Iron Blooded

Kato had his sword half drawn, but I held out a hand, recognizing the voice.

“Ser Connel,” I said calmly, turning to face him. “Are you here to try and stop me?”

The veteran knight stepped into the room. He was wearing his armor, but his sword was sheathed, hands resting at his sides. Through his raised visor I could see the worry in his eyes.

The knight glanced at Kato and Draxus, then at the attendant still cowering in the corner. His lip curled in distaste.

“No,” he said at last. “Quite the opposite. Lord Blackthorne has asked me to inquire into the events of last night. My men and I have been at it all morning, and yet we’re met with nothing but resistance and non-answers.”

Ser Connel shook his head.

“When I was a boy, disobedience to a representative of nobility would have been met with lethal force. These days the populace grows bold in their defiance. The inhabitants of this city harbor heretics and traitors and reject the light of the Godking.”

A zealot through and through, the knight gripped the hilt of his sword.

“Tell me, Ser William, is your plan to seek out the evil that festers in this city and eliminate it? The same evil that corrupted the lord governor and his estate?”

“I do,” I said, and meant it. Though my will to hunt down the rot within the city had much more to do with the events during and after the battle. Venturing into the sewer system and seeing that demonic mural on the wall, I’d known then that there was something dark in the heart of the city.

The death of the lord governor and his pet mind mage might have been the beginning, but it was clear that the occult presence that had lingered in Ceris was still very much present.

“Ser Connel,” I said. “What do you know?”

The old knight glanced past me at the attendant, then motioned with his head.

“Not here,” he said. “Do you require more time with the prisoner? Or perhaps a little persuasion?” He tapped the hilt of his sword.

“No, I got all I needed from him. He’s just a pawn. The one that orchestrated the attack is still in the city. I had a lead, but…” I gestured to the pile of smoldering ash on the ground.

The knight grimaced. “Thrice-blasted sorcery.”

Kato raised his eyebrows at me as I strode past.

“You trust the old codger now?” he whispered, eyeing Ser Connel dubiously.

“I may be old, but my hearing is very much still intact,” groused the old knight.

Draxus snorted as Kato hastily pretended to adjust his eyepatch.

“Forgive my man,” I said, ducking through the doorway and into the stone corridor. “He’s… liberal with his tongue.”

“That is the way of soldiers.”

I increased my speed to walk alongside the knight, and he glanced at me. Once Ser Connel and I might have been enemies. His man, York, had driven a rift between us and I’d gotten the impression that his opinion of me hadn’t been high in the first place.

But after shedding blood together, the old man had almost seemed to have warmed to me.

“You were right to press this one,” he said, leaning toward me and dropping his voice. “One of my men discovered an order sent just this morning to the jailhouse. He was brought food and refreshments, and the guards were ordered to bar you or anyone associated with you from entry.”

“That’s not suspicious,” said Kato.

I scrubbed at my chin, feeling the prickle of day-old stubble.

“Let me guess, it was on the steward’s orders.”

Ser Connel looked briefly surprised at my guess, but his nod confirmed my suspicions. Since the death of the lord governor, the city’s leadership had reverted to the next in line, a man who had acted as the right hand and steward of the governor’s estates.

The only problem was that this arrangement was supposed to be temporary.

“Doesn’t Kadian law dictate that in the event of the death of local leadership, the commander of the standing army would assume control of the territory? That would make Lord Blackthorne and his appointed proxy, Lord Dacon, rulers here.”

Ser Connel grunted.

“If only it were that simple. In theory, you are correct. In times of war, martial law should prevail. However, the steward and his staff have refused to concede power completely. His lawyers, abominable things, lawyers,” he added with a sour expression. “Have appealed to the grand court of nobility. They can’t hope to win the case, not over the spear of the King himself. But it’s an effective delaying tactic and one that’s costing us.”

I shook my head. “To what end? If he can’t win, why fight it?”

