Chapter 13

His eyelids were parted, allowing bright light to stab into his brain.

Medic Channa peered at him. "Ah, there you are." Then she checked his other eye. "I don't think it's due to the concussion."

His eyelids slammed closed as soon as she released them. He tried to open them. To move. To speak. But he had zero energy to do anything other than breathe.

"Tell me what happened," she ordered.

"He was fine yesterday morning," Ari said. "We checked on him at lunch and he was passed out. We couldn't rouse him. We thought the other team had used sleeping potion on him."

"Why?"

"We were doing an exercise. It made sense at the time. But they didn't use it, and we didn't find out until this morning."

"Is he allergic to spearmint?" Janco asked worriedly. "Did I kill him?"

Valek summoned a bit of strength. "No. I'm…okay."

"You don't look okay," Channa said.

"Tired. Gave…my all." And would have given Yelena more if he had it.

"What did he do before yesterday?"

Ari explained about tying him in the tree. "He climbed down on his own."

"That explains the welts." She pushed his sleeve up.

Valek couldn't stop her.

"Holy Snow Cats! Why didn't he say anything?" Janco cried.

"You had gagged him."

"Yes, but I asked every hour if he was okay. Two blinks for yes. He always blinked twice. Did I kill him?"

"My fault," Valek said.

Channa sat back on her heels. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Need sleep."

"Okay, we'll make a gurney and carry you."

"No! I…stay here." The last thing he needed was for everyone to see him so debilitated. The challenges would never end.

"Are you in pain?"

"No. Need Ari…Janco. Rest…can…go."

"Nice try, but I'm not leaving you. The three of us will stay here until you're recovered. Okay?"

"Okay."

It took him another day to gain enough strength to stand. By day four, he had the energy to hike to the castle with Ari, Janco, and Channa.

On the trip back, Valek asked Ari, "Was I kidnapped?"

"No. The pups never got close."

"That should help adjust their attitudes toward you."

"They want a rematch. They claimed you being injured was our fault and it wasn't a fair exercise."

"I'll have a chat with them."

"Oh no," Janco said. "We want that rematch. No one, and I mean no one, calls us cheaters and gets away with it."

Valek said, "Perhaps next time, I'll mix up the teams."

"Why, for the love of sand, would you do that?" Janco sounded mortified.

"Because sometimes puppy dogs need to learn how to behave from the big dogs."

"Big dogs! I like!" Janco barked and howled at the trees.

Ari sighed as his partner bounded through the woods. "I hope you know that if we don't get a rematch, those pups will go missing and you'll find them tied to the trees."

"Noted."

* * *

"Medic Channa didn't give me all the details. She seemed perplexed about your relapse, but pleased with your recovery," the Commander said, by way of inviting Valek to explain.

All he wanted to do was crawl into his bed, but he owed Ambrose an explanation. He took a fortifying gulp of the fire whiskey before relating his disturbing dream and about helping Yelena.

"She must be a rather powerful magician to reach you from the Magician's Keep. But I'm worried about your immunity. I assumed it was permanent."

With nothing to do but recover over the last couple days, Valek had considered his immunity as well. "When she's with me, she's…in my heart." He tapped his chest. "It's hard to describe. But I think there must be a hole or an opening in my immunity that's just for her." He remembered telling her that she had slipped under his skin, invaded his blood, and seized his heart. Perhaps with that confession, he'd given her permission to bypass his immunity. To him, it really didn't matter why. He was so very glad that she could reach out to him, and he could provide aid.

"Let's hope that is indeed the case. In the meantime, I've some good news," Ambrose said.

"Oh?" Valek relaxed back.

"I sent a message to the Sitian Council requesting a meeting and they've agreed."

"But it's too dangerous for you to go."

"I know. I'm sending my ambassador."

"You have an ambassador?"

"I do now. I'm promoting my cousin Signe."

