Nyx appeared in the corridor. Scythe nearly tripped on the hem of her dress at the sudden stop. Regaining her composure and trying to control the panic, Scythe knelt in front of the goddess.
“Don’t worry about that,” Nyx said before Scythe could give any greeting. “This is your home. Stand.”
Scythe did and looked Nyx in the eye. It was unnerving, but she had to ask. “Am I going to die?” Ice filled her veins.
“No, I’m not here for your soul,” Nyx reassured her. “I’m here on business.”
Scythe’s thoughts ran wild about the two guests trapped in her home. If the woman woke up and gave so much as a single wail, they would be found. Her blood was cold but Scythe kept her face calm.
“What business, Your Grace?” she asked.
“I was hoping to talk to you and Dagger. Where is he?” Nyx said instead of replying.
“He’s in Skiachora at the moment.”
“Is he? Why?”
“He’s spending the day with Pitch. The boy looks up to him like a brother.” Scythe hated herself for mentioning Pitch, but lies needed consistency and a small bit of truth if they were to be believed. She hoped Nyx wouldn’t look into Dagger’s whereabouts.
“I’m surprised by you Ferrum sometimes,” Nyx admitted, seemingly distracted. “When Maniodes first made you, I didn’t think you would have proper emotions, but you do. You’re one of his first, yes?”
“I am, Your Grace.”
“And Dagger is the youngest?”
“I think Axe is, actually.”
Scythe had no idea where Nyx was going with this tangent. It made her more uneasy.
“You make a good pairing,” Nyx admitted. “Violent, but you work together well.”
The surprise struck sharply. “Thank you. Um, would you like to sit in the parlor? I could make tea or get wine if you like.” Anything to get Nyx away from the now-armless woman tied to the bed. “We could wait for Dagger if need be.”
She offered the hospitality, but her heart probably couldn’t take the tension. This opportunity would be perfect, though. Show a little hospitality and offer some food, and the guest warms up to the host.
“I cannot stay, but thank you,” Nyx said. “I came to give you a job. I’d like the both of you to hunt down a crime lord in Stymphalia.”
“Why this crime lord in particular?” She bit her tongue at questioning the goddess.
Nyx didn’t seem to mind.
“He’s growing cocky, along with his subordinates. They need to be put in their places.”
“He must be important if you came here yourself, Your Grace,” Scythe said. “I mean no offense, but why didn’t Maniodes give us this job?”
“Don’t worry about that,” Nyx explained. “If he causes a fuss about the two of you carrying out this job, you can tell him it was on my orders.”
Scythe’s initial thought was that Nyx was willing to back up her and Dagger. Why would the goddess want to destroy them in one moment, grant them a second chance, even coming to them directly as if on equal footing? The equal footing was an illusion, of course. Scythe couldn’t oppose Nyx’s order. Nyx could be setting them up. She and Dagger would kill this crime lord, and Nyx could abandon them to Maniodes’s wrath. Nyx could be setting this up to eliminate all of the Incruentus Ferrum with one move. If that were the case, their game was over.
Scythe couldn’t deny the order.
“I’m honored you would come to us, Your Grace.” Scythe said, swallowing her pride and paranoia.
“Don’t let it go to your head,” Nyx said. “I had thought about contacting Cross because of her marksmanship.”
Scythe knew of the archer. Her orange eyes were piercing but friendly. She was a friend of Dagger’s as well; he spoke highly of her.
“Then why us?” Scythe asked.
“This job is a complex one. He is to be the only one assassinated, and an arrow can stray. It would be easier to do it up close, but getting close to him will not be easy.”
“Where is this man in Stymphalia?” Scythe followed Nyx’s logic but still believed this to be either a test or their doom.
“He runs a gambling den and a fighting ring called The Den. His name is Limaros; you’ll recognize him by his dark-green hair and beard,” Nyx explained. “It shouldn’t take too long to get to Stymphalia, but I’d like this done in a fortnight.”
Scythe curtsied. “It will be done.”
Scythe paced around Dagger’s room. It was almost morning, but he still hadn’t returned from talking to Pitch. Images of him in those chains kept flashing through her thoughts.
Axe had sent a bat with a note saying he hadn’t found much about sealing away a god’s essence. What he did find was a lovely tidbit about an ancient city, dead more than a thousand years, which had once traded spices for opium. Axe reassured her in the note he was still looking and that she should burn the parchment.
Of course she would burn the bloody parchment, but not before she tore it in half with her fidgeting.
Nyx’s sudden visit had terrified her. Scythe held her own in the conversation, so that was useful. She had to tell Dagger what happened, and he wasn’t fucking here.
She couldn’t wait in the bedchamber anymore. Axe’s note was a crumpled mess in her hand as she made her way downstairs and outside to wait by the dead tree.
The black sky had started to turn indigo by the time the tree opened, and Dagger stepped through. He smiled when he saw her, his hands in his pockets casually. The smile dropped when he took in her expression.
“What happened?” he asked.
“Nyx stopped by and gave us a job.” Her voice was sharp enough to cut.
“She came here herself?” he asked, stunned.