“My guess is that he’s hiding something… something related to the lord governor’s estate. And judging by recent events, it would appear that hunch is correct.”

The gate came into view, and I glanced behind to be sure Draxus and Kato were close at hand.

“What we found in the sewers all those weeks ago… the demon sign. This is all related, isn’t it?”

The lines in the old knight’s face grew deeper.

“Before Ceris, I might have said no. But after what we’ve faced… what we’ve seen.” He shook his head. “There is no room for doubt anymore, Ser William. Kadia is in a time of war and the signs of three are upon us. One Herald rose that night, and it’s only a matter of time before a second is summoned.”

A chill that had nothing to do with the damp air of the jailhouse crept up my neck. I remembered that night in the governor’s hall. The fight with the mind mage, the way the demon had clawed its way out of the body of the governor.

The old knight was correct—all signs pointed to demonic manifestation. And what that could mean for humanity… I didn’t want to guess.

“Then we have only one method of recourse,” I said as we ducked through the gate and back into the street.

“We have to find the man who summoned the Death Hound. Whoever or whatever he is… it all relates back to the governor’s estate.”

Ser Connel grunted his solemn agreement.

“And if we want to stop the steward then we’re going to need probable cause. Believe me, storming his office and arresting that man is an appealing prospect. But with Lord Blackthorne preparing his main force to move out and only Lord Dacon remaining, it would be foolish to press the matter. The last thing the count’s son needs is to deal with a full-on insurrection without the presence of his father.”

“Do you think that’s likely?” I asked, worried.

“Not if we go through the proper channels. Right now, the people are split. Many are grateful to the standing army for our part in securing the city. Others, though… well. Many see us as unwelcome intruders. We must be cautious about stirring too much unrest.”

I gritted my teeth and exhaled through my nose.

“Why is nothing ever simple?”

By now, the sun had risen over the horizon, and the city of Ceris had begun to take. Workers, families, and shoppers had begun to emerge from their homes and looks were coming our way. I could understand why. Outside of the jailhouse, at least a dozen of my men, armed and armored, stood at attention.

The three guards from before were standing off to the side under the supervision of one of my men and seemed to have been relieved of their weapons.

“You can’t do this,” one of them growled, glaring at the men. “You soldiers may think you have the upper hand, but this is Ceris. We don’t do military occupation here. What you’re doing is illegal, and you’ll answer to the courts and the steward before the day is through.”

“Keep your threats behind your teeth, man, or you’ll promptly lose them.” Ser Connel surprised me by stepping forward, hand flying to the hilt of his long sword.

The guard seemed to realize who he had addressed and clenched his jaw, averting his gaze.

“I only meant it isn’t right,” he murmured.

“What isn’t right is that this rot has been allowed to fester. The Inquisition should have picked this city clean long ago.” The old knight turned as Hade strode toward me, naked blade balanced on his shoulder.

“Ser William,” he said wryly. I arched a brow.

“I only remember leaving one man to guard the gate. How did twelve others spawn?”

Hade rubbed the back of his neck, his face one of carefully constructed innocence.

“I couldn’t speculate, Ser. My guess is they heard their commander had been attacked and are fully prepared to take down the one responsible or die protecting the man they swore to follow. Can’t say that I blame them.”

“And how,” I asked, struggling to keep the amusement from my face, “did they hear of last night’s events when I’ve done my best to keep it quiet?”

Hade sniffed, but his eyes flickered briefly over my shoulder. I turned to see Draxus examining the gate latch with interest, while Kato studiously cleaned his nails with a hunting knife. It might as well have been an admission of guilt.

I sighed, though I couldn’t quite hide the smile.

“I see.”

“So much for this investigation being a quiet affair. Ser Connel, if I could, I’d like to request your help.”

The old knight nodded his head.

“Whatever you need, I’m with you.”

I thought about what the attendant had said. The strange-hooded figure, the note that had burst into flame before it could fully be read. Someone out there wanted me dead, and if recent events were any indicator, he wasn’t the only one.

