by Aubrie Nixon
She pulled away and looked up at the man she had come to think of as her father. His face was harsh and full of worries she would never know. She felt a sudden, sad need to hug the old man one last time. She squeezed him tightly and breathed in his musky oak and pine needle scent. He was what kept her going. He was her family.
“Sephera, it will be all right. I need you to know that I love you and always will, no matter what. Read the letter, complete your task, and return home.”
“Okay,” she whispered.
He smiled and kissed her forehead. The gesture, though small, felt so final. She walked to her horse and put the envelope in her pack. The others were already on their horses, ready to take leave. She mounted Winter, took one last look at Baleem, and rode out of the stables.
CHAPTER 7
Zad led them out of the city gates and through the nearby villages. They rode for a week, stopping only to sleep and eat. Sephera had hardly recovered from her last mission before being sent on this one, and her body ached from their hard, brisk pace.
Her companions were infuriating. With Chantry and her insatiable need to be friends, it took all Sephera possessed to not disappear and leave this doomed world to its fate. She wasn’t a team player and preferred to work alone, something she was reminded of this every time Chantry opened her mouth to speak. Her voice, while smooth and sweet, was like salt in an open wound. Sephera cringed, her eye twitching madly as Chantry led her horse to walk next to Sephera.
“Sephera, darling, you look positively mad! There is far too much testosterone on our little team. We girls need to stick together.” She giggled.
Sephera crossed her eyes and pulled a face, trying her best to match Chantry’s insufferable giggle. “Tell me, Chantry, why are you here?”
“To help save the world, of course! When I was recruited for our quest, I jumped at the opportunity! To rub shoulders with you, well, it is quite the honor. And there is the whole world-saving part.”
Sephera grimaced. “So fame? That is your motive? Figures . . . the most useless people want glory without actually having to work for it. What exactly is your skill set, Chantry? Are you going to flash that perfect smile of yours at our enemies and hope you can seduce them into stopping them from slaughtering our people? Because so far it seems like that is all you are good at.” She smirked and glanced at the girl.
Chantry was quiet for a few seconds before responding. “Well, you are far more likely to gain allies with a smile than an ugly scowl. What is the saying? You catch more bees with honey?”
Sephera scoffed at the girl as Chantry rode ahead, seemingly unfazed.
Quiet laughter sounded beside her. She glared at Zad. “What?” she spat.
“Nothing . . . nothing at all,” he smirked. “I just don’t think I have ever seen someone stand up to you before. It’s rather refreshing.”
She shot Zad her meanest glare.
He shuddered mockingly, “Whoooohooo. You’re scary when you get like this, Beasty.”
She reached into her bag and grabbed an apple and threw it at him.
Zad laughed and grabbed his heart.
* * *
The next few days melded together in a blur of riding, eating, and sleeping. Only Zad and Daegan’s constant bickering broke the mind-numbing monotony. While Sephera didn’t necessarily like Daegan, it was rather entertaining to watch the two men squabble over the most ridiculous things. Well, Zad squabbled. Daegan purposely did things to annoy him. Some people just wanted to watch the world burn. Far be it from her to stop them, especially when it benefited her.
A few days into their journey, they stopped to rest and eat at a roadside tavern. Sephera knew it well and stopped there frequently on her missions. The food was heavenly, which was rather ironic given that the place was called “Hell’s Tavern.” It lived up to its name in every other way, however. Several broken windows had been boarded over rather than replaced, blocking out the sun. The roof had a few obvious holes in it, and the wood siding was faded and buckling with age. It was a gloomy cesspit that catered to thieves, murderers, and the kind of folk that would kill you if you looked at them wrong. It was exactly the kind of place Sephera loved to haunt.
She smirked at Chantry’s dainty gasp as they approached the tavern. The girl tried her best to hide her horrified expression, much to Sephera’s delight. Sephera tossed her hair over her shoulder and opened the old wooden door to the decaying building.
“Welcome to Hell,” Sephera jeered, sweeping her arm out and offering a mocking bow.