Ah, Signe. Valek had met her a few times over the years. She supposedly lived in MD-3, close to where Ambrose grew up. But in truth she was the Commander's alter ego. From time to time, the Commander allowed Signe to takeover his body. Valek wondered if the Commander realized that Valek knew about the Commander's alter ego. How could Valek not? But, then again, Ambrose had given him that measuring look when Valek said he kept his secrets.

"She'll need protection," Valek said. but his statement sounded more like an imploring, hopeful plea.

"It's too dangerous for you to go, but I know you'll go anyway." He smiled. "It's been almost a year since you last saw Yelena."

"What about you?"

"I'm going to hunt sand spiders in MD-8. I'm due for a vacation."

Only the Commander considered hunting the giant arachnids fun. "By yourself?"

"No. Everyone will think that you are with me, until I send you on a secret mission to MD-1. My father is coming along. He's traveling with Signe."

Valek liked the Commander's father very much. Caleb had been an integral part of the takeover but hadn't wanted to be a general or an adviser. He had returned to MD-3 to work the family's diamond mine instead, and to ensure the new safety protocols were being implemented in all the mining operations in Ixia.

"Who are you assigning to Signe's entourage?" Valek asked.

"Adviser Ilom and half my elite squad will escort her to Sitia. The other half will come with me to MD-3 because I know you'll squawk if they don't."

Ah, nice. Ilom wasn't often chosen to go on missions, but he was roughly the same height and build as Valek. He also had black hair. Bonus.

"I'm assuming you'll want to add a few of your corps to the group going to MD-3," Ambrose continued.

"I do, but for both groups. Ari and Janco are proving to be very useful. And they're friends with Yelena. When is the delegation leaving?"

"In three days."

Which meant in six days, he'd be reunited with Yelena.

"Ah, there's that smile," Ambrose said. "I've been missing it these last few seasons."

Then it dawned on Valek. "Did you arrange all this just for me?"

"Don't be ridiculous. I need to reassure the Sitian Council that the events in MD-5 have not affected the treaty. It's also a gesture of good will between our countries."

"Uh huh."

"Don't you have work to do? You're leaving in three days."

* * *

Three days was just about the right amount of time to get ready for the trip to Sitia. First, Valek visited Ilom. The adviser had a small office near the throne room.

"Adviser Valek, to what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked, but the glint in his eyes said he already knew.

Valek explained.

"Ha. I thought so. I never usually get picked for missions. But I don't mind. I get to go to Sitia, and I'll be working undercover as well. Exciting."

"You'll still get to sit in on all the meetings with the Sitians."

"Oh joy." Ilom's tone was sarcastic, but it didn't last long. He smiled. An easy-going man in his early forties, he had short, straight hair that just covered his ears. With a weak chin and a soft fat nose, Ilom frequently liked to give others the impression that he was an idiot. He claimed being underestimated gave him an advantage. Regardless, he knew all the intricacies of the trade treaty with Sitia and had a good deal of experience with diplomacy.

"Thanks."

His next stop was Ari and Janco's suite. Bonus that Maren was also there. Valek explained that the Commander was sending a delegation to Sitia.

"You're not going, right?" Janco asked. "They hate you there."

"No. I'm going to MD-8 with the Commander to hunt sand spiders."

Janco shuddered. "Those things are huge! And they're covered in sand. Double yikes."

"I need you and Ari to join the group going to Sitia. You'll be scouting for them. Maren, you and Kimette are going with the group heading to MD-8."

"Ooh, do we get to hunt spiders, too?" she asked, sounding just like Janco.

"Yes. Actually, everyone will. The spiders tend to overrun the beaches if they're not culled. Be careful you don't get bitten. They're venomous."

"Once we get to Sitia, what's our role?" Ari asked.

"You'll be part of the security team for the ambassador. But you'll have some free time."

They both grinned. No doubt looking forward to seeing Yelena again. Valek wanted to join them, but he needed to act sad that he was missing out.

Valek pulled out four of his statues. He handed Janco the snake bracelet. "Could you give this to Yelena for me? Let her know I'm thinking about her."

