Arthur Daigle's Blog - Posts Tagged "seamstress"

Dana and Jayden waited patiently, surrounded by soldiers wearing the red and gold of Bascal’s army over their chain armor. The soldiers looked confused and didn’t point their swords or spears at Jayden. One man stared at Jayden, who smiled at him until the man looked away.

They’d spent the last two hours on this warm, sunny summer day outside a small fort built in the wooded mountainous border between Meadowland and Bascal. The narrow trail they’d taken was flanked by high rough rocks, too difficult to climb for any but a mountain goat. This fort and the barricade across the trail blocked all passage. The hundred soldiers manning it looked capable and well-armed, and thoroughly befuddled.

“Is this going to take much longer?” Jayden asked.

“Not too long, sir,” an archer replied.

“Should we get them something?” a spearman asked. “Refreshments?”

“I don’t know,” the archer admitted.

“Not big on camouflage, are they,” Dana said to Jayden.

One of the archers looked smug. “Bascal’s army has nothing to hide from. Let them send dozens, hundreds, thousands, and this fort will still stand.”

Dana wasn’t sure if that was bravado or he was trying to keep his men’s morale up. Either way, she didn’t share his opinion. The narrow path would only let a few men across it at a time, but a large enough force could keep sending men one after the other until the fort fell, and that assumed Meadowland didn’t send wizards or monsters to support the attack. None of these men looked like they could stop a golem.

One of the spearmen’s eyes went up and down Dana’s body. Annoyed, she put her hands on her hips and demanded, “You’ve never seen a girl before?”

“Not in the last two months.”

“That’s how long you’ve been up here?” She glanced at Jayden and asked, “Is that normal for armies?”

“Long deployments are common during times of peace and essential during war.” Jayden yawned and stretched his arms. “Gentlemen, we’re rapidly running out of daylight. Are there sleeping accommodations for the lady?”

“Not really,” the archer admitted. “The barracks is filled with your prisoners. We don’t have a place to sleep ourselves until they’re shipped back.”

“Horseman approaching!” a scout called out. He pointed up the trail and squinted. “Officer!”

“Finally,” Jayden said.

The mounted officer wore a fancier version of the gold and red Bascal army uniform over his plate armor, with medals on his shoulders and a glowing sword in hand. He slowed to a trot and stopped ahead of the soldiers. Men stood at attention and saluted, only relaxing when he saluted back. “Report.”

A spearman answered him. “Sir, earlier today we heard sounds of battle across the border. I sent a scout to investigate, and he found a Meadowland company in full retreat. They left behind some weapons and food along with eighteen wounded men. It seems this man, the Sorcerer Lord, and the girl following him are responsible. They asked us to take charge of the wounded enemy and then the Sorcerer Lord asked, and I quote, sir, ‘Take me to your leader,’ end quote. We brought the two of them here with the prisoners and sent for you.”

The officer studied Jayden, his expression alternating curiosity and suspicion. “You wished to see a leader of Bascal. Speak your piece.”

“I come seeking an audience with your king.” Jayden spoke more diplomatically than normal. “We share a common foe, one driven and capable, that I cannot stop alone. I seek the aid of your king and offer my own in return.”

“You think he would welcome a criminal into our ranks?” the officer challenged.

Dana stepped closer to Jayden so he was between her and the officer, and then took Jayden’s hand and pressed it softly. She wanted to speak to him, to ask him to keep his temper in check, but she couldn’t in front of this man without making him look weak. She hoped he understood what she was trying to get across without words. A few soldiers noticed but said nothing.

Jayden didn’t look bothered. “He may accept my help or decline it, as is his right. It is my hope, though, that he will if nothing else hear me words, for I have seen things he must know of. You know my name and reputation. I am no friend of Tyros and Amvicta, nor the men they surround themselves with. I’ve fought long and hard against them, and you now fight them, too. I have never raised a hand against Bascal. Indeed, I have visited your land in peace. Despise me if you will, but do not consider me unworthy after the battles I have fought against those who seek to tear down all that you love.”

The officer chuckled. “I’d heard you had a rage within you that could burn cities. It seems your woman has had a gentling effect on you.”

Nearby soldiers winced or looked away. Dana pressed harder on his hand, silently praying he wouldn’t get offended. Jayden’s eyes narrowed, and when he spoke it was with a coldness verging on insult. “She is a friend. I give my respect to few, yet she has earned it time and again.”

An archer cleared his throat and said, “Begging your pardon, sir, but tales claim the girl is one of four who fought Wall Wolf the iron golem. She walked away and it, ah, didn’t.”

The officer kept his eyes on Jayden. “I’d heard the same story. Very well, Sorcerer Lord, I believe you’re a danger to your own homeland and not mine. Whether King Rascan wishes to see you or not is beyond my station, but we will receive you and he will learn of your visit. I can offer no more.”

“That is enough,” Jayden replied.

The officer nodded to the archer who’d spoken. “Gather up the prisoners and bring them with us to the city. I’m afraid you’ll have to walk, Sorcerer Lord.”

“Actually, we won’t be.” Jayden waved for a soldier to bring three horses from behind the fort. “An enemy was obliging enough to provide us with transport.”

“Is he among the living?” the officer asked teasingly.

“It’s an honor not all of his associates share.”

The officer led Dana and Jayden along with ten soldiers and eighteen prisoners down the path. The moon rose and shined far overhead when they left the mountains and reached a sizeable city lit up as bright as day. The city was walled and had round towers that boasted bright beacons and ballista manned by more troops. There were no buildings outside the wall, but Dana spotted wreckage that might have been a house.

“That looks recent,” she told Jayden.

“It is, and there are more of them ahead. I believe our hosts tore down every building outside the city wall so as to provide Meadowland no cover or shelter should they reach this far.”

“That means a lot of people lost everything they had.”

“They would have lost it when a Meadowland army attacks. This way they had an opportunity to salvage what they could.” Jayden rode on a moment in silence before saying, “The owners will also have the blessing of going to safer quarters with more protection than those buildings could provide.”

