Dawn Study

by Maria V. Snyder

  “And why did he order you to the Citadel to find me? Aren’t you supposed to be leading the Sitian army against a major attack in four months?”

  “Because he knew I’d get the job done. You can’t argue about that.” He gestured to my chains.

  “Fair point. But couldn’t you have told someone else how to trap me? I’m sure you have more important things to do.”

  “It doesn’t work that way. Can you just tell someone how to find souls?”

  Score another for Cahil. I changed tactics. “What happens if the Commander doesn’t wage war?” I asked again.

  A mulish look settled on his face.

  “Nothing happens, right? If the Commander is such a threat to Sitia’s safety, then why doesn’t Bruns plan to invade Ixia and take care of that threat once and for all?”

  “We’re not like the Ixians. We value life. As long as we’re ready, the Commander won’t invade.”

  I sagged against the wall. He’d been fully brainwashed. Nothing I could say would change his mind. “When is Bruns coming to kill me and the baby?”

  Cahil stilled. “I haven’t told him you’re here.”

  Oh? I waited.

  “The Commander’s new assassin is in town. She and Valek were spotted having quite the battle on the rooftops and, I’m not sorry to say, your husband wasn’t doing very well.”

  I kept my expression neutral despite the pain squeezing my heart into pulp.

  “Our intel says that after she kills Valek, she’ll be coming after you next.”

  Not a surprise, but still it felt like a kick to my stomach. “You’re going to let an Ixian do your dirty work?”

  “Yes. You see, despite your current efforts to undermine Bruns, Sitians like you. If Bruns or I were to execute you, it wouldn’t be well received. But if the Commander is responsible for your death, the people will be upset and continue to support our efforts.”

  Ah, hell. A smart move, although I was surprised Bruns agreed. Or had he? “Bruns doesn’t know what you plan to do.”

  “Bruns had his chance to kill you, and he screwed it up because he wanted you as a showpiece.”

  “What if Valek kills Onora?”

  “Then I let one of the assassins in town score fifty golds. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve work to do.” He headed for the door.

  “Cahil.”

  He paused without looking at me.

  “If Onora comes for me, can you free me from these chains and return my switchblade?”

  “You won’t beat her.”

  “I’d rather die fighting than chained to this wall.”

  He met my gaze. “All right.”

  * * *

  Waiting was never fun. However, when I considered what I was waiting for... I forced my thoughts away, but of course they just circled right back around. If Valek won the fight with Onora, I might emerge from this situation alive. If he didn’t, I wouldn’t. Unless Fisk’s people moved in before Onora could. My emotions flipped from optimistic hope to fatalistic numbness and back again.

  In order to remain sane, I focused on how I could protect the baby. I concentrated on what I could do. Me, and not any what-if scenarios about being rescued. But after looking at every possibility, I conceded that my chance of survival was close to zero.

  Time limped along, and one of Cahil’s agents came by to feed me a handful of grapes. The voices in the other room eventually died, and the lanterns were turned down. They must be stopping for the night.

  The thought of a night spent chained to the wall produced mixed feelings. The longer I remained alive, the greater the hope of rescue. Besides, stiff muscles and discomfort were a mere inconvenience if it meant Valek lived.

  Another agent strode into the office. He extinguished the lanterns and muttered a hasty good-night before bolting. There were a number of words to describe this night, and good wasn’t one of them. Nope, not even close. I managed to doze briefly, at least until a burning pain in my shoulders woke me.

  Cahil returned in the morning, or what I assumed was the morning, as he appeared awake and clean-shaven. He stood staring at me while one of his men lit the lanterns.

  Unable to endure the silence any longer, I asked, “What’s the verdict?”

  “The Mosquito is dead.”

  “That’s good news.”

  “I’d thought you’d like that.”

  “What’s the bad news?” I braced for his answer.

  “Onora was spotted in the Citadel late last night.”