Janco took it solemnly. "Of course. It's beautiful."

"And I carved these for you." He handed a statue to Ari. "A horse, because you're strong and fast."

He gave another one to Janco. "A fox, because you're quick and clever."

The last statue went to Maren "A cat, because you're quiet and deadly."

They stared at their gifts in astonishment, then they thanked him. He waited, and Janco didn't disappoint him.

"Aww, you're a kitty cat," he teased Maren. "All purry and soft. Ow!"

"And I have claws."

* * *

In preparation for the trip, Valek cut his hair to match Ilom's length. Then he packed Sitian clothes, his kit of disguises, and plenty of hidden weapons. He'd blend in with the soldiers on the way south, then switch places with Ilom for the initial contact with the Sitians. That would be the time of greatest danger to Signe and Valek. Hopefully, no one would recognize them. Not even Ari and Janco.

When the Ixian delegation left in the morning, Valek sulked nearby. Adviser Ilom rode Onyx and the soldiers walked. Ambassador Signe sat on Diamond Whiskey—the strongest horse in the castle's stable. Signe had long, straight hair that used to be black but was now a dark gray. Wearing a tailored black adviser's uniform, she had real diamonds on her collar—a sign of her position as ambassador. The only family resemblance to Ambrose was her almond-shaped eyes and golden eye color.

Valek marveled at the transformation from the Commander into Signe. He'd call it magical, but Ambrose had no magical abilities. Unless turning into his alter ego was a one-trick power, meaning it was the only thing he could do. Most people with one-trick skills were unaware they even used magic. Since Valek was never with the Commander when he transformed into Signe, he'd no idea if magic was involved.

Once the Ambassador's entourage left the complex, Valek joined the other assembled group. Caleb looked uncomfortable on his horse. And sitting on the Commander's horse was… Well, Valek had no idea. Because the person wore a cloak with the hood up. The morning was chilly, and the Commander did occasionally put up his hood. Valek shouldered his pack and joined them.

He traveled with them for a few hours until the "Commander" paused next to Valek.

"Time for you to disappear," he said.

Valek glimpsed the man's face. His resemblance to Ambrose was striking.

"Another cousin?" Valek whispered.

"Twin brother." He winked. "Only when needed."

Ah. The Commander had found a doppelg?nger. It appeared that Valek didn't know all of the Commander's secrets. However, if the Commander had switched places with his fake twin before, it had to be when Valek was traveling. No way he'd be fooled. The Commander's presence always held a weight that Valek felt deep in his heart.

* * *

Once Valek joined the Ambassador's retinue, the time it took to reach the Citadel in Sitia moved like the thickest syrup on the coldest day. The night before their official arrival, Valek just barely resisted the temptation to go find Yelena, despite the fact he couldn't sleep. Not at all.

A few hours before sunrise, he and Ilom switched tents and changed uniforms. Valek spent the next hour applying a fake nose, straightening his hair, and rubbing some grease into it to make it appear limp. The weak chin was the hardest to fabricate. Valek had to pad his cheeks to soften his jawline.

The first test of his disguise came with the sunrise. The soldiers bustled about, cooking breakfast, and breaking down the tents. No one said a word to him. Signe nodded when he joined her for the meal. She went over the agenda for the day. He half-listened as he watched Ilom blend in, helping the others pack their gear. Ilom's hair was tucked under a knit cap, and he wore glasses. No one looked at him twice.

When Valek approached Onyx to saddle him, the horse licked the side of his head and nudged his arm for treats. Guess he couldn't fool his horse. Or was it the smell of the treats in his pocket?

The Citadel's white marble walls shone in the morning sunlight. The high walls contained a small city inside along with the Magician's Keep. Once they neared the structure, Valek spotted green veins streaking the marble. The slick stone would be impossible to climb without a rope. Probably the reason it was chosen to safeguard Sitia's heart.

