This is Rachel Rossano posting for Charissa (Kristy). She sent this to me on Thursday. Enjoy and comment. I will try to pass your comments on to her.

CHAPTER 20 – AFTER EFFECTS

AIDEN

At the very end of my release I felt a sharp pull on my cloak and the dagger moved in its vector. I gasped and watched as my prey fell to the ground, at the same time pushing the older man out of the way. I had missed. I heard the sound of my dagger embedding itself into the wall behind them.

Cursing, I turned to find the girl behind me, still holding my cloak and looking at me with eyes that said everything, but so little. Growling in my throat, I raised my fist to knock her off of me.
“Aiden,” her voice called my name right before I struck.

Kristalyn. Her name came rushing back to me as did the knowledge that I couldn’t hurt her.
Instead of punching her out cold, I spun her around and pushed hard. She stumbled in front of me and then picked herself up and took of running. I followed quickly. Within seconds after the attack we were out of the alley. Neither of us stopped nor spoke until we reached the tavern and our rooms.

Kristalyn had her hand on her doorknob before she spoke in a voice hardly above a whisper, “I had too, Aiden.”

I stared at my own door instead of at her. If I looked at her I couldn’t guarantee my reaction. “He lived.” I finally gave her the information I knew she really wanted. Why I couldn’t be sure, since I hadn’t planned on telling her for days at least.

I could almost feel the relief radiating off of her. She nodded her head, a move I caught out of the corner of my eye, and then entered her room. The door clicked softly behind her. I entered my own room and stared ahead of me, unsure of what to do or think.
I had failed. I was not free. Kristalyn…

Unconsciously, I tore of my clothes as I stumbled to my bed and fell across it. The two phrases and one name running through my fogged mind. They would do so for the rest of the night.

***

I had no idea how long I had lain awake. It could have been minutes, but it was probably more like hours. Had I even slept at all? I had no idea and no way to tell. It was so unusual for me not to sleep, normally it didn’t matter what had happened during the day I could always crash at night…. except for that brief period of time so long ago. I must have gone for a month or so before I had truly slept after the spilt up. Not that it really mattered anymore. My problem was why I hadn’t slept last night.

I didn’t recall thinking during the night. However, the events of the failed assassination were still as clear as the top of a pond in my memory. I had come so close to killing the Hunter, so close to achieving my freedom from Ricald and being able to move on. Kristalyn had stopped me and then I had almost killed her.

For some reason that was like the final straw I couldn’t handle. The mission was to gain the strength I needed to kill Duard. The Hunter stood in the way of that, so he had to go. Kristalyn was just a bystander. I didn’t kill innocents, especially women and children, or at least, I hadn’t yet.

I thought about that one for another second. Not that Kristalyn could be considered an innocent bystander. I wasn’t sure what to call her or for that matter how to handle her. It was a problem I would have to deal with before I made my next move against the Hunter. She couldn’t be allowed to interfere again.

Her actions had not only saved the Hunter’s life, but had alerted him to the presence of an assassin. He would be on high alert now and my surprise element was missing, as was my favorite dagger. I had never failed in a mission before, so I had never lost the dagger. With this failure, I wasn’t able to retrieve it from the dead man’s body. Thankfully, it was of my own design and had no markings that could be linked back to me. It would be a dead end for the Hunter.

I allowed my thoughts to continue to follow the Hunter’s possible line of thought. If he couldn’t identify the assassin, he would try to figure out who I worked for. The question was would he be able to link me back to Ricald? I wavered for a moment, and then decided it didn’t matter. If anything, it would only be a guess and might distract him more.

I would need him to be as distracted as possible before I made my next move. I should have ignored Kristalyn and finished it that night. It had been stupid of me to turn to her, but I hadn’t known who as behind me and it could have been a more dangerous fight.

I played the scene in my head over again for somewhere close to the millionth time. The Hunter and Jaedon had fallen to the ground. Normally, I would have used the seconds it took for them to recover to throw my second dagger. That would have ended for good if I hadn’t been distracted. The Hunter would know that same thing. What did the Hunter think of those few seconds? He had to be curious why I didn’t finish my move when I had the advantage. Did he guess something had happened or maybe he thought I was playing games with him? He would have checked the direction of my attack and found nothing. So, with little knowledge, what would his next action be?

I smiled as I realized he had so little to go on there was not much he could do, except to keep a sharper eye out. If that was the case, I could relax. I would have to attack again soon, especially if things with the war were going to escalate, but I still had time, a full week or two maybe. The stress of knowing I could identify his secrets and he knew nothing about me or when I would next strike would wear him down.

Maybe last night’s efforts hadn’t been a total waste. I could observe the effects the waiting would have on my target. Perhaps if I liked the results I would use the same tactic on Duard, but I doubted it. I was too anxious for that kill.

Biding my time meant I now had time to spare. A large breakfast sounded just about right. Then I would take a trip out to Maglynar. I was overdue for a visit and I didn’t want him any more anxious than normal. Who knew, a visit to the overly active griffin might do me some good as well. Perhaps I could figure out how to tame a totally different species.

***

KRISTALYN

Aiden had been gone for almost two days now. He had informed me he was going out to visit Maglynar at breakfast and by lunch he had disappeared. It was strange not having him there to follow. But what had me concerned were his motives.

He had left me in the city, alone, and unprotected. Why did he not assume I would run to the Hunter with all the information I had as soon as I was given the chance? He was under no illusions about my intentions to protect the Hunter. I had foiled his first attempt quite well. The memory of it was still unsettling. I had come to close to failure that evening.

So, why when I succeeded did Aiden finally leave me alone in the city? He had to have something up his sleeve. Maybe he hadn’t really gone to see Maglynar, but was waiting to see what I would do. If that was the case I had two options. One was to prove that I was trustworthy and the second was to do what I wanted and warn Tray that the assassin was still around.

I had failed to warn him earlier and it had almost gotten him killed. I had to make sure I didn’t repeat that mistake. Of course, any message I did get to him would have to be vague, because I couldn’t let my brother know I was in the city. He’d be more upset over that fact than anything else, and he didn’t need the added distraction.

I laughed softly to myself. It seemed I was going with option number two. Quickly, I pulled out the piece of parchment and writing coal I always kept with me. I would have to word it just right.

What? Egan asked from his perch on my window sill.

“I have to get a message to Tray and warn him that Aiden will try again,” she asked again.

Already knows.

“No, he doesn’t, though he may assume it. In all honesty this is probably more for my own conscious than anything else. I feel like I’ve lost my connection to my brother, that I’ve betrayed him with Aiden. Perhaps this will help to ease my conscious if nothing else,” I explained to the task driven dragon.

Poor.

I snorted. “I don’t recall asking for your opinion, Egan.”

Free.

“Freely given, huh? Well, aren’t I lucky? Are you going to keep talking or can I finish this?”
The dragon huffed at being dismissed and as was typical promptly put his nose in the air as if to say, “no big deal.”

I stared at the parchment. Simple would work best.

Carefully, to disguise my handwriting, I wrote, “Skilled assassin remains and waiting to kill. Very persistent. Be on guard.”

Already knows.

Apparently, the dragon was more interested than he wanted me to think. “I realize that, Egan. But the permanent reminder might help him stay focused on the fact. I don’t want him to get complacent and not realize it.”

I folded the note and stood. “Stay here, Egan. I’ll be right back.”

