Hello All,

Back with some action! :D

Thank you all for your feedback. I apologize for not answering to all reviews. I hardly had time to finish this chapter (and I really wanted to because mu Muse is diva.. when she comes it has to be NOW!). I really appreciate that you find time to read this and share your thoughts with me.

Thank you and hopefully have a good time with this one!

MS

The chamber was bathed in dim candle light. Two shadows danced on the wall. And under the canopy two bodies joined in love dance. Woman was straddling the man, drowning him in the sea of pleasure with the moves of her hips. She was beautiful with cascade of long blonde hair falling down her back. Man's hand traveled from her full raspberry lips, through her neck and collarbone to rest on her full breasts. Slim thumb circled the nipple making silent moan escape woman's lips. His lips corner twitched. Thief's fingers made him a virtuoso of woman's body. Every touch made her shiver. Truly wonderful toy she was. He watched her long lashes cast a shadow onto her cheeks. She bit her lower lip feeling complexion coming her way. But it was not her who was to decide when it all ends. Without any warning the spun her around slamming her back into the mattress.

"Ah!.." she exclaimed half surprised half angered – "That was not necessary.." – she started to protest when his arm shot forward and his index finger landed on her lips

"No talking" – his hand traveled a little lower to slightly clutch on her throat – "You are beautiful Judith, and I do find your company entertaining. Do not forget your place however." – he brought his face closer to hers so that their noses almost touched – "I say what is necessary and what is not. On your knees…..NOW!" – he barked making her want to merge with the mattress – "I said NOW!" – he growled yanking her up. Trembling she did what he ordered her. Nobody refuses Alton La Fey. Unless they do not value their life.

"That's my girl…." – he patted her bottom while positioning himself behind her. The moment after she ended with her cheek pressed against the pillow. He knew she hated this. She found it degrading. And now he did it on purpose. To punish her for this little manifestation of discontent. She winced when he rammed into her with force that almost broke her neck. He ravished her without mercy, with rough animalistic thrusts. When he finished she felt his weight on her back. He grazed her ear and whispered

"This happens when you forget your place." – he lifted himself up and rolled of the bed

"Get out, I won't require your…. Services tonight…" – he spoke approaching little dresser. He reached for small decanter and poured himself a glass of wine. He studied himself in the mirror. We was medium tall, rather slim man. His dark unruly hair entwined his face giving him innocent boyish look. At first sight his figure was not very muscular. But from his moves, one could tell he was experienced fighter. Dexterity and perfect balance made it impossible to deny. He reached for his trousers and then he sat on the bed to put on his boots. He had to be ready, after all he was awaiting most precious guest. He gritted his teeth at the memory of meeting Nessa Moonshade. She left him beaten up and bleeding in front of City Guard post.. He hardly managed to escape. And the bitter taste of defeat and humiliation was still there in his mouth. But his time has come. The death of this little rat, Jon will certainly bring her to him. She will answer vengeance call. And he will have a new toy to amuse him. Judith was pretty and sensual, but she was drained, she had no soul and no spirit. He needed somebody to challenge him, someone wild who needed to be tamed. He needed her. His mouth corners twitched at visions of his own punishment designed specially for Ms Moonshade. Judith kneeled on the bed and travelled her slim finger down his back, watching his muscles flex under the skin

"Do you really wish me to leave?" – she purred to his ear – "the night is young and we have merely started the fun…"

"I said I do not require your company." Alton slurred now angered that she tore him away from his musings – "Leave…" he spoke sternly

"But…." she started to protest when powerful blow threw her back almost sending her to the ground. Before she even realized what had happened she was yanked up by the hair and pulled towards the door. Alton opened them and with one swift move he threw naked and terrified woman out of the chamber. He he came back to grab her dress and tossed it to her.

"When I say I want you to leave, I always mean it" – he hissed and closed the door leaving shaken and sobbing woman outside.

He returned to dressing up. He knew she was coming. Everything around him assured him that she accepted the challenge. And he had some final preparations to complete. Last meeting taught him that this woman is deadly dangerous. And he planned to house her in most appropriate manner. La Fey's manner. Smiling devilishly he left the room. There were orders which needed to given and traps which needed to be set. The game was coming.

