Lilith Saintcrow: The Red Plague Affair

“Well, that’s that, then.” But he made no move to depart her bedroom. He found himself wondering what had transpired between Queen and servant while he lay unconscious. It must have been an event of surpassing magnitude… but he had a different question that required answering. “Miss Bannon.”

She settled a little more comfortably, and her gaze met his. The quality of directness she possessed was even more marked now, and her earrings – dangles of amethyst in silver filigree, matching the small simple necklace that nonetheless glowed with charter symbols – swung slightly as she did so, then nestled lovingly against her curls.

It was very good to see her so accoutred again. And none of her household had taken ill.

There would never be a better time to ask.

He cleared his throat. “You performed some feat upon me while I was fevered, Emma. Do not bother to deny it.”

She did not, merely regarded him levelly. Finally, a hint of a smile crept onto her childlike features, but still she did not speak.

So he was forced to. “I have been most exercised upon the problem, and cannot find a solution.”

Her dark eyed positively danced. Did she look… why, yes.

The sorceress looked relieved , and she finally spoke.

“I shall tell you in twenty years’ time, sir.”

Dash it all. “I am not a young man, Emma. I may not be in a position to hear such news at that time.”

Her smile broadened. “Oh, I think you will be. What can I tell you of illogical sorcery? For all you know, I had the method of the cure from dear departed Dr Vance, and introduced it under your skin in some fashion.” Was she… yes. Her dark eyes danced, and the merriment lurking in her expression was quite out of character. “I would be quite vexed to lose you, Mr Clare.”

The heat in his cheeks was like the plague-fever, and he stood in a hurry, clearing his throat. “Likewise, Miss Bannon. I shall be along now, I have a workroom to tidy, and some fascinating avenues of enquiry to apply myself to.” For example, the Alderase reactions. Very intriguing.

“Very well. I believe I shall see you at dinner, sir. In very short order, I shall be quite well.” Damn the woman. She was laughing, now. It did her a world of good, thin and pale as she was. Still, she looked… yes, younger. Though how he could draw such a conclusion Clare was not certain, for she had always seemed childlike, to him.

Then again, Clare himself felt younger and lighter, as if the plague had burned away age and infirmity. No doubt the feeling would fade. His hair seemed to have gained new strength as well, or perhaps the looking-glasses in Miss Bannon’s house were ensorcelled. “Delighted. Very well, then.” He shook his head, treading by Mikal’s shadowed form with a light step. He passed through the dressing room, Madame Noyon bustling in the opposite direction with a covered tray, and halfway down the stairs, he began to whistle.

As always, I am grateful to Devi Pillai, who did not throttle me during revisions, and Miriam Kriss, who told me I could indeed do this. I am indebted to Mel Sterling and Christa Hickey for putting up with me, and to my children for cheerfully going along with my research experiments. Special gratitude must also go to the ever-patient Susan Barnes and the incredibly tolerant Joanna Kramer, who both deserve some sort of medal. (And booze.) Last, as always, dear Reader, thank you. Come into another one of my little worlds, and let me tell you what happened next.

Daron Gildow, 2010

LILITH SAINTCROW was born in New Mexico, bounced around the world as an Air Force brat, and fell in love with writing when she was ten years old. She currently lives in Vancouver, WA. Find her on the web at: www.lilithsaintcrow.com.

The Iron Wyrm Affair

The Red Plague Affar

The Damnation Affair

Working for the Devil

Dead Man Rising Devil’s Right Hand

Saint City Sinners

To Hell and Back

Dante Valentine (omnibus)

Night Shift

Hunter’s Prayer

Redemption Alley

Flesh Circus

Heaven’s Spite

Angel Town

The Hedgewitch Queen

The Bandit King

As Lili St. Crow

Strange Angels

Betrayals

Jealousy

Defiance

Reckoning