Imperium (Caulborn) (31 page)
Read Imperium (Caulborn) Online
Authors: Nicholas Olivo
“Now then,” he said, taking his glasses out of his breast pocket and perching them on his nose. “We have business to discuss.” The ironbound book appeared on the desk in front of me and Orcus turned its pages to the promise I’d made to Death. “I have spoken with the Grim Reaper, and he agrees that you have fulfilled your promise.” The words on the page faded, leaving it completely blank.
He turned back to the page with the promise I’d made to Megan. “This one, though, Vinnie, you came close to breaking this one. Letting her get tortured wasn’t a way to keep her fine. You’re also lucky that she didn’t contract that disease.”
“I still say this is being taken out of context,” I replied. “That promise was for that specific moment, not for the rest of her life.”
Orcus spread his hands and shrugged. “I can think on it further, I suppose. Easiest thing for you to do is just get her to release you from the promise.”
Yeah, that probably would be the easiest thing, but how do you even bring something like that up? Maybe tonight at dinner an opportunity would present itself. “But in the meantime, Vincent, you keep her safe and you’ll be fine.” He pulled out a pocket watch on a fine gold chain. “Well, I got other places to be, kid. You take care.” He pointed at me. “And for your own sake, remember to think before you open your mouth.”
He snapped his fingers and I was abruptly back in my office. I left notes for Gears and Megan about dinner, grabbed my coat, took the T back to the Children’s Museum, and entered the Bright Side via Aviorla. My followers cheered as I stepped through the gateway and my strength surged. Lotholio had arranged for a special service to celebrate Treggen’s defeat. In about ten minutes, my followers would chant new prayers, sing new songs, and share the stories of Lord Corinthos and his people and their battle against the warlord Treggen. The Urisk had even prepared a special hymn celebrating Petra’s recovery.
Even though Treggen was still out there, my people had faith that I would protect them from him. I could feel the Urisk’s excitement building, and I couldn’t help but smile.
Tonight, I was going to have dinner with an old friend, the love of my life, and my new partner. Tomorrow, I’d sweep out the back of Thad’s shop, and then get back to hunting down Treggen.
But for right now, I'm going to enjoy the celebration.
About the Author
My childhood consisted of way too many video games, comic books and 80's cartoons. Add in a healthy appetite for Tolkien and Stephen King, and the end result was a geek who had visions of someday writing his own novels.
It was Terry Brooks'
Wishsong of Shannara
that really clinched it and got me excited about writing. But it wasn't until years later, after reading Jim Butcher's Storm Front, that I decided to take a crack at urban fantasy. After a month of Pepsi-and-Snickers-assisted brainstorming, Vincent Corinthos and the Caulborn were conceived. A year later I published the first Caulborn novel, Imperium.
I've lived my entire life in various New England states, and I'm fascinated by New England's paranormal history. One thing I really enjoy is incorporating local paranormal events and urban legends into the books. Each Caulborn novel will include references to real-world supernatural occurrences, and explains how they fit into the Caulborn's world.
I live with my wife and three children, and a shape-shifting cat who may or may not be be in human form at any given moment. If you'd like to get in touch with me or if you'd like to be notified of my new releases, head on over to my website,
www.nicholasolivo.com
.
Also by Nicholas Olivo:
KRAMPUSNACHT
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