So this chapter is pretty long I got more breaks in there, but stuff actually happens in this one :)


Chapter 14

Wolf and the Insidious Scheme

The sinuous current which listlessly moved through in amicable percolation through Cross Iron carried above it's surface an unsinkable burden of interbed significance. For floating adrift the surface was a craft of aquatic commute that was only denied a free passage down the currents due to the threads which tethered it in place and left rocking about the dictates of the current. Though the river was virtually unaffected by it's presence, to Holo it was a monument of harrowing recollection.

Seeing it careen in a manner she found mocking, it could not be helped but be viewed as though it was taunting her as she approached. After a more complete examination she looked back to the masked man who simply resigned himself to observe and stated, "This is it, it has to be."

"Are you sure?" he asked with a light tone of pressure.

"Well…'pondered the she wolf, 'there is one way for me to be sure. You there do you mind coming down and shielding me?"

Ranger failed to let the cloud of disbelief slide over his brow as he made advance towards her. Before he could question more of her on what her intent was, she ordered of him, "There, now just turn around and make sure no one can see me."

If it were an earlier time in their association he would have voiced some sort of retort, however he knew better that this would only waste time for she would argue back and explain herself in ways he found aggravating. Therefore due the the interest of time and a desire to be free from pester, he turned about face and obscured her from view.

Few people could be seen up on the street, oddly enough the ones who were, were only bystanders. Ranger looked around and took into account that they who worked for Nabakov trading were nowhere to be seen.

A strange series of whiffs were coming abaft his position in which he turned his head and nearly asked what it was she was up to.

He understood her wish completely when seeing her upon the raft while on her hands and knees with her face applied to it's low point. It was a queer sight that would have drawn attention, yet only Ranger knew what she was up to, she was checking for a scent.

Eventually she erected herself while on her knees and pronounced, "This is the one…."

She clearly was in a silent hysteria, though they had most likely found the man who most assuredly had an office in this foul scheme who provided the means to take Lawrence by water, she suddenly felt as though she knew not what to do about it. As if this revelation came upon her all too soon.

"How can you be certain?" inquired the Ranger with a tone that was equal in indifference.

She sunk down slightly while addressing him as her hands rubbed her sides, "Lawrence was bleeding and some spots fell upon the woodwork here. Even though they may have sponged it away, his scent is still here." Then pulling on the hems of the jacket she was wearing, followed up, "It is the same smell on Lawrence's jacket."

Ranger seemed to affirm her sentiment and was about to have her arise and rejoin him until her head slowly turned to one of the four posts that held up the walls of the raft. She hauntingly arose and approached it, then applied her nostrils there as well. She took a few inhalations through the nasal chasms then turned pale and frightful.

"I smell it here too!' she then began to tremble and oxidate erratically, 'they…they….they were beating him!"

"You cannot just…."

"How else does one's blood spatter upon the walls, unless a force had made it so!"

He was silenced, he of all would know in what ways blood can travel from the human body and find itself on perpendicular or horizontal surfaces.

"Atop this!' she continued, 'I can smell more blood that does not belong to Lawrence, it can only be Matthias, he was next to him and his leg was cut open."

She gnashed her teeth and clenched the small pillar and declared, "I will return this upon Jurgen's head a hundred fold!"

She then abruptly turned and marched up the ramp, "Let us meet with this Evgeny now! I will make him tell me everything!"

Ranger was still obstructing her path while attempting to be a voice of reason, "And how do you plan on doing that?"

She pulled harshly the wheat pouch from her neck and hissed, "Oh I can think of a few ways…!"

She detoured around him with much contention in her march, he turned on his heal and followed after, "Hold now, we must not do anything too rash."

Holo gave off a rude snicker in disbelief, "Is it not you who concludes that the resolution to life's problems is to cut those who oppose you to pieces, or smite them until they cease moving? Forgive me for attempting your methods and heaven forbid I perfect the process!"

"If you take on the form of that behemoth and began destroying all that you see, there is not telling what the repercussions might be."

Her fiery gaze was still upon the trade house her pilgrimage was still yet a sizable league to traverse until Ranger's hand took hold of her arm and stopped her on the step. She wheeled around, "How dare you!"

Her free hand then came around for a strike out of reaction. Her blind rage was interrupted when in lighting fast reflex, her hand was intercepted and brought down in his powerful grasp and locked in.

"STOP!" came the flash of his word.

Twas the first time she had ever heard him raise his voice so abruptly that it took by surprise. It was as though an audible blade cut through the towers that supported her vengeful mind and let sanity reset anew.

Still having her within his hold he spoke with the most sternest she had ever heard him utter, "We do not even know if he is in there! And second, even if he was, he knows we are coming! Have you even considered the kind of power Jurgen's conspirators could have? If a scene too grand is caused and Evgeny is killed then not only will our trail run cold but Jurgen will take it out on Lawrence once he hears of it! If you have any sense, then listen!"

After a few deep and very much needed inhalations Holo felt his grip soften and she was left at liberty of movement once more.

Once re adjusted to his calm yet brooding manner, Ranger spoke, "I understand the pain these men have caused you, however if you blindly enact vengeance so simple minded like, it will only bring more calamity."