The officer interrupted, saying, “Take no pity on the men and women who lived here. They gave up their property willingly for the good of Bascal.”

Dana wasn’t so sure how willing those people had been. When men with swords arrived, wise people kept their mouths shut and did as they were told. The owners of these shops and homes may have smiled and nodded when they were ordered to leave, only to weep afterwards. It was sad to see so many lose so much when the war hadn’t reached them yet.

City gates opened to grant them entry, and armed men exited to greet them. The officer explained who his guests were, and they were received without complaint. The prisoners were taken to cells while Dana and Jayden were shown to a house barely large enough to fit them. There were many other brick houses far larger, but they were filled to capacity with people.

“My apologies for your poor accommodations, but space was hard to come by even before the war,” the officer explained. “I’ll have food sent to you and someone will look after your horses. You’ll be sent to the capital tomorrow with an armed escort. What happens from there is your own doing.”

“A roof over our heads and full stomachs is all I ask for myself and the lady,” Jayden replied. He opened the door and ushered Dana in before stepping inside and closing the door. Inside they found straw mattresses on the floor and nothing else. “This is going as well as could be expected, but we still need to be careful. If they have heard of you, they may know about your magic sword and seek to claim it. Let no one hold Chain Cutter without my express permission regardless of their rank or station.”

“We might get robbed by the people we came to for help. Peachy.”

Jayden set down his bags and tested a mattress with his hand. “The rich and powerful often have an exaggerated opinion of what belongs to them. War’s coming will only make this worse, as they seek any and all means to prolong their survival. Our being foreigners will only increase this tendency.”

“They’d rob a Sorcerer Lord?”

He smiled. “They’d try to. Should that happen I intend to abandon any and all efforts to be reasonable.”

“No killing people, Jayden.”

“You do restrict my entertainment.”

* * * * *

Morning brought no attempted robberies and a filling breakfast of eggs and oatmeal. Dana was grateful for fresh food after eating far too much hardtack and dried meat. Their horses were returned, fed and watered, and a new officer approached with four mounted knights.

“I am Captain Stillman,” the man said as he saluted. “I’ve been tasked with bringing you to the capital. The ride should take only three days, and you will be given food and shelter equal to what I receive.”

“Most generous of you,” Jayden said as Dana mounted her horse.

“Word reached us that you helped destroy an army of the undead in Meadowland,” Stillman replied. “I wouldn’t turn down capable assistance.”

Jayden froze. “I’m curious how you heard of that event.”

“A Ms. Lockheart provided vivid testimony, supported by Meadowland soldiers that defected after the outrage.” Stillman smiled and added, “Ms. Lockheart speaks most enthusiastically of the event, and of you.”

Dana giggled. “You left Meadowland, but you can’t get away from Suzy.”

“Death may not be enough to free me of her,” Jayden said grimly, provoking more giggles from Dana.

The trip took a day longer that Stillman said, but it was unavoidable when the road was so crowded. Wagon trained loaded with food, weapons, building materials, livestock and more took up much of the road. Soldiers marching for the front competed for space with civilians fleeing battles. Leaving the road was out of the question when it seemed every square inch of flat ground was either farm fields or homes.

“When last we saw Lockheart, she was going to close one of the passes between Meadowland and Bascal,” Jayden told Stillman. “Did she succeed?”

“Ms. Lockheart’s explosive exceeded expectations,” Stillman replied. “Meadowland soldiers are trying to clear the pass while our men oppose them. That leaves one major pass and river access to Bascal. We hold them all, but pressure increases daily. Your King Tyros seems to have limitless men under his command, and not just men.”

“I may be of some service in reducing the odds against you.”

Stillman glanced at Dana. “Some may question employing you, but desperate times make for unlikely alliances. You and your swordswoman will be welcomed in many quarters.”

“Wait, I’m a what?” Dana asked.

“My apologies if my description of you is inaccurate, but all the tales I’ve heard regarding you speak of you dispatching foes with a magic sword. Have you other skills?”

Dana frowned as she considered the question. Her training with Jayden was far from complete, but she could see why someone who didn’t know her well would think that’s what she did for a living. How else would she describe herself? Mayor’s daughter, farmer girl and trapper of rabbits didn’t sound impressive. Some might describe her as a thief after all the things she’d taken, which left her feeling queasy. “I guess we should stick with swordswoman.”

“It’s a rarity here,” Stillman told her. “Almost as much as Sorcerer Lords. Have you apprentices that could help?”

“None,” Jayden told him, “and this is a poor time to train one.”

“Agreed,” Stillman said. “Training a soldier can take a year. Less than that and you’ve only created a victim. I would imagine training a wizard takes even longer.”

They entered more mountainous lands heavy with trees and a few houses. As they came to the top of a hill, Stillman stopped his horse and pointed at a distance city. “Welcome to Dragon Roost, capital of Bascal.”

“Oh my,” Dana said. She’d seen only a few cities in Meadowland, and many of them were massively disappointing. Dragon Roost broke that record in an awe inspiring way, with towering walls of stones fitted together so well they seemed to be carved from a single piece of stone. Buildings rose high into the air with impressive designs that included huge carvings of eagles. Central to the city was a castle so massive Dana wondered how anyone could ever hope to take it by force.

“I doubt Meadowland has anything to compare to it,” Stillman said smugly.

“Tyros and Amvicta spent their money elsewhere,” Jayden said darkly.

Dragon Roost was a city out of dreams, but as Dana approached, she saw a worrying sign. Guards were common enough, but they were older men and boys younger than she was. They were equipped with armor and weapons equal to the other soldiers she’d seen, but it seemed an ill fit for those clearly not the right age to fight.

Stillman saw her questioning look and explained, “Bascal’s best warriors are needed at the frontlines, leaving a need for warriors elsewhere. King Rascan has called up veterans to serve again and conscripted boys to fill the ranks. They serve here to free up men to fight. Don’t fear for them. Dragon Roost’s strong walls make even boys and gray haired men a threat no one would face.”

