Chapter 15

The ambush had been waiting on the opposite side of the gate. They had lurked in the shadows of the Citadel's walls and out of sight. Valek could appreciate the cleverness as he yanked his cloud-kissed dagger from its sheath and fought them off. But more and more ambushers appeared. Wary of his blade, they kept their distance for a while. No one drew a weapon, but they kept multiplying. Magic? No. The air wasn't sticky.

When the four guards at the gate joined the fight, they had sheer numbers on their side. Tackled from behind, he was slammed to the ground. His knife flew from his hand, and his wrists were secured in a heartbeat.

A cheer rose. "Got him!"

"Excellent job tracking him, Captain Marrok!"

"Woot! We caught the Scourge of Sitia! Let's hang 'im now."

Anger, more than fear pulsed in Valek's heart. Yelena would be unprotected. He needed to make them understand that she was in danger.

They yanked him to his feet, and he came face to face with the Wannabe King.

"Yelena—"

"Is going to be waiting a lifetime for you to show up to your little romantic rendezvous," Cahil said. "You've a date with a noose."

"She's in danger." Valek tried again.

"Not likely."

"She's meeting that killer. Going to sacrifice herself for Opal. He'll become too powerful if he succeeds with the ritual. You need to?—"

Cahil punched him in the face. Valek rocked back, but stayed upright as pain ringed his head and blood filled his mouth.

"I don't need to do anything. Nothing. Except hang you, of course. This time First Magician won't ignore me. Let's go," he said to his unit.

Valek was dragged back into the Citadel and through the now empty streets. He searched for Ari and Janco, hoping they wouldn't try to rescue him, that they'd stick to the plan and follow Yelena.

During the trip, Valek waited for an opportunity to escape. Unfortunately, Cahil's people took no chances. And they didn't take him to the Council Hall, either. They cut through a couple dark alleys to a row of three-story homes. The older buildings were well cared for but in need of some renovations. Not the best neighborhood, but not the worst either. They accessed a back entrance of a house on the end of the row. Cahil's house?

Valek was led down a set of stairs into the basement. A bit of hope rose. There might be a better chance to escape from a home-made prison than the Council Hall's cells.

Someone lit a lantern. Hope died. A metal bunk had been secured to the far wall along with a set of two chains that ended in manacles. There were no windows. Cahil's people stripped Valek of his Sitian clothes and cut off his sneak suit. Dilana would be upset that he'd ruined another one, even though the seamstress should know by now to sew a couple extras for him.

It was better to think of Dilana's reaction rather than the fact that all his lock picks and weapons were now inaccessible. They allowed him to dress in a plain jumpsuit before they secured him, chaining his wrists and ankles to the wall. At least the chains were long enough that he could lie down on the small bunk, but that was as far as he could get.

Cahil's gaze scanned him from head to toe as he gloated. "The only reason you're not dead is because I need to play nice with the Sitian Council. But expect to swing by sundown."

"Please tell the council about Yelena," Valek said.

"The ‘please' is new. Guess someone is finally realizing that you don't trick me without any consequences." He glanced at his unit, who all stood around him, crowding the small space. "Goel learned that lesson, too." He turned. "Let's go."

His unit dutifully followed him up the stairs. Except Captain Marrok. He lingered long enough to meet Valek's gaze. A question creased his brow.

"Yes," Valek said. "He killed Goel."

Marrok pressed his lips together but didn't look surprised. He grabbed the lantern and mounted the steps.

"I want four guards on this door," Cahil ordered. "And hourly checks that the manacles are still secured. This killer is not?—"

The door banged shut, leaving Valek in darkness. Leaving him with nothing but the damp aroma of mold and his thoughts. They swirled and spiraled. He'd underestimated the Wannabe King. There was a real danger he would hang tomorrow. But it was not knowing what was happening with Yelena that plagued him the most. Had she captured Ferde and rescued Opal? Had she been captured? Killed? Utterly helpless, he could do nothing for her. Nothing.

