"I know Rhini Wood. Are you related to Faltla?"

Ticca's eyes snapped to look at the Great Lady. "Yes, he is my Uncle. You know of him?"

Smiling widely, the Great Lady nodded. "I knew I had seen your dagger before. It's his dagger, isn't it?"

Ticca nodded and touched it lovingly.

"Actually I know Faltla personally. He was a great Dagger himself until he lost his arm and toes in the war. I was a healer then and treated him and many of his companions. In fact I was the field healer that sewed him back together and brought him here when he was injured in that last battle. Did he train you?"

Ticca was in shock. "Um, yes, Great Lady. He trained me from a babe in the ways of tracking. When I was ten years old my father died, and I stopped pretending I wanted any other life than that of a Dagger. Uncle taught me everything he could. When it was obvious I had talent and was going to do this he called on an old friend to train me as he could not."

"Who did he call on?"

Looking around Ticca noted who was listening. "I cannot say, Great Lady. I called him only Trainer."

The Great Lady looked at her thoughtfully for a second then drew a line from her left ear down to the base of her neck and said softly, "With wiry silver hair?"

Ticca tried to hide her surprise but the Great Lady nodded knowingly. "Indeed, you will do well here." Looking at the wizard she nodded again, "Yes, I believe this is right. Ticca, when you come to the end - and you will know when that is - should you still live, please come back and see me. I wish to know the results, and I do dearly wish to hear of your Uncle."

Ticca nodded agreement. That sounds ominous. But this is already a surprising couple of days. What more can happen?

"When Journeyman Lebuin wakes he will be weak. Also he will be unable to use magic for a time. Please tell him to not push it too fast. Mages are a stubborn lot and often injure themselves again by too soon trying to control their magics. We have done all we can. He will live, be healthy, and in time be able to do all he was able to this morning and likely more."

The Great Lady put her hand on Ticca's shoulder again. "Ticca of Rhini Wood, although you already have been touched by Lady Dalpha, I give you my own blessing. Be well and come back when you can." With that she walked away through the inner door to the Temple.

Looking at Journeyman Lebuin, she saw the old man had stopped praying and was looking at her.

"You said something about payment?"

Laughing a little, he said, "You did get him here pretty fast. Yes, but I have little of my own. You may have it all if you desire."

Shaking her head, she pointed at the sleeping mage. "He can pay when he wakes up. If he cannot use magic for a time I think he would like my services, especially if there are more Knives out to cut him up. I doubt he'll get so lucky a second time. So for now I'll a.s.sume I remain in his service through you. What is your name, by the by?"

The old man stood up and formally held out his arm. "I am Ditani of Agash, servant to Magus Vestul and currently in service to Journeyman Lebuin while we hunt for Magus Vestul."

Ticca looked at him as if he had two heads for a moment, making him look nervously back. Magus Vestul, like the one in my dream? Taking his arm, she said, "I am Ticca of Rhini Wood, Dagger in your service." Letting go, she squatted by him as he kneeled at Lebuin's head. "So tell me, what is going on?"

Ditani told an amazing tale. Ticca memorized the whole story and probed for more details. In the end she was still not sure if Magus Vestul was the one from her dream. She wasn't even sure if her dream was real, but it felt real. "Well, I think you have found the right Dagger for your needs. Why don't you stay here and tend to our employer and let me do what I do best, meaning track down your missing Magus Vestul."

"That sounds like a good plan to me."

"I need some coin to grease the wheels."

Looking a little nervous Ditani shook his head and pulled out a neat little coin purse. "I have not much."

Ticca eyed the pouch. Lady, I cannot take this poor man's last coin. Then looking at the belt pouch still on Lebuin, she smiled. "Lebuin has already dropped coin to help, yes?"

Ditani nodded. "Yes he paid Genne three chera to learn who was asking after Magus Vestul."