Holo retied her wheat pouch with callow haste and sneered, "How can you be so sure that we are in such a bad way?"

"The man who was in Jacopo's office the morrow earlier, I saw him walking from the main entrance."

Still in a state of acrimony Holo bitterly replied, "The one he called Libert? The man is hardly a threat!"

"Come to your senses! Consider this; we departed before he did, what would push the man to venture all night to come here? He must have been a messenger and seeing how this Evgeny truly has played a role in Jurgen's schemes, he most likely is awaiting our arrival and plotting a strategy against us as we speak."

Finally breaking free of his grip she confronted the matter more, "And you suspect this how?"

"I may not be as versed in the ways of trade as you and your mate are, however one thing even you should have taken note of is the lack of laborers coming out to inquire of our business. Surely we look as though we have a delivery for Nabakov trading, the crates have Jacopo's official stamp on the crates."

Holo pondered this one statement. Time was money and any guild that was to be proficient in there employ ought to be the first to jump to the opportunity to fulfill their duties. In any other town her and Lawrence had visited, there was always a representative to greet them and guide them to where they needed to be. Seeing how this circumstance was not the case she considered his suspicions to be more valid.

Folding her arms and tapping her finger against her bicep intensely, she swiftly rejoined, "It matters not if they expect us, I am Holo the wise wolf, I can crush boulders with a swipe of my paws and withstand any army of any grandeur, one trade guild run by malevolent scoundrels shan't be a problem."

"You believe Jurgen's influence extends only to a few establishments? Have you not felt it? There is a superficial entity dwelling within the settlement. The closer we get to him the more adapt his power."

This gave Holo the opportunity to look around and perhaps see the same disturbing elements that was plaguing him.

Becoming more reasonable she voiced, "The terms in which Edmund was allowed to evangelize were somewhat odd. And I do find it strange that such a region where bandits and slave traders are rampant as this, the citizens are not allowed weapons or any means of defense."

"No one has the appropriate means to fight back and the authorities could gain the utmost control to quell any kind of uprising. A tactic commonly found among the most corrupted of leaders."

Holo blinked a plethora of times, "Could it not be for safety considering the dangerous people who live up here, consider this wall…?"

"A wall that may have been designed to keep people in." returned Ranger rather darkly, "Which leads me to my next question; If bandits and wild beasts be the main terror of this region, where was the opposition when we traveled through?"

Had Holo's ears been visible they would have extended as fully possible, for such was her alarm, "We, Edmund and Libert made it here safely, unharmed and unhindered."

"That cannot be a coincidence." stated Ranger.

Holo knew well that Ranger was implying the dreadful possibility that the bandit attacks that have been told of them, were not random. And perhaps those who chose pillaging and plunder as means to sustain their fortunes were given specific orders and instructions when it came to whomever they were raiding.

"Evgeny may have wanted us to come here safely…" she concurred.

"And now he lies in waiting."

Holo put her back towards him while declaring with bitter malice, "Then why not give him what he wants and let me meet him and this can be done with!?"

She was clearly distraught and in many ways could be analyzed as unapproachable. There she stood in the apex of ultimate frustration with her hand supporting her head by the brow.

Ranger took the assertive approach and walked around to her front side. Once positioned where he could attain the highest attention from her he said, "I am not denying you the opportunity to enact satisfaction."

Without even setting her eyes on him, she inquired coldly, "Do you know what it is that you ask of me?' then answered for him, 'To sit idly by and wait in hiding while these men laugh at my pain, threaten my family and continue to harm my beloved!"

Ranger was quick to refute that allegation, "That is not what I am asking…."

Snapping her pupils on him she snarled, "Then what?"

He then raised his left arm to the square with his palm open and facing outwards. The self inflicted laceration bestowed upon him earlier was lucid and still fresh looking despite the plasma and blood forming together to seal up the wound. She gazed upon it and was called to remembrance that the lesion was inflicted to declare his loyalties and profess his commitment to her situation.

Then in the spirit of that commitment said, "I am asking you to trust me."

Holo nodded then delicately asked, "And how can I trust you with this?"

Ranger stepped forward and gave her a piercing account, "Because I had once desired to enact vengeance upon an enemy of mine. And while pursuing that dark vendetta, I learned a most valuable lesson. Nothing good can profit when one is solely motivated by revenge."

"What happened?" came her curious answer by force of the nature entwined within this conversation.

"It did not turn out the way that I had hoped."

Holo knew that was going to be his only answer on the subject. Seeing herself more calm she looked back at the trade house and asked of him, "So, what shall our next step be?"

Ranger began walking towards the wagon while answering, "If Evgeny truly knows who we are and that we are here. He will most likely meet with us briefly before having us run into whatever force he will have dispatched."

"It is clear then that he would intend to trap us, would he not?" came Holo's further inquires while walking after him.

"Yes, and seeing the tranquility of this town the only way he could do it discretely is to have us become separated."

"So what do you propose?"

Once at the wagon, Ranger turned and lifted an eyebrow while responding astutely, "Spring the trap."

It should be noted that Evgeny was a young and ambitious soul whose proficiency in his calling was fueled by his own intuition. A man who spared no mercy in the advance of time when coming to the constructing and executing of his ideals. When playing a role in the abduction of Lawrence, he immediately knew what was to be expected of him and filled the office admirably. If it were asked of anyone within Cross Iron the purpose and freight upon the raft that fateful day, none could answer other than that it was merely business related.