The walk took me very little time as I was now so familiar with it. It also helped me to keep my mind off what I was doing. For some reason that I could not figure out, that was important right now. The fact that the streets were more crowded than usual helped too. I frowned and listened in on conversations as I walked by. It didn’t take long to realize that the king and prince of the Wild Men were leaving along with their contingent. That could only mean that with the engagement established they were heading out to build up their army. That was very bad news for Aerilya. I sent up a quick prayer that my mother had gotten all of the information we knew to King Jaeger.

I snuck into the alley across from Tray’s house and waited for a moment. There was no sound or activity coming from it. It would only take a moment for me to slip the note under the door. It was a primitive means of communicating with Tray, but better than nothing. I was pretty sure that Tray and Jaeger were out watching the Wild Men leave the city. It had sounded like they would be making a grand exit through town.

Glancing down the street both ways and once more at the house, I left my hiding spot and quickly raced up to the door. Within seconds the deed was done. Oddly, I felt very little relief at having warned my brother again. I slipped back into the alley and pulled up short, my breath leaving in one flush. Standing before me, arms crossed, was Aiden.

“Do you feel better having betrayed me?” He asked, in his low voice.

“Betrayed you or honored my…” I paused and he raised an eyebrow. “friend?” I finished lamely. “Why aren’t you with Maglynar? Did you lie to me again?” I changed the subject quickly.

He laughed softly. “Did I have too? It didn’t take very long for you to run to your Hunter with news, though little good it did you.”

What did he mean by that? I wanted to ask, but I was afraid of the answer, so instead I simply stayed silent.

A small cockily smile graced his face. “Tell me, Kristalyn, what did you write to your dear Hunter friend?” He stressed the last word.

It wouldn’t do any harm in answering that, at least, none that I could see. “That a persistent assassin is still in the area and to be on guard.”

He cocked an eyebrow at me. “That’s all?”

I nodded, slightly confused. What did he want me to tell him?

Aiden took a step closer to me. I could actually feel his presence. “Why didn’t you tell him more?” His voice was too soft for comfort now.

I swallowed. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“You could have told him anything you wanted. Who I work for, why I didn’t finish the attack, what my style is, when I might strike next, what I look like… the list goes on, Kristalyn. Yet all you chose to tell him were things he already knew. Why?”

That was a very good question. I could have told Tray any of those things, and I didn’t. In fact, most of those things hadn’t even crossed my mind. Why? I was much better than this and we both knew it. Why was I holding back? I didn’t understand. But I knew enough to be furious with myself. How stupid could I be letting myself become so simple? What a complete fool!

“You couldn’t, could you?” Aiden’s voice cut through my harsh thoughts.

“What?” I asked, confused.

“You couldn’t let yourself tell him anything else.” His cocky grin was back in place.

“What?” I asked again, feeling more foolish by the second.

He laughed and stepped even closer. I wanted to step back, but he already had the dominate position here, I couldn’t give him anymore ground.

“Admit it, Kristalyn. You couldn’t betray me even when you did have the chance.”

“You were watching me,” I breathed.

“Oh, I went out to see Maglynar. I knew you wouldn’t make a move for a few days at least. When I returned, it was to find you heading out.”

“How…”

He lifted a hand and placed it under my chin to raise it just a little higher. It was only then that I realized my heart was beating much fast than it was supposed to be.

“Because like it or not, I can read you very well. You can’t hide anything from me.”

Well, that wasn’t true. He still didn’t know Tray was my brother, but as for the rest. I shifted uncomfortably. He was getting to close to the truth for comfort. When did this start to happen? How had he learned to read me? And why?

His thumb stroked my cheek. He was making me uncomfortable on purpose. I could tell by the look in his eyes he was enjoying it. But I couldn’t seem to break out of whatever spell he was using either. And I had a feeling he knew that too.

“It’s written all over your face. You don’t feel any better having written the Hunter and you still can’t tell why.”

How in all of the earth could he possible know that? He had never, not ever, been able to read me so well. In fact, last I could remember, he was trying to figure me out. So, what had happened to change so drastically and completely? I wanted to scream I was so frustrated.
“It would be easier on you if you would just admit you want me.”

He spoke, but it was a few minutes later that my brain actually processed his words. When they finally became clear I stared at him in shock. His steel gray blue eyes held his amusement. I yanked my chin away from him and punched hard. He blocked most of it, but I still managed to hit his stomach. He looked at me amused, but didn’t make another comment.

“You know nothing about me, Aiden. Do not pretend too. You will regret it,” cold fury suppressed my voice. “You don’t know what I really put in that letter, only what I told you. Watch yourself, Aiden. This isn’t over.”

Spinning around, I walked right onto Tray’s street and moved down back towards the tavern. If Tray came back and saw me I was sunk, but at this point I was so mad I didn’t care. I had a major problem. Aiden was reading me too well. He wasn’t as good as he thought he was, but he was getting to close. Or perhaps I was letting him get to close. The only thing I could be sure about was that when it came to Aiden I was all confusion and it was going to get me or Tray killed. The last wasn’t an option. It was time I did what I should have long ago. It was time to go to Deus on my knees.

When I reached my room, that was exactly what I did and it was a long time before I rose.

***

AIDEN

It never ceased to amaze me how much fun it was to get reactions out of her. I followed slowly behind her and figured once we reached the main street I would lose sight of her, but I knew where she was headed, so I wasn’t that concerned.

The idea of leaving her in the city alone had come to me sometime during breakfast and for some reason I had enjoyed the thought of confusing her completely. She had actually gone with me to see Maglynar and Kuroiden, however, I didn’t tell her I was planning on staying with them until we had already arrived. Without supplies, she had been forced to go back.

It had been instinct alone that had told me she wouldn’t try to contact the Hunter for a few days. It had been a type of test, but one I knew she would fail. She would need that much time to try and figure out what I was up too. Her own feelings were as confused as mine. I had been lying to her when I said I could read her so well she couldn’t hide anything from me, well mostly lying. It was her actions that confused me the most often, but her thoughts, voice, and emotions, were becoming second nature to my own. I just wasn’t sure why.

I had always been good at reading the family I once had. I often surprised them by stating their thoughts out loud before they could. But Kristalyn was not my sibling and I hadn’t grown up with her. Why did I have this connection with her?

It was confusing and if I was smart it would have worried me more, but I was far too intrigued by it. It was also proving to be useful in getting information out of her. I was learning the right things to say to get her to speak and by being able to read her I could tell when she was lying, telling the truth, or hiding something from me. Though lately, it didn’t seem like she was hiding a whole lot. I could only think of two major things. One was her relationship to the Hunter and the second was who had died in this city. Why both were so important for me to know I wasn’t sure. But I had a feeling that when I found out, it would change a whole lot and the thought made me unease. I never did like unknowns during missions.

My path of thought was cut off as I entered the pompous fray of the King and Prince of the Wild Men leaving the city. The two sat atop of some of the largest stallions I had ever seen. The amount of men they had brought with them wasn’t huge, but they men themselves were and they completely blocked the street. Lined up on both sides of the streets to the gate, was every man, woman, and child that the city had to offer. Almost to a person, they wore looks of amazement, though a few men carried looks of disgust, and some women looks of horror. With the Wild men leaving, the city would soon be reading itself for the attack on Aerilya. After that, the Wild Men would be back to join them. If the other Wild Men looked like these did, Aerilya did not stand a chance. If that was the case, it wouldn’t matter if I killed the Hunter or not.

I smiled as I caught sight of the man himself. Dressed finely as the merchant Cormac, he and Jaedon sat atop their own horses watching the spectacle. Neither looked happy. Jaedon looked around often as if watching for an invisible assassin. I chuckled at the thought. Little did he know I was standing only a few feet away watching him. Cormac, or Tancred, looked only a little bit better. He kept his eyes on the King and Prince, but he did have Jaedon watching everything else for him.