She explained what they talked about and the job. Once she got it all out of her system, her hands finally stopped tearing at Axe’s note.
Dagger ran a hand through his hair. “She didn’t notice the guests?”
“We were right next to the woman, and I had her bloodstained bandages in my pocket,” Scythe exclaimed.
“Thank the gods. We could use this, though,” Dagger nodded. “Thanking her before we kill this crime lord would look humble and grateful: definite points for us.”
Chapter 31
The journey to Stymphalia didn’t take as long as Nyx had predicted. Scythe knew of a dead pine tree only about a mile from the city walls. They traveled light and planned to stay in the city’s crypts during the day. Although Scythe wanted to rent a room in a proper inn, Dagger insisted on waiting until they had enough coin for it.
During the walk, after the pine tree closed, they discussed plans for the ball. Who would cook, where they would get the food, how much wine they’d need, how the invitations should be sent, and so on. Dagger was quite good at planning these events due to his previous life. He admitted he never overly enjoyed such events, too many people in one place, but he learned how they were planned.
Scythe was willing, even eager, to cook most of the food. There were only thirty Incruentus Ferrum in existence, and the three gods to cook for. They would have to think of something for the skeleton sentries, as they couldn’t consume anything.
The biggest dilemma was music. Every good ball had musicians to fill the air. Scythe suggested hiring several people, but they would have to be human. Almost none of the Ferrum were musically inclined that she knew of. Their skills were held elsewhere. Dagger wasn’t opposed to the idea, but there was the matter of coin again. The sentries would terrify the human anyway.
Stymphalia rose around them on its three hills. The city’s architecture was crisp and angled due to the many terraces the streets were built on. The economy ran smoothly through its business and people. It had its slums, just like any other city this large, but even they were patrolled well. The general population was perfectly safe from itself.
The sally port, a discrete gate set into the wall only large enough for a single person. It was lit from inside, the shadow of a single ma
n clung to the wall from the lantern light. She had used this entrance many times before, making sure the guard was different each time. She’d have to get closer to see the soldier.
She and Dagger didn’t approach the gate directly but stayed close to the wall’s shadow. Closer up, Scythe saw the guard on duty was a young man. He stood vigilant at his post. His patchy dark-yellow beard probably matched the hair hidden beneath the helmet.
“We could jump him,” Dagger suggested quietly behind her. “Get him close enough to the bars then throw his head against them. Steal the keys.”
“I don’t think we need to,” Scythe said, putting a hand on Dagger’s chest. “Wait here a moment.”
She let the lantern light fall on her and waved shyly to catch the young man’s attention. “Hello.”
He blinked, surprised by her sudden appearance. “What are you doing here, miss?”
He stepped forward, willing to help, but kept out of arm’s reach from the bars. Young, maybe new to the job, but not dumb.
“My friend and I left the city to enjoy some time in the forest,” Scythe held the bars and leaned a hip on them casually. The young man’s eyes wandered from her face to her waist. She let his imagination come up with its own ideas on what that time in the forest entailed. “We took longer than intended, and the gates were closed when we got back. Would you mind letting us in?”
“I—” He had to clear his throat before continuing. “I’m really not supposed to open this gate for anyone, miss.”
“I understand, and I don’t want you to get in trouble, but it’s so cold tonight.” She crossed her arms under her breasts. “You could search us for weapons, if you like. Though this dress isn’t the best to hide anything in.”
The black velvet was perfectly tailored to her form. It had a small hidden pocket that held her weapon shrunk down to the size of a fork. The pocket was hidden in such a way that if the young man did take the chance he still wouldn’t find it.
The man took in a breath and kept his eyes straight.
“What were you and your friend doing in the forest?” he asked taking his job seriously. Scythe started to admire him a little for that. He wasn’t jumping at her flirtations. Her plan was working, though.
“Well, we…” She looked away, pretending to be shy. “It was a little naughty. Please, don’t tell my father.”
“Do you live nearby?” he asked.
“Down a street just off Skell Square.”
“By the eastern market place?”
“Yes, it’s not far. You could escort us.”
“I can’t leave my post,” the young man said, unable to hide the small disappointment. “Where is your friend?”
“He’s here,” Scythe took Dagger’s arm and pulled him into the guard’s view before he could protest. “I know he looks intimidating, but he’s really a sweetheart. He loves crab cakes.”
Dagger smiled awkwardly at the guard, trying to look innocent. Luckily, his cloak was closed, hiding his knife belt.
The young guard looked torn between two decisions. He looked Dagger up and down, then sighed, reaching for the key at his belt.
“Stay quiet about this and go straight home,” he said opening the small gate. “If the captain finds out about this, he’d hang me.”
“Thank you so much.” Scythe pecked him on the cheek when he opened the door, lighting up his eyes again. “Don’t worry; this will be our secret.”
They left the young guard at his post seeming a bit dazed. Scythe hoped he wouldn’t get in trouble with his captain. As long as he stayed quiet, he’d be fine.
“Just for the record, I don’t like crab cakes,” Dagger admitted once they were on the street, “and I don’t like you flirting with other men.”
“Relax. It was the easiest way to get in.” She took Dagger’s arm and walked along the cobblestones closer to him.