Unbidden, the memory of Draxus’s words on the plains drifted back to me.

If I didn’t know any better, I’d say they were afraid of you. The only question is… why?

But I knew why, didn’t I? Or at least I could suspect. For some reason, the forces that be were beginning to see me as a threat. The cult, the shadow magus who served some dark god… even the eldest son of the Duke of the North.

Was it because of my reputation? Or was it something else? As ever, I needed answers. I turned to Ser Connel, gauntleted fingers drumming on the hilt of my sword.

“I need to pay someone a visit,” I said, cocking my head toward the city. “And we’re going to need to move fast and silently.”

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He raised gray brows.

“I’m assuming this isn’t exactly aboveboard?”

When I didn’t answer, he surprised me by showing his teeth in a grin.

“About damn time.”

***

“You’re sure this is the place?” asked Draxus for the umpteenth time.

He braced a hand over the window, peering out across the street at the boisterous inn. Down in the streets of the central city, well-dressed members of Ceris’s upper class thrived. The corners were lively, live music and laughter drifting from nearby windows.

It was such a contrast to the outer city, and I knew why. Here, it was so easy to forget the war-torn wreckage beyond the second wall.

“No,” I said truthfully, as I watched a gilded carriage trot by. “But it’s my best guess. All I saw before the parchment burned was part of the name. There was a room number… at least I think there was. But that’s moot speculation at this point.”

Draxus huffed in agreement, loosening his sword in its sheath. It had been a nervous habit for him as the day wore on, and I could hardly blame him. There were half a dozen men crammed in this attic room, and the rest of them had secured the building downstairs.

It had been a pain to get my men past the guard and into the center city. It had involved money exchanging hands and the filtering of only a few of my soldiers at a time. But in the end, it had been worth it.

After all, an ambush was useless without the element of surprise.

The creak of floorboards announced the arrival of Ser Connel as he strode across the room. My men glanced up, watching him make his way over. As an armored knight, he stood out like a sore thumb on the street. That was why I’d asked him to change.

Dressed in a simple brigandine and chausses, he looked more like a mercenary for hire than a knight. He grimaced as he came to stand beside me.

“Being without my armor feels… unnatural,” he groused, shifting uncomfortably on his feet.

“I know the feeling.” I had removed most of my own, leaving nothing but my shirt, gambeson, trousers, and cloak. The protection provided by chainmail was tempting, but the jingle and rattle would have drawn too much attention, and attention was the last thing I needed now.

Ser Connel rubbed a thumb over his mustache, peering out of the cracked window with interest.

“Seen anything unusual?”

“Nothing, Ser Connel,” said Draxus. “Though the inn itself seems a popular destination. Any of the patrons who’ve entered and left could be the one we’re looking for.”

“If he’s bothered to stick around.” I turned away from the window, folding my arms across my chest as I paced.

“With the current investigation, he might have attempted to flee the city.”

Ser Connel shook his head.

“I highly doubt that. To leave now would be to draw the scrutiny of the city guard. Aside from that, we have a man at every gate watching the comings and goings of the city. Aside from merchants and hunters, we know who passes beyond the wall.”

The knight was correct. With so much scrutiny on who entered and left the city, I could only hope that the mysterious hooded figure hadn’t wanted to risk being clocked by the guards.

Still, I wasn’t willing to risk allowing too much time to pass. By now, news of my attack was spreading, and it was only a matter of time before it reached the center city.

I was about to say as much when Draxus leaned forward suddenly, dark brows drawing together.

“Will.”

I was at his side in a moment. Wordlessly, Draxus pointed down at the street, where a lone figure was now making its way down the road. It was a man, average in stature and wearing clothes that seemed well-tailored but otherwise nondescript.

In fact, I might have dismissed him entirely if it weren’t for the speed at which he was moving. As he approached the inn he paused outside of the door, turning his head. I swore, ducking below the sill as his eyes probed upward toward where I’d been standing moments before.