“Feel safe while you can, Hunter. It won’t last long. A few more days I think, maybe more,” I muttered under my breath.

A loud crash startled some of the horses in the road, though Tancred and Jaedon kept control of theirs. Both men turned to watch the commotion and then looked at each other, before leaving the events. I grinned. They were both nervous. A little bit longer and I would have them right were I wanted them. Looking over their shoulder at much smaller noises and not knowing when I would hit. All I needed to do now was decided when and where I wanted to attack. They would do the rest for me.

***

Posted this already, but it didn't take. Hope it does this time. Remember, 18 and 17 were posted earlier, so don't miss them!!

CHAPTER 19 ~ ASSASSINATION

AIDEN

By the next day the whole city was a buzz of activity and excitement. It wasn’t too difficult to learn that the Princess Brysa’s betrothal to the Wild Men’s Prince Jaquin was to be finalized the following evening. It was to be the largest event in the history of the city, or so some of the more elite stated. My guess was that they simply said that because they were allowed to attend. But whatever their reasons, the city hummed with preparations for the big festivity.

Cormac’s house was also affected. While the house itself was kept out of all merriment, the occupants inside seemed to be preparing. All three had left the house and made their way to the market almost immediately the female spit off from them for parts unknown. I probably should have tailed her at least once, but she didn’t appear to be a threat, though the men seemed to think she could take care of herself. The Hunter cast her an interesting look once or twice, but the female didn’t seem to notice. I didn’t know if the knowledge would come in handy later or not, but I stored it in my memory just in case. It might be possible to use her against him, although I already had Kristalyn for that and I seriously did not want to deal with any more females.

The Hunter and Jaedon continued to the market, where they entered the tailor’s shop. I stepped to the side of the shop, just outside of view if anyone should look out and listened causally to the conversation inside.

“This will do, Driuh,” Tancred stated.

“Thank you, Cormac. I assure you it will look wonderful at the Princess’ betrothal ceremony,” the tailor replied quickly, obviously eager to please.

“Yes, well that is what is important.” Tancred said the words, but his tone suggested he didn’t really believe that. “You can pay him, Jaedon.”

There was the sound of money being moved around and in a few moments Cormac and the tailor and exchanged goodbyes. Quickly, I moved into the nearby alley and turned to face the wall. I didn’t want the Hunter to feel extra eyes on him. Kristalyn had chosen to take up a position across the road and so she was already out of the way. When the two had passed by and were a safe distance away, I came back to the street and looked to Kristalyn, who smiled at me and moved her head after the Hunter. She wanted to know if we were following, but I shook my head no. I had the information I needed. Now, I just had to convince Kristalyn.

I would attack the Hunter on his trip back from the party. Appeartly, the female would not be in attendance, since she didn’t require new clothing, which meant there would only be the two men to deal with. With any luck, he would be distracted when he left and not have his full guard up. All I would need was one moment and a long range attack with a well aimed knife would silence him forever.

All I had to do was get Kristalyn out of the way. That was by far easier to say in my mind than actually do. She was the most stubborn female I had ever met and that included all of my sisters. Slowly a plan formed in my brain.

If I could convince her I was going into the house tomorrow night, she would try to follow me there. I could lock her at least momentarily in her room, if I planned it right, and when she got out she would head straight for the house. It would have to be timed perfectly, but with enough luck it would all be over by tomorrow night and I would be free.

***

KRISTALYN

He had come up with a plan. I could see it in his eyes. It was the same look Tancred got when he received a mission and knew he had to carry it out. Tancred. It had been so good to see him over the last few days. He looked stressed, but healthy. The city was taking its toll on him. It was easy to tell that he had given his all and needed a rest. I wondered why he was still here. I could think of only two reasons. One was that he didn’t have the exact information he needed. He wouldn’t leave until he felt his mission was totally complete. The second reason was much worse. One was that he was under suspicion. If that was true.… I felt myself shudder at the thought. Our father had died in this city while on a mission I couldn’t let the same happen to my brother. I wouldn’t.

Yet, it seemed I was intent on helping the one person in the city who knew for a fact that Cormac Alstair was really the legendary Hunter, Tancred Rayln. Although, he didn’t know Tray’s last name, now that I thought about it, but that hardly mattered. He knew enough to get Tray killed and now it seemed he had a plan for how he wanted to do it. I would have to warn Tancred and soon.

We entered the Red Thornbush and our usual girl waited on us. Once again, she totally ignored me, while batting her eyelashes at Aiden and cooingly asked if he wanted his regular or if he wanted to add a little spice. I wanted to gag. The woman was a total hussy and Aiden didn’t seem to feel any need to tell her to scat. Instead, he laughed and said he’d check on the spice later and ordered his usual.

“I’ll take my usual too,” I finally spoke up, wanting to throttle the wench.

She looked at me as if seeing me for the first time in her life. “What is your usual?”

Aiden smothered a grin, but his eyes danced with amusement as I replied through clenched teeth, “The smoked chicken with a side of potatoes and long green beans.”

“Oh,” she replied, looking slightly dazed. Then she recovered and turned back to Aiden. She laid a finger on his arm, and let it trail down it as she said, “Be right back with your food, handsome.”

If I could have sucked her eyes out of there sockets, I would have. Aiden didn’t seem to care either way. He just nodded his consent and then took a long drink of his ale.

“Jealous yet?” He asked causally, when he put down his cup.

“What?” I asked, totally distracted.

He gave a small snort. “I’m going to take that as a yes.”

“I do recall telling you that women would pay not to be with you. I should revise that to smart women.”

“I’m guessing you think your in that category,” he replied, amused.

“What is your plan? I know you have one,” I said instead, having had quite enough of the current subject.

He raised an eyebrow at me, obviously not fooled by my tactic, but at this point I could care less.

“You are going to stay in your room tomorrow so you won’t get in trouble,” he stopped when I laughed.

“Come now, you already know that won’t be happening.”

“And so I should trust you with my plans? That’s not happening, Kristalyn.”

Sure, now he remembers what my name is. “I’m coming along no matter what.”

“No, you’re not. I don’t want you anywhere near that house,” he said steadily.

He’d slipped. “The house? So, are you reconing it or planning on trying to kill him tomorrow?”

He shot me a look of frustration. Finally, he admitted, “I’m planning on reconing. I should have plenty of time while they are at the betrothal ceremony and I can figure out the best plan of attack that way. And I don’t want you warning the Hunter.”

“Now, what makes you think I would do that?” I asked, innocently.

He shot me a look, but said nothing. “This little partnership you think we have going ends tonight, Kristalyn.”

I shook my head no. “Oh, this ‘little partnership’ as you call it is just getting started.”

I wasn’t letting him out of my sight. If he was just doing a recon that was fine, but I harbored no illusions. If I wanted to keep my brother safe, I had to make sure I stuck with the warrior. I wasn’t letting him out of my sight.

***

I was totally frustrated. Aiden hadn’t gone around the house at all. He had spent half of the day doing meaningless tasks. Around lunch, he had exited the city to pay a much needed visit to Maglynar. I was thrilled to see Kuroiden, but I wanted to get on with whatever was going to happen that night. After Maglynar was once again content and I said goodbye to Kuroiden, we returned to the city. When we got back, Aiden ordered his early meal sent up to his room. He even had the nerve to ask that the wench bring it up herself. Her grin covered half her face. I knew he did it only to try to upset me. But I wasn’t upset at all. Why would I be? If he wanted to waste his time with a tramp who had no self respect or control, what did that mean to me? After all, I could care less what he did with his personal life. I just needed to keep him from hurting my brother.

