Jon Laurent stepped into the room, his Shadow Dagger out in front of him in a defensive posture. Two Magi stood across the stone kitchen from him. Both of their eyes glowed silver.
The one on the left was tall with long dark hair that was matted against his head. He had dark circles under his eyes and a weeks-old beard covered his jaw. In short, he had the look of someone who had just come back from a long journey.
This must be Ashford Caulston.
The mage on the right was short with tightly curled, dark blonde hair. Jon could sense greater power from this man than from Ashford Caulston. This was going to be tricky.
They both already had protective spells cast around them. Jon took advantage of the moment of silence his arrival had caused to study the runes surrounding each Magi. Ashford Caulston's was a 7th Tier spell. The other Magi's spell was 9th Tier.
Only the most advanced Magi Victus could do what he just did; none could read runes better than Jon and certainly not in a matter of seconds. Most Magi Victus were touchy about the subject of magic for...obvious reasons. Consequently, no one bothered to take advantage of what gifts they did have to improve their knowledge.
Jon pointed his dagger at the shorter Magi. "I am not here for you, Magi. Leave now and I will spare your life."
The shorter Magi turned toward Ashford. They shared a small smile. He turned back to Jon. "I think not, half-breed. I would explain about brotherhood and sacrifice but I doubt you would even comprehend what those words mean."
Jon smiled. If they thought to unbalance him with insults, they were painfully mistaken. Instead of taking offense at the insult, Jon bowed low. "Forgive me, where are my manners? I am Jon Laurent of the Magi Victus. May I have the name of the man whom I address?
The blond-haired Magi stared warily at him for several seconds, as though he expected a trap. Finally, he said "I am Daminus Ventus, Master of the 9th Tier of the Guild of Magi."
Jon raised his eyebrows in surprise. "I find myself in great company, it seems. But alas, I don't believe we will have the time to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea together."
The Magi tensed as Jon shifted his stance. Ashford Caulston held up his hand and began chanting. Runes flashed fast in front of him as his fingers weaved a delicate dance. Jon knew what spell he was casting. He smiled.
"Ashford Caulston, Magi of the 9th Tier, ambassador and diplomat, you have a deathmark placed on your head. I am here to collect."
Ashford's eyes widen in shock as Jon disappeared.
***
Evelyn let out a deep breath and almost collapsed from relief. Sophina grabbed her forearm to steady her. She nodded her thanks and they continued past the front gates of the Emporium.
Evelyn's deepest fear that she would have to fight her way out of the Emporium never materialized. Evidently, Raynolt was so secure in his arrogance that he never considered the fact that Evelyn might escape.
Or he might have been preoccupied with the rather large hole burned through his shoulder by the Grand Master. Evelyn almost smiled at the thought.
No one had paid attention to the seemingly normal nighttime stroll Evelyn and her guard took along the halls of the Emporium. As far as the guards knew, nothing unusual had happened tonight. That would change in a few hours.
Evelyn shuddered to think of how the rest of the Guild of Magi will take the news of the Grand Master's death. Will there be a great divide in the ranks?
These thoughts found no traction in her mind, however. Her fear for Daminus overpowered any other emotion she might be feeling. She walked slowly down the path from the front gates until they disappeared from view.
"Now," Sophina said, grabbing Evelyn by the arm and leading her to the cover of a nearby tree. Evelyn opened herself up to the magic and began casting. Runes twisted around Sophina and herself.
"Is it done?" Sophina asked. Evelyn nodded. She sometimes forgot that magical runes could only be seen other Magi, so little time did she spend with non-Magi.
And the Magi Victus can see, as well.
Evelyn almost snarled at the thought.
Those damn half-breeds! If Raynolt hadn't been such a murdering bastard, I might have agreed with his war proposal.
But she knew Daminus would never support such a proposal. He was far wiser than she.
Sophina shivered. "It makes my hair stand on end to think that there is something covering me that I can't see."
Evelyn nodded. "I'm sorry, but speed is of the essence right now. Are you ready? Remember: just trust in the magic and your body will adapt."
Sophina licked her lips. She looked scared. Evelyn reached out and grabbed her hand. Sophina jumped in surprise and then blushed. Evelyn thought it was a curious reaction but didn't have time to think about it.
Still holding her hand, Evelyn began to run. Sophina gasped in surprise as she starting moving at a speed faster than was humanly possible. She stumbled as her legs tried to cope with hitting the ground several yards at a time. Evelyn kept a firm grip on her hand.
Sophina, to her credit, quickly adjusted. "This is incredible!" she laughed as they raced down the near-deserted streets of Astuari.
Evelyn hoped than not too many people were out at this late hour. The sight of a woman in a robe and a guard in full plate armor running faster than the wind might cause a stir.
Daminus, just hold on. I am coming.
She willed the thought across the soul-bond. She knew he wouldn't hear her; only extreme emotions carried across the bond. But she didn't care. She had to make it in time.
"This way!" Sophina shouted into the roar of the wind that whipped past them. She tugged Evelyn's hand and she let her lead. Sophina had worked at Ashford's house several times and knew the fastest way there.
They ran down back alleys and side streets at a furious pace. Sophina said he lived about 5 miles from the Emporium. Evelyn estimated that with this enhancement spell, it would only take 10 minutes.
Sure enough, after several minutes of twists and turns, Sophina stopped abruptly in the middle of a street. Evelyn dropped the enhancement spell. Sophina gasped and fell with a crunch to the street.
"Sophina, I am so sorry!" Evelyn gasped as she helped the woman back on her feet. Sophina swayed several times before she could steady herself. "The shock on the body is...abrupt. Forgive me; my mind is not here right now. Your body should readjust in a few minutes."
Evelyn turned toward the house that Sophina had stopped in front of. Now that she was here, she wasn't quite sure how to proceed. She wanted nothing more than to charge in there and protect her husband but she knew it would futile. Daminus had taught her much about battle and strategy. She was no match for Jon Laurent.
"My lady, why do we wait? Your husband is in there, is he not?" Sophina drew her sword. Her arm quivered as she held it out. She took a deep breath and seemed to fall into some kind of trance. Her arm steadied.
Remarkable.
"Yes, Daminus is in there. I can feel it. But there is something I haven't told you yet...Jon Laurent is in there as well."
Sophina turned toward her. She lifted the visor on her helmet and gave Evelyn a fearful look. "What...what are we going to do?"