A few long seconds passed before I risked taking a second look. Outside, the street was empty, and the door of the inn swung shut with a soft click.

There was a pause as everyone in the room turned to me. The question on their faces was obvious even before Draxus voiced it.

“How long do you think we have?”

“Minutes.” I pushed off the sill, striding for the door. As I went, I gestured to Hade.

“Surround the Inn, close down the side streets. I want the building surrounded the second we enter. Kato, Draxus,” I glanced questioningly at the old knight, who nodded solemnly. “And Ser Connel is with me. Remember, be on your guard. If this man is a magus or worse, then the best option is to apprehend him quickly.”

“Ser, are we authorized to use lethal force?”

I grimaced, remembering my encounter with the Death Hound. Its creepy, unnatural voice and those razor-sharp claws and teeth.

“Only if necessary.”

We raced down the wooden steps of the house, and Hade began giving orders. The men loitering near the door straightened up.

“Are we moving?” said one.

“Aye.” Hade tossed the man a spear. The soldier caught it and glanced toward the family room. A man and woman sat on the edge of a bed, wide eyes tracking our movements. I winced internally, when we had commandeered the house for use, I had my men keep an eye on them.

I doubted the wealthy couple were traitors themselves, but I couldn’t risk word getting out.

“Hade, leave a man here. At least until we’ve finished our business.”

I turned to the couple, and sweeping a hand across my front, I bowed in the courtly fashion I’d been taught by Lord Blackthorne.

“I thank you for your hospitality. My men and I will be out of your hair soon enough.”

The man pursed his lips but didn’t otherwise reply. His wife glared at us as we prepared to step out into the street.

“Hospitality my arse,” she said. “This here is an unlawful military occupation.”

She glared at her husband, who looked like he’d rather be anywhere else.

“And you let it happen.”

“What was I meant to do, Berta? Challenge a score of armed men? Besides, they said they only wanted to use the upper room.”

“Aye, but for what?” The woman eyed us dubiously. I reached into my coin pouch and drew out a single silver, which I flicked to her. She caught it with one hand, and the sourness in her face seemed to recede.

“For your trouble.”

I yanked open the front door, flanked by my men. The air was warm with the stagnant heat of the late day. In broad daylight, we must have been an odd sight, though the lack of shining armor and obvious weapons did at least some of the work in hiding our identity.

I speedwalked across the street, ducking by a couple walking hand in hand.

“Awfully rude,” muttered a gentleman in polished high-top boots as I brushed him aside. And reached for the door.

“Bugger off,” growled Draxus, dropping a hand meaningfully to his sword. The man took one look at the warrior before grimacing and edging hastily away.

Kato and Draxus were close on my heels as we entered the Inn. Ser Connel was a close third, eyes scanning the high ceilings of the foyer. It was a nice establishment, no doubt about it. A long, narrow counter wrapped around the front, and behind it was a gentleman in a tailored tunic and ascot. His lips turned down when he took in our average attire.

“Can I… help you?” he asked, adjusting his wire-rimmed glasses on his nose. “If you’re looking for a place to stay, you might want to try the red-light district. Those rooms are at least more,” he swept a disdainful gaze over us.

“Affordable.”

It was an obvious insult, but I chose to ignore it.

“Ser William of Blackbriar,” I barked, resting an arm on the countertop. “I need a list of all of the patrons that have stayed in this establishment for the past two weeks. Perhaps you have a ledger?”

The innkeeper snorted, and his amused disdain only served to irritate me.

“We keep our patronage private, as is the law. We are not required to disclose the identity of any of our paying customers unless bidden to do so by the courts. If you are a knight, and I highly doubt you are, then you’d be well aware of that.”

I ground my teeth. This was going nowhere, and I was running out of time.

“Ledger,” I said, leaning forward. “Now.”

“You don’t have the authorization—”

I drew my short sword so fast it was a blur. Banging it down on the wooden counter with a heavy thud, I looked him straight in the eye.

