A jolt of anger ran through Jack. He didn’t particularly like Edwin, but both of them had lost brothers in arms in Dalby, all at the orders of Theodore. People had given their lives to make sure Cora was stopped, yet evidently that still wasn't enough for the knight.

  Assandra stomped off towards her home, her hands still clenched into fists. Edwin cast a look to Jack like he was lost. ‘Do we follow her?’ he whispered. Jack nodded and set off as well.

  The house still bore the broken window in the living room that Theodore had jumped through. Assandra noticed it, and Jack saw her body tense up again. Another reminder of what my life is now.

  Thankfully, the wytch didn’t slam the door in Jack’s face as he’d expected, instead leaving it open for him and Edwin to follow through. Once inside, Edwin quietly closed the door behind them and they moved into the living space, which also doubled as a bedroom and had a low, narrow bed pressed against one wall. A breeze flowed inside from the broken window, and Jack could hear the muffled voices of Theodore and Max as they spoke outside, though he couldn’t make out what they were saying.

  He could, however, feel the anger radiate from Assandra.

  ‘Why can’t you people leave me alone?’ she snapped. Jack wasn’t sure if the question was directed at Jack and Edwin directly, or if it was more rhetorical.

  ‘I’m sorry,’ was all Jack could think to say. ‘You don’t deserve any of this.’

  While he meant it, the words still sounded hollow.

  Assandra didn’t even acknowledge his reply. Instead, she glared at Edwin. ‘When you people invaded my home last,’ she said, ‘I seem to recall it was you gave the order to attack me, though you got your little friends to do the dirty work. Do you remember that?’

  Edwin held up his hands, and his eyes widened in fear. ‘I’m… I’m sorry about that,’ he said as he backed up. ‘We thought you were going to kill us, so I tried to beat you to it.’ Jack had to admit, it felt good to see the rat-like man look a little afraid. The long nose that hooked over Edwin’s black moustache twitched.

  ‘But I gave you the chance to leave,’ Assandra said in an icy voice as she slowly advanced on him. Jack felt the air crackle around him. ‘But no, you wanted me dead, for no reason at all.’

  ‘Just wait,’ Edwin pleaded.

  ‘I don’t want to wait,’ the wytch said. ‘Just like you didn’t.’ Her voice had taken on a disturbingly sweet quality—she was toying with him. ‘What if I just want you dead now? Could you stop me?’

  Edwin cast a desperate glance over to Jack, who wasn’t sure if he should step in or not.

  ‘Assandra,’ he eventually said. ‘There’s no way it ends well if you kill Edwin.’

  She didn’t look back to him as she replied, ‘I didn’t ask for your opinion, Jack.’

  ‘I’m still going to give it,’ he replied. ‘If you kill him, then Theodore will have an actual reason to want you dead. Maybe Max, too. Even if you manage to kill those two, more will come. They’ll want to put you down. And people will keep coming until you’re dead. You can’t fight them all, Assandra. You can’t burn down the whole world.’

  Now Assandra quickly turned to face him, her expression unreadable. ‘Are you so sure about that?’

  Jack had no idea how to respond. In his moment of silence, the wytch walked past them both to the kitchen, leaving Edwin dumbfounded and clearly relieved. ‘Thanks,’ he whispered to Jack. ‘I thought she was gonna try and kill me.’

  ‘I wouldn’t have blamed her,’ Jack said. ‘She would have just been returning the favour.’

  Jack and Edwin waited in the living room while Assandra remained out of sight in the kitchen. A stone fireplace was set against the far wall with an iron grate in front, but the smoky smell it had been giving off during their last visit had since dissipated, replaced now with the clean air from outside.

  After about fifteen minutes of waiting, the front door opened and Max walked inside. He raised his eyes to Jack. ‘Sounds like you’ve all been through hell.’

  ‘It… wasn’t easy,’ Jack admitted. ‘Assandra probably bore the brunt of it, losing her sister like that.’

  Max gave an understanding nod. ‘Where is she?’

  Jack pointed to the kitchen.

  ‘Then let’s get to it.’ He looked at Edwin. ‘Theodore is waiting for you outside. Best hurry—he isn’t in the best of moods.’

