The ship rocked and Onyx whinnied. Savenek took him over to the side and tied him to a post for the journey. Knowing his horse would be fine once they set sail, Savenek asked the captain if he could be of use.
The captain snorted. “Keep away from my crew and let them do their job. You stay with your horse and outta my way.”
Savenek shrugged and went over to the railing. At least this would only take an hour. And since it was a river and not the open ocean, the ship didn’t rock nearly as much as he’d expected. All in all, the journey was fast, efficient, and simple. When they docked, Savenek untied Onyx and once again, led him across the planks.
Back on solid ground, Onyx shoved Savenek. He rubbed the horse’s nose knowing Onyx was glad to be off the ship. As they walked away from the docks, Savenek pictured the map Isek had shown him in his mind, recalling the route he needed to take. Lanek was northeast of here. Mounting, he steered Onyx through the streets and out of the city. Once open road stretched before them, he leaned low in the saddle and nudged Onyx into a canter and then a gallop. The horse readily complied, flying over the road as they raced toward their destination.
Savenek dismounted and led Onyx into the city of Lanek. It was far nicer than he’d expected. On the outskirts were several large estates surrounded by farms. Next, he passed dozens of smaller homes with well-kept gardens. The roads had been paved with stones. The city center consisted of counting houses, seamstresses, leather goods, pottery, and all sorts of merchants with stores in permanent buildings instead of carts like they had in Emperor’s City.
“Pardon me,” he said to an elderly couple walking by hand in hand. “Do you know where the Lilac Inn is?” That was where he was supposed to meet the negotiator and the interpreter.
The couple looked at him as if he had horse dung coming out of his ears. They skirted around him, not answering. He glanced down at himself. Road dust covered his pants and shoes. He’d been up since before sunrise, traveling hard to make it here before supper. Patting Onyx, he realized everyone walking on the streets was dressed exceptionally well. He needed to rectify his appearance immediately.
Three young ladies were chatting with one another on the other side of the street. Savenek crossed and stepped in front of them. “Excuse me,” he said, giving a half smile and doing this thing with his eyes that always made Hana look dreamily at him. He felt like a fool, but the three young ladies all giggled. “I’m looking for the Lilac Inn.”
“It’s two blocks that way,” the one in the middle answered, pointing to the right.
“Thank you.” Savenek led his horse the direction the lady had pointed.
When he came to the inn, he went around back where the stables were located and secured boarding for his horse. “Is there a place where I can wash up before I head inside?” he asked the stable boy.
The boy scratched behind his ear and looked at Savenek funny. “There’s a water basin for the horses just outside the stables.”
He thanked the boy and exited the stables. The water in the basin appeared to be clean. Dropping his bag at his feet, he leaned over the basin and splashed water on his face, wiping away the road dust. When he straightened, his shirt clung to his back since he was covered with sweat. Sighing, he glanced to his right and left. Not seeing anyone, he pulled his shirt off and tossed it on his bag.
Leaning over the basin once again, he rinsed his chest and splashed some water on his back, immediately feeling clean and refreshed. Except for his hair which was caked with dirt. He shrugged and dunked his entire head under the water. He righted himself and flung his head back, tossing his wet hair out of his face.
Someone cried out in surprise.
Savenek glanced over his shoulder. A young boy stood there, water splashed over his face and clothes. “Sorry about that.” He hadn’t meant to spray anyone when he’d flung his hair back.
“It’s fine,” the boy said in a feminine voice. “You just startled me.”
Savenek turned and examined the boy in greater detail. He wore black pants and a plain brown tunic—clothes befitting a boy. He also had a cap on, which concealed his hair. But there was something about the face…a delicate jawline, thin lips, and feminine cheekbones. A wisp of hair escaped the cap, curling along a tender cheek. A young woman about Savenek’s age dressed as a boy? He wondered why a pretty woman would wear such unappealing clothes. There had to be an interesting story there.