**********************************

Return was far more difficult than she had expected. She stood in the door fighting her legs to move. The rope was still lying there, curled on the floor. The floor was covered in bloodstains, Jon's blood. Nessa fought the tears that gathered in her eyes. It was no time for mourning, it was time to make this bastard pay for every second of pain Jon received from his filthy hands. She needed to stay focused and composed, at least until her mission is done. What the future might bring… she didn't know and didn't care. Now there was jus one purpose. Blood for blood. Unwittingly she smirked to her thoughts. How many times did she whine about lack of purpose. How often self preservation was the only mean that held her here… among the living. She had to grow up too soon. And Rhys made one significant mistake in turning her into killing machine. He loved her too much and he was not able to hide it from her. Which ultimately made her believe that caring for someone cannot be evil.

She entered the room and headed straight to papers and maps shuttered on the floor. Jon must have the plan of La Fey's house. He had plans of each and every building in this city. She always wanted to ask him how he got them…. Her throat clenched for a moment. She kneeled by the pile and started to search it scrap by scrap. Eventually her face lightened up.

"Guess you're less professional than you think…slime" she murmured to herself unfolding big sheet. She focused to memorize as many details as possible. Jon was really master in gathering information. The plan involved everything, detailed description of rooms including furniture, possible places for hidden doors, even approximate number and location of guards. Nessa's eyes were now focused on 2 chambers – La Fey's bedroom and so called "audience" chamber. It was where it would end. She could kill him quick, he would not even make a sound. But I was not what she had planned. If any plan could have been taken into consideration. She knew one thing. The pain that Jon had experienced was nothing compared to what she would deliver him. Not even near. Unwittingly her hands clutched on paper almost tearing it.

Suddenly a small sack caught her eye. She folded the plan and shoved it under her armor. It still might come in useful later. She reached for purse and delicately emptied it. It contained 15 rubies and piece of paper. She she didn't need to investigate more. She knew perfectly what it was. Again she tried to fight sorrow wave that invaded her heart. But this time she lost. She sat on the floor and allowed the tears to flow freely… silently. This little sack contained Jon's dreams, his future, his hope for better peaceful tomorrow. She remembered perfectly the moment Jon shared his secret dream with her.

###

It was a terrible dark rainy night. They were preparing strategy for Nessa's next commission. It was difficult since there were high city authorities involved. They sat on the floor in the middle of the sae of papers sipping wine. They both were truly exhausted.

"And then I could… are you listening to me Jon?" – Nessa scoffed at his absent look.

"Ness… have you ever wondered what will you do when this all is over?" he blurted out of the blue – "Cause you won't……." he paused embarrassed

"Kill forever?" – she finished –"Probably not…. At least until some better than me crosses my path… I'm assassin Jon. I do not have future different than this.." she twirled small dagger in her fingers – "Only time frame is… how long I will manage to keep my enemies' blades away from me…" she paused - "A year…. Month…. An hour?.... I cannot afford plans. It just not…. Damn…." –she cursed – "Are you drunk to ask such questions?"

"I do have a plan…." – Jon murmured as if he didn't hear what she had just said. He took out a small sack. "See…" he grinned at her dumbfounded expression – "This is my dream, my plan…"

"Rubies and a scrap of paper…" Nessa snorted – "You're drunk fellow…'

"This is map showing the way to Calimport…." – he whispered in excited tone – "I've always dreamed of going there…. And this little ones are for my handgrip. Forenar told me that his cousin runs a forge there. And he specializes in swords. A always wanted to have a decent blade. And I will get one. In Calimport. And then…. Perhaps I buy myself a noble birth certificate and I will start a new peaceful life far away from all this…" he was cut off by burst of hysterical laughter

"Jon….really… please stop…. I won't handle this anymore…" Nessa cackled wiping the tears that appeared in her eyes' corners – "A nobleman… peaceful life….. children maybe?" she choked not being able to stop

"Why not?!" – Jon snapped making the laughter die in her throat – " I didn't want this" he snarled – "Perhaps I WANT peace…. Perhaps I DREAM of normal boring life, perhaps I wish to stop looking over my shoulder all the time! What is so funny about that!"