Valek decided he'd prefer to be physically tortured than be left with nothing but his imagination. He searched for something, anything, within reach that he could use to pick the locks but found nothing.

The night dragged like no other in his life. Years spanned between the checks from Cahil's people. Sleep was impossible. Yelena's name thudded with every heartbeat. He tried reaching out to her through their special heart link.

Come on, love. Talk to me. I'm here. Take my energy, my strength, my life if you need it.He'd gladly go to the noose if it meant she lived.

* * *

Captain Marrok arrived for the twelfth check. Besides the lantern, he carried a water skin and a wooden bowl filled with…Valek had no idea. White and gelatinous, it resembled…oatmeal?

"I thought I ordered roast beef, potatoes, and candied carrots for my last meal," Valek said, sitting on the edge of the bunk.

Marrok grunted a half laugh before tossing the water skin to Valek. He set the bowl just within Valek's reach before backing up.

Valek raised an eyebrow. "Did you draw the short straw?" He squirted the lukewarm water into his dry mouth, sucking it down. It had been over twelve hours since he had anything to drink.

"I volunteered. Thought we could reminisce," Marrok said. "Except this time, we're on opposite sides of the bars. So to speak."

"Why aren't there bars?" Valek dipped a finger into the bowl and tasted…porridge? Surprisingly warm and sweet. His stomach growled. Between swallows, Valek asked, "Is Cahil afraid the council will set me free?"

"No. They're thrilled you've been caught and have demanded Cahil turn you over to them. But they've been preoccupied and haven't followed up."

"The magician killer? Any news?" Valek didn't care that he sounded desperate for information.

"The kidnapped girl…Opal, returned late last night. She was hysterical and claimed a woman held her. No idea who, but Opal said she was forced to prick Yelena with a dart filled with Curare."

Ice filled his veins. "Yelena?"

"No sign of her."

Valek sagged against the wall and closed his eyes for a few seconds as he struggled with his emotions. The only thing keeping him from screaming was the fact she had her father's antidote-of-sorts to Curare. "What about the woman? Is she working with Ferde?"

"No idea. But the master magicians are assuming she is and are going to go search the plains once they have gathered enough information. It's a big place, and there's the Sandseeds' magic to contend with."

"Why are you telling me all this?"

"Unlike Cahil, I like and respect Yelena. Except her taste in men is appalling."

"Cute."

"But don't forget, I follow Cahil's orders."

"Why? He's an inexperienced brat that's going to get you all killed."

Marrok's expression turned bullish. "He's the heir to the throne of Ixia."

Valek laughed. "Save that line for Cahil. He's going to figure it out eventually. And when he does, you'll be the first one he turns on. Don't forget what happened to Goel."

"You should be more worried about yourself. Cahil has scheduled your execution at sunset. Very dramatic and, unfortunately for you, the location is very secret. We wouldn't want any of your people interfering."

"A private party?" Valek considered the implications. Less people would give him an advantage if he escaped. But if he didn't and the Sitian Council wasn't in attendance, they could claim Cahil turned rogue to avoid a war with Ixia. He met Marrok's gaze.

Marrok's smile was grim. "Exactly. Cahil might be inexperienced, but he's not stupid." He collected the empty bowl and water skin. Grabbing the lantern, he mounted the stairs.

"Captain?"

Marrok paused.

"If Yelena is killed by Ferde and he completes the ritual, he will have enough magic to counter all four master magicians and rule Sitia. You're going to need me to stop him. I'm the only person immune to magic."

He glanced back at Valek before disappearing up the stairs without a word. Darkness returned. Valek hoped he'd planted a seed of doubt. And even if he was hanged in the end, he'd die happy knowing he personally ripped Ferde's heart from his chest.

* * *

The hourly checks continued, but Valek wasn't given another meal. Instead, one unfortunate man carried a chamber pot down then turned his back so Valek could use it. Valek was tempted to throw the ceramic bowl at the guard, knocking him out, but he doubted the man had a key on him. Besides, he was about ready to explode.

