by C. R. Daems
Boyan stood in his usual place. When he looked inside the bags, his mouth dropped open. I left before he could recover.
* * *
Even though I was gone a lot, Yoan and I were able to revise our knife-throwing skit. We decided to try it out on the clan. It was the original knife-throwing skit with some new variations.
"Stand still, Ander," I said to Yoan.
"I am. Have you been drinking?" My knife hit an arm's length from his head.
"Have not. Well, maybe a sip." The next knife was an arm's length away from his side. "My throat was dry."
"Lorea, stop now!" Yoan said to me. I wove a bit, the knife extended in front of me pointing at him.
"Coward, stand still and I won't hit you."
"I am!"
My knife flew right into the pants hanging below his crotch. Yoan screamed. Everyone watching gasped and several jumped up.
"Oops!" I ran up to Yoan and pulled out the knife, secretly wiping a red dye on the blade.
"Ow! Ow! Ow!" he cried as he crouched over holding his crotch. His pants had elastic at the waist. I pulled it open and looked.
"You shouldn't have moved. You were small before…you couldn't afford to lose that much. Serves you right for moving."
By now, everyone was in hysterics. By the end of the skit, most had tears running down their faces.
* * *
By now the priests were very unhappy with me, judging from the number of guards around the high priest's house and the size of the collector groups. I thought it would be a good time to drop in on the training area since no one was guarding it. They probably thought it safe because of the number and rank of the assassins in the building. I walked into a large dining room through a side door, which was conveniently unlocked. Three priests sat at a table eating, two yellow- and one red-belt. When they saw me, they jumped up empty handed just in time to meet knives in their chests and throats. If Sister Hajna had seen them, she would have given one of her disproving quips: The only way you're going to win a fight is if your opponent trips and stabs himself in the heart.
In the yard outside, there were six wannabe beginners hacking at straw dummies, two red-belts practicing a technique, and a red-robed priest giving instruction. There were far too many to take on simultaneously, so I waited. After a while, the red-robed priest allowed the beginner group to go eat. I flattened myself against a wall in a corner and waited for all of them to enter the room. I caught the last two to enter with darts. If not for the sound of them falling, the other four would never have known. By the time they noticed, I had knives in two. The remaining two decided to rush me. I think they thought hacking at dummies made them real assassins. They drew their swords, forgetting they were wooden practice swords. If I hadn't dropped into killing mode, I would have laughed. Judging from the type of training they were getting, the priests were building an army. Two more knives stopped them. No sooner had I collected my knives when another red-belted priest came walking through the door. When he saw the men on the floor, he drew his knife while looking around. Too late. He dropped the knife as he fell to the floor. A moment later, the last red-belt and the red-robed priest entered the room.
"Get her!" the robed priest shouted. The red-belt had moved fast and got a second's advantage because I had to dodge the knife the robed one threw. When the red-belt reached me, he swung at my head. As he swung, I folded to a coiled snake-like position, and his sword passed safely over my head. I unraveled, putting my knife in his heart. The robed priest's second knife hit the red-belt in the back—not that it mattered to him. His third knife passed four hands to my right. These men were neither soldiers nor assassins. They were thugs. Only their numbers made them dangerous. I put a knife in his back as he turned to run. I doubted there was any money in the building, so I left after tidying up.
* * *
"Why, Sister?" Boyan asked as I approached.
"I trust you, Lord Boyan, to hold the money for First Lady wu'Lichak."
"Why? She doesn't need money, and what you've given me is a trivial amount to her."
"She will know what to do with it when the time comes. I need a favor."
"...if I can."
"I would like to borrow a good bow and about twenty arrows. Tomorrow two hours after sunset." I left before he could reply.
* * *
The next night when I showed myself, Boyan stood waiting with a good bow and a quiver of twenty arrows.
"I don't suppose you're going to tell me why you want these," Boyan said as he handed them to me.
"All in good time, Lord Boyan."
