by Cait Ashwood
“Audrey, would you let us in, please?”
Hound stared at the door, knowing he was missing something. A knob. There’s no door knob. The door somehow shrank in its frame, leaving enough of a gap around the edges that Ace could push it open and let them inside. When Zeche closed the door behind them, both men turned to see the wood swell back into the opening, locking them in.
“Sorry, the place is a mess. I’ve been rather busy here.” Audrey ducked her head but waved them in, turning around and vanishing into a bedroom.
Hound looked around, a smile tugging at his lips. The door to the balcony was nearly identical to the one leading into their suite, except this one had charged magnets embedded in the wood. There was plenty of daylight in the main room, but the curtains over the windows were rather unique. Long rows of thorny vines hung down from planters mounted at the tops of the windows. Hound had no doubts Audrey could force them into an impenetrable mesh if she so chose.
Ace followed Hound’s gaze, frowning. “We’re still rather vulnerable to fire, but…it’s a start.”
Zeche nodded slowly as if thinking. “She wouldn’t let you brick in the windows, eh?”
Ace shook his head. “Nope. Said she’s done with dark places.” A haunted look crossed his face but was quickly banished.
Audrey reappeared, Lily perched on her hip. Hound had rather made it a point to avoid her since learning of the pregnancy, but seeing her there with a little girl that took so strongly after her father on her hip, it was hard to ignore her.
Audrey’s blond hair had continued to grow, hanging in silken lengths down to her waist. Gray eyes sparkled as she studied her guests, and her once too-thin frame had filled out. Her skin glowed with health, and the changes were impossible to ignore. Hound looked away, coughing.
Ace apparently took that as a gesture to get on with business. “This message you want to be taken to Tops. Why can’t you go yourself?” The question wasn’t accusatory, but wary.
Hound gritted his teeth, feeling his pulse increase with his anger. Caution he could understand, but outright insults? He was beyond that. “I did. Got examined in two different ways by Chosen, and then still given a prisoner’s escort.”
Ace blinked at him, mouth slightly open.
“That was about my reaction if you add a healthy dose of pissed-the-fuck-off.” Hound flinched, glancing sideways at Audrey. “Uh, sorry.”
She chuckled, putting a hand over Lily’s ears in mock horror. Her expression grew serious rather more quickly than Hound would prefer. “What is a prisoner’s escort, exactly?”
Ace seemed to have collected himself enough to speak. “It’s usually reserved for renegade Seekers. They’re bound in special handcuffs, you’ve seen those at Amberfoot, so they can’t phase, then are surrounded by an entire Brotherhood and escorted down to the prison.” Ace paused, turning his gaze on Hound. “So exactly how did you get out of there?”
Hound sighed, running a hand through his shaggy hair. “I phased us out.”
“Impressive, seeing as I thought that was impossible.” Zeche had been quiet so far, but he did have an eyebrow raised curiously at Hound.
“I’ve been training for it. I don’t know anything about this Zaddicus character, or his cronies. Could have Trackers among them. If I can lose them in a magnetic zone, we’re all safer.” Hound walked over to a window, not wanting to be able to see them staring at him. Suspicion was bad enough. Pity? He might have to hit something.
“So what’s the message? Did you find the compound?” Audrey’s tone was tentatively hopeful. Rescuing the Order was on the top of her to-do list.
Bless you, woman. He cut off the gratitude quickly, though. She was only able to respond so well because she could feel his anger and self-loathing through the mark, just as he could feel her acceptance of him and her wary curiosity of his message. Wonder if Ace knows about that little side effect. He hoped not. The last thing Hound needed was to be causing trouble in paradise.
He cleared his throat, aware that these lapses of his were becoming more common. “Yes, we found it.” He wanted to say more, to warn them about the strength of the taint in that place, how even a glimpse of it had sent him running around the globe a few times, but the words wouldn’t come. They never did.
“Whoever Zaddicus is, he’s strong.” Heads turned to Zeche, eyes questioning. Zeche met Hound’s gaze for a moment and a silent message passed between them.
