I pretended to mull over his words, gauging the reactions of my companions. Larynda had her lips pursed, Elwin seemed more interested in admiring an expensive teacup, and Kidu’s face was full of anticipation. Only Vincenzio’s calculating eyes betrayed his thoughts. He nodded at me in silent approval.

  “I cannot deny you, Kidu—now Enkidu. I grant you this honor as compensation for not facing you in the Festival. May your spear strike swift and true as you carry my honor,” I said, feeling rather pleased with myself. Discreetly, I cast Sage’s Sight on him.

  “I thank you, Gilgamesh of Uruk. You are a true friend. I am glad you have returned from the lands of the sleeping spirits,” rumbled the giant.

  He was a beast, his attributes nearly matching my own. If anyone could defeat a Guildmaster or their champion, it would be Enkidu. In times like these, I was grateful he was not my enemy.

  *****

  Though no blood had yet been shed, a palpable tension hung over the estate grounds, thick as the morning fog that could come in from the salt sea. Every man and woman on the Salahaem grounds had their nerves stretched taut as a bowstring ready to loose. Council patrols had been sighted near the outskirts, their signature armor or bronze steel and the plumed helmets of their officers clear signs. They watched us, no doubt, waiting to see what Aelayah had planned.

  Within the once-pristine gardens, the mercenaries from the Guild had set up their encampment. Tents of canvas and hide sprouted like a field of pale flowers, arranged in precise rows that spoke of disciplined command. The officers took residence within the opulent halls of the palace, while the common soldiery made do with their tents and bedrolls. Two thousand strong they were, or two Dragons, as the mercenaries liked to call it. Their presence had turned manicured lawns into a maze of trodden paths and muddy patches. Smoke curled upward from their many campfires, staining the twilight sky and filling the air with the scent of burning wood. Men dug ditches and latrines along the perimeters, more out of habit than necessity, I supposed.

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  To my surprise, I noticed that they had brought horses, their utility doubtful for the urban combat that was to come. Near the western edge of the camp, a makeshift corral had been fashioned from sturdy ropes and wooden stakes, containing about two hundred steeds war mounts and perhaps double that number in support animals. The horses stamped and snorted while stable hands moved among them. Truly, I had not expected them to bring cavalry.

  Alone, I ventured as close as I could, casting my gaze over their equipment. Though their arms and armor varied—some clad in gleaming mail, others in worn leather, a few bearing the dents of old battles—there was a cohesion among them unlike the ragged bands of typical adventurers. Weapons were sharpened to a keen edge, and tabards and shields bore the insignia of the Dragon of their Guild. They moved about the camp with brisk efficiency, each man knowing his duty without being told. I came to the conclusion that these were seasoned professionals.

  Curiosity sated, I turned back toward the palace, making my way through its opulent halls, across carpets and tiles worth more than what generations of common laborers could ever earn. I had been invited to dine with Aelayah and representatives of the Mercenaries. Meetings such as these would be more than just a social gathering. It would be a sort of war council in all but name and it would be interesting to hear what strategies they would propose.

  As I walked, I noticed the faint sound of a step, just a fraction out of sync with my own. Someone was matching my pace.

  “Elwin,” I sighed loudly. “How long have you been following?”

  “You’re getting better at this game. Off to dine with the fancy folks?” came his familiar, irascible voice.

  I turned slowly, scanning the empty corridor, but before I could spot him, I felt a tap on my armored left shoulder. Taking a deep breath, I crushed the spike of irritation rising within me.

  “Yes, these are dangerous times, Elwin,” I warned, keeping only a hint of annoyance in my voice.

  “Wouldn’t I know it, Gil. But you’re really going to eat and drink with them?” the whip-thin man asked, scratching at his head as he pointed at my armor. “In that?”

  “I’m not planning on eating. I’ll have a meal in my quarters later. This dinner seems more like a war council than a casual gathering,” I explained, standing still until Elwin finally stepped into view. Impressive, for he had been hiding in the blind spot of my left eye.

  “Just thought you should know—there’s a big price on that Holder Lady’s head. You know the circles I swim in, right? That’s where I heard it and I was going to do her in, too. But, I dug around and found out more... including your connection. Right surprised I was to find you were up and about, I tell you!”

  “You would go after a leader of one of the great Houses? That is ambitious, even for you,” I replied, snorting in disbelief.

  “You know what they say—if you want to keep your edge, you’ve got to keep challenging yourself. Otherwise, life gets routine,” he shrugged.

  I gave him a confused smile. “That is... certainly one way to look at it.”

  “Well, you go enjoy your dinner. I’ve got to deliver these to that Farzan fellow,” he said, lifting two round bundles by their hair.

  Sightless eyes stared back at me from the decapitated heads dangling from his hands. “Found these two loitering around the West Wing. Farzan’s got an eye for talent and offered to take me on for a bit for ‘added security,’ given the current mess.”

  “You always manage to land on your feet,” I commented dryly.

  “Can’t argue with that,” he grinned. “Better run along now, before the soup gets cold. Peace be upon you and all that,” he laughed, slipping behind a pillar.

  And just like that, the Rogue vanished from sight. What level of Stealth did he possess to pull off such a feat? If not for the bloodstains on the marble floor, I might have thought the entire encounter was a figment of my imagination.