However if this answer was done out of fear or ignorance of the one in question would be difficult to determine. For such was the expertise of the man who commanded the Nabakov trading. Tis why he was favored by Lord De Buhr.

Having Evgeny in any way profess the truth of his involvement even in the most marginal degree would be nothing short of a miracle. A miracle Holo herself was pondering on how to perform as she was waiting within the lobby of Nabakov trading.

A grandly assorted overabundance of untamed emotions swirled within her restless soul. She was about to come face to face with the man who provided the means for Lawrence's abductors to have an rapid and easy departure. Though the conspirator was not there in person, his role in the ordeal made him equally as guilty.

Yet aside from all these dissensions she was afflicted with, she was forced to treat the man with respect and courtesy, the pretense of which was a feat she found nearly unattainable. However, her behavior would dictate the outcome of the careful plan that was to be laid in motion as the first step was about to be trod when the door opened with a group of men coming through.

"Miss Holo?" addressed a voice from the lead escort in a tone best described by the definition of insecurity.

Our fair heroine broke her meditation and cordially responded, "Yes?"

The escort bowed and said, "Evgeny would like to meet with you now."

It must be noted that Holo's first impression was nothing short of confusion, for she recalled the information broker had adamantly familiarized Evgeny's conduct by stating that he rarely met with anyone. Yet here they were, united without effort.

This could only lead the she wolf to conclude with sound logic that the man was fore warned of her arrival and only chose to meet with her so that he could plan and execute a scheme on behalf of Lord De Buhr.

He was of an average height with a dress that was elegant enough to be professional yet casual enough for more rigorous activities should the need arise. His hair was a sizable enough in length that met at the ears with natural twirls infused among the straight locks, while it's pallet was a deep brown.

When first sizing him up, Holo placed his life span somewhere between twenty four to twenty six years of age.

She approached him out of custom and said, "Mr. Evgeny, I have a delivery for you."

As he extended his hands in greeting, it was filled by parchment. Holo had given him the invoice in place of a hand shake. Evgeny unfolded it and aligned the script with his eyes and seemed content with the order.

Then looking around in a hesitant fashion he asked of her, "Did you make the delivery alone?"

Filling her bosom with air, she slowly exhaled and responded, "No, I did have an escort to see me through safely."

"Where is he now?" said he with an expression of mild turbulence.

Holo motioned her eyes towards the door she had come through and stated, "He is still in town, he will be waiting on me tonight in a tavern not far from here."

"What compels him to stay here?"

Shifting her neck she replied, "Because I am to pay him for his services and cannot do so at the moment."

Evgeny was quick to rationalize, "Ah you lack the funds to reimburse him and are awaiting on me for payment yes?"

Holo assented with a nod of the chin in which the man clapped his hands and said, "Well let's not keep you, is all the wine intact?"

"As far to my knowledge."

The brown haired man led the way to the door and pronounced with a semblance that could only be detected by one who was aware of the man's history, "Let us take a look. I know for your combined efforts the both of you shall be well rewarded!"

Holo followed him out while taking subtle glances abaft to be sure the men behind were not taking any hostile approaches, for she was a lone wolf in the midst of an enemy's pack whose territory was as secretive as it was deadly.

The cart was left as it was, virtually unmoved with the absence of it's true owner with the shire still attached and the impassioned black and gold shepherd dog removed from the bed.

"Ah, if all the cargo be intact then you will fetch a handsome profit." commented the artful Evgeny when seeing the grandeur of the load.

Holo found herself very much on edge seeing herself enclosed by the other human beings. She clutched at her wheat pouch with her left hand while her right was half concealed within her jacket which concealed the dagger Ranger preferred her to carry. To the unsuspecting, it looked as though her arms were folded awkwardly. Yet for her, she was preparing for a sudden strike.

Evgeny stopped a sizable distance from the wagon and looked around as if to be sure his surroundings were secure then instructed of the female merchant, "Guide the horse around to the side, that is where we can unload it."

Holo signified her cooperation by approaching the wagon with a hidden insecurity roaming about her usual persona. She rarely ever piloted a horse and wagon if ever, and this particular horse had only the utmost intense loyalty to his true master who was nowhere to be scene in the present hour.

Gallavaun let out an aggressive bray in reaction to her approach and even began back trotting. Holo's heart skipped, for she knew the shire's cooperation amidst an audience was crucial at this time.

She had to suppress her wolfish nature by becoming perturbed with the creature's behavior and resorted to a softer touch. She gently seized his reins and brought his muzzle down to her forehead before pressing them together. Gently she pat him around the jaw and whispered ever so delicately, "Peace Gallavaun…."

Though the voice was different and the touch foreign, the words were something the horse understood. Unsure however, if Holo's animal half could impose a basic form of understanding for the shire was obsolete, for by miraculous design the horse was calm.

Holo scaled into the driver's box and took hold of the reins, a duty she found unfamiliar if not intrusive. Doing her best to mimic what was observed in the past, she flicked the reins with enough force to gain the horse's attention and he began moving forward. She attempted to steer his head towards the trade house but found herself pulling up to hard which arced his head back and caused him to stop.

