Death and Honor: Book 2 of 2 (15 page)

For a human Sorren had a complex mind. Perhaps he had demon blood
.

“I wouldn’t be surprised.” It would take him sometime to get used to talking with his mind. For now he was content to mouth the words. Anyone watching would think he was a lunatic. “He said he knew who killed my family. Did he or was he lying to save his worthless life?”

He was telling the truth. It was a nobleman named Hayden Cariden.

“I know that name. He was one rank above Father’s lord. Why would he attack us? Father was as much his servant as he was Duncan’s.” Xander shook his head. “Doesn’t matter. He should be easy enough to find.”

There’s more. It seems your brother survived the attack
.

Xander stopped dead in the street. “Gabriel’s alive?”

If Sorren’s information was correct. He’s a lieutenant in the watch.

Xander moved on. “So Gabriel is alive and following in Father’s footsteps no less. Unbelievable. An assassin and a watchman.” He grinned at the absurdity of the situation. “It should be an interesting reunion.”

The captain waited on deck when Xander got back to the ship. “You can set sail when ready.”

“Where’s master Sorren?”

“He won’t be making the return trip.”

On the trip back to the mountain the crew seemed tense. Through his connection with the devourer Xander sensed their unease. They must have known or at least suspected that he’d killed Sorren. Whether some of them were his allies or not Xander didn’t cared. He kept to his cabin for the bulk of the trip and no one bother him.

As soon as they docked Xander went up on deck and found the captain barking orders. When he finished Xander said, “Take on whatever provisions you need. We sail for the port nearest Arbadha in a day or two.”

The captain scowled like he wanted to argue, but he nodded. Satisfied that his orders would be carried out Xander disembarked and rode the waiting horse back to the mountain. He went straight to Grandfather’s room to check on the old man. When he entered the familiar room Grandfather struggled to sit up then slumped back.

Xander hurried over and knelt beside him. “What can I do?”

Grandfather took a rasping breath. “There’s nothing you or anyone can do short of turning back time. I’m old man who’s time is running short.”

“Can you share some of the power you took from Sorren and the crossbowmen?”

What little I can give him will only delay the inevitable
.

“Give him what you can.” Xander took Grandfather’s leathery hand and wrapped it around the devourer’s hilt. The power flow between the sword and Grandfather. The old man perked up.

“What was that?” Grandfather sounded stronger and Xander relaxed a little.

“A final gift from Sorren.” Xander grinned and explained everything that happened on his mission.

“Amazing,” Grandfather said when Xander finished. He touched the sword again.

“With this sword I can bring back all the life energy you’ll ever need. You can lead us forever.”

“No.” Grandfather held up a hand to stop Xander’s eager speech. “Thank you for what you given me. I haven’t been this strong in months, but I have no interest in living like a vampire. With the time you’ve given me I can put things in order before the end. When my time ends you will lead the Shadow Hand.”

Xander sat, stunned. “Me? I’m no leader. I haven’t the patience for it.”

“You have the will.” Grandfather said, his voice fierce. “From the moment I met you I saw it. You can delegate the politics and lead by example. Be who you are and get the others to follow you. Not now. Go north and finish your business. We’ll speak again when you return.”

“Yes, Grandfather.”

“I have a favor to ask.”

“Anything.”

“On your way stop and ask Kraven to come home. I’d like to see him once more before I die.”

“Of course.”

“Thank you, my boy. Now let me tell you how to use that fine cloak.”

A
fter a month
of sailing and three days hard riding Xander found himself in sight of Arbadha. Nothing had changed in the time he’d been gone. The city seemed smaller, but that was no doubt do to his change in perspective. Xander clicked his tongue, urging his mount into the city. A short ways from the gate he found a stable where he left his horse. Walking through the city at twilight brought back memories for Xander, some of them good. The sun had set when he got close to the guild hall. He didn’t want to deal with the guards so he tried the shadow cloak.

