Reaper of Souls: A fantasy short story Read Online Free Page B

way,
we’re both in violation of the contract.  That voids it.  Your brother stays
right where he is, and you’re not going anywhere until I figure out what I’m
going to do with you.”
    Before she
could protest, she suddenly vanished. 
    †
    T he elegant yet medieval
looking bedroom was decorated with antique, Victorian furnishings.  Reggie
paced the bedroom and felt the concern for her situation rising.  Kahn was
never going to admit defeat, and if he didn’t uphold his end of the bargain,
there was little she could do in retaliation.  She and Dylan were at his mercy,
of which he had none.  There was a faint knock on the door.  Reggie turned
toward the door and attempted a calm, collected attitude.  No matter what the
outcome, she wasn’t about to let Kahn know how frightened she was.
    “Come in.”
    The door opened
to reveal a docile looking butler in his early fifties.  “Good evening, madam,”
Begley said.  “Your presence is requested in the dining room for dinner.”
    “Thanks, but
no.”
    “Begging your
pardon, madam, but I added the part about that being a request,” he informed
her.  “You may not refuse.  He’ll just bring you on his own, and you really
don’t want that.”
    Reggie
frowned.  “I knew it couldn’t be that easy.”
    “Your evening
attire is hanging in the closet,” Begley said.  “I’ll return in twenty minutes
to escort you to dinner.  The others should be arriving shortly.”
    “Others?”
    “Yes, madam. 
It’s Lord Kahn’s weekly dinner party.”  Begley turned to leave, hesitated, and
then looked back at her with an oddly sincere look.  “The wine is a very bad
year.  Very bitter .”
    Reggie stared
at Begley with a look of bewilderment.  His words were puzzling.  He fidgeted
then sheepishly left the room.  Reggie sank into thought.
    †
    T he elegant dining room was
adorned with fine china, silverware, crystal glasses, candles, and large floral
arrangements.  Several well-dressed men and women entered the dining room.  All
appeared distracted and not a word was spoken.  Reggie was shown to the dining
room by Begley.  He pulled out her chair for her and indicated for her to sit.
    “Please, be
seated,” Begley announced to everyone.  “Lord Kahn will be along momentarily.”
    The others took
their seats.  Reggie appeared to be the only one curious enough to look at the
other dinner guests.  None spoke, and they kept to themselves.  She was curious
but remained silent.  Including Reggie, there were seven guests.
    Begley stood by
the doorway and spoke, “Lord and Lady Kahn.”
    Reggie looked
at the doorway and was the only one interested.  Kahn entered with a beautiful,
young woman attached to his arm.  Lady Chrissy was dressed in an evening gown
with perfectly placed hair and make-up.  She appeared to snub everyone while
taking her seat at the end of the table.  Kahn took his place at the head of
the table, smiled proudly, and lifted his wineglass.
    “Good evening,
everyone.  It’s an honor to have you here at this special dinner party.  I hope
you will enjoy the feast,” Kahn announced.  “I’d like to propose a toast--”
    Everyone took
their wineglasses and stood as Begley shut the dining room doors.  Reggie
stared at her wineglass, uncertainly took it, and stood as well.  The dining
room doors suddenly opened to reveal a handsome, well-built man in his
mid-thirties.  He was dressed less formal then the others.  Kahn eyed the man
and lowered his glass with a frown.
    “Do you ever
call first?” Kahn demanded.  “I’m in the middle of a dinner party, Helsing.”
    “Far be it for
me to interrupt one of your distasteful parties, but I want to talk to
you--now,” Helsing growled.
    “It can wait. 
Either join us or come back another time.”
    Helsing sneered
and collapsed into the vacant chair between Reggie and Chrissy.  Chrissy
snubbed him as well.  Kahn eyed Helsing and made a face.  Helsing remained
seated