She slapped the reins again and attempted once more to steer him in the right directions with the hopes that she could look natural and not confuse the animal. Despite being new at driving, Gallavaun was a seasoned beast of burden and could identify the most probable wishes of the one who controlled him and assumed by his logic that that structure yonder was were he was desired to be.

He turned right without much more direction from Holo as he began clopping up to the edifice, but suddenly grew restless as he approached Evgeny and his party. He stopped with a whinny and began to retreat. His outburst could be nothing less than his detection of evil men within his presence. Humans may be deceived but a wonder of the animal kingdom is how members of the equine species can know the nature of a man even from afar.

"He is not fond of strangers." said Holo aloud to have the men back away allowing Gallavaun to reinitiate his course into the warehouse. Once there she dismounted and allowed the cargo to be unloaded.

In due time all the crates were inspected with Evgeny present and said with a smirk, "Four crates, all seems to be intact, that's twenty trenni per crate and a ten percent bonus of total face value making it…"

"Eighty eight trenni." finished Holo.

Nodding with satisfaction the man replied, "How right you are, will that be enough for you to not only pay your escort but also have enough for your own needs?"

"It will thank you." replied the female merchant.

Evgeny stepped forward which caused discomfort on Holo's end for she noticed that the other men had formed a casual barricade around her.

"You know, I cannot simply be content with that." said he.

Holo maintained at best to keep her nerves in check as she responded, "I do not understand Mr…..?"

"Ovechkin.' corrected the man, 'Evgeny Ovechkin, but please Mrs. Holo you can address me by my first name. What I was saying is that you have risked a great deal and have taken great care in running us this delivery, for you see we have a very luxurious inn within town named 'The Frontira,' that relies on us to bring them the finest wine. We were unable to fulfill that promise as of late, until you arrived."

Holo backed away, "It was no trouble at all, eighty eight silver will do fine."

"Along with a room for as many nights as you need at The Frontira free of charge, plus a complimentary banquet at our finest restaurant, Makailov's, Which shall be my treat tonight at six o'clock."

"Mr. Ovechkin…" started Holo.

"Ah ah, Evgeny." corrected the brown haired man.

"Evgeny,' addressed Holo, 'I appreciate your kindness, however…"

"Oh fear not my lady, it is not as though I intend to engage in the arts of courtship with you, for my fiancé, Beatrice, will be accompanying us as well. You cannot possibly think to turn my generosity away, for you shall find none of this quality this far north. Aside from this, you will not find a more suited place to rest from your labors and resupply on any provisions and products while here. I must insist you stay!"

His tone was persistent if not overly enthusiastic. She noticed the other men tightening their human ring which compelled her to mutter, "Very well, if you insist. I shall join you and your fiancé for dinner."

Clapping his hands Evgeny pronounced with more relief than joy, "Wonderful, I shall have Alexandre guide you to a suitable stable and issue you our token card for Frontira, the inn keeper will recognize it and show you to a vacant room!"

Holo bowed and took the shire by the reins who was becoming more agitated the longer he was compelled to remain in this environment and led him out. She was accompanied by another man who was the one named Alexandre who began to show her the way to the accommodations in question when Evgeny's voice caused her to turn.

"When you see your escort, let him know that I have work for him if he be so inclined to accept my offer. Tell him to come here later in the evening and he may see the job opportunities I have posted!"

She nodded and continued to lead the horse away.

"Eighty- seven and eighty-eight." came the dull tone of Alexandre's voice as he counted the silver pieces he was placing into a small bag and handed to Holo who awaited the payment with a rather stiff uneasiness.

Once the money pouch was pocketed, Alexandre then handed over a small wooden slate with an unusual symbol burned into it. A human looking hand with large talon like protrusions extending from the finger tips as the foreground, while the background was a simple globe with a banner coming around and obscuring the palm of the hand which had an unreadable script thereon.

"Show that to the inn keeper of the Frontira and he'll show you to your room." came Alexandre's voice with a rather raspy undertone.

"Thank you, I shall." replied Holo with enough distrust in her tone to serve as a wish for parting.

The man then quitted the stable leaving the she wolf alone with the shire. She stroked him along his broad back which stood taller than her own head. He was already unhitched and was guided into a pen and had the door shut on him. When departing she heard the stallion give a small fuss. Looking back she saw him staring at her as if to say, 'We should not stay here.'

She sighed in agreement and departed from him and made way for The Frontira.

Looking for the inn would be a simple feat, all she need do is inquire of a passerby who was also a local and add the the Frontira's location to her knowledge. She was wary of her surroundings while navigating about. The sensation of being followed was understandably apparent as she made her way to the main plaza.

Once there she heard Edmund's voice clearly as he was proudly serving the Almighty God according to the dictates of his own conscience. She caught only a glimpse of him with a sizable congregation gathered about, they listened yet did not seem to be opposed to his teachings.

Her stomach made an audible complaint as it slowly rumbled, signifying that it was not keen on a lack of food. She found a local meat shop and made a few purchases while making an inquest in tandem of where the Frontira would be found.

