Chapter Thirteen

Deceptions

The other mercenaries often gave Gondar a wide berth. He had a scary reputation, and his kind were rarely seen in these lands.

Gondar didn't much care. He did not much care for this job either. Aridin paid well, but Gondar was not one of his House Guards. He was a hunter, not a watchman or a bodyguard.

But Aridin paid well, and hopefully when he was done with Mirana, he would give Gondar his final payment and let him return to his usual work. Gondar would head to Rasolir. There was always work to be found at the Shoehorn.

Though it was often his way to pick jobs based on prestige or challenge rather than monetary rewards, Gondar had fallen upon hard times in recent years. His failure to capture a wayward daughter for a powerful father had earned him Revtel's ire, and he had been forced into the Imperium for refuge and work.

Gondar walked out into the grounds, sniffing the air out of habit. Where he came from, there were large predators, including dragons, as well as warlords and their roving bands. What the eyes did not detect, scent and sound often gave away first.

And he did smell something. It was faint, mingled with the scent of that pungent rosebush, but he could detect something faintly metallic.

Gondar continued to sniff as he stalked across the grass, partially drawing his dagger from its sheath.

'Gondar?' Gondar did not pause as one of the guards approached. He continued to follow the scent, only barely listening to the man as he spoke. 'The Captain of Lord Aridin's House Guard sent me to find you.'

'What for?' Gondar muttered. 'I'm busy.'

'He said it was important.'

'Out with it then.'

The man nodded. 'One of his men has failed to check in on time.'

Gondar stopped. It wasn't unusual for any of the mercenaries to be tardy. But a House Guard? That was odd. Aridin may not have been the cleverest of employers, but his House Guards were well trained and disciplined. The Captain of the House Guards was a former Centurion, a veteran of several conflicts, and quite the taskmaster.

The scent was close though, coming from the entrance to the tunnel where…

Gondar drew his dagger. There should have been a man standing guard there. But he was conspicuously absent.

The mercenary also drew his weapon as Gondar crept closer to the door. The bounty hunter noticed immediately that it had been left ajar, and the now unmistakeable scent of blood was wafting up from behind it.

Gondar sniffed again, but detected nothing else besides the rosebush. He opened the door and peered inside.

There, glistening in the moonlight, was a small patch of blood on the steps. Gondar did not need to see anything else. He wheeled round. 'Sound the alarm! There's an intruder here. Warn all of the guards that an assassin is on the prowl.'

'You're sure about this?' Mirana signed.

Marci raised an eyebrow.

'I still think you have the harder task.'

Marci shrugged, then signed back. 'Actually, you have the harder role. If I could get you out of here now, I would. I still could.'

'No, Marci. Not yet. There's too many guards. You'll need the help of your new allies.'

Marci sighed quietly.

'It's a good plan, Marci.'

Worried about being overheard, Mirana and Marci had been communicating solely with their sign language. They hadn't spoken like this for a while, only when they had wanted to keep their conversations completely secret. It had annoyed Mirana's mother whenever she had seen them doing this, but her father had found it amusing.

Marci's other eyebrow rose. She was doubtful, despite it being her plan.

'I'll be fine, Marci.' Mirana hesitated. She knew what had to come next would not be easy, not just because of what she had to do, but because it meant that Marci had to leave. Without her.

But it was their best option.

'I'm sorry, Marci. I wish I could go with you, but I can't. Not yet. You have to go, before they realise that you killed some of the guards.'

Marci sighed and looked away.

Mirana reached out and cupped Marci's cheek, turning her face back towards her. She tilted her head forwards and rested her forehead against Marci's.

Marci closed her eyes and exhaled softly. Nothing more needed to be said.

Very reluctantly, she stepped away from Mirana and into the shadows. She waved at her, mustering a smile.

Mirana sighed, briefly clutching the dragon fang around her neck—her dragon fang, it transpired, since Marci still had hers.

Mirana took a moment to master herself and adopt the right expression, then walked down the length of the temple and through the doors. The two guards snapped to attention as soon as she was outside.

'I'm… I'm ready,' Mirana mumbled, as if she was still upset. 'Take me back inside, please.'

'As you wish, Princess.'

Mirana fought the urge to look over her shoulder, and failed. She thought she saw Marci wave at her from the shadows. Fortunately, neither of her minders noticed.

Luna and Aiushtha would not like what she next told them.

Marci waited in the shadows, watching as Mirana was returned to the house. It pained her to be so close to rescuing Mirana, yet still not able to.

At least Mirana knew that she was alive, and that she would save her. At least she had a plan.

Marci crept to the door and peered out, watching for guards.

She nearly jumped out of her skin when a horn blared. Three sharp blasts. That could only mean one thing: they knew that something was wrong, that there was an intruder.

But how?

Had Nico betrayed her? Or had they found signs of her presence, maybe one of the bodies?

If Nico had betrayed her… then the plan was already ruined.

'Secure all of the exits!' Gondar was shouting. 'Nothing leaves this place. Nothing!'

Marci couldn't stay here. If Nico had turned on her, they would know exactly where she was. She had arranged this with him.

And yet they did not know exactly where she was. Nobody was barking commands to secure the temple.

As the guards and mercenaries scrambled, one figure darted quickly towards the temple, taking care not to be seen. The distinctive shape told her that it was Nico.

Nico hurried inside and closed the doors. 'Marci?' he whispered. 'Marci? Are you there?'

Marci slowly emerged from the shadows and stepped closer, still wary.

'Thank fortune!' Nico breathed. 'I have no idea what's happening, but something's scared them. You should leave quickly.'

Marci narrowed her eyes.

'I did not tell them you were here, Marci. I swear it.'