Trying not to laugh, Ticca looked at Ditani and then at the sleeping Lebuin. "Three chera! Are you serious! Lady help me, that is ridiculous. I'll have to have a word with Genne and get some back. That was far too much." Reaching out, she flipped Lebuin's pouch open and pulled out the coin purse.

"Ticca! You cannot do that!" Ditani protested.

"I'm not taking it all. Just ..." Looking inside she practically choked on the amount of silver it held. Oh my, he must be really rich. I'll have to think about what to charge him. Of the many coins she spied a number of silver crosses, "... two crosses." She plucked out the two silver coins and put the purse back in Lebuin's pouch. Ditani was practically stuttering with outrage.

"Look, you can have an accounting of it. Plus I should have an upfront fee. We'll get this all sorted out later. First I need to change these to smaller coins. Stay here. I don't want him traveling outside unprotected. When I get back we'll go to my room at the Blue Dolphin and talk the rest of this through." Standing, she moved to grab her pack.

"Wait, did you say your room at the Blue Dolphin? You live there?"

"Yes, I have a room and table. Anything more, or can I get to work?" Ditani looked thoughtful for a minute and then he smiled the first smile she had seen on him. He actually looks a lot better with a smile. Funny how so small a thing can change a character so much. Looking at the sleeping wizard, she thought, Actually when he isn't burning people to char he's kinda pretty. I think I'm going to enjoy this commission. Pointing at Lebuin, she sternly added, "I'm serious, don't let him leave here. I'll be back in a few marks." Grabbing her pack she strode out without looking back. This should be easy. A great mage cannot just disappear.

Looking down the street she saw a detachment of guards walking straight for the hospice. And now I earn my coin. Swinging her pack over her shoulder, she took up a position at the top stair, right in their path. Standing authoritatively, she rested her hand lightly on her sword hilt and put on the carefully practiced 'military commander' face she had been taught. Speaking first, as the guards climbed the steps, she took the initiative away from the captain. "Captain, glad you made it here. Have you taken care of the trouble in the market?"

The captain scowled at her commanding tone and stopped, looking her over, his eyes landing on her dagger. Looking up directly at her face from his position two steps down, his scowl remained as he took another step up, but did not step up on level. Good boy, stay in the junior position. That will make this easier.

"Ma'am, were you the one who took the wounded mage away?"

Nodding, she took in the other five guards. Bringing a lot of backup with you. Must be a little worried. I would be too if I had to follow someone who made that pile of char in the market. All of the guards looked a little stern and tense. They are expecting a fight. A proper explanation should put us all at ease. "Yes, I witnessed the whole thing. A Knife attempted to kill the Journeyman with a hard attack to his back. When confronted, the Knife actually stood and tried a second time. The Journeyman defended himself and was wounded badly enough to need a.s.sistance. He hired me to get him here and to deal with the situation." A bit of a stretch, but I don't want anyone to know how bad he really is.

The captain considered the explanation, and then looked at her dagger again. "Can I find you again?"

She gave him a long cold stare as if he were stepping over the line and really should know better. I need the Knives to come after me first; so here is a good opportunity to let them know I'm in the way now. "I'm Ticca. You can find me anytime you like at the Blue Dolphin, just leave a message with Genne."

He weathered her look well and wasn't fazed. "Show me your key."

Smart and brave lad this one. Need to get to know him a bit better. He'll be promoted soon. She covertly set the clasp to the right point while toying with her sword with the other hand. All of the guards were following the sword's motion. Opening her pouch, she produced the key. All of the guards' eyes went a little wider seeing the special key, including the captain. "Anything more, Captain?"

He considered it for a moment. Now he isn't so sure which way to jump. "May I know the Journeyman's name?"

Ticca considered the question. A fair question, and whoever hired the Knife already knows who he is. Plus they'll know he hired me by now, there is really no need to conceal it. "Journeyman Lebuin of the Guild of Argos. He is of this Guildhouse. As long as we are exchanging names, I didn't catch yours, Captain...?"