  My legs trembled with the effort to hold my weight. The chains prevented me from sinking to the floor. Valek would never have allowed her to walk away from a fight. The fact that she lived meant...

  “We were unable to locate Valek’s body.”

  “Why would you care about that?” I asked, leaning back on the wall as the rest of my world melted.

  “Confirmation. We think she’s hidden the body to keep everyone guessing long enough to avoid any retaliation from Fisk and his people.”

  The body. No longer being referred to by name. I concentrated on Cahil’s comment to keep from screaming. My focus narrowed to one thing—keeping the baby safe. “Why would she worry about Fisk’s guild? If she can...beat Valek, no one else can touch her.”

  “Fisk has the numbers, plus Stormdancers.”

  “Stormdancers?” This kept getting worse. If Bruns suspected the Stormdancers, then they needed to disappear. Fast.

  “Don’t act stupid, Yelena. A huge thunderstorm roared over the Krystal garrison at the precise moment you needed a distraction to escape. You couldn’t have done it without their help.”

  “We would have figured something out.” Eventually. Maybe. Probably not. Bruns had us pinned.

  “You know, I was about to disagree, but I’m sure you would have, which is exactly why keeping you alive is a bad strategy.”

  “Trying to rationalize your decision so you don’t feel guilty, Cahil?”

  “I won’t feel guilty. I’m protecting over a million people. If only you understood that we’re doing the right thing—” he gestured vaguely “—none of this has to happen.”

  “I understand that’s what you believe.” I straightened as a sudden notion popped into my head. Perhaps a way to save the baby. “How about a deal?”

  “No deals.”

  “Okay. How about you prove me wrong?”

  Cahil gave me a just-how-dumb-do-you-think-I-am look. “Okay, I’ll bite. How would I do that?”

  “You stop eating the food Bruns’s people cook and wear a null shield for ten days. After that, if you still think Bruns’s strategy is beneficial for Sitia, then I’ll sign up and help you convince Fisk and all his people to join up, as well.”

  “And why would I trust you?”

  “Because I’d give you my word, Cahil. And you know me. I’ve never broken a promise. Not even to the Fire Warper.”

  A contemplative purse rested on Cahil’s lips. Then he chuckled. “You almost had me, Yelena. But I’m not falling for any of your tricks.”

  “It’s not a trick. I’m serious. Think about it. There’s no downside for you.”

  “Yes, there is. I’d have to let you live for ten days. Plenty of time for Fisk to send in his troops and rescue you.”

  Good point. “I’ll send them home. I’ll stay with you.”

  “Why would they listen to you? You could have been...what’s the word you used?...indoctrinated to the cause.”

  I balled my hands into fists. Another valid concern. “It takes more than a few days to be brainwashed. How about if I sign an agreement, so you have written proof that I’ve given you my word? And we can also leave the Citadel before they try to rescue me. We can go to the Featherstone garrison. Isn’t that where you need to be to prepare
for war?”

  “So you can steal all our secrets.”

  “Lock me in a cell. I’ve been in so many, it’ll almost feel like home.”

  He studied my face for a dozen heartbeats. “You are serious.”

  “Yes.”

  “And if I write up an accord right now?”

  “I’ll sign it.”

  “What if I’m cured, but I still believe Bruns is the best for Sitia?”

  “Then I lose. I’ll help you and Bruns, like I promised.”

  “You’re that confident of my response once free of the Theobroma?”

  “I know you, Cahil. I know that you would be upset by Bruns’s methods of robbing people of their free will and ability to make their own decisions.”

  He strode to his desk, found a clean piece of parchment and wrote up our deal. It was simply worded. I would agree to go with him, without trying to escape or interfere with any of his plans, and to cooperate for ten days. No one but his loyal people would know who I was. In exchange, he would wear a null shield pendant at all times and no longer consume food cooked with Theobroma for ten days.

  “How do I know if the food has Theobroma or not?” he asked.

  I gave him a wry smile. “I can taste your food like I used to do for the Commander.”

