The Blackguard (Book 2)

by Cheryl Matthynssens

  The door opened suddenly, and reflexively Aorun’s hand went to his blade as Owen sauntered in. He had a black eye and a split lip. Aorun raised a brow as he looked him over. “You had best hope that the other man looks worse.” He knew that Owen had a penchant for fighting in the rings for a split of the take.

  Owen just grinned in that big easy manner of his. “Dead.” It seemed all that needed to be said as he moved to his spot on the wall, leaving the door open. Owen leaned back, arms crossed. “Something important to get you up so early, boss?”

  Aorun nodded. “I was looking over reports and found a note that the new merchant up on the second tier refused to pay his protective due. We are going to go pay him a visit.” The man they were going to see was a jeweler who specialized in the enchantments of rings and pendants. If he was expecting to get jewels to his shop, he had to bring them through the trenches to do so. His supply line had just dried up. Aorun knew Owen took joy in the breaking of things: windows, goods, bones. It didn’t seem to matter much to his henchman.

  Owen grinned. “I love my job.” He pulled out his dagger and set to it with a stone as he leaned against the wall.

  Sordith walked in at that moment, his cat-like movements as silent as ever. His face held the usual bland expression it had until something displeased him. It was that silence that endeared him to Aorun. If he needed eyes in difficult places, Sordith knew how to see it done. “Have a fun evening?” Aorun teased eyeing his second.

  “Very relaxing,” Sordith answered, moving to stand beside Aorun. “Interesting to see you ready so early.”

  Owen grinned at Sordith. “That is what I said.”

  Aorun just shook his head. “I am not always late to rise.” Both of his men just looked at him. “What? I’m not.”

  Sordith gave a simple smirk. “Alright, not always. We must not discount the tenth day of the nine out of ten, Owen.” He laughed more and Owen joined in.

  Owen moved to Sordith and clapped him on the shoulder. “So how was the farm wench last night?”

  “She was a bit hysterical at first but she came around,” Sordith replied.

  “Good! I want a piece of that,” Owen said with a cruel grin.

  “Afraid I can’t let you do that, Owen,” Sordith answered.

  “Ah, come on, I always offer to share with you.” Owen frowned. The big man wore the expression of a child that had been denied dessert.

  “How often do I take you up on that?” Sordith asked levelly.

  “Well…um…never, actually.” Owen paused and looked at Sordith, puzzled.

  “There is a reason for that, Owen. I like my women warm, willing and clean. Let us just say I have more discerning tastes.” Sordith grinned at the large man, his tone casual.

  “Can I at least look her over?” Owen asked with a frown. He was fairly sure he’d just been insulted, but was struggling to find out where.

  “I fear I sent her home,” Sordith answered.

  Aorun had been following the exchange with a grin to the last, but the smile dropped at the word “home.” He felt his face flush with anger as he turned to Sordith. “Sent home?”

  “Yes, sent home.” Sordith met Aorun’s angry gaze evenly.

  “Why, by the gods, would you send such a comely lass home?” Aorun’s nostrils flared. “She couldn’t have been that bad in your bed?”

  “I wouldn’t know, I didn’t press her to it. I sent her home last night.” Sordith shrugged.

  Aorun raised his gauntleted hand to strike Sordith and was surprised when Sordith caught the arm as he pulled back. Aorun had barely seen him move. They stared eye to eye through their own arms.

  “Before you do that, remember that you gave your word that I could do with the girl as I pleased,” Sordith whispered softly. His eyes were hard as they met Aorun’s.

  “That is not what I meant,” Aorun growled angrily.

  “You did not ask what I wanted, merely gave me full leave to do as I willed. I willed to send the girl home with a pouch for her fears and trouble.” Sordith had not yet let go of Aorun’s hand. Owen stood beside them both, out of harm’s way, his hand on his sword hilt. It was clear he had no idea what to do if they came to blows.

  “You clearly heard me say I wanted her trained in the brothels.” Aorun’s eyes danced with anger; he was obviously taking this as a slight.

