The Malice (33 page)

Authors: Peter Newman

BOOK: The Malice

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From within, a pair of dark eyes watch, warning against further approach.

The kid straightens. He is not the same creature that left the farm. He is older, bigger and seasoned by travel. Head high, he struts into the barn.

There is a brief silence followed by the sounds of kicking, bleating and things being broken.

A few moments later the kid scampers out of the barn at speed. He stops a few metres away, turns and spits.

Inside the barn, something moves and the kid panics, charging down the hill and over a few more, until he has put several hills between himself and danger. He is, on reflection, still quite young.

The goat walks heavily to the entrance making sure that the kid isn’t hiding nearby. Any curious looks from the older males are met with a fierce stare. Knowing their place, the males are quick to look away. Satisfied, she snorts, turns, and goes back to her bed.

Meanwhile, as she gets closer, Vesper’s feet get quicker, anxious to be home. Jem does his best to keep up, until he sees the two men more clearly. When he lets go of her hand, she flies from him, throwing herself into her father’s open arms.

He squeezes her tight and she laughs, breathlessly, happily.

Her father sees the hilt of the sword resting on her back, sleeping, one wing curled over her shoulder. A frown begins to form but before it can take root he notices the young man standing behind Vesper and his eyes widen.

Jem stares right back, dark emotions pulling at his face.

A soft clearing of a throat breaks the moment.

‘I’ve missed you, too.’

Vesper laughs again, pulling out of the embrace. ‘Uncle Harm!’ She goes to him, more gently than she did her father and the two hug. His hands find the tangles in her hair and his nose wrinkles.

‘You need a bath!’

She prods at him, mock offended. ‘That’s all you have to say!’

‘You need a haircut?’

A gasp becomes a smile, becomes a laugh, shared.

‘Oh, both of you: this is Jem. He’s my friend. He can stay with us, can’t he? He doesn’t have anywhere else to live.’

Her father’s mouth drops open.

‘Of course,’ says Harm, beckoning Jem over.

He comes, bubbling feelings tucked swiftly away and shakes hands with the two older men. ‘Nice to meet you,’ he says to Harm, voice warm, narrow eyes locked on Vesper’s father.

Detecting something but not seeing it, Harm adds, ‘Help me back to the house, will you, Jem. Let’s give these two a moment to catch up.’

Jem nods and they go ahead together.

‘When we get to the house, I’ll give you the grand tour. Don’t worry, it won’t take long, and then we can settle down and have something to eat. Do you like goat’s milk?’

‘I’ve never had it.’

‘Then you’re in for an experience. We drink a lot of goat’s milk here. And tell a lot of stories. Well, mostly that was me but I suspect that’s about to change. I haven’t been across the sea in over twelve years. What’s it like? I’m dying to know. I don’t suppose you went through Verdigris on your travels because …’

Vesper and her father wait while her uncle’s chatter moves further away. Both smile.

‘He hasn’t changed.’

Her father shakes his head.

She sighs. ‘I have.’

He nods, his eyes searching her face, noting tiny scars and worry lines in the grime. On impulse, he embraces her again.

‘I’m okay. I’m just tired. There’s so much to tell you I don’t know where to start. Can you let go a moment? It’s hard talking into your chest.’ He blushes, half stepping back, one hand lingering on her sleeve. ‘You never told me what it was like when you went to The Seven’s sanctum. Did they make you angry too?’

An eyebrow raises, then he nods, emphatic.

‘I’m not coming home.’ She holds up a hand. ‘I’m sorry if that sounds harsh but let me explain. I love it here and I’ll visit of course but I need to go back to the Shining City. I have things there I need to do.’

He frowns, eyes full of questions.

‘While I was away I spent most of the time wishing I was here, where it’s safe. It would be so good to just hide here with you and Uncle. But now I’ve seen what’s happening, I can’t pretend otherwise.’ She pauses, awkward. ‘Maybe talking to your chest would be easier.’

He hugs her again and she continues: ‘It’s all a mess and I don’t know how to fix it exactly, but I know that someone has to. In the Shining City, they’re all waiting for The Seven, or The Six, to save them, but The Six aren’t going to do anything, they’re useless. But I know the Knight Commander and Obeisance will listen to me because of the sword. I’m not sure if I can do this but there isn’t anyone else, so I have to try.’

He nods, his chin rubbing the top of her head.

‘The thing is, well, I know you hate the city and, most people, but … will you help me?’

Strong hands go to her shoulders, one resting on top of a silvered wing. Gently, they squeeze. He looks at her for a while, proud tears misting amber eyes, then takes a breath. ‘Yes.’

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This is the second book I’ve had published and a lot of the wonderful people I need to thank remain the same (and remain wonderful).

First off, I want to thank my Wife of Awesome +5, Emma. She’s there from the start of the first draft to the end, and beyond. Thanks for all the support, chats over coffee and your wisdom.

I also want to thank my editor, Natasha Bardon. Once again her suggestions have made the book so much better than it was. So thanks! The Malice would have been both shorter and less satisfying without you.

And thanks to the Harper Voyager book ninja for their continuing work from the shadows.

Covers are everything, and I’m so lucky to have Jaime Jones back on board. I have to look at the covers of these books a lot and Jaime makes that a thing of pleasure and pride.

A huge thanks also has to go to Juliet Mushens, my agent. Who is, and always will be, the best. I can’t imagine my career without her, nor would I want to.

Lastly, I want to thank all the people who supported The Vagrant and (hopefully) this book too. For all the reviews, encouragement, fan art and general loveliness. This is exactly where I want to be and you’ve all helped to make it possible. Thank you.

Also by Peter Newman

The Vagrant

About the Publisher

Australia

HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty. Ltd.

Level 13, 201 Elizabeth Street

Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia

http://www.harpercollins.com.au

Canada

HarperCollins Canada

2 Bloor Street East - 20th Floor

Toronto, ON, M4W, 1A8, Canada