When more than one person descended into his prison, Valek knew the time had come. He'd get only one opportunity to escape. Two people held each of his arms as the manacles around his wrists and ankles were unlocked.

He surged forward, jerking from their grip. Amid the cries of alarm, he lowered his shoulders and plowed through the others, making it to the stairs. Racing up them, he dove through the open door and landed among a group of surprised guards. He kicked and punched, getting in a few good strikes. Dodging and weaving, he tried to find a weak link to break through.

Except, there were just too many of them. One oversized man had a steel jaw and hard head, which he used to headbutt Valek. The pain reminded him of his concussion and stunned Valek long enough to be recaptured.

He cursed as his hands were yanked behind his back and secured. He glared at Cahil for a moment before slouching as if defeated, hoping they wouldn't think to tie his ankles and carry him to the noose.

"Well, that was a good test of our defenses," Cahil said. "Not as exciting as seeing you swing, but all in good time."

Valek glanced around at the crowd. A few people rubbed bruises and glowered at him. Marrok hung back. "You'll have to do better if Ferde takes control of Sitia."

"That's not going to happen."

"You're really good at denial. Aren't you, Wannabe King?"

Ignoring Valek, Cahil motioned to his guards. "Bring him."

Six people surrounded him. The ones behind him and beside him clamped onto his arms, neck, and shoulders. The two in front created a human barrier. It seemed extreme, but, unfortunately, it was quite effective.

Cahil led the little parade through the Citadel's alleys. Valek searched for someone, anyone, who might help him. But the few people they encountered took one look at the group and changed directions before Valek could call to them.

The sun dipped below the Citadel's walls as they reached a small, empty courtyard. The most distinguishing feature stood tall and sturdy, right in the center. The branches of the oak tree reached out and almost brushed the surrounding buildings.

Cahil removed a noose with a long rope from his pack. He threw the rope over one of the lower limbs and pulled it down, so the noose dangled in midair.

Valek's stomach climbed his throat as he realized they planned to strangle him and not break his neck. Cahil handed the end of the rope to Marrok. Then he gestured.

The people holding Valek dragged him over despite his efforts to break free. Once Cahil settled the noose around his neck, Valek froze as terror clenched his heart in its icy jaws. The guards holding him released their grip and stepped back. It was their first mistake.

Valek moved. He kicked high and hard, knocking as many people down as he could. Suddenly, Yelena filled his heart. Fatally injured, she had collapsed onto the ground, too overwhelmed by magic to heal her stomach wound. Strange visions of people and horses and the Avibian Plains zipped through his mind, as if Yelena's life was flashing before his eyes.

The noose tightened around his throat as Marrok pulled the rope, cutting off his air. He had fifteen seconds at most before he passed out. He'd run out of opportunities. This was the end.

Sorry, love. I don't think we're going to make it this time. Regret pulsed.

No! Stay alive. Think of something! Yelena yelled.

I'll stay if you will. Although he'd no idea how to accomplish that. But her agreement gave him a surge of energy. As the noose lifted him into the air, he hooked his legs around Cahil's neck.

Cahil yelled to Marrok as Valek shifted to put his heel on his chin to break the Wannabe King's neck. Marrok let go of the rope. Valek and Cahil thudded to the ground. He'd lost his grip on Cahil, and he still couldn't breathe. Then the guards around him staggered and collapsed to the ground. Shouts filled the courtyard followed by silence.

Black spots filled his vision. His throat burned and his lungs ached. Three black-clad figures leaned over him. A knife flashed and Valek braced for the pain. Except the blade sawed through the rope, and the pressure around his neck disappeared.

Valek filled his lungs. The air wheezed through his bruised throat. Two of the figurers helped him to his feet. The bindings around his wrist were severed and they led him away from the courtyard.

"Hurry," a woman said.

It took a few moments for his brain to connect the figures to his two agents assigned to the Citadel. And even more time to wonder who the third person was. It didn't matter. They'd saved his life.

He could only hope Yelena managed to survive as well.