He smiled, "Forio. I'll report this as reasonable defense. Thank you, Ticca. Mayhap I'll see you again." The guards visibly relaxed. Forio turned and motioned for them to follow. And that takes care of any further interruptions for the afternoon, I hope. She watched the guards turn back towards the market and walk out of sight before she moved. Slowly, and with authoritative steps, she strode down the stair and turned toward the market. First, need to turn this coin into something spendable. Next, I need to talk to the people this Magus Vestul went to see.

At the edge of the market she saw it had already gotten back to full swing. Looking around she saw a well-dressed sweetmeat vendor in a clean painted cart. Just what I needed. Walking up to him she saw some n.o.ble ladies moving away with sweetmeats in hand. He saw her coming and had a fresh strip out on the small counter. "Sweetmeat, M'lady?" he smiled.

Pouting slightly, she eyed the candy. "I'd love one, but I only have a cross left after all my purchases."

He smiled. "Oh, that is no problem M'lady, the price is only a pence but I have sold enough to make change."

A full pence, oh my you are used to higher-cla.s.s customers, aren't you. Still, not arguing would make this faster. "Oh wonderful." She batted her eyes at him. Producing the cross for him to see, she added, "Can you give me all pence?"

His eyes looked surprised but his smile never wavered. "More shopping in order, I presume? In fact I can." He counted out the change with experienced hands, didn't cheat, handed her the sweetmeat, and gave her a cheerful farewell in the s.p.a.ce of a few moments.

Choosing a route that would not take her past where the attack had happened, she moved through the market efficiently. A few simple inquiries provided the leads she needed and in only a couple of marks she had reconstructed the old wizard's day before he vanished. Standing where she was sure he had been, she scanned the area for what could possibly attract him next. OK, old man, you have spent the day pulling together essentially nothing important. It is still early evening, the sun would be slipping down, putting the street in shadows. You're probably a little tired from carrying a sack over your shoulder - where do you go next? You have a room at the Dolphin. Dinner is soon and you haven't eaten since morning... and you have little to worry about, being a powerful wizard.

Turning in the direction of the Blue Dolphin, she walked slowly, trying to imagine herself as the old wizard. In a short distance a possible stop came up. There was a corner arit and tobac shop with some tables in a little fenced off area adjacent to the street. She walked over and sat down, and a very short woman shaped like a hyly barrel came over.

"Ullo, ullo! Bid thee welcome. Arit? Tobac? Offer thee excellent cigar."

Ticca smiled warmly at the lady. "Arit and a very excellent, but smooth cigar." Showing a handful of pence, she added, "An excellent cigar."

The lady smiled deeply and rushed off. Moments later she was back with a tray on which sat three cigars, a thick walled cup that smelled wonderful, a cigar knife and a miniature brazier. Ticca picked up the cigars each in turn, examining them and smelling the fine tobac. Selecting one with a scent that reminded her of her Uncle, she cut the tip and the lady a.s.sisted her in lighting the cigar with the brazier. The lady left the cup on the table and took care of another customer, and came around refilling and warming her cup of arit as needed. When her cigar was down to the final third, she came back and stood politely to one side, not blocking the view of the street.

"Lady, offer thee another?"

Smiling, she said, "Please wrap three of them up for me. I really like them."

The lady left and came back with a small parcel wrapped in thick paper. "Lady, three pence each, if you please."

Ticca counted out the twelve pence and then added three more. "For your fine service; this was marvelous."

The lady bowed. "Pray thee return anytime. Offer thee something else?"

"Actually, I am curious, day before last, did an older man in dark violet shirt, brown leggings, and worn shoes stop by here? He may have been wearing a straw hat and carrying a sack."

The lady smiled wide. "Indeed yes, he was such a gentle soul. Enjoyed sweet, sweet arit and like our pipe tobac much. He bought fine grey pipe and some tobac. You know him? Please bring him 'round again. He told me funny stories for almost two full marks past closing."

Got your trail, wizard. She smiled. "I am glad to have found where he got that tobac. I thought maybe so, as you have such a good reputation. Might I have some of that as well? I have a friend that would enjoy it."