Dana didn’t share Stillman’s faith. She’d fought enough monsters and golems to understand how much damage they could do. True, they could fall, and she’d beaten many herself, but that was with Chain Cutter and Jayden. Could these boys do the same without such help?

A smaller gate opened to let them into the city, and they found the interior as grand as the outsides. Dragon Roost was packed with people of all races, draft animals, exotic beasts and more. Larger houses had large pots growing beautiful flowers on their balconies and porches. Dana saw four people on the streets traveling with brightly colored birds as big as hawks sitting on their shoulders, and the birds made no attempt to fly away. Residents were uniformly healthy and well dressed, better than most Dana had seen. Dana and Jayden’s arrival attracted only minor attention as they traveled the crowded streets, no surprise when it seemed like half the men they came across were rich and armed.

“Is it always like this?” Dana asked Stillman.

“It’s a tad more crowded than normal because King Rascan is holding a ball for his followers.”

Dana’s jaw dropped. “During a war?”

“The ball is an excuse to gather trusted allies and enlist more help,” Jayden explained. “Rascan is facing a war that could end his dynasty, and wants to make sure his nobles and allies will do their part. He will meet privately with those he depends most on, assigning duties and promising rewards for their aid. Those not citizens of Bascal, like ourselves, may find rewards for our support, even if we’re held at arm’s length.”

Stillman shot Jayden an angry look. Dana said, “Sorry, he’s as subtle as a brick to the face.”

“True,” Jayden admitted, “but am I wrong?”

“It’s not my place to question my king’s actions or guess his motives,” Stillman said firmly. “King Rascan knows more than I and can better judge what course Bascal should take. I would strongly suggest you consider your words more carefully if he should choose to speak with you. No man is so important that he might question a king.”

“That’s an opinion sadly common among those living in Meadowland,” Jayden replied. “I’ve been my own man too long to bow to another, but rest assured I will be polite to Rascan.”

“King Rascan,” Stillman corrected him.

Stillman led them through the streets to a hotel large enough to house two hundred people. Staff took their horses to a stable and led them inside the luxurious building. Red and gold carpets covered the floor and stairs, paintings hung on the walls, and gilt cages held brightly colored birds. The hotel’s common room was packed with guests and staff catering to their needs so there was little room to even stand. Stillman spoke to the hotel’s manager in private while Dana and Jayden waited at the entrance.

“The manager doesn’t look happy to see us,” Dana said softly.

Jayden studied Stillman as he continued speaking with the manager. “He’s telling Stillman there’s no room to spare. Stillman is ordering him to find a room even if that means emptying one for us.”

“I don’t want to get someone kicked out on the street,” Dana protested.

“Nor do I, but I believe Stillman has judged us a prize worth having. His superiors will reward him richly for bringing a wizard to defend Bascal. If that means treating someone of less importance poorly, it’s a price he’s willing to pay.”

“Maybe we can stay somewhere else tonight.”

Stillman returned smiling. “I’ve arranged for you to stay at the king’s request, so there will be no charge.”

“Please tell me someone didn’t lose their bed because of us,” Dana said.

“No, but two men of minor influence will have to share a room. I’ll inform the king of your arrival. Whether he sees you or one of his ministers is an open question, but either way you’ll both need more appropriate clothing. It’s not every day a man meets royalty.”

“Oh, it might surprise you how often it happens,” Jayden replied. “If we’re expected to dress for success, can you recommend a tailor for us?”

Stillman waved for a manservant to join them. “Take these two to Cassandra’s. If you’ll excuse me, I need to inform my superiors that you’re here.”

Stillman left the hotel, and the manservant looked offended at being so close to Dana and Jayden. He sniffed and said, “If you’ll come with me…sir.”

“A moment first,” Jayden said pleasantly. He leaned in close to the manservant’s ear and whispered too softly for Dana to hear him. When he stepped back, the manservant’s face was as white as a sheet, his eye opened wide and fixed on Jayden. “Do we understand each other?”

“Yes sir, and madam.”

“Must you make enemies everywhere we go?” Dana asked Jayden as they followed the manservant out of the hotel.

“I don’t make enemies. I deal with them efficiently when I meet them.”

It took them some time to find Cassandra’s, a ratty looking shop far from Dragon Roost’s brightly lit thoroughfares. The windows were dirty and little light came through them, the brick walls needed fresh mortar, and the street had more than its share of trash.

“It doesn’t impress at first sight,” Jayden said as he studied the building.

“Cassandra does quality work even if she’s not favored by the city elite,” the manservant said quickly. “She has a reputation for speaking her mind, sir.”

Jayden cheered up quickly. “Now that is worthy praise. I believe we can find our way back to the hotel without further assistance, and you doubtless have work to do.”

The manservant bowed and hastily left. Jayden rubbed his hands together and opened the door. “Let’s see if the owner is open to accepting work.”

“Whatever happens, don’t threaten her life.”

A bell rang as they stepped into the shop’s dark interior. Unlike the outside, the building’s insides were clean. Counters and shelves were heavy with beautifully dyed cloth, and wood dummies wearing the most beautiful dresses Dana had ever seen stood like dancers. Silks, furs, cotton, wool, linen, even snake skins, there didn’t seem to be a fabric or material missing.

“You said we wouldn’t have to share rooms anymore!” a girl shrieked from the back of the store.

An older woman’s voice answered, “I’m sorry, is the invasion upsetting your delicate sensibilities? Your cousins are coming and need somewhere to sleep.”

Another girl cried, “There’s not enough room!”

“Bread prices have doubled and you’re worried about room,” the older woman’s voice replied sharply.

“Ahem,” Jayden said.

The voices fell silent, and they heard people running to them. A door opened at the back of the room to let in a white haired woman in a beautiful yellow cotton dress and carrying a lit oil lamp. Behind her came two girls no older than eleven dressed in vibrant red skirts and yellow blouses. The girls took one look at Jayden before turning to one another and giggling.

“Shush, both of you,” the old woman said.

“Cassandra, I presume?” Jayden asked. “You come recommended.”

Cassandra gave him a calculating look with a sly smile. “You’re going to the ball.”

“Quite possibly.”

