Martin Millar - Lonely Werewolf Girl (71 page)

191

Moonglow was in an odd mood when she arrived home from
university. Daniel was sympathetic, as ever. He brought her tea as she
sat at her mirror, cleaning off her make-up.

"What a state," she muttered. Her kohl, mascara and eye shadow
had all suffered from her tears. Even the highest quality products had
not proved completely impervious to hours of crying. Daniel placed a
cup of tea on one side of her and told her there was wine downstairs,
if she needed additional comfort.

"And I brought you this nice chocolate frog in case you felt -
"

Moonglow grabbed the frog and crammed it in her mouth.

"I'll get some more," said Daniel.

Unlike Malveria and Thrix, Moonglow was amenable to chocolate
as a means of solace. As she was unable to eat anything like a proper
meal, the effects of some extra chocolate weren't likely to be too
drastic. Moonglow sipped her tea.

"Has Thrix been here today?" she asked.

Daniel wasn't sure. He'd been out part of the day. Thrix now
had a key, which neither of them really approved of. The Enchantress
had pointed out that they'd agreed to let her use their attic and if
they didn't give her a key she could just open the front door by
sorcery. Kalix had complained about Thrix and Malveria traipsing
through the house at all hours. Thrix had angrily informed her young
sister that if she didn't like it, she could hand back the pendant she
wore and Thrix could then store everything at her own building.

It had been strange at first, living in a house which
contained an attic full of magically protected clothes. They'd got used
to it now. After encountering the MacRinnalchs, Daniel and Moonglow
were no longer much surprised by anything. Moonglow asked Daniel what
he planned to watch on TV tonight.

"We can watch it together. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea to
get cable."

"It was a great idea," enthused Daniel. "But I can't watch it
with you."

"Why not?"

Daniel looked slightly embarrassed.

"I've got a date with Alicia."

Moonglow was surprised. She noticed that Daniel had washed his
hair. It still flopped in front of his eyes but it was in much better
condition.

"You finally worked up the nerve to talk to her?"

"No," admitted Daniel. "There was no working up of nerves. My
nerves weren't up to the task. She phoned me."

Moonglow was even more surprised though she attempted not to
insult Daniel by showing it.

"She told me she had a dream about me," continued Daniel. "So
she thought she'd give me a call."

"Well I guess that's good," said Moonglow. "A girl dreaming
about you and everything."

"I know. It's amazing."

"Wonderful."

Daniel noticed that Moonglow wasn't sounding very happy. She
seemed as if she might be about to burst into tears again any moment.

"I'll stay in and watch TV with you if you want," he
volunteered, loyally. "I could see Alicia another time."

"Don't be silly," said Moonglow. "You can't just stand her up."

Later, while Daniel got ready for his date, Moonglow was
disconsolate. She'd been looking forward to watching TV with Daniel.
She knew his presence would cheer her. Apparently Malveria's words had
been true. Daniel was becoming more attractive. Moonglow had a
disturbing image of Daniel's life improving in every direction while
hers became worse. Soon he'd be out every night enjoying herself while
she sat at home watching TV with only a bottle of wine for company.

Moonglow heard a noise downstairs. It was Vex, who'd
teleported in without invitation. The young Hiyasta was holding her
arm, rather miserably.

"I bumped my elbow," she said, and looked hopefully at
Moonglow. "It really hurts."

Moonglow hurried to her assistance, sitting on the couch where
she rubbed her elbow till Vex proclaimed it to be better.

"I hate bumping my elbow," said Vex.

"It can be very painful," agreed Moonglow.

Vex was holding a parcel.

"I brought a present for Kalix," she said. "I went shopping."

"I can see," replied Moonglow.

Vex was wearing a pair of black army trousers which had so
many straps it was difficult to see where the trousers ended and the
straps began. They were obviously new, as were the large boots she wore
which were also black but, incongruously, had flowers round the edge of
the soles and fairies on the laces. She had a bright yellow Hello Kitty
T-shirt onto which were pinned several Hello Kitty badges, and an
embroidered waistcoat which may have originated in India, or some point
further east. Each of her nails was a different colour. Her hair,
brilliant gold, stood up in spikes with the support of various new hair
preparations which appeared to have been put on in their raw state, and
not properly rinsed out, cementing the strands into place firmly enough
to resist the most hostile environment. If Malveria ever made good on
her threat to throw Agrivex into the great volcano, it was possible her
hair might survive the experience.

