Death and Honor: Book 2 of 2

by James Wisher

  “Not as big a shock as learning he’s a killer for hire. Do you suppose Lucy can find him?”

  “She can find him,” Griff said around a mouth full of food. “Whether she can do it by midnight’s the question. That’s not much time.”

  “That’s not the encouragement I was hoping for.”

  Griff finished his breakfast. “Let’s go see what she knows.”

  “Will she be awake?” Gabriel followed his partner out of the tavern and toward Lucy’s bar.

  “If not we’ll wake her up. This is an emergency.”

  It didn’t take them long to walk to the run down bar. They went in, but it was way too early and the place was empty save for a bartender and an old man sitting in the back near the hidden door to Lucy’s office.

  They walked over to the old man. “Your boss up yet?” Griff asked.

  The old man shook his head. “She’s not to be disturbed until noon. Sorry, Griff.”

  Griff grinned. “We really need to see her.”

  “That’s what everyone says. You’ll have to wait.”

  Gabriel was growing angrier by the second. He reached for his sword, but Griff put a restraining hand on his arm. Gabriel took a deep breath and let it out slow. “You can wake her up or I can kick the door down, your choice.”

  “We got a deal with the watch. You can’t barge in here anytime you want.”

  “If you think I will let a kidnapping investigation wait while your boss get her beauty sleep you’re either crazy of stupid,” Gabriel said. “Now are you going to wake her or am I?”

  He turned a pleading look on Griff who shrugged.

  “Okay, wait here.” The old man slipped into the secret passage.

  “What you think?” Gabriel asked.

  “Lucy will be pissed.”

  “Will she help anyway?”

  “Probably, it’s in her best interest to keep the watch happy and under the circumstances I believe she’ll understand your anxiety.”

  Five minutes later the old man emerged from the back room. “Come on back, the boss will be along in a minute.”

  The old man escorted them to Lucy’s office. It looked the same as their last visit and they sat in the chairs in front of her desk. It wasn’t even a minute before Lucy joined them, hair in disarray and no makeup on.

  “You two have a lot of nerve threatening to break my door down at this time of the morning. Well don’t sit there like lumps, tell me what you want.”

  “An assassin arrived in Lord’s Way in the last day and I need to find out where he’s staying. He’s a little younger than me, wears a half mask and dark cloak.”

  “Ah.” He had Lucy’s attention now. “He made quite an impression on my guild contact. He’s a member of the Shadow Hand. They’re the most ruthless assassins in the world. Did he kill someone already?”

  “No. I don’t want to arrest him just talk to him,” Gabriel said.

  “Interesting, want to tell me what this is about?”

  “No.”

  Lucy smiled and shrugged. “Suit yourself. I don’t know where he is, but I can find out. You’re welcome to wait here. When I learn something you’ll know it.”

  “Thank you,” Gabriel said.

  Lucy wrote three notes then pulled a rope hanging by the desk. Three young men entered from a side door and hurried over to her. She handed each one a note and without a word the messengers left. “Now we wait.”

  Gabriel got up. “I can’t sit here. Let’s walk our usual patrol.”

  Griff got up beside him but made no comment.

  “We’ll check back in three hours after noon,” Gabriel said.

  Lucy nodded. “Are you sure you don’t want to tell me what’s going on?”

  “You’re safer not knowing,” Gabriel said.

  Gabriel and Griff left Lucy’s bar and started their patrol. Gabriel tried to pretend it was a day like any other, but several times found himself on the edge of running so he could get back to Lucy’s faster.

  “It won’t do any good to rush,” Griff said the third time he broke into a jog. “She’ll know when she knows, running back to get in her way won’t speed things up any.”

  “Yeah.” Gabriel sighed. “I hate not being in control. The bastards took Amanda. I know where she is, but if I try to save her they’ll kill her. All I can do is hope my brother will help me.”

  “What will his reaction be?” Griff asked as they entered the warehouse district.