The meat vendor gave her clear and concise instruction before she set out again on her path. She held onto her small burlap sack which contained a meat pie and few sausages within. She would have indulged more but chose to be more frugal for the cost of meat was much higher than anticipated due to it's scarcity this close to snowfall.

This course actually placed her in line with Edmund and as she passed she could over hear his sayings.

"Always remember, brethren and sisters, that faith provides a firm foundation in all our doings. For the wise man and the foolish man who built their houses both saw the same storms and floods, yea both were pelted with freezing rain and saw the same lightning dancing about them and heard the same thunder rattling their windows. Yet one still remained standing while the other was washed away. God is no respecter of persons, neither is the Devil who will send his tempest and whirlwinds at all men. And if you are built upon faith which is a firm foundation, then the Devil will not be able to pull you down into endless woe."

The spectators of the sermon seemed to nod and voiced no real objection as Holo pressed on. She pondered his sayings more deeply this time around given what the circumstance had thrust upon her, the dilemma however, was where or who to place her faith in.

Alas she reached a near boundless, multi storied building with bold lettering in golden leaf atop the entrance, 'The Frontira.'

Walking inside she was flabbergasted at what she saw. Floors of polished granite squares, fine pillars and desks of ebony that were expertly carved with floral designs at the bases and spires which looked as though the loads were being sustained by majestic petals. Sofas made of exquisite fabric surrounded a generous fire place with a chimney made of assorted stones. This was only the main lobby and she was already eager to see what more charms awaited her.

She waited by the desk were a clerk was absent at the moment in place was a silver bell which she pettily took by the handle and gave it a ring to make her presence known. A man dressed in a white blouse and black suit vest came around and said with an enlightened aura, "I will be with you in a moment!"

She waited on him patiently and looked around some more. She noticed in the far corner of the lobby was an unusual monument. A stuffed Kodiak bear towered a massive ten feet on a rock and branch platform with a rather triumphant poise. She observed more closely a rather peculiar coincidence. Naturally their were trophies of other animals be they the heads and busts of deer, elk or caribou while the couches and floors were decorated with rugs of either fox and sheep skin….and wolf.

She knitted her eyebrows at the disrespect and selective bias shown against the other animals that dwell within the same kingdom until a female voice broke her train of thought.

"Why Mrs. Lawrence?"

She turned to see another woman standing before her yet took a moment to recognize her.

"Do you remember me? We stayed at your inn a few days ago."

Holo immediately came to, "Yes you are Albert's mother!"

"That is right!"

They had a slightly warm reunion as Holo asked of her, "I am sorry I did not recognize you Mrs…..?"

"Yvonne."

"Yes Yvonne, are your husband Albert here as well?"

"Oh they are around somewhere, Aaron promised Albert he would teach him how to fish so they are on the banks somewhere leaving me some time to myself."

"You do not join them?"

"Oh heavens no! It would start with Aaron trying to show me how to handle the rod and I would only get the line tangled or the hook caught on something. Then once we move past that it would be nonstop critiquing on my form and my cast and so forth. Oh, don't get me wrong I love the man but he is too helpful sometimes. We would argue while Albert would have to suffer from it all. Therefore I do take these times to avoid such tribulation and distance myself from him when he is having fun with the family, only to be reunited at the end of the day."

Holo brought her head down and said so softly that Yvonne almost did not hear it, "Some things you may not want to take for granted."

Yvonne was silenced for a moment before rejoining, "True, speaking of husbands, is yours up here as well?"

Shielding her face with her hair, Holo said cooly, "No, we needed some supplies for our inn and he is having me come up here to fetch them while he runs the business."

She realized it was a story that would spark some controversy as Yvonne responded, "How typical of men not being there for their women. Of course if not for us they would be utterly helpless. Such a tragedy we must live with."

Holo smirked with soft chortle then said, "True, men are not always there when a woman needs him most, but the greatest tragedy of all is when it is not their fault they could not be there."

Yvonne tilted her head somewhat and left the conversation stand there.

Holo decided to change topics, "How is little Albert doing?"

His mother nibbled on her bottom lip before inquiring cautiously, "Well now that you bring that up, I must ask; the remedy you gave him, what was it?"

Holo concentrated on how to answer and replied honestly but secretively, "I know not really, it was given to me by someone who claimed it had medicinal value."

"I ask this because you remember Albert having the condition where he falls comatose?"

Holo nodded in which Yvonne continued, "You see Albert normally has those daily sometimes. But ever since we left and you administered him that remedy, he has not had one since…"

Holo turned more her body towards the woman, unsure of what to say next however the clerk finally came around the desk and was ready to assist the wolf matron.

Yvonne, when seeing that this was a moment for departure, lightly hugged Holo as is the feminine custom of farewells among acquaintances and said, "Farewell and enjoy your stay here. I only wonder what I am to do know while Aaron and Albert are away."

Holo gently took her by the arms and said with a silent, pulsing energy of soul, "Go to them and spend as much time with the men you love as you can."

The two were then released from each other as Yvonne quitted the inn and Holo turned to the clerk.

"Mr. Ovechkin instructed me to show this to you." said she while withdrawing the wooden tablet and presenting it to him.

The clerk recognized it and replied, "Ah yes you are to be treated by the Nabakov trading company.' then withdrawing a polished, brass key, 'Your room is on the top floor furthest down and on the right."