They arrived at his safe house and entered through the alley. Once inside, the blackout curtains were pulled shut and lanterns lit. Valek collapsed onto the couch as his two agents pulled off their hoods.

The third kept their hood on but shook their head. "Disappear," Ambassador Signe ordered. "If you're caught again, it'll be impossible to rescue you. Understand?"

"Yes, sir." His voice rasped. It hurt to talk.

"Good." She turned to leave.

"Thank you," Valek said.

"Thank my cousin, Ambrose. He'd be displeased with me if you died. Frankly, I think death is the best cure for stupidity."

"Noted."

After she left, Valek thanked his agents, Brigi and Gabor. "How did you find me?"

"After Ambassador Signe alerted us to your capture, we just followed Cahil from the Council Hall. He tried to be stealthy, but…" Brigi shrugged.

"We found his house without trouble," Gabor said. "But the amount of people he had guarding the place made it impossible to get you out. We had to wait until they moved you. And wait for an opportunity to attack. Which was when all their focus was on you."

"And we only had seconds to act," Brigi added.

"Why did you endanger the Ambassador for this mission?" Valek asked.

"She insisted. And, damn, she has great aim and speed." Gabor mimed blowing multiple puffs with his blowpipe.

"You are extremely lucky on multiple accounts." Brigi unwound her long brown hair and combed her fingers through it. "First, that the Ambassador knew where this safe house is located. Second, that Cahil waited to hang you and chose a remote location. Third, that we had just enough sleeping juice for everyone. However, it wasn't enough to keep them down for long. The manhunt for you has probably started. I suggest you bunk with us until you can escape back to Ixia."

That was an excellent suggestion. However, he couldn't leave without finding Yelena and killing Ferde.

They helped him treat his wounds. With all the adrenaline of almost being hanged, Valek hadn't noticed any pain. Now, as Brigi cleaned and bandaged the raw abrasions on his neck and wrists, Valek gritted his teeth. Gabor made him a cup of tea and a bowl of soup laced with pain powder. His throat burned with each swallow, and not because of the temperature.

Valek raided the closet for a set of soft clothes to sleep in. Inspecting the other garments and disguises, he searched for inspiration. He'd need a damn good disguise if he was going to go out in public.

Gabor offered his bed to Valek, but he settled on the couch with the conviction he'd fall asleep instantly. Except, the images Yelena had sent him when he'd been trying to escape Cahil's noose resurfaced as soon as he closed his eyes. Now that he wasn't fighting for his life, Valek tried to slow the visions down so he could examine them. In one, an older woman who resembled Yelena clung for dear life to the upper branches of a tree. The limbs swung wildly in a storm. Either Yelena imagined her life would never be calm, or it was her mother.

The next flash was of Ari and Janco sitting next to a campfire and arguing. Surrounded by long grasses, they appeared to be camping in the Avibian Plains. No doubt lost due to the Sandseeds' magic.

Many visions of Kiki surfaced. The horse talked to Yelena, giving her advice: Trust is peppermints. No stool in wild. Moon Man smart. Magic Lady. Valek wondered if Yelena's magic allowed her to communicate with her horse. That would explain how they had been so in sync in the pasture.

Another mental image showed a woman brandishing a knife. Valek sat up in alarm. He recognized the gray-eyed magician. Alea. Had she been the one to capture Yelena? Was she working with Ferde? It made sense. Alea hated both him and Yelena for killing her brother, Mogkan. She wanted revenge. And the siblings had longed to rule Ixia and Sitia. What better way to achieve those goals than for one of your members to gain enough magic to conquer the Sitian Council and then Ixia? Same objective, different path. Valek added her to his list of people-he-must-kill.

Valek eventually laid back down. Not all the images were disturbing, and he clung to the one of Yelena climbing through a village in the tree canopy. Happy and relaxed, she laughed at the little monkeys that flew and swung through the branches with a nimble dexterity. He remembered the statue of one that he'd admired in her rooms at the Keep. It'd been well crafted with a bunch of colored stones. He wondered if he could do the same with his rocks. Finally, he drifted off to sleep.