Marci continued to glare at him for another second, then nodded. He meant it, she could tell. And if he had betrayed her, he would have simply led his comrades here, or killed her himself.

'I'll go back out and try to lead them away from you.' Nico told her, still earnest. 'Give me five seconds, then make your move. From the looks of it, Gondar has sent men to secure the tunnel leading to the dock, so you'll have to find another way.'

Marci nodded. She'd been afraid of that. But according to Nico, it was not the only way out.

'Gods be with you, lady fair and brave.' Nico unexpectedly took her hand, stooped and kissed it. 'Now I shall do what I can.'

Without another word, Nico returned to the doors and peeked through the gap. He nodded to Marci, then stepped outside and hurried towards the northern wall. A few moments later, Marci heard him calling.

'I saw something! Down there! Come with me!'

Marci hoped that they did not realise what he had done, not until it was too late. It had been truly serendipitous that they had run into each other tonight, and he was a good man, trying to do his best in a bad situation.

Marci quickly crept out of the temple and made for the southern wall. It was too high for her to jump, and too smooth to climb, but there were steps leading up to the ramparts. With luck, she could find a safe place to drop and make her way back to the rendezvous.

Nico seemed to have drawn some of the guards away, and she took full advantage, running from shadow to shadow, taking cover where she could. It was not in her nature to run from a fight, but she was badly outnumbered. And she was doing this for Mirana.

'Hey!'

Marci gasped and turned to see a guard bearing down on her with his sword raised. She snapped into a stance, ready to leap forwards and strike.

The guard opened his mouth to shout. Marci sprang forwards and launched a powerful push-kick into his stomach.

The man doubled over, wheezing and choking. Marci seized his head and brought her knee up, hard, right into his face. She felt his nose crunch under her knee and warm blood spurt.

He fell limply, only twitching twice. She'd bashed his nose into his brain.

Another guard rounded the corner, saw her, stared stupidly, then fumbled with his sword.

Marci seized the first guard's fallen sword and hurled it. It revolved several times, the bright blade catching the moonlight.

The sword hit the man point first, but rebounded off his mail. He staggered back, alive but hurt, bruised by the impact. Marci sprinted forwards and launched into a leaping crescent kick, slamming her foot into the side of his head. He spun away, a limp rag-doll, and fell into the midst of several pots filled with flowers, shattering most of them.

'Over here!'

Marci looked up in time to see a third guard taking aim with a pilum. Too late. He drew back his arm.

Something slammed into the side of his head and he toppled, his pilum dropping from his convulsing hand. It took Marci a moment to perceive the arrow sticking out of his head—an arrow with green fletching.

'Marci!' a familiar voice hissed from above. 'Up here!'

Marci looked up, spotting a figure crouched on the roof high above. In the moonlight, she could make out the green clothing and red hair.

'Come on!' Lyralei urged. 'Climb up!'

Marci spotted a latticework laced with vines, ran to it and scrambled up as quickly as she could, ignoring thorns which pricked her skin and tore at her clothes. Another guard shouted as she climbed, but she heard Lyralei's bow twang and the sound of a body hitting the ground. She continued to climb as Lyralei covered her.

'Get some bows and crossbows!' A rough voice cut through the growing clamour. Gondar, she guessed. Nico had told her about him. 'They're on the roof. Shoot them down!'

'Marci!' Lyralei yelled. 'Watch out!'

Marci turned her head just in time to see it whirling towards her: an odd spinning object with three razor-sharp blades.

Marci flattened herself against the latticework, emitting a hiss of pain as one of the blades nicked her shoulder. Gondar reached for another shuriken. Marci started climbing again, but this was taking too long.

She closed her eyes and focused.

Gondar hurled the second shuriken.

Two things happened in that moment. An arrow sped from above and, impossibly, struck the shuriken in mid-air, striking it down to the ground. At the same time, Marci's eyes flashed with light and she became a streak of gold, racing up the side of the house. The light faded as she cleared the wall. Marci's landing was not perfect, but luckily for her the roof was not sloping. She quickly picked herself up, ignoring her stinging knees.

Gondar snarled, but was forced to take cover as Lyralei took aim. He knew better than to take his chances with so skilled an archer. 'Find cover!' he barked. 'Someone kill that archer!'

Lyralei had no intention of wasting more arrows on him though. She reached down and took Marci's hand. 'Trust me.'

She didn't give Marci any time to argue. She began to run, half-dragging Marci with her at first. Marci was forced to find her footing before she fell. Even without using her mysterious power, Lyralei ran faster than anybody she had ever met, even Luna.

She also realised that they were running north, towards the sea.

'Take aim!'

Below, a bunch of men were lifting bows, crossbows and throwing spears. With that many of them, there was a good chance at least one missile would strike its mark. Nico was hanging back, watching apprehensively.

Marci whistled sharply, wanting to make Lyralei turn and find another way, but Lyralei was too fast and too determined, her eyes fixed solely on the sea. 'Just trust me!'

'Wait for my call!'

Lyralei and Marci were but a few steps from the edge of the roof.

'Wait for it!'

Lyralei pulled Marci close and seized her arms. 'Hold on to me!'

'LOOSE!'

'Jump!'

As a dense swarm of missiles flew towards them, Lyralei and Marci leapt into the air.

Nico could only watch as the two women jumped from the roof. Even if the arrows, bolts and spears flying towards them did not kill them, the fall surely would.

A swift gust tore across the estate, shaking the few trees and nearly tearing the banners from their poles. The various projectiles were blown over the wall. Nico felt the wind billow over him, though it strangely seemed to be concentrated high above them, over the roof.

Gondar swore in his native tongue. Nico gasped, and so did many other men.

Marci and the red-haired woman had vanished, almost as if they had been snatched away by the wind itself.