"Aren't you afraid I'll send troops to capture you for questioning?"
"You serve First Lady wu'Lichak, and she would not hinder a Shadow."
I worked my way to Slum Alley in my begging disguise. The streets were buzzing with priests and recruits, all in large groups. The collectors that returned were in groups of ten. There was no pretense of being unguarded. Well after midnight, the streets quieted down. Using the shadows from the buildings and my darlings, I checked all sides of the temple. Two guards were stationed in front and two in back. I suspected several more were on guard inside the house. Two darts and the front guards were down. The front now clear, I splashed alcohol over the walls and extra around the doors. I struck a flint and the building burst into flame.
I heard shouts of "Fire!" and dashed around to the back of the temple. Horses neighed and stamped in the nearby stable, but it was far enough away not to be in danger. Soon people began fighting to get out the back door, as there was no safe way to exit the front. Four yellow-robed priests came rushing out carrying heavy bags. Three head priests, judging by their red robes and masks, followed them. I'm not the best archer, but at twenty paces, I generally don't miss the bull's-eye. The first three arrows went to the red-robed priests. The ones carrying the bags got the next four. The rest scattered like frightened rabbits.
I borrowed one of the horses and loaded the sacks of money. They weighed too much to carry on my own. With that much money, the cult could have bought and outfitted a reasonable sized army.
In the square, I tossed a silver to a girl in scraps of a dress. She nodded when I told her to cover the town shouting for victims of the Eyes of God to let the authorities know their names. Three boys soon joined her. I promised each an extra five silvers if they worked hard. They were also to proclaim the priests enemies of the Shadows.
At the castle, Boyan stood waiting. I handed him the reins to the horse with the sacks attached.
"First Lady wu'Lichak would like to talk to you."
"Lord Boyan," I said, ignoring wu'Lichak's request. "I promised five silvers each to four children in the slums. I'd appreciate you seeing they were paid. They're spreading the word to those coerced into giving money to the Eyes of God for protection, to make themselves known. I believe the first lady would benefit if she would distribute the money I gave you to those deserving it."
"Wait!" Boyan shouted as I walked away.
Back at the wagons, I told Marku the king awaited us.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Udo—Araby Province
We left late in the morning, with everyone excited about visiting Tarion and a performance in front of the king. Later that morning, Marku joined me on my wagon.
"I understand the church of the Eyes of God and the Shadows have been having an argument. It appears the Shadows won." Marku stared at me for a minute. "I can't reconcile the girl I met in Sebec with the Shadow who's a match for Wizards, tells fortunes for First Lords, and destroyed the army of the Eyes of God."
"She was a different woman—one who looked forward to learning how to be a Spy, under the direction of a senior Shadow. She's dead." I grieved for that young woman.
"I can't imagine how it feels to kill someone, and you've been forced to kill many. I do know everyone in the clan loves you, and every kill protected those you love. Everyone benefits except you. The Dorian clan would accept you as a member any time you wanted
." We lapsed into silence. I was thankful for Marku's thoughtful words, but it didn't change anything. We were headed toward Tarion, and my enemies hadn't stopped looking for me.
Someone shouted that there was a cloud of dust behind us. Soon afterward, a large column of Araby mounted soldiers came into sight, riding fast.
"What do you think they want?"
"Maybe Lady wu'Lichak didn't like the fortune I predicted." I couldn't imagine what she might want. Perhaps it had something to do with the church. I did kill…murder a lot of people. It didn't matter, since there was no place to run, too many to fight, and the clan would suffer if I did. I relaxed. The past couldn't be changed. As we waited, two riders pulled ahead of the others, who had slowed to a walk.
"Good morning, master Marku, fortuneteller," Bolan said with a smile. "I'd like you to meet Captain Chelan."
"Good morn, Captain," Marku said. I nodded.