“You and the girl need clothes.”

Jayden studied his fingernails. “We do need appropriate attire.”

“You can pay for them?” she asked hopefully.

Jayden took a coin pouch from his belongings and tossed it to Cassandra. “I wouldn’t be here if I couldn’t.”

Cassandra tore open the pouch and poured coins into her hands. “Gold! Sissy, Meryl, light the candles and get my shears.”

“I get to take his measurements!” one of the girls squealed.

“No fair!” the other whined.

Dana assumed it would take days to produce clothes good enough to stand in front of a king, but Cassandra had no trouble with the task. She had plenty of clothes already made that needed only slight adjustments to fit like a glove, almost like she was expecting them. Once she had a basic black suit and jacket for Jayden, she embellished it with mother of pearl on the shoulders and gloves, and white accents on the legs. Boots came next, black with white along the sides. She finished with a silver pin and white ribbon to tie back his hair in a ponytail that she slid into the back of his jacket.

“As impressive as I expected,” Jayden told her.

Cassandra turned her gaze on Dana. “Black and silver worked for your man, but I think you need a gentler touch. Innocent, pure, with just a hint of anger.”

“Anger?” Dana asked.

Cassandra grabbed a silk dress and held it up against Dana. “I see it in your eyes. Outrage at offenses too many to count. You hold it back, hiding it from the world, but you’ve a temper to match his. Don’t say otherwise.”

“This is why you don’t get more business, grandma,” one of the girls scolded her.

Cassandra went to work modifying the dress. “I say what I see. Not my fault if others don’t like it.”

Dana’s jaw dropped when she saw Cassandra’s work. Her silk dress seemed to shimmer in even the faintest light. Cassandra added silk the color of ripe red apples on the back and skirt, and gorgeous braided red silk along the forearms and down her back. This came with white gloves that reached to her elbows and white shoes that came halfway to Dana’s knees.

“No high heels?” one of the girls asked.

“This is a girl who runs,” Cassandra said. “I’ve added a sheath for your sword on the back. The ribbons will cover it.”

Horrified, Dana asked, “You think I’m bringing a sword to a party?”

“Your man doesn’t need one with the power coming off him, but you do,” Cassandra replied. She tallied up the cost for their new clothes. When she tried to hand Jayden his change, he shook his head. Cassandra smiled at him. “I get feelings about people. You’ve done more than most and aren’t close to being finished. I see a heart of gold wrapped in rusty chains. Break them off for yourself and those who need you.”

“You’re an interesting woman, Cassandra,” Jayden told her. “I’m glad we met.”

Cassandra wrapped Jayden’s suit and Dana’s dress in paper before sending them on their way. They’d nearly left when Cassandra said, “Wait. We’re not alone.”

Dana looked down the streets packed with people. No one looked suspicious, but she felt a shiver run down her back, like someone had walked on her grave. Everyone on the street suddenly stopped walking and looked around. Whatever caused it passed quickly, and people shook off the effect.

“What was that?” Dana asked.

Cassandra held her shears like a weapon. “Not sure, but I know evil when I feel it. You two be careful. No coincidence that happening the same time you’re here.”

“Wise words from a wise woman,” Jayden said. He took Dana by the arm and left for the hotel. The trip was peaceful with no further chills, but it worried Dana all the same. She’d experienced a lot in the time she’d been following Jayden. This was new, disturbing. They reached the hotel by nightfall without incident and found it slowing down. Most of the guests were in their rooms and staff were bringing trays of food to guests’ rooms. Jayden spoke briefly with a servant before returning to Dana.

“We’ve been assigned room 204. Take our things up to the room and wait for me there. I’m going to have them send us meals and place wards.”

“I’ve never seen you use wards.”

Jayden glanced at the door. “I’ve never felt the need to do so before, but something or someone was on that street with us. I mean to keep it at arm’s length.”

Dana took their new outfits and went up a flight of carpeted stairs to the hotel’s second floor. The hallway was brightly lit by lamps on the walls, and the carpeting dulled the sound of her feet on the floor.

Then she felt a chill run up her back before a door to her left burst open and a man made of water lunged at her. A serving girl farther down the hallway screamed as the water man hit Dana hard enough to knock her into the wall. She dropped the clothes and pressed both hands against him, and pushed hard enough to shove him against the opposite wall. The two struggled, and in the bright light she had no trouble recognizing the face of her attacker.

“Ghost Hunter!”

“I said I’d get you!”

Dana pushed him away and drew her sword. Chain Cutter lit up the hallway even brighter than before, and she slashed Ghost Hunter across the chest. Her sword sliced through his body and came out with no effect. Ghost Hunter gave her a sadistic grin before he swung a fist at her face. She ducked under it and stabbed Ghost Hunter through the stomach no more effect than her first attack.

Doors across the hallway opened up as frightened men and women ran out. They screamed when they saw Ghost Hunter and many ran away. One man tried to grab Ghost Hunter from behind, but his hands went through the watery man.

Ghost Hunter pushed aside two men to come after Dana again. She gave up trying to stab him and punched him hard in the jaw. Her fist went into him and came out feeling wet, but without doing any damage. He swung at her again, hitting her in the stomach. Dana pushed into him, shoving him back a few feet to give herself room to move. When she stepped back, she found her blouse soaking wet.

That’s when she knew how to beat him. He could hold himself together, but not completely if he’d left water on her. She needed to make him lose more.

Dana ran from Ghost Hunter as fast as she could, heading down the stairs and to the lobby. He raced after her, screaming, “You can’t get away from me!”

Jayden saw her coming and drew his magic sword. She waved for him to move aside and called out, “I’ve got this!”

Jayden got out of her way and Ghost Hunter came charging down the stairs. Ghost Hunter went another ten feet toward her before he collapsed to the floor, and looked down to find he was missing his feet. There were wet spots on the carpeting everywhere he’d run, for he’d left behind part of his body with every step he took. Even now water he’d used to make a body was being absorbed into the carpeting.