“Let’s just say I saw more of the world than I ever have before.”
Fleeing somehow sounds less cowardly when he puts it like that. Didn’t change the fact that he was a filthy coward, it just made it less public. Maybe. Hopefully.
The sound of parchment unrolling across a table made Hound turn. Ace would want the location. He waited as the weights made their way to the corners, holding the map in position. It was one of the Seeker maps, meaning it was one of the most detailed maps available in their world. Hound took a moment to orient himself, then stretched a finger out to land southeast of Wefton.
“Just on the other side of the river, here.”
Ace nodded thoughtfully, brows drawn. “Close enough to trade routes, far enough for privacy. Makes sense.”
Hound didn’t miss Ace’s worried gaze on Audrey, though she seemed oblivious as she let Lily chew on her finger. Determination rolled off her in waves.
“What happens next?” Her eyes were still on the map, but they were roaming, almost as if she hadn’t seen a map of the modern world before.
Ace cleared his throat. Hound looked up.
“If Hound is willing, we go back to the Institute. I want this mess cleaned up. Hound is a valuable ally sticking his neck out for us, as is Zeche. To be treated that way is reprehensible.” He paused, a mischievous glint appearing in his eyes. “At least as First Seeker, I can boss the shit out of them all.”
Audrey smiled, her eyes serious. “That’s good. And tell Tops I’ll pay him a visit if things don’t get squared away.”
Zeche grinned, shaking his head at Audrey. She and Tops had this thing going way back, but no matter what they were squabbling over, Audrey won nearly all their encounters.
“So, Hound, whaddya say?”
The room waited with baited breath. Hound sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “Too much fuss on my account is what I say.”
Zeche winked at Audrey. “But not nearly enough fuss on mine, so we’ll call it an even compromise.”
Hound groaned under his breath, throwing up his hands in defeat. The message had to get through somehow, and if Ace wanted to prove a point while he was at it, who was he to stop him? And the Ravens had been insulted, as well.
“I would like to pick up some of my…associates, however. Make things seem a bit more official.”
Audrey shook her head. “All of this bureaucracy, and there are women trapped in a hole in the ground.”
Zeche moved to her side, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Patience, little one. We only get one shot at this.”
The men phased to the gates of the Institute; their numbers bolstered this time around by three of Zeche’s ‘associates.' All three were armed to the teeth and wore the black and silver insignia of the Ravens. Zeche had changed out his attire for something more formal as well, a black hooded garment with a raven’s head embroidered on the hood. His trademark daggers weren’t hidden by his typical cloak but were out in plain sight. Ace and Hound both had changed into traditional Seeker armor, but Ace had a green leaf pinned on his; the sigil of the First Seeker. Zeche had rustled up a white wolf pin for Hound, denoting his special status as well. Hound hadn’t wanted to pin it on, but Zeche insisted that if they wanted to be taken seriously, they had to look the part. He fidgeted with the damned thing before approaching the first gate, hoping it was straight.
The guards at the gate paused, sending someone up to the main building. They were allowed through by somber-looking men; there was no joking around this time. When they arrived on the steps to the final do
ors, the Chosen standing there glanced at each other, unsure of themselves.
Hound gritted his teeth, annoyed. “Do what you must, but hands off this time.” Getting felt up by random women was not his style. The Chosen completed their examination and waved them inside.
All activity in the hall stopped as the Seekers inside looked at the party that appeared at the entrance. Heads swiveled in the opposite direction as multiple boot steps approached from the far end of the hall. Tops rounded the corner, shaved head reflecting the light. His dark brown eyes were narrowed, and he looked pissed, flanked by several other Seekers as he made his way down the hall.
“What in the hell are you playing at, Ace?” Tops waved his hand at the rest of the Seekers, who took the hint and vacated the hall.
Hound stared at the back of Ace’s head, sighing. They’re making too big a deal of this. Hound had a feeling it wasn’t going to end as well as his companions hoped.
