Has it only been three days?
“And that must be Dr. Trent Kalamack,” the master vampire said when Sam unceremoniously dumped the unconscious man on one of the couches. “Sam,” Piscary admonished, and the man propped him up to look as if he had simply fallen asleep watching TV. Leo had gone behind the bar, and Trisk was ten times thirstier when he poured what looked like lemonade into three tall glasses.
“Thank you, Leo. Could you stay?” Piscary said, and the soft-spoken man went to sit in a far chair facing an unlit fireplace as Sam left. The door clicked shut, and Trisk stifled a shudder.
“Do you need anything?” Piscary said, playing the gracious host as he led them to the bar and handed them each a condensation-wet glass. “Are you warm enough? We’re under a time constraint, of course, but I believe we can grant you time to relax, perhaps eat.”
Trisk cautiously reached for her glass, her sip turning into an appreciative gulp at the tangy, sweet lemonade. Realizing Piscary was smiling at them as if they were wayward children he’d taken in, she set the glass down. Orchid was perched on the rim of Daniel’s glass, grumbling as she ladled a portion of his lemonade out into the cup she carried tied to her waist.
“A dark-haired elf,” Piscary said, and Trisk jerked, stiffening when he reached to run a long-fingered hand through her travel-dusty hair.
“Hands off!” Orchid shrilled, but Trisk had stepped out of his reach.
“My apologies,” Piscary said, actually giving her a little bow. “I spend so much of my time with my children that I forget the outside world has personal space. I’ve never seen a dark elf. I can’t help but wonder if your blood is as dusky as your hair.”
She didn’t know what to say, but she set her glass on the bar. “If this is a choice between being your blood slave or being blamed for the plague, I’ll take the plague,” she said, and Piscary laughed. It sounded natural enough, but it ended fast.
“No,” the man said, turning his attention to Daniel. “Dr. Plank,” he said, and Daniel almost choked on his drink. “I find myself in the odd position of needing to thank you.”
“For what?” he asked suspiciously, but it only made Piscary more delighted.
“For not being afraid,” he said, moving toward the nearest cluster of chairs and gesturing for them to sit. “I wasn’t expecting that. It makes it easier to talk to you.”
Daniel sat down, holding the glass in his hands between his knees. “I’m too tired to be afraid,” he said, and Piscary laughed again. It was putting Trisk on edge.
“Don’t get me wrong, sir,” she said as she gingerly sat on the edge of a chair, “but why are we here?”
Piscary settled deep into the cushions, a careless hand waving in the air. “To die, of course.”
Daniel tensed, Orchid whispering furiously in his ear to keep him from standing again. Trisk didn’t look away from Piscary’s eyes as they dilated in response to Daniel’s sudden fear, but she’d give the master credit where it was due: that was the extent of his reaction. Trisk glanced at Leo, hunched in his distant chair, staring at the empty fireplace. Perhaps the master had just fed. It would make resisting temptation easier.
“Trisk.” Daniel rose in alarm, and Trisk took his hand, trying to pull him back down.
“Sit, you lunker!” Orchid hissed, pinching his ear. “He’s not going to kill us.”
“That’s correct,” Piscary said, inclining his head solicitously. “But I’m sure someone will try. I want to talk to you, and perhaps change the outcome if the truth is to my liking.”
Trisk slowly exhaled, not knowing she’d been holding it. Daniel, too, sat down.
“Just so,” Piscary said, then relaxed into a taut lassitude. “I want to know what passed before it’s clouded by elven lies. My range of easy movement is limited, so I plotted to bring everyone to me.” Smiling again, he inclined his head to indicate Trisk. “You’re quite the draw, Dr. Cambri. Sweet honey to the stingless bees that surround you.”
Trisk frowned, the lemonade not sitting well, but Piscary’s next words were forestalled when a narrow door set to the side opened and Sam came back in, his pace fast and smooth. Eyeing them, he whispered in Piscary’s ear. Trisk knew it was about them when Piscary’s attention touched on them as he rose. “Already?” Piscary glanced at his watch. “It’s not even sunup yet.” Then he turned with a closed-lipped smile. “I apologize. I thought we’d have more time.”
“They’re here now?” Trisk all but squeaked.
Daniel was white-faced. “You said you’d let her talk first.”
But Piscary had taken off his housecoat to reveal a white linen suit underneath it. Leo stood from his distant position, coming close to take the coat. “And I will,” Piscary said as he scuffed off his slippers and donned he slip-ons that Leo gave him. “Cormel can keep you company as I speak with them first.” He touched Leo’s shoulder. “Fetch Rynn.”