Holo took it and express her thanks and went to her room according to instructions. The top floor could only be attained by traversing five levels of stairs that were carpeted and neatly maintained. She reached the hallway and went as far down as it's extent would allow then unlocked the door on her right and opened it.

She carefully examined what lay on the other side and found it rather accommodating. With soft wool rugs atop fine wooden floors that were reflecting the sunlight from the window nearby, one sofa, a desk with luxurious arm chairs and…

"Oh Good Heavens!" exacerbated Holo with a start.

Ranger was found sitting in one of the arm chairs and expecting her arrival.

Glaring at him for his imposition, she sneered, "You know it is never wise to sneak into a wolf's den."

Uncrossing his legs he arose and made a reply that was equal in indifference, "Better it be me than someone else."

She laid her burlap sack upon the sofa and began exploring the room more and was delighted to find it had it's bedroom separate from the main chamber they were in and a bathing room with a finely tuned tub of brass.

"How did you even get in here anyway? Actually how did you know which room I would be in?" she asked of the masked man.

"I have my ways, more importantly is why I chose this course is what should be asked."

Holo had already pieced together that conundrum, "Did you suspect for me to be ambushed in here?"

"Simply put."

She took sit upon the sofa opposite of him and declared, "I appreciate the gesture but you forget that I am a wolf and could easily have known if someone lay in wait on the other side."

Ignoring the statement, Ranger inquired, "How faired the engagement with Evgeny."

Removing the ushanka and slipping off her boots she said, "He wants to dine with me and his fiancé at a restaurant called Makailov's tonight at six, and he wants you at Nabakov trading for job opportunities as well."

"There lies the trap." observed the masked man.

"Of course it does.' interjected Holo as she brought her legs onto the sofa and took to the side laying position, 'He clearly wants us separated so he can carry out the task."

"Does he suspect that we are on to him?"

In annoyance she responded harshly, "I do not believe so, however you would have known if you were there."

"You know why that was not an option."

Holo understood the reason for Ranger's absence. For he proposed that they separate and let Holo engage the man by herself out of fear that should the two be together Evgeny would feel less inclined to act more rashly. The end goal was to have him feel as though he were in control and at less risk to quickly conjure up a plot to execute. A plot that would have more noticeable holes to slip through for our duo.

Holo set her eyes down and said with distressed murmuring, "I do not like to be alone, that is all…."

Ranger stood and walked to the aperture then said, "It was not as though you were totally abandoned."

Though he was not seen by any at that time, he was observing them and ensuring her safety from afar. Yet he knew more to her complaint than what she was originally initiating.

"You were frightened."

She snapped her wrathful face towards him with hurtful eyes and said, "Very well I admit it! Yes I am frightened, I am frightened that our counter plan will fail. I am frightened that we will not get the information we need! And I am frightened that I will never save my family…..!"

She sat up right and buried her face in her hands, "I do not know how to endure this without Lawrence! In fact we should not be enduring this at all! We should be at our inn teasing each other and thinking of baby names! Not being separated at the mercy of villains and unsure if we will ever see each other again!"

She could not contain herself any longer and began to sob bitterly as the burdens of this campaign began to take it's toll by crushing her soul. As she was lamenting, there was reaction from Ranger she had never before seen.

"Holo…"

She looked up and saw him kneeling in front of her on one knee with a handkerchief presented. She took it from him with eyes of unusual bewilderment, while his eyes seemed to be struggling within on what he should say for compassion was an attribute he did not indulge in.

Finally he suffered himself to say, "It will be alright."

Drying her eyes she moaned back with doubt, "How can you be sure?"

Ranger wrestled once more as if fighting what he would typically say and replied softly, "I am not, but that does not mean I lose hope."

"It is so unbecoming of the wise wolf to be afraid." said she.

"Everyone at some point experiences fear….everyone."

She understood his meaning, for though he would not admit it in simpler terms, he was saying in his own way that he too was perturbed by the uncertainty of the situation.

"Let us press on with faith in ourselves and above all….trust." said he.

Holo nodded and reconfirmed with the idea that now was the time to gird up her loins and continue on. Ranger stood and said nothing more.

After wiping her tears away Holo withdrew the meat pie and sausages and began to devour them. Ranger looked upon her with mild curiosity as she shuffled away to shield herself and mumbled, "Do you find me eating a nuisance?"

"I find it unbefitting to immediately spend one's money on simple things."

She smiled triumphantly at him and said, "Oh but you should not let that trouble you for it was my wine, making it my profit! Besides there is plenty to spare, over eighty six trenni."

He seemed pleased with the amount and held his peace.

After she was finished she arose and pronounced, "Well now if you do not mind, I would like to take a bath."

"Does it matter how presentable you are in front of the man who wishes to have you murdered?" said Ranger with a tone of condescending disbelief.

Making her way to the bathing room she replied, "Just because I must toil in a world of men does not mean I need to smell like one."

"Do not be too long and be sure the door is locked when I leave." returned Ranger as he began to head for the exit.

"And were would you be off to?" asked Holo.

Ranger's eyes swiftly met her's and simply said, "To Nabakov trading."