  Gabriel smiled when he imagined Xander’s reaction. “I expect he’ll be amused at the irony of me asking for his help less than a day after refusing to help him.”

  “You don’t think he’ll help out of brotherly love?”

  Gabriel’s smile faded. “After everything Xander’s been through I’m not certain he’s capable of that emotion anymore.”

  * * *

  They got back to Lucy’s two hours early and found her deep in conversation with a young man wearing an eye patch over his right eye. She nodded at him when they entered. “Just the man I wanted to see. This is Denny, one of my sources. Tell them what you told me.”

  Denny looked at her like she’d asked him to stick his head in a lion’s mouth. “You want me to talk to a couple Watchmen? Forget it. I told you everything; now I’ll take my money and be on my way.”

  “Suit yourself.” Lucy tossed him a pouch which he snatched out of the air. He gave it a shake and seemed pleased with the jingle. He slipped out the side door without another word. “I think you two scared him.”

  “I have that effect on thieves,” Gabriel said.

  “So does your assassin. Last night he kicked down the guild hall door and demanded to see the master. When he finished talking he made it clear if they interfered in any way he’d come back and wipe them out.”

  “What’d the guild do?” Griff asked.

  “Nothing. They seemed confident he was willing and able to do what he threatened. They told the members to watch for him. A pickpocket spotted him a few blocks from the Lord’s manor. Are you certain you don’t want to tell me what’s happening?”

  “Completely. Where can I find him now?” Gabriel didn’t want to waste time now that he had a location.

  “He’s staying at an inn called the Black Swan. Before you rush over there you should know someone else saw him leave this morning, headed toward the river.”

  “Damn it! He could be anywhere along the banks.”

  “Thanks for the info,” Griff said. Turning to Gabriel he asked, “You want to go looking for him?”

  “No, I’ll wait at the inn. Xander’s bound to be back sometime.”

  * * *

  The sun sat low in the sky when Xander started back toward the inn. He’d spent the day fishing by the river. Seeing Gabriel again reminded him of the times they spent fishing in the pond near the house. He even caught a two pound rock lurker and planned to have it broiled for his dinner before he scouted the mansion.

  “Is he still back there?” Xander mumbled the words. He was getting close to speaking just in his mind, but hadn’t got the knack yet.

  Yes, shall we take him?

  Xander considered it, but since the watcher hadn’t interfered with him he chose to let him live. When he went to scout the mansion he’d shadow walk there and leave the spy none the wiser.

  The demon sensed his decision. I’m hungry. I must feed soon.

  “You’re always hungry. I’ll feed you when I find someone worth killing. Now be silent.”

  When they reached the inn Xander had no desire to carry a dead fish through the dining room so he went to the kitchen entrance. The door stood open to let the heat escape. Xander went inside and found the head cook barking orders at his assistants who scurried around rushing to obey. The head man spotted Xander and hurried over, waving his hands like Xander was some barnyard animal to be shooed out.

  A glare from Xander brought the man up short. No one had shooed him in years and he wasn’t about to start now. He threw the fish in a
n empty sink. “I want that broiled with garlic butter and brought to my table in half an hour.”

  “I’m not sure you know whom you’re speaking to,” the cook said.

  Xander’s eyes narrowed. “What makes you say that?”

  To his surprise the cook was smart enough to interpret the scowl on his face and realize his danger. “Never mind, it will be done.”

  “Good.” Xander stepped out of the door into the dining room and spotted his brother sitting at a table watching the entrance. What did Gabriel want? How had he learned where Xander was staying?

  The spy.

  Of course, Gabriel must have an informant in the guild. Xander chewed his lip and considered why Gabriel would have sought him out again so soon after they parted company. He doubted his brother had changed his mind about helping kill the duke. Xander felt stupid he’d asked in the first place. Gabriel was too honorable to even considering helping murder someone. He also doubted his brother had come to try to arrest him. Something must have changed in the past day.

