“Yes, sir, thank you for the opportunity to help in this matter,” said Benson.
“No, Benson, thank you. By helping me you help the Order and the whole of this city,” said Marks.
Benson left the conference room and headed to his office. He had planned for this contingency. Every Grey agent knew his life was on the line when taking an infiltration assignment. He would have to inform Gan of this mission before it was too late.
Once Benson left the conference room Marks stood and turned his back to the men sitting.
“Dietrich, I understand that this is a dangerous mission and that some of your men may not return from it. Make sure that Benson is one of those men. You’re dismissed,” said Marks.
The group of men stood and left the room without a sound.
This is shaping up to be a good week, thought Marks.
**********
Gan and Cade were sitting across from Hep who was looking down at the book.
“This is some serious work. Way beyond me,” said Hep.
“I’m not asking you to reproduce it, Hep, just figure out what we need to do with the wards. You have one hour,” said Gan. He stood up and walked out of the armory.
“I’ve never seen him like that. I mean, sure he is always this side of high strung, but that’s not like him. What’s going on?” said Hep.
“It’s Blue, she hasn’t checked in and she isn’t in any of the safe houses. He thinks it’s the Sisters,” said Cade.
Hep grew silent as he looked at the book before him.
“Also, the wards look like they will fail in about a year, which means the Unholy will be on the streets of the city. Basically the end of life as we know it,” said Cade.
“If the Sisters have her, I’m not going to lie to you, it’s not good. They are the best at what they do. They fulfill contracts and kill,” said Hep. “I can’t help you with that. With this, I can help,” he said as he pointed down at the book.
“You know what those designs mean?” said Cade.
“They are a variation of the wards that contain the park. These are a bit nastier, though, which means that whoever placed them didn’t want the wrong people reading this book,” said Hep.
“How are they different? They look like the same designs over and over,” said Cade.
“You see this design here--the one that looks like a figure eight? See how it’s repeated in several locations?” said Hep.
Cade nodded. He had noticed the same design on the walls of the park. “Yeah, those symbols are all over the park walls. What are they?”
“They maintain the integrity of the ward. Usually it’s for a fixed period of time. Wards degrade over time, but not these. These can go on indefinitely. This work is incredible,” said Hep.
“So is this book dangerous?” said Cade. He wondered if it was worth the price of leaving his hunter out there.
“It’s dangerous and valuable. I really need to get to it,” said Hep.
“I understand. Hope you can find anything that will help us in there.”
Cade left the armory and headed for the main floor. It was bustling with activity and he could see Gan surrounded by several agents. Gan motioned him over.
“The Sisters have her. We were able to pick it up on some of the cams we have stationed across from the park,” said Gan.
“Those things work that close to the park?” said Cade.
“They have shielding and the wards actually help believe it or not,” said Gan.
“Where is she? Where did they take her?” said Cade.
“I have people working on that and as soon as I know, you will. I promise. Why don’t you try and get some rest. We can’t do anything else until we know more,” said Gan. He placed a hand on Cade’s shoulder and ushered him out of the nexus. An agent waited to take him to sleeping quarters.
“We’ll find her. Go get some shuteye. You’re no use to anyone exhausted,” said Gan.
“Okay, old man. As soon as you know anything you get me,” said Cade.
“You have my word. Don’t worry, Sepia is trained and she is a hunter. The Sisters have their hands full,” said Gan.
**********
Sepia opened her eyes and found herself bound to the bed she was on. The room was sparsely furnished but well maintained. She pulled against the bonds and found them secure enough to hold her.
“Don’t bother. Those bonds will hold you until I say otherwise,” said a female voice. She had a slight accent Sepia couldn’t place.
Sepia looked around for the speaker and found her seated across from the foot of the bed. Sepia moved into a seated position and faced the woman. She was older than Sepia, her short hair peppered with gray and revealed a strong jaw line. Sepia could tell she trained regularly. Her body-- while thin--was defined. She was looking at the body of a warrior.
