by L. Fergus
Jeffrey raised his hand. “What do we do when we dispose of Cunningham? We better have someone we can put on the throne. Otherwise, it makes it look like you, the Legion, and Arcone are wrestling for it. That will just make us as unwanted as Cunningham.”
“Like who? You?”
“Our family isn’t old enough. We need to find someone who's strong enough to bring the rebels together—and then the Region once this is over. I have no idea who can do that, but I’m willing to bet some of those hostages will. I think we should rescue them first.”
“It would be a logical step," said Forrester. "If we take the Arconian troops now, we’re liable to be attacked immediately. Freeing the hostages will get their attention, but they will have to divide it between us and the rebel forces.”
But I want to get the Arconians now. It’ll be my first chance to see them. Sigh, but I’m supposed to be listening to Forrester. He does have a point. “Fine, we’ll do it your way. Someone get me Barneky.”
“Are you sure?” said Snowy.
“He’s a soldier and won’t pass this up.”
Barneky was brought in and given a seat in the front row.
“What’s this, my court-marshal?” he said looking around the room. “It’s supposed to be by my peers, not your flunkies.”
“Still have that fighting spirit, General?” said Kita. “Good. You’re going to need it.”
“You brought me in here so you can whip my ass again for your lackeys’ entertainment? Go ahead; I’m not afraid of you.” He puffed out his chest.
“Don’t flatter yourself. You’re here because you’re going to lead the combat part of our next mission.”
Barneky’s face became rigid. “Why me?”
Kita leaned back and grinned. “You rescued over three hundred men and led them to safety. I think that qualifies you to be a combat leader. The mission is dangerous and deep in enemy territory. It comes with the added complication of keeping VIPs alive.”
Kita could see his wheels turning.
“Alright, little girl, I’ll lead the mission for you.”
Kita’s raised an eyebrow. “That’s kind of you, General, but let’s get two things straight. First, let’s work on your vocabulary. I think we should work on swapping ‘little girl’ for 'Commander.' How’s that sound?”
“Yes, Commander,” Barneky ground out between his teeth.
Kita kept her face neutral. “Keep working at it. Everyone else around here has gotten used to it. Secondly, I will be in charge of the mission. You are in charge of the combat team.”
Barneky’s eyes narrowed. “And what will you be doing besides being in my back pocket, Commander?”
“My team and I will be doing the more delicate tasks, like getting you in and freeing the VIPs.”
“What makes you think you’re more qualified than the men I choose?”
“I don’t know, General, let me think. Now you see me. Now you don’t.” Kita turned invisible. “What do you think?”
Barneky’s only reaction was a slight movement of the corner of his mouth. “That’s impossible. What the blazing suns are you? A devil?”
Kita laughed and returned to normal. “Just think of me as someone who’s just more technologically advanced. I should warn you, General, if you’re going to be my special forces combat commander, I take information security seriously. Call it my professional paranoia. If I find there is a leak, I will find out who.” Kita extended the barbs in her hands.
“I think I get the point. Is there anything else I need to know about?”
“There’s more than we have time to go over. Right now, we need to start working on a plan.”
“This is disgusting,” Bart whined. “Why are we going through this filthy, vermin-infested waste?”
“Because I like it and spent some time growing up here," said Kita. "No one asks questions, and no one remembers anything—including a certain well-dressed shaper who is obviously out of place here. You should feel happy that we’re here. Otherwise, you’d be beaten and mugged.”
“I thought you were a noble?”
“I am. Doesn’t mean I was a good noble, though. Nobles are worse than these people, just better dressed.”
“That alone makes them better,” Bart said with a lofty tone.
“It’s a crime for a commoner to insult a noble you know.”
The group threaded their way through the alleyways of the city of Leedings. The smell of trash and waste permeated everything. When they reached the inner city, the alleyways became more like tunnels as the buildings grew up and out. Zidin had to turn sideways to fit down some alleys.