  “While you stand there, considering whether or not you will kill me for doing only what you, yourself, allowed me to do, I would have you add to my list of sins that I will help in the trenches anywhere you ask. I will never,” Sordith emphasized firmly, “be a part of kidnapping innocent people from their homes outside of Silverport again. If that is a requirement of my service, kill me now.” Sordith slowly let go of Aorun’s hand. “There are enough whores and destitute for you to prey on here. You don’t need to ruin the lives of those that actually managed to find a life outside this shite hole.

  Aorun stared at Sordith in disbelief as his second drew his sword. Aorun reacted instantaneously, the hissing of the two swords freeing from sheaths echoing in deadly concert. “Surely you do not wish to die over some little trollop.” He had no sooner uttered the words than Sordith tossed his sword gently to Owen, who caught it in surprise. Sordith followed it with six daggers that swiftly flew across the room, burying themselves in the half-beam on the far wall. They were neatly lined up and quivering, one below the other. Aorun hadn’t even known Sordith carried six daggers.

  “I am giving you the opportunity to send me to the gods now. Choose wisely, Aorun, knowing full well that I will not be party to hunting and selling free women.” Sordith put both his hands out to either side of him. “You and I know that there is no going down for me. I rise or I die. I have no desire to kill you. Therefore, if you cannot accept my terms of service, kill me now.”

  Owen stepped back. This was between the two of them. His eyes were wide as he stared between the two deadly men. He held Sordith’s blade like it was a vile object, out away from his body. He wasn’t the only one staring in disbelief, Aorun also stared wide-eyed at Sordith.

  “By the gods, man! I knew you had some stupid sense of honor, but this is a bit much. We deal in illicit goods every day!” Aorun waved his sword about them.

  “I have no problem stealing the fools in the tiers blind. I do not mind keeping the peace such as it were in this foul hole. I do not prey on innocent people trying to earn an honest wage,” Sordith stated firmly. He still had his hands out. “I barely tolerate the muscling of those that live here. However, it is your realm to lead, not mine.”

  “What would you do different to lead this hole, as you call it?” Aorun asked. There was a deadly edge to his tone.

  “Tell that bastard Veaneth that if he wants Lerdenian woman, he can hire them. We are done. We are not slavers of our own people.”

  “I see. Anything else you seem to think I am deficient in?” Aorun asked bitterly, wounded that his second was turning on him.

  “Bugger it, Aorun, ever think that it’s not all about you?” Sordith let out an exasperated sigh.

  Aorun’s answer was swift and honest. “No.”

  “I’m not saying you need to change anything. I’m saying leave me out of it,” Sordith countered. He still held Aorun’s gaze without fear.

  “That is all you want, me to leave you out of any of this trafficking?” Aorun considered that. He really didn’t want to lose Sordith. He trusted him for this very reason. The man had principle, and…well, he could manage numbers. Aorun made the decision and slid his sword home. “Done.”

  “You understand that if I am forced to do so, I will act.” Sordith’s words held a strange edge of promise.

  Aorun waved his hands in dismissal. “Good as done. I have enough other things you can be a party to, and besides, even though he is a bit overeager, Owen seems to like that part.” Aorun turned and walked to his desk. “Pick up your weapons. We have work to do.”

  Sordith moved to pull his daggers from the beam and slid
them all back into their respective sheaths. His eyes met Owen’s with a withering look. “Any words?”

  Owen snorted. “No, sir. I like this arrangement just fine,” he said with a large grin, keeping it even as Sordith glowered at him. “You turn them down and I will just console their broken hearts.” Owen paused for a moment and then leaned into Sordith to ask quietly. “You do like women though, don’t ya?” Owen handed him back his sword.

  Sordith took the sword and slammed it back into its sheath. “Of course I like women. Don’t be daft.” He moved over to Aorun, who still had his back to him.

  Owen grinned. “Okay, okay…Just checking.” Owen went back to his spot, watching the two cautiously.

  Auron was staring at his desk, deep in thought. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt him to see what Sordith would do. He would go with them, but Aorun would have him make the demand. Aorun turned and regarded the two. “As I was telling Owen, that new jewelry merchant on the second tier has refused to pay his dues. I need to explain how Silverport works to the man. I have decided Sordith that you will do this instead. You say there are better ways to do this then ‘muscling,’ as you call it.” Aorun crossed his arms in challenge. “Let me see how you would handle such a situation.”