Dana saw a terrified serving girl carrying a stack of towels with her back up against a wall. Dana took the towels from her and ran at Ghost Hunter. She tackled him and pressed the towels against his body. Ghost hunter thrashed about, trying to escape her, but in seconds so much of him soaked into the towels that he came apart entirely. With his body destroyed, Ghost hunter rose up as a translucent young man. He balled up his fists and scowled at her before fading out.

An older woman wearing furs stepped up beside Dana. “What was that?”

“A guy who won’t take no for an answer.”

The woman clucked her tongue. “Oh, aren’t they the worst.”

“Are you hurt?” Jayden asked.

Dana handed the wet towels to a servant. “It was scary more than anything else. How did he get in here, and where did he get the water to do that?”

“A good question.” Jayden led her up to the room Ghost Hunter had come out of. They found a large tin bathtub, and a woman wearing a nightgown curled up in the corner and shivering.

“I, he,” the woman began before falling silent.

Dana kneeled down and put an arm around her. “Shh, he’s gone now.”

“She must have had the servants draw her a bath,” Jayden said. “That was enough material for Ghost Hunter to create a body to attack you.

“I thought he gave up after we beat him.”

Jayden frowned. “As did I. I’m going to make sure he can’t try that again. We have to assume he will try.”

* * * * *
Dana didn’t sleep well after the attack even though their room was wonderful. She wasn’t used to being hunted, and having someone so hateful after her was disturbing. Jayden had spent the night asleep against the door. Dana frowned when she saw a shimmering shape in the air, almost impossible to see except for the dust in the air it pushed out of its way. It floated close to her, made loops around her head and then drifted off.

“Allow me to introduce Stanley,” Jayden said. “I learned how to summon him from the second spell tablet you received from Brasten the Unbeaten. I haven’t used it before, as the spell takes a considerable amount of time to cast and requires him to stay in one location. But today he is essential and will guard our room faithfully.”

“How tough is he?”

“Exceedingly.”

The shape drifted closer to Dana again. “What is he?”

“Stanley is a nature spirit that favors shadows. Long ago he served the Sorcerer Lords and was delighted to do so again. He quite literally works for a song.”

Dana sat at the edge of her bed. She was glad to have another friend, and was embarrassed to need one. “I’ve never heard you sing. Do you mind if I do it for you? I’d feel better about it if I did.”

“Go ahead.”

Dana took a deep breath and sang a song she’d last heard in church many years ago. It was an ode to loyalty and seemed appropriate. The barely seen thing flew slowly around her, and she heard a faint humming in time with her song. When she finished, the spirit gently pressed against her forehead before drifting off.

“How soon until Ghost Hunter attacks us again?” she asked.

“I’m not sure. Most ghosts are tied to specific locations, and are nowhere near as strong or dangerous. Their deaths were painful or they left work undone so they couldn’t depart, but that’s not the only way one can become a ghost. I fear Ghost Hunter is among the second group and made dark sacrifices to stay on this world. What little I’ve heard of such ghosts is that they need time to regain their strength after battles. How long that will take is unknown.”

Jayden was silent for a moment before he spoke again. “I accept that men seek to kill me. It’s the logical consequence of the life I’ve chosen for myself. One reason I have been reluctant to have friends or allies is what happened to you last night. For me to have a friend means risking losing them, possibly violently. I am having difficulty dealing with that possibility. You are a good woman, better than most, and morally my superior. You should know that the thought of you coming to harm is making me a tad murderous.”

“We beat him twice and he’s still not gone. If we’re going to stop this, I need you to think and not be stabby.” Jayden’s expression showed how unlikely that was, so she tried to focus his attention. “Can your magic hurt Ghost Hunter?”

He shook his head. “While Ghost Hunter hovers between life and death, he isn’t the product of necromancy. This means my spells are not more effective against him than normal, and if anything are woefully inadequate when so little hurts him.”

Dana watched the faint image of Stanley float around her. “If he’s a soul that won’t leave, this sounds more like a religious matter than a magic one. We need a priest.”

“You may be right. Bascal has many, some refugees from when King Tyros evicted the Brotherhood of the Righteous from Meadowland. We’ll see about finding one before meeting King Rascan.”

There was a knock at the door, and Jayden got up off the floor to open it. He waved for Stanley to move aside and let in Stillman.

“I understand there was an attack against you last night,” Stillman said to Jayden.

“Against her,” Jayden replied. “She dealt with him, but our foe is a ghost and I fully expect him to attack again.”

“I’ll have guards assigned to you both to prevent further attacks.” Stillman looked at Dana, his expression betraying concern mixed with pity. “You live a violent life, but I refuse to see a woman put in danger on my watch. This ghost faces the wrath of all of Bascal.”

“That’s only one matter we need to discuss,” Jayden said. “I take it you’ve spoken with your king?”

Stillman turned his attention back to Jayden. “I informed my superiors who spoke with him. Word reached me this morning that King Rascan is indeed interested in acquiring your services. There will be some delay as tomorrow’s ball must occupy his full attention, but he will send word to you through trusted servants as soon as he can.”

“So we’re not going to get to speak with him,” Dana said.

“Not in person, but be assured that any words you hear from me or my superiors come directly from him without alteration.” Stillman headed for the door. “I’ll return shortly with your guards.”

Once Stillman was gone, Jayden drove his fist into the mattress. “This trip is wasted if we only speak with bureaucrats. There’s no way they’d give one of their king’s treasures to a foreigner, especially when they are so disgustingly subservient to the man. It would be like pawning your father’s wedding ring.”

“They probably couldn’t pay us either, not when they need money for the army.”

“You’re certainly right. The best we could expect would be delayed payment, cash or gifts once the fighting is over.” Jayden scowled. “Yet I feel confident they will expect us to take considerable risks on their behalf.”

“Which is not a bad thing,” she reminded him. “If we save Bascal then that’s one kingdom Tyros and Amvicta don’t get.”

“That’s little reward for great personal expense. While this isn’t the worst possible outcome, it draws close to it.”

Dana frowned. “We can’t see anyone with Ghost hunter coming after us. Can you imagine what would happen if he attacked while we were meeting someone important?”