* * *

The scent of fried eggs woke him...later. The curtains remained closed, but slivers of sunlight peeked through the gaps. He found Gabor crouched in front of the kitchen's small hearth.

"Breakfast?" Valek asked hopefully.

"Lunch."

He groaned. The morning had been wasted.

Gabor dumped the eggs on a plate and gestured for Valek to sit down at the table. "Eat."

"I am the boss," he grumbled as he sat.

"So the rumors claim. Personally, I think Kenda runs the show."

Valek would have responded, but he was too busy shoveling eggs into his mouth. Gabor added a cup of tea and buttered bread to the meal. When Valek finished eating, he leaned back.

"I've news," Gabor said. "Brigi works as a horse trainer in the council's stables. This morning, the master magicians mounted up with a full cavalry of armed guards to search for Yelena in the plains."

"At least they didn't waste the morning," Valek said.

Gabor smiled. "They didn't get far. Yelena and her horse were apparently on their way back to the Citadel."

Valek straightened. "Why didn't you start with that! Is she okay?"

His agent held up his hands in a placating gesture. "You needed to eat first. And, yes, it appears that she's fine. Her clothes were torn and covered with blood, but Brigi says she moved without wincing and just looked tired. Two captains from Signe's entourage caught up to her and then they parted ways. The men went to the Council Hall, and she entered the Magician's Keep."

Relief surged through his body, leaving him weak and lightheaded. He rested his head in his hands for a moment.

Gabor laid a hand on his shoulder. "Now you can take the day to recover."

Except, he couldn't. Ferde, and perhaps Alea remained a threat. Although Yelena proved she could handle Alea on her own, they were still stronger together.

"I know what you're thinking. Brigi is watching the Keep and will let us know if Yelena leaves. Besides, Cahil and his thugs are out hunting for you."

"Will you stop being so logical?"

"Okay. Go ahead, throw on some lame disguise and rush to her rescue. Oh wait…she doesn't need to be rescued."

"Not helping. I'm a man of action."

"Clearly. How about I go check in with Brigi for any updates? Will that help?"

Actually, it would. "Thank you."

"Anything for you, boss."

"I'm your boss now? You were just treating me like a toddler."

"That's because you were acting like a toddler. Now, am I going to have to put you down for a nap or are you going to behave?"

Valek considered adding Gabor to his people-he-must-kill list.

Gabor correctly read Valek's cold expression. "Just kidding. Don't forget, I saved your life."

"You're lucky I'm unarmed."

"The weapons' closet is next to Brigi's room." Gabor grabbed his cape and headed out.

Most of the knives and lock picks the Wannabe King had taken from him were replaceable. However, he'd lost the cloud-kissed dagger he'd gotten from Sven—his agent who had died while working undercover. Even though he could probably purchase a new one at the Citadel's market, it wouldn't be the same.

Valek found the closet and tucked a few small daggers into his clothing. The action improved his mood. Returning to the couch, he thought he'd shut his eyes for a moment.

A scrape of metal on metal woke Valek. On his feet with a knife in hand, he waited. Another clank sounded. He tracked it to the back door. Gabor and Brigi had keys and wouldn't need to pick the locks.

Valek waited until the door opened. Then he pulled it wide, grabbed an arm, and yanked the person inside. Dropping them onto the floor, Valek followed and pressed his blade on?—

He cursed. "Did something happen? Were you followed?" he demanded.

"Hello to you, too," Janco said. "Can I get up now?"

Valek helped him to his feet and closed the door. "Talk. Now."

"Wow, you're jumpy. I guess it's the whole…" Janco motioned to his neck. "Almost getting hung thing."

"You talked to Ambassador Signe?"

"Yes." Janco straightened his tunic. He wore nondescript Sitian clothes and a pack, which he handed to Valek. "This is yours. We found it where you were jumped." He huffed. "And I'm insulted that you think anyone can follow me."