Gondar recovered first. He swiftly ran towards the wall, found the steps, and sprinted up them. Nico and several men followed close behind.

Though he had witnessed what was clearly some kind of magic, Nico still feared that he would see two broken bodies being swallowed by the sea.

Gondar swore again. Nico breathed a sigh of relief, unnoticed by anyone else.

There was no sign of them, not even a ripple in the gently undulating waves below.

Gondar turned back to the estate, fuming. 'Stay alert. The intruders killed several men. Unless you want to join them, you'll remain vigilant.'

Nico would sleep a little easier tonight, knowing that someone capable was coming to save Mirana and her friends. He was also eager to meet this red-headed archer ally of Marci's. It seemed that she was friends with quite a few intriguing and beautiful women.

This was not the first time Marci had clung to someone for dear life whilst falling. She'd known Eserren slightly better at the time though.

Marci could feel air rushing past, and she could see the water below as they flew.

They were not flying though. They were actually falling, but moving at speed and with Lyralei somehow in control.

At first, Marci assumed Lyralei was going to try and slow their descent over the sea and drop into the water. Now it was becoming clear that she was aiming for land. She had somehow managed to carry herself and Marci away from the estate, down below the edge of the cliffs. The tide was in, but Lyralei had spotted a stretch of sand they could land on.

Her grip on Marci tightened. Air billowed around them both, kicking up sand, slowing their fall until they were slowly approaching the ground.

Marci gladly set her feet on the sand as the wind abated, breathing a sigh of relief. Lyralei stumbled and leaned heavily against the cliff-face, eyes closed.

Marci watched her curiously. She recalled that Eserren could also exert control over air using the sky dragon scales in her armour, but that was far more limited. Marci was starting to wonder if Lyralei was wurm-forged too.

Could she be? Carliven had seemed certain that Marci was the last of the wurm-forged. Yet the Dragon Knights had thought the wurm-forged to be exterminated before Marci had been revealed as one. Maybe Lyralei was descended from some who had managed to hide from the Order.

'I've not had to do that for a while.' Lyralei murmured. 'Running is easy. Gliding takes more effort.' She opened her eyes. 'It's a good thing I was there though.'

Marci nodded. Yes, it was. Without Lyralei's help, she might not have escaped the estate. Even so, she gave Lyralei a questioning look, pointing westwards.

'Yes, I found them.' Lyralei said. 'A strange company. But it did not take much to convince them that I was working with you. Believe it or not, Kunkka and I have crossed paths before.'

Marci hesitated. Slowly, she indicated herself, then Lyralei, then attempted to mime the form of a dragon with her hands.

Lyralei frowned. 'I don't understand.'

Marci tried again, more slowly. She made sweeping motions with her hands as well when indicating Lyralei, then made the dragon-shape again, pointed at herself, and mimed a punch.

Lyralei just seemed more confused. 'I'm sorry, I don't understand.'

Marci sighed and waved a hand. It wasn't important, not now. She pointed at the cliffs.

'You're right. We should get moving. Aurel will be worried about us, and we need to be in position when Kunkka arrives.'

Marci spared one last look towards the estate before she began to follow Lyralei.

She hoped that Mirana, Luna and Aiushtha could hold on a little longer, and that Nico's actions continued to go unnoticed. For now, that was all she could do.

Aridin was not the cleverest man Gondar had ever worked for. Some might have thought of his installation of a secure, hidden room in the basement as clever, but Gondar knew that it was solely on account of Aridin's paranoia. And such a room would only have delayed a truly determined assassin, provided they had enough time to break in.

The room was hidden under the ground floor, its staircase concealed under what appeared to be ordinary flagstones. There was another hidden door which led to the steps, which would have taken Aridin down to the secret docks if he needed to flee. Obviously, the intruder had not been aware of this, though that door could not be opened from the outside.

Gondar descended the steps and knocked on the door. 'Gondar,' he stated simply. On the other side, bolts slid back and one of Aridin's guards pulled open the metal door—something which would have been well suited to guarding a vault full of treasure.

The room was actually decently appointed, with rugs, a divan and a large bed. It was missing some comforts though, a fireplace and a decent kitchen being two of them. There was food down here, mostly of the preserved kind, and a barrel of flat wine. But this was only meant to be a temporary refuge.

Aridin was standing in the corner, pretending to read a book. But Gondar could smell his sweat and see his hands shaking. His guards had likely hurried into his chambers, grabbed him and hauled him down here without any explanation—such was their training. He probably assumed that the intruders had come for him.

'Well?' Aridin demanded. His voice was a little shaky. 'What is happening? Is it safe for me to leave this place yet?'

'The guards are performing a final sweep, but it looks like the intruders are gone.'

'How did they get in? And who were they?'

'I believe that at least one of them came in through the docks.'

'That's impossible!' Aridin spluttered, slamming the book down on a table. 'That mage assured me the illusion was impossible to break! And how would somebody get through the doors? They can't be opened without the passwords!'

'I'm not certain of how they slipped past the doors. Maybe they were quick enough to follow in that fishing boat, maybe they were able to find a gap. But that is how they got in. The man watching over the dock was found in the water—the intruder tried to make it look like he had too much to drink and fell in.'

'How do you know he didn't?'

'His head was nearly twisted backwards. The intruder snapped his neck. They also killed the sentry outside the door—again, with their bare hands. No stab wounds.'

Aridin frowned. 'Are you saying that a professional assassin was here?'

Gondar hesitated.

'Well?'

'No, Lord Aridin. I don't think it was an assassin, though she is clearly no stranger to violence and death. She entered your house and killed a House Guard, but I think she came here for the Princess.'

'She?'

'Yes, it was a woman.' Gondar confirmed. 'The same one I saw in the keenish flying machine your pegagriff riders destroyed.'