“My idea was just as easy; might have been quicker too,” he argued.
“It didn’t take that long,” she countered. “Not everything needs to be done in violence.”
“Says the woman who decorated a tree with a man’s extremities.”
“That was just for fun, but I can be discreet if need be. Now let’s find The Den and Limaros.”
“You’ve been to this city often enough. Do you remember where it is?’ he asked.
“I do,” she said. “This way.”
She led him along several streets and up terraces, admiring the city. Half of the way up the eastern hill, tucked away was an establishment at least three stories high. Laughter and music filled the night air through the open windows. A beautifully carved sign above the door showed a bear coming out of a cave, but no name.
“Seems sophisticated for a gambling den with fighting pits,” Dagger commented.
“Gambling isn’t illegal here, like in some other city-states, but the pits are. So they’re housed in the levels belowground,” Scythe explained.
“How do you know that?” he asked, surprised.
Scythe shrugged. “I like dice games, so I’ve been here often enough. Maybe we could earn some money for the ball?”
“Might as well try; we do have a fortnight to find Limaros,” Dagger said.
The realization of how long they actually had sunk in then. Scythe hadn’t paid attention to that detail because excitement at the new job, combined with the panic of having Nyx in her home.
She stopped Dagger from entering The Den.
He turned back, confused and curious.
“Why would she give us a full two weeks?” she speculated out loud. “The most Maniodes has ever given me was five days. Most of the time there isn’t a deadline anyway.”
Dagger realized the oddity too, but he didn’t look as confused.
“It could be to force us to take our time,” he suggested. “They could be trying to teach us something again.”
It made sense. The biggest thing Nyx had said before was to practice self-restraint. Maybe this was an opportunity to do just that. It could also be a ploy to destroy them, in which case there was nothing they could do.
“You’re probably right,” she said.
Dagger took her hand again. “Come on, let’s go scout out the place.”
The Den had a set of grand double doors opening to the first floor. It opened up to a large room with a long central hearth. To combat the smoke from the hearth, the wood had been cut away from the second and third floors. The hearth was banked with warm coals for the moment to keep the space warm while not risking too much exposed flames. The open space above helped with the fumes.
The first floor held tables for games of Chase Me and The Devil’s Number. The second level held tables for dice games. The third seemed emptier, but colorful tapestries hung between the doors and columns.
The establishment was full of patrons laughing, drinking, shouting, and cursing. Scythe breathed in the scent of smoke, musk, ale, and too many unwashed bodies packed together. She loved it.
Dagger seemed to enjoy it too, though his eyes were still wide while drinking in the sight.
“I take it those stairs lead to the fighting pits?” Dagger indicated to the archway leading to the stairs. They were guarded by a tall brute with a dark-green beard that completely hid his neck.
Most of the patrons had similar Stymphalian dark-green-and-yellow hair. That wasn’t the only shade in the establishment, of course. The Den received patronage from all over Ichorisis.
“We’ll probably need a password or invitation to get in,” Scythe said. “Last time it was a password, but it’s been a couple of years. We could cause a distraction.”
She broke off, giggling.
Dagger turned toward her, confusion knitting his brow. She wasn’t entirely sane, but she rarely broke off into laughing fits.
“Sorry,” she said, regaining her composure. “I just imagined one of the sentries walking headless through here, juggling a couple of skulls.”
“Why would it be headless?” he asked, curious no
w. “Wouldn’t it just fall over if it lost its head?”
Scythe shook her head. “They can remove any limb and be fine, even their heads. If one skeleton lost an arm, for some reason, it would be able to find it, no matter where it was. I don’t know how they do that, but it’s hilarious watching them hopping around on one leg. Though I suppose it would be harder if it lost its head, and the body had to wander around on its own. Juggling would be very hard as well.”
“How do you know this?” he asked, astonished.
“I might have stolen a bone or two to see what they’d do,” Scythe shrugged. “Come on, we should look around. Either one of us can cause a distraction if need be.”
They walked through the crowds. The hearth’s smoke and ale weren’t the only thick scents in the air. Pockets of wildwood drifted just as lazily as the smoke did. Almost all of the patrons were men. Most of the women were either serving girls or prostitutes. Scythe was one of the few ladies in the establishment who was a guest.
“Why don’t I get us some drinks?” Dagger suggested, having to lean closer to be heard.
“Alright, I’ll meet you on the second floor by that table.” Scythe pointed to a dice table above.
“I’d rather not lose you in this haze,” he said, referring to the wildwood. No doubt he had noticed the lack of female patrons as well.
She found it rather endearing, even though there was no reason for him to be concerned.
“I can take care of myself, dear,” she said. “See if the barkeep has anything fiery.”
Scythe patted his arm, then wove through the bodies to the second floor. From the railing she could see Dagger at the bar, awaiting his turn. The barkeep was working hard and seemed to be peeved by it.
With her power of going unnoticed, Scythe sided up to a dice table to watch the game. She had a couple of coins she wanted to make grow. The thrill of the game rattled in her bones as the dice did in their cup. She watched a few rounds before jumping in.
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