I chose not to point out that Charlie had adopted a different surname as well, as of late. “We’re the ones trying to help, sir,” I said. “My employer and I have spoken to Lord Arawn. He keeps the gates between our world and the Annwyn, and he will soon be alerting the leaders of his neighboring kingdoms.”
“Don’t lecture me on things you do not understand, child. Arawn doesn’t need to tell his neighbors anything.” Dragomir’s voice was confident and proud. “The otherworlds already know all about your hole in the veil. It is the topic of every trader and traveler between the realms. The Om Caini have good ears. We know how to listen.”
“Well, that’s grand, then. Jackaby will be glad to hear it,” I said. “We could use the support. There is an organization at work called the Dire Council. They are the ones responsible for the rend; we’re sure of it. We’ve nullified a few of their number, but we are still trying to track down the Dire King.”
Dragomir looked unimpressed. “That’s not how the story is going in the otherworlds. Word among the elves and dwarves is that humans are preparing to invade the Annwyn. They say the rend came from your side of the veil. They are saying that the humans have grown bold.”
“What?” I said. “That’s ridiculous!”
“Is it?” said Dragomir. “You should tell that to the refugees cowering in this house. The kingdoms of the Annwyn are not happy about you humans right now. They’re not happy with Arawn, either. They are saying that the fair folk aren’t strong enough to hold the barrier any longer. They are saying that the fair folk used to have powerful leaders. Hafgan was strong. They are saying Hafgan could’ve held the barrier.”
“That’s utter lunacy!” I said. “Hafgan’s acolytes are the ones trying to tear it down!”
“That’s not how I hear it. Anyway, it doesn’t matter. The Om Caini are neutral. We stay out of politics. If I did choose sides—which I won’t—then you might not like the side I choose, girl.”
“This isn’t about politics, Uncle Dragomir,” Charlie pressed. “It’s about principles. It doesn’t matter what side you’re on; the Dire King is a hateful, dangerous force—and if he is not opposed, he will bring death and destruction to all sides. The earth and the Annwyn are going to tear each other apart.”
“I sometimes wonder if that would not be for the best,” said Dragomir coldly. “A culling. A flood, like the old days. Tomorrow’s forest grows stronger for yesterday’s fire, does it not?” He huffed. “This is not our war. We’re leaving, Kazimir. We only came to fetch you and be on our way. Come.”
“What?” Charlie and I both managed at the same time.
“I can’t leave now,” said Charlie. “Tell my father—”
“Your father is dead,” Dragomir barked. Charlie froze, speechless. Slowly his expression crumbled. Dragomir ground his teeth and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, his voice was softer. “Your father is dead, and your people need you—or have you spent so much time with humans you have forgotten your loyalty?” He narrowed his eyes in my direction.
“I know what it is to be loyal.” Charlie stood his ground. “And I have spent enough time with humans to know what it is to be honorable, as well. I loved my father, but the House of Caine is not even a house—not any longer. Maybe it was once. But now—” He looked down, pained. “I am tired of running away from the world, Uncle. I swore an oath to this city. This is my home to protect. My peace to keep. I can’t abandon them now.”
Dragomir gave a gravelly sigh. “I warned your parents about you when you were still small. I saw it in you even then. I am only grateful they did not live long enough to see you turn on your family like this. It would have broken their hearts.”
“That’s enough!” Alina spoke out at last. “Both of you! Some peacekeepers you are. You can’t see each other for five minutes without snarling at each other’s throats.”
Dragomir sneered. “Let him have his way. We will tell our people that their wandering Kazimir has chosen this over his own family. Come, Alina. We are done here.”
“No.” Alina stood rooted to the floorboards. “I lost my father—I am not leaving without my brother.”
“Alina, he’s right,” said Charlie, delicately. “It isn’t safe for you here, not now. You should go back with Uncle.”
“No. Not without you.” She crossed her arms and sat back down on the bench.
“Alina,” Dragomir commanded. “You will do as you are bid!”
“You are not my father,” she said. “And you are not the Suveran, no matter how much you might wish it. I did not travel halfway around the world to watch you two yap at each other and then turn around and go home with my tail between my legs.”
Dragomir’s shoulders rose and fell and he took several slow breaths. “You two are too young to know your own stupidity. I was not much older when your father and I faced the torches and pitchforks in Belgrade. You are not the first of our kind to give them a chance, Kazimir. Our people will never be safe around them.”
Charlie looked down miserably.
“You stood by Father’s side then,” said Alina. “Let me stand by my brother’s now.”
“Argh!” Dragomir shook his head. “You are so much like your mother! I forget sometimes how stubborn she could be. Always so . . . so . . . How do you say . . . ?”
“Dogged.” Alina gave him a sly smile. “I will be safe, Uncle. My Kazimir is here. I will bring him home. He will listen to me.”
Dragomir allowed himself a hint of a smile. He waggled a finger at his niece. “Dogged,” he said. “Yes, you are. Fine. See if you cannot make the idiot pup see reason. I wash my hands of the both of you.”
In spite of his bluster, before he left he cupped Alina’s head in his hands and kissed her forehead. “Ai grija de tine,” he whispered. He straightened his furs haughtily and pulled open the door, pausing once more before he stepped through it. “And you.” He jabbed a finger at Charlie. “Don’t be so stupid.”
“Who’s stupid?” The sound of Hank Hudson’s voice made Dragomir jump. He spun as the trapper mounted the front step right in front of him. “Oh, hey, nice coat. That bearskin?”
Dragomir bristled and pushed past the trapper without reply.
“Ray o’ sunshine, isn’t he?” Hudson jabbed a thumb at Dragomir’s retreating figure. “Well, you ready to hit the road, Chuck?”
“Chuck?” said Alina with a sour face.
“Charlie,” I said.
“His name is Kazimir Caine,” said Alina, watching the trapper with leery eyes.
“News to me,” said Hudson. “Charlie Barker suits our boy just fine.” Hudson patted Charlie firmly on the back. Charlie winced.
“Barker?” Alina raised an eyebrow.
“It is necessary,” Charlie said. “And . . . I sort of like it.”
“So, who’s the little lady?” Hudson asked. “Friend of yours?”
“This is my sister,” Charlie said.
“Okey-dokey. She stayin’ at the house, too?”
“She really should not.” Charlie turned pleadingly back to his sister. “Alina, you can still catch up with Uncle Dragomir—”