Signe and Valek led the procession through the north gate. With the soldiers following, they continued south down a long, curved road lined with factories and businesses. When they reached the mid-point of the Citadel, they turned left toward the southeast corner, where all the government buildings and officials resided.

The Council Hall was a square-shaped building and had multiple levels. Each level was smaller than the one below, so it resembled a multi-tiered cake. Valek gazed at the Magician's Keep that occupied the entire northeast corner of the Citadel. Was Yelena inside? Perhaps sitting at a desk, listening to some magician lecturing about magic. Did she even know an Ixian delegation was visiting? It took all his strength to not turn Onyx, race over to the keep, and jump the gate.

Instead, he dismounted with Signe. Their horses were led to the stables, and they were invited inside the building.

Valek followed Ambassador Signe right into the heart of their enemies' lair. Well, lair might be a bit of an exaggeration. Might. He would see how this visit played out first.

A row of trumpets played a welcoming blast as the Ixians entered the great hall. The Commander would consider the music pretentious, but Valek thought the Commander deserved a little pomp. Of course, the Sitians had no idea the Ambassador was the Commander's alter ego.

As the Ixian delegation neared the line of people waiting for them, Valek scanned the room. The great hall was three stories tall and decorated with fifteen colorful banners. They hung between the long thin windows, which let in the bright afternoon sunlight. Overall, an impressive space and appropriate for receiving them.

All the members of the Sitian Council stood in a half-circle. Valek noted the eleven Sitian councilors, each representing one of the clans. They all wore formal silk robes with silver embroidery. The four master magicians, who governed all magicians, were hard to miss. They wore ceremonial robes and animal masks. Valek was already familiar with the hawk mask that Fourth Magician Irys Jewelrose wore.

And standing next to Irys— Yelena. Valek's heart jumped so hard in his chest, he swore it cracked his sternum. It thudded, demanding that he cross the room and sweep Yelena into his arms. Now, it thumped. It took all his will to keep his bland expression and to keep his feet in place. This was the closest he'd been to her in two-hundred and eighty-eight days—not that he was counting—and his soul ached with longing. Seeing her made it almost unbearable.

Since he couldn't break character, he drank in the sight of her. Yelena wore a pale-yellow apprentice robe with wide sleeves. A rather plain garment considering the others in the room, but it didn't matter. To him, she was the most beautiful person in the world, and she outshone all the others. His heart once again thumped its displeasure at his inactivity. Later, he promised it. He just needed to survive until later.

Yelena's attention was focused on Signe, and only Valek noticed the classic widening of her eyes and slight dropping of her jaw as she recognized the Commander. There was his clever fox. He wondered if her loyalties had changed in the last four and a half seasons. Would she inform the Sitian Council of the viper in their midst?

Her gaze then searched the rest of the Ambassador's entourage. She dismissed him immediately and moved on. Huh. He'd mixed feelings about that, but in the end, he was glad his disguise held up. No doubt she would recognize Ari and Janco among the soldiers.

Yelena fingered the lump on her chest under her robe as her gaze continued to sweep the delegation. He hoped she still wore the pendant he'd carved for her. Valek focused on the others in the room, counting guards, and noting the presence of a young blond man with a beard. An aide? A page? A magician? The blond scowled fiercely at the Ixians. Valek would have to discover his identity.

A tingling of magic brushed his skin and he turned, meeting Yelena's intense gaze. This time, her flash of recognition included a bit of triumph. Once again, his body demanded action, especially below the belt. Keeping his bored expression took every bit of self-control. He looked away, focusing on the political formalities.

After a few minutes, more magic pressed on him. This time aimed at his heart. He briefly glanced at Yelena. Later, love, he promised with his gaze.

The introductions dragged on forever, but finally the meeting ended with refreshments. To keep his cover Valek stayed next to Signe, who chatted with Second Magician Bain Bloodgood. But Valek tracked Yelena's every movement. She headed toward Ari and Janco, but was waylaid by one of the councilors, who handed her a small scroll.

