"I am so gonna kill these guys." Aviene was worked up into a fury. No one got to touch Fenris anywhere except for her. She would have gladly given the money; she had her fingers basically in the Viscount's pockets, she could afford it. But these Crows, these assassins had taken things a few steps to far. Aviene was a dragon and these Crows had just stepped right into her lair.
Aviene stormed into the Gallows and right into Meredith's office.
"Knight Commander, I am borrowing Bethany." Meredith looked perplexed.
"What do you mean 'I'm going to borrow Bethany'? You can't just come in here and take a mage out of the Gallows!" Aviene gave Meredith a glare so fierce that the Knight Commander almost thought she would draw her daggers and slit her throut then and there if Meredith did not comply with her whims. Still, there was a line that had to be drawn, and if anywhere, it definitely had to be drawn here.
"Well, I'm going to, and damn the consequences." Aviene hissed angrily.
"But why-"
"Thank you for your cooperation. A sovereign for your services." Aviene dropped an old, golden coin into the palm of Meredith's hand and rushed out. The Knight Commander couldn't hold back a tiny smile after Aviene had left.
"The girl has spirit, I'll give her that." Meredith whispered under her breath.
Aviene practically ran to Bethany's room. She knocked. She heard someone standing up and shuffling over to the door.
"Who is it?" a gentle voice asked.
"A magical unicorn, now open the door and let's get flying." Aviene answered sarcastically.
"Sister!? But why are you here?" Bethany asked, obviously confused, as she opened the door.
"Long story. Come on, we have to go." Bethany chuckled.
Sis, I'm not escaping. Its better that I stay here, and-"
"Oh you just don't understand." Aviene grunted as she grabbed Bethany's arm and pulled her along.
When they had made their way out of the Gallows, Bethany yanked free.
"I demand to know just what in Amaranthine is going on!" Bethany shouted at her sister. Aviene looked her in the eyes and grasped her shoulders.
"Please, Bethany. Trust me on this. All of your questions will be answered in due time." Aviene stared at Bethany with her weapons-grade puppy eyes.
"Oh, no, no, no. That trick won't work on me this time, Sis. Just tell me what's going on."
"Okay." Aviene blurted the whole story out in one breath. She told Bethany that Fenris had been captured, so she set out to make a rescue team. Except she couldn't find anyone. All that was left of her friends were notes; each addressed to her and all of them from the Crows, stating where they would meet and how much money to bring and telling her to come alone. All of these notes had heart wrenching details about what they would do to her merry band of misfits should any of their requirements not be met. She confessed she shed a tear for what they said they would do to poor, sweet Merrill. So she came to Bethany; Aviene knew going to face these Crows alone was suicide.
"Alright Sister," Bethany smiled," You up for killing some Antivan assassin ass?"
A deadly and pleased look crossed Aviene's face.
"Oh, I was born ready, Sis."