Her eyes scanned his body and her face flushed when she saw he didn’t have a shirt on. She quickly focused on his face, blinking.
“Are you lost?” Savenek asked, wondering why she was still standing there.
“Um, no.” She ducked her head and hurried away.
Savenek squatted and pulled a clean shirt out of his bag. After putting it on, he headed into the Lilac Inn. The place had been built with white stones making it feel very…girlie. Inside, a dozen large vases decorated the lobby, each filled with fresh lilac flowers which gave off a heady scent. He couldn’t imagine regular travelers coming here. This was the sort of place people who had money to vacation stayed.
Savenek hated places like this. They always felt so stiff and fake. During his training, he’d been forced to learn proper etiquette and knew how to behave around various social classes. However, he always felt the most comfortable and the most at home in a good old tavern.
Going up to the attendant at the front desk, he said, “Excuse me,” garnering the young woman’s attention.
She glared at him, so he leaned forward on his elbows and turned on his charm. He smiled at her, his eyes devouring her with intensity. Her frown disappeared, replaced with a coy smile. “Can I help you?” she asked sweetly, batting her eyelashes.
“I hope so,” he replied in a deep voice. “My name is Ven, and I just arrived from a long journey.” He winked at her, hoping she didn’t notice his wet hair dripping down his back. “I have a reservation for room number six. Can you help me with that?”
“Of course.” The young woman started rummaging around her desk, moving papers as she looked for the key. She finally found it and handed it to him. “Here you go.”
Savenek took the key from the young woman. “I need to ask a favor of you.”
“Anything,” she said.
The front door opened and closed. He resisted the urge to turn around and see who’d just entered. “I’d like a hot bath. Can that be arranged?”
“Yes.” The young woman still had that ridiculous grin smeared across her face. “I will see to it personally and let you know when it’s ready,” she said. “And if you need anything else, don’t hesitate to ask.”
He turned to go upstairs and came face-to-face with someone he recognized. The young woman he’d run into earlier, still dressed like a boy. “Fancy running into you again,” he said. “I promise, I’m not following you.” He meant it as a joke; however, her eyes narrowed and her body went rigid. He’d struck a nerve. Maybe she was running away from someone. That would explain the clothes.
“Are you staying at this inn?” she asked. Her voice was articulate, her accent distinct, indicating she was well-educated and not from the merchant class as her clothing suggested. Savenek’s skin prickled. There was something unusual about this young woman. Who was she?
Forcing an amused expression on his face, he replied, “I am.” He winked and sauntered away, feeling her staring at his back. He’d have to keep an eye on her.
Savenek sat in the circular wooden tub, steam billowing around him. About twenty minutes before, as he’d waited in his room for hot water to be delivered to his small wash basin, a young boy knocked on his door. The boy said his sister wasn’t allowed to deliver water to guests’ rooms and if Savenek wanted a bath, there was a private wash room down the hall. Savenek jumped at the chance to have an actual bath.
Relaxing in the hot water, he sighed. He’d only ever had one or two real baths in his life. Usually, he washed himself at the compound with water pumped from the ground, which was lukewarm
at best. This was truly a luxury indeed. One he could easily become accustomed to.
After scrubbing his skin with soap, he washed his hair. When the water cooled and no longer held the appeal it previously had, Savenek climbed out of the tub and dried himself off. He pulled on a dressing robe and headed back to his room. There was a single bed, a small dresser, and a mirror on the wall. Using his fingers, he combed his hair back, trying to make it look presentable.
Besides his traveling clothes, he’d brought one nicer outfit which he had planned to wear when he entered the Apethaga court. However, seeing as how everyone in this city appeared to be wealthy and from the upper class, he decided to wear the outfit now to blend in. After putting the tunic and pants on, he examined himself in the mirror. The dark blue tunic amplified his eyes and complemented his skin color. His shoulders pulled the fabric taut across his back, accentuating his muscles. The black pants made his legs appear longer, giving him a regal air. Not bad, he thought, not bad at all.