  To be safe Xander stepped into a shadow and emerged beside his brother’s table. He appeared to be alone. Xander sat down beside Gabriel and grinned when his brother jumped. “So, are you here for the food or the company?”

  “The company.”

  “I’m flattered. After our last conversation I doubted you’d be eager to seek me out. Still you shouldn’t dismiss the food. I have a broiled rock lurker on the way. Want to split it?”

  Gabriel smiled. He had dark circles under his eyes. “Did you catch it yourself?”

  Xander nodded. “I spent most of the day down by the river, reminiscing I guess.”

  “I haven’t been fishing since you, Morgrin, and I went before the attack.”

  “Neither have I, but something drew me to the water today.”

  “I need you help little brother.”

  “So I assumed. You can tell me about it over dinner.”

  “We can’t talk here.” Gabriel seemed nervous and Xander couldn’t imagine why. “Do you remember the Church of the Bright Shield?”

  “Sure, it’s a landmark.”

  “Meet me there and be sure you’re not followed.”

  Equal parts annoyed and curious Xander said, “I’ll be there in an hour.”

  * * *

  Xander emerged from the shadows across the street from the church. The lack of portals in the church surprised him. He crossed the street and slipped like a shadow inside the building.

  “Welcome,” A kind voice said

  Startled Xander reached for his sword, but found only an old man standing beside the altar. “Where’s Gabriel?”

  “Your brother is waiting in the kitchen.” He gestured toward the rear of the church. “I have tea brewing.”

  Xander followed the old priest toward the back room. “Who are you that my brother shares his confidences with you?”

  The priest looked back and smiled. “Never fear, everything will be explained in time.”

  He found Gabriel pacing in the kitchen, a teapot whistling on the stove. The old priest bustled over and poured three cups. The smell of mint filled the room. “Tea’s ready.”

  “Solan, how can you think of tea at a time like this?” The agitation sounded clear in his brother’s voice.

  “Tea will help you relax and clear your mind so you can focus.” Solan passed out the mugs. “Sit, please.”

  Gabriel did as the priest bid and Xander sat across from his brother. Perhaps now he’d learn what was happening. “Well, brother, what’s so important to cause you to seek me out?”

  “Someone very important to me was kidnapped. Unless I give them an artifact they say they’ll kill her. I want you to help me rescue her.”

  “A woman, I should have guessed.” Xander remembered the women in his life and what he’d do to protect them. Perhaps his brother wasn’t so different from him after all. “Why don’t you give them what they want?”

  “It’s not that simple.” Gabriel set his mug down and looked at Solan who nodded. “What I’m about to tell you may sound improbable, but I promise you it’s the truth. Do you remember when Father went after the bandits a little while before the attack?”

  “It was his last mission.”

  “One of the items he recovered was an artifact, a piece of a magical key.”

  “Let me guess, that’s what the kidnappers want.”

  “That’s right, but I can’t give it to them. It would be far too dangerous if they got their hands on it.”

  “Fine, but what does this have to do with Duke Cariden?”

  “He’s allied with the kidnappers. They want me to bring the artifact to the mansion of one of the duke’s friends at midnight tonight.”

  “So the duke kidnaps your girlfriend and demands a ransom. When this is over will you still object to me killing him?”

  “Would it matter if I did?” Gabriel asked.

  Xander shook his head. “No, was just curious. What do you want me to do?”

  “I’ve created a counterfeit artifact,” Solan said. “Gabriel will take it to the front door to meet the kidnappers. While they’re distracted you sneak in and rescue the girl. You must move fast as it won’t take them long to realize the key is a fake.”

  “Why don’t I go in, kill everyone but the girl, and bring her out the front door?”

  “Too dangerous,” Solan said. “If the demon senses your arrival it will kill the girl. If you wait for it to be distracted you will have a better chance.”

  Xander shrugged. “Suit yourself. When do we move?”

  “They said midnight so why don’t we headed out now and scout around first?”