Kita stopped in front of a door with a shingle above it that read SWORD AND DAGGER INN. Inside was warm and inviting. A fire burned in the fireplace in the center of the room, people sat at the bar along the back wall, and mementos of all kinds decorated the walls. A few patrons sat around tables, drinking and eating. A group played cards in the corner, and a stout elderly bartender worked behind the bar.
Kita took a seat at the bar.
“Can I help you, stranger?” said the bartender.
Kita swept off her hood. “Yeah, something to drink would be great, Dad.”
“Kita!” The bartender yelled. “You’re back. I was for sure they were taking you for good last time.”
“Mother can’t keep me away for long.”
“What happened to your face?”
“It’s a long story, but it’s part of one of the new groups I work for.”
“New groups? You’re always welcome to come work with me. You’ll have to fill me in later.”
A petite woman with a happy grandmother’s face came out of the kitchen. “Kita, my little girl’s come home. How are you, love?”
Kita smiled brightly. “I’m fine. I was passing through and thought I’d stop in and check on you.”
“We’re doing fine, girl,” said the bartender with a big smile. “We’re delighted you could stop in. Who are your friends? Are you staying long?”
He and Kita tapped on the counter in an absent-minded way.
“We’ll be here for five nights. I hoped you had room to put us up.”
“Not a problem. You can have the choice rooms on the second floor.”
“Thanks, you guys are the best. Let me introduce you to my companions. Zidin is the big one, Cowboy is the one in the hat, the overdressed dandy is Bart, and this,” Kita grabbed Snowy by the arm and pulled her to her, “is Snowy. Everyone, my parents, Glen and Barb.”
“Hello,” Snowy said in a quiet voice.
“Hello. It’s nice to meet you,” Barb said, giving Snowy an odd look. “It’s been a long time since Kita’s brought a girl around for us to meet. You must be special to her.”
Glen chuckled. “Aye, that’s for sure. Glad to meet you, Snowy. You’re welcome at any time. If there’s anything we can do for you or the rest of you let us know. Kita’s friends are our friends. Barb will show you to your rooms. Kita, you and Snowy want the big one?”
Kita looked at Snowy and giggled. “Sure.”
Everyone settled in upstairs. The rooms were small but comfortable with clean beds. After a time, everyone drifted into Kita and Snowy’s room.
“Ok, why do they say this place is home for you?” said Zidin to Kita.
“This is where I’d come when I didn’t want to be at Arbol. Glen and Barb adopted me when I needed a place to be. They've taught me a lot about how to survive. They know who I am and what I am. At least up until a couple months ago, anyway. I need to tell Glen later.”
“Is that wise?” said Cowboy.
“If I don’t, how can I expect him to watch our backs down here? He has to know who to look for. Don’t let his looks fool you. He’s the Shadow Master for the city and someone we want on our side. Any authorities come into the slums, he’ll know about them before they get a block. And he's more of a father figure than my father ever was.”
“It does explain the constant use of violence to get
your way,” said Bart.
“Just remember he’s keeping you from being rolled.”
“I can take care of myself, or have you forgotten?” Bart lit a flame.
“It’s hard to do that if you’re unconscious. Muggers don’t come from the front.”
“What was the tapping about?” said Zidin.
Kita frowned at him. “Nothing.” Damn. Does he notice everything?
“So, it was something?” said Bart.
“It’s just a game he and I play. He did it to teach me about distractions and being able to do two things at once.” That sounds good. I don’t need Bart trying to break the code. Filthy spies.
“When are you leaving on patrol?” said Cowboy.
“In a little while. Snowy and I will scout the plantation and get a feel for guard positions and patrol routes. We’ll penetrate deeper until we find the VIPs. Once we have them located, we’ll pass the information on to the combat team.”
“Why does the alley cat get to go with you?” said Bart. “She’s kind of noticeable, isn’t she? No one can mistake that hideous mug for anything than what it is.”
