[Whisper: Nix to Cora Tali] Good morning Cora!

[Whisper: Cora Tali to Nix] Guild Leader Nix? Good morning!

[Whisper: Nix to Cora Tali] If you're not too busy, I'd like to ask you a few questions regarding Ain'Dha.s.si culture.

[Whisper: Cora Tali to Nix] I will answer any question that doesn't interfere with my loyalty vows.

[Whisper: Nix to Cora Tali] I'm on a mission in Isla'Fairbal. I can't help notice that that the locals bear some disdain for the Ain'Dha.s.si from the south.

[Whisper: Cora Tali to Nix] Yes, they certainly do. The Ain'Dha.s.si from the Northern Continent have been pulling away from us for several years. Eventually, we could part ways and become two entirely different people.

[Whisper: Nix to Cora Tali] I see. Are there any real physical differences?

[Whisper: Cora Tali to Nix] There are some. Northern Ain'Dha.s.si tend to have shorter ears and stockier builds. They also are drawn to a political culture of Isolationism.

[Whisper: Nix to Cora Tali] Thanks Cora, that clears things up nicely.

[Whisper: Cora Tali to Nix] Anytime Nix. I miss you guys.

[Whisper: Nix to Cora Tali] Same here, let's talk again later.

Nix continued to observe the platform and surrounding market square from his perch on the fountain. The city itself was completely different than Fraya'Selene. The Northern City was much warmer and most of the buildings were sleeker and higher. There were several three and four-story shops surrounding the market. The buildings were all built with redwood, left untreated in the elements, the city had an attractive reddish-brown coloring.

Three hours later Nix spotted a bald Ain'Dha.s.si leaving the platform. His thermal signature was much brighter than it should have been. He summoned a mount and immediately started riding, leaving Nix scurrying to keep up.

Kedric took a direct route towards the North Gate, Nix cursed silently at his lack of forethought. "Why didn't I bring Flash?"

Nix followed on foot as his target headed east. The bald Ain'Dha.s.si held his mount to a canter, which enabled his pursuit to stay in visual range. He stopped a few miles outside of town, at a small fish farm. Several ponds teeming with fish could be seen from a few meters away.

Nix's thermal vision told him that three people, including Kedric's too-bright image, were the only occupants of the house. Since they were in a separate room, Nix tested the door for noise and then stepped in quickly. He walked quietly toward the next room.

Three Ain'Dha.s.si men were sitting around a small table. Kedric seemed to trust both of the men. "There can't be any mistake Roz. Can you do a seamless switch?"

He spoke to a man that was completely swathed in bandages, not a single part of his skin was exposed except for his eyes. The man called Roz nodded his head slowly. "Understand that they'll be nothing left of her except a dried empty husk. Her memories, abilities, skills and looks will all be mine."

Kedric's red eyes bored into the man."And Nix won't be able to tell the difference?"

Ros shook his head. "No one will be able to differentiate me from the prior person."

Nix felt the bubbling of anger start to well up, he controlled his breathing and waited for more.

Kedric brought up a small hud and showed them an image of an attractive middle-aged woman with light red hair. "She often shops in the Parliament Courtyard. So the switch will need to be done in public."

Ros leaned closer and stared at the image. "She looks like she'll taste good. A beautiful foreign woman with lots of memories to feast on. I can't wait."

Kedric rubbed his hands together greedily. "Mistress Morana will be pleased. How long will you be able to maintain the disguise?"

Ros shrugged, "it differs from person to person. At least a month, maybe two. More than enough time."

"She's very close with Guild Leader Nix, they might even be lovers."

Ros nodded, "that won't be a problem for me. My inclinations sway to whichever gender I'm a.s.suming."

Nix bit his lip to keep the sudden wave of nausea at bay. He felt a cold killing intent overcoming his rational thoughts.

******************

Beta sat quietly, perched on the roof of the home while she listened to the conversation. The albino had found the remains of an Ain'Dha.s.si family stashed behind the house. Whatever they were, she could add ruthless to list. She followed Nix as soon as he appeared in Isla'Fairbal. She had planted a drop of her own blood on the armor she gifted him, it gave her the ability to keep tabs on him.

She ignored the men and watched Nix through the roof and ceiling of the house. His stealth was the best she'd ever heard of. Completely undetectable, if not for her own brand of thermal vision, he would have been impossible to track closely. Her curiosity was piqued, she wondered what he would do now that he discovered the plot against someone he cared about. Would he call the talented and mysterious Alpha Team? Perhaps he would follow them and take them when they parted ways.

Beta smiled and eased her daggers out. Strictly speaking, she wasn't supposed to interfere with Nix's life. That wasn't her a.s.signment. Her pink eyes grew pensive, her a.s.signment... The Great Houses all wanted the talented Salamander, but what was her Commander's interest? Mtui usually ignored even the other dragonsp.a.w.n that came through Solomon City. She felt like she might be missing something important.