  Xander got to his feet. “The tea was excellent.”

  “Perhaps we’ll share another cup before you leave.” Solan said

  “Perhaps.” Xander gestured for Gabriel to lead the way.

  They left by the back door and started toward the mansion. Xander followed a step behind his brother. After a few blocks Xander said, “What would you have done if I didn’t come?”

  Gabriel stopped and looked back. “I never considered the possibility that you wouldn’t help me. We’re family.”

  Xander smiled when they resumed walking. Typical Gabriel, assuming he’d help for no other reason than his brother asked. He was right, of course. Xander knew the pain of losing someone you love all too well. If he could spare Gabriel that pain he would.

  They stopped in a dark alley across from the mansion. Two guards stood by the main entrance, big, muscle bound, types, there for decoration more than anything.

  The demon is in there. Not much of one mind you, but a demon all the same.

  “That was expected.” Xander mouthed the words without speaking. “How many guards?”

  A dozen at least, perhaps more. I can’t tell from here.

  “What do you think?” Gabriel asked.

  Xander took a moment to orient from mental conversation to verbal. “If the guards at the door are any indication we shouldn’t have any trouble. I can’t see through walls though so I can’t say what we’ll find inside.”

  Gabriel nodded. “Thanks for doing this, Xander.”

  Xander offered a cool smile. “You’re lucky we’re family. If you had to hire me it would cost you a fortune.”

  Gabriel glanced up at the moon and figured it was close enough. “Ready?”

  Xander nodded and Gabriel started toward the mansion. Xander pulled up his hood and watched. When the door opened he stepped into the shadows and out of time. Xander shadow walked into the mansion, peering through one portal after another, never leaving the timeless void of the shadow realm. He lost count of how many portals he checked before he found a room with guards standing out front. That must be the room, but he only had one chance to get it right so he found a small portal in the well lit room. A blond wisp of a girl sat in a bed covered with stuffed animals. That had to be her.

  Xander drifted to a portal across from the guards and drew the devourer
. Dark power and insatiable hunger filled him. He stepped out of the portal and into the hall, a dark figure out of the guards’ nightmares. Two slashes in as many heart beats and the bisected guards lay bleeding on the floor. Xander slashed the hinges off the door and kicked it in.

  The girl stared at him in slack jawed horror. Xander knew how he must look and sheathed his sword. “You’re Amanda?”

  She nodded, unable to speak.

  “Gabriel sends his regards.” Xander held out a hand to help her up. “If you want to live come with me.”

  Amanda’s hand seemed small and fragile in Xander’s as he led her through the mansion. With the devourer’s ability to sense the guards he avoided two patrols. Their luck could hold only so long so when they emerged from their most recent hiding place Xander asked, “What’s the fastest way out of here?”

  Amanda looked around with wide, frightened eyes, but to the girl’s credit she kept her wits. “At the end of this hall is a staircase. At the bottom turn right. The main corridor leads right to the front doors.”

  “All right, I’m sick of hiding. We’re going straight for the doors. Stay behind me and out of the way.”

  Amanda nodded, and they started down the hall. Xander reached out to the devourer. “Where are they?”

  So you finally mean to stop hiding? Three humans are engaged with your brother. Two guard the staircase, and nine patrol the mansion in groups of three. The demon is approaching from behind. It’s forty yards away at the girl’s room.

  “Good, keep me advised of the demon’s position. I can handle the thugs on my own.”

  They reached the end of the hall and turned down the stairs. Halfway down Xander stopped. “There is a pair of guards at the bottom of the stairs. Wait here while I deal with them.”

  “How do you know?”

  Xander held a finger up to his lips. “I just do. Now keep quiet.”

  He left Amanda standing in the stairwell and slipped down to the bottom. Xander sensed the guards through his connection with the sword. He raised the devourer and prepared to lunge out and kill the guards.

  The demon approaches. It will reach the girl in moments.