“She can keep up with me, and if you haven’t looked around, gray is a better color for this city than black is.” I cannot wait to gut him. “Now, everybody out.”
Even at night, you had to push and shove your way through areas of the city. Kita moved through the streets with ease, but Snowy received strange looks and ward signs. After someone drew a knife, Kita put her cloak around Snowy to help her blend in.
Kita stopped in front of a shop. “This place has the coolest stuff.”
“It’s closed, isn’t it?” Snowy pointed to the sign.
“It’s always closed, unless you know it's open, and they’re always open. It’s a fence.” Kita knocked on the door in a random pattern.
“Do we need to cut through a fence? I think my claws can get us through.”
Kita laughed. “Not that kind of fence. This is a place where you can sell things that may or may not belong to you.”
“You mean stealing?” Snowy gasped. “What if we get caught?”
“Like the authorities have the stones to raid this place. It’s not stealing, and never use that particular word around here, ok? People just find second-hand goods lying around they don’t need, so they sell it here to get a little cash.”
Snowy stroked her tail nervously. “I still don’t understand.”
The door opened. “I’m here for the lollies,” Kita said to the man.
“Kita, you haven’t been around in a while.”
“Hi, Jebby. I went to Champignon.”
“The new code is Trinkets of silver and gold.”
“The Boss didn’t tell me. Thanks.”
Jebby waved them inside. Shelves and cases filled with jewelry, statues, artwork, weapons, trinkets, tools, furniture, and even rare animals filled the store. Oil lamps lit the neatly laid out merchandise.
Snowy examined a few things and ogled others. She paused at the jewelry. “These are pretty.” Snowy held up a set of silver bangles and an armband.
“You want them?”
“I’m sure they’re expensive, and I don’t have any money. It’s ok. It’s just fun to look.” She smiled disappointedly.
“Give them here.” Kita took the jewelry and walked to the back where a grizzled old woman sat going through a crate.
“What do you want?” the old woman barked.
“These, you old bat.”
“Who the suns has got the nerve to call me that?” The old woman turned around and examined Kita. “Oh, it’s you. Thought I was rid of you, scallywag. I told you to never step foot in here again.”
“Only about a dozen times. I can't believe you’re still upset over that lamp. I know you got better than a fair price on it. All I wanted was what was fair.”
“You blackmailed me.”
“Not blackmail. I think you called it leverage when you were teaching me how to deal.”
“So I did, but you weren’t supposed to use it on me.”
“All I wanted was two more gold for it. Not my fault it ended up being ten.”
“You’re too good to be wasted doing whatever it is your doing. You could make a fortune running this place. The offer still stands.”
Kita smiled. “My reply still stands. I want to be outside doing stuff.”
“Your loss, kid. Let me see what you’ve got.”
Kita handed the jewelry over. “You’ve got good taste. These are from the Kremlin Silver Works. I’ll give you a discount for everything—ten gold.”
“No way. Two gold and fifty silver.”
“I’m not giving it away,” croaked the old woman. “Seven-fifty.”
“What? I could get ten sets for that price. Three gold.”
“Get out of my store. You’re robbing me.”
“Come on, Snowy,” said Kita, “she’s not serious about selling this stuff. I’m sure the old man at the docks will want to deal.”
“Four gold and fifty silver. That’s my final offer!” the old woman yelled.
“Sold,” Kita said happily. “Charge it to Glen. I’ll pay him back for it later.”
“What? That wasn’t part of the deal! His accountants will screw me further.”
“Not my fault you didn’t say I couldn’t pay for it on credit.”
“Rotten child, get out of my store.” The old woman pointed to the door.
Kita laughed and led Snowy outside.
“That was unpleasant,” Snowy said, her ears laid flat against her head.
“Don’t worry. She’ll calm down. Nothing bad will happen, I promise. Now come and put them on and let me see,” said Kita impatiently.