“Then we need God on our side in a very personal and direct way.” Jayden headed for the door. “Come, let us find a Brotherhood church and seek an audience with its priest.”

They found the hotel less occupied than last night and the guests jittery. Dana didn’t blame them when there had been an attack last night, and she heard whispers that King Tyros had been responsible for it. Sadly, they were right. Staff members gave them a wide berth except for a single woman who curtsied to Dana.

Jayden spoke briefly to a manservant and returned to Dana. “There are a number of churches we can choose from. The largest and oldest is a mile away and the most likely to have a holy man strong enough to help us or knowledgeable enough to answer our questions. They may be as busy as the king now that Bascal is at war, but if one can’t see us the others might.”

They left the hotel to the obvious relief of the staff and guests. The streets were as busy as before, and it took considerable effort to slip between crowds, wagons and draft animals. People looked determined rather than worried by the threat they faced, and work went on without complaint.

“A lot of people are staring at us,” Dana said.

“We’re strangers in their city during a time of war. I imagine many wonder who we are, why we’ve come and if we are dangerous. Try to look friendly, and easier task for you than me, and don’t stare back.”

They hadn’t gone five steps when a fashionably dressed man stared at them in horror and screamed, “Guards! Call the guards!”

Panic spread through the crowd until an older guardsman dressed in gold and red came with a sword. “Sir, what’s the matter?”

“I imagine it’s us,” Jayden said casually. “It generally is.”

“That’s a wanted man!” the fashionably dressed man cried out. People on the street backed away from Jayden and Dana. “He’s accused of arson, assault and horse stealing!”

“He missed a lot,” Dana told Jayden.

“True, but he got his point across.”

The guardsman took the fashionably dressed man by the arm and pulled him aside. “Sir, the authorities were informed of the Sorcerer Lord’s presence last night. He’s come to help.”

“B-but he’s a criminal!” the fashionably dressed man protested. “Have we sunk so low that we’ll take help from anyone? Is Bascal to become home to renegades and vagabonds?”

Jayden looked bored with the accusations and insults made against him, but Dana was worried. The bounty on Jayden’s head was massive and might convince people that he was as monstrous as Tyros claimed. What if these people turned against them? She and Jayden were armed, but she didn’t want to hurt these people.

Speaking louder, the guardsman announced, “King Rascan has accepted the Sorcerer Lord’s offer and expects the people to do the same, sir. I trust you won’t question his decision during a time of crisis.”

Dana watched the crowd’s mood go from fear to acceptance in a matter of seconds. Most moved on as if little had happened. A few stayed long enough to offer a thank you or shake his hand. An elderly man told Jayden, “A drowning man doesn’t ask who’s saving him.”

The fashionably dressed man stood confused as others moved on. He obviously didn’t like what was going on, but with no support from the authorities or his peers he couldn’t do anything. He ended up walking away, looking back every few steps at Jayden.

“That was strange,” Dana told Jayden as they walked again. “It’s like they were under a spell.”

“They’ve been taught loyalty and conformity from birth,” Jayden told her. “Don’t rock the boat, don’t stand out, don’t ask questions. Privately they might have doubts, but they won’t want to look like troublemakers in front of their peers. It’s common enough behavior, and surprisingly works to our benefit.”

Dana frowned. “My father taught me to always ask questions. I mean, technically he was right about you, he just left out the part where you did those things to the country they’re at war with. Someone should have asked him for proof or to explain himself better. Instead they just followed orders.”

“It’s common enough behavior in any kingdom,” he told her.

“It shouldn’t be.”

“I won’t argue the point with you, but we have other matters that demand our attention,” Jayden said as they walked by an open air cafe. “Once Ghost Hunter is gone, we need a way to meet the king without intermediaries. That will be a difficult task when he has so many concerns.”

“Would getting into the ball help?”

Jayden shrugged. “If nothing else it would make a meeting with him possible, but the odds of that happening are low.”

Dana smiled when she saw a familiar face moving through the crowd. It was easy to spot him when everyone bowed or curtsied when he approached. “We could ask.”

“I doubt Stillman or his fellow officers would respond well to a request.”

“I wasn’t going to ask them.” Dana broke away from Jayden and headed for someone who could help. “Prince Onus!”

Prince Onus of Kaleoth stopped in mid step when he heard her call his name. The handsome, dark haired prince wore expertly tailored linen clothes and a sword. Nearby people looked surprised by how friendly she greeted him, and a man said, “She doesn’t bow to a prince?”

Prince Onus glanced at the man and said, “She doesn’t have to. Miss Illwind, it pleases me beyond words to see you. I owe you a great debt, and an apology.”

“Don’t talk like that,” she said playfully.

“It’s true, I do. I sent you to destroy the bridges that would have allowed the invasion of my homeland, a dangerous enough task, but I never intended for you and the Sorcerer Lord to attack Wall Wolf, much less kill the iron golem. You were placed in grave peril on account of my people, and I will never forgive myself for that.” Prince Onus looked around the crowd. “Ah, there’s your friend. Greetings, Sorcerer Lord.”

“Prince,” Jayden said. “You’re a long way from home, and have nowhere near the protection a man of your status requires.”

“It’s unavoidable,” he said. “King Rascan asked me to come to coordinate our efforts to repel Meadowland’s attacks. He refused offers to speak with court ministers and insisted I come in person so any deals made would be binding. Regarding my light guard detail, Rascan made it clear that bringing bodyguards would be insulting when I’m in his capital. Klim brought me here on a magic cloud, but I had to send him back at once. He is needed back home to repel fresh attacks from Meadowland.”

Prince Onus waved at the crowd and explained, “Do not fear for my safety, though, for I have armed men in the crowd following me. Bascal maintains an effective and stealthy security team for my protection.”

“It’s still a big risk walking in the open like this,” Dana told him.

“If I hide, I send the message that I’m afraid, and that Kaleoth is weak willed.” Prince Onus smiled and said, “But enough of my troubles. Seeing you greatly eases my mind. I thought I’d never get the chance to thank you in person. Fate smiles on me for a change. What brings you here?”