He didn’t know if this establishment had a dining facility, but he was hungry and needed to eat. Once his belly was full, he’d ask if anyone was staying in rooms four and five. If no one was, he’d go to bed and check again tomorrow. Once he found the negotiator and interpreter, they could leave for Apethaga. He hoped they didn’t travel slowly. Savenek was eager to complete this mission and prove his worth.
Sitting at one of the tables in the inn’s dining room, Savenek relished the roasted duck and potatoes he’d been served. The food melted in his mouth. And the wine—that was some good stuff. He had to force himself to take his time and not shove the food into his mouth.
There were only a handful of people eating in the dining room. Two middle-aged couples and a family of four; nothing unusual or suspicious. Suddenly there was a commotion on the right. Maybe he’d spoken too soon. Savenek peered over. Standing in the entryway was the young woman from earlier, the one dressed like a boy. She was arguing with one of the male servers, demanding to be granted entrance. Apparently, the server didn’t want to let the woman in dressed like that unless she paid for her meal first. The woman may not be dressed attractively, but Savenek was a sucker for a damsel in distress.
He stood and went over to the woman, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. “Glad you finally made it,” he said to her. Then he turned his attention to the server. “Is there a problem?”
“She cannot eat here dressed like that,” he answered.
Savenek raised his eyebrows. “That’s a shame. I asked her to meet me here. I guess we’ll have to leave and conduct our business elsewhere. Unless…” He slipped a coin into the server’s hand.
“I’m sure we can make an exception this one time since you’re in the middle of your meal,” the server said.
Savenek nodded his approval. “Thank you. Please bring another plate of food for my friend.”
“Of course, sir.” He bowed and hurried away.
Savenek led the woman over to his table where he pulled out a chair and she sat, somewhat bemused. When he slid onto his own chair, he flashed his dazzling smile at her. “We meet again.”
She raised a single eyebrow and examined him.
“You don’t recognize me? Or do you just prefer me without a shirt on?” He smiled before taking a drink of his wine.
“You’re not what I expected.” Again, her speech and accent hinted at a good education, money, and a high position in society. But she looked like a slob. She’d taken her cap off revealing dark hair that at some point had been artfully arranged on her head. However, now there were strands sticking out in all directions a leaf was caught in one of the tendrils. Her skin was light, not tanned from laboring under the sun all day. Her delicate fingers were callous free, yet there was dirt under her nails. A walking set of contradictions. She was obviously not what she appeared to be.
“Who are you?” he asked. Why was she dressed as a boy, filthy, and alone at an inn at her age? She couldn’t be more than sixteen or seventeen. “Are you in trouble?” Was that why she had the disguise on? “Did you run away from home?”
The server brought her a plate of food and scampered away. The young woman, sitting perfectly straight as if she had a rod up her back, lifted her fork and knife and began eating with the grace and poise of a duke’s daughter.
“I can help you,” Savenek whispered.
Setting her utensils down, she folded her hands and observed him. “Why would you offer to help a complete stranger?”
He shrugged. “Because you need it.”
Instead of replying, she picked up her fork again and took a bite of food.
Usually women bent to his will when he turned on the charm. This woman appeared immune to him. After a lengthy silence, which she didn’t seem to mind, he finally asked, “What’s your name?”
She finished eating and politely pushed her plate away as if expecting a servant to rush over and take it.
“You don’t need to know my name.”
“What happened to you?” he asked.
“What makes you think something happened to me?”
“You have a leaf in your hair, dirt under your nails, and you’re dressed like a boy. Something tells me this isn’t a normal occurrence for you.”
She regarded Savenek. “Why don’t you tell me who you are and why you’re here.” It wasn’t a question but a demand for answers.
He felt something sharp poke his thigh. Bloody hell. She’d just pulled a knife on him. His heartbeat raced—not because he was in any danger, he could disarm her in less than two seconds—but because she’d managed to surprise him with the knife. He’d never had a woman do that. It was sexy as hell. If he didn’t have someone back home, he might actually want to kiss her.