Aiden grinned at me, before closing his door. I stuck my tongue out at it and then slammed my own door. The move was juvenile, but it made me feel slightly better. I flopped down on my bed, narrowly missing Egan, who gave me a very long reproachful look. I ignored him. Why was I letting this bother me anyway? It shouldn’t matter to me what Aiden did at all, unless it concerned the Hunter. But for some reason, I had started to let things like this get to me. I wasn’t sure exactly what it meant, but I knew for a fact I didn’t like it and couldn’t let it continue.

Egan stretched and clacked at me questioningly.

“I’m fine, Egan. I just wish I knew better what Aiden was planning for tonight.”

Worried?

“Yeah, I’m worried. Something is off, but I don’t know what and Aiden is just plain acting strange.”

Acting? Egan gave me a long suffering look.

“No, he is normally not strange. Knock it off Egan.”

Affected.

“Affected? He’s not effecting me. I need to understand him if I’m going to stop him.”

Egan let out a very loud snort.

I sighed. “You wouldn’t understand anyway. You hate him.”

Good reason.

“Yeah, maybe you do have a good reason. But I think Deus wants us to help him with something, Egan. He is in a lot of pain.”

Egan got a small grin on his face and turned around to lie down again.

“Oh, that’s helpful, Egan. Your answer is let him wallow in pain. That’s low even for you. Even if he does deserve some of it,” I muttered as an after thought.

Suddenly, I frowned. I had been in the room for a while now and I couldn’t remember the last time I had heard movement from next door. Tray and Jaedon would be leaving for the banquet soon. We should be getting to the house before they left. Where was Aiden?

Quickly, I stepped to the door. The handle refused to turn. I frowned and tried again. It was locked or jammed. Aiden had locked me into the room.

“Egan!”

The pseudo-dragon leapt up immediately.

“Aiden locked me in!” I swung around to the dragon. “He’s not casing the house. Egan, he’s gone to kill Tray! I have to get out of here!”

The dragon leapt from the bed and hovered in the air for a moment. He looked at the door as if deciding what to do. It seemed to take him forever and my mind was whitewashed with cold fear as I fought blindly to remove the harsh panic that threatened to overwhelm me. Tancred was in trouble, big trouble and I was trapped in my room. Egan decided to act, just as I felt the icy fear wash from my body and replaced with hard resolve. Instinct had taken over. My job was not to be afraid, but to get out and help my brother.

Egan headed for the door and used his tail inside the lock. He worked for only a moment before I called him off. He wasn’t going to be able to get through like that.

“Egan, let me,” I stated calmly. I pulled a small dagger from my hip and inserted into the key lock. I worked until I heard a faint click. The action took only moments, but it felt like ages. Leaving the dagger there, I motioned for Egan to bring me my spare knife. The dragon nosed my bag around for only a moment before his delicate snout was able to pick out the dagger. I used it to slide between the door and the frame. Working the two knifes together, as Tray had taught me long ago, I managed to release the lock and the door swung open.

In the hallway, the wench from earlier was outside Aiden’s room.

“Is he there?” I asked brusquely.

She turned to look at me. Her face changed slowly from confusion to haughtiness as she answered, “He’s moved to a more comfortable location. A private one.”

I didn’t have time for her pettiness. Aiden must have slighted her rather badly for her to make up such a ridicules lie. That meant he had really gone. Quickly I turned back into my room.

“He’s gone, Egan. He must be on the way to the house. He’s planning on killing Tray tonight. I have to get to that house.”

Do?

“I have no idea. But I will stop him somehow. If I do not come back by daybreak get out of the city and head for the camp. The window is open for you. Make sure Kuroiden understands what is happening. Tray was compromised in Ruma and the Wild Men are joining forces with Elangsia. Got it?”

Egan clicked angrily, but finally nodded his head.

“I’ll be fine. Just don’t let me down, my friend.” The whole time I had been talking I had been packing the last few items I needed into my emergency bag. I didn’t know what was in store and I needed to be prepared. Finally, I lifted my dark green cloak over my shoulders and slipped back out the door.

I moved on instinct. Ages of training my body for just such circumstances took over and I reacted as if I knew exactly what to do. Within minutes I was out of the tavern and down the block on my way to Tancred’s house. I was going to save my brother even if it cost me my own life. Hopefully, it wouldn’t come to that or Tray would never forgive me.

***

I traveled to Cormac’s house almost without any thought. It was as if my body acted completely separate from my mind. It was instinct and adrenaline and right now the two might just save my brother’s life. Perhaps that is why I found myself in the alleyway where Aiden and I usually watched the house from. Aiden wasn’t there.

I exhaled in total frustration. Where was he? Had he already made it into the house? There were still lights on inside, but no movement. Had Tray and Jaedon already left or where they still inside? But the major question was Aiden’s whereabouts.

Carefully, I backed up and looked around the area. Our footprints littered the ground, and it was impossible to distinguish most of them. I frowned and moved forward and looked at the ground again. Slowly, I bent down and fingered a boot print. It was Aiden’s and it was fresher. He must have been here earlier, but by how much? And where did he go? Into the house or down the street? I needed to know.

I could feel myself getting worked up and consciously took a deep breath. Crouching down, I let myself breath in, count to seven, then breath out, and count to seven again. I had to stay focused and panic was definitely not going to help with that. Finding Tray with all speed available was a must, but I would need a clue as to what Aiden’s objective was first. Something about the situation didn’t sit right. I settled down to watch the house as I thought.

Aiden had said that he was planning on looking at the house tonight to find the best way to attack. The house would be quiet while they were at the ceremony. But I knew that was a lie. So, I only had two options. One was that Aiden had snuck into the house and was lying in wait there. The second was that he had followed Tray to the betrothal ceremony and was going to attempt to kill him there. There would be more witnesses there though, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t try it. The house was more likely, but would he wait that long? There was the girl in the house to consider too.

Who was she? Tray would never allow a female to enter the city with him. He was terrified that something would happen to my mother and I if we came. Could it be a girl he had rescued? But then, why not send her away? She seemed to travel the city freely and a lose cannon like that could compromise his mission, not to mention his cover. What exactly did she mean to him?

I realized with a start I was jealous. Whoever this girl was, she was getting to spend time with my brother, who I hadn’t been able to really see in months. We kept missing each other at the camp and our travels never seemed to be in the same direction anymore. It wasn’t fair that she got to spend time with him when I didn’t.

The object of my thoughts appeared in the open doorway effectively cutting my jealous spat. She wore a dove gray cloak that fell to her knees. I watched as she looked around suspiciously and then exited the house closing the door firmly behind her. Her hood effectively shadowed her face, so I couldn’t really see any of her features, but she appeared to be grim and determined. What was the mystery girl up too?

Swiftly, she descended the steps and set off in the direction of the wealthy section. It was possible she was going to catch up to Tray and Jaedon, however she didn’t seem to be dressed for a party. Where could she be going with such determination and would she lead me to Tancred? Right now, she was the closest link I had to finding my brother’s whereabouts. My only problem in following her was that I still didn’t know if Aiden was waiting to get into the house. If I moved fast, I might be able to find that out without losing her.

Quickly, I crossed the street and locked around the house. I snuck into the small shack and disturbed the horses resting there. Jaedon’s horse barely rose from his sleep, but Chale, Tray’s beloved horse, whinnied at my approach. I smiled. It was a greeting from an old friend.

“Hey, boy. It’s good to see you too. Are you taking good care of Tray? Of course you are,” I answered my own question.

