and play because his boyfriend wasn’t home, and Hyax had promised to rein in his jealousy.
Robin stared at Gwil. “Your potato people told you all that?”
“His name is Copperpipe. And given it’s his information, I think it would be nice not to refer to him as a tuber.” He panicked internally for a moment, realising who he was talking to, his defence of Copperpipe automatic and not considering who he was chastising. “If you wouldn’t mind.”
“Apologies, you are of course correct,” Robin said, sounding sincere and Gwil’s fear receded. “But I must admit I am rather surprised at the amount and quality of his information. Especially as it’s been less than twenty-four hours since we last talked.”
He used to underestimate Copperpipe but over the years he’d delivered time and time again, although this was stellar even for him and he would be forever grateful, as getting this sort of kudos from the likes of Robin Flint was priceless. “It’s amazing what he can do for the right incentive and, at the moment, he’s a big fan of a certain female pop star and Solivatus was able to arrange a call which, let’s just say, oiled wheels like I’ve never seen before.”
Robin was scrolling through the information Gwil had sent over. “So, we’re pretty certain a lich is masquerading as a Dr Ralph Mettle, and for the last twenty years he’s been travelling the world as a faith healer?”
He’d been able to corroborate Copperpipe’s information through other means. Mettle seemed to be a smooth bastard who’d managed to stay under the radar and still do what the fuck he wanted and had an almost undercover cult following trying to seek his help. “For the last five years or so he’s been settled in the UK, the exact location is difficult because he’s been able to make himself untrackable and untraceable. But from the intel, he conducts healing clinics and then invites those he thinks need more help to his residential property. We think it’s there he’s been holding Prince Simon.”
Robin looked ready to kill. “Then we go get him.”
Gwil glanced over to Solivatus and Sebastian, he knew how vampire society worked. Nothing would happen without Sebastian’s say-so in the House of Hewel, and he hadn’t told Robin anything yet but Sebastian had been given a download of the information in advance by Solivatus.
“I don’t think it’ll be that simple,” Gwil continued. “The spell work and magical wards are like nothing we’ve seen. We’ve narrowed down the location to three potentials and we’ve people scouting but with that level of security we aren’t going to be able to waltz in there. It’s not going to be a matter of storming the fortress but infiltrating and worming our way in.”
Liches were known for their power and ability to work with complex magic, Mettle fitted the pattern, and Simon would be a perfect target for him. His fellow vampires weren’t known for their patience so Gwil would need help to prevent them from doing something rash and stupid.
“We don’t have the time for that,” Robin snapped.
Gwil understood his concern for Simon but he wasn’t seeing the bigger picture. He could see why Karl and Alex had approached Hyax at the end of their last visit.
“Robin.” Sebastian sat forward in his chair. “This is bigger than Simon, and while I understand you don’t give a flying fuck about anyone else, if we don’t do this in the right way, then this Ralph fucker can disappear and take Simon with him.”
“Can I ask what you consider the right way to be?” Even Robin wouldn’t risk arguing with Sebastian.
“Once the reconnaissance has concluded, we will find a way to get two or three people into the facility. Two as patients and the third on the staff if we can.”
“I want to do it,” Robin said, a demand that wasn’t unexpected but probably not the most sensible, and Gwil didn’t think he’d be talked out of changing his mind.
“I thought you might,” Sebastian said with a smirk. “Which is why we are researching a safe way to alter someone’s appearance without obvious flaws or them looking like they’ve been generated by AI on a detox setting. Having talked to Solivatus, and knowing what you would demand, we thought you, Gwil and Jack Webb would be the best candidates.”
He hadn’t been asked exactly been asked, more voluntold. Solivatus had informed him the research had been ongoing for a while since they’d thought it unlikely wherever Simon was would be an easy target. The truth of the matter was he couldn’t refuse, given who had been making the demands, no matter how the request was couched. It didn’t mean he wasn’t scared shitless at what might happen and although Hyax would be involved, it would also include magic from other spell chuckers who he didn’t know or trust.
“Thank you for understanding,” Robin said.
“I would do the same for Anthony,” Sebastian admitted and since Anthony was Sebastian’s Eternal, lord help anyone stupid enough to hurt him, as Sebastian Hewel would see them pay for it. “I just ask you for some patience, Robin. Alex and Ashley are close to a resolution, and they are running some ideas past Hyax.”
“Not James and Hylei?” Robin seemed surprised.
“They are as distraught as you are, and James might go in waving a broadsword, so I can’t risk him ruining the plan. You keep this to a strictly need-to-know basis. Is that clear?”
Hyax hadn’t mentioned being contacted, but Gwil guessed that might be happening as they spoke. Apart from his initial visit, James hadn’t been mentioned again and it was Queen Hylei who’d been in touch. She had been distraught at the thought of what might be happening to her only child. Given how unstable fae could be at the best of times, Gwil thought Sebastian was wise to keep her away from the fight. In hercurrent mood it could save half a village from being wiped off the map.
Robin squared his shoulders, looking resolute. “As I’ve said, I’ll do whatever it takes.”
“From what I’ve heard about spells and potions that change someone’s appearance, they’re not too pleasant, but physiologies such as those of vampires and certain creatures fare better. Hence, why you and Gwil were chosen.”
“And Jack Webb?” Robin seemed surprised at the choice.
“You need a magic user with you, and he’s one of the best the Invigilators have,” Sebastian said. “And elements of his genetics mean he’s no stranger to odd things sprouting.”
“He’s part siren, isn’t he?” Robin said.