Ranger did not set out immediately to Nabakov trading as he had claimed. The day was young enough for a few more detours to be made before his arrival. He was prudent enough to suspect that Evgeny's desire for him to be present within his own trade house was not business related but to serve out Jurgen's agenda.

He spent most of his time doing the task of a reconnoiter and surveyed the city of Cross Iron by sizing up the guards and listening in on simple conversations. Most importantly was taking into consideration the multiple routes that could be served for his benefit and the benefit of his enemies.

Though a skilled and lethal combatant he was, he was not as simple minded as to assume that brawn triumphs alone. He was also a tactician who was always aware for he was always observing. Oddly his greatest worries were not for himself but for Holo.

This realization caused him to pause in his plight and intellectualize for a moment. He could not think of a more agreeable time when he had ever been this concerned for the welfare of a companion. He was no stranger to death, and having partnerships come to an end because of it was a commonality in his profession. He scolded himself within, for he felt attachments would lead to flawed judgement but he could not deny that there was some feeling towards the fair wolf girl. Nothing affectionate by any means but a sensation of obligation that only seemed to exist with her.

He was all the more unsure as to why he was experiencing these thoughts and emotions and would not suffer himself to admit that he was perhaps growing fond of her company despite the fact he found her personality something worthy to be apathetic to. She had cried many a times in his presence and in any other case he would have been more rebuking towards her but somehow was being more tolerant than usual.

At the end of his thoughts he quickly rationalized that perhaps he was only becoming more used to it and nothing more. Yet this could not explain his reaction in the previous moment. It was not like him to be compassionate, to him it was a sign of weakness. He rationalized that the only reason he bestowed upon her any kindness was due to a change in approach.

Yet deep within he knew the truth as to why he was becoming more accustomed to her and more tolerant to her antics. It was not affection, but of a remembrance buried deep within.

He folded his arms and sighed with self displeasure and said quietly to himself, "You are a fool."

He then set his attention on Nabakov trading and began walking towards it.

The door of the near abandoned edifice opened with a wine of a lamentable nature as Ranger stepped in and checked his flanks before proceeding further in. He rapidly surveyed all elements; one man behind the bar, several tables and chairs and a handful of doors that led to other parts of the guild. No upper level but there was a large window, the only concern, were the doors for anyone could be concealed behind them. More perturbing was the fact that he was unarmed, yet knew that only a fool would trust his life to a weapon and that it is only an extension of the body.

The bartender who most likely supervised Nabakov when no one else was around, nodded at his entrance and said, "Can I help you sir?"

Ranger sat on the stool across from him and replied deeply yet quietly, "I was told that your employer, Evgeny, has job opportunities available."

The barman rubbed his brow and replied, "Yes let me grab the list."

He then retreated around the bar and departed behind one of the doors.

It was silent for most of the wait. The air was stale and mood somber. Ranger then began to stretch his neck and manipulate his shoulders while waiting patiently. Patience was crucial, for the opponent must be given the illusion that he has the upper hand before the tables can be turned.

Alas the entrance opened and in walked three men who sat at one of the tables nearby making small chatter. Two more came out of the warehouse and went to the bar and took their places on both sides of Ranger. They acted natural or so they believed yet the particular set of eyes that belonged to the masked man could detect anomalies in their social behavior and found them to be on edge.

He turned back and looked out the window and could see one more coming up the walkway and into the lobby. Once he entered he nodded to everyone then turned and closed the shutters on the aperture.

The scene was quite ideal for an ambush.

The bartender came back around and began issuing drinks to the other two standing beside Ranger then left the bottle on the table. The men kept talking and the other two were sampling their drinks, there were seven total, the two next to him needed to be dealt with first, then the barkeep for they were closest in proximity. The remaining four would need to be dealt with in their own time.

The idle manner proceeded until Ranger decided to breach this ceremony and finally stood before pushing the stool further away from him with his foot.

"Before we begin." said he with a tone that broke the atmosphere.

They all looked upon him with counterfeited bewilderment as if to say they had no knowledge of what he was meaning.

Then without even looking at them he finished, "Would anyone like to leave?"

There was but a brief moment for the men to internalize to their dismay that the masked man was far from ignorant and on to their real intent.

Ranger struck the man on his left in the side of his jaw causing him to buckle and fall then performed a back kick into the man on the right sending him backwards. Before the barkeep could respond, he found his throat seized then pulled and lifted over the bar, flipped over and thrown down onto the stool chair Ranger was using, busting it into fragments.

The other four jumped up and advanced towards him. Ranger moved off to the side to avoid one then impeded another with a snap to the adams apple and slamming him face first into the ledge of the bar. It was then that he noticed that the men were armed with small knives they had kept hidden.

A rapid set of jabs and swipes were gunning for the masked man who perry'd and evaded the swarm of blades that sought his peril. He kicked away one threat, ducked under a swing then grabbed the bottle left on the table surface and shattered it over another man's neck which sliced and cut multiple lacerations into his flesh whose fresh wounds were soon flooded with alcohol like water filling a canal leaving the man shrieking in unbearable agony.

With the broken bottle still in hand, Ranger averted a series of attempts against him from another before redirecting his enemy's arms down and coming across with a cross swipe across the cheek.

