Page 23 of A Touch of Iron
The man nodded once. “Of course. I’ll even give you a tour.”
Without another word, I followed the air elemental monk up the mountain where the temple was located. Along the way, we encountered several other Unseelie who lived and worked on the mountain. All were quiet but pleasant, raising a hand in greeting or nodding as we passed by.
My tour guide rambled on about when the monastery was established and what they did there, but I wasn’t paying much attention. I was scanning the area, trying to find likely places where the necklace might be stashed.
“Excuse me.” I cut him off while he was discussing the fauna and flora that lived on the mountain. “Do you house any artifacts here at the monastery?” When he nodded, I asked, “Are any of them on display where others can see them?”
He paused for a moment. “Yes. Would you like to see them?” When I nodded enthusiastically, the monk turned back around and led me into the temple.
We walked beneath a stone archway that my guide explained was crafted to symbolize the transition from the secular world to the sacred. The area was peaceful and serene. I was in awe as I gaped at the ornate carvings, sculptures, and intricate designs formed from an array of organic elements that furthered the hushed atmosphere. A dome hewn from smooth stone served as the monastery’s central point. We entered the main sanctuary and my guide stood to the side while I took in the altar, then turned to scrutinize the artwork and iconography carved along the walls with scenes from past wars. We entered several rooms that branched off from the main sanctuary where I was hyper-aware of my loud footsteps echoing in the silent maze of hallways and tried to soften my footfalls. Finally, we entered a room with a plethora of artifacts on display behind glass cases.
“Please look around. I must check in with one of my fellow brothers, but I’ll return shortly.”
I dipped my head graciously and he left me alone in the room. Skylights allowed bright white light to stream in from the mountain sun, though it was partially obscured by snow clouds. As my eyes adjusted to the light, I took a few moments to bask in the quiet serenity of the space and let my mind settle. I breathed in the smoky incense and my thoughts cleared. Focused on the task before me, I hurried to the first case to begin my search for the necklace.
Sharp daggers, glittering rings, stones with unique markings, and brittle, yellow paged journals were delicately nestled on plush blue cloth, each with a small note that detailed the item’s significance. I didn’t recognize any of the artifacts, but apparently, they were important to the Unseelie, or maybe just to air elementals. Row after row, I examined each display case until I found what I was looking for.
The back corner case contained a gold necklace with a ruby that glimmered at its center. Light emanated from the crimson stone and cast faceted light into the dim room. I reverently ghosted my hand over the case.
The note for this artifact claimed the necklace was once worn by the first dragon. Supposedly the necklace magically adjusted in size and would allow the owner of the necklace to bend a dragon to its will.
From what I had learned at the brothel, the only person this could possibly influence was the fae who lived in the King’s court who was the reincarnation of the last dragon. The dancer didn’t reveal whether she thought the dragon fae was bad or good. Or, to use Calypso’s phrase, maybe she resided in the gray area.
Either way, I was uncomfortable acquiring this artifact if Creed was planning to control her with it. No one should be stripped of their free will, no matter who they were.
Furtively glancing around the room to make sure there were no witnesses, I slid the glass door open on the display case. I reached inside and snatched the necklace, pocketing it along with the placard that detailed what it was. Carefully sliding the glass closed, I returned to casually strolling through the room, perusing the artifacts.
Roughly ten minutes later, the monk returned. “Did you find anything that piqued your interest?”
I smiled tightly. “Uh … a few things stood out. Thank you for allowing me to see them.”
He gave a secret smile. “Of course.” He inched closer, invading my space and whispered, “Take care of it. In the wrong hands, it could wreak damage like nothing we’ve seen before.” He gave me a knowing look and stepped back.
My eyes widened at the realization that he knew I’d taken the necklace. I gulped nervously and watched to see what he’d do. I should’ve known it was too easy to steal it. They were waiting for me and I fell right into their hands. Except … it didn’t appear as if he was busting me, but rather helping me.
“Don’t fret, child. I have a feeling it’s safer in your hands than anyone else’s.” He winked and strode out of the room, leaving me completely and utterly dumbfounded.
I placed my palm over the pocket that held the necklace and breathed a sigh of relief. Even though I considered Creed to be a nice guy for taking me in these past few months, Calypso’s warning couldn’t be denied. I made a decision that would seal my fate: I would conceal the necklace from him.
* * *
Two hours later,I was perched on the temple’s front steps enjoying the sun’s last rays when Creed arrived, clearly out of breath. His sweat-soaked tunic clung to his body and his dark hair glistened under the setting sun. I probably should’ve flown down to him once I found the necklace and told him I didn’t find anything to save him the trip, but something held me back.
“Please tell me you haven’t been sitting here waiting for me this whole time?” he grunted, still huffing and puffing.
I chuckled. “Nah, I took a tour, but I didn’t find anything.”
He narrowed his gaze, clearly unconvinced. “Impossible. I know it’s here. Come on, let’s search again.”
We spent the next two hours scouring every inch of the monastery, including asking around about the dragon’s necklace, but we received the same answer every time—I’m not familiar with that artifact.
Eventually, Creed gave up his search, surly and disappointed. The necklace was practically burning a hole in my pocket but I refused to give it up, focusing my attention on not making any gestures that could possibly reveal I was hiding something.
On the descent, I hiked down the mountain with Creed. Hopefully he wasn’t suspicious, but I couldn’t get a read on him. He was eerily quiet. Upon arriving at my cottage door, I turned to face him and smiled tightly. “Sorry this trip was a bust. Maybe it was never in Air Village?”
Creed sized me up and down, his eyes and demeanor downright frosty. “It’s funny, because my sources guaranteed it was there.”
I shrugged. “I guess they were wrong.”
