Red Hood's Revenge

stopping to stare, humans and fairies alike. Danielle lowered her voice, hoping Roudette would do the same. “We’re going to a fairy church. Tell me now whether you can do this.”
    Roudette glanced around. “I will do whatever is needed.”
    Danielle took that as a yes. “I’m sorry about your mother. About your home.”
    Roudette said nothing.
    The crowds grew as they neared a domed structure of green-painted stone. Two giant statues framed the entrance, where a wide stairway led down into darkness. The statue on the right sat with one hand extended in welcome. His other hand clutched a sword carved so that it appeared to be on fire. He wore a helm that shone like real gold. Spiral antlers rose from the sides of the helmet.
    The other statue was a woman seated in a similar pose. Her extended hand overflowed with coins, mostly copper and silver, which spilled into a large bowl at her feet. As Danielle watched, a family stopped at the statue and placed a bracelet into her hand, dislodging several coins into the bowl below.
    “The statues are enchanted,” Snow said softly. “Someone is watching through their eyes.”
    “My cape will shield us,” Roudette said. “It was made to avoid the eyes of the fey.” She stood like an island in a stream, with people doing their best to avoid her and her disease. Her voice was calm once more, with no hint of the pain from moments before.
    “We’re here for information,” Danielle reminded her. “To learn about Zestan. That’s all.”
    Roudette shrugged. “Get me alone in a room with the priest, and I promise he’ll tell us whatever we need to know.”

CHAPTER 11

    T ALIA TOSSED A HANDFUL OF COINS ONTO the statue’s palm as she passed.
    An acolyte in a green robe and matching sheffeyah bowed in gratitude. “May God reward your generosity.”
    “Where was God last night?” Talia muttered. The crowd pressed closer as they made their way down the staircase. If someone did recognize her, there was no way to flee through this many people. She lowered her head and shoved a path through the crowd, making sure the others stayed close.
    Faziya had dragged Talia to this church six times for morning prayers before giving up. Never had Talia seen it so packed. She wondered if the fairy entrance on the far side was equally busy.
    She followed the crowd into a familiar tunnel, remembering how Faziya had gone on and on about the symbolism. “The tunnel represents our life in this world, a time of darkness until we emerge into God’s light.”
    Not that the tunnel was truly dark. Between the sunlight outside and the oil lamps burning within, Talia could see perfectly well as she entered the temple proper.
    The first thing she noticed was the trickle of fountains. She had forgotten the sound of water spilling from the walls, pouring into the narrow stream that flowed around the inside of the church. Talia crossed a wooden bridge, peering down at the water as she passed. Glowing jaan swam in endless loops around the church. Many people pressed their way to the water’s edge, cupping their hands to drink.
    Faziya had once urged Talia to do the same, to drink of the blessings of God and the fairies. Talia had shied away in disgust, saying, “You realize you’re drinking jaan piss?” Faziya had only laughed.
    Higher up, a balcony of green stone circled the church. The upper level was reserved for the fairies and was less crowded than the main floor. Talia spotted trolls and goblins, sprites and spirits of every race. Sparks sprinkled down from a small group of pixies perched on the railing.
    Talia moved to one side to remove her sandals, looping the laces over her neck. She waited for the others to do the same.
    A round dais at the front of the church sat empty, save for thick beeswax candles mounted on either side, burning with green flames. The air was cool, almost chilly, though the stones were warm beneath her feet. She could feel the tension building as more people entered. They were afraid, and that fear could easily turn to anger. They came here seeking answers and reassurance after last night’s attack. She hated to think what would happen if they failed to receive it.
    Talia motioned Roudette toward a corner of the church where the river looped out from the wall, forming a small triangular island. “Roudette needs to wait with the sick and infirm. The water is supposed to protect the healthy from whatever diseases they might carry.”
    Roudette snorted, but