Glad to have his kit, Valek said, "Sorry, it was a knee jerk reaction."

"You're forgiven. Anyway, the Ambassador wanted me to update you."

"Come on in. Do you want some tea?" He set the bag on what he was starting to consider his couch.

"Love some."

They sat across from each other at the table as Janco filled him in on what happened. "We watched you get nabbed but couldn't do anything at the time. They had like, a million people. Maybe you shouldn't encourage that superman reputation of yours? Otherwise, they might have only brought a half dozen, which the three of us could?—"

"Janco."

"Yeah, sorry. Then we had a dilemma. Follow Cahil and rescue you or follow Yelena as planned."

"I'm glad you followed Yelena. Thank you."

"Not that we did any good," Janco huffed. "By the time we reached the meeting site at that Blood Rock, no one was there. From the marks on the ground, it was obvious there had been three people. One ran off, another of them was dragged onto a wagon that was hitched to a horse. We figured that person was Yelena and we followed the tracks. They had to stop sometime. Except…" Janco shuddered and rubbed his arms. "We ended up spending the night and most of the next day going in circles. First time I've been lost since…" He scratched his ear as he thought about it. "Ever!"

"How did you get back to the Citadel?"

"Yelena's magic horse found us. What a beautiful mare. Sharp as a splinter." His good humor faded. "Yelena was cut up pretty bad. Good thing Ari packed some of Rand's glue and was able to seal the deeper wounds. Apparently, she had to use up her magic to repair a nasty stomach wound. I guess not all magic is bad. Don't tell Ari I said that!"

"I won't. Did she say what happened to her?"

"It was Alea who grabbed her! Claimed she wanted revenge for her brother's death. Ari and I wanted to go after her. Yelena stabbed her in order to escape and we figured she'd be easy to capture, but Yelena wouldn't let us. She's more worried about Ferde. Which makes sense. She beat Alea once, she could again."

"Did you tell Yelena about Alea's actions in Ixia?"

"No."

Curious. "Why not?"

"That's Ixian business. If we're going to be spies, we can't be blabbing. Not even to our friends. Now, if you tell us to tell her, that's different."

"Good to know. What else did you learn?"

"Alea is part of this Daviian Clan that are squatting on a plateau or something. Doesn't sound like they're good people, because Alea's cousin is Ferde and he's a part of their clan."

"They're working together?"

"Yelena says no. They're doing different things but with the same clichéd, power hungry, megalomaniac desire to eventually rule the world. Bah."

Valek mulled over the information. He'd been right about Alea, but her relationship to Ferde put a new twist on things. "Any news about Ferde's location?"

"No. The master magicians are frantic. Something about the full moon tomorrow night being the dead in deadline."

He had a feeling that if Yelena discovered Ferde's location, she'd go after him alone. Considering how the master magicians hadn't been able to find the killer, Valek wouldn't trust them either.

"Thanks for the info. Anything else?"

"Yeah. You need to watch out for Captain Marrok. He's the one who figured out when and where to ambush you. Smart guy. So. Don't. Get. Caught. Or Ari will be upset."

"Ari, eh?"

"Underneath all those muscles lies a teddy bear. But don't tell him I said that, or he'll wallop me."

"Noted."

When Janco left, the safe house seemed overly quiet. Valek paced through the rooms, peered through the curtains, and considered Janco's report. When Brigi returned, he had a rudimentary plan.

"She hasn't left the Magician's Keep," she said. "Gabor will stay and watch this evening."

"I'll take the night shift," he said.

"Is that wise?"

"Probably not, but I need to be nearby in case Ferde attacks."

"Fair enough. There's a good view of the Keep's entrance from the council's stables. There're always a couple hands there. At night, they mostly sleep on the hay bales, but are available for any emergencies."

"It's been a few years since I was a stable boy."

"I'm sure it'll come back to you."

He laughed. "Thanks, but I've a better disguise in mind."

"Better?"

"Oh, yes. This one will make me practically invisible."