In the stall next to Chale was a large brown horse I didn’t recognize. He snorted at my approach and seemed unhappy to see a stranger.

“Whoa there, Big Fellow. You must belong to the girl. How does she handle a big boy like you?” I asked, but didn’t move any closer.

Aiden hadn’t been in here. The animals were too calm. By the time I moved back to the front of the house, the girl was almost completely out of site. I took off at a fast pace to catch up and only slowed when I was just out of her hearing range.

Aiden hadn’t tried to gain entrance into the house. He would have left some sign and there had been none. I wasn’t even sure he had crossed the street, which could only mean that he had lain in wait for Tray and Jaedon and then followed them to the banquet. He had lied to me from the beginning. Not that I should be surprised. After all, I wouldn’t have told me the truth either. Still, it meant that Tray was in deep trouble now and he had no warning it was on the way.

If this girl didn’t lead me to him, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. It would take me hors to search out all the hiding places from here to the palace and there was no possible way I could find them. Not to mention that my brother could have taken an infinite number of routes. Aiden wouldn’t attempt to kill him in a public way, that wasn’t his style. He would wait until Tray was off guard and more secluded.

The city was filled with well wishers for Princess Brysa and their joyful comments as well as their doubts over the marriage could be heard on everyone’s lips. No one like the thought of the Princess being whisked away to the north, however, they seemed to be willing to overlook it for the merriment of the night. Dancers, fire spinners, gaily clad men, women, and children were all out crowding the streets and enjoying the festivities. The crowd was so thick I thought for sure I had lost the mystery girl. It was a mere stroke of luck, or perhaps Godly providence, that a drunk laid possession to her arm and stalled her. Her rather short conversation with him drew a few on lookers and I managed to catch up just in time.

“Dance with the swine. You smell like one,” she stated with disgust.

She could handle herself. She marched away and finally slipped away from the majority of the crowd. I hoped that meant we were getting closer to Tray. A few minutes later though, she had slipped up close to a house and hidden herself in the bushes. What was she up too?

It seemed she had settled in to wait. I growled in frustration as I did the same across the street. Whose house was it and why was she waiting? I needed to get to Tray and Aiden and neither was here. Patience was not a virtue I valued very highly.

It was dark by the time I saw her move. The moon behind the clouds made it almost impossible. Carefully, she made a move to the window. That’s when I saw him. I held my breath as he reached up and grabbed her roughly just before she could hoist herself inside. He was a soldier and a mean one at that. What did he want with her? He was being far too rough, though she was putting up a good fight.

Snatches of his voice carried to me, though I could hear none of hers.

“wasn’t right… Cormac Alstair…it was you…pleasure in subduing you…female spy…”

A female spy? She was being accused of spying in place of Tancred. Apparently, she wasn’t going to take that without a fight. I caught a gleam of the dagger in her hand only a second before she attempted to use it on him. I moved automatically, but by the time I was across the street, it was obvious she had lost. I could do nothing, but get myself caught. I ducked behind a set of bushes and clenched my fist angrily. No one deserved to be treated like that. Her cry of pain tore at my heart as the solider gouged her own dagger into her shoulder. She tried to react, but he slammed his large fist into her jaw and I watched as she slowly dropped to the ground.

Every inch of my body screamed to help her, but I didn’t know how. Whatever move I could make would only cause him to hurt her worse, before I could get her away. I looked down to find an arrow already in my hands. I could shoot him, however, I’d have to kill him in order to get her away. Still, it would be worth it if she survived the encounter.

Slowly I raised my bow when I felt the command to stop.

Excuse me? What is it, Abba? I need to help her.

Stay your hand, Child. She is in mine.

My fingers tightened around my arrow, but I lowered it to my lap. Yes, Abba, but I don’t like this. She’s in pain.

Simply follow, Little One.

Yes, Abba. I answered. I stowed my bow and arrow and waited. He bound the girl’s hands and then hefted her up and walked towards the palace. I wasn’t sure if Dues had meant for me to follow his command or follow the man and girl, but I decided to do both. It would seem Dues was directing my steps now. I simply had to follow.

Sometime during the walk towards the palace the girl had regained consciousness, though how she did when she was so hurt I couldn’t imagine. The guard seemed to think that was funny though, because he immediately dropped her to the ground and begin to half drag her as she stumbled behind him. I could feel the raw fury in my throat. Where all of King Brastus’ men so hard and cruel? Perhaps this place was such like in the passage of the Holy Book that _______ our priest friend from home had once read. It was burned with fire and brim stone because of the wickedness. Would Dues do such a mighty act again? Then Ricald, Bractus, and this soldier would all pay. They all deserved it.

The palace was in view now. I couldn’t follow inside, so I began to scan around for a suitable place to hide. I wanted to know what would happen to the girl next. I also needed to find Aiden. I doubted he would make an actual attempt inside the castle. The thought of tray dying in the same place as our father sent a wash of icy fear through me. I took a deep breath and steadied myself. Aiden wasn’t that stupid. It was a possibility he was hiding along the route back to Cormac’s house, but he would have to be absolutely sure that was the route Tray would take back. I doubted he doubted he believed the Hunter would take the same route twice.

I slid up to a building and stood for a minute, utterly confused. Where had these rational thoughts come from? I had been totally focused on the girl and even though I hadn’t forgotten about Aiden he hadn’t been the first thing on my mind either. I hadn’t been able to figure out a way to follow him earlier, nor had I figured out to search around the castle. So, why think of it now?

I didn’t have a reason. Only that Deus was guiding my thoughts as much as my steps. If I trusted Deus, my brother and Aiden would be close by. More importantly, I wasn’t too late.

The soldier and his prisoner reached the main gate and melted into the shadow beyond it. I took a step away from the wall as they did so, but instead of watching them I scanned the shadows of the buildings all around. Many of the corners still had brightly lit torches, despite the late hour. Though most people had left, the merriment had obviously been heavy around the castle entrance. The streets were littered with brightly colored streams of ribbon, handkerchiefs, ladies lace, and the drunks to drunk to move and pickpockets to busy to leave. A strange shadow appeared at the corner of one of the further back buildings and just as quickly disappeared.

I frowned. It had come out when there had been activity at the gate. Was Aiden watching? It was a good spot to observe from, but if I was wrong I would lose valuable time. I still didn’t know what was happening with the girl and I had yet to spot Tray.

“Deus, please guide me. You said the girl was yours. Keep her safe under your wing. I’ll trust her to You. Abba, I need to find Aiden. Do I risk going after the shadow? Was that him?”

Forcing a calm I didn’t exactly feel, I waited for the answer. Slowly the calm became a peace that wasn’t from me. I smiled.

“Thank you, Abba.”

Quickly, I slipped back the way I had come and then down the closest alleyway. I couldn’t head straight for Aiden, his view of the gate was too perfect. He would see me coming and sneak away. My only choice was to come up from behind him. To do that, I had to make a box shaped around his position. It took longer, but it would get me closer to him without being detected.

As I moved I tried to form a plan. I really only had two options. One was to take Aiden down before he had the chance to attack and the second was to distract him when he actually made the attempt. The second would be trickier and require perfect timing. Those facts made the first option seem better, however, in order to stop him from attacking at all tonight I would have to really hurt him. Something in the pit of my stomach rebelled at that thought. Under no circumstances would I allow him to hurt Tray, however, I didn’t relish the thought of putting a second arrow into Aiden either. I should want to kill Aiden for even thinking of hurting my brother, but as usually my thoughts on the subject were a total tangle. It was no wonder I rarely let myself wander to that subject.