She nodded and went inside for a short span, returning with another paper-wrapped package. "It is our finest. For you, I ask only another pence."

Ticca paid her and stood up, smelling the packet of tobac. Oh, it does smell wonderful. "Which way did he go from here? I am a little turned around."

She smiled and pointed across the street and down a bit toward an alley. "Through there. Fair night to thee, lady."

Ticca put the tobac and cigars in her pack. Swinging it over her shoulder she walked down the street and turned into the narrow alley, looking for signs. At night this would have been totally dark. It is the fastest way back to the Dolphin, though, so he was heading that way. Halfway between streets the alley twisted through a quick elbow bend where the buildings didn't line up straight. Just around the corner there was a slightly blackened spot on the ground next to the building. Something about it was out of place, so she bent down for a closer look.

Squatting down, she looked it over carefully. The coloration was from blackish soot mixed by the rain with the dust and dirt; it looked like a fire had been lit there some time ago. Small items poked up from under the layer of soot. Using her dagger she poked around in the ashes. The first things she found were some bits of violet cloth, badly charred. Looking around again at the patch she was squatting in, she saw it was large enough to have been a body. Remembering the Knife from earlier, she felt a little queasy. Picking up the cloth, she sniffed it and was revolted by the same stench of charred flesh she had smelled earlier in the market.

Standing, she moved out of the patch respectfully, setting down the burnt violet cloth. Lady of Light, is this all that remains of the wizard? Everyone thinks they're so invulnerable. Another ripple under the ashes caught her eye, and this time she remained off the patch while poking at the spot with her dagger; it was the clay bowl of a fine-looking pipe. Looking around for some explanation, she saw the faint signs, mostly washed away by the rain.

Her mind pulled all the signs together into a clear picture. Attacked from behind, he'd stumbled, bleeding, against the building. He was slashed again from behind. He tried to brace himself against the building, turning to face his attacker, and then fell forward face down. At the edge of the building just next to where Magus Vestul had braced himself, hidden slightly by some garbage, was an open brown paper packet. Picking it up, she smelled the same pipe tobac she had just bought.

Looking back at the black ashes, she thought, This has to be the Night's Fire that a.s.sa.s.sins and spies use to eliminate bodies. I didn't believe Uncle or my trainer when they told me it would remove the body and evidence so fast it couldn't be stopped. The only reason this is still here is because it is sheltered from the wind, and it rained, cementing it here instead of washing it completely away. A couple more days and there would have been nothing to find here. Lebuin is in real danger, having been targeted. I need to be careful getting him out of there.

Moving fast, she went to the Dolphin, dropped off her pack and purchases and changed into her night-hunter's shirt and leggings. Leaving her full cloak, she chose to wear the camouflage cloak only. In the light it looked like a simple full-length dark grey cloak with a soft knit pattern of darker threads, but if she found the right spot she could look like a rock or shadow and be practically invisible. It was also slightly magical, so it kept her dry and warm against the elements. It had been a gift from her trainer when she left for Llino. She kept the new boots on, too; they would make climbing much easier. From her pack she added a blow gun with drugged darts, which she tucked into a special pocket at her back that kept it out of sight and comfortable; unless she had to lay down flat on her back. Putting the knife-belt and the new pouch back on over the shirt, she left with a purpose for Temple Street.

It was still early evening; the sun had only just started to head down over the horizon when she came to Temple Street from the market. Instead of walking on in she milled at the edge of the market with some shoppers and critically evaluated every possible hiding spot and person present. You are here, I know it. There was too much public activity for even a new Knife to miss. She bought something from a vendor and then crossed to another vendor, covertly throwing the purchase between the tents. As she haggled with the other vendor over the price of some silly earrings she spotted what she was looking for. A peasant worker who had earlier left came back around carrying the same heavy bag. Except he wasn't sweating and spent a lot of time moving down an aisle that gave him full view of the temple hospice's entry stairs. When he turned off at the last aisle, obviously moving fast to circle back she spotted another. A man sat leaning against a pole and he stood up and took over the watch while the other circled. When the bag carrier came into view, the second man stretched, yawned, and sat back down, going to sleep.

