Page 65 of Across the Sapphire Sea
Ash stepped forward and knocked, Aella at his side. Elias and Valeri stood behind them, Remy and Laurence bringing up the rear. Their group seemed small now that they stood waiting for entry outside the massive complex. Elias wondered how big the underground portion sprawled.
He slipped his palm against Valeri’s and laced their fingers. Valeri squeezed his hand gently.
The door opened to reveal a petite woman, young in appearance, with eyes yellow as a cat’s. Waves of white hair flowed over slim shoulders and contrasted beautifully with her green gown. Her oval face revealed nothing, her expression neither welcoming nor hostile. She waited for them to speak first.
Ash bowed low, and the rest of their group followed suit.
“Greetings, my lady,” he began formally, his tone conveying respect. “It is our honor to meet you tonight. My name is Ash. I’ve been sent by The Dozen to speak with your people. My companions are Aella, Valeri, Elias, Laurence, and Remegius. We bring well wishes from Bran Vigny’s inhabitants to yours.” He repeated the bow.
Elias felt he was being inspected and found unworthy. Not exactly a novel feeling, but unwelcome all the same.
“I am Isla,” she said, her voice sparkling like moonlight on a snowflake. “You’ve had a long journey. Come inside.”
Noting the lack of welcome, Elias filed in with the rest of them.
“Valeri,” said Isla. “I hadn’t expected to see you again.”
“My lady.” Valeri’s voice somehow remained smooth though now the others would know he’d held information back. “The pleasure is all mine, I’m sure.”
Elias would have sworn he could feel Laurence’s anger that Valeri hadn’t told them about this woman and their past exchange. His grip tightened around Remy’s waist. Aella, as well, sent a scowling glance in Valeri’s direction, which he ignored, his false smile securely in place.
“This way.” Isla guided them farther inside.
Glowing wall sconces lit the wide entryway. The interior walls were the same dark stone as the exterior. With no windows the place reminded him of a crypt, though tapestries hung along the hallway to add a touch of life.
Clutching Valeri’s hand, Elias followed down a long hall to a broad staircase that led below the earth.
“You’ll have to excuse me,” said Isla. “It isn’t often we entertain guests. As a result, my hostess skills are a bit rusty.” Her feet were absolutely silent on the stone steps.
Elias felt sure there were others in this dwelling, but he couldn’t hear them, which was odd. The low thrumming he’d sensed earlier grew stronger as they descended and masked other sound.
“You’re entering the Warden’s Hall to meet with our assembly. They await your presence.” Isla stopped and gestured to a set of plain double doors. “Through there.”
“Thank you, Lady Isla,” said Ash. “Shall I knock or simply enter?”
Elias was glad Ash was in charge. He wouldn’t have known what to do in a situation where the rules of engagement were as obscure as The Vartija themselves.
“Call me Isla.” She tipped her head. “Your group may enter. They’re expecting you.”
Ash opened the door and led their group inside. Isla followed along behind them.
The spacious room was brightly lit with lamps strung from a high, vaulted ceiling. The claustrophobia Elias had begun to feel vanished in the open space.
A group of five sat in a close half circle in the center of the room, chatting amongst themselves. How Elias hadn’t heard their conversation from outside was a mystery. Perhaps the room was charmed.
An enormous painting took up the far wall, depicting men on galloping horses under blue skies. Aside from its scale, the painting was ordinary. No ancient secrets, no hidden gate. The only thing strange about the art was its location in the underground world of vampires who hadn’t seen blue skies in millennia.
Heads turned as they entered. The group stood to greet them.
Ash went through the introductions once more. “Thank you for welcoming us into your home. We are honored to make your acquaintance.”
Elias suppressed a mirthless laugh. They weren’t welcome here, that much was obvious. None of these people were happy to see them. No one appeared openly hostile, but this greeting was reluctant at best.
Another round of bows followed.
Elias scanned their faces. Three men, two women, and one vampire so androgynous he couldn’t distinguish their sex. All with various expressions ranging from curiosity to irritation.
His gaze settled on the second woman, her face the most open of them all. Petite, like Isla, and with the same iridescent glow to her skin, only her hair was dark brown, like Elias’s, and her green eyes shone bright as damp moss in the sunlight. She caught his stare, and to Elias’s surprise, she smiled.