He used it once, back at the mountain, with Grandfather keeping a close watch. Xander took a breath to steady his nerves and pulled the hood up. The moment the hood’s shadow covered his eyes he saw rippling doors in every dark place. Xander clenched his teeth and stepped through the nearest one.

Xander floated in a world of darkness. All around him portals large and small writhed in the midnight realm. As he’d been taught Xander pictured himself flying up and forward. There was no sensation of movement, no breeze in his face. The only reason he knew he was changing position was the portals changing all around him. It seemed to Xander that several minutes passed when he found a portal into Kraven’s room in reality only an instant had gone by since he entered the shadow realm. Grandfather explained during his lesson, time didn’t affect the shadow realm.

When he stepped into Kraven’s room he found it empty. No surprise, it was the start of the night shift and Kraven no doubt stood at his usual post near the entrance. Xander ducked back into the shadows, this time he emerged in his old room. Kaylin was just out of bed and getting dressed. Xander smiled, pleased she still used the room they’d shared.

“Been a long time.”

Kaylin jumped, pulled a dagger, and spun to face him. “Who are you? How dare you sneak into my room.”

Xander threw back his hood. “It used to be my room too, so I didn’t bother knocking.”

“Xander!” She tossed aside the dagger and leapt into his arms. “When did you get back? I never expected to see you again.”

He held her for a moment then stepped back. “Did you think I wouldn’t survive or I wouldn’t bother to return?”

Kaylin smiled. “I knew you’d survive. So what’s the occasion? I assume you didn’t come all this way just to visit me.”

“Unfortunately no. I have a message for Kraven then I’m heading home.”

“Home?” He eyes widened. “You found out who killed your family?”

Xander nodded. “Even better, turns out my brother survived.”

“That’s great, and I’m sure Kraven will be happy to see you.”

“Any idea where he is?”

“No, but I’m sure we can find him.”

They searched the ground floor but came up empty. Xander enjoyed strolling through his old home and they took their time heading upstairs. The clack of wooden swords came from the training room and sure enough they found Kraven watching a pair of slender young men batter away at each other.

“Got any more fighters lined up for us?”

Kraven turned and smiled. “None of your caliber, mores’ the pity.”

They shook hands. “That cloak, is it?” Kraven stopped short.

Xander nodded. “Grandfather says I’m the youngest to earn one. He wants you to come back, Kraven.”

Kraven grimaced. “I hate it there. You’ll have to accept my apologies and pass them along.”

“He’s dying.”

“What?” Kraven stared at him.

“If he last another six months it’ll be a wonder. Grandfather wants to see you once more. He asked me to pass along the message on my way north. The ship’s waiting for you in the usual spot. I told them to wait three weeks. After that they sail home.”

“It’s been so long. I didn’t leave under the best circumstances.”

Xander clapped him on the shoulder. “The old man wants you to come back. Do you need any more than that to know you’re welcome?”

Kraven sighed. “Thanks, Xander. I’m glad he sent you to tell me.”

“What are we going to do now?” Kaylin asked. “Can you stay awhile?”

She sounded so hopeful he hated to disappoint her. “I’m only staying the night then I have business to finish.”

“Oh.”

“Tell you what; I’ll stop for a week on my way back. How’s that?”

Kaylin brightened. “Deal.”

“I’m sure you two have a lot to do. I’ll just rest in my old room.” Xander pulled up his hood and ducked into a handy shadow.

X
ander woke early
and found Kaylin sitting in a chair watching him. He sat up and slipped on his mask. “Do I talk in my sleep?”

She shook her head.

“If you aren’t here to learn my secrets what are you doing?”

“You left so abruptly last time. I wanted to be sure to give you a proper goodbye.”

Xander smiled, touched that she wanted to see him off so badly. “I appreciate the thought.” He got out of bed and dressed, not the least self-conscious around her. “Are you and what’s his name still together?”

“No. I kept comparing him to you and he kept coming up short. Jayden got sick of the comparisons and moved on.”