She maneuvered to a position where she could see both and get a clear shot off at the sleeper. When the one with the bag turned out again the sleeper awoke, stood and leaned against the pole. She slowly drew the blowgun behind her back, under the cloak, pretending to look at some jewelry. Loading it, she waited. As the bag carrier stepped out, the sleeper laid down to doze again. She moved casually into position, brought the blow gun out, and shot the sleeper square in the back. He jumped and reached back, pulling out the needle. The bag carrier didn't see this, hidden as he was from the view by the tent flap until the end of his circuit. The sleeper, seeing what it was, groggily tried to get up, but fell flat - well and truly asleep now. Ticca smiled as she put away the blowgun and casually strolled back toward the market entrance. The moment the bag carrier turned out of sight she sprinted to the hospice. Stepping inside the hospice door she carefully looked back, remaining hidden, and made sure that the bag carrier had not come back in time to see her. Smiling as she saw him continue his observation loop, she turned to where Lebuin was sitting up, talking with Ditani.

Both men stopped talking as she walked up. Lebuin stared at her as she approached. She noticed his eyes roamed her body like greedy hands. Well now, aren't you just the typical male. You're going to have to work real hard if you want more than a look. Snorting at his reaction to her tight clothing, she took on a more commanding posture. Hope this works. I need to be seen as an authority up front or else I'll be his work horse.

Using the 'commander' tone and inflections, she informed him, "There are Knives on your tail already. Of course, that wasn't really all that hard with the commotion you made. Our next trick will be to get you out of here without them seeing it."

Ditani looked at her hopefully. "Did you find anything of Magus Vestul?"

My Lady, please, not right now. I need them both to be thinking about now, not two days ago. Keeping her voice even, she said, "We can talk about that when we are someplace safe. I took out one of the two observers. The Knife is likely waiting to ambush you on the way back to the Guild; instead I am going to take you by a longer, more circular route to the Dolphin. We can plan your next move there." Her Uncle's voice echoed in the back of her head. 'Establish the relationship and price; and then do the work.'

Remembering his purse, she sent up a small prayer this would work. I need to earn the wages due a Dagger table-owner. "Journeyman Lebuin, your man authorized any price to get you here, and then to help with your search. I don't expect that offer to extend beyond this moment. I took two crosses, one for my services today, and the second to cover needed bribes. If you desire me to remain your Dagger, I expect six crosses a week, in advance. Agreed?" Lebuin inspected her dagger. She kept her eyes calm. Please say yes, or at least don't demand something much less. He looked her in the face and nodded. Hiding her pleasure, she thought, Oh Lady, thank you. Now let's stay alive long enough to spend the coin.

Looking at Lebuin's condition, she frowned. I doubt he can move fast enough to get safely out. "Do you think you can run right now?"

Chapter 6.

Time will tell THERE WAS ONLY THE VOID, but he wasn't scared anymore. There was no sensation at all other than thought. Where am I? Is this death? Time pa.s.sed, or maybe it didn't. Lebuin considered the situation. He recalled being attacked by an a.s.sa.s.sin. The memory of it brought it clearly to his mind. He was able to examine it in detail. The girl, the energies, his responses, the details of a man burning into a pile of coal...It was all clear to him, all of it.

What was the reason for it all? More images; he recalled cla.s.ses at the Guild. He remembered marks spent pouring over old tomes. He also remembered other cla.s.ses where there were more than just a student and teachers. Memories he had forgotten came back clearly, as if he were reliving them. The time he was five and he started exploring the Guild. He found he could use a little magic to unlock the door the teachers used. There was a lot more to the place than the little wing where he lived. He spent weeks sneaking around exploring before he was caught. Instead of being angry, they just left the door unlocked, with the condition that he not play with the other kids unless two teachers were present. He was young and didn't listen. One of the bigger kids pushed him, as kids will do, he had gotten mad and magic flowed. Magi had come pouring out of every doorway at the sounds of kids screaming and five of them quickly blocked his view of the results. They had rushed him off, lightly chastising him for not listening, but smiling and making him feel better. He hadn't thought of that event again, but after that none of the kids would play with him and most ran away when he appeared.