  He snorted in amusement and continued writing. At the end of the ten days, if Cahil remained loyal to Bruns, I would agree to join their cause, do nothing to sabotage their efforts and be an active participant.

  “Like a cheerleader?” I asked.

  He was not amused. “More like a spokesperson. And help us with strategy and planning.”

  If he was no longer loyal to Bruns, then Cahil would join our side and be as engaged in our efforts. Cahil held up the finished treaty for me to read.

  “We’ll need witnesses, and you need to release me.” Seeing his dubious expression, I added, “If I’m chained to the wall when I sign, then even a bad solicitor can argue that I signed it under extreme duress and that I don’t have to comply.” Not like I’d ever break my word; signing the parchment was a mere formality and for Cahil’s peace of mind. But I really wanted to be free of these chains.

  Cahil disappeared and returned with two of his people. He introduced Faxon, and I already knew Hanni. Faxon unlocked the cuffs, and everyone stepped back a few feet with their hands on the hilts of their weapons. Amused by their skittishness, I rubbed my wrists, working feeling back into my fingers.

  When the pins and needles ceased, I signed the agreement, then handed the stylus to Cahil. He paused for a moment—probably trying to uncover any loopholes—and added his signature to the document. Hanni and Faxon affixed their names, and it was official. I focused on the fact that the baby would remain alive. At least for the next ten days. If this ended well, we’d have a powerful ally. If not...

  Best to focus on one thing at a time.

  I drew in a breath. “We need to leave,” I said. “Right away.”

  “Why?”

  I told him about the trail of bobby pins.

  “Shit.” Cahil barked orders to his people, harassing them to hurry and grab their things. We were leaving. Now.

  Keeping out of the way, I hoped I’d have a chance to send Fisk a note. One of the agents handed me a cloak to wear, and while everyone was occupied, I reclaimed my weapons and lock picks. Grief threatened to drown me, but I chanted keep the baby safe over and over in my mind to block the emotion. Also there was the possibility that Cahil lied about seeing Onora in the Citadel.

  Cahil returned. “Time to go.” He grabbed my elbow as we headed to the stairs. A number of his people preceded us, and the rest followed. Twelve total.

  “Can one of your crew deliver a message to Fisk?”

  He slowed. “Why?”

  “So when I’m spotted at the Featherstone garrison, he doesn’t risk his people trying to rescue me.”

  “Why would you be...” Cahil’s grip tightened, and he muttered a curse. “He has people in the garrisons, doesn’t he?”

  “There are many public roads to the garrison. We could be spotted at any place en route.”

  “Nice try, but you’re a lousy liar. Do you know who they are?”

  Now it was my turn to curse. “No.”

  “And you won’t tell me until the ten days are over.”

  “No, I really don’t know.”

  I wasn’t sure if he believed me, but he remained silent as we climbed the stairs and exited onto the warehouse’s ground floor. A few beams of sunlight pierced the blackened windows, providing just enough light to see the words written on the crates. Our group wove through them as if navigating a maze they’d been through a thousand times. I glanced at the floor. The dust was thick between the piles, but underneath our feet, the path was clean. Even I could follow this trail.

  “Head to the Council’s stables,” Cahil ordered when he spotted the entrance. “Yelena will ride with me on Topaz.”

  The door opened, almost as if on cue. Everyone grabbed their weapons as Onora strode into the building like she owned the place. I stumbled. The dam inside me broke, and grief ripped right through my body. The tiny spark of hope that Valek still lived died.

  Cahil’s hand steadied me. “Don’t worry. I won’t let her kill you.”

  I didn’t have the strength or the ability to correct him. Emotions lodged in my throat, cutting off my air.

  He faced me. “Breathe, Yelena. We might need you if this gets...ugly.”

  Right. I focused on Valek’s killer. Barefoot, and with her hair tied back, she looked years younger than twenty. Cahil’s agents spread out as much as they could among the piles of crates. Two of them held crossbows and they pointed their weapons at her, even though her hands were empty.

