King of the Seditious

“For?” Savage queried flatly.

Eying the pretty silver-haired woman and realizing that she looked very similar to Elsabet.

I’m not the only one with a look-alike.

“I haven’t had a kind word since him.” Dorena murmured. Clearly still talking about one person. “You remind me so much of him.”

Of Sebastian…The man whose allegedly my father. For some reason it made Savage’s chest tight. Though he couldn’t define why.

“If you’ve not heard kind words in the trader’s market here. Come with me. Come sell your potions in my Undermarket.”

“In the Blue Lark?” She looked startled.

“Yes.”

“I’ve heard it’s a terrifying place.”

It can be. If you’re not protected.

“Not if you’re under my protection.” He assured.

“Who are you?”

“He’s the King of Assassins, clearly.” Phalanx had walked over to join them.

Curious as to what kept me.

“Why do you want me there?” She looked nervous.

Afraid of what I’ll want in return. Smart girl.

He lifted a small, stoppered, bottle of a pink liquid. Clicking it on the booth’s surface. “You provide a commerce I don’t yet have.”

“How would it work?”

“I’d provide you, the ingredients. You provide me a quarter of the potions you make and half the coin you earn.”

“And the rest is mine?”

“Indeed. You have my word.”

“And you’ll ask nothing else in return?”

You’ve nothing else I want.

“Nothing.”

“He has a woman.” Phalanx contributed.

“That doesn’t always mean much.” She countered.

“It does to me.” Savage said a bit harshly. “Men without loyalty are men without souls.”

He turned from the booth as quickly as he’d arrived at it.

“Sometimes you’re a bit too intense.” Phalanx remarked.

“Perhaps.”

“Why’d you really want her at the Blue Lark. It’s not the commerce.”

“No. Though it is good business.”

“You want to protect her. Or me to protect her.” Phalanx said shrewdly.

“Both.”

“Why?” Phalanx asked.

“Because of what she is.” Savage used the tone that told Phalanx he’d say nothing more on the subject.

There was suddenly running footsteps behind them.

“And here she comes.” Phalanx remarked. “Just like you knew she would.”

“I’ll go with you!” Dorena declared.

“Load up.” Savage gestured off-handedly back at her booth.

“I’ll help you.” Phalanx offered in a softer tone. Shooting Savage, a chiding look.

Wanting me to be more polite. An adorable design.

***

Blue Lark Guild, Dread Hideout

Savage, Phalanx and Dorena returned to the Blue Lark with horses laden with goods for the Undermarket. Which was already in full swing.

Entering the Blue Lark through the iron spears was like entering another world. Where the leaves and grass were scattered around the outside walls. Within the grass was rich and green. Sheltered from the regular storms. The cluck of chickens rang out amidst the regular crowing of the rooster. Cows strolled the courtyard and horses were tethered along the outer wall. Grazing contentedly. The smell of fruits and vegetables and every manor of drink, filled the air.

The shouting of people rolled into one rumbling sound.

One voice rang out above the rest as they entered. Drawing Savage’s eye.

“That must be her, huh?” Dorena whispered to Phalanx.

“That is, indeed, her.”

Dimurah was shouting above the arguing men. Gesturing from a stack of three ale casks to a pile of vegetables and back. Shaking her head.

She doesn’t think it’s enough.

She wore a red dress today.

A good indicator that her mood will be aggressive. He smiled faintly. But when is it not?

She shoved a handful of curling red tresses back from her sweating forehead. As her voice grew louder.

Finally, the man shook his head in surrender. Swearing as he tossed his hand violently.

“Should I pity her?” Dorena asked from behind Phalanx.

“No.” Phalanx shook his head wildly.

“But he’s terrifying.” She whispered. Nodding toward Savage on the other side of Phalanx.

“Agreed. But she fears nothing. Least of all him.”

“How in Ardae can that be?”

“You’ll see.” As he said it, Dimurah looked over and spotted them across the courtyard.

She walked through the crowd. Tossing her curls from her face again. Her stride purposeful.

“She looks angry.” Dorena murmured.

“She always looks like that when he’s back.”

“What do they call him here?”

“Savage Jack.” Phalanx supplied.

“Who is she?” Murah nodded. “Barmaid?” She eyed her.

“No. Mixes potions.” Savage supplied. Noting Delcourt even sensed her dissension. Shifting restlessly.

She is unhappy I’ve brought a woman to the Blue Lark.

And likely that I delivered her here.

“Why did you not send for her?” She demanded.

Yep. Shouldn’t have brought her myself.

“Am I in trouble?” Dorena whispered. Earning her a scathing glance.

“I think we all are.” Phalanx replied.

“I didn’t intend to happen across her.” Savage explained.

Insufficient reasoning. He realized instantly.

“Didn’t you?” Her brows lowered.

“She makes potions, and he wanted her to bring that commerce to the Undermarket.” Phalanx, thankfully, lied for him.

I don’t lie to Murah.

“Oh, is that why?” Murah’s skepticism was blatant.

She’s wasting her concern. Savage gave her a chiding look.

“Good afternoon, Savage Jack.” Murah said formally. Patting Delcourt’s neck before turning to go.

“Good afternoon, Murah.”

Phalanx cringed.

“My name is Di-murah.” She declared.

“I’m aware. But to me you are, and will always be, Murah.”

“I’m not anything to you!” She retorted.

“Aren’t you?” He leaned over the saddle horn on crossed forearms to look down at her. Tone dark.

She glared up at him.

“You’re right.” Dorena whispered to Phalanx. “She’s fearless.”

“Or insane.” He returned in a low voice. Ensuring Dimurah wouldn’t turn her righteous fury on him since she was currently glaring at Savage like she intended to yank him off his horse.

Please do. Start an argument with me here. We haven’t danced this dance in a while.

But she could see the anticipation on his face and lip curling, finally retreated.

“Good girl.”

Her back stiffened. And she hesitated a moment before walking on.

I’ll pay for it later. He chuckled inwardly.