“Here’s my authorization.”

There was a short pause.

“Of… of course.”

A few wealthy patrons had been lounging by an empty fireplace in upholstered chairs. One was smoking a cigar, boot propped over one knee. At the sight of my naked blade, he paused mid-laugh, his mouth hanging slightly open.

So much for not drawing attention. The innkeeper rummaged in a few drawers before bringing out a neat stack of parchment. He slid it across the desk, and I glanced at it, seeing a flash of names.

“Check these,” I said, thrusting them toward Kato. “See if anything stands out to you. At the very least the documents can serve as proof in court if we make the arrest.”

“You would have made a great dictator,” muttered Kato as I left the flustered innkeeper behind. There was a wide staircase in the center of the room, and I made for it. Draxus was close on my heels.

The thick carpet muffled our boots as we climbed up the stairs into the main hallway. Sunlight filtered in through high windows, bouncing off of polished brass knobs. Draxus whistled.

“Just how many rooms are we supposed to search?”

Kato scanned the papers I’d given him, face grave. “Ninety-eight, apparently.”

“Ninety-eight? What are we supposed to do, kick in every door until we find our hooded weirdo with a death wish?”

I rubbed the bridge of my nose.

“Let’s start with the male names—that at least narrows it down.”

“Not much,” Kato muttered, flickering through the papers. After a moment, he scanned the doors and gestured toward a brass number plate.

“Thirty-seven. Try that one.”

Ser Connel strode past me, trying the brass knob. When it didn’t budge, the knight put a hand on his sword and raised his fist to knock. Several seconds passed. After a moment, the sound of muffled voices came from beyond the door.

The knob turned, and Draxus went tense beside me, sword half drawn. When the door opened, the tension in the air eased as a young, round-faced woman peered out at us.

“Can I help…” her eyes fell on the naked blade in my hand and widened. I hastily sheathed the weapon and stepped forward, hands raised.

“Sorry, ma’am. We’re from the city guard. We just need to ask you a few questions.”

Her eyes narrowed in suspicion, but she didn’t shut the door in my face. It was a start. I lowered my voice, quickly explaining the situation. When I reached the description of the man, the woman only shrugged.

“A lot of folks pass through here,” she said. “But if you’re looking for someone in particular…” she lowered her voice and leaned in.

“Then you’ll want to check the suites.” She jerked her head toward the end of the hallway. “That’s the place where the most… discreet clientele go. You know, the ones who’d rather not have tales of their exploits reach the ears of their wives.”

I glanced down the hallway, spotting a pair of heavy double doors set with an iron lock. I nodded my thanks as she shut the door.

“He might be in the suites,” I said. “But I don’t want to risk missing him. Ser Connel, can you search the other rooms with Kato? See if anyone knows anything. Draxus and I will try the suites.”

“Understood.” The knight clapped me on the shoulder and made to turn away, then hesitated.

“Be careful, Ser William,” he said, his eyes growing serious. “Whatever man, warlock, magus, or otherwise that has the power to summon those beasts… well, I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you just how dangerous men like him can be. Keep your guard up and trust no one. You never know who could be under that cloak.”

“Cryptic,” muttered Draxus as the knight walked away with Kato in tow. “Are you sure we did the right thing by splitting up? Perhaps we should get some of the men…”

“No time. Besides, if he makes a run for it, we’ll need the numbers to cover every possible exit.”

We set off down the hall in the opposite direction as the others. My boots made barely any sound on the plush carpets.

“Bit over my price range, but it really isn’t half bad.”

“The upper crust do live well.” Draxus stopped in front of the door and tried the knob. As expected, the doors were locked and remained firmly shut.

“I don’t suppose your lock-picking skills will come in handy here?”

I crouched in front of the lock, examining it with a careful eye.

“I’m not familiar with this type of lock, but it might be worth a try. Even so, it’ll take time we don’t have. If he’s here, there is only a matter of time before our presence is known.”