“My name is Anna. I am the current head of a group you may know as the Sisters. You have me in quite the position,” said Anna.
“Where are my weapons?” Sepia rasped. Her throat felt sore and her body felt bruised.
“There’s some water on the table beside you,” said Anna. “As for your weapons, they are safe.”
“My blade, don’t let anyone draw it,” said Sepia.
“I am well aware of the properties of a named blade, hunter. No one has or will attempt to use your blade. Please drink some water,” said Anna.
Sepia reached for the cup and found she could reach it. She drank the cool water in small sips.
“If you are feeling pain, I apologize. The bonds around your wrists negate the properties of your ink,” said Anna. “It was a precaution I’m sure you can understand, considering your abilities.”
“That would explain the feeling of swallowing glass,” said Sepia.
“On that subject, which artist worked on you? I rarely see a hunter done so extensively and with such a level of skill. It is the work of an ink master,” said Anna with admiration.
“I honestly don’t remember. It was someone my mother knew and it was done when I was still young,” said Sepia as she looked at her arms. She saw no reason to lie to this woman, considering her position.
“May I ask your mother’s name?”
“My mother’s name was Emiko. Emiko Tanaka,” said Sepia. “Did you know her?”
“I knew of her. Your mother, was one of the first female hunters. They were known as the terrible twenty. Your mother was called the Jade Demon. She had a fearsome reputation and was expected to die in the field on her first day. She gave them quite a surprise,” said Anna with a smile.
“I think I got some of that from her.”
“Indeed. Well that would explain the level of artistry in your ink. She would only let one person work on her daughter, I’m sure. Which means your work is the product of the famed ink master, Zanshin,” said Anna.
“Doesn’t sound familiar,” said Sepia.
“That wasn’t his real name of course, but it was the only name he went by. He’s been dead now for over twelve years. This makes you mid-thirties?” said Anna.
“Thirty- three, actually, and this is relevant because?” said Sepia.
“Because of the position I am in, hunter. The Sisters never renege on a contract, ever,” said Anna. Her voice was steel, cutting every syllable.
“Who put the contract on me?” said Sepia.
“Does it matter? It came through the proper channels,” said Anna.
“It matters because in less than a year the wards will fail completely. If that happens there won’t be a group of Sisters to worry about. All the Unholy will be released. A rogue hunter will be the least of your problems,” said Sepia. She was taking a chance that Anna cared more for her Sisters than the fulfillment of a contract.
“That would explain the presence of the behemoth certainly, but it is not enough. Proof, get me proof of this and perhaps we can make an exemption. Otherwise, these are just words,” said Anna.
“Do you have a secure line I can call from?�
�� said Sepia.
Anna’s eyes narrowed as she tossed a phone on the bed next to Sepia. Stupid question. These are world class assassins, of course they have a secure line, thought Sepia.
Sepia used one hand to dial Gan. It rang once and he picked up.
“Where are you? Where are you calling from?” said Gan. Anna took the phone from Sepia.
“Hello, Ganriel, it has been a long time since we have spoken,” said Anna.
“No one calls me that anymore, Anna. Where do you have Sepia?” said Gan.
“A contract was placed with us for her. The terms were dead or alive, although the client didn’t mind having her dead. Why is that, Ganriel? Why is this hunter so dangerous? I have seen many who have greater skill than this one,” said Anna turning to face Sepia as she spoke.
“It would seem she has powerful enemies. Not many have the ability to issue you a contract,” said Gan. “Can I use my right of dispensation?”
“Do you know the cost? This is not a matter to be taken lightly,” said Anna.
“Don’t do it, Gan. Whatever it is I’ll figure a way out!” exclaimed Sepia.
“Silence, hunter, your life is hanging in the balance and he bargains with his own,” said Anna.
Sepia glared at Anna but kept silent.