Once the man moved away, Yelena read the message in the scroll. She closed her eyes as if it was bad news. He longed to pull her close and find out who upset her so he could kill them. Drawing in a deep breath, he tried to calm the caveman living inside his body. Yelena was more than capable of protecting herself.

Yelena opened her eyes and shook her head as if to dismiss the news. She headed toward the Ixians and caught Signe's eye. Ah, time for the true test.

Bain stopped speaking and gestured Yelena closer. "Ambassador Signe, this is Apprentice Yelena Liana Zaltana."

Would she give the Commander away?

She shook Signe's hand in the Ixian greeting, then bowed in the Sitian way of salutation. Interesting.

Signe bowed in return. "I have heard much about you from my cousin. How are your studies progressing?" she asked in a pleasant soprano.

"Very well, thank you. Please extend my best wishes to Commander Ambrose."

It appeared Yelena planned to keep Signe's real identity a secret. At least, for now.

"I will," Signe said and then turned to Valek. "This is Adviser Ilom."

Valek extended a limp hand and muttered a polite hello. Her touch sent a shock of lightning up his arm, but he acted as if she was beneath him and glanced away. It about killed him, and it was a relief when Bain led them to meet another councilor. However, he kept an eye on her and was happy to see her talking to Ari and Janco.

Valek paid particular attention when Janco gave Yelena the snake bracelet he had carved for her. The captains hadn't been informed who they were really guarding. The fewer people who knew, the better. So Valek had given the bracelet to Janco to support the fiction that he had reluctantly stayed with the Commander.

Her face lit up over the gift and warmth spread through him. He'd carved a snake because her love would forever be coiled around his heart. And the sapphires for the snake's eyes were to remind her of him. Janco slipped the bracelet onto her arm. Jealousy flared briefly. His inner caveman wanted to thump his chest and grunt mine. Valek sighed. He hated the circumstances that kept them apart.

After the endless rounds of introductions and welcomes, Valek ceased to pay attention. Instead, his thoughts raced, planning the moment he could slip away from the Council Hall and find Yelena.

That moment came a couple hours before sunset. In the visitor's quarters, Valek removed his disguise and changed into the plain dark tunic and pants that the servants at the Magician's Keep all wore. His spies had reported that Yelena lived in the Keep's apprentice wing, so he headed in that direction.

Gaining entrance to the Keep was easier than he'd expected. Either it was due to arrogance that the magicians could handle any threat, or it was a false sense of security that no one would try to sneak in. The flow of people in and out of the gate stayed steady, and he just joined the others.

He'd memorized a map of the Keep before leaving Ixia and easily found the two apprentice wings. They faced each other like a set of parentheses. Yelena's unit was the last one on the left wing. The door was locked, and she didn't answer his knock, so he headed toward Irys Jewelrose's tower in the northwest corner of the Keep. Similar to the Commander's castle, the Keep had four tall towers in each corner.

As soon as he passed the bathhouse, he spotted Yelena in the pasture across from the stables. She groomed a beautiful copper-colored horse with a white blaze on her face and blue eyes. The young blond from the great hall stood next to her. And two armed guards waited nearby.

Who were they guarding? Yelena or the blond?

Valek stepped into the bathhouse's shadow to observe them. Yelena's tense posture and the sharp words she exchanged with the blond meant they were arguing. Was he a fellow student? Or an instructor? A friend? The blond gazed at Yelena with an intensity that wasn't friendly. Valek fingered the hilt of his knife.

Yelena finished grooming the horse and tossed the brushes and combs into a bucket. Then she led the horse into the stables. The guards followed her, abandoning the blond in the pasture. He stared after her for a few moments before striding away in another direction.

The sun hung low in the sky, deepening the shadows. Valek remained in place as he considered the implications of Yelena's guards. They could be there for any reason, so he decided to wait and ask her. Later.