I eyed the nearby window, then rose to my feet, eyeing the distance below. It was a steep drop, but at least there was a rooftop to break a potential fall.

“Or… I could try something else.”

“You’re mad.”

“I prefer bold.”

I forced open the window and swung a leg over the sill, resting my weight for a moment as I eyed the outside of the building. The white-washed walls were tall and set across by heavy beams of fir. The window I now perched on was set in the center of the building, and the next window down was at least a dozen feet away.

If I were careful, I’d be able to use the wooden beams as a balancing point. I’d just have to keep my body close to the wall to avoid any errant gusts of wind.

“He really is mad,” muttered Draxus under his breath as I swung my other leg over the window frame. I rested my boot on the beam set into the wall, testing my weight.

Then, with a little thrill of fear, I climbed out of the window. A gentle breeze pulled at my hair, and I avoided looking directly down. The drop couldn’t be over thirty-five feet, but the cobblestone below looked far from inviting.

I braced my hands on the sill, leaning forward to balance my weight. Then, slowly, I released my hold on the frame. Pressing my hands flat along the wall, I edged slowly to the side. When I was a kid, I used to climb trees with my Dad.

It had been a favorite pastime back then—an activity for only him and me. I remember sitting on the thick branch of the large oak outside our house, feet swinging as I surveyed our lawn. It had been my kingdom back then.

Now, my fight was in a different kingdom entirely. I shook away the memories, choosing to focus instead on the rough wall beneath my hands. I slid one foot after another, inching my way toward the window.

“Look, mommy!” a small voice had me glancing around. Down on the street below, a young boy in his mother’s arms was pointing up at me. His eyes were wide with childlike wonder. “Look, there’s a man on the roof.”

The woman patted his back absently but didn’t bother to look up.

“Yes, Colin, I’m sure there is.”

The boy frowned, his mouth agape as he stared up at me.

“No, it’s true! I’m not fibbing. He’s right there, look!”

By the time his mother finally looked up, I had pried open the far window and slipped into the hallway beyond.

“Sorry, kid,” I whispered as I strode back to the door and pulled the heavy bolt to the side. “It’ll have to be our little secret.”

I jerked the door open, and Draxus strode in, shaking his head. He scanned the hallway as I shut the door behind us with a soft click.

“Looks like there are three rooms,” he said, keeping his voice low. We’ll have to be careful. If we get the wrong one, it could alert him to our presence. Assuming he’s still here.”

I had sheathed my short sword before the climb, and this time I pulled Iron Fang from its sheath. The dagger whirred slightly in my hand, pulsing with energy. I pressed a finger to my lips and tapped my ear, gesturing to the doors.

Draxus grunted in agreement, and together we stepped forward. The carpet muffled our steps as we approached the first suite. The door was painted a deep, dark maroon with a metal trim that looked a lot like gold. I leaned close, listening intently for any sound.

There was a shifting of cloth from within, followed by a very feminine sigh. Moments later the slapping of skin on skin was unmistakable. Draxus smirked as I stepped hastily away from the door.

“I never took you for a prude.” He whispered.

“Now you sound like Kato.” That made his smile disappear, and I resisted the urge to laugh. I crossed the hallway to the next door, this one painted blue. Beneath the gap in the door, I could see the soft orange glow of the sunset. The sunset?

I frowned, glancing at one of the nearby windows. It was only afternoon; there shouldn’t be any…

A tendril of smoke curled from beneath the door, drifting up toward the ceiling. Then came a sound from within. It wasn’t a scream so much as an agonized cry of pain. Draxus’s and my eyes met, and I knew we were thinking the same thing.

“On three,” I said.

He nodded, drawing his blade in one fist and stepping to the side of the door.

“One.” I clutched Iron Fang in my hand, bringing the blade up and at the ready.

“Two.” Draxus danced back, getting a little distance.

“Three.”

As one, we stepped forward and kicked the door in.