“Very well, Ganriel, but before we discuss the terms tell me about the wards,” said Anna.
Gan told her about the imminent failing of the wards and what that would mean for the city and the world if they did.
“The hunter told me as much, but I require proof that what you say is true. Do you have any?” said Anna.
“Grant me the dispensation on her contract and I will give you the proof,” said Gan.
“Very well, I will grant dispensation for Sepia Blue, daughter of Emiko Tanaka. Her contract is to be undertaken by you, Ganriel. You have a month,” said Anna. “Upon my word as bond.”
“One more thing, Anna,” said Gan.
“You are placing conditions on a dispensation with me? You have not changed one bit, Ganriel,” said Anna, furious.
“Yes I am, because of our past and our history and for the number of times I saved your life,” said Gan.
Anna’s faced softened. “You know I cannot change the time allotted, that is beyond me. The contract must be fulfilled. It is our way,” said Anna.
“I am asking for neither. I request that she be accepted into the Sisters with my vote of confidence. She is blacklisted with the hunters and cannot return, even if I clear her name. The suspicions will linger. As a Sister she will at least have a home after I am gone,” said Gan.
“She is not trained in our ways, Ganriel. She is barely an adequate hunter, although I do see some promise. The training will kill her,” said Anna.
“I only ask you give her the chance. The rest is up to her,” said Gan.
“On your vote I will allow her to enter the training. If she passes she will be one of us. Upon my word as bond,” said Anna.
“I accept your word as bond. Thank you, Anna. This means everything to me,” said Gan. “I will have one of my men pick Sepia up. Please send me the location. Once Hep is done I will send you our proof. It is a warded book, along with documentation regarding the breaches. Do you remember the handling of those?” said Gan.
“As long as it has its protective covering, yes I know how to handle it,” said Anna.
“Until I see you again, or you see me,” said Gan. He hung up the phone. It was an old expression among assassins. The next time they met, one would die.
“What did he do? What is a dispensation?” Sepia said from the bed. She didn’t like the sound of it.
Anna didn’t answer right away. She sat on the bed with her back to Sepia.
“Ganriel was a good friend once, long ago. We fought alongside each other many times,” said Anna.
“What do you mean was? What did he do?”
She struggled against the restraints, but it was pointless.
“A dispensation is a special clause in the Sisters contract. If the person has the authority in the Order they can call for a dispensation. They take on the contract as if they are the target, freeing the intended target.”
“No, he didn’t. Tell me he didn’t do that,” said Sepia in a whisper.
“He did. You must be very special to him. A dispensation gives the new target a month to get their affairs in order and then the contract is fulfilled,” said Anna. “A dispensation can only occur once in a contract and is irreversible. Once the word of a Sister is given, it is law.”
“What about the rest, the part about the training killing me? What was his condition?” said Sepia.
“He requested you be allowed to join the Sisters, since you are no longer welcome among the hunters.”
“I can’t believe he did this. Why did he do this?”
“You can ask him yourself when you see him. He is sending a car over to get you,” said Anna.
“Has anyone ever escaped one of the Sisters contracts?” said Sepia.
“No one in the recorded history of the Sisters has ever escaped a contract that was issued against them. However, if there is one man who can do it, Ganriel is that man. I wish him luck,” said Anna. “If you will excuse me, I have to inform our client that the contract will be delayed by a month.”
Anna stood and headed for the door.
“Can you tell me who the client is? Do you still fulfill the contract if there is no client?” said Sepia.
Anna turned, a wry smile on her face.
“I can see some of what he sees in you. Of course I cannot share that information with a hunter. It would violate one of our oldest precepts,” said Anna.
Sepia sighed, frustrated. She pleaded with her eyes.
“However, since you are to undergo our training that would make you a Sister novitiate. I can share that information with a Sister,” said Anna. She held the back of the chair and leaned forward as she spoke.