After Yelena left the stables, she headed toward the bathhouse, then went inside. Valek returned to her apartment, picked the lock, and entered. In the semi-darkness, he scanned the small living room and bedroom, seeking hiding places. If her guards were any good, they'd find him regardless. If they weren't, they'd only look in the obvious spots.

There was a couch, two chairs, and a table with some books and an interesting statue of some type of monkey on the top. Otherwise, it appeared that Yelena didn't spend a lot of time there.

When the key rasped in the door's lock, Valek stood on the back of the couch and reached for the dark wooden beams that crossed the ceiling. There was a gap between them and the roof they supported. Just enough that Valek could wedge his body on top of the beams.

The door swung wide and one of the guards entered. He did a cursory search, checking under the couch, bed, and in the armoire before declaring the rooms safe. Yelena came inside. She smelled of lavender soap and her hair was wet. She shut the windows, locking them before starting a fire in the hearth.

While her back was turned, Valek swung down from the rafters and eased to the floor without making a sound. Well, if he didn't count the thumping of his heart, which was so loud he worried her guards would rush in. Not wanting to scare her, he sat in one of the chairs and put his feet up on the table. Trying to appear calm, and not look like a love-sick idiot, he picked up the statue to examine it.

When the flames caught and crackled in the hearth, Valek said, "That's better."

She spun and studied him in surprise for a moment. "How did you?—"

"Fool your guards? They're not very good. They forgot to check the ceiling for spiders." He grinned. That was his favorite place for both hiding and ambushing. No one ever looked up.

"This is dangerous," she said.

"I knew falling for you was dangerous, love."

"I meant coming to Sitia. Being here in the Magician's Keep with guards just outside my door." She gestured wildly.

If she thought to chase him away, she was in for another surprise. "It's only dangerous if they know I'm here. According to them, I'm just Ambassador Signe's lowly and dull-witted aide." No longer able to stand being apart, he stood and stretched his arms wide. "See, I'm not even armed." He tried to appear innocent, but all he really wanted was to hold her.

Instead of rushing to him, she asked, "Should I guess how many concealed weapons you have, or should I strip-search you?"

Ah, a challenge.Desire flared. "A strip-search is the only way to be absolutely certain."

She stepped toward him. Finally, she was pressed against him. In that moment, Valek was once again complete. All his worries about her feelings for him changing were erased as she proceeded to remove his clothing. She found most of his knives, darts, and even the short sword in his boot as they headed to her bed, but once she touched his skin, it ceased to be a game.

Her clothing soon joined his on the floor and they got reacquainted in a most intimate way.

It was late in the night before they lay tangled in each other's arms, exhausted but exhilarated. Valek wished time would stop. Wished they could live in this bubble of happiness forever.

"Thank you for the snake bracelet. It's beautiful," Yelena said.

"I was thinking about you when I carved it," he said. "I was wondering how you were fairing, what you were learning, who you were meeting, if you were safe." He paused. "Why the need for guards, love? Are you in danger? Is something going on?"

"Unfortunately, lots of somethings." She sighed. "The guards are for my protection. Sort of. There's a rogue magician turned serial killer who we're calling Ferde—it's short for Fer-de-lance, a venomous snake. He's been doing an ancient Efe ritual to bind a magician's soul to his body before he kills his victim. Once they're dead, their power flows into him, making him stronger. He has targeted eleven young women. His last victim, Tula, survived his torture, and we were protecting her. She was healing. Doing so well." Her voice hitched on a sob.

Valek pulled her closer. What a terrible beast. Another example of power corrupting. Why couldn't magicians be happy with the magic they already had?

"But Ferde murdered her and kidnapped her younger sister, Opal." Yelena took in a deep breath, as if to steady her emotions. "Ferde has left us a message. He wants to exchange Opal for me. The last victim must be willing to go to him. Plus, Opal isn't a magician and I'm…I'm pretty powerful. Surprising, right?" She tried to joke.

"No, love. Not surprising. I knew you were extraordinary from the beginning." And Ferde was going to die.