Snowy slid her arm into the armband and put a bangle on each wrist and ankle. You know what would really be a turn on? Kita removed one of the bangles from around her ankle and clamped it around Snowy’s tail.
“I hadn’t thought of that,” Snowy said as she swung her tail back and forth. “I like it. They’re so pretty. Thank you.” Snowy kissed Kita and hugged her.
Kita winked. “Anything for my girl.”
Kita and Snowy returned to the inn after the third night bell. They’d come back early after scouting the plantation and finding the security lax and a drainage ditch under the plantation’s wall with rusty bars. It would be a good infiltration point.
Snowy went to bed. Kita wasn’t sleepy, but she wouldn’t pass up the chance to spend some quality time with Snowy. She snuggled against her and went over what they’d scouted in her mind.
A board creaking caught Kita’s attention. She remained still as someone moved across the room to the desk, then left through the window. Kita moved Snowy’s tail from around her and got up to check the desk. She found a note. It’s odd the intelligence people would leave me correspondence. Maybe they didn’t want to wake me.
Kita read the note. It wasn’t from her people but from an assassin. This person wanted to meet and left Kita a single instruction to follow assassin symbols to the meeting place. I don’t feel like going on a treasure hunt, but I have no choice.
Kita laid the note next to Snowy and kissed her. She left via the window and dropped to the alley below. The symbols led Kita to the waterfront district. The last instruction told her to go to the upper level of an old wool warehouse.
Kita entered the darkened lower level. A rickety staircase in the back led to the second floor. Mindful of where she placed her feet, she climbed the stairs and spotted a tripwire. Kita disarmed it and found a pressure plate under a sack near the top of the stairs. Sloppy. Whoever planned this was in a big hurry.
The door at the top of the stairs was open and Kita checked it, finding another trap above the door. She disarmed the disorienting bomb and tucked it into her belt. Now that I’ve cleared the way it’s time to turn the tables. The ceiling above the stairs had several loose boards that Kita was able to remove. She slipped into the ceiling, removed a piece of the roof, and crawled outside.
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Footing on the vaulted roof was treacherous. Tiles were falling off and the crumbled sheeting left holes in the roof. Kita checked the room below as she went. She located a person, a female wearing purple armor and a hood, at the far end of the room. Retracing her steps, Kita moved to the middle of the roof.
The room was empty and there was no place to drop in unnoticed. How sound are the floorboards if the roof is in such bad shape? The floor might not take me landing on it. Time to roll the dice.
Kita dropped from the peak of the roof. When she landed a board cracked. Her sudden appearance startled the woman.
“You’re better than the reports said,” said Sarah—her sweet Champignon accent caused Kita’s breathe to catch. Sarah? I didn’t realize I missed her so much. “I thought I’d taught you better than what they reported. I think whoever wrote that report should have his throat cut.”
No, put in for a medal. “It’s been a long time, Sarah,” Kita had to force the words out.
Sarah pulled back her hood revealing her long dark hair. “It has. It’s too bad you’re covering that precious face. I was hoping to get to see it.”
Kita pulled back her hood but hid her roses.
“You’ve only gotten more beautiful.”
“What do you want?”
“When did you become all business? You used to be fun and want to do anything but work,” Sarah mused.
“People change.”
“Yes, they do. I understand you’ve become an important person. I’m curious to hear all about it.”
Why? “I’m no one of consequence. I’m just a small-time assassin and thief.”
Sarah smiled, making Kita’s heartache. “That’s not what I heard. Someone told me you’re a commander in the Legion. That is someone of consequence, and being a person of consequence has its advantages and disadvantages. One disadvantage is you can make enemies that have the power and wealth to hire someone like us.”
“You’re saying someone has put a contract out on me?” Being on the receiving end isn’t nearly as much fun.
“Yes. I thought you should be aware. It’s the least I can do. I don’t want it to come between us on a personal level.”
