FOREVER KNIGHTS: #4 Battling Black Roses

Blue Lark Guild, Dread Hideout

MARDICHI

Mardichi was enjoying himself in Winter Haven. I’m quite pleased with what it’s become.

It was now safe to hire a whore here, when the need arose. It was a nice place to avoid the squabbles and stabbings of the trade center aside the fortress. Once inside the courtyard the assassins’ baser natures came into play as they argued over wares.

But inside…Savage Jack’s little ward has quite the operation running out of the Blue Lark’s Courtyard just beyond the Winter Haven alehouse. Far more on the up and up then the Grier Trader’s Market.

That girl was now known throughout the Blue Lark and most of Ardae’s countries, as the Barter Queen.

Mardichi looked across the table at the blonde-haired, blue-eyed assassin. Savage Jack’s gaze was locked on the redhead in the green cloak. Mardichi’s eyes flicked down and he noticed the fabric only slightly drug now, but the hood was still far oversized. Concealing most everything but the blue eyes peering from under the hem.

“Ye’re not looking at ’er like a Quiller now.”

Looking at her like you want a piece of her.

“What?” Savage Jack’s head whipped to look at him. Piercing blue eyes narrowed in annoyance.

He doesn’t remember.

“Ye told me bout a year ago ye’d sooner lay with a Quiller then tha’ maid.”

“I’ve changed my mind.”

I see that.

“What changed it?”

“She did.” He answered in his customarily straightforward manner.

Clearly unwilling to explain further.

But Savage Jack now watched the woman like a starving man’s last meal.

“Wha’ if one wanted to lie with yer lil ward?” He leaned across the table, unable to resist prodding despite being aware he toyed with a dangerous man.

I like a good brawl.

Though I’d prefer not a lethal one. He shrugged. I’ve something in the Paladines I’d like to return to.

Savage Jack slowly turned to look at Mardichi. Gaze searing and jaw ticking. Though his face was impassive, his eyes were furious. Flaring gold.

Mardichi had to consciously keep his from going red in response. He slapped the table and leaned back. Grinning robustly. “Not that un’ then, aye?”

Savage’s upper lip and nose twitched in contempt.

“Relax, Friend.” He reached to shake Savage Jack’s shoulder. “I’m merely goading you.”

Joking, Friend. Joking.

Savage Jack gave Mardichi a sideways look. “She’s my ward. I keep her safe and anyone that lays a hand on her is like to not possess it any longer.”

“Do they know that?” Mardichi gestured at the assassins strolling the Alehouse.

“Do you see any so much as glancing her way?”

He’s right. None of them are. In a tavern filled with drunk men, not one of them was interested in her movements.

“Because they’re not stupid.” Savage Jack gave Mardichi a pointed look.

Implying I am. Point made.

“Who raised ye ta be such a cold son-of-a-whore?” Mardichi laughed.

“You’d be amazed to know…”

Doubt I know him.

Just then Dimurah appeared next to their booth.

“Can I have some more, Murah?” Savage Jack lifted his tankard.

Mardichi caught the glimmer of a slight smile under her hood as she gave the young assassin a lingering look.

Savage Jack leaned towards her but at the last moment she leaned out of reach and walked away.

He growled as she walked quickly away.

“My, my. Things have changed.” Mardichi crossed his arms over his barrel chest.

For the first time Savage Jack flashed him a beaming smile.

I didn’t even know he did that. The rare expression lit the younger man’s whole face. Very nearly making him unrecognizable.