  No, that wasn’t correct. She played with two bobby pins, spinning them through her fingers. Ah, hell.

  Cahil strode forward. “You’re too late. Yelena’s in our protective custody. Go back to Ixia.”

  Onora cocked her head to the side. “Why isn’t she dead?”

  “None of your business.”

  “But Bruns wants her eliminated.”

  “Bruns? Are you working for him now?” Cahil asked in surprise.

  “No. Bruns asked the Commander to send me to take care of Valek and Yelena.” She met my gaze. “One down. One to go.”

  I drew my switchblade and advanced. The desire to plunge it into her heart pulsed through me. Cahil put a hand on my shoulder, stopping me.

  “Bruns would never turn to the Commander for help,” Cahil said.

  “Then maybe you need to have a chat with your boss.”

  Frowning, Cahil moved his grip to my arm.

  Onora noticed. “Unless you’ve decided to branch out on your own?” She waited. “No? Then give her to me. I’ll finish my assignment and be on my merry way.”

  “No.”

  “Why are you protecting her? She’s just going to cause you trouble.”

  “Go home, Onora. You’re outnumbered, and the ladies holding the crossbows have excellent aim.”

  Onora grinned, showing two rows of straight white teeth. “Are you sure about your math, General?”

  “I count fourteen of us and one of you.”

  Nice of Cahil to include me in his group.

  “You forgot to check the ceiling for spiders.” Onora dove to the side.

  Everyone looked up, but I stared at her, stunned. She had used Valek’s words. I broke free of Cahil’s grip and hit the floor as gray figures darted from where they’d been hiding between the piles of crates.

  Cahil laughed. “There’s nothing up—”

  Fighting broke out, and I stayed low. I’d been shot by a crossbow bolt before. Once was enough. Because of Onora’s spider comment, I didn’t know
if the gray fighters were my friends or enemies. Had it been a signal to me, or just something she picked up when she’d been training with Valek? Rather than risk joining the wrong side of the fight, I kept away from everyone, ducking behind a pile of crates to wait.

  I listened to the sounds of the scuffle—thuds, grunts, steel clanging against steel, cursing, a hiss of pain. Then, without warning, Onora appeared next to me.

  “It’s safe,” she said.

  Reacting without thought, I pressed the tip of my switchblade to her throat. “Valek?”

  She held her hands wide. “Fighting Cahil, from the sounds of it.”

  Surprised, I stared at her. Was this a trick?

  “No offense, but if I planned to assassinate you, you’d be dead by now.”

  Right. I lowered my weapon as relief swept through me. “Sorry.”

  We returned to the main area. Cahil’s people littered the floor, and a number of gray-clad figures stood nearby. But what grabbed my attention was the man in black who had his sword aimed at Cahil’s neck. Cahil glared. A bloody cut snaked from his hand up to his elbow. His sword lay on the floor at his feet.

  “Onora?” Valek asked without moving his gaze from Cahil.

  “She’s here.”

  “Watch him,” Valek said, tossing her the sword.

  She caught it easily and kept it pointed at Cahil.

  In two strides, I was wrapped in Valek’s arms—my favorite place to be. After a minute, I whispered, “I thought Onora killed you.”

  “I told you I could handle her.”

  “But Cahil said...” I shook my head. “Sorry. I should have stayed in HQ.” Should have trusted Valek.

  “Doesn’t matter now. You’re safe.”

  “And she’s still mine,” Cahil said. “Yelena, tell your husband about our agreement.”

  8

  VALEK

  An agreement? Valek leaned back to meet Yelena’s gaze and did not like her pained expression. Not at all. He tightened his arms around her for a second, his instinct to protect her flooding him for a moment. Then, with effort, he relaxed and stepped away. “What is he talking about?”

  Yelena explained the deal she had worked out with Cahil. As she talked, Valek kept a tight leash on his emotions. After a hellacious night spent healing his injuries and worrying about her, this was the last thing he wanted to hear.