I was approaching his position and I still didn’t have a plan. All I knew for sure, was that I was hurting Aiden only if I had absolutely no choice. But then, I had decided that long ago. I was close now. Suddenly, I heard a familiar voice. Tray was walking down the street. I couldn’t make out his voice, but his tone told me he was highly upset and furious. He must have seen the girl. The shadow I had been watching moved immediately to follow. I was right, it was Aiden. Now, I had to make my decision.

***

AIDEN

I watched my prey pass by my position and smiled. Perfect. Something in the castle had highly upset him. He was distracted and furious. His strides were long and purposeful, but heavy and his breathing was ragged. Outside the castle had been merriment, but it had died down long ago. Whatever was going on inside, was confined there now. It didn’t really matter why my prey was upset. The more distracted, the easier the kill would be.

I stood and turned down a different street to keep them in view. In a short time I would take cut across to get ahead of them, but for now this was fine. I was pretty sure I knew the route they would take, but I didn’t need any surprises. Soon it would be over and my prey would be dead. The kill should take only a moment.

Prey, kill… I had flipped into my assassin’s mindset sometime over the last few hours. The man I hunted was no longer the Hunter, and no longer had any connection to the girl who had been traveling with me. In my mind, she didn’t even have a name anymore. Everything not vital to this kill had been lost to me only the prey and the dagger at my wrist remained. It would taste blood tonight and I wanted that blood to be human red.

The street were quiet now, all merrymaking gone, though litter was still everywhere. It was good for me. The quite would cause fewer distractions for me and my prey obviously needed nothing else to distract him. His mind was somewhere different entirely. I almost wanted to laugh. All this time, I had waited in the shadows and now he was walking into my trap making things so easy. I couldn’t have planned it better. The joy of the hunt was almost intoxicating.

The two men turned down another street in the middle class section and began to move slightly faster. It was almost time for the kill. They had taken the route I predicted and I quickly cut across to get in front of them. I was now on their left side and a few streets in front of them. I had only to wait. I breathed deeply as I slid my favorite dagger smoothly from its sheath. Tonight, this dagger would earn me my freedom. I was almost ready now. I could feel it. Soon, I would defeat the man that had taken my life from me. I would kill him without mercy or grace. I would watch him die and take pleasure in knowing I had achieved the ultimate freedom.

I frowned slightly. That was later. Tonight, I had to focus. Tonight only this prey mattered.

I couldn’t see them, but I could hear their footsteps now. They were taking no precautions, safe in their disguise. I would prove them wrong and it would cost my prey his life. I stepped forward towards the end of the alley. Suddenly, their footsteps stopped. Had they picked up on my presence? Perhaps the Hunter was not as distracted as I thought. It didn’t matter. He didn’t know I was here. I still had the element of surprise. My full concentration was on him, while he was dealing with shadows. He spoke and the other answered. It was enough for me to know their exact location, though I couldn’t make out their words.

I took another step and as I did, I flipped my dagger up to the throwing position. One more step and I would be in position. The Hunter was dead. I moved and saw him, standing almost on the other side of the street, arms at his side, and looking suspicious, but a wide open target. The second I laid eyes on him was the second I threw my dagger as well.

***

Attention ppl! =D Chapter 17 has been reposted, thanks to the lovely Jamie, and can now be read and located under this chapter.l Have a happy day!! =D

CHAPTER 18 ~ BACKGROUND

KRISTALYN

Aiden walked past the _____ house and this time kept on walking. It had taken longer then he expected to find Cormac’s house. I wished he had never found it. It had been two days since Aiden had discovered Tray’s alternate identity and now he knew where Tray lived too. Aiden was getting to close to the Hunter for comfort.

It was becoming obvious that he was going to use this time to observe the Hunter and his activities. He still didn’t have conclusive proof that Cormac was the Hunter, but that was of little consequence now. It would only take one slip and he would be caught. My time to save him was running out. I could warn Tancred that Aiden was closing in, however I didn’t know when. And there was that little fact that I wasn’t supposed to be anywhere close to Ruma, let alone staying in the capital. Tancred hadn’t given me very many direct non- negotiable commands over the years, but this had always been one of them, since the very day our father had been murdered. I had never disobeyed my brother in such a way. If I did get a chance to warn him, it would have to be anonymously. It was hard being so close to Tray and not being able to talk to him. It had been so long since we had actually seen each other.

I had been on a mission when he had last been home and I when I returned it was only to find out that he had been called out on this mission. We had been close before our father, the true Hunter, had been murdered. After his death and Tray’s decision to take up the mantel, we had been inseparable. I had accompanied him on so many missions, not as a tag along, but as an equal. The men in the camp respected me almost as much as they did him and my mother was greatly respected and loved by everyone. I was so proud of all my family, which included the men in the camp. We had done so much for Aerilya together. She was the reason we fought, for her, justice, and freedom. That was always why we had fought. If only Aiden could understand that.

Why didn’t he? Aiden wasn’t from either of our countries. I knew that much about his past. Somehow he had fallen under Ricald’s influence. His last job now was to kill the Hunter. All he wanted was to be free. But I had seen other signs in him too. Signs that said he wasn’t just the hardened killer he wanted me and everyone else to think he was. I had seen the pain in his eyes and his heart when that armor had slipped. I had also felt his touch when he had pulled me from the execution square. And while he tended to complain violently about Maglynar, he took good care of him was well. There had to be more there, a way to reach him.

Up ahead, he turned another corner, so that he was now heading back in the direction of Cormac’s house. Perhaps that was my answer. I kept trying to think of a way to thwart his plans physically, but maybe that was the wrong direction. I knew Deus wanted me to tell him the truth about God, maybe helping him to identify with the Hunter and his beliefs would help do that. Relating to a person was one of the best ways to disarm them mentally. It was time I started to do that.

Finally having a plan of action, I quickened my steps to catch up with my prey. He glanced at me when I reached his shoulder, but other than that didn’t respond. A few houses later, he took a quick step in front of me and ducked between two houses. I followed wondering what he had planned. He passed the second house and just when I could see the main street again he stopped and crouched down. Looking in front, I could see Cormac’s house. In two passes of the house, he had found the perfect place to observe the house. Tray wouldn’t see us coming or going and he wouldn’t be able to see us watching him either. Plus, until I warned him, he had no idea that an assassin was so close.

“So, you’re just going to spy on him?” I questioned.

“Shhh.” He held a finger to his lips, then answered quietly, “For now. Don’t you normally watch the prey before you catch it?”

Prey? Wasn’t that what I had just referred to him as? “Yes,” I answered. “Are you killing or catching?”

He laughed softly. “Oh, definitely killing, though it would be fun to just catch him. That’s more challenging. To bad my object is to kill him.” He paused for a moment. “Maybe I should catch first. Torturing would bring pleasure.”

“What?” I asked loudly.

He blinked and looked at me. “What?”

“What did you just say?”

“What are you talking about?” He asked, looking back at the house.

“You said something about torturing and pleasure,” I responded crossly.

“I did?” He glanced at me with a strange look on his face. Finally he responded, “Nothing. Forget you heard it.”

His voice sounded so different. It was almost like he was thinking about something or someone else. Did it have something to do with his past? Who would he want to torture?

The door to the house opened and two men walked out. The second one paused to say something into the house and close the door. I couldn’t stop the catch in my breath. The second was Jaedon, but the first was my brother.