She smiled with contentment as she took in the dim, stuffy atmosphere. The interior walls were dingy with smoke, soot, and grease. The familiar fragrance of mildew, sweaty bodies, and roasted pig assaulted her senses, and she breathed in rapturously. She walked to the bar, which was covered with such a thick layer of sticky filth, even her dagger couldn’t scrape through. She motioned with her hand and whistled at the bartender.
The dark-skinned man, who had been scrubbing a crimson stain on the floor, looked up. His black eyes narrowed at the interruption. He reluctantly got to his feet, glaring at her.
“What?” he snapped.
“Some ale for my friends, and whatever that divine smell is.”
The man snarled, revealing a row of perfectly straight teeth. “Are you going to pay me this time?”
Sephera laughed. “Oh, my dear Alton, when have I not paid you? Last time you said a night with me was all you would ever need.”
“It was. Until you drugged me, took my money, and stole my favorite horse.”
“Alton! I’m hurt. You said I could have whatever I wanted,” she purred, leaning over the counter and grabbing the man's chin with her finger and thumb.
Alton growled and grabbed Sephera’s head, crushing her mouth furiously with his. He pulled her up on the grimy counter, and her legs wrapped around him. The noise of the room faded as she lost herself to passion. She didn’t pull away until Zad coughed uncomfortably. She smiled at Alton and tapped his face with her hand.
“Take the table in the corner, you dreadful woman!” he said, dismissing her.
“Thank you, Alton. Winter is tied up out front, if you want to see her. I promise to pay this time—with gold. And if gold doesn’t suit you, I believe I have a few extra minutes . . .” She winked, her hand trailing down her body.
“Be gone, she-devil. Eat and drink. Then we can talk about payment.” Alton shooed her off before heading into the kitchens.
Sephera smiled as she jumped down from the counter. She gave Zad a toothy grin before leading them to the cleanest table and sitting down.
“Do you do things just to spite me, Sephera?” Zad asked.
Sephera raised an eyebrow. “To spite you?”
“That rather disturbing display back there . . .”
Sephera let out a sound of disgust. “Disturbing? How so? I was just kissing an old friend of mine.”
Zad shook his head. “This place is revolting. Look at the riffraff that infest it. The building is falling apart and is crawling with disease. It is no place for a lady, or anyone of respect for that matter.”
Sephera laughed. “Respect? Zadkiel, we kill people for a living. We are no better than common thieves. You judge too harshly those who you do not know, my friend. This place,” she gestured around her, “accepts any manner of folk without question, even those of us with tainted souls.”
Zad shook his head and reached for her hand. “Your soul is not tainted, Sephera. If you would just quit hanging around these types of people, you would see the potential that you have to do good.”
Before Sephera could respond, Daegan scoffed loudly. “Do you think yourself above the common criminal, Zadkiel? You seem to enjoy overcompensating for your dull personality and mediocre skills by looking down on others. It is rather tiresome and pathetic.”
Sephera looked at Daegan, her eyes wide, trying her hardest not to smile.
Zad stared at Daegan, his jaw clenched.
They we
re interrupted by a commotion near the bar. An intoxicated man swayed on his bar stool and then crashed to the floor. The glass holding his ale shattered on the ground and splattered amber liquid everywhere. Angered at losing his drink, he spewed a series of curses as he lunged to his feet, stumbling into the dark haired man seated next to him. Sephera’s face lit with eagerness. It was time for the night's entertainment.
The drunken man clumsily staggered to his feet, words slurring together. “What choo sitting there for? Yer in my way!”
The dark-haired man stood, pushing the other man against the bar, his arm at the man’s throat.
He grimaced as the drunken man’s foot caught him between the legs. He let go of him, bending over to try and catch his breath. The drunken man kicked him in the gut and then lost his balance and fell to the ground again. The two men wrestled, fists and limbs flying through the air. The rest of the tavern’s patrons had gathered around the two men to cheer and bet, but as the fight grew more vicious, the atmosphere went from frenzied to deadly. Sephera stood excitedly, hands on her blades and poised to fight. She surveyed the room, daring the other patrons to test her. Just as she was about to launch herself at the two grappling men, a bright light flared through the room.