  Edwin’s shoulders slumped. ‘He never is.’ Edwin then walked outside without another word.

  ‘I have to ask,’ Jack said to Max. ‘Why do you need me on the mission? Why not Edwin, or even Theodore?’

  ‘I don’t need you at all, you bloody idiot!’ Max snapped. ‘I only said that so Theodore didn’t take your head for insulting his honour.’

  Jack froze, taken aback. ‘I hardly insulted him. I was just pointing out how ridiculous he was being.’

  ‘To Theodore, it’s the same thing. And don’t think the issue is finished. He won’t forget.’

  Jack sighed. ‘The man is a child. Still, thank you for the reprieve.’

  ‘Careful how you speak to me about him,’ Max was quick to say. ‘I may not always agree with him, but he’s still one of the Knights of Olin. And as a Shadowhand, he and I are on equal footing, but we are both above the Deathborn. So, remember the chain of command and who you are talking to.’

  ‘Understood,’ Jack said, with some reluctance.

  ‘How is Assandra?’ Max then asked. There was a hint of genuine concern in his voice. Though Jack couldn’t help but wonder if he was just worried about whatever mission he had planned for them.

  ‘She had to kill her sister less than a day ago, and has also seen things I can’t really explain.’ He thought of the living obelisk out in the woods. ‘On top of that, we’re both tired, filthy, and starving.’

  ‘Well, hopefully her part in what’s next will be small. Then, she can go back about her own business.’

  ‘Until the next time she’s called on and forced to do something against her will.’

  Max contemplated his response for a moment. ‘I know you may not agree with Theodore’s decision regarding Assandra, but there is a reason for it. He’s putting the safety of the many above all else, as he always does. Theoretically, Assandra could turn into another Cora.’

  ‘Well, he’s giving her all the more reason to, if he expects her to live like she is nothing more than property.’

  ‘There may be something to what you’re saying,’ Max admitted. ‘But we aren’t going to resolve it now. I’ll speak with her, try to make sure she understands I’m only asking for help, rather than demanding it.’

  ‘I’m not sure it’ll work,’ Jack said. ‘She’s quite stubborn.’

  ‘Let’s see,’ he said, then walked over toward the kitchen. ‘Come on, you can help me.’

  ‘Help you with what?’ Jack asked.

  ‘We’re going to cook the lady a hearty meal,’ he replied. ‘It’s the least she deserves.’

  CHAPTER THREE

  The meal was good, leaving Jack impressed with how well Max could cook. With the ingredients available in Assandra’s kitchen, and with a little help from Jack, the Shadowhand had prepared a thick, delicious broth packed with cut potatoes, rice, onions, and peppers, all mixed in with a salty stock that gave the soup plenty of flavour. He’d served the broth with thick cuts of bread—they’d gone slightly stale, but were still perfectly edible.

  After eating most of what was in his bowl, Jack mopped up the last remaining dregs with his bread and stuffed it into his mouth. After what he and Assandra had endured over the last days, the hearty meal was most welcome.

  They’d eaten around the large table in the kitchen. The surface of that table was stained with the remnants of old ingredients, such as the juices from onions, as well as old blood from an animal. The room was thick with the smell of garlic and herbs, which hung from the exposed ceiling joists in thin netting.

  Assandra set her spoon down into her bowl and ran her tongue over her lips.

  ‘I appreciate the meal,’ she said to Max. ‘Though I’m a little insulted you assumed it would be enough to quell my anger. You think I’m so easily swayed?’

  Max, who was seated opposite, held up his hands. ‘Absolutely not. But, I do know people think more clearly with food in their stomachs.’

  ‘And you think I wasn’t thinking clearly before? You believe my anger at the situation is misplaced?’

  ‘I don’t think that at all,’ he replied. ‘And in truth, I appreciate what you have done for us. I know I wasn’t there in Dalby, but even Theodore told of your contributions in the forest. I understand it is because of you and Jack that we were successful.’

  Assandra gave an unimpressed smile. ‘Flattery isn’t going to work, either.’

  ‘Not flattery,’ Max said. ‘Just the truth. Though yes, I am going to ask for your help.’