  Sordith eyed Aorun. “I see this as a losing situation. If I do well, you will see it as a slight to your methods. If I do poorly, I will have confirmed that your approach is best and you will mock me with it.”

  Aorun grinned. “True, I would mock you with it.” Aorun considered this a moment. “An agreement, then. If your way does not work, I get to mock you with it.” Aorun grinned again in playful mischief, as if the confrontation just moments ago hadn’t occurred. He became more serious after a moment, though, looking at Sordith. “If your way does work, I will agree to at least try your suggestions. I am not unreasonable, Sordith. I know you have a head for numbers, and I am for anything that brings more slips to our own coffers.”

  Sordith considered his offer for a long moment. He offered his arm. “Agreed,” he said with his usual firm lack of emotion.

  Aorun clasped his arm as they solidified their agreement. “What is the plan then to get this merchant to cough up his due?”

  “You watch play muscle, and let me do all the talking.” Sordith’s eyes were shrewd, he was clearly already calculating.

  Aorun nodded. “When we get there then, the task is yours.” Aorun strode out the room and his two men fell in behind him. They made their way through the trench to the first set of stairs to the upper level. The stairs were widest here to accommodate for the great deal of goods that came up and down from tier to tier, be it laundry from the noble houses or simple foods going to the various markets. The guards were not as strict at this level during the day because of the amount of commerce, but matters tightened up at night. Aorun nodded to the guards. He slipped them additional slips regularly. It was good to have the city guard’s good graces…Especially those guardsmen that might need to look another direction every now and then.

  The trio entered the second tier with the same ease. They held up their merchant passes as a matter of routine: the guard knew them and waved them through. The three men were silent as they moved through the city. There was always someone in the trenches looking to move up, so when they were out of the manor, they were ever watchful. People parted to go around them. Aorun liked this display of fearful respect, he didn’t mind ruling through fear. Actually, he rather liked it, and failed to see how Sordith would get this jeweler to pay up without it.

  When they reached the jeweler’s shop, each of the three stepped in. There was no one in the shop at the moment, but soon the curtain parted and an older man stepped through. Owen turned and pulled the curtains closed, a sign that the shop was closed. He then leaned his large frame back against the door to keep anyone from opening it. Aorun moved to the right, hand on his sword, but took the position of the silent enforcer, a role he’d played often when he was not yet Trench Lord. His eyes, however, were on Sordith.

  Sordith stepped up to the board that separated him from the jeweler. “Ah, good day...good day, Master Jespeth. How are you this fine day?” Sordith had a wide smile.

  “It was a good day, but I suspect my fortunes may have just changed.” He eyed Owen and Aorun with distaste.

  Sordith followed his gaze and waved in dismissal. “Pay them no mind, they are here for my protection.”

  “So you say. What can I do for you? I fear you have me at a disadvantage, as you have my name and I do not know yours.” Jespeth’s eyes came back to Sordith, but he still looked wary. He was a small man with a balding head and daring eyes.

  “Ah, my apologies. I am Sordith. I have come to discuss a business matter for the Trench Lord.” Sordith answered.

  “I already told the last man that I will not be blackmailed and bullied. I will not be paying protection fees to men who do not even live this tier.” Jespeth spat the last.

  Aorun’s hand clenched around the hilt of his sword. He wanted to remove the man’s vile head, but he’d promised Sordith he could handle this matter. His soft snort was the only sign of his disapproval, making his displeasure clear to his right hand. It was then that Aorun picked up on a noise behind the curtain to the living quarters of the shop. He gave a casual signal that they were not alone.

  Sordith nodded once to indicate that he’d seen the hand sign. “Well, you see, that is why I am here. Obviously, there has been some sort of misunderstanding. It is not security, exactly, you are being asked to donate funds in exchange for an open supply line.” Jespeth went to speak, but Sordith held up his hands. “Pray, let me continue. For a man in need of good stones to work and yet being on the second tier, he has to wait for the third tier merchants to take their purchases before he can view the stones. Yes?”