"I will tell you if you want to know so bad!" Nessa jumped up on her feet now angered by his tone "You are rogue, child of the street, your fate is to be alone…. Peace is not meant for you! That's the truth and the sonner you accept it the better for you!"

"It's your truth!" Jon retorted now towering over her – "Or not even yours! Rhys'!. You repeat what he had told you without deeper insight. What did you see to know that he was right! I say he was wrong but you are to blinded to see that! He fed you with twisted visions! So that you became as wretched as he was!" - the sound of unsheathed weapon resounded through the room. Nessa's blade was now pressed to Jon's neck

"Don't you EVER dare to speak of Rhys like that….. Apologize!" she ordered increasing the pressure

"No" – Jon replied calmly- "Rhys trained you well, but it's you who failed to learn the most important lesson….People are different, they have different characters, professions, dreams and experiences… you cannot create human. You are what YOU create, not what others would like or would want you to be. So yes, I'm street child, but it won't be forever because I WANT to change it." – After a moment of intense gaze duel he pushed away her blade – "Now leave…. And come back when you understand what I've just said… And why I said it…" – he turned his back on her and remained silent.

That was the day Nessa truly learn to appreciate Jon's wisdom and experience. Although he was not as lucky as herself, he was in fact raised by the street, he was not bitter. He loved life and he truly believed that life was what one made of it.

"Fine' – Nessa snorted pouting her lips – "If you're going there, I'm going too. You'll not get rid of me that easily…. And what do I care…. I might as well die in Calimport…."

"You'll go….IF I take you…." Jon teased her seeing her scowl – "I don't need grim companion who sees death everywhere…." With a hiss he let the air out after not very strong but precise punch she delivered him

"Know your limits Jon…." – she grinned at him rubbing her knuckles – "Just keep your eyes on them, will you?" Then they both burst out laughing.

###

She was back in dark cold room. She clenched her fist to the point the rubies almost cut her skin. She put them back in the purse and shoved them behind the armor. His dream will live. She would go to Calimport and have this blade done. When this night is over…

Slowly she got up. Her eyes rested upon the rope. Nessa's lips curled in malicious grin.

"This might come in useful….later."

The left the room without turning back. There was no turning back right now.

*************************************************************

Nuada waited hidden in shadows. When she left the building he knew that this woman is not going to get killed. She was going to bring death to those who got in her way. He didn't see her face, but her all body sent message that made every life form move out of her way. Her moves were graceful but at the same time he was looking at predator on a wild hunt. The scent of inner beast was strong to the point he could risk closing his eyes and relying on his smell alone.

Finally she stopped in front of inconspicuous building. Two beggars approached her. Nuada's eyes spotted suspicious items hidden under their rags. They must have been guards. But then he hardly noticed when blades appeared in woman's hands. Two, almost careless moves cleared her way. Moment later she disappeared inside the building.

Nuada's pale fingers clenched on tenement's wall. He was about to follow the human and throw himself in the middle of a game that didn't concern him. He was about to risk his own life for her. If he was not crazy before, this was the night that made his descend to madness a fact. He exhaled with a hiss and started for the door. If she hadn't made the same decision not that long ago, he wouldn't be a free elf now. He owed her everything. His honor just wouldn't allow him to stand by and do nothing. He cast a furtive look to now dead guards. She slashed their throats without even turning her head. Now he realized how he underestimated her real anger. And whoever started this fire… would end consumed by it without even knowing where it came from. This one thing he was sure of.

He entered she building to find more corpses covering the floor. He assumed she left was the direction she went . He was sure that wherever she was heading for, she didn't need his assistance. He decided to turn right and secure their retreat. His lips corners twitched when he saw his first victim. His spear would taste much of vermin's blood this night… Last thing that thief saw was silver flash aiming for his neck. Before he reached the ground he was dead.