'They told me there were no survivors!'

Gondar said nothing. He too had made an assumption which he now knew to be wrong.

'So, she came here.' Aridin poured some wine into a chalice, lifted it to his mouth and threw it back. 'For the Princess, you say? What makes you so sure?'

Gondar had to say it. 'The other intruder called to her during their escape. I caught her name: Marci.'

Aridin spluttered again and spat out his second mouthful of wine, spattering and staining the bedsheet. 'But… you told me she was dead! You told me that the Tidehunter had killed her!'

Gondar worked hard to keep control. He had made a mistake, and that rankled a little more than Aridin's ire. But it was a mistake which could be fixed. 'I assumed that he had killed her. I was mistaken. She must have somehow escaped his clutches. From what I saw last night, she clearly has some kind of witchery at her command.'

Aridin shuddered and poured himself more wine. 'Do you think she got to the Princess?'

'I don't think so.' Gondar shook his head. 'I sent some men to guard her. According to them, she seemed confused and frightened. If she had known that her handmaiden was here for her, I imagine she would have reacted differently.'

'Maybe. Maybe…' Aridin swilled the wine around his chalice, frowning. 'And the other intruder?'

'Her, I know by reputation, and the abilities she displayed left me in no doubt: Lyralei, the Windranger, sometimes known as Alleria the Windrunner.'

'Another magic-wielding freak?' Aridin scowled. 'What is her stake in this?'

'I can't say, my lord.' Gondar answered simply. 'Perhaps she sympathises with the handmaiden or the Princess. Whatever her reason, she is no friend to you.'

'So it would seem. Could we buy her loyalty?'

'I doubt it. She slew several of your guards and risked her life to help Marci to escape. She's committed.'

'I see.' Aridin put down the now empty chalice. 'Gondar, do you think we should leave?'

Gondar considered, then shook his head. 'No, my lord. This Marci and Lyralei are both formidable. If they are after you, they will simply pursue you. If they are after Mirana, then fleeing is an option provided you leave her here. Alive. The handmaiden is obviously dedicated to the Princess.'

'So I've heard.' Aridin muttered. 'A strange girl. Mute, likely dimwitted but very devoted.' He paused, still thinking. 'Who else knows?'

'I don't think that any of the guards are aware.'

'Make sure it stays that way.' Aridin instructed. 'Once the estate is secure, I want you to take some men, find the handmaiden and this Windranger, and kill them both.'

'That will not be an easy task.'

'Is it beyond your talents, Bounty Hunter? The handmaiden escaped you once before, and from what I've heard, the Scourge fought you off when you were tasked with taking her head.'

'She was lucky.' Gondar seethed.

'No doubt,' Aridin conceded. He was not concerned about Gondar's feelings, he just wanted to keep him on his side—he was useful. 'You shall be well compensated for the deed, I assure you. But it must be kept quiet from Mirana. I will take your word for it, though some trinkets as proof would be reassuring.'

Gondar did not miss the fact that Aridin was questioning his competence, he just chose not to react. 'As you wish, my lord. I will need some men. I cannot promise that they will return.'

'Take whoever you need, just be sure to leave enough guards to defend the estate.'

'I'll take some of the mercenaries, but they'll have to be the better of the bunch.' That was, admittedly, a select few. But some of them had come highly recommended for one reason or another. And against Marci and Lyralei he was going to need help.

They were waiting amongst the trees when they arrived. Marci had possessed some doubts about the keenish soldiers, yet she was only aware of the snipers when they entered the woods. Kardel and his sharpshooters had taken the time to gather branches and foliage and attach it to their clothes and rifles, and they could now easily conceal themselves in the trees, or pass as small bushes.

The other marines were busy checking their weapons and setting watches. Aurel was helping Rattletrap with his clockwerk armour. They had placed the feet on the ground and were assembling it slowly but surely. Marci had no idea what to expect from it, but it seemed like some sort of metal golem, albeit one controlled from within by a mortal pilot.

'Marci!' Donté hurried forwards and embraced Marci. Marci was a little taken aback, but accepted the gesture. 'I am glad to see you well.'

Sagan grunted and bumped his head against Marci's shoulder. Marci grinned and ruffled his fur.

'So is Sagan. Is Luna not with you? I was hoping she could keep an eye on Nova. She and Sagan wandered off earlier. From all the yowling, I believe they were fighting.'

Marci raised an eyebrow as she turned to Sagan, examining him for injuries. He seemed to be unharmed, and so did Nova. Nova actually seemed quite content, judging from her purring.

'Successful mission, Marci?' Kunkka inquired.

Marci held up a hand and waved it a little. Yes and no.

'What of the Princess?' Patrodis asked, limping forwards. He had brought some of the less injured legionnaires with him. 'Is she alive?'

Marci nodded.

'Praise the sun!' Patrodis breathed. 'But where is she?'

Marci jerked a thumb over her shoulder.

'In that estate.' Lyralei supplied. 'Held captive by a man named Aridin.'

'Aridin? Of House Nesrius?' Patrodis fumed. 'That wretch!'

'We're glad to see you back in one piece, lass.' Aurel said, waving a spanner at Marci. 'Don't suppose you know anything about clockwerks? The little lad and I could use a hand.'

'Who are you calling "little"?' Rattletrap, diminutive even by keenish standards, demanded.

'We need to know what we're up against, Marci.' Kunkka cut in. 'Lyralei mentioned an estate. My marines are skilled, but we didn't come here expecting a siege, and the loss of Aurel's gyrocopter is a sore blow.'

Marci considered, her brows contracting. The keen and Kunkka were all looking to her expectantly, except for the snipers on guard and Rattletrap.