  “Well, yes… But that is the way of things. I wait my turn like any other.” Jespeth looked about indignantly.

  “I am betting you are from an inland city?” Sordith asked with a bit of a smile.

  “Yes, I know how the tiers work. I am not new to city life.” Jespeth clearly looked disgruntled, despite his concern, and eyed the three armed men in his shop.

  Sordith nodded. “There is one major difference between Silverport and other inland cities. Goods come into the city in two directions. One, like you are used to, across the tier bridge. However, there is a supply that comes from the sea. Now, these stones are from all over the world. We only share that supply with those who have paid for the right so as to ensure they have first access to these rare gems.”

  Aorun watched the subtle change in the merchant. He was fairly sure that Sordith just secured the merchant’s interest. Sordith suddenly flicked his wrist and hit the rope holding up the curtain behind the merchant with a throwing knife. It fell away to reveal the most beautiful woman that Aorun had ever seen. He stood and stared in absolute amazement. Her hair was long and black. It fell all the way to her hip, even gathered at the side of her neck as it was. It was her eyes, however, that captured his attention. They were the deepest green he had ever seen. The girl froze staring at the knife just inches above her head.

  Jespeth moved between the men and the woman. “This is my daughter, she meant no harm! She helps me with the settings, sometimes.” His eyes darted with concern at the three men. “I assure you, what is said here will not leave this room. Keelee, to the back shop with you.”

  Aorun spoke even though he’d promised not to. “I think she should stay. You got anyone else back there?” He wanted to keep looking at her. His eyes were undressing her even though she was behind her father. Her waist would probably fit between his hands. Her breasts seemed ready to spill out the top of her gown. He shifted slightly to ease the growing pressure in his pants.

  Sordith glowered at Aorun, a look meant to quiet a guard. “I think she should stay. I am hoping our business is almost concluded.” He, too, eyed the girl with swift appraisal.

  “No, no one else is here. Sh-she helps me, that is all,�
�� Jespeth sputtered out, clearly uncomfortable with the expressions of the men who eyed his daughter.

  “Yes, well, lovely lass. Doesn’t do to spy on your father’s customers. Some might take objection. Sordith nodded to the young lady.

  “Yes, sir,” she answered, her voice soft and husky. It reminded Auron of silk as it flowed over him and he shivered. “I meant no harm. Please do not hurt my father for my curiosity.”

  “I am not here to hurt anyone.” Sordith gave her a wink and turned back to the merchant. “Now, Jespeth, if you were to up the dues say by ten slips, I could insure that an invitation is sent when such stones come in. You could have first pick before they went to the upper tiers. Give you a competing edge.” Sordith smiled at him.

  “You mean, I would see them first?” Jespeth licked his lips in anticipation.

  “It does seem a fair thing to offer, since you always have to take the leavings of the third tier craftsmen.” Sordith leaned against the board and looked at the man. “I mean, look around us. It is clear you are at disadvantage compared to the third tier shops. I bet you rarely get anything unique.” He indicated the shelves that held some unguents and a few trays of common rings and pendants. “It is clear that your setting work is not what puts you at a disadvantage.” Sordith picked up a ring on a tray to his left, turning it over in his hand. “It is fine craftsmanship that deserves the finest in stones.” He tossed the ring down, causing Jespeth to scramble for it and move it to display properly. “Of course, if you would really rather just keep taking their castoffs…I am sure I could convince the Trench Lord not to put you on his collection routes.” Sordith straightened up. “Yes, that is probably for the best.” He turned away as if he had settled the matter.

  Aorun raised a brow at the strangled sound the jeweler made, amazed. If this man took the bait, Sordith would have nearly doubled the income from this shop to his own coffers. Surely such a tactic of manipulation would not really work.

  Jespeth moved around the end quickly to try to stop Sordith from leaving. “Wait, wait now. Let us not be hasty.” Jespeth looked at his daughter, who gave a brief nod, and then smiled broadly to Sordith as he turned back around. “I think what you offer is a fair deal. If we would truly have first pick then this price would be worth my trouble,” Jespeth offered hurriedly. He nodded to his daughter, who skittered off.