* * *

Valek found Gabor in the shadows of the stables. Dressed in typical barn clothes and mud boots, he looked like he was taking a break from mucking out stalls.

"What in the world is that smell?" Gabor's nose crinkled.

"I rolled in a pile of horse manure," Valek said. He held his arms out. His clothing was stained and torn. Dirt streaked his face and he'd rubbed oil into his hair, so it hung in greasy clumps. "Well? Do I look like a beggar?"

"You certainly reek like one."

"Living on the streets is a tough life."

"Speaking from experience?"

"Yes. From an extensive undercover operation." At least this time he wore pants, and another layer of warm clothes underneath the rags. Skirts weren't as warm. "You can go back to the house."

"Brigi can relieve you in the morning."

"I'm staying here for the duration."

"I'll have her bring you breakfast."

"No, thanks. It might blow my cover. I'll scrounge like everyone else."

"Good luck."

Valek had noticed a group of beggars that hung around the Council Hall. At this time of the night, some of them slept on the steps leading up to the entrance. Others occupied nooks around the building, sleeping on dirty blankets. Valek found an open spot with a direct line of sight to the Keep's entrance.

When he sat on the lowest step, the man next to him grunted. "You're new. Where you been hanging?"

"Up near Moonlight Mane Stables."

"That explains the smell. Why you here?"

"The Stable Master caught me stealing food." Valek shrugged. "Nice enough not to press charges but told me to disappear."

"We don't steal here. And you share what you get, or you'll be run out."

"Got it."

"What's your name?"

"Kalek."

"Minel. You better not snore."

They shook hands.

Valek pretended to doze, but his gaze never left the Keep. Four pink columns supported the two-story high arches that framed the marble doors of the entrance. Unlike the Citadel, gates had been installed and they were currently closed.

His thoughts spiraled into a dark place. What if Ferde was hiding inside the Keep? It was probably the only place the master magicians didn't search. Was he stalking Yelena at this very moment? Or did he already have her and was preforming his vile ritual right now?

At least Valek's pile of worries kept him awake and alert. That, and the cold night air. It was almost the middle of the cooling season. Between the two, it was going to be a long night.

Sometime during the deep hours, a voice rang out. "Hey, you. Off the steps!"

One of the Council Hall's guards shooed the vagrants off the stairs. They shuffled away, melting into the shadows. Valek followed. The guard roused everyone from their nooks. Once they were all gone, the guard returned to the hall. It didn't take long for the beggars to go back to their spots and settle down. It happened two more times that night.

"Not the most restful place," Valek said to Minel.

"No, but it's a safe place. And a profitable place." He eyed Valek. "Not for you, though."

"Why not?"

"The generous citizens of the Citadel don't see the grime or the rags, but they notice smells and will be repulsed. There's a free bathhouse near the market, I'd suggest you pay them a visit."

"I'll consider it."

Minel grunted.

When the sky lightened, the vagrants woke. Many of them shuffled off behind the stables to relieve themselves in the piles of dirty straw and horse manure that had been mucked from the stalls.

Soon after dawn, the activity around both the Council Hall and Keep increased. The Keep's gates were opened and the staff entered, reporting for work. Minel handed Valek a stale heel of bread without a word. He stared at the generous gift. Why was it those with the least gave the most? Thank fate, there were no beggars in Ixia. The Commander took care of his people, giving them jobs and clothing. Even those who were physically or mentally unable to work were well cared for.

As the morning wore on, Valek played his part, holding out his hand and pleading for coins. Most people wrinkled their noses and ignored him. A few stopped and gave him a copper or two. One lady gave him a silver to get a bath. Valek kept one copper and handed the rest to Minel to distribute.

Minel grunted. "Maybe that stink is working for you."

* * *

It was getting close to lunch time when Valek spotted Yelena leaving the Keep. She had a determined expression. Heading west, she walked quickly. Valek was about to follow when another man left the Keep and sprinted after her. Ferde?

Valek was too far away to warn her.