Their guns would give them a superb advantage against Aridin's men, but they were outnumbered. If they were going to win, they had to play to their strengths. Mirana and Nico had their own parts to play.

Marci knelt down, picked up a stick, and drew a rough map of the estate. Though she had not managed to abscond with her friends, her foray into the estate had not been fruitless, and Nico had been most informative.

With help from Lyralei and Donté, Marci laid out a plan of attack.

Gondar assembled his chosen men near the gates, along with horses. Aridin had been reluctant to provide them with his destriers, but Gondar had persuaded him. Why the man kept horses and made little use of them made no sense to Gondar. Giving them exercise would be doing Aridin a favour.

He had chosen five men, the meanest, most ruthless killers of the mercenaries available. These were men who only desired coin. They would not be moved by pity, or a pretty face.

'Gondar!'

Gondar grimaced. Nico was a good fighter, but Gondar had deliberately chosen to leave him behind. He was too soft, and obsessed with women.

'Gondar,' Nico was fully armed and armoured. 'I heard that you're going after the assassins who broke in. I want to help.'

'I have what I need, Hieronimo.'

'Maybe so, but extra hands, and blades, surely would not go amiss in such an endeavour.' Nico's kind, soft manner seemed oddly absent. Looking up, Gondar could see that he was resolved, his eyes hard. 'I saw the bodies, Gondar. Whoever these people are, they need to be stopped, if only for us to survive.'

Gondar frowned. 'The two who attacked us are women, Nico.'

'Death does not discriminate. And though I dislike the thought of removing some beauty from the world, I would rather remain alive, and avenge our fallen comrades.'

'That is surprising coming from you.'

'It is what I was hired for.'

Gondar considered. Nico was sometimes soft, but he had come well recommended. He knew how to fight. He had experience, and that included tangling with other skilled fighters. And he had a good point. Against such dangerous foes, extra bodies would be useful. Besides, he might get killed, which would spare Gondar hearing him bleat about treating the Scourge and the cervitaur better.

'Fine.' Gondar shrugged. 'But we strike to kill, is that understood?'

Nico twirled his spear. 'Perfectly.'

'Then get a horse. We're moving now.'

Aridin smoothed back his hair before knocking on Mirana's door. 'Princess? May I speak with you?'

'If you must,' came the terse reply.

Aridin stepped into the room. Mirana was pacing back and forth, her nightdress covered by a dark robe. She was, as her guards had informed Aridin, agitated and tense. She'd obviously realised that the estate had been attacked, and by a stroke of good fortune she had been returned to her room before the fighting had begun. Per their orders, the guards had prevented her from leaving.

'Lord Aridin,' Mirana stopped pacing. 'What is happening? The guards mentioned an intruder.'

Aridin did not answer immediately, rather he took the time to try and read her. She was obviously worried. And perhaps… hopeful?

'There were intruders.' He had prepared his lie with a little truth. In his experience, that made a lie easier to believe. 'My men were able to chase them off. I have tasked Gondar with pursuing them.'

Mirana stared at him. She seemed to be unnerved. That was good.

'Princess, I have reason to believe that they came here to kill you.'

'What?' Mirana's eyes widened. 'You think they came here…' her face shifted. Aridin could have sworn that she seemed to be amused. Maybe she didn't believe it. 'To kill me?'

'There would be little point in killing me,' Aridin said. 'But there are those who do not wish for you to reclaim the Solar Throne. Shabarra is still at large, and rumour has it that he has found allies—allies who despise the Imperium.

Princess, you are in mortal danger, and I can only do so much to protect you here.'

Mirana shuddered. 'You have a small army here.'

'The assassins killed several guards. It both shames and concerns me that they managed to infiltrate the estate without being detected. Were it not for the vigilance of my House Guard, they may not have been thwarted. With luck, Gondar will find and eliminate them, or at least drive them off. But as I said, Princess, I cannot guarantee your safety here.'

Mirana drew herself up, almost looking down her nose at Aridin. 'Then allow me and my friends to leave. Give us provision, weapons and horses—I know you can spare them—and we will make for Rasolir with all speed. You needn't worry for us when we're safe in the city, with the City Watch and the Sun Guard to protect us.'

'Princess, I cannot allow you to go forth unprotected. Times have changed since you left. There are more dangers lurking out there than ever before.'

Mirana's brow creased. Aridin was braced for an argument. He was therefore surprised when she simply uttered: 'He's never going to stop, is he? He won't rest until I'm dead.'

Her voice was quiet, almost trembling. She was afraid. And he could understand why, it was as he had hoped. With most of her protectors dead, she was vulnerable, and she knew it. Luna was in no fit state to fight, and Aridin doubted that Mirana and Aiushtha could really defend themselves that well. The first brigands they crossed paths with would probably bring a swift end to their journey—if they were lucky.

'Mirana,' Aridin moved closer, and dared to reach for her hand. 'I can protect you, if you will let me. We can help each other.' He lifted her warm, delicate hand and held it in both of his. 'I cannot take you to Rasolir as an exile, and you cannot go forth alone. But if we entered the city together, your claim, our claim, would be unopposed, and we could travel with the full strength of my House Guard and the mercenaries I have hired.'

Mirana frowned, but did not withdraw her hand. 'What about your estate?'

Aridin shook his head. 'It does not matter. Not compared to you, and the future of the Imperium.' That was somewhat true, he would make sure to have his money and other treasures sent to Rasolir when the time was right.

Mirana sighed and looked down at his hands, still holding one of hers. She blinked a couple of times, her long lashes fluttering, then nodded once. 'Very well,' she lifted her head, her clear eyes full of resolve. 'For the sake of the Imperium, I accept your proposal.

I will marry you, Lord Aridin of House Nesrius. Our Houses shall be joined, and we shall reclaim the Solar Throne together.'