Ace didn’t beat around the bush. “The men standing before you are the only people in the world that know where Audrey is right now, and yet you go out of your way to alienate and insult us.”
Tops glanced to a man behind him; someone Hound didn’t recognize. Words passed between the pair, spoken in a hushed whisper. Tops turned back to them, not looking any more amicable.
“You have alienated yourselves, not us.”
Hound half-shrugged at that. At least in his case, that was true. Ace’s shoulders stiffened in front of him.
“Call a meeting of the Brotherhood leaders. I’m petitioning for a change in command.”
“You can’t do that!” The man Hound didn’t recognize cried out. His voice and stature were effeminate; was this a replacement for Kendrick, then?
Hound frowned. Tops’ last partner had met a fatal end, and not nearly as grisly of one as he deserved. Hound strained to detect any hint of the taint in the man but found nothing.
“I can, and I will. Tops has been working against Audrey and the Order since they went public. I cannot allow the Seekers to continue in this course of action.” Ace’s words were firm.
Since when did he get so ballsy? Ace had always been the perfect second in command. Not a fan of making decisions or hard calls, more than willing to carry out the orders of others. He was capable, able to take over while Hound was otherwise occupied, but more than eager to pass back the reigns. And yet here he was, making huge calls and decisions without even consulting anyone. Was it fatherhood or his relationship with Audrey that had so changed him?
Tops closed the distance between the groups, apparently wanting the discussion quieter than their current near-shouting match in the grand hall, where sound would bounce around and echo to where others might hear it.
“I have never been against her.”
Ace snorted, glancing behind him at Zeche and Hound. “You refused to hear her petitions on Hound’s behalf. He has since become the most successful double agent we’ve had to date, and got us enough information to know where to start searching for the compound, which he and the leader of the Ravens have since located.” Ace no doubt meant to drop that tantalizing hint at information, but he didn’t stop there.
“You wrongfully imprisoned the only other living member of the Order that we knew of, and yet Audrey had to make a public statement against you before you agreed to change the girl’s living quarters and upgrade her lifestyle. War criminal or no, she was coerced into her actions, and her one tutelage session with Audrey has already greatly enhanced her abilities. Again, issues Audrey has had to fight you on, tooth and nail.”
Silence reigned in the hall.
Ace cleared his throat. “And now, when Hound and Zeche come into this once-hallowed hall to deliver the location of our enemy to you, you treat them as petty criminals.” Ace glanced over his shoulder at Zeche. “I can assure you that Hound has no intention of righting the slight, but I can make no promises of the leader of the Ravens.”
One of the men beside Hound chuckled, not making any attempt to hide the sound. “Zeche always rights his wrongs.”
The assassin in question glared at his associate, but the man didn’t seem abashed. He shrugged it off like it was a long-standing joke between the two.
Ace stepped slightly to the side so he could gesture at the men behind him. “This is your last chance, Tops. Either you accept the fact that outside help is needed to handle this crisis, or you step down. Either way, we are going to do right by those women, with or without your assistance.”
Zeche plucked at a bit of dirt under his fingernail. “Though I would suggest for the benefit of your continued good health that it be ‘with.'”
Hound smirked, shaking his head. The assassin had this curious way of making death threats. Always light-hearted, normally nonchalant. But if you thought his apparent good humor was going to spare you, that was the last mistake you’d make. He’d laugh as he sank his dagger in your gut, or sliced it across your throat, and keep laughing all the way to his tavern of choice.
Tops frowned at them all, tilting his head to the side as the effeminate man whispered something else to him. “Might we continue this conversation in my office?”
Ace finally looked at the men behind him, eyes lingering on Hound.
Hound nodded at him, consenting to the terms. It seemed like Ace understood the value of teamwork. After receiving a similar response from Zeche, Ace spoke up. “That’s fine. The Ravens will continue to accompany us, however, to ensure the safety of their leader.”