***

AIDEN

I heard the catch in her breath. It was so slight, but to me so obvious as well. When had I become so tuned to her? Quickly, I focused back on the house. It had to be them. One of these men was the Hunter. I watched them walk down the street together. The younger was walking in front and the older walking slightly behind and too his left. Either it was part of the disguise, or the older was referring to the young, which meant the younger was the Hunter. I studied him was he passed by.

He was tall and had too tanned of skin to be a true merchant, though his clothing would state otherwise. His black hair was longer too. I took a moment to imprint his face on my memory, so I would always know it. The older man was _______description needed from Em_____________ and carrying a package.

From all the stories, I would think that the Hunter had to be the older of the two, but something about that simply didn’t feel right. I glanced behind to Kristalyn, her eyes tracked the two’s movements. It took my a moment to distinguish that she followed the younger more closely.

“Are you willing to tell me his real name yet?” I asked.

“Tancred,” she responded in a hushed voice.

Shock filled me. She had answered? She had said the truth too. Why would she do that now?

“Kristalyn?” I called her name.

Her eyes moved and locked on mine. I watched as hundreds of emotions filtered through her green eyes. For once, she didn’t attempt to hide any of them. Something had changed, something drastic, but I had no clue what.

“Why?” I finally questioned, not sure what I was supposed to ask.

“Why what, Aiden?” Her gaze never left mine.

“You’ve been hiding all the information you possible can from me and suddenly you want to give me his real name?”

A slow sad smile appeared. “How do you it’s his real name?”

“Your voice.”

“You really think you know me that well.” It wasn’t a question, and I wasn’t going to answer. Frankly, I didn’t know how.

“You’re avoiding the question.”

“I have my reasons. One day, you might even understand them,” she responded in more of her normal voice.

“What else are you willing to tell me?” I asked just to keep her talking.

“I guess you’ll find out. What is your next move?” She changed the subject.

I kept my gaze on hers for a moment longer, only when she become uncomfortable did I release her. “For now, I’m just going to watch him. I need to know his patterns and how best to get at him. Of course, you could always just tell me that and save the trouble.”

“I’ve never been with him here. I don’t know his methods in the capital.”

“Are you planning on warning him?” I asked, although I already knew the answer.

She was silent for a minute. “For now, I’ll observe.”

“So, you’ll warn him later.”

She smiled. “Maybe I won’t need too.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“Maybe by then you’ll have changed your mind.”

I laughed at that. “Oh, so that’s why the sudden change. You’re going to try to convince me to change sides.”

She shrugged. “Why not? You don’t have any real loyalty to Elangsia or Ricald.”

“No, I don’t, but you’re mistaken if you think I’ll just switch sides.”

She smiled again. “We’ll see.”

I didn’t reply, but stood and stepped out to the main street. Tancred and the older man, I was assuming Trancred was the younger, were much farther down the street now. I could follow them without their notice now. I started after them and waited for Kristalyn to catch up, which she did. I had a feeling the days of her walking behind me were over.

“What is the older man’s name?” I asked.

“That’s Jaedon. He is the Hunter’s right hand man. You won’t get anywhere close to Tancred with him around. He’s an excellent warrior,” she replied steadily.

This really was easier when she was freely giving me information.

“So I’ll have to separate them.”

She laughed. “That’s not possible. You might catch Jaedon without Tancred, but you won’t catch Tancred without him.”

“So, I’ll kill the older man first,” I thought out loud.

I could feel her gaze on me, but for a change she said nothing. What in the world had changed so drastically? And how had I missed it?

“Deus will protect them both,” she finally responded.

Maybe I had spoken too soon. Things hadn’t changed that much. Her faith in the false god was more than a little annoying.

“He doesn’t exist.”

She gave a small grunt. “You keep insisting that. I wonder how you’ll respond when you discover I’m right.”

“I won’t,” I quickly maintained, feeling the fury hit my chest.

She shook her head at me and spoke in a quiet tone, almost as if she pitied me. “I know you believe that, Aiden. But the truth is always true, whether you believe it or not.”

“Kristalyn, drop it,” I commanded.

“Alright, Adien, but even if I stop talking about it, Deus isn’t going to let it go.” She paused for a brief second. “But then, I think you already know that.” With that, she fell silent and took a step back to walk just slightly behind me.

If she wanted me to go deeper into my thoughts, the tactic worked. It did seem that no matter where I turned, or how hard I fought, Deus was constantly being shoved in front of me again. I didn’t understand why. Why did he want my attention? He had been perfectly content to let my life fall apart for so long. He had forced us under Duard’s heavy hand, destroyed my family, and generally made every aspect of my life miserable. Of course, that was if he even existed, but over the last two years I seemed to meet more and more people who really believed that he did. What had that old man said to me in the village? His words and voice floated back to me as if I had just heard it.

“Dues has a special solution in mind for you.”

I didn’t understand the statement now anymore than I had then. He had also said something about my meeting the Almighty God and walking away changed. But there was no Almighty God, at least not one that cared. If he did, I wouldn’t be chasing the Hunter for someone else’s revenge. I would be sitting at home watching Zoe with Bren and Wren with her falcons, listening to Daelia cooking, hearing Aquila singing, and seeing Ilara whittling and Taerith reading. Arnan would be attempting to teach Sam how to defend himself yet again. And beyond me our parents would be alive, well, and looking on proudly.

But it was all a dream. One that had turned into a nightmare the day Deus had deserted us, taken our parents away, and saddled us with Duard instead. These people just didn’t understand. How could anyone believe in a loving god when he had been so cruel to us? And it wasn’t just me, had had made my entire family suffer. He had betrayed and left us. Still, even some of my siblings believed in him. But that was partly my fault. I thought the crutch of a Deus who actually cared would help them to live. And it had, for some of them. Wren had always been strong in that department. According to the letter I had received from Daelia, she too was staying strong. But if none of my siblings could convince me, what made these strangers think I would allow them too?

Deus had ceased to exist in my life very long ago and what little of him was left I hated. And I had no wish for that to change.

My black thoughts had taken so much precedence in my mind I barely managed to slip into an alley when Tancred and Jaedon started to make their way back to the house. What had they done? Slowly, I realized I had followed them to a house where they had dropped off the package, judging by Jaedon’s now empty hands. Kristalyn cast me an odd look, but I ignored her and started back for the Red Thornbush.

I hated thinking about Deus and yet somehow I had managed to stay on the subject for a long time. I didn’t know what the implications for that were, but I was pretty sure I didn’t like them. I needed to be focused, not distracted. I was so close to getting out from Ricald’s thumb. All I had to do was finish the job and I would be gone. The thought was almost freeing.

I entered the tavern and quickly made my way upstairs. I’d have to go visit Maglynar soon. He’d be getting antsy, but for tonight I just wanted my bed and no thoughts at all.

“Aiden?” Kistalyn’s voice came from behind me.

“Yeah?” I have turned to face her.

“Good night,” she said simply.

She was acting very odd. “Yeah.”

I opened my door and entered, before closing it quickly. Suddenly it seemed like things were happening too fast. And I hated the fact that I didn’t know what that was or why.

***

Three days later it was quite obvious that Kristalyn had changed tactics drastically. Suddenly, she was a fountain of information, all of it designed to see how wonderful the Hunter and Aerilya were and how awful and cruel Elangsia was. Her voice, once again was a constant humming in my ear. Only for some reason, instead of it getting easier to tune out, she was getting harder.

“…so, after two years of bad crops, Aerilya was the only one of the two countries to store up food. The grain houses were all over Aerliya and one day, instead of asking, Elangsia simply attacked. The village was small, but they put up a good resistance and were holding their own until Elangsia sent in reinforcements. They claimed they were quelling and uprising. Instead, they massacred everyone. It didn’t matter to them who it was, if the person wasn’t Elangsia, they were prey to be slaughtered. Women, children, babies, animals, men… everyone without mercy.”