Sephera raised her arm to shield her eyes. As suddenly as it had come, the light disappeared. The discomfort in the tavern was evident in the groans and scoffs that filled the air. Brenner stood in the middle of the room near the two men, his hands glowing brightly. Both men were passed out.
Sephera smirked at the indifferent look on Brenner’s face as he glided over to their table. She hadn’t even noticed he had gotten up. He smelled of copper and fresh magic. She patted him on the back, feeling a sense of admiration for the mage. “Beautiful,” she said to him, raising her eyebrows playfully. He smiled back and busied himself in a notebook. Sephera laughed at her companions’ expressions. Zad looked taken aback. Dagean’s usual mask of cool indifference was firmly in place. Chantry, however, seemed just as enthralled as Sephera, eyes as wide as saucers and a large grin plastered on her face. She clapped excitedly.
They were interrupted by Alton, who brought a tray full of plates to their table. “Roasted pig with glazed onions and garlic stuffed potatoes,” he said as he placed the plates on the greasy table. Sephera smiled as Chantry’s eyes glistened with excitement at the meal in front of them.
“This looks amazing!” she exclaimed. She held a fork in front of her eyes, inspecting it. “The silverware is surprisingly clean.”
“Of course it is, you daft girl,” Alton barked at her. “Is the rest of my establishment not up to your standards, little princess?”
Sephera sat up straighter in her chair, curious as to where this conversation was headed.
Chantry shrugged. “No, it's actually quite abominable, though I suppose that is part of its charm.” She smiled.
Zad sucked in his breath. “I apologize, sir. She meant no offense. She—”
Alton’s roar of laughter cut him off. “I like this one, Sephera. She has iron balls. ‘Part of the charm.’ HA! What is your name, girl?” he asked.
“Chantry,” she replied, offering him her hand.
Alton took it graciously and kissed it. “Well, Chantry, perhaps I will get two for one tonight. Would you like to join Sephera and me after dinner?”
Sephera cocked an eyebrow at the thought.
Chantry smiled widely. “Oh, Alton, that is sweet of you, but I must decline. I prefer those of the fairer sex. I am sure you would be quite generous, but I am afraid I would not be the best of company in a man's bed.”
Ale spewed out of Zad’s mouth, spraying the side of Sephera’s face. “Sorry, Seph,” he choked, handing her a cloth.
Daegan laughed. “Did you really suppose she would think of you in that way, Zadkiel? I do not believe even your lack of manhood would entice Chantry.”
Sephera rolled her eyes and wiped the side of her face. “Why is it that men find it so difficult to believe that some women aren’t interested in them? Some of us have standards, you know.”
Alton laughed. “Some people do yes. You . . . not so much.” Sephera’s mouth fell open. She stood and brought her dagger to Alton’s throat.
“That wasn’t very nice. I would bleed you dry right here if your food wasn’t so damned nectarous.” She kissed his cheek and sat back down, taking a bite of the savory meat.
They finished their meal in silence, which Sephera was grateful for. She leaned back in her chair, patting her full stomach.
“I do believe I should give Alton a proper thanks for that meal. I’ll be right back.” She stood and glanced around the table at her companions, daring them to question her. Chantry looked delighted and gave Sephera a flirtatious wink. Zad glared at her, his eyes narrowed. He shook his head in disgust.
“Awww, Zad. You’ll be okay. Just give me a few minutes. I promise I won’t be too long.”
Daegan laughed quietly under his breath. “Zadkiel seems to be—what is the word? Jealous. Take as long as you need, Sephera. I enjoy watching him squirm.”
Zad growled angrily, slamming his fist on the table. “I’ll be outside.”
Rolling her eyes, Sephera went to the bar where Alton was serving a dangerous looking man. Their hushed tones cut off abruptly when she arrived. “Don’t stop on my account, gentlemen,” she said, sitting down next to the man. She stifled a gag. The stench emanating from him made her eyes water. It was so putrid that she was afraid she was going to lose her dinner. She grimaced at the man who glowered at her with dark, dead eyes.
