Ch. 21

Jan had showered and dressed after the match. He was combing his hair when Lionel knocked and entered. Jan looked at the young, blond-haired man in the reflection of the mirror and sneered.

"I remember you," he said, "a little fop working in the Imperial financial district. Getting your kicks in the slums of Rodelia, are you?"

Lionel just smiled and remained silent. Jan couldn't help but dig at him a little more.

"I must say, your girlfriend made quite the impression at that ball. And you have a certain way with words, from what I hear, almost as smooth as any politician. That's amazing, since your Fuehrer of a fiancé basically tossed you aside that night. Or maybe you like that that sort of thing, being her bitch. Don't think I'm as easily swayed as those piss-poor plebeians you spoke to. I don't know who you bribed to get back here, and I don't really care. I'm going to drink tonight and get laid…but not necessarily in that order. Piss off!"

Lionel's smile was beguiling. "Have you spoken with your brother recently?" he asked Jan lightly.

"Which one?" Jan asked with the same tone. He refused to make it easy. Lionel grinned.

"Oh, I think you know, if you have any idea about the kinds of circles you used to run around in."

"Alan has his own life. I have mine," Jan said with a shrug.

"It doesn't bother you that he works with the young princess?"

"Looking after a royal brat? Why should it?" Jan said, turning around to face him. "I don't really miss it much, you know. The people I protected tended to be like you: lots of money but very little sense. This job pays as well as my old one, and I don't have to get my hands dirty…unless I want to." He finished the last with a wicked grin.

"You mean hand, don't you?" Lionel asked. He made a point of staring at Jan's right hand. Jan sneered, held it up and removed the black glove so Lionel could have a good look.

"The doctor did a lovely job, did he not?" he said, wiggling his shiny new fingers.

"Indeed, he did," Lionel agreed. "So it doesn't trouble you that your brother works for the highest of royalty, while you're down here in locker rooms amidst the puddles of sweat and blood?"

Jan frowned, and Lionel knew he had hit a sore point. Jan was smart, but his Rodelian pride really was so very predictable.

"You are deliberately goading me," Jan growled. "I should like to know why, before I decide whether or not to destroy that baby face of yours."

Lionel laughed and held up his hands in surrender. "All right, I apologize. First of all, I'd really like to know something."

"Do you?" Jan asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Lionel laughed again and it irked Jan to no end that Lionel wasn't the slightest bit afraid of him, even though he knew his true identity as a former bodyguard.

"Well, yes," Lionel said. "I am just dying of curiosity. Just why did you take this job, knowing you'd be working with the very man who cost you your hand and your reputation as the most dangerous Rodelian merc-for-hire?"

Jan looked dubious. "And just where are you going with this, anyway?"

"Answer the question and I'll tell you."

Jan sniffed. "Well, if you must know, sir, I had no intention of doing so. I was working with another prospect when that oversized crybaby suddenly shot to the top of the ranks practically overnight. The bigger the star, the more money there is to be made. So I pulled some strings, cashed in a few favors, and here I am."

"Right." Lionel's face was completely blank. "So…when were you planning to kill him?"

Jan was surprised. The young man was smarter than he thought.

"What makes you think I want to?" he asked, quirking an eyebrow. "He is my cash cow, after all."

Lionel shrugged. "You're a Rodelian," he said, "with a Rodelian's sense of honor. The history books are filled with detailed accounts of vengeance and acts of retribution, going back for centuries. The fact that the Corporal is getting all the glory while you play second banana must be driving you plumb crazy."

Jan ground his teeth. "Hell, the big buffoon doesn't even remember what he did to me that night. If, and that's a very big if, mind you, I were to avenge my honor, I'd rather he know exactly why."

"Maybe I can help you with that."

"Oh? And if I agreed to anything of the sort, tell me why you wouldn't turn on me and send, say, Claymore One after me?"

Lionel shrugged again. "With what evidence?"

"You're Imperial nobility. A minor house, to be sure, but with that silver tongue of yours you probably kissed the right amount of asses and thus have a few friends in high places. Would that be accurate?"

"Perhaps," Lionel grinned, "but those same friends could also make it worth your while if you play your cards right."

Jan looked at him warily. Lord Taylor was no fool.

"Very well," he said, "I'm listening."

"Splendid!" Lionel said. "First of all, let me just say I want the Corporal gone just as much as you do. That's why I sought you out, because I know you'd be willing to do the job for both of us."

Jan's face lit up with realization. "Ah, I see. It's about your woman, isn't it? She let that great big lump help her, but not you. She went home with him that night, did you know that? Hmm…maybe she just likes them bigger, eh?"

Lionel rolled his eyes. "Don't be crude. My reasons are my own."

Jan cackled. "Sure, whatever you say."

Lionel sighed. "Anyway, you know the Corporal is a war veteran. His original troop was the 901-ATT. You've seen him in action, so you know what he's capable of when he has that lantern with him."

Jan shuddered. "Thanks for reminding of the most horrible night of my life. What's your point?"

"What if I told you I know of a way to kill him without having an actual battle or duel?"

Jan was genuinely confused. "What do you mean? He lost that lantern of his anyway."

"I know where it is."

Jan's eyes grew wide. "And…you want me to get it?"

"Yes. I can arrange for you to pick it up."

"And…for what purpose?"

"So the Corporal can use it."

Jan was taken aback. "Are you crazy? That lantern makes him an unstoppable monster!"

Lionel's smile was triumphant. "Precisely."

Jan frowned. "What, you want him to turn it on in the middle of a match so he can kill his opponent with his bare hands?"

Lionel seemed to actually consider that idea. "Interesting, but I've got a better idea. You know that he also works with Lady Kavindra and her traveling show, right?"

"Nosy bitch," Jan said. "I can't stand her, either."

"He's starring in her little production tomorrow night at the Ball Masque," Lionel said. "If he's unleashed right on stage in front of everyone, nobility and commoners alike, not only will he get the death penalty, but Lady Kavindra will be utterly discredited. No one will trust her or any of her allies again."

Jan looked thoughtful. "I should have known from your hairstyle that you have a flair for melodrama," he said.

"Well, they do say the play is the thing," Lionel grinned. "Bring the lantern to the Ball Masque. No one will know either of us is involved, since we'll all be in costumes."

"And the fact that there will be women and children there doesn't trouble you?"

Lionel shrugged. "If you want to make an omelet, you've got to break a few eggs."

Jan barked a laugh. "How very interesting. Well, I'd still rather kill him outright, but to see him humiliated and defeated after ripping apart a few people will be almost as delightful."

"Do we have a deal?" Lionel held out a hand.

"So long as you pay me a good price, consider it done."

"Whatever you want."

They shook hands.