"You're biased." Yelena swiped tears from her eyes. "Of course, I agreed to the exchange. The master magicians and the council have opposed it. Ferde can't be allowed to gain that much power, or he'll take over Sitia. They assigned guards to keep me safe, but also to keep me from doing something dangerous. Like escaping and searching for Opal on my own, which I did anyway. I was caught and Irys put a magical leash on me."

Valek tensed. Perhaps he should smuggle Yelena back to Ixia and away from all these horrible magicians.

Sensing his murderous mood, she rubbed his arm. "It's gone. We reached an understanding today and she agreed to let me help search for Opal. To keep me in the loop, instead of blocking me. In fact, we're going to the market tomorrow to talk to Fisk."

"Fisk?"

"A beggar boy I befriended. His gang of street rats is practically invisible. They see things no one else does, and we're hoping he has some information on Opal and Ferde's whereabouts."

"And you said it was dangerous for me," Valek grumped. "Good thing I'm here. You'll need backup that can't be influenced by magic."

Yelena turned to him. A mixture of hope and fear shone in her gaze. "How can you provide backup? You're supposed to be with the Ambassador."

He grinned. "Don't worry. I've got that covered. This is not the first time, nor will it be the last time, I've been in Sitia. Keeping tabs on our neighbors has always been one of my duties as security chief. Fun stuff."

"Until you're caught," she said, sourly.

"There's always that chance. Part of the allure, I suppose." He nuzzled her neck and then sighed with regret. "I better get back. It'll be dawn soon." He rolled out of bed and pulled on his pants. "Besides, I don't want to be here when your boyfriend arrives."

"Who?" She sat up.

"The blond that follows your every move with his lovesick eyes," Valek teased.

"Cahil?" She laughed, dismissing the blond. "He thought Janco was my heart mate. I think you should feel more jealousy toward my horse. She's the one who has stolen my heart."

Valek stilled as the amusement dropped from his face. Had he heard right?

"What's his name?"

"Her name is Kiki."

He shook his head. "Not the horse. The blond."

"Cahil."

That name should be attached to a dead man. "Cahil Ixia? The King's nephew? He's alive?" Had he missed one of the King's relatives? He thought he'd assassinated them all.

"I thought you knew," she said.

He hadn't known. But now?—

"Valek, don't kill him," she pleaded.

"He's a threat to the Commander." And therefore, must die.

"He's my friend."

Valek's cold gaze met hers. Of course, Yelena had to find the one person in Sitia that she shouldn't be friends with. He relented. "The second he becomes more than a potential threat, he's dead."

She relaxed. "I'm glad the Commander is safe within Ixia's borders."

Even though she'd recognized Signe as the Commander, she wasn't going to say anything to him, keeping the Commander's secret. Valek admired her loyalty. "He's taking a vacation. He's the only person I know who thinks hunting sand spiders is relaxing."

"Aren't you worried he'll get stung?" She shuddered, just like Janco had. Those super-quick creatures were hard to kill.

"No. I still can't beat the Commander in a knife fight. His skills are more than adequate to handle a sand spider. Plotting royalty is another matter, though. I'll have to keep an eye on this Cahil." No wonder the man had scowled at the Ixian delegation.

"Valek, did you used to leave your carvings behind when you assassinated someone?"

He wondered where that question came from. "Have you been listening to Sitian rumors?"

She nodded. "But I don't necessarily believe all that I hear."

"Good. Although, I'm embarrassed to admit that one is true. I was young, cocky, and stupid, enjoying being known as the Death Artist. I even started leaving a carving before I began a job, letting my victim find it." Valek shook his head at the memory. "That nonsense almost got me killed, so I stopped it altogether."

Valek finished dressing. "I'll be at the market today in case anything happens."

He kissed Yelena and she clung to him for a moment. While he wished to stay more than anything, she was in danger, and he needed time to get into position. When she let go, he pointed his head toward the door where her guard waited.

As she distracted him, Valek peered out the window. Sure enough, the second guard heard their voices and was looping around. He climbed from the window. Thank fate she was on the ground floor and at the very end of the row.