  ‘Ask or demand?’

  ‘Ask,’ Max repeated. ‘I know Theodore has his… methods… but what I need from you isn’t difficult, and nothing you haven’t done before. It should only take up a few hours of your time.’

  Assandra cocked a quizzical eyebrow. ‘Go on.’

  Max slid his bowl to his side, leaned forward, and laced his fingers on the table before him. ‘My time in Whitby didn’t unearth as much as I would have liked, but there is something. I went to the spot where you said you collected the spawn. There was another package there, lying in wait. I monitored it from a distance for almost an entire day, but it was just left unattended. Someone is waiting for you to pick it up. I’m not sure what agreement Cora had in place with whoever is leaving the spawn there, but I’m certain word hasn’t travelled back yet. So…’

  ‘So, whoever is leaving them is just carrying on as normal,’ Assandra said.

  ‘Exactly,’ Max said. ‘So, we have an opportunity.’

  ‘How so?’ Jack asked.

  ‘Think about what is inside those packages,’ Max said. ‘Whoever is delivering them would not just leave them unattended for anyone to find, even if they are tucked away. I’m certain they are being monitored—they have to be. That is where you come in, Assandra. All I want from you is for you to go to town as normal and pick up the spawn, like you usually do. Then, just bring it back here.’

  ‘That’s it?’ she asked.

  ‘That’s it,’ Max confirmed. ‘I know you have no idea who is leaving the crates there, but I do think this is the way to find out. Jack and I will be there as well, hidden and watching. I want to see what happens when you leave. If my instincts are correct, by watching the area around you, I’ll be able to see who is taking an interest in your collection. I think that once you leave, the watcher will leave as well.’

  ‘So, I’m bait,’ Assandra stated.

  ‘In effect,’ Max admitted. ‘But only by doing what you had already been doing. I’m hoping you’ll lure out whoever is watching. If so, I’ll have the lead I need. You can then just come back here and carry on as you wish.’

  Assandra let out a mocking laugh. ‘I can never carry on as I was though, can I? And the spawn that I pick up… what happens to it?’

  ‘I’ll need to collect it from you when I’m done,’ Max said. ‘But other than that, I won’t bother you again.’

  ‘Others will,’ Assandra said.

  Max nodded. ‘There is a possibility of that, yes. I’m sorry. However, I will petition that you be left alone. You have my word on that.’

  ‘You can’t guarantee anything, though, can you?’

  A shake of the head. ‘Unfortunately not. You’re obviously very powerful, and with what your sister became… others may view you as a potential threat. Wytches don’t have the best track record, I’m afraid.’

  ‘I wouldn’t know,’ Assandra said. ‘But maybe wytches wouldn’t be so hostile if they weren’t hunted like dogs simply for existing.’

  Max gave a tight-lipped smile. ‘It isn’t quite that one-sided,’ he said. ‘The wytches I’m aware of were never killed without reason.’

  ‘I highly doubt that,’ Assandra shot back. She then grew silent and looked down. Jack could see the muscles in her jaw working as she began gritting her teeth together. A moment later, Assandra slammed her fist down onto the table, loudly enough to make Jack jolt in surprise. ‘I’m tired of this!’ she snapped. ‘You think you can get me to kill my sister and then just wait for your next orders?!’ Tears began streaming down her face. ‘No. That isn’t how it’s going to be. I’ll help you one more time—but after that, if any of you people show up at my door again, I’ll kill them. If more come, I’ll kill them as well. I’ll put down as many as it takes.’

  Max took a breath and spoke slowly. ‘You won’t win,’ he simply said. ‘As strong as you are, those that command the Deathborn would just send more and more, committing as many bodies as it took.’

  ‘So be it,’ she responded. ‘Better to be dead than to live like that.’

  After studying Assandra for a little longer, Max eventually nodded. ‘I understand. I will pass your message on, I give you my word. I’ll stay true to my promise and argue your case and insist you be left alone. I don’t know if anyone will listen, but I’ll try my best.’

  Assandra wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her green dress. ‘See that you do,’ she said. She then stood up, the chair squeaking across the floor as she pushed it back. ‘I assume you want to get this done as soon as possible?’