“If I were to guess, I would look at those who had the Authority to contract us. It requires Overseer clearance and above. Have you made enemies of any Overseers recently?”
Anna walked out of the room and left Sepia with her thoughts.
TWENTY-FOUR
A few moments later two women entered the room. Sepia recognized them as two of the women she saw at the park. The smaller of the two carried all her weapons. Once her restraints were removed, her ink restored her body and she felt fully recovered.
“Hello, my name is Asha. These are yours.”
It was looking at two extremes. Where Asha was small and waif-like, Alexa was large and muscular.
Asha gently placed the weapons on the bed. Sepia checked her guns and saw they were loaded. I guess shooting them would be in bad form. She holstered her guns and slung her blade over her shoulder and back.
“Thank you. Did anyone try to, you know, touch my blade?” said Sepia as she strapped the leather ties to her body.
“I was tempted, back at the park. Anna said it was a bad idea,” said Asha.
“Do you always do what Anna says?” said Sepia.
Asha cocked her head to one side and Alexa laughed quietly behind her.
“Have you met Anna? She is the leader of the Sisters. That’s not an honorary title. She had to fight to get that position. Yes, I do everything Anna says,” said Asha.
“So it’s out of fear, then?” said Sepia. She was beginning to dislike this group more and more by the second. What the hell did you get me into, Gan?
“No, not fear, respect. We all respect her because she looks out for us. She cares for us and makes sure we are ready. She’s hard but fair. You really can’t ask for more than that in this life,” said Asha.
Alexa nodded as she pulled out a blindfold and held it in both hands.
Sepia understood that feeling more than most and looked at the two women with begrudging respect. “I’m ready to go,” said Sepia. Alexa stepped over and placed the blindfold over her eyes. Asha grabbed Sepia’s hand
and led her to the underground garage.
“Soon you won’t need the blindfold, you’ll be one of us,” said Asha as she closed the vehicle door and they pulled off.
They were outside. Sepia could feel the cool breeze as she stepped out of the vehicle. It was morning. The heat of the sun warmed her face. The blindfold was removed and she stood on the corner of street facing Columbus Circle as a black SUV pulled up. Cade was at the wheel. Several Grey agents rode in the SUV. They all had weapons drawn and looked ready to go at a moment’s notice. Sepia got in the passenger side and looked behind her. The agents looked tense.
“What gives?” said Sepia.
Cade looked her over and smiled as he brushed his hair with his hand.
“How was your vacation with the Sisters?” said Cade.
“Restful. Want to tell me why they all look like a Nightmare is about to pounce on them?” said Sepia. Cade flipped down the visor on the passenger side and Sepia saw her reflection in the mirror. Her left eye gave off a green glow.
“Shit, I don’t have my glasses,” said Sepia as she checked her jacket pockets.
Cade handed her a pair of her wraparounds, which she put on.
“You could have said something you know,” said Sepia.
Cade was adjusting the rearview mirror and laughing. “And miss the expression on these guys? Oh, hell no. This is priceless,” said Cade.
“I’ve had a rough night, can we get back to Gan? I need to speak to him now,” said Sepia.
“Rough night? You were MIA for three days, Sepia. Gan was about to rip the city in half when he got your call,” said Cade.
“Three days?” said Sepia. How can I have been out for three days?
“You don’t remember? You were fighting a big ugly thing, the behemoth?” said Cade. He gave her sidelong glances as he drove down Broadway.
“I remember the Behemoth --no way I can forget that thing,” said Sepia. She also remembered its last words. You’re one of us, it taunted her. I have never blacked out for that long. It is getting worse.
“And stop looking at me like that, I’m fine. I just didn’t think it was that long,” said Sepia.
“Well, while you were on vacation, it has been getting dicey out here. Another Behemoth was seen two nights ago at the edge of the park. Last night one was sighted just outside,” said Cade.
Rise of the Night (Sepia Blue Book 1) Page 16
