“We know where she is?”
“Vaguely.”
“Hmph.” I wipe my brow with my sleeve, nod and start the process of opening another shadow portal. I don’t have to focus as hard on Vall because the location is more general, and nowords of encouragement need to be spoken between us. We are brothers-in-arms and understand each other.
I ask, “You have explosives?”
“What do you think, brother?” He pats his bulky leather armor in various spots.
“Hopefully they won’t be needed.”
“I’m hoping they are.”
I smile. “Of course you are, savage.” Before drawing the portal for Vallan to shadowwalk through, I pat him hard on the shoulder. “Don’t get yourself killed, brother.”
Then I send him off toward the eastern flank, not far from Manor Marquin. From there, I know he’ll be able to locate Zeyfra amid Aramastun’s army, or he’ll die trying.
Finally, I have myself to worry about. My incorrigible, infuriating mistress wants me to go to the Commerce Ward and commission Liolen Sesk. I know that won’t work, but I’ve agreed to do it anyway.
I could walk there to save my energy, what’s the point though? By this time, Sephania is likely halfway across Nuhav. Soon she’ll reach the base of the Olhavian Peaks, and I can’t be by her side soon enough.
I can only shadowwalk to places I’ve been before—locations I can see in my mind’s eye. My portals are stronger, more efficient, and use less of my willpower the closer they are to Sephania. Luckily, I’ve dealt with Liolen Sesk personally, been in their throne room, and heard unholy things coming from that room.
So I throw a third shadow, squeezing my power and capability to the brink, and march through it without a second thought.
I emerge with my sword drawn, stepping out of the wall where a mercenary’s shadow flickers against torchlight.
The edge of my blade lands gently on the guard’s neck from behind, and he stiffens. “Easy.”
The guard inhales sharply, hand going to their sword hilt.
“Not smart,” I warn in a low hiss. “I’m not here to disrupt. I’m simply here for a meeting with the Gilded Liege. I have an appointment.”
“Liolen is not currently present, Lord Skartovius Ashfen.” The voice comes from behind me rather than the guard.
I don’t dare look over my shoulder and give this bastard a chance to draw their weapon, but I don’t need to, because I recognize the voice.
Palacia steps out from the elegantly carved doors of Liolen’s primary chamber. The vampirex saunters over, smiles up at the guard. “Do not be alarmed by Lord Ashfen’s brash tactics, Konim. He’s harmless.”
I choke a laugh. “Yes. Harmless, Konim.” Slowly, I tilt my blade off his neck.
“Please leave us the room,” Palacia orders, and Konim’s throat bobs as he swallows, glances back at me in fear, and then marches off with a rattle down the hall.
When Palacia and I are alone, I sheathe my blade. “That was easier than I expected. Is Liolen truly gone?”
“Yes. They are currently preoccupied with other mistresses and misters in another wing of Fort Flittus. My time with the liege comes later in the night.”
There’s something off-putting about Palacia’s placid expression. She never seems surprised, or excited, or angry. Just flat. It’s been that way since she turned.
Liolen has the interfolk girl trussed up like a noblewoman hog, wrapped in fine silks and elegant robes and pink rouge on her cheeks that just looks . . . wrong. Like dressing a toydoll. Palacia looks much better and more natural in leathers, a tunic, and nothing flashy. Or nothing at all, if it was Sephania’s suggestion.
I’ll always feel a hint of jealousy and envy for this short, disaffected little pixie gnome girl, but there’s no time to air my grievances right now. “Liolen’s in another wing? The guard you sent off is probably on his way to them right now. We likely don’t have long.”
“No, likely not. I’m assuming you come with a message from Sephania?”
“We’re attacking the Faith Ward. She wanted to request Liolen’s mercenaries to aid us.”
Palacia tilts her head. Those big blue-red eyes bore into me. It’s the most emotion you’ll get out of the girl. “Sephania wants a Minister to raise arms against another Minister?”