Vex flexed her elbow and grinned.

"It's better now. Why are you so cheerful?"

"What?"

"I can read it in your aura."

Moonglow was amazed. She'd never been less cheerful in her
life. Vex was extremely bad at reading auras.

"Getting over Markus, I expect?" continued Vex. "It's the
right thing to do. Just move on. Are Aunt Malvie's clothes finished? I
want to take a look."

"You will do no such thing, wretched girl whom I tragically
considered adopting in a moment of weakness," thundered Malveria,
materialising in the front room with Thrix at her side. Moonglow was
surprised to see how worn Thrix looked. Malveria, in contrast,
positively radiated happiness.

"The Enchantress has magnificently completed my ball gown for
the Sorceress Livia's birthday celebration. It is a garment to break
the hearts of all ladies not fortunate enough to be wearing it."

The Fire Queen laughed with unbridled pleasure.

"Once more Malveria rules supreme!"

"So are all your clothes ready now?" asked Moonglow.

"No," admitted Malveria. "But the Enchantress assures me that
the shoes, matching accessories, outfits for the poolside breakfast,
and assorted handmaidens' dresses will all be ready in time."

She frowned.

"Though there is barely more than a week to go…"

"Everything is under control," said Thrix, confidently.

"Can I see?" asked Vex, eagerly.

Malveria glared balefully at her.

"Agrivex, I have frequently threatened you with a visit to the
great volcano. Please be assured that I mean it when I say to you this
time, if you dare to touch any of these clothes, I will kill you. If I
find that one single ill-painted finger of your poorly washed hand has
befouled my glorious new raiments, you will die."

As she said this the Fire Queen looked so utterly ferocious
that Moonglow shrank back into the couch.

Vex looked glumly at her arm.

"I bumped my elbow," she said, and looked hopefully at her
aunt.

"Please Agrivex," sighed Malveria. "You must fight this
continual need to have your elbow rubbed. A minor elbow bump is really
not such a serious injury."

Malveria turned to the Enchantress.

"Let us hide these immediately. There's no telling how closely
the repulsive Kabachetka and her lickspittle Zatek may be spying."

Thrix and Malveria hurried upstairs. Vex, apparently
unaffected by her aunt's threats, began bouncing around on the couch.

"When's Kalix coming back? I want to give her her present."

192

Encouraged by Marwanis, Wallace and Lachlan had their way.
Baron MacGregor joined the rebellion. Wallace was exultant. He was one
of the very few werewolves whose strength rivalled that of Sarapen. He
loved to fight and had feared that such a fine opportunity might not
present itself in his lifetime. The MacGregors made their way down from
the Rinnalch Hills in the north. They camped on the northern fringes of
Colburn Wood, taking cover from the persistent rain, which was now
turning to snow.

They were greeted by Morag MacAllister, sister of Douglas, the
new Baron. She crossed quickly over the countryside to congratulate the
MacGregors on their arrival, and trade banter with Wallace as to who
would be first over the castle walls. A meeting was arranged for the
following night between representatives of the three Barons, to
coordinate their forces ahead of Sarapen's arrival. It was still five
days till the full moon, when Sarapen would lead them to war.

Inside the castle the loyal MacRinnalchs were tense, though
not because of the approaching confrontation. The MacRinnalch
werewolves did not fear combat. But there were many extra werewolves in
the castle, drawn in from the surrounding estates, and it was unnatural
for them to be cooped up like this. At night, they transformed into
their werewolf shapes and paced the walls, waiting for the enemy.

Kertal MacRinnalch had free rein to go where he pleased but
the Mistress of the Werewolves had him closely watched. She didn't
trust Kurian's son. However, when she was informed that Kertal had
briefly encountered Buvalis MacGregor, the head of her household, on
the western battlement, she thought nothing of it. Verasa would not
have be so sanguine had she known that the few words Buvalis and Kertal
exchanged concerned a rope long enough to reach the ground, and where
it might be let down unobserved.