Xander strapped on the devourer and draped his shadow cloak over his shoulders. “Why did you compare him to me? Jayden’s a thief not a warrior.”

“It wasn’t his skills I was comparing. When he went out on a job he seemed ready to bolt at any sign of trouble. When we worked together I knew you always had my back no matter what. I’ve never felt as safe as I did those months we were together.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean. I haven’t found anyone I could trust like I trusted you. We made a hell of a team and I see no reason we couldn’t again. When I finish my business in the north why don’t you come back with me?”

“I’m no assassin.” Despite the protest Xander saw the idea intrigued her.

“You don’t have to be. Many other people work for us. You can be my eyes in the city, keeping track of the city lords and the thieves’ guild. I doubt any of them would be stupid enough to betray us, but better safe than sorry.”

“They’d accept me, just like that?”

Xander grinned. “One of the advantages of my new position is they pretty much have to accept it.”

“You’re that high up?”

“I’m as high as you can go. The truth is you coming to work with me as my personal spy is important to me, but it’s nothing in the grand scheme of the Shadow Hand.”

Kaylin smiled at last. “If it’s that simple I’d love to join you. I’m sick of this place.”

“Good, I’ll stop for you on my way back.” He pulled up his hood and started for a shadow. Before he disappeared Kaylin hugged him from behind. “What’s that about?”

“Just be careful and be sure you come back.”

Xander turned around and kissed her on the forehead. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back.”

Xander stepped through a shadow and left her behind. He moved through the darkness and found fewer doors than usual. No surprise since it was daylight out. He stepped out of a shadow in an alley two blocks from the stable.

One of the stable boys stood waiting out front. Xander flipped him a gold coin. “The black gelding.”

The boy smiled at his good fortune and ran inside. A few minutes later he led the horse out, saddled and loaded with a pair of bulging saddle bags. Xander mounted up and rode out of the city.

X
ander rode
at a brisk pace and kept to the main trade routes. It took him two months to reach the outskirts of Lord’s Way. He turned off the main road around mid day and down a rough cart path carved through the forest. He reached the edge of a large clearing a few minutes later. Near the center sat a pile of charred timber. Scattered here and there slumped half a dozen wrecked outbuildings.

Xander shook his head. “Be it ever so humble.”

He urged his horse down into the clearing and rode around, eyes closed, remembering the day of the fire. Xander let the pain and fear fill him. He let out a breath he hadn’t realized he held and opened his eyes. “I know who did this.” He spoke to the ghosts that lived in his memory. “I promise he’ll die screaming. Before the end he’ll know who killed him.”

He turned back to the main road and continued on to Lord’s Way. He set a good pace and arrived at the gate at dusk. The guards let him after a cursory inspection. He found a stable for his horse and went to visit the local thieves’ guild. Xander walked through the dark streets, unafraid of any potential attackers. If anyone lurking in the shadows thought a lone pedestrian would make an easy mark a second look must have changed their mind as he reached the back door the guild with no trouble.

The Lord’s Way thieves’ guild operated out of a basement under a theater in the arts district. It had to be nothing more than a meeting place since they had no space to store loot. Xander rapped on the unmarked wooden door and waited. After a few seconds the door opened a crack. “This is the stage entrance, get lost.”

“The Shadow Hand requires your assistance. I would speak with your guild master and I’m in a hurry.”

“There’s no guild master here, now beat it before I crack your skull.”

Was the man stupid or ignorant? Either way Xander was sick of talking. He side kicked the door off its hinges and sent the guard sprawling. Before he could recover, the devourer was at his throat. “The only reason I don’t kill you is I don’t want to look for the master myself. Now go tell him the Shadow Hand needs a moment of his time.”

The guard’s gaze followed the length of the black sword at his throat and up to Xander’s scowling face. The terrified man scrambled away, around a rack of costumes and through a hidden door in the back wall. Xander shook his head and sheathed his sword. The demon’s disappointment radiated from the sword, but he wouldn’t kill a man to satisfy the sword’s appetite, if that were even possible. He needed the thieves help and killing one with no good cause wouldn’t buy him any goodwill.