I didn’t need her to describe the scene. I had seen it happen. Ricald had gone into far too many places and taken them all out for no reason, except perhaps that he was itching for a good massacre. Travon’s town had been the worst example. It was easy to believe the tactic had started long ago.

“If they had asked first, Aerilya would have shared our supply. Instead, King Trystellan sent in reinforcements to retaliate,” Kristalyn continued.

So, this was the truth about the start of the war. It had been Elangsia’s fault.

The door across the street opened and Jaedon appeared. He glanced around and then quickly set off down the street. The first day I had followed him, but he had only gone to the market, on a few other errands, and returned. The second day I followed Tancred. He had met with a few men and done some selling of artifacts. He had also picked up two new ones. In each conversation, at least those I could get close enough to hear, he got the newest gossip in the city. He was still gathering information, but I had the feeling he already knew what he really wanted too. He seemed to be bidding his time at this point and behaving. There was a third person in the house too, but so far I had not seen him or her. Today I was staying put at the house to watch all comings and goings. I’d do it for anther day or two before I made any moves.

“It was early in the war that Elangsia first began taking slaves,” Kristalyn kept talking. “They would go into any village they could or waylay travelers. It didn’t matter who the person was, no one was safe. Even young children started to bring in a good price and it became a good business for far too many people. Families have been splintered off, lovers stolen away, friends never see each other again, Aiden. That’s why the Hunter is so important. He’s a symbol of hope to so many people. As long as he is out there, Aerilyans have hope. Not only that their loved ones will be free from their forced slavery, but that their country will one day be free from war as well. That’s why I fight.”

I knew all about slavery. It was what I had lived in my whole life. That was what I had urged my siblings to look for as I had said goodbye to them. The memories I had not thought of in over two years came rushing back to me in a flood. Each one’s face as I encouraged them to be brave, confident, trust Deus, and fight for their freedom. I could only hope they’d all been able to stay free. Zoe had come up in this direction, if they were waylaying travelers, it was possible she too had been caught. I shook the thought of immediately. Zoe was smart and brave. She wouldn’t let that happen. Besides, I couldn’t handle thinking of her as a slave. She had to be free. They all had to be.

“I had a close friend that was taken as a slave. Her name was Mertala. The Hunter rescued her, but by the time he was able too, she was all bones and her soul had been stolen away. She had been so abused that her eyes were vacant. She never truly recovered. I don’t want that to happen to anyone else. And neither does the Hunter you are trying to kill.”

I desperately needed to remember how to shut out her voice. But even if I wonted, I couldn’t tune her out totally. She was giving me valuable information, whether on purpose or not didn’t really matter. I turned most of my thoughts from what she was saying to focus on how to kill the Hunter. It would be ideal if I could get inside and just kill him in the house. That would probably be the simplest too, except for the fact that Jaedon was always there and there was that third unknown person too. I didn’t know how well the third could fight, but I was willing to bet Jaedon was just as good as Kristalyn bragged. True, I needed a challenge, but I wanted to come out of it alive too. Facing both the Hunter and Jaedon would be foolish. That meant I needed a different solution.

“Did you know his camp is like one big family? Warrick and Lance are some of his most trusted men and leaders in the camp. Warrick has an amazing amount of battle knowledge and Lance can lead and keep everyone’s moral high at the same time. And of course there’s Niles, the cobbler, and Bryan, Jerome, and York, all are amazing warriors. Hartley can often be found guarding the camp, just because he likes too. He has a great sense of humor. There are younger teens there too. Geoffrey is fifteen. He tries so hard and loves to learn. He’s in the awkward teen stage, but you can’t help but love him. Richard is a little older, but he’s Geoffrey’s good friend. Together, those two make quite a team in more ways than one. Each person is important and no one is overlooked. Everyone carries their own weight, but it’s because they want too. We live together, play together, and fight together,” Kristalyn’s voice had changed as she talked with affection about those she had left behind in the Hunter’s camp.

Sometime during her litany, Jaedon had returned with a package and disappeared into the house. He was one of those people that the Hunter trusted so much and Kristalyn obviously loved everyone she had left behind when she had ventured out on her mission to stop me. Grudgingly, I had to admit that took a certain amount of strength. I would never have willing left my family, but I hadn’t been given a choice. She felt her mission was important enough to leave them, knowing she might not return. Instead, it seemed she carried them with her. When was the last time I had allowed myself to feel anything beyond distance for my own family?

Sure, I had thought about them, wondered if they were in pain, or if they hated me for my lack of action, but I never thought of them with love or affection, at least, not anymore. Those emotions seemed so foreign to me. Yet, Kristalyn still embraced them, despite her situation. Why?

The door across the street opened again and this time, both Tancred and Jaedon excited. Jaedon was carrying the usual package. This one looked like it was some time of water container.

Even when Little Firebrand was bugging me, I couldn’t remember feeling affection to her. Yet, I did remember acting as if I cared. I had given money to a little girl because of Zoe. I couldn’t remember the kid’s name, but I had killed her only means of support. There was that time I had pulled the blanket over the old man’s body as well. I still couldn’t explain that one and Firebrand had questioned me too. She hadn’t done that in a while though. When had she stopped bugging me?

“… hearts and hopes rest on him and on what we do. Even his mother and sister are closely involved,” Kristalyn was still talking.

Her voice was so familiar. At this point, it was almost more familiar than my own. I heard it in my sleep now, instead of Zoe’s….. That was it! Zoe had laughed at me about meeting my match or something, and that was the last time I had seen her apparition. I studied Kristalyn more closely. When she had come, Zoe had left. Why? That seemed to be the popular question tonight. I hadn’t seen my sister since Kristalyn had barged into my life. It was a disturbing thought.

Suddenly, the door to Cormac’s house opened again and I straightened. This had to be the third person. The figure was small and clocked in a light gray cloak. It was really to warm for it, but it effectively hid the face of the third member of the house. I watch the person move down the steps and by the time the street was reached I had determined the third member was a female. Not too old from the way she carried herself. She seemed to be on her own cloak and dagger mission. She walked in the opposite direction of the Hunter and turned upwards toward the palace. I didn’t much care what she did. A female wouldn’t cause too much trouble for me to silence, unless of course it was another Kristalyn, but surely there was only one of those. The world couldn’t handle two.

“Do you know who that it?” I asked.

“No. I’ve never seen her. Tancred doesn’t usually let females travel with him, unless it’s his mother or me. And even then, he’d never bring one to Ruma,” her voice held confusion. “I have no idea what’s going on.”

But she wanted to know.

“You could follow her,” I suggested.

She looked at me suspiciously. “What are you planning?”

“Nothing. You want to know about her, so follow her,” I stated simply.

“No, I think I’ll stick with you.”

I wanted to get a look inside the house, but it would be useless to try that with Kristalyn. She’d find a way to contact the Hunter and let him know I had been there. I’d have to figure out the layout later. It was looking more and more likely like I was going to have to do a long range attack against the Hunter while he was out on one of his many trips. It shouldn’t’ be too hard to arrange, if I knew his destination and the route he was taking.

“Suite yourself. I’m headed back,” I said, standing and stretching out.

“They are all out of the house and you’re going back?” Kristalyn clarified.

“Yep.” I shrugged. “If you don’t believe me, than come with, but I missed supper and I’m going to change that right now.” With that, I walked back through the alley to get to the other street and started back. I knew her well enough to know she would follow.

***