"We are headed to Udo. If you don't mind, we'll join you. It would be a nice diversion for the troops," the captain said. Of course, we couldn't really refuse. Chelan and Bolan were looking at Marku's horse, which trotted alongside the wagon.
"We would be delighted to have you. These are troubled times. Who knows what we'll meet on the road to Udo?"
With that, Bolan and the captain slowed to join the column.
"What do you think, Ryana?"
"Since they didn't arrest me, I think First Lady wu'Lichak has granted us her protection while we're in Araby, and no, I don't know why. I guess she didn't mind being called ugly and incompetent."
"You make us gypsies look like clowns." He shook his head as he mounted his horse and rode away.
If we rushed, it would take three days to reach Udo, but there was no reason to rush. Marku decided to stop early and to put on two acts and set up one tent for the soldiers each night. He reasoned it was worth the protection, and we could use the practice. The captain was delighted for the diversion from a long, boring ride. The first night we performed the tightrope and horse-riding acts. The mounted soldiers were fascinated with the riding tricks and afterward sat around debating whether any would be useful in battle. We ate in three large circles rather than one, with several gypsies joining each circle. It made for some interesting discussions on military and gypsy life. On the first night, Bolan came and sat next to me.
"The first lady was pleased that the Sisters intervened with the Eyes of God cult. She didn't realize the extent of their terror or real intent. The merchants and residents of the adjoining districts were afraid to report the extortion because of the threat to their businesses and families. In a time of chaos, the cult would have been a significant force." He stared at me for a moment. "They would certainly see a different world for Araby. She doesn't know your future but would see you safely into Dazel."
"When you see her again, give her my thanks. The gypsies are in great danger." I didn't add "because they carry me," but maybe she already knew. She was a shrewd woman who knew the bottles had narrow necks, the circles on the wooden balls were off center, and I knew more than I should.
* * *
On the second night, we performed our tumbling act and Stela's magic act. Afterward, I opened the fortuneteller tent. Captain Chelan was the first customer.
"I understand you tell fortunes for nobles, Wizards, and our first lady. Very impressive," he said as he sat. "I'm afraid this is going to be a long night, since all the troops will want a…telling."
"Put your hands on the table, Captain," I said, wondering what to say. I didn't know anything about military life—or did I? The Sisters and the gypsies were clans; perhaps the military were also a type of clan. And wu'Lichak would have sent someone she trusted along with Bolan. "Like Lord Bolan, First Lady wu'Lichak trusts you. There is a storm forming around Araby, and the first lady will need your support. You will give it gladly, willingly risking all for her…" Later that night, I noticed him talking with Bolan and sneaking looks in my direction. The tellings with the soldiers were lighter and easier. They tended to give hints or ask what they wanted to know. It was easy to weave in their loyalty to Chelan and the first lady.
* * *
The third night, Yoan demonstrated his skill with knives, and we put on our new skit. The soldiers roared with laughter. Afterward, I received all sorts of strange looks. When Bolan smiled, I knew wu'Lichak had discussed her suspicions with him. I guess it didn't matter any more. I felt my life as a Sister was over. I would have cried if I had had any feelings left.
We entered Udo late in the afternoon of the fourth day. I immediately sent Kasi to watch the Intermediate's house. That strategy had proved productive in the past. Ironically, my enemies' use of the Intermediates to locate Shadows had helped me locate them. Funny, I had begun to think of them as my opponents rather than the Shadows.
We rested that day and planned for a performance the next day. Marku didn't plan to stay in Udo long, since it was a mining town with a small population, although wagon trains loaded with workers did come in periodically to collect ore for processing. That meant I had a few days to find the Sister Spy who was operating in Udo for a Lord in Scio. I didn't know the reason, only that her last location had been here. Although nothing had happened early in the evening, I decided to hurry the process along with a visit. As everyone had come to expect, I wandered off into the night. Halfway there, I changed into my blacks and approached the house with caution. The Intermediates' houses had proved dangerous. After ensuring no one was watching the house, I entered through a side window into a storage area. The Intermediate, Angess, made and sold special breathing masks, gloves, and shoes for the miners. When I opened the door a crack, I saw her sitting at a table, writing. The room appeared empty, so I opened the door halfway.