Dana smiled back. “Jayden’s looking for spell tablets that belong to King Rascan. We’re supposed to meet someone who will meet someone who might get them for us, but it’s a long shot. Say, I bet you’re going to tomorrow’s ball. Any way you could get us in?”

Prince Onus looked around like someone about to confess a secret. He stepped closer before asking, “Would you? I feel foolish for asking, but Bascal’s noblewomen have made the most improper requests of me since I arrived. They might be more discreet if I’m in the company of a woman.”

Puzzled, she asked, “What sort of request?” Prince Onus blushed, and Dana blushed too when she realized what he meant. “Oh!”

“It wouldn’t hurt to have known heroes in my company, either,” Prince Onus added. “Most of the people I’ve met have been polite, but a few question my kingdom’s commitment to fighting the war, and our capacity to do so.”

“That’s rude! Isn’t that rude, Jayden?”

“Barbaric,” Jayden said dryly. “We’d be most pleased to chaperone you and keep scandalous women at arm’s length.”

The meeting was interrupted when Stillman came upon them with four knights. “Why did you leave the hotel when I told you I was bringing guards?”

“Because your guards can’t hurt a ghost and we need someone who can,” Jayden replied. “Kind of you to make the effort, though. Have you met the prince? Charming fellow.”

Stillman glanced at Prince Onus. “Oh dear. Royal security is going to have my head over this. If we can continue this discussion in private, please?”

A chill ran down Dana’s back, and she saw everyone on the street suddenly look surprised. She drew her sword and said, “He’s back.”

Ghost Hunter hit Stillman from behind hard enough to send him to the ground. People screamed and ran as Ghost Hunter’s new body made from dirt, dung and garbage grabbed a knight and shoved him into the wall of a tavern. The other knights drew their swords and attacked, doing little to a body made of solids and water in equal parts. Their weapons struck to little effect when there were no organs to pierce or veins to cut. He pushed them aside and strode after Dana.

Dana raised Chain Cutter to strike, and was surprised to see Prince Onus step alongside her with his own blade drawn. Men across the street drew hidden weapons and ran to the prince’s defense, welcome help. They should be able to hurt this body more easily than the water one Ghost Hunter had made, but he’d come back twice now. How many more times could he do this?

“Where’s my sickle, wench?” Ghost Hunter demanded. “Give it back or I’ll—”

There was a flash of red at Ghost Hunter’s knees, and he fell to the street with his right leg severed. Jayden held up the red sickle with its glowing blade. “What, this old thing? Hello, Ghost Hunter. I see you’ve built yourself a body that matches your soul.”

“You dog!” Ghost Hunter yelled as he struggled to get up. That ended when Jayden swept the sickle down and took off Ghost Hunter’s right arm at the shoulder. Jayden grabbed what was left of his enemy and shoved him against the tavern wall.

“This is the third time you’ve lost to us,” Jayden said through gritted teeth. “We can and will kill you as many times as it takes to get it through your head that you’ll never win. Do you hear me, you petty, pathetic excuse for a man? You will never win!”

Ghost Hunter scowled back with a face made of filth. “I can lose a hundred times. You only have to lose once.”

“I’m legitimately sorry this won’t hurt,” Jayden said. He stepped back and cast a spell to form his shield of spinning black blades, and diced Ghost Hunter’s body to pieces. Bits of him flew across the street before the spell failed. Ghost Hunter reappeared as a translucent young man, enraged and snarling before he faded away.

“You have problems of your own,” Prince Onus said. He sheathed his blade and said, “They are now my problems, too.”

Jayden helped up Stillman. “Not long ago we fought Ghost Hunter and won, a victory he is intent on contesting. We need him dealt with permanently before dusk.”

“I’ve heard of this fiend,” Stillman said. “He’s said to have fought countless battles over thirty years. What can we do to hurt him that others didn’t?”

“We get holy,” Jayden told them. “Only hours passed since his last attack, so we must assume he won’t need long to regain his strength. Hurry, for time is not an ally.”

“Prince, you must leave,” Stillman told Prince Onus.

That request didn’t go over well. “I have no intention of running when a woman’s life is in danger.”

Stillman didn’t give up. “You have responsibilities to your people and your kingdom.”

“I don’t run from threats, and every second spent arguing is time our enemy can come back again.” Prince Onus looked to Jayden. “If you know our destination, lead on.”

Dana and Jayden led Prince Onus, Stillman, four knights and ten secret agents assigned to Onus down the street. Bystanders got out of their way when they saw so many armed men, and a few called out for the city watch. Dana was worried that every second they traveled gave Ghost Hunter time to come after her again. This was putting other lives in danger, too, including the prince and sole heir of Kaleoth.

Jayden followed directions he’d gotten from the hotel’s staff until they reached a Brotherhood of the Righteous church at the edge of the city. The building was majestic, tall and built of granite blocks to protect it from attacks and the fury of the elements. Large wood doors were open to admit worshipers and stained glass windows let in light and showed saints and angels.

The church took up a large section of the city block, but it wasn’t the only building. Storekeepers beckoned pedestrians to come and buy goods, trying to get attention of worshipers on their way to service. One called out, “War’s not the time to be undefended. Don’t let your children be orphaned when a blade could save you.”

“Selling weapons outside a church,” Dana said. “That’s tacky.”

“What about you, sir?” the storekeeper asked Jayden as he marched up to the church. “A man can never be too well armed.”

Jayden tossed the glowing sickle into the air and caught it. “I agree wholeheartedly.”

The storekeeper gazed longingly at the magic weapon. “Ooh, how much did that put you back?”

A sudden chill ran across Dana, and she grabbed her sword.

“It cost him his life,” Ghost Hunter said as he rebuilt his body. Daggers flew up from the storekeeper’s stall to make a man of blades. Knights and secret agents cried out in shock as their swords were pulled from their sheaths and drawn into the horrible mass of weapons. Jayden and Prince Onus lost both their swords as they were pulled from their scabbards and flew into the air. Chain Cutter nearly flew from Dana’s hands, but she held the handle tightly until the force pulling it stopped.