Aridin had to work hard to avoid cheering on the spot. At last! The stubborn Princess had at last yielded! And all it had taken was a lie about her safety. He was almost disappointed, but that was surpassed by his glee.

'Princess, you have gladdened me beyond words.' He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. 'I promise that I will strive to be a worthy husband.' A lie, but it was expected. 'Tomorrow, we shall wed, and then we shall depart at last for Rasolir, and return in triumph.'

He never noticed Mirana cringe when he kissed her hand, but he wouldn't have cared. Her happiness was not expected, nor did it matter.

Gondar had them dismount at the edge of the forest. The horses would give them away for certain.

He was confident that Marci and Lyralei would take refuge amongst the trees. There was no other cover for them to seek, and the rising tide eliminated the possibility of them hiding in some cave on the beaches.

If they were not here, they would just have to search elsewhere.

Gondar issued hissed instructions before they passed the eaves of the forest. 'Spread out, but be cautious. Do not attempt to fight the assassins alone. They are dangerous. We will take them together.'

The men nodded and drew their weapons. Nico's jaw was visibly clenched as he stepped into the shadows, spear at the ready.

Gondar gave them a few moments head-start, then went in. The trees cast long shadows across the darkened ground, and he soon lost sight of the others as they spread out. The faint rustle of the foliage was all that accompanied the sound of his footsteps.

Spear in one hand, dagger in the other, Gondar crept forwards, partially crouched. He was hoping that Marci and Lyralei would be resting, and that he might catch at least one of them unawares. Lyralei was a skilled archer, but from what he had heard she preferred to keep her distance from threats. Marci was obviously deadly up-close, but he could perhaps kill her with his shuriken.

There was a faint cracking sound. Gondar froze, eyes darting around.

Nothing. Nothing he could see, anyway.

He took another step forwards.

Something clicked.

Gondar turned towards the sound.

He froze again as something cold touched the back of his neck.

'My apologies, Gondar,' the voice was soft and quiet, laden with a distinctive Nivanese accent. 'This is not very honourable, but it is necessary.'

'So you show your true colours at last, Hieronimo.' Gondar muttered. 'I should have known. I suppose you knew who I was sent to kill.'

'I was fortunate enough to meet Marci tonight. We made arrangements.'

'I suppose she offered to spread her legs for you?'

Nico scoffed. 'You do not understand me at all, Gondar. She did not need to offer me anything. Not to do the right thing.'

'How very heroic of you.'

'Don't make this difficult, Gondar. Drop your weapons.' The steel point of the spear pressed a little harder, threatening to draw blood.

'I'd do what he says, laddie.' The voice came from above Gondar. He raised his eyes enough to see what he had taken to be a clump of vines move. As his eyes adjusted, he realised that it was actually a keen, pointing a scoped rifle straight at his head. 'I don't have much of an issue with shooting you, but it'll make a mess of our friend's gear.'

Gondar scowled. 'And the noise will draw the rest of my men, and warn Lord Aridin of your presence.'

The keen hesitated. He knew that Gondar was right. Out here, the sound of the gunshot would travel a long way.

The point of the spear withdrew a little.

Gondar whipped round, slamming the shaft of his spear into Nico, then threw his dagger at the keenish sniper. Nico stumbled and fell. The keen dodged, but in doing so lost his balance and fell out of the tree. His rifle clattered across the ground.

Gondar snarled and lunged at Nico, the spear aimed at his chest. Nico rolled over and the spear missed, but Gondar quickly drew back for another attack. Nico lashed out with his foot, forcing him to draw back, then curled into a ball and rolled straight at him.

Getting in the way of a rolling pangolier was foolish. Their natural plating could deflect a steel blade, and at speed they could smash bones.

Gondar jumped aside, jabbing at Nico's side as he spun past. He heard the pangolier yelp and he lost control, unfolding and slamming into a tree with blood running from his side.

Hurried footfalls alerted him to an attack from behind and he jumped aside just in time. A blur of brown and green fabric, pale skin and auburn hair, rushed past. Marci had joined the fray.

She recovered swiftly, pivoting on the spot, launching a spinning backfist which would crack his skull if it connected.

Gondar rolled away, coming up close to the keen, who was groaning and trying to rise and find his rifle. Gondar hurled a shuriken at Nico, which sliced his other side before ending up embedded in a tree, then shoved the keen away with his foot.

Marci charged. Gondar hurled a second shuriken straight at her. Marci leapt over it, intending to perform a leaping push-kick. If it connected, she would likely smash Gondar's ribs.

Gondar rolled under it. He spun round as he rose, intending to impale Marci through the back.

She was too fast. She had already landed and she turned to face him as he lunged. She sidestepped to avoid the point, then grabbed the spear and yanked it upwards, lifting Gondar off his feet.

Gondar realised that she meant to slam him into a tree and let go, dropping to the ground as his spear was shattered against the tree. He drew another shuriken and saw the keenish sniper running towards him with a short sword. Gondar kicked him hard, then dashed the sword from his grasp, seized him by the collar, and pressed the shuriken against his throat. 'Back off! Back off or I'll kill him!'

Marci halted, still in a fighting-stance, her eyes narrowed. Nico was poised with his falchion in hand.

Gondar grinned. These do-gooders were so predictable, and so easy to stop. 'Drop your weapons.'

'Here's a counter-offer: drop yours or I'll pin you to that tree.'

Gondar's grin was swiftly replaced by a scowl. The voice coming from behind him was accompanied by the faint creaking of a bow being bent. It seemed that his enemies had expected this, and now Lyralei was ready to put an arrow through him.

'I'd do as she says, Bounty Hunter,' this was a voice he recognised, along with its Nivanese accent. 'I've seen her shoot.'