* * *

Valek stopped by the rooms Adviser Ilom had been assigned; he was sharing them with Valek. Telling him he was ‘on' for today, Valek changed into standard Sitian clothing of nondescript brown tunic and pants. He wore a warmer layer underneath the clothes, as it had grown cold overnight, and he didn't want to be encumbered with a cloak. Hurrying to the market, he hoped to find a good location to watch for Yelena and Irys. Dark clouds sealed the sky and threatened rain.

He pretended to shop and noticed a number of street rats helping customers. They carried packages and some negotiated prices with sellers. Almost everyone ignored them, and they took advantage of that invisibility. Not to steal, but to observe. To see who looked confused, so they could rush in and offer aid. Valek wondered if one of them was Fisk, Yelena's friend.

Yelena and Irys arrived in the market, joining the flow of shoppers. She wore her cloak, and Irys tried to blend in but there was no hiding her confident posture or her direct gaze. They bought a few items and a young boy, around nine years old, sidled up to Yelena and pulled on her sleeve.

They exchanged a few words and Yelena gave the boy a copper coin. Ah, this must be Fisk. He ducked his head when Irys spoke to him. Then he led them away from the market. Valek waited, scanning the crowd to see if anyone else took an interest in them. No one. Good. He hurried to catch up.

The boy cut through alleys and crossed courtyards, navigating the maze of buildings and factories with ease. They stopped at a plaza that had a large jade turtle in the middle. Intricate carvings decorated the creature's shell. It shot water from its mouth into a nearby pool. Valek would have loved to get a closer look at the markings, but he hung back, watching the trio.

They talked and gestured to a building on the opposite side, and Valek felt magic brush his skin. After fifteen minutes, they headed back to the market. He kept an eye out for followers, but no one paid any attention to them.

By the time he reached the market, it started to rain. Fisk gave Yelena a jaunty wave before melting into the chaos of the market vendors packing up or covering their goods. People rushed about, pulling hoods up over their heads. One woman bumped into Yelena. She slid a note into Yelena's cloak in one smooth motion while apologizing and dashing off. Not Ferde. But the lady could be working for him.

Valek debated following her. Thunder roared and the rain fell in sheets, soaking him. It was best to stay with Yelena; with this weather, it was too easy for someone to sneak up on her.

She parted ways with Irys, entering the Magician's Keep while Irys headed south. Yelena's guards had been waiting at the gate, and they followed her.

Valek hurried to reach her rooms first. He peeked through her bedroom window while her guards searched it. As soon as they left, he entered before they could get into position. When Yelena invited them inside, he almost jumped back out the window. Fortunately, they declined, citing some regulation. Thank fate.

He waited until she started a fire before coming out. Yelena stood in front of the small hearth, holding a piece of paper in her hands. She'd gone pale, and Valek hoped it was from the cold and not the note.

"What does the message say?" Valek asked.

She just gaped at him.

He plucked the paper from her hand. "She had some rudimentary skills. Probably a pickpocket hired to give you this note. Did you get a good look at her face?"

"No. Her hood covered most of her head."

Ah, too bad. Valek shrugged. He read the note and met Yelena's gaze. "Interesting development."

She gave him an incredulous look. As if to say, ‘only you would think this interesting.'

"Seems the killer is one step ahead of the magicians," he said. "He knows they won't exchange you for Opal. So, he has taken matters into his own hands. How important is Opal's life to you?"

Ferde's note specified a location and a new date for the exchange. Three nights before the full moon, which was four days from now. Yelena's gaze turned distant and conflicted. Valek let her work through the possibilities. Tell the council about the change in plans and hope they could capture Ferde at the new location or go on her own. Well, not on her own. There was no way Valek would allow that. He'd tag along no matter what. Ari and Janco would provide backup.

She glanced at Valek with a sudden determination. "Her life is important. But capturing the killer is vital."

He agreed. "What do you need, love?"