*******************************************

Alton La Fey stormed into bedroom slamming the door behind him. Apparently he made a mistake in his judgment. It was far after midnight and she didn't appear yet. Perhaps she was more composed that the though, or this filth didn't mean that much to her. Before he realized his mistake he felt a tip of the blade stinging his lower back

"For a King of Underground, you have poor security. And vigilance … Which makes me wonder how did you manage to stay alive for so long…. But it's not why I'm here. You invited me… so here I am…"

La Fey bit his lower lip and hanged his head. On the one hand he was relieved that eventually she came. She had her where he wanted. But it was not how he had planned. She took him by surprise. Despite him having his guards doubled. This small overlooking could cost him dear. He needed to rely on his ability of reading people's minds and playing their emotions. Very slowly he raised his both hands and started to clap

"Indeed. Ms Moonshade you've impressed me. I hope those fools that were supposed to guard me are dead. If not I will kill them myself… Such amateurism….. But it's not what I wanted to say…" his arms froze in gesture of surrender – "I'm under your spell since the day we met. And I've never doubted that you would come. Not after SUCH invitation…" – he smiled as he felt her blade slightly shake – "To be absolutely honest with you… I truly regret that your partner… well to bring you here I had to make sacrifices… and so did he…" – he paused when the blade pierced through his shirt and started to dig into his skin. He felt a stream of blood running down his back. He strangled the need to flinch. Not yet.

"Why the anger…" – he purred – "I'm sure we can talk calmly…' he was cut of by Nessa's cackle

"Anger? Oh no La Fey I'm not angry…." –she moved the blade up increasing the cut on his back – "In fact… I'm smiling… And that alone should make you feel…. Less comfortable…. Now lets go for a small walk. This room is to small for our…. Conversation…. MOVE!" she ordered

La Fey slowly opened the door and took a step outside. Very quickly he realized that his guards could not be more useless at the moment. But they were cockroaches, easily replaceable. Now he just had to stay alive long enough to trigger the trap. She couldn't have killed all of his security.

"Right" – she spoke in low calm voice.

"Why won't you finish it right here?!" he hissed following her order – "You have me. What are you witing for?!" – they stopped at the door to the audience chamber

"Inside….NOW!" – she growled ignoring his question. As he opened the door, with one powerful kick he almost sent him to the ground. The chamber was dark, the moon was the only source of light available to their eyes. La Fey twirled around to look at this woman he pursued for so long. She was standing there looking at him with indifference that truly made him feel incomfortable. Her blades started to revolve slowly. Almost hypnotizing him. La Fey forced himself to lookaway and cast a furtive look at the ceiling. His eyes caught a dark figure.

"This is where it ends La Fey. This is where you die. This is where you pay…" – freezing tone of her voice made him shiver involuntarily. But in was only a fraction of second. After a while old La fey was back. He folded arms on his arms and snickered.

"Ah…. Miss Moonshade…. Did you really think that you could come to my domain and kill me that easily? To be honest I'm a bit disappointed. I expected better performance…. BUT I really am pleased with your presence. We have long nights before us. There are many things I'd like to discuss with you…" – he eyed her up and down.

Nessa cocked her head to the side and prepared to attack

"I always knew you were a coward… If you wish to die with unsheathed weapon, that makes no difference to me." – she growled

"Ah ah ah…. Ness you don't get it do you?" – he mocked her – "Right now 12 crossbows are aiming at you… If you move….well that surely will earn extra pain for you."

Nessa's lips stretched in devilish grin

"You forget two things…. I'll rip your throat before I feel a sting….. and second… There is no greater power than rage of someone who has lost everything. You dared to take away what was mine. Now I will kill you. Even if I'll have to crawl to get you I will do it…. You know I will…'" finishing the sentence she dashed his direction. Subconsciously she awaited the pain. Seconds stretched to minutes and the rain of bolts didn't come. Something else however started to fall…. The rain of bodies. La Fey's face froze in horror when he saw corpses of his best warriors hit the ground one by one.