Gondar groaned. 'I shouldn't be surprised that you too are involved with these fools, Gallant.'

'I don't think you have the right to call us fools, Gondar.' Donté remarked. 'We're not the ones surrounded by foes. Let Kardel go and throw down your arms.'

Gondar was loathe to surrender, but he was not a fanatic. He was a fighter for hire. He had no cause to die for.

Gondar lifted his weapon away from Kardel, then threw it down. Marci quickly closed in as Kardel scrambled away, grabbing his rifle and checking it for damage before pointing it at Gondar.

Gondar did not resist as Marci searched him, her hands brisk and not very gentle. His shurikens, hidden daggers, throwing blades and poisons were all removed. Marci had obviously been trained. By a Sun Guard, perhaps? It seemed unlikely, but it would have explained a bit.

'You must be our ally on the inside,' Donté stated, walking past Gondar and extending a hand. 'Donté Panlin, of the Nivanese Gallants.'

'Nico Hieronimo,' Nico shook his hand. 'I've heard of you. It's an honour to actually meet you.'

'It's good to meet a fellow pangolier, especially so far from home in these troubling times,' Donté said. 'I'd be glad to share some wine with you and catch up on news, but we should bind those wounds first.'

Nico shook his head. 'They're just flesh wounds. And though I'd like to stay in good company, I have an idea,' holding his side, Nico moved closer to Marci, who was indicating that Gondar should be tied up and gagged. 'Marci, there are other mercenaries out here.'

Marci shrugged, then mimed punching something.

'Aridin will grow suspicious if we fail to return.'

Marci raised an eyebrow.

'Let me gather the others. I'll take them back to the estate, you can keep Gondar and do what you will with him. I'll tell Aridin that Gondar and I managed to kill you and Lyralei, but that Gondar died during the struggle.' He held up his bloodied hand, then smeared blood on the point of his spear. 'This and my injuries will help to sell the tale. If I could take something of yours, that would help. Aridin will want proof of the deed.'

Marci's other eyebrow rose. Then she shrugged, reached under her collar, removed her dragon fang necklace and held it out.

'Thank you. I'll return it, I promise. And worry not, I'll make sure that Princess Mirana knows that you are safe and well.'

'Here,' Lyralei approached, holding out a simple gold anklet. 'Take this too. Proof of my untimely demise. I hope it wasn't too painful.'

Nico smirked. 'It's only a fiction. And it need only last until tomorrow evening.' He bowed to her and Marci. 'I must take my leave. I look forwards to seeing you on the morrow.'

By now, Gondar had been trussed up by some of Kardel's sharpshooters. He was glaring at Marci, but the red bandana he wore had been used to gag him.

'Au revoir, Gondar,' Nico dipped into a slight bow. 'I would say it's been a pleasure, but I would be lying.'

Gondar merely glowered at him as he sauntered off. Marci grabbed him and hauled him up, dragging him back to their camp.

Marci dumped Gondar right in the middle of their camp. There was little light to see by. She and Kunkka had agreed not to light any fires, or use the strange little lights the keen possessed—they ran on something like magic, though the keen did not use magic—in case they were noticed.

Aridin did not know the strength or size of the force gathered in the woods, and Marci wanted to keep it that way until the time was right. The keen had firepower on their side, but they lacked the numbers Aridin possessed. Surprise was an advantage they needed to keep.

Marci crouched in front of Gondar, glaring at him. Nico had already told her what she needed to know, and she doubted that anybody would get much out of Gondar, regardless of their methods.

Gondar glared back at her, unafraid, defiant.

Killing him would have been understandable. It would have been safe, pragmatic, prudent. But Marci had already slain men without giving them a chance to fight tonight. She didn't want to do so again, not if she could help it, and perhaps Gondar could be of some use, even if he was not willing to help.

'I don't think he'll make good eating, lass.' Aurel observed dryly.

'This one I know,' Kunkka had one hand on the hilt of his cutlass as he drew near, his beard bristling. 'I've known you to choose idiots for clients before, Gondar, but this might be the lowest point in your career.'

Gondar grunted, all he could do whilst gagged.

Marci indicated him, then mimed talking.

'Worth a try,' Kunkka agreed, crouching down and pulling the gag out of Gondar's mouth. 'I suppose we'd better ask for the simple stuff. How many men are waiting for us? What kind of weapons do they have? Can we expect reinforcements when they sound the alarm?'

'Piss off.' Gondar muttered.

'Thought you'd say that.' Kunkka shrugged. 'And I suppose that's all we'll get out of you. Just as well that Nico has told Marci what she needs to know.'

'Then what do you want from me?'

Marci frowned, then started to sign.

Kunkka shrugged. 'I don't understand.'

Donté, who was watching carefully, leaned over and whispered to Marci. She shook her head and signed again, more slowly. Donté whispered again and she nodded.

'Is Lord Aridin acting on anybody's behalf, aside from his own?' Donté asked for her. 'Does he have allies or benefactors elsewhere?'

Gondar scoffed. 'None that I know of. He doesn't tell me everything, and I don't ask for what I don't need to know.'

Kunkka's eyes narrowed. 'Ever the mercenary, eh Gondar?'

'Some things don't change, Admiral. Some things do, Brownbeard.'

Kunkka did not flinch. 'Some things do change, Bounty Hunter. But I would have thought you'd know better than to try and shock us with old stories. Those times, and my misdeeds, are in the distant past. Your misdeeds are much more recent, as are the misdeeds of your master.'

Gondar scoffed. 'Nobody likes Aridin. And he would make for a poor ally. But he pays well enough.'

'How did he get the skyships then? Did he hire you to steal them?'

'No, that was done by others. And they didn't work for Aridin. He merely bought the use of your precious skyships for his scheme. They'll be back with the thieves by now.'