Now that he could replay the memory in detail he saw that the five mages who had taken him away all had fear in their eyes. It wasn't until the Grand Magi had appeared with some candy to soothe him that they relaxed. Looking back over that memory with his more experienced and adult point of view, he knew he had released a tremendous amount of energies, more than should have been possible for such a young child. Three of the other kids had been seriously wounded by the backlash. The older boy who had pushed him looked like Magus Cune, except much younger. He had seen that boy thrown back into a wall like a doll before tears had blurred his vision. A young Magus Cune had rushed out in the yard and been screaming for help as he had picked up the limp body of the boy. My Lord, did I kill Magus Cune's son? Is that why he hates me so much? Going over his memories, he couldn't find any others of an older apprentice that looked like Magus Cune.

They had kept me isolated for everyone's protection. That is why there were always Magi nearby. The other apprentices must have been talking about me for years. Fear in the eyes, smiles on the faces, always soft tones, always careful handling. It wasn't until he had matured and gained control of his emotions that they slowly began to relax, to trust. Eventually they put him in the regular programs. They needed to train me but were afraid of the results. I was so isolated; no friends, no companions, just the older mages and my family. The thought of his family brought images of his father and surprisingly his real mother; she sang a strange lullaby in the void. If he could he would have smiled at the memory. More came - he remembered how she prepared his meals and how she always sang as she worked. She was an amazing seamstress; she wove her own cloth, singing songs to him in his cradle. He remembered her talking with his father, both of them buzzing with happiness about her pregnancy. For nine cycles he had shared his mother's joy and happy songs. But, even now, the songs were in a language he has never heard since. He wondered what language it was.

A presence joined him. He didn't know how he knew it, he just did. He wasn't alone.

"Lebuin, hold, you must hold." It wasn't a voice, but it had a sound, if sound could move in this place. It also had emotion. Lebuin could feel the anguish, worry, and sorrow that the other felt.

"Where am I?"

"Between. You must hold. You must fight back. Lebuin, hold." Anguish and a deep regret at having to make the request came as well.

"I don't understand."

"Look for the thread. Hold, you must hold."

Concentrating, he tried to see, but there was only the void. "I can't see anything. Hold to what?"

"Open yourself, you will find the thread." Like a sharing of memories and experiences, he understood then that he had to share himself with this place. Now that it had been explained he realized he was actually shielding himself unconsciously. Opening himself, the void was replaced by a mesmerizing swirl of colors, feelings, and energies. It was beautiful; he relaxed and simply enjoyed the flows.

"Hold, you must hold." Lebuin recognized love under the anguish and guilt and knew the presence was deeply concerned for him. The presence was a bright swirl of energy with four tendrils wrapped around him, as in an embrace. "Do you perceive?"

"I don't understand."

"Here. You must fight, follow this, you must hold." And with those words came understanding.

Finally, he saw the faint, silvery thread. It looked very fine, like a spider's thread. He didn't have a body here, yet the thread came out of him and it stretched off into the distance. The thread was playing out like a fishing line. He tried to grab it, but nothing really happened. Thoughts are what rule here. This is not a physical place. He tried again; this time he used his will, as he would to use a telekinetic formula. It worked, and immense pain flared through his mind. He screamed but no sound came. He felt the burns on his arms and chest, and worse, the knife in his chest. He let go and the pain vanished.

"Hold, you must hold."

"The pain is too much. I'm dying. It's done."

"No. We act." He understood; many ent.i.ties were pushing at agents, urging haste to his aide. He understood that this was immensely dangerous to all. The presence was being careful to not share how. "Hold. You must hold."