A third villain made haste for Ranger, grabbed his lapel and went to thrust the blade into his stomach. He penetrated skin deep for the masked man seized the man's wrist and was resisting the stiletto from being pushed in further. One of the others who was still standing came around the bar, wrapped his arm around Ranger's throat and began arcing him back until he was bending over the surface. He grabbed the forearm with his other hand and began to pry to keep his airways open, making the struggle far more difficult.

The blade slipped further in which Ranger was able to lift up his leg and belted the man holding him at knife point through the chin. This put him in transit towards the table area allowing Ranger to roll back and wrap his legs around the neck of the opponent who had him in the choke hold, brought him in, pulled the knife from his gut and transfixed it into the man's neck.

Once released he ran towards the adversary up front by the tables, leapt through the air, grabbed his scalp and brought his head straight down into the same table he vaulted over.

The two who remained were the same ones who had a bad run in with the champagne bottle. One of them put his two fingers in his mouth and whistled rather loudly in which the front door burst open and in came three members of the city guard with swords.

One of the guild members then said, "Looks like you'll need to do better…."

The three soldiers rushed for him, who backed up then kicked one of the tables into their path causing one to stumble over it. The other two went around it in which Ranger charged with his might, hit one at the waist lifted him up and took him straight down onto a chair, causing great pain.

The sentry behind him raised his sword and made a thrust for the hood's back, who pivoted off to the side allowing the tip of the blade to run through the sentinel's comrade who was hanging over the chair. He squealed terribly as the sword had passed through his torso and through the seat.

Ranger hit the perpetrator off to the side, pulled the sword from the human sufferer then with a single downward swipe, liberated his head from his shoulders.

The third soldier who had the collision with the table, recovered and swung with full power. Ranger, who was caught off guard raised up the sword in hand to blunt the impact which sent it from his fist.
Making a quick maneuver to distance himself from the barrage of swings, Ranger regained ground and charged. The sentinel he was aiming for made a downward strike, who missed the man he was attempting to slay for he narrowly dodged it save a filleting of the right arm. Ranger, now abaft of his enemy, grabbed his arm and kicked out the knee then wrapped his arm around the neck, bent him backwards, then with a thrust moved the vertebrae out of place.

The man's hands came up and were bending at ninety degrees at the wrists indicating severe damage at the upper brain stem. The hood let the man drop to the ground then went to engage the final sentry but was checked into the side by one of the two guild members and made an attempt on his life with his knife. Ranger grabbed the scruff of his collar and tossed him into the wall, hit the other sentry away when he came in too close and engaged the guild member.

The man flailed about attempting to find his mark but was only answered with a block and perry for every attempt. He managed to bring up his foot and thrust it into Ranger's gut who let out a grunt as he fell to his knee. The man went to kick him again, but Ranger caught it and advanced forward forcing his leg upwards until the poor man's knee touched his chest causing his hip bone to dislodge and groin muscles to strain and tear.

The hood then threw his knee up into his opponent's groin making an abrupt moan. The knife was then taken and then used to open his throat by the masked death bringer.

There was only the final sentry and guild member who remained.

Ranger wished to dispose of the lawman first for he had the most deadly weapon of the two but the guild member wished to engage in tandem with the sentinel.

The masked man responded by punting one of the overturned chairs next to him at the advancing guild member, hitting him at head level causing him to fall on his back.

The engagement with the sentry and the masked man was fierce. For the lawman fought more for his life than fighting to fulfill Evgeny's wishes. They clashed and made a ruckus, with cuts and slits being inflicted here and there. However, Ranger was the more formidable combatant who locked up his adversary's sword arm and gored him multiple times in his side with the knife before throwing him onto a table and plunging the stiletto into his heart.

The guild employee who was felled by the chair had arisen and made his final attempt with a forward thrust. Ranger hit the knife hand off to the side and back handed him with the same hand then grabbed the lapel, stepped back and brought him down onto one knee. Then with his right arm, drove his elbow down with a crushing blow to his opponent's neck then hit him upside the head with devastating power. As the man fell to his side, Ranger grabbed the back of his collar, arced him back and threw his boot into the base of his spine.

His backbone snapped like thunder and fell victim to the killing blow.

Ranger panted and took a moment to recover. It was short lived as he began to scavenge around the trading house. He was not interested in interrogating any man who was still well enough to answer questions for he would be told nothing new.

After some searching, he found a door that led to Evgeny's office and there he began sorting through all the books and documents that could be of any value. He pulled out drawers, opened cupboards, rolled back rugs and even unhooked portraits on the wall, all to see if there was any form of documentation that could be useful.

His last effort was to knock upon the walls and to his suspicion he found a hollow spot. Instead of finding a means to open it, he began breaking it through by hitting it repeatedly with his shoulder until it crumbled. He was able to put a hole in it and pulled back the wood and there he found many articles that could be of value.

Ledgers, parchments, journals, manifests, letters and books were sitting on a shelf behind this make shift wall. It would not be important unless it was hidden, therefore Ranger took a small wooden box and emptied out it's original contents and refilled them with this newfound content.

He found what he really came for, information.

There was a slight chime that ensued overhead. Ranger turned to see a clock alerting the hour. Time was of the essence, for Holo was to dine with Evgeny at six o'clock and it was now a thirty minutes pass the hour.