When Sarapen learned that the MacGregors had finally entered
the fray he felt elated. One part of his plan of attack was nearing
completion. He asked Decembrius if he had news from Princess Kabachetka.

"She has assembled everything she needs."

Sarapen nodded. Again, it was satisfactory. First he would
smash all resistance in the south, then he would take the castle. In
five days time he'd be Thane, and Markus and Kalix would be dead.

Decembrius reminded Sarapen that they owed money to Merchant
MacDoig. Sarapen nodded. It was distasteful, certainly, paying that man
for his help in transporting the means for Kabachetka's sorcery, but
the Merchant had done the work as agreed.

"MacDoig is making a fine profit from the MacRinnalchs," noted
Sarapen.

"We could decline to pay," suggested Decembrius.

Sarapen regarded Decembrius with annoyance.

"The MacRinnalchs do not default on their debts," he said,
sharply. "Pay the man."

Merchant MacDoig would have been surprised to learn that
several of the unfamiliar items he'd transported for Princess
Kabachetka were for a new spell designed to penetrate the most
skilfully wrought magical defences, and destroy any fabric that lay
beyond them. Sarapen would also have been surprised. It was not
something he had requested of her. Neither Sarapen nor the Merchant
would have understood why the Princess had expended such effort in
developing new sorcery just to destroy clothes.

193

The Enchantress and the Fire Queen were still at Moonglow's
flat when Dominil brought Kalix home. Dominil wanted to speak privately
to Thrix and they withdrew into the kitchen to talk in low voices.
Meanwhile Vex greeted Kalix enthusiastically.

"You're back! How was the leafleting?"

"It was okay," shrugged Kalix. "I got wet."

"And cold?"

Kalix shrugged again.

"Of course you got cold," said Vex. "Probably so cold you
wished you had a fine new pair of army trousers instead of these
raggedy jeans you always wear."

Vex produced a bag with a triumphant flourish.

"I bought you a present!"

Kalix was surprised.

"What is it?"

"It's a surprise," cried Vex. "It's new army trousers like
mine."

Kalix stared uncertainly at the bag.

"Don't you want to find out what the surprise is?" said Vex.

"Is it army trousers?" said Kalix.

"You guessed!" cried Vex, pleased. "Open the bag."

Kalix took out the trousers.

"I got the skinniest size available," explained Vex. "And I
got a belt as well in case they weren't skinny enough, you being so
skinny and everything. Do you like them?"

Kalix didn't know if she liked them or not. It flashed through
her mind that she would never even have considered buying Vex a
present. She suddenly felt quite ashamed, and didn't want to accept the
gift.

"I don't need new trousers," she said.

Vex laughed.

"You're so funny. Let's go to your room and try them on."

In the tiny kitchen Dominil was conferring with Thrix.

"Mother is very impressed with what you've done for the
twins," said the Enchantress. "Are you actually going to take them to
Scotland to vote for Markus?"

"It is possible," replied Dominil. "If they survive the gig."

"Survive it?"

Dominil described her encounter with Decembrius in Camden. It
was worrying news. Though it was no real surprise that Sarapen planed
to attack the gig, the Enchantress had been so busy with her own
affairs that she hadn't anticipated it.

"Why did Decembrius warn you?" wondered Thrix. "Is it some
sort of trap?"

Dominil didn't think so.

"I believe he is attracted to Kalix." ,

"Attracted to Kalix? He can't be."

"Why not?"

"Because she's crazy."

"Perhaps Decembrius is attracted by her craziness," suggested
Dominil. "More likely, he is simply attracted to her youth and beauty."

"Maybe," grunted Thrix. She was tired, and felt too old and
haggard to enjoy hearing about her sister's youth and beauty.

"I don't mind meeting Sarapen again," said Dominil. "But he
won't be alone. The Mistress of the Werewolves had some wolves in
London to protect the twins but the trouble in Scotland has forced her
to withdraw most of them."

"Do you want me to come to the gig?" asked Thrix, frowning.