“Ye are one of them aren’t ye?” the man growled at her.
“One of whom?” Sephera asked.
“I can smell it on ye. Evil, darkness. Ye bring death.”
Sephera clenched her jaw. “The only smell here, sir, is you. And yes, I do bring death. I crave it, and if you aren’t careful, you will meet yours at my hand.” She glared at the man, who glared back. Then she peeled her eyes from his and smiled at Alton. “Where are your manners? Introduce me to your friend, Alton.”
“Sephera, this is an old acquaintance of mine. He was just leaving.”
She clucked her tongue. “Such a pity.”
The strange man stood up and held out his hand. It was covered in filth and was tied with a bloodied rag. Alton took it and bowed his head slightly to the man. Sephera watched the man leave, suspicion in her eyes.
“You keep interesting company, Alton. Care to tell me what that was about?”
“No. And if you know what is good for you, you will stay out of it. It’s business, and you should mind your own.”
Sephera folded her arms over her chest. “Rather curious, but I won’t pry. Now that I am full, I have other needs that you should see to. Shall we?”
Alton held his hand out to her. She glanced over her shoulder and gave Daegan a sly wink before following Alton to the back room.
* * *
On the last night before they reached the mountain village, Sephera sat against an old cedar tree on the edge of a clearing and watched Zad and Chantry sparring. Chantry seemed to take to the dance of death quicker than most. She blocked Zad’s blow with her right arm. Surprising. The girl favored her left arm with the wooden broadsword. The way she moved with such light grace was intriguing. When Chantry brought the faux blade to Zad’s neck, Sephera smirked. A look of shock crossed Zad’s features, but it vanished as quickly as it had appeared. He fell to the ground in mock death, grabbing the fake wound at his neck and choking unconvincingly. He kicked his legs in a final, desperate bid for life, finishing the show by rolling his eyes back in his head and sticking out his tongue.
Chantry threw her beautiful golden head back in laughter, and Sephera rolled her eyes. He's not even that funny, she thought to herself.
She grumbled and watched as Brenner set up the camp. He was bent over a pile of kindling and wood. With a snap of his fingers, he lit the fire. Magic. It was so strange to see it being used for such a mundane tas
k. After setting up the fire, Brenner worked on establishing a perimeter line around the camp, using some sort of thin, nearly invisible wire she had never seen before. Why the silent mage always insisted on a bloody perimeter was anyone's guess. They were still within the limits of safety. Perhaps he was the paranoid type. She didn’t say anything about it, though. His cautiousness wasn’t hurting anyone. Besides, who was she to judge? She was relaxing against a tree, doing nothing to help set up the camp.
She felt Daegan approach despite not being able to see or hear him. Out of habit she put her hand on the sheath of her weapon. His dark figure emerged from the shadows and sat down next to her.
“You know, for someone your size, you sure are quiet,” she said, wincing as she realized she had just inadvertently paid him a compliment. She was feeling unusually generous that evening.
He said nothing, instead staring ahead to where Zad and Chantry were now unloading their supplies and preparing dinner for the night.
“Perimeter is secure,” he said abruptly, breaking the silence.
“Oh, good! Such a relief to know you and the mage can secure a safe campsite. You do realize we are still within the confines of the kingdom, right? There’s nothing out here but farmers and trading villages. Unless of course you are trying to protect us from some cows, Sir Knight.”
Daegan looked at her, his eyes dark and piercing. She met his gaze. The look in his eyes was still menacing. Yet, even though she felt small and afraid, she was also curious. Such anger and hatred were behind his gaze. What horrors had this man known? What had he lost to hold such darkness in his eyes?
“No task is wasteful, regardless of where we are. We will always be in danger. It is not my job to babysit a spoiled and mediocre assassin. It is my job to make sure at least some of us get out of this alive.” His voice was full of disdain and mockery.