As if drilled, the three Ravens in attendance drew their daggers and thumped them over their hearts, dropping to one knee in a salute to Zeche. Hound swore he saw the corners of Zeche’s mouth tug up like he was hiding a smile.
“Rise, my champions.” The Ravens did as commanded, sheathing their daggers once more. They moved to flank him, accepting their role easily. Not that Zeche needed any protection. He’d single-handedly kept an entire platoon from getting to Audrey during the Battle of the Institute. Hound honestly doubted any of the Seekers here could give the assassin a run for his money.
They ascended the tower, the two groups uneasily keeping their eyes on each other until they reached Tops’ office. Tops sat behind his desk, clearing it of any spare papers. Hound and his team stood opposite him, the Ravens still flanking Zeche.
“Would you move? I can’t see past you.”
It wasn’t often Hound heard Zeche annoyed, but the man’s small stature did make certain situations difficult. The offender was the same man that had smirked before. Hound shook his head, now even more convinced they had a history of annoying each other. Kind of like him and Ace, in all honesty.
The door shut and two Seekers took up positions outside of it. Ace took this cue to stare at the effeminate man. He had blazing red hair, blue-gray eyes, and a spread of freckles that made him look potentially years younger than he was.
“Who is this, and why is he here?” Ace’s tone wasn’t unfriendly, but he was suspicious of the new character.
Hound honestly didn’t care who the guy was. If he wasn’t a threat to Audrey or the Order, and he wasn’t tainted, Hound couldn’t give two shits about him. All he wanted was for this nonsense to be over so he could either get new orders or lay low waiting for them. He didn’t do people, and he didn’t do personal attention. He’d had way too much of both, lately.
“This is—”
“My name is Blaise. I’m a demolitions expert.”
The rest of the men stared at him blankly, and Tops sighed, rubbing a hand over the back of his head.
Blaise arched an eyebrow at them. “You know, I make things go boom.”
Hound rolled his eyes. “We’re aware of the meaning of the word.”
“What we don’t know is the capacity you’re expected to serve.” Ace crossed his arms over his chest, brows furrowed.
Blaise looked at Tops before answering. “You have a hole in the ground full of vermin. I can make them disappear.” He paused for effect, splaying his hands out like
fireworks. “Boom.”
“Negative.”
So Ace does have a commander’s voice hiding in there. Nice touch.
“There are civilians in there, and more importantly, women whose talents we desperately need. You can’t just go blowing the whole place up.” Ace stared at Tops, his eyes wide and arms out to the sides in exasperation.
“No, no, quite agreed. But I can blow us an entrance.” Blaise crossed his arms over his chest, but it wasn’t an aggressive maneuver on his part. If anything, he seemed smug.
Hound frowned. “We’d need more intel than we have for that. We don’t know how structurally sound this compound is, where the women are, how much it extends below the surface entrance. We wouldn’t know where to put your bombs, even if we agreed to use them.”
Blaise practically danced on his tiptoes. “That is where the Ravens would come in, no?”
The chatty Raven from earlier spoke up again. “We’re Ravens, not weasels. We don’t go snooping around in someone else’s underground lair.”
Blaise grinned at Zeche, fluttering his fingers at his lips. “Are all of your Ravens so cowardly?”
Hound snapped, his patience gone. “It’s not cowardly; it’s good sense. The enemy doesn’t know we have their location. We send in spies to gather intel, and if even one of them is found, we lose the benefit of surprise and risk the entire operation moving elsewhere. Then we’d have to start from scratch to find them again.” His chest heaved after his outburst, but he didn’t care. They finally had a location. They couldn’t risk premature discovery.
“Enough. Good points on all sides.” Tops pulled out a map, anchoring it much the way Ace had back at the Manse. “Where is the damned place, first of all?”
Ace gestured for Hound to move forward and he did, taking a second to orient himself before pointing to the location. “Small mound above ground, rest of the compound below. At least one entrance large enough for a horse and cart.” He paused, taking a deep breath. “And the security measures are such that only a Seeker could get in.”