“My name is Ven,” he replied, again using his undercover name. “I am here because this is where I’m supposed to meet my traveling companions.”
The knife withdrew. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” she said. “I thought it was a mistake. That you’d requested the wrong room. Where’s your partner?”
Was she referring to Nathenek? He rubbed his palms on his forehead. Was this woman the negotiator or the interpreter? She looked too young to be either one. “Seven, fourteen, twenty-three.” The only way to know for sure if she was sent by the empress was to exchange the secret code.
She sighed. “Nineteen, three, forty-nine.”
Sure enough, that was the correct answer. “And you are?” he asked.
“The interpreter.” She shook her head. “This just keeps getting better and better. We need to go. Now.” She stood, leaving no room for arguing. “Pay and follow me.”
Savenek put some money on the table and hurried after her.
“Are your things in your room?” she asked.
“Yes.”
Out in the hallway, she stopped and leaned toward him. When he lowered his head, she whispered, “My companion, the negotiator, is dead. There are four men after me. Get your things and meet me in the stables. We need to leave before they find me again.”
Had she encountered an assassin as he had on his way here? They’d have to discuss the matter in greater detail later. Entering the lobby, the windows revealed that the sun had set. As Savenek headed for the stairs, he took note that no one was manning the desk, and not a single person was in the room. It was too quiet and his skin prickled. Something was wrong.
She moved toward the door. “Wait,” he said. When she turned to face him, he reached for her, drawing her back. “I think they found us,” he whispered. Her body stiffened. “Do as I say and I’ll get you out of here unharmed.” He hugged her. She tried to shove him away, but he held firm. “They are not looking for a pair of lovers. I suggest you play the part in case someone is watching us through the windows.”
Her body sagged against his. “They killed Morgek.”
He assumed that was the negotiator. “But they won’t kill you.” He looked pointedly at her, and she nodded. Knowing it was too risky to go to his room, he to
ok the interpreter’s hand and led her down the hallway, past the dining room. He hoped to find an exit toward the back. “Do you have a horse?” he asked.
“Yes. In the stables.”
They came to the kitchen. One person chopped carrots, another stirred a pot over a fire, and another pulled a loaf of bread out of the oven. No exit visible. Savenek pulled the interpreter farther down the hallway until they came to a narrow stairwell leading up. This must be the servants’ passageway. “Are you afraid of heights?” he asked.
“No.”
He released her hand. “Follow me.” As he ran up the stairs, he withdrew one of his daggers. At the first landing, he went down the hallway fifteen feet and stopped at the nearest door. He popped the lock and entered the room. Thankfully, it was empty. The interpreter came in after him, and he softly closed the door behind her. He rushed over to a window and peered outside. As he’d predicted, the stables were below.
“Do you still have that knife?” he asked.
“Yes. It’s my only weapon.”
He tossed her his dagger. She easily caught it, tucking it under her belt.
“I’m going to lower you out of this window,” he said. “It’ll only be a ten-foot drop. When you hit the ground, let your body collapse so you don’t break a leg or ankle.”
Without hesitating, she nodded and climbed out of the window. Savenek took hold of her wrists and lowered her body as far as he could. She was light which made the task easy. He released her, and she dropped to the ground. He quickly climbed out of the window and lowered himself. His feet found purchase on the top of a first-floor window. Steadying himself, he let go and grabbed onto the side of the building, climbing down with ease.
Back on solid ground, he held his finger to his lips, not wanting the interpreter to talk. She nodded, and he went over to the side of the stables. Peering through a window, he saw two men inside, both armed with swords. There were several dark corners where someone else could be hiding. He needed to dispose of the two men but didn’t want to leave the interpreter out here to fend for herself. Another issue he had to contend with—if he was caught by the City Guards, he didn’t have the Brotherhood’s tattoo marking him as one of them. He shrugged it off. Breaking out of prison was simple. Most of the time.
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