'And who are they working for?'

'I don't know. And I don't care.'

'Typical hireling.' Aurel murmured.

'And you don't question things, soldier?'

'Flight officer.' Aurel corrected. 'Or pilot if you prefer. And I question plenty, Bounty Hunter. I am also a scientist.'

'Good for you.'

Marci shook her head. This was getting them nowhere.

'I know that the Princess is your priority, Marci, but we have a mission of our own.' Kunkka had noticed. 'Imagine what those skyships could do to the Imperium if left unchecked.'

Marci frowned, then mimed a tower and something falling from the air.

'Marci has a point. The Imperium has those Helios Sentinels.' Aurel stated.

Marci gave Kunkka an apologetic look, then tried to indicate that she did care, that she was concerned about hijacked skyships running amok, but there was little she could do about them now. And Mirana was her first priority. She wasn't sure if he understood, but he didn't seem to be angry.

Marci stood up, and failed to stop herself from yawning.

'You should rest, Marci.' Lyralei suggested. 'Gondar has nothing to tell us that Nico already hasn't. Let Kunkka worry about him now.'

Marci shrugged and nodded. Lyralei was right, and she was tired. She had only slept for a few hours since the ambush, and it would not be long until sunrise now. She was amongst those who would have to be in position before then.

Marci indicated that she should be woken if Gondar tried anything, giving him a threatening glare for good measure, then settled down to sleep. It occurred to her how often she had slept on the ground as of late, and she found herself wondering if she would dream tonight.

She wondered if Davion dreamed of her as she settled into her slumber. She wondered if he knew just how much she missed him.

It was one of the House Guards who roused Aridin from his sleep. Aridin disliked being woken before sunrise, though tonight he had been feeling uneasy. Though he was pleased that Mirana had at last relented, he was concerned about Marci and Lyralei's interference. They had been perilously close to reaching the Princess. Even the mere knowledge of Marci's survival could have ruined everything. It was fortunate that she had been discovered and chased off.

With some more luck, this summons would be because of Gondar's success.

Aridin threw on a robe over his nightclothes as he stepped out of his chambers. He passed Mirana's chambers on the way down, the two guards outside snapping to attention, and once again suppressed the temptation to enter and join her in the bed. They would be husband and wife soon enough, and he could attend to the duties that entailed.

He knew that Mirana found him repulsive. That did not matter. When the marriage was complete, she just had to endure him enough to conceive a child or two. What she wanted had ceased to be relevant long ago, she just had to realise that.

Aridin stepped outside, accompanied by several of his guards. They did not like to mix with the mercenaries, and had always been wary of Aridin putting trust in Gondar. Aridin only cared about results though, and Gondar and the mercenaries could do much that the House Guards could not.

The air was growing warmer, the sky a little lighter. The sun would be up fully in a few hours.

He frowned. There was no sign of Gondar. Instead, some surly mercenaries, and an obviously wounded pangolier, stood waiting for him. There were more horses present than men.

'Where is Gondar?' Aridin asked. He wasn't that worried about the bounty hunter's welfare, he was worried that they had failed.

The pangolier shook his head, looking a little downcast. 'I'm sorry, Lord Aridin. He fell in combat.'

Aridin stared at him. Gondar had come highly recommended, and he'd thought him more than capable. 'He's dead?'

'I'm afraid so, Lord Aridin. I witnessed it.'

'What happened?'

'We spread out to try and find the assassins. I heard Gondar fighting and rushed to his aid. Sadly, I was too late. One of them had landed a fatal blow, but he killed her before he died.'

'And the other?'

'She attacked me. But either she was distraught at the loss of her friend, or else the darkness worked in my favour,' the pangolier indicated his wounds, 'I was luckier. My spear struck true.'

Aridin glanced at his weapon, and saw that the tip of the spear was red with blood. 'You didn't bring any bodies.'

'No. I was worried that the fight and the scent of blood would draw out predators. But I did bring proof.' He stepped forwards, extending his hand. Aridin grimaced at the sight of blood on his palm. But there were two items, also blood-stained. A gold anklet, and what was unmistakeably a dragon fang.

Aridin cleared his throat. The pangolier hurriedly wiped the tokens clean with his sleeve and then held them out again. Aridin accepted them this time, peering at them intently. He had to take the man's word for it that the anklet belonged to Lyralei, but he knew for certain that the dragon fang was Marci's. Mirana had said that she possessed one, and it was unusual for anyone except for a Dragon Knight to carry one.

'Well done…' Aridin paused, prompting.

'Nico, Lord Aridin,' the pangolier dipped into a little bow. 'Nico Hieronimo.'

'You've done me and the Imperium a great service tonight, Hieronimo. It's a shame about Gondar, but it is said that those who deal in death fall prey to it just as all others do. Get those injuries seen to, and I will have your pay ready for you in the morning. And since you've done me such a good service, I shall give you Gondar's cut.'

Nico frowned. 'Forgive me, Lord Aridin, but should that not go to his next of kin?'

Aridin shrugged. 'He never said as much. Maybe he has none. Regardless, it is your gain, Hieronimo.'

Nico nodded. 'Thank you, Lord Aridin.' He dipped into another bow. 'It is my pleasure to serve.'

Aridin smiled, turned smartly, still holding the anklet and the dragon fang, and walked back to the house.

He did not look back. If he had, he might have perhaps noticed the wry smile Nico was wearing as he straightened up.

Well, here we are, in a new year. My apologies for the long wait for this update. It's been a time, good and bad, and I felt in need of a break over Christmas.

So, a belated Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year, to you all.

And a shout-out to Annbe11 for some much-needed help with this chapter. Thank you for all of your advice and brainstorming.