A few minutes passed before a slender woman of middle years dressed in skin tight black leather came through the hidden door, a pair of over muscled goons beside her. “My apologies assassin, our door guard hasn’t been educated regarding his betters. How may I help you?”

Not interested in excuses Xander said, “I need the location of Gabriel Kane, he’s an officer in the watch, and Duke Cariden.”

“Are they your targets?”

“That’s not your concern. Now where are they?”

“The duke is easy enough. As of this morning he’s in residence at the mansion of an old friend of his named Baron Jameson. The second name isn’t familiar to me. The only officer named Gabriel is Gabriel St. Jaques, the Lord Mayor’s adopted son.”

Xander nodded. So Uncle Duncan adopted Gabriel, how nice for him. “That’s him.”

The woman smiled, looking relieved she’d done something Xander approved of. “He lives in the lord’s mansion. He also spends a great deal of time at the Church of the Bright Shield.”

“You have my thanks, but should any of you try to warn either of them I will return and our next conversation will be less pleasant.” Xander pulled up his hood and disappeared into the shadows.

He emerged several blacks away. Eager as he was to visit the duke he decided to find Gabriel first. This was as much his revenge as Xander’s and he deserved a chance to be part of it. Xander turned toward the city center where the lord’s mansion waited. As he got closer Xander found he was nervous. It was ridiculous. He’d killed men without batting an eye, but the thought of seeing his brother again set his heart racing. He smiled and shook his head.

Xander stopped when he reached the iron fence that bordered the property. He looked at the dark grounds, his minding back to the times they’d visited Uncle Duncan. It seemed like another life. Xander stepped into a shadow and emerged in an unused guest room. He had no idea which room Gabriel used so he resolved to check them all.

After seven failures he found a room that appeared lived in. A glowstone sat on the table by the bed. Xander rubbed it until it gave off a soft light. A quick search turned up Gabriel’s journal. He got as far as the battle with the river pirates when the sound of heavy boots on the floor outside got his attention. Xander doused the light and put it back on the table.

He stood in the dark corner away from the door, not bothering to enter the shadow realm. A broad shouldered figure entered the dim room. Xander’s throat tightened when he saw his brother for the first time in so long. He stepped out of the shadows and Gabriel drew a gleaming sword form the scabbard at his waist.

“That’s hardly the greeting I expected after so long, Gabriel.”

“
A
nd that’s what happened
,” Xander said, his story complete.

Gabriel stared at his brother, trying to reconcile the boy he remembered with the man sitting on the bed across from him. “It’s a miracle you survived the fire, much less everything else. I saw him you know, the slaver. I met him on the road when I fled after the battle. He seemed a little odd.”

Xander laughed a humorless laugh. “He was worse than odd. Now, will you help me? Together we can avenge Mother and Father.”

“I killed the demon that led the attack on our home, but I can’t find any solid evidence on the duke. With proof I can’t arrest him to face the king’s justice.”

“The king’s justice doesn’t interest me. I will cut his heart out and feed it to the wolves.”

Before Gabriel could respond the door to his room burst open and standing on the other side, a triumphant smile on his face, stood Morgrin. “I knew I’d eventually find a way to get even with you. Conspiring with killers? Hardly the proper behavior for an officer of the watch, especially the ever so perfect Gabriel Kane. I will enjoy destroying your reputation as you did mine. For all your arrogance—” Morgrin fell silent when Xander buried a dagger in the casing an inch from his head.

“Some things haven’t changed. A worthless, obnoxious child has grown into a worthless, obnoxious adult.”

“Do you pretend to know me?” A sneer curled Morgrin’s lip.

Xander laughed again and Gabriel shivered to hear the coldness in it. “Know you, the three of us played together as children. How could I fail to recognize your fat, petulant face?”