"Don't turn around, Angess, your life depends on it." She froze. "What has been happening in Udo?
"Lord Tenus is looking for a Shadow. He hired an Assassin to kill another lord who plotted against the first lady. Instead, she took money from Lord Tenus and intended to kill him. One of his men discovered the plot, and she was captured. He's holding her prisoner until he can find a senior Shadow to turn her over to. He believes she's an apprentice and willing to pay to get rid of her. Perhaps you could take her." She made no attempt to sneak a look in my direction. I guess she took my threat seriously; however, her story was the worst lie I had ever heard, even if I didn't know he captured a senior Spy. Apprentices are never by themselves—well, almost never—clients didn't hold Shadows to report them to another Shadow, and why pay when the Shadows would owe him for the broken contract?
"Tell Lord Tenus I've business in Windon, which I must finish first. I should be back in a sixday. When I return, I'll be glad to deal with the rogue Shadow. Send the following message to Ahasha:
HAVE ROGUE SHADOW IN UDO.
WILL PUNISH UNLESS TOLD OTHERWISE. Q."
I exited the way I entered. Lord Tenus will probably set up a roadblock to Windon, but we've Bolan and his troops. Hopefully, the message to Ahasha will draw attention away from the gypsies. The problem now was how to free Sister Morana. Maybe her familiar, Niki, a black monkey-like, tree-climbing animal, could help if I could find her. I changed back to gypsy clothes and sent Anil and Kasi to look for Niki. She wouldn't be far from Lord Tenus's compound. Closer to the wagon, I saw Bolan partially concealed behind a tree. I could have slipped by him but decided not to. I walked slowly, looking at the ground, staying some twenty paces from where he stood.
"Good evening, Ryana." He stepped out from behind the tree smiling. "You're out very late."
"I always wander around at night. I'm finding it hard to undo my training at Ahasha. The Sisters don't believe students need sleep. After a while, you can't sleep more than four to five hours a night."
"You trained at Ahasha?"
"Didn't you know? The Sisters decided I wasn't qualified and asked me to leave. They paid Marku to deliver me to Scio. I've decided I like being a gypsy. It's exciting." That seemed to deflate him. I suspect he
thought he had proved me a Sister. My lie was close enough to the truth, as a good lie should be. If he questioned anyone, it was what he would be told.
* * *
We put on our first performance the next night. The audience was small, but the games were very profitable. A few thieves wandered through the crowd. The miners looked to be a rough bunch that few would want to antagonize—like by putting your hand in one of their pockets. I noticed one I thought could be an assassin. He walked around looking closely at the women. I guessed he hoped he would be the one who found the legendary Shadow of Death. Of course, I would bet he had never considered what would happen if he did. An Earth Wizard stood off to the side. He never showed any interest in me, but his presence let me know they were aware of me. As usual, I worked the fortuneteller tent. Most of my clients were women hoping to hear something good, even if they didn't believe it. Few men visited. Near closing, a young noble entered, sneering, and threw a tora on the table.
"Well, girly, you want to tell me how much I'm going to enjoy bedding you tonight?"
"No, young lord. I'm going to tell you how wonderful tomorrow is going to be because you didn't bed me tonight."
"You bitch, I've offered you ten times what you're worth. Maybe I'll just take it for free."
"Nothing's for free, young lord."
I put my left hand containing a knife on the table. He smiled. I smiled, knowing he planned to trap my hand with his and then grab me.
How had the idiot stayed alive so long?
Sure enough, his hand came down on mine. I made no attempt to move it. As his hand touched mine, my right hand came up with a knife at his throat.
"Now, doesn't the thought of waking up tomorrow seem good?"