  ‘That would be appreciated,’ Max said.

  ‘I usually go into town just after dinner. So if you want this to be as normal as possible, we have a few hours yet. I’m going to wash and change.’

  Max stood up as well. ‘That gives us time,’ he said. ‘I actually want to be in place before you show up; Jack and I will go on ahead. I’ll make sure we’re ready whenever you arrive. Just do what you would usually do, even if that means picking up any supplies you need for your home. Don’t change your routine.’

  ‘I’m not an idiot,’ the wytch snapped. ‘I know what you need of me. Just make sure you’re ready—I want to be done with all this.’

  ‘I will,’ Max said. He then cast his eyes down to Jack, who was still seated. ‘We’ll take our leave.’

  Jack hesitated and looked up to Assandra. ‘Before we do… you, uh, you mentioned washing. I don’t suppose you have any spare water I could use to take a bath?’ The wytch’s stare was like ice. Max looked equally unimpressed. Jack went on: ‘It’s just, there was a lot of fire back there. I stink of smoke, and…’ You’re digging a hole for yourself, he thought.

  ‘You’ve just eaten half of my vegetables,’ Assandra stated. ‘Now you want all my water? Would you like me to bathe you as well? Maybe give you a little relief to unwind after such a hard few days, you poor little thing?’

  Jack just stood up. ‘Forget I asked,’ he said, looking at his hands. ‘Sorry,’ he added.

  Assandra just shook her head and walked away. ‘Both of you get out of my house,’ she called back, then disappeared through the door to the living room.

  Max shook his head at Jack. ‘You bloody idiot,’ he scolded.

  ‘Shy children get no broth,’ Jack replied with a shrug, parroting a saying he’d heard his father say in his youth. ‘Didn’t hurt to ask.’

  ‘You got plenty of broth,’ Max replied. ‘It was asking for a bath that got you in trouble. Come on, we need to leave. I’ll get you some new clothes in town, so you’re a little more presentable.’

  ‘Finery?’

  ‘Lord, no,’ Max said. ‘But I’ll make sure you don’t look like you’ve just been in a fight with a wytch.’

  ‘I suppose that will have to do,’ Jack said, then followed the Shadowhand outside, where they climbed up to their horses. ‘Do you think you can get them to listen?’ Jack asked.

  ‘Who?’

  ‘Your superiors,’ Jack said. ‘About Assandra.’

  Max pursed his lips, then gave a slow shake of his head. ‘No, I don’t think I can, in all honesty.’

  Jack looked back at Assandra’s home. ‘It’s all going to end badly for her, isn’t it?’

  There was a moment’s hesitation before Max replied, ‘Yes, it probably will.’

  CHAPTER FOUR

  The Crimson Lord looked up at the sun. It was partially hidden by clouds, but he could tell it was mid-morning.

  He’d been travelling for a while, but progress hadn’t been as quick as he’d hoped.

  His plans had been ruined the previous night when the Deathborn had shown up and killed his dear Cora. In truth, the Crimson Lord blamed himself. He should have expected it. After those heathens had first hunted Cora down and attacked a few years ago, nearly killing her, he should have done more to keep Cora safe.

  Now it was too late, and his plans had been derailed.

  No, not derailed, only delayed. There was still a way. The Crimson Lord was well aware Cora was not unique in the gifts she possessed. She had never been his only solution, only the most convenient; she was the easiest to convince, despite how emotional and angry she’d always been. In truth, those emotions, coupled with her ambition, had proven useful tools in getting her to see the light.

  The Crimson Lord had watched from the trees as Cora had been killed. He had then remained hidden while the Deathborn and the red-haired wytch had burned down everything he’d built. After that, he only allowed himself to leave the forest when it was absolutely safe, making his way to the small, well-hidden camp he’d set up on the outskirts. His horse and cart had been there waiting for him, ready to make the return trip farther north. However, he certainly hadn’t anticipated needing to make the trip so soon.

  Fate had conspired against him, and his plans had to change. He needed to get back to the small hamlet, where it was safe.

  Just one stop I need to make on the way.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  More travelling.

 

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