by Anna Bowman
The Falcon’s gaze shifted in the direction of the city where, he knew, Tristan Highcourt would be struggling for his life, in one way or another. Taunting thoughts sprang up. It would be easy for a man with certain connections and resources to slip in unseen, and leave again with the Highcourt boy, undetected. Even as the temptation grew, Mirage shifted on his shoulder, jerking his head to the side and letting out a cry as he spread his wings and took flight.
Lemuel was no longer alone.
Standing still, his hand tightening on the rifle sling.
“I’ve been expecting you,” he said, looking over his shoulder.
A figure stood there, his long, dramatic coat fluttering behind him as the wind blew. A hood of deep crimson shadowed his face. Lemuel shifted his body to face the man.
“Hello, Alaric.”
“The Director is not pleased with your…interference here.” The man’s mouth formed a hard line.
Lemuel offered grim smile. “Isn’t he?”
Alaric’s dark hand flinched at his side.
“You tread a thin line that grows ever blurred, Falcon.” He paused, his head tilting slightly. “You do recall the terms of your employment?”
“Yes.” The Falcon kept his temper in check. “And I trust you recognize my interference here has only served to ensure my future cooperation.”
There were the faintest traces of relief in Alaric’s voice when he spoke at length.
“The Director may be persuaded by this point.”
Lemuel raised an eye. Alaric always was the good-natured one. The others would be eager to throw him to the wolves. It gained Alaric no rapport with Lemuel, however. To him, they were all the same.
Glancing up so his pale, blue eyes could be seen, Alaric spoke again.
“Nevertheless, your orders are to return to Argos immediately and wait for reassignment there.”
“Very well.” Lemuel’s jaw set in a way that barely concealed his resentment. He turned to continue on his way as Mirage’s moonlit shadow circled overhead.
“And Falcon…The Director’s orders were quite specific on immediately. There is nothing left for you in that city.”
Temptation ebbing away, Lemuel did not give Alaric the courtesy of acknowledging his last words before leaving. There was no need to, anyway. If he attempted to save the Highcourt boy, they would find out, just as they had found out about him aiding Solomand. The Falcon was not happy with his orders. Still, for now at least, his bargain with the Moirai remained intact.
Mirage’s claws dug into the leather guard on his shoulder as he landed, shaking his feathers. Lemuel toyed with the ring on his finger, thinking again of Solomand, knowing any fool plans he made to aid Tristan would link their paths together once more.
It could not be avoided forever. Sooner or later, the line would be crossed.
Acknowledgements
This story has been a long time coming from the tragically horrible first draft and character sketches I first scribbled down in a notebook to this—the end product. All coffee and sarcasm aside, I could not have completed this project without the help of some amazing people. I have to thank everyone whoever indulged me by reading and critiquing my very rough first drafts I dared to let the world see. Much thanks to Laura and Maria, my most loyal critique partners, to my editor Jessica, to my husband for his endless source of sarcasm, support and technical description help, as well as final proof reading. And finally, to whoever stuck it out thus far and is reading these last pages. You made it to the end credits! I hope you will continue to follow along with the story in the next book! I will now take this opportunity to shamelessly ask you for a tiny bit more of your time. If you would find it in your heart, could you drop a quick review on amazon or goodreads? For those of us no-name authors it could mean the difference between life and death….ok, maybe that’s a little dramatic, but it does help us immensely. Thanks for your time!
About the Author
Aspiring future bestselling author, Anna enjoys writing adventure stories with airships and sarcasm. She lives in an unnamed town in South Carolina with her husband, three sons and imaginary friends. Although her female lead character is a strong, capable woman, Anna sometimes enlists her husband to open jars and reach things off the top shelf.