Ghost Hunter’s new body stood seven feet tall, with swords for hands and more swords sticking out of his back and legs. A malignant sight, the swords and daggers that made up his body glittered in the sunlight. He took a step toward them, stretching his arms and legs before going into a run straight for Dana.

“Scatter!” Jayden ordered as he grabbed Dana and Prince Onus by the hand. He ran into the church with Ghost Hunter only steps behind them. Once they were inside, he pushed the two of them forward while he went to the right.

Inside the church was much like Dana remembered from her youth. There were rows of benches leading to a marble altar. Bowls of holy water were next to the doors and a baptismal font stood to the left of altar, and a huge pipe organ to the altar’s right. Well-worn carpeting covered the floor. Dana spotted eight men and women seated at the benches in prayer, although they looked up as she and Prince Onus ran by.

An elderly brotherhood priest standing by the altar saw them coming and stepped toward them. The black clad priest brushed white hair from his brow and asked, “Sir, madam, people are screaming outside. What is the cause of this disturbance?”

“Angry ghost!” Dana yelled as she ran to the priest.

“Angry?” Ghost Hunter asked as he marched after them, his body of daggers and swords cutting up the carpeting with each step. Worshippers screamed and ran from the walking weapon. “Try murderous, you stupid cow. I’m going to fillet you both!”

The priest’s eyes opened wide and his mouth opened, but surprise was quickly replaced by resolve. He saw Chain Cutter in Dana’s hand and pointed at it. “Place it on the altar, hurry!”

“God’s not going to save you!” Ghost Hunter snarled, and he broke into a run. “No one’s going to save you!”

Ghost Hunter’s hateful taunts ended when a black whip wrapped around his waist. He cried out in surprise, then anger as the whip began to burn through his newest body. Dana saw Jayden behind Ghost Hunter, pulling hard on the whip and trying to stop his enemy. It wasn’t enough, Ghost Hunter was too big this time, too strong, and he forced his way forward. He was slowed, not stopped.

The priest seized a large silver bowl from inside the baptismal font and hurried to the altar. He poured it onto Dana’s sword, and to her shock Chain Cutter absorbed the holy water like a dry sponge. The priest set aside the bowl and called out prayers and benedictions. Chain Cutter glowed white as it took up everything the priest could give it.

“I can make a hundred bodies after this!” Ghost Hunter vowed. “You will die! I’ll kill you, your friends, your family, everyone you love!”

Jayden’s whip cut through one of the daggers that made up Ghost Hunter’s body. Another dagger came apart and fell to the floor, then a sword. He was destroying Ghost Hunter, but not fast enough. Ghost Hunter would be on them before he was gone again.

“It’s ready!” the priest called out.

Dana grabbed her sword and nearly dropped it in surprise. Chain Cutter was warm to the touch, and it glowed a pure white light. She heard voices when she held it, prayers she remembered from childhood.

“You think that will stop me?” Ghost Hunter said contemptuously as he reached the altar. He raised his right arm high and swung it down with two stolen swords aimed at her head.

“Yes,” she told him, hacked off his arm in a shower of sparks before plunging Chain Cutter through his chest.

Dana had seen Ghost Hunter lose three bodies, two to her and one to Jayden, but she’d never heard him scream as he did now. His body of weapons shook, and dropped daggers and swords cut in half as Chain Cutter sliced through it. He staggered under the attack, crying out in agony until his body of blades fell apart. Dana saw Ghost Hunter’s translucent body with her sword driven through his heart. He grabbed it and tried to pull the sword out, and cried out louder as her sword cut his hands.

“You have done great evil,” the priest said as he strode up to Ghost Hunter. “You separated yourself from God and His love when you tied yourself to darkness. You sacrificed everything that truly mattered to hurt others. Even in the throes of evil you had the chance to repent, to be redeemed, and refused it. You will have no more chances.”

“No!” Ghost Hunter cried out. “No!”

“Name yourself,” the priest ordered.

“T-Tellmet Skies,” Ghost Hunter whispered.

The priest’s eyes narrowed, and he pointed a finger at Ghost Hunter. “Tellmet Skies, that sword has severed the bonds that held you to this world. I finish what it started. In His name I order you to leave. Face the judgement you have avoided for so long, and never return.”

Dana couldn’t understand what the priest said next. His words were like thunder that filled the church, echoing between its walls. Ghost Hunter’s panicked screaming was lost in the sound. She saw hands take hold of the ghost and pull him away, but couldn’t see who they were. Ghost Hunter’s rage and spite were replaced with terror as he reached to her for help mere moments after trying to kill her. There was a flash as he disappeared, and the thunderous voice fell silent.

“Wow,” Dana said. She lowered her sword and stared at the mass of weapons on the church floor.

Stillman walked up alongside Jayden. “Is he dead?”

“Tellmet Skies has been dead for some time,” the priest said. “His soul has moved on despite his best efforts to remain.”

“Where did he go?” Dana asked.

“Heaven is an unlikely answer,” the priest told her. He bent down to comfort a frightened woman who’d come here to worship and found her place of refuge turned into a battlefield. “I can’t imagine why he was so foolish as to enter a house of God.”

Jayden retrieved his sword and handed Prince Onus back his blade. “It was a toxic blend of rage and stupidity, aggravated by recent losses to Dana and myself.”

Prince Onus walked up next to Dana. “You killed a ghost. That’s amazing.”

“Oh, ah, it was a group effort,” she told him. Dana was about to sheath Chain Cutter when she noticed it was still glowing. The voices she’d heard praying when she touched it were whispers, but not entirely silent. “Exactly what did you do to my sword?”

The priest looked over at Chain Cutter. “I imagine you’ve never seen that ceremony before. I sanctified your blade so it could hurt him. It now carries within it an infinitesimally small portion of heaven’s glory, enough to put an end to those who immerse themselves in darkness. It’s been quite some time since I had to sanctify a weapon, but thankfully my request for aid was answered